ISML Rules and Guidelines - FAQ

International Saimoe League is governed by a Constitution and supported by Annual Charters. Please read both documents for a full understanding of our processes, but if you are short on time, the highlights are summarized in a brief, convenient FAQ below.
Last updated: 19 September 2021



What is ISML and how do I participate?
  • ISML hopes to find the most moe among anime girls, and it's up to you to decide by casting your vote!
  • Since 2015, a Male Division has been added to allow male characters to compete too.
  • Voting is free of charge; you are not required to register an account.
  • Join the forum to discuss ISML with fellow fans. Subscribe to the news blog for tournament updates.
  • Your participation means that you agree to our rules and policies.

What has changed since 2016?
  • All 5th placers of the following periods: Aquamarine, Topaz, Amethyst, Sapphire and Emerald will be placed in a free-for-all wild-card survivor match, which will determine the candidates that will move on to the next round.
  • Groups will now only have less than half of the candidates in the group eliminated, down from half last year.
  • The necklace voting round format has changed from Most Votes to Instant Runoff voting.
  • The number of contestants at the start has decreased to 120 due to the new rules implemented.
  • Due to Section III Part C of the ISML Charter, Fate Testarossa (Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha) is now eligible for nominations.
  • The Tournament of Champions makes a return this year and will be held during the Aquamarine Period.

What is the schedule of 2017?
  • The calendar at right highlights all the scheduled match days.
  • Matches start at 1500 GMT on the scheduled day and last for 24 hours.
  • Results will be released 12 hours after a match ends.
  • The schedule is tentative and may change in the future, but we'll keep you updated on the news blog.

Where do I vote?

Are nominations important?
  • Yes! Extremely! Who you nominate at the beginning of the year will be the ones competing throughout the year for the Tiara. No characters will be added to the tournament in the middle of the year.
  • If you want to see new faces in ISML, please send in your nominations and let all your friends and contacts know.

How should I format my nominations?
  • Any language is acceptable, but we highly prefer you write them in romaji (English).
  • Name order does not matter. "Katsura Hinagiku" is the same as "Hinagiku Katsura."
  • Please give the full name and series of the character, so we know exactly who you're nominating.
  • You do not have to use macrons over the vowels (e.g. ō and ū); "ou" and "uu" are sufficient.

2017 Calendar