Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Rules

These rules establish the official standards for competition in the Zoned Out Gaming League. They ensure fair play, competitive integrity, and a consistent experience for all participants across divisions.

Our ruleset exists to ensure fair play, consistency, and integrity across all divisions. These rules are adapted from official Call of Duty League (CDL) and Challengers standards, while also accommodating the needs of our unique community.

The league operates three skill-based divisions:

• Elite Division – Designed for semi-professional and professional competition.

• Master Division – Targeted toward advanced amateur teams.

• Open Division – Geared for developing and casual teams.

All participants are expected to compete with professionalism, respect, and sportsmanship. Rules may be updated throughout the season in response to CDL/Challengers announcements, game patches, or league-specific adjustments. Updates will be published in the change log and communicated via Discord.

Season Overview

Our league season runs 8 weeks with a 2-week intermission before the next season. Qualifiers and Playoffs will be a Best of 5 series, and the ZGL Championship will be Best of 7. Points will be tallied based on match wins and losses; these points will be tracked by a leaderboard.

Anti-Cheat

No additional anti-cheat is required for official matches.

Supported Platforms

• PC (Battlenet)
• Xbox
• PS

Control Inputs

• Controller

This game supports crossplay. All teams competing in this league will face each other, regardless of what platform they play on.

Entry, Rosters, & Sign Up

Sign-up dates are FINAL. The standard registration is to be completed. Rosters are to be turned in with all needed information and member details to expedite the process for Zoned Out Gaming, as well as all needed monetary resources allocated to the proper avenues.

Changes to the roster, while a Season is live, will be restricted to lock dates and only those indicated by extenuating circumstances. All roster changes must be done before the specified match time. Changes amongst ACTIVE teams during those restricted dates are strictly prohibited. Substitutions will be limited to those within active roster lists.

Team Entry

Each season will include a team buy-in for each division. Seasons will max out between 88–144 Teams. Due to community feedback and an increase in teams, entries will be based on the following:

Division	Team Entry Fee
Elite	$100
Master	$60
Open	$40

Division Capacity Requirements

Division	Floor Teams (Min)	Max Teams
Elite	12	24
Master	36	72
Open	48	72

Meeting the minimum team count across all three divisions unlocks the Floor Prize Pool. Reaching full capacity in all divisions unlocks the Max Prize Pool.

Prize Distribution

All prize payments are processed via PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp. The total prize pool for each season depends on registration levels:

• If each division reaches its minimum required teams, the league guarantees a Floor Prize Pool of $3,750.
• If all divisions reach full capacity, the league pays out the Max Prize Pool of $6,500.
• If registrations fall between these two thresholds, prize pools will scale proportionally.

Division Prize Pools

Division	Floor Prize Pool	Max Prize Pool
Elite	$2,000 🥇 1st – $1,500 🥈 2nd – $500 🥉 3rd – Free Entry	$3,000 🥇 1st – $2,000 🥈 2nd – $1,000 🥉 3rd – Free Entry
Master	$1,000 🥇 1st – $750 🥈 2nd – $250 🥉 3rd – Free Entry	$2,000 🥇 1st – $1,500 🥈 2nd – $500 🥉 3rd – Free Entry
Open	$750 🥇 1st – $500 🥈 2nd – $250 🥉 3rd – Free Entry	$1,500 🥇 1st – $1,000 🥈 2nd – $500 🥉 3rd – Free Entry

Refund Policy

A refund will NOT be issued if any of the following apply:

• Cheating or hacking
• Flagrant rule breakage
• Removal for harassment or disruptive behavior (see Game & Discord rules)
• Refund requested less than 72 hours before the season starts
• Team withdrawal from the League, Tournament, or Event

If a team wishes to appeal for a refund and none of the above apply, they must file a claim with a Game Admin. If an individual is removed from a team, the refund responsibility falls on the team. Gift cards and rewards are accepted as-is and cannot be exchanged for currency or alternative prizes.

Player Eligibility

Player eligibility is determined at roster submission and remains locked for the season. Players who rise into a restricted rank after registration may finish the current season, but may be ineligible for the same division in future seasons.

• A valid Activision ID is required for participation. Faceit ID may be required for verification.

• Banned players listed on the Restricted Player List or serving a suspension are ineligible.

• Due to roster influx, players may NOT play more than 1x match a week.

Division Restrictions

Elite Division

• Teams may include up to one RETIRED or FORMER CDL professional player. No ACTIVE CDL professional player allowed (e.g., having played in the pro circuit).
• ACTIVE is defined by having played a match in the PREVIOUS or CURRENT CDL season.

Master Division

• No players ranked in the TOP 150 on the official Challengers/Faceit leaderboard at the time of registration.
  • NOTE: Season 0 will be based on the Black Ops 6 Leaderboard.
• No U18 COD League Grand Finalist Allowed

Open Division

• No players with Challengers Pro Points may participate at the time of registration.
• No U18 COD League Players Allowed

Roster Composition

• Standard roster size is four starting players.

• Teams may register up to two substitutes.

• For playoffs, one emergency substitute may be added with admin approval, provided all eligibility requirements are met.

• Each team may register one coach, who must follow coach guidelines.

Roster Changes

• Rosters lock after the published deadline each season.

• Teams may make limited roster changes before the roster lock.

• Emergency substitutions are permitted only with admin approval and are permanent for the remainder of the playoff stage once activated.

Emergency Sub Definition

When an emergency sub is used, the team may need to drop a player depending upon:

• If Roster Slots are available, the emergency sub is added to the roster.
• If Roster Slots are unavailable, the emergency sub is added to the roster, and an existing player is removed from the roster.

Series Length

Qualifiers and Playoffs will be a Best of 5 series, and the ZGL Championship will be Best of 7 with no bracket reset.

Based on the number of groups, either T3 or T4 teams will qualify for the Playoffs. The group’s standings will be based on the order of Game Wins then Head-to-Head record then MW%.

Playoff Seeding – Hybrid Approach

Our league uses a Hybrid Playoff Seeding System to reward group performance while maintaining competitive balance. Teams are first grouped into tiers based on their placement in the group stage—Group Winners (Seeds 1–5), Second Place (Seeds 6–10), Third Place (Seeds 11–15), Fourth Place (Seeds 16–20), and so on.

Within each tier, teams are seeded by overall match record, followed by map win percentage and total map wins for tiebreakers. This structure ensures that winning your group secures a higher seed, while top-performing teams in lower placements are still ranked fairly. Bracket protection is applied to minimize same-group matchups in the opening rounds.

Competitive Settings

Competitive Settings for Call of Duty adjust over time. When available, the rules represent the settings currently active in our Call of Duty League play. The restricted items listed are prohibited from use in official league matches.

Maps & Modes

The following maps and modes will be available for play in official matches. Other game modes may be added or changed upon the official release of the game.

Official Call of Duty League Game Modes:

• Hardpoint
• Search & Destroy
• Overload

Official Call of Duty Maps:

• Hardpoint
  • Blackheart
  • Colossus
  • Cortex
  • Den
  • Exposure
  • Scar
• Search & Destroy
  • Colossus
  • Den
  • Exposure
  • Raid
  • Scar
• Overload
  • Den
  • Exposure
  • Scar

Online Map Veto Process

See the official online map veto process utilized by the Call of Duty League but with slight changes to Hosting and Picking Sides. Map Vetoes must be completed at least 30 minutes before the game! See below for more details.

Hosting

All maps must be hosted with the Standard game mode. Only active starting players listed on the official roster are allowed to be in the game lobby. If your match is being casted, then all players must be in the voice lobby within the League Discord during the game. Coaches are ONLY allowed in the Discord lobby before or in between maps. League Casters or Admin are allowed to join either session.

SEARCH AND DESTROY

Game

• Round Time Limit – 1:30
• Match Start Time – We recommend changing this to 20 seconds to give players time to change teams, however this is not a forfeitable rule change
• Input Swap Allowed – Off
• Allow Callout Pings – Off

Advanced

• Defuse Time – 7.5 Seconds
• Silent Plant – On

Player

• Weapon Mounting – Off

Team

• Team Assignment – On
• Friendly Fire – On

Gameplay

• Scorestreaks – Off
• Equipment Delay – 5 Seconds
• Battle Chatter – Off
• Dynamic Map Elements – Off

Note: We recommend that you check if scorestreaks are disabled at the start of round 1 and leave immediately if so. Forfeits will not be issued for scorestreaks being on.

HARDPOINT

Game

• Input Swap Allowed – Off
• Allow Callout Pings – Off

Player

• Weapon Mounting – Off

Team

• Respawn Delay – 2.5 Seconds
• Team Assignment – On
• Friendly Fire – On

Gameplay

• Scorestreaks – Off
• Equipment Delay – 5 Seconds
• Battle Chatter – Off
• Dynamic Map Elements – Off

Note: We recommend that you check if scorestreaks are disabled at the start of round 1 and leave immediately if so. Forfeits will not be issued for scorestreaks being on.

OVERLOAD

Game

• Input Swap Allowed – Off
• Allow Callout Pings – Off

Player

• Weapon Mounting – Off

Team

• Respawn Delay – 2.5 Seconds
• Team Assignment – On
• Friendly Fire – On

Gameplay

• Scorestreaks – Off
• Equipment Delay – 5 Seconds
• Battle Chatter – Off
• Dynamic Map Elements – Off

Note: We recommend that you check if scorestreaks are disabled at the start of round 1 and leave immediately if so. Forfeits will not be issued for scorestreaks being on.

Best of 5 Series

Note: For any matches without a higher-seeded Team, a coin flip will be used to determine which team will choose to start as Team A or Team B.

During Playoffs, the higher-seeded Team must choose to act as Team A or Team B.

• Team A will host games 2 & 4 and choose sides 1, 3, and 5.
• Team B will host games 1, 3, & 5 and choose sides 2 and 4.

Match Format

Matches are played in a weekly format. Matches must be played before Sunday of each week. Monday will be used for makeup matches ONLY.

Match Scheduling

1. All Divisions
   • Teams must schedule their match before Thursday of each week. If a team decides to reschedule a match, after the deadline has been reached, then that rescheduled match must be approved by a Game Admin. If a scheduled match cannot be agreed upon then please reach out to a Game Admin.
   • Matches must be scheduled within the match channels created each week.
   • Matches will be streamed on Tues and Thurs. We plan to rotate a Wednesday in.  Teams not streamed will rotate into the following week.

Match Reporting & Results

After your match has been scheduled, then you must report it to the match schedule channel for it to be OFFICIAL. After your match has been completed, the winner shall post the results in the result channel. 

Should a match result not be reported then the match will be marked as TBD. This means that the match will end in a tie until the match has been reported.

TBD/Postponed matches may be played at a later time, both teams must agree, however, they must be completed and reported before the Playoffs. (Applicable to Regular Season only)

Delays

Teams may not delay the start of a game or match beyond its scheduled start time, without the approval of a Game Admin. The next map must be played within a reasonable time (5-7mins,) you may not delay the next map unless otherwise advised by Staff/Caster.

No Show

Each Team has 15 minutes to show up to a match (i.e. schedule match start time + 15 minutes.) Not showing up within 15 minutes results in a Map 1 loss. Followed by not showing up within 10 minutes results in a Map 2 loss. Followed by not showing up within 5 minutes results in a Map 3 loss (ie Series FF.) The team that showed up must open a ticket and report the no show to the admins.

15mins -> 10mins -> 5mins (30mins Total)

Natural Disaster

In the event that a match is delayed due to a natural disaster, league administrators will exercise as much grace as possible in rescheduling or accommodating affected teams. However, options may be limited depending on the timing of the disaster, particularly if it occurs during the postseason when scheduling flexibility is reduced.

Teams impacted by such events must communicate with league officials as soon as possible to discuss potential solutions. While every effort will be made to ensure fair competition, the league reserves the right to make final decisions based on the circumstances and overall integrity of the season.

Natural Disaster Options

Teams must agree to one of the following game modes:

• 3v3 Hardpoint
  • Note: Home Team Picks Team A or Team B
  • Note: The Team that scores the most points in Games 1 & 2 will Host Map 3.
    • Team A Host Map 1, Team B Picks Map 1
    • Team B Host Map 2, Team A Picks Map 2
    • Team A Hosts Map 3, Team B Picks Map 3
• 2v2 Search & Destroy
  • Note: Home Team Picks Team A or Team B
  • Note: The Team that scores the most rounds in Games 1 & 2 will Host Map 3.
    • Team A Host Map 1, Team B Picks Map 1
    • Team B Host Map 2, Team A Picks Map 2
    • Team A Hosts Map 3, Team B Picks Map 3

Disconnects & Game Restarts

Each team may call to have a game map reset once per match if a connection problem arises, so long as the first round in a game has not been completed, gunfire is not being exchanged, and first blood has not yet occurred. If problems persist regarding a player disconnecting after the game has been re-hosted, the team must play the remainder of the match with the remaining players. The disconnected player may attempt to reconnect.

If a player disconnects after the first thirty seconds (30) and/or the first kill, the game must be continued, and the disconnected Player should rejoin the game.

In the case of any issue, technical or otherwise, that may alter the outcome of the game, the game will be restarted based on the game mode type. Admins reserve the right to make the final decision in any disconnect situations.

1. Round-Based Game Modes 
   • The game will be restarted with the round score of the game before the incident with Killstreaks restored.
2. Respawn-Type Game Modes
   • The game will be restarted from the beginning with no advantage given to either Team.

Player Count

Both teams participating in a match must provide 4 players at the beginning of the first game, and 3 for each consecutive game. During a game, if a team should lose 2 players that have disconnected, that team will forfeit the remainder of the game to the opposing team. If a team cannot field the required number of players for additional games in the series, they will forfeit the remainder of the match.

Bad Sportsmanship

Players may not compete and watch their streamed match at the same time. Casters will have a delay on the stream but this is considered bad practice and sportsmanship. Should any players be caught watching a stream while competing, the offending team will forfeit the map(s) that the player participated in.

Streaming & Moni Cam Request

During Qualifiers opponents may request players to steam or use a monitor cam to ensure games are played fairly. This should not be taken as a disrespectful manner but one done in the spirit of fair play. Please keep any VOD’s or third-party recordings accessible for admins to review or share for at least 48 hours.

1. Streaming or Monitor/Cam
   • Only required if requested by an opponent or League Staff.
   •  There is a maximum of 2 Player Requests per Team per match.
2. PC Reset
   • Only required if requested/approved by the League Staff.
3. PC Check
   • Only required if requested by an opponent or League Staff. Must present sufficient evidence for this claim.

Playoff Stream Requirements

During the playoffs, ALL PC Players MUST stream their match and have their VOD saved according to our rules. Failure to do so will result in an automatic FF.

Gentlemen’s Agreements have been part of the CDL for many years now, as experienced professionals in the league aim to balance the game and ensure the competition has competitive integrity and fairness.

We will use the latest Gentlemen’s Agreement available to the public. Any agreement changes or restrictions agreed upon by the Pros will be utilized for official league matches.

Gentlemen’s Agreement Restricted Items

These restricted items listed below are based within the Gentlemen’s Agreement. These items are in addition to the existing Restricted Items referenced by Activision in Competitive Settings. Due to constant tweaks and changes, teams may agree to use unofficial updates (ie The Rotation, CDL Intel, BreakingPoint etc.) During these instances, unofficial updates may not be enforced by the league until publicly affirmed by Activision.

Assault Rifles

• MXR-17 – NOT ALLOWED
• AK-27 – NOT ALLOWED
• X9 MAVERICK – NOT ALLOWED
• MUZZLES – NOT ALLOWED

Sub-Machine Guns

• RK-9 – NOT ALLOWED

Sniper Rifles

• VS RECON – ALLOWED (1X PER TEAM – SND ONLY)
  • NOTE: INCLUDES 4V4 VARIANT MATCHES
  • NO ATTACHMENTS ALLOWED

Primary

• ALL ASSAULT RIFLES – TBD (SEE ABOVE)
• ALL BATTLEPASS GUNS – NOT ALLOWED
• ALL LMGS – NOT ALLOWED
• ALL MARKSMAN – NOT ALLOWED
• ALL SHOTGUNS – NOT ALLOWED
• ALL SUB-MACHINE GUNS – TBD (SEE ABOVE)
• ALL SNIPERS – TBD (SEE ABOVE)

Secondary

• ALL LAUNCHERS – NOT ALLOWED
• VELOX 5.7 – NOT ALLOWED
• CODA 9 – NOT ALLOWED

Attachments

• IRON SIGHTS – NOT ALLOWED
  • NOTE: ALL ASSAULT RIFLES MUST ATTACH AN OPTIC.
• OPTICS W/ MAGNIFICATION – NOT ALLOWED
• ALL HEADSHOT MULTIPLIER BARRELS – NOT ALLOWED
• ALL LAUNCHER UNDER BARRELS – NOT ALLOWED
• ALL LASERS – NOT ALLOWED
• ALL SILENCERS – NOT ALLOWED
• CHF BARREL – NOT ALLOWED
• RAPID FIRE – NOT ALLOWED
• FMJ – NOT ALLOWED
• INTEGRATED SUPPRESSOR BARREL – NOT ALLOWED
• AKIMBO – NOT ALLOWED
• MFS SEMI AUTO FAST MAG – NOT ALLOWED
• LTI TARGET FINDER – NOT ALLOWED
• MILIMETER SCANNER – NOT ALLOWED
• MUZZLES – NOT ALLOWED
• ALL PRESTIGE ATTACHMENTS – NOT ALLOWED

Melee

• KNIFE – ALLOWED
• BALLISTIC KNIFE – NOT ALLOWED

Scorestreaks

• ALL SCORESTREAKS – NOT ALLOWED

Lethals

NOTE: The only Lethals allowed are listed.

• FRAG – ALLOWED
• SEMTEX – ALLOWED

Tacticals

NOTE: The only Tacticals allowed are listed.

• STUN – ALLOWED
• SMOKE – ALLOWED (SND ONLY)

Field Upgrades

NOTE: The only Field Upgrades allowed are listed.

• TROPHY SYSTEM – ALLOWED

Perk 1

NOTE: The only Perks allowed are listed. Flak Jacket/Tech Mask CANNOT be equipped at the same time. You may only use one per class.

• FLAK JACKET – ALLOWED
• LIGHTWEIGHT – ALLOWED
• NINJA – ALLOWED

Perk 2

NOTE: The only Perks allowed are listed. Flak Jacket/Tech Mask CANNOT be equipped at the same time. You may only use one per class.

• FAST HANDS – ALLOWED
• TECH MASK – ALLOWED

Perk 3

NOTE: The only Perks allowed are listed.

• DEXTERITY – ALLOWED

Specialty Perks

• ALL CORE COMBAT – NOT ALLOWED
• ALL HYBRID COMBAT – ALLOWED

Wildcard

NOTE: The only Wildcards allowed are listed.

• GUNFIGHTER – ALLOWED
• PERK GREED – ALLOWED

Operator Skin

• • ALL BLACKCELL OPERATORS – NOT ALLOWED
  • REAPER EWR-3 – NOT ALLOWED
  • T.E.D.D. – NOT ALLOWED

Misc Other

Use of items below may result in a map forfeit, by Admin decision:

• All weapon blueprints are banned from league play, this includes CDL blueprints and tracers of any kind.
• Any use of content that provides a competitive advantage may not be used in league play.
• Using a location that is considered out of bounds, or unintended for being usable is not allowed. Using an unintended line of sight (i.e. Stair Glitching) is NOT allowed.
• NO EXCESSIVE SNAKING! NO MORE THAN 2X PUMPS!

Broken Gentlemen’s Agreement

If the GA is broken during the match, then the affected team may leave the lobby and report a broken GA to the Game Admin. 

The affected team must provide substantial photo or visual evidence to back up their claim. Leaving a map too early without proper proof can lead to your team forfeiting a map.

Broken GA Matches Eligible for Restart

Eligible games will be stopped and restarted at the time of the offense. GA’s need to be reported before the start of the next map! This allows us to rule properly during a series match. The offending team will need to resolve the broken GA!

1. Hardpoint
   • The round will be replayed if the GA was broken prior to the first rotation of all objectives. If broken after the first rotation of all objectives, then the offending team forfeits the map. 
2. Search & Destroy
   • If a Player breaks GA within the first thirty (30) seconds and/or before the first kill, the round should be ended and replayed. If broken after the first thirty (30) seconds, then the offending team forfeits the round.
3. Overload
   • The round will be replayed if the GA was broken before the control of the first segment. If broken after the control of the first segment, then the offending team forfeits the round. **PENDING UPDATE**

Punishment for Breaking GA’s

Teams will be penalized for breaking the Gentlemen’s Agreement. Game Admins will be tallying any offenses and giving out the following punishments for obstruction:

Minor Infraction: Defined as a rule break or action which goes against the listed ruleset, but is determined to have little to no impact on the outcome of a game/map.

1. After Map Reporting:
   • First infraction is a Warning (Round or Map Loss by admin discretion)
   • Second infraction is a Map Loss
   • Third infraction is a Series Loss
2. After Match Reporting:
   • First infraction is a Warning (Map Loss by admin discretion)
   • Two or more map infractions by the match winner is a replay of the second infraction map win, and then onward if needed

Major Infraction: Defined as a rule break or action which violates the CDL ruleset, or is a GA violation determined to have potential or significant impact on the outcome of a map. Flagrant offenses.

1. After Map Reporting:
   • First infraction is a Map Loss (or replay by admin discretion)
   • Second infraction is a Series Loss
2. After Match Reporting:
   • Map Loss (must have sufficient and clear evidence).

League Stream Schedule

The league will schedule preferred matches each week on Tuesday and Thursday. Teams are encouraged to schedule on these days to reach our main stage. We understand that representation matters; therefore, we’ve added additional streaming services to assist organizations.

Production Services

Should organizations want to play on the main stage, we will be offering production services to accommodate those interested outside of our normal league scheduling. An additional fee is required for the production lead. A request can be made within your match channel.

Caster Request

Teams may request a caster from our caster pool; however, Teams will need to pay the caster their requested rate. Sponsored cast will be provided by the league, but the match-up will be predetermined by the League/Caster.

Watch Party Casting

To increase community engagement, we will be allowing organizations, coaches, and members of the community to cast a Watch Party! See the requirements below.

• Both teams must agree!
• The Caster must use our Dynamic Channels to create a VC in the server. The caster must title their VC: Match Up Title – Watch Party
• The Caster may be in Codcaster and must abide by applicable VOD rules if recording (ie must be up for 48 hrs minimum)
• The Caster may NOT join any Team VC during the Watch Party.