Verification Guidelines

Congratulations on being chosen to verify a speed run. The verification stage of run submission is the first line of defense against cheating and poor quality video.

Confidentiality

Please do not give anyone the link to the run or the video files themselves. Further, if the information has not already been made public by the creator of the run, do not tell anyone the final time, what tricks were used, or any other information about the run. Some people prefer not to be "spoiled" in this way. Finally, do not tell anyone that you are verifying the run -- not even its creator. This ensures that your opinions are not swayed by anyone else.

Cheating

Be sure you are up to date on the official rules, and report anything suspicious you see to Radix or Nate immediately, either by email or by SDA or M2K2 Forum Private Message. The creator of the run will be given the opportunity to explain the situation.

Quality (Capture)

The copy of the run you are watching will be identical to the release copy (usually the Medium (Normal) or High Quality). The only difference is that a StatID (Station ID or title card) will be inserted before each segment. If you notice any problem with the picture or audio, please report it to either Radix or Nate immediately.

Quality (Gameplay)

SDA gameplay standards are high, but some measure of mistakes in the run are acceptable so long as they are not blatant (for example, making an error that costs several seconds at the beginning of one segment of a segmented run). If you feel that the run does not meet SDA standards and that adding the run will not spur others to beat it within a short period of time after it is posted, then tell Radix or Nate. The reputation of the site cannot be maintained if subpar runs are found on it.

Timing

If you are asked to help decide how a run will be timed, give this information to Radix via email or SDA Forum private message. Nate has no responsibilities as far as timing goes.