Short answer: Eight competitors, single elimination, seeded by the Trials ranking: 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6 and 4 vs 5. The winner of each matchup advances.
Each matchup is a three-set series. Set 1 is an abeam setup with an altitude split (the higher seed starts high). Set 2 reverses the roles. Set 3 is a traditional abeam setup at the same altitude.
After each round, the remaining competitors are re-paired by seed: highest remaining seed against lowest, second-highest against second-lowest, and so on. Your place on the published bracket can change from round to round.
Trials results give you your seed and nothing more. They do not carry into dogfight outcomes.
How a set and a matchup are won, including tie-breaks, is in the DOGFIGHT Phase SPINS.
Short answer: You report on the SFL Discord, check in on the event voice channel, and the VPK brings you into the SFL server. Competition Control, callsign CLASSIC, runs everything from there.
Watch for your call on the SFL Discord and move to the event channels when called.
Join the event voice channel for a communications check. The check window is at T-5, and the no-show cutoff is also T-5.
Be "Up and Ready" by T-2.
The VPK pulls you into the SFL server and your assigned slot. The League initializes the setup.
CLASSIC introduces the set and gives start authorization. In a dogfight, you fight only on CLASSIC's "Fight's On".
After your set, return to the ready channel on Discord.
CLASSIC directs the tempo on the day, so follow CLASSIC's calls over any timeline.
Short answer: CLASSIC is the callsign of SFL Competition Control, the only authority that directs you during live competition.
CLASSIC marshals the event, introduces each set, authorizes the start, controls execution and gives immediate technical direction. Comply promptly. If you lose required communications before start authorization, do not start unless CLASSIC directs you to.
Short answer: Being a visible part of the broadcast. Competitors in the live bracket must be available for interviews, debriefs and on-camera segments, with working audio and video.
Be available for pre-event and post-event interviews as the League directs.
Be available for performance analysis and debriefs.
Take part in on-camera segments, under the face-camera consent you signed at qualification. During live OTS broadcast events, the VPK can stream your webcam to the SFL broadcast.
Keep a working microphone and audio on Discord, plus video suitable for broadcast.
Short answer: It depends on when it happens and whose side it came from. Before start authorization, the normal answer is hold, reset or reinitialize. After it, a failure on your side normally stands.
Before you reach the start setup: you may be brought back in when directed, if the event flow allows.
After the setup but before start authorization: the normal disposition is hold, reset or reinitialize where possible.
After start authorization: the run or set is yours. A DCS crash on your PC normally stands, unless there is evidence the server caused it.
Fault on SFL's side: CLASSIC may direct a reset, restart or re-fly.
Discord voice fails: before start authorization, do not start until CLASSIC directs. After it, in an event that needs active communications, CLASSIC stops the run until voice is back.