Rules& Code of Conduct
Please note, that you are responsible for following the rules, violations will result penalties.
1.0 General Conduct
All participants are expected to uphold principles of fair play, respect, and sportsmanship. This code applies to all league events, official communications, and community spaces.
1.1 Drivers Conduct
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Respect: Treat all drivers, stewards, league staff, and spectators with respect. Abusive, discriminatory, or toxic language/behavior is strictly prohibited.
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Fair Competition: Intentional wrecking, blocking, retaliation, or any action deemed to be deliberately unsporting will result in severe penalties.
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Integrity: Cheating, exploiting game mechanics, or using unauthorized software/hardware will result in immediate and permanent removal from the league.
2.0 On-Track Racing Rules
These rules are based on real-world motorsport ethics and are enforced to promote clean racing.
2.1 General Racing Etiquette
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The Golden Rule: The driver attempting an overtake is primarily responsible for completing the pass safely. The driver being overtaken must leave adequate space.
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Track Limits: A car is deemed to be within track limits when at least two wheels are within the white lines or curbs. Consistent abuse of track limits to gain an advantage will be penalized.
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Re-joining the Track: After an incident or off-track, you must re-join safely and predictably, yielding to oncoming traffic. Do not re-join directly into the racing line.
2.2 Overtaking & Defending
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Overlap: A driver must have a significant portion of their car alongside (front axle to rear axle) to claim the inside line or space in a corner.
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One Move Rule: Defending drivers may make one proactive change of direction to defend a position. Reactive blocking or moving in reaction to the attacking driver is prohibited.
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Leaving Space: When a car has significant overlap, the car on the outside must leave at least one car's width of space at the edge of the track.
2.3 Incidents & Collisions
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Racing Incident: Minor contact where both drivers share responsibility may be deemed a "racing incident" with no penalty, but it will be noted.
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Causing a Collision: The driver judged to be predominantly at fault for contact causing loss of position or damage will be penalized.
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Netcode-related contact is considered a racing incident. No penalties will be issued for collisions determined to be primarily caused by iRacing latency.
3.0 Technical & Session Rules
This section covers the operational standards and procedures for all official sessions.
3.1 Liveries
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The use of the league's approved car liveries and driver number plates is mandatory for broadcast identification.
3.2 Race Start Procedures
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Formation Lap: Maintain controlled speed, hold your grid position, and follow the leader or pace car. Any contact will either be noted or be penalized.
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Rolling starts: The race begins at the designated point (e.g., the control line) when the leader accelerates. Jump starts are prohibited. For standing starts, remain stationary until the lights go out.
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Standing starts: Drivers must remain completely stationary on their grid box before the lights go out. The race begins when the in-game start sequence (lights, etc.) commences. Any movement before the designated start signal is a jump start and will be penalized.
3.3 Connection, Disconnects, & Force Majeure
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A stable internet connection is the driver's responsibility.
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If a mass disconnect, game-breaking bug, or server failure affects a significant portion of the field, Race Control may declare a red flag, order a restart, or void the session. Their decision is final.
3.4 In-Race Communications
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All in-game text and voice chat must be respectful. Disrespectful, abusive, or toxic communication will be penalized. Official race notifications and penalty alerts will be communicated through the iRacing Text Chat - drivers are responsible for monitoring it.
4.0 League Structure & Promotion
4.1 Series & Licenses
Onyx SimRacing operates multiple tiered series (Rookie, Pro, Elite). Your Onyx License Level is determined by both iRacing metrics and league-specific performance.
4.2 Promotion & Relegation
Advancement is earned through merit and consistency. While meeting target iRating and Safety Rating (SR) thresholds is key, we also promote drivers who demonstrate exceptional racecraft and consistency across a season. Top-tier performance is a direct path to a higher series.
4.3 Anti-Smurfing Policy
Creating or using secondary iRacing accounts ("smurfing") to gain an advantage in a lower Onyx series is strictly prohibited. Drivers must compete with their primary, established iRacing account. Any driver found to be smurfing will face immediate disqualification from the season and a potential ban from the league.
This document supplements the official iRacing Sporting Code. The league administration reserves the right to interpret and amend these rules. All drivers are responsible for knowing them.