Idea Ref rank

Hello CTFers.


The ref rank idea has been around for a long time, it has been mentioned many times at the representative discord server but i havent seen it being well discussed and mentioned anywhere else, including on the forums. Therefore, i suppose it is an idea that many players don't even consider or know about. I don't know if this has been discussed within Staff Chats and if it has, i would like to know the conclusion.

The ref rank would be an ingame rank that allows the "ref" to set maps, manage the timer, manage captures, set class limits and spectate/unspectate players on the match server. This rank would be mainly used for ppms, but refs could also use the perks of this rank in unofficial matches, scrims or team practices


As a Leader of a Team and PPM Host, i have experienced problems when trying to find a mod to set maps/lock the timer. When versions cant do it, there is usually a problem. If puhdgy and redslime cant either, I will have a hard time finding anyone else. Usually, after pming all the CTF mods on discord, which often results in a collective No or a lack of replies, I have to spam /support ingame and hopefully a staff member of the network is online and is able to assist me. However, this is hardly ever the case. Finding a mod can be really hard sometimes and can waste 40 minutes easily. This is a common reason to why many PPMS start late. For example, last week one of Cardona's PPMs started 30 minutes late due to trouble finding a mod. Another issue is when people leave mid-way through the game, then need to be put into spectator mode again or a pause is needed between maps. If a mod isnt playing in the ppm, team practice etc, ordinary players are unable to do anything.

Ref rank would be a viable solution to many of the current problems with unofficials, practices and ppms. It would be extremely useful for the ppm hosts and team leaders who apply for it and get accepted. It is also an alternative for players which want to help the community but do not want to become staff.

 

Usually there arent problems to find a mod, but those times that i start searching 1h before the time we are supposed to start and 10min before start i still doesnt have a mod, and while playing the game i need a mode to set caps, spec/unspec or lock timer and i dont have one is what makes me consider ref rank a good solution.