Definition #

The Trade Committee is a group made up of 2 to 6 general managers (GMs), elected when the league is created, along with the commissioner. Their mission is to review and approve trades made during the season.

Role #

The committee is responsible for examining each trade between teams and either approving or rejecting it through a vote in the dedicated section. Its purpose is to safeguard the health of the league by protecting vulnerable teams and GMs, preventing situations where one team becomes overwhelmingly stronger than the others.

The committee must remain alert to possible cases of cheating, such as a GM deliberately favoring another by consistently losing trades. It must also monitor situations where a GM jeopardizes their franchise’s future and leaves behind a struggling team for their successor.

Fair trades, or even moderately one-sided ones, should normally be approved. However, trades that are clearly too one-sided or that seriously compromise the long-term outlook of a franchise should be rejected. The committee should consider player quality, contracts, salaries, team standings, trade history, and other relevant factors before making a decision.

It is important to note that the committee is not there to guarantee perfect balance. It is normal that some trades benefit one team more than the other.

Trade Evaluation Criteria #

Valid reasons to reject a trade

1. Both GMs involved request the cancellation of the trade
2. The trade is extremely unbalanced
3. Multiple trades between the same teams, always favoring one side
4. A trade that jeopardizes the long-term future of a franchise

Invalid reasons to reject a trade

1. Only one of the two GMs requests cancellation
2. A trade that is slightly or moderately one-sided
3. A trade that benefits a direct competitor in the standings

Impartiality and Approval of Trades

Committee members must remain impartial when making their decisions. A trade only becomes official once it is approved by a majority of the committee. No more than one committee member may come from the same division. If a league chooses to disable the Trade Committee, this process changes.

The vast majority of trades should be approved, but the committee plays a key role in identifying those that could damage the league’s long-term balance.

Trades Between GMs Sharing the Same IP Address #

Trades between general managers who share the same IP address are allowed by default in WebSim Hockey. However, the Trade Committee is notified of this situation when reviewing such trades. This additional oversight helps prevent potential abuse or unfair practices.

Preventing trades between GMs sharing an IP address

Leagues may also activate Rule R13 to completely prevent trades between GMs using the same IP address. This rule strengthens transparency and fairness by avoiding conflicts of interest or biased trades. Each league is responsible for setting its own trade rules to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Respecting the Committee’s Decisions #

It is essential for general managers involved in a trade to respect the decisions made by the Trade Committee. Committee members apply their knowledge and judgment to protect the fairness and health of the league. At the same time, it is important to maintain a respectful and harassment-free environment.

If a GM believes a decision was illogical, they may ask questions and request clarification, provided it is done politely and constructively. Open and respectful dialogue ensures a positive gaming experience for everyone.

Disabling the Trade Committee #

If a league disables the Trade Committee, only the commissioner has the authority to approve or reject trades. This option is configurable through Rule R5.