3.4 - Connection & Lag

This sub-section outlines the rules regarding player connection & lag during RSF1 events.

A vital aspect of online racing is having a stable connection in order to be able to race closely with other players. While we understand that not everyone can have a perfect connection and that occasional lag can't be avoided, the following rules do however apply:

3.4.1

The lobby host will note or report any member of the lobby that is seen to have a poor connection. This can be used as evidence for continuous connection issues.

3.4.2

Lobbies will be kept as 'Friends Only' for security reasons, as well as to avoid constant attempts at re-joining after disconnecting which can cause lobby instability or desyncing.

3.4.3

It is highly recommended that you have your chosen platform connected with a wired connection to your router. Whilst this is not compulsory, it is much more stable than racing over a wireless connection.

Drivers who utilise alternative wired connections (such as Powerline ethernet, or a long-range coaxial connection) may find it easier to switch to a wireless connection if they are experiencing any gameplay issues, such as poor latency, lag spikes or sync issues.

3.4.4

Drivers who lose connection to the lobby are only allowed to reconnect twice in order to avoid causing stress on the server(s). Any drivers who try to connect back more than twice will be disqualified from the event. However, if the game automatically reconnects the driver to the lobby, they will not be disqualified as a result.

3.4.5

Drivers are expected to re-join the lobby (at least once) in the event of disconnection. Should a driver fail to attempt re-connection to the lobby (without a valid reason) then they may be penalised up to 2 penalty points.

3.4.6

If a driver loses connection, but has completed more than 75% of the race, they will receive all the points that their respective AI driver may go on to score. Members are reminded that their division's AI settings can be found here.

3.4.7

If your connection is deemed to be consistently unstable during the race event, then you may be asked by the race commentators to leave the event. This is to prevent further issues that may occur with you & other drivers due to your connection. Failure to leave may result in warning and/or a penalty.

The Stewards or Division Heads can refer a driver for a connection test if deemed necessary. This is to help prevent further issues regarding driver connections to race lobbies in future sessions.

3.4.8

Drivers seen with a poor connection will be given advice on how to improve it. However, the Committee reserve the right to remove a driver from the league if their connection is persistently causing major issues for other members.

3.4.9

Drivers are responsible for ensuring their connection is stable enough for all events. Should a driver lose connection and their AI car causes damage to another car, the driver who has lost connection will not be penalised.

It is highly recommended that drivers avoid known unstable connection methods, such as 3G/4G Tethering via a mobile device, or satellite broadband. These connections typically cause issues in race sessions as they are dependant on external factors like weather, signal strength, local area load, coverage, and service availability. Please consider talking to Committee members if you are unable to utilise a more stable connection option. Due to the nature of the sport, game latency (or 'Ping') is crucial to the success of any race session, as a player with poor ping may not be able to race closely with other players, or could cause undesired issues due to de-syncing with the rest of the race lobby.