Central blacklist

Version 1.1's release saw the introduction of the Master server (MS) Central blacklist (CBL). This list's aim is to reduce the immediate impact of obvious cheats, and to attempt to remove persistent, proven cheats from the game. Players reported for other offences such as abusive language, racism, impersonation, tag abuse, team killing, etc., are not added. Servers can also be prevented from registering on the MS.

Player bans
Players are added to the list when they are shown to have used an obvious cheat in a public server. Such cheats are reported in the forums' Blacklist thread, and the newer _Obvious_ Cheats thread. An obvious cheat receives a three month ban, with a possibility of a reduction in cases of minor cheating, eg. a speed cheat used simply to zip around, without shooting. If a cheat is reported for a second offence after the initial three-month period, the player is added to the CBL permanently.

In very extreme cases players may be added to the CBL if they are deemed to be highly offensive or a major irritant to the playing community. There is no set period for such a ban.

One advantage of the CBL over individual server bans is that CBL bans can be applied to all servers that register with the MS, removing the need for server owners to constantly check the forums. It is also updated several times a day.

Some cheats are not added to the CBL, if it is thought that the ban would have no affect on the player or the playing public. A player should not be assumed 'clean' just because they are not put on the CBL for their offence.

Server bans
The CBL also has a facility for preventing servers from registering with the MS, making those servers invisible to the clients. This is used when servers violate certain rules that are indicated in the game's server documentation. The following could lead to a server being banned:
 * Gameplay-affecting modifications - As an open source project AssaultCube welcomes modifications that are of benefit to the players. However, these must not alter any aspect of gameplay (eg. damage values, game physics, respawn times).
 * Unvarying map rotation - This is not too strict; only single map/mode maprots and those with fewer than three maps running the same mode are of concern.
 * Advertising in the server name - Publicising a clan or tournament is fine; broadcasting a porn-site domain is not.
 * Excessive registrations - Some server owners are dedicated and provide an excellent service for the community; spamming 20 or more servers to get your name recognised is not the same thing.
 * Blinking/flashing server name - Don't do this!