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The rules of the run

How to Play

Real competition. Official referees. Clear rules on and off the court.

Official games

A certified referee manages every game. Ten players compete in 5v5 across three games in one hour. Play to 21: one point inside the arc, two beyond it. Teams randomly reshuffle each game.

Secure app funds

Everyone pays the same $75 buy-in. Funds are held securely in your Who Next digital wallet. Fixed payouts are announced before play; winnings deposit automatically after the session. Withdraw to your bank anytime.

Accountable play

Players verify their identity and sign a digital liability waiver and Code of Conduct at signup. Event liability insurance is required before any venue launches. The format is a skill-based competition, not a sportsbook.

See buy-in & payouts

Player safety

Fair play. No exceptions.

Injuries

  • The referee pauses play immediately; every venue has an on-site first aid kit.
  • The referee files a digital incident report.
  • Before Game 1: full buy-in refund. After Game 1: keep winnings already earned and forfeit the remainder.

Fighting

  • Immediate ejection with no warning and a security escort off the premises.
  • Buy-in forfeited, no refund, and a 30-day suspension.
  • Police are contacted if harm occurred.

Verbal abuse

  • One formal warning is recorded in the app.
  • A second offense means ejection and forfeiture of the buy-in.
  • Repeat violations carry a 7–30 day suspension.

Scoring disputes

  • The referee's decision is final during play.
  • Submit a formal dispute in the app within 2 hours.
  • The operations team reviews within 24 hours; payout is held pending resolution.

If a player can't continue

  1. 01

    Waitlist substitute

    First choice: an on-site waitlisted player pays the normal buy-in and earns payouts for remaining games only. Play resumes at the exact paused score.

  2. 02

    Volunteer substitute

    Next: a player who has finished their block can volunteer at no cost, with no payout. The referee confirms and logs the substitution.

  3. 03

    Switch to 4v4

    If no substitute is available, both teams drop to four players. No 5v4 advantage. The referee logs the change; the payout structure stays the same.

  4. 04

    Void & refund

    Last resort only before Game 1 tips off, when no other option is available: the game is voided, all buy-ins are refunded, and the referee files a report.

Planned launch rules from the Who Next pitch deck. Games, payments and incident reporting are not live on this preview site.