If you're still trying to get the hang of champion mechanics, item builds, and runes/masteries then you may want to spend some more time in Co-Op vs AI before heading into PvP. Trust me, we all know that it is not as difficult, challenging, or realistic as playing against real people, but it will give you a little bit more breathing room to learn how to play the game better in a less competitive environment.
I am not trying to make excuses for the toxicity in our community at all. It is up to Riot and the players to create a community that welcomes new players and is both friendly and inviting. Unfortunately, that is definitely not where League is today, but you can help correct the problem in a few ways:
1.) DON'T RETALIATE!!
This is by far the most important, and if you take a look on these boards you will see a lot of players complaining that they got punished for retaliation even though what someone else did was way worse. It doesn't matter what someone says or does in a match, just mute them and then use the report feature after the match. Do not tell them you are muting them, it is a form of inciting drama and you can be reported for it. Do not tell them you are reporting them, it is known as Report Calling and is actually very childish and unsportsmanlike and can also be reported. Do not AFK or leave the match, no matter how tough it is you will only be hurting your own account. So again, simply mute the offender and then use the report feature after the match to explain what happened. It only takes ONE report to flag the match for review, and if the system finds any wrongdoing then it will go on their account.
2.) Be Sportsmanlike
This is a very good opportunity to introduce you to the Summoner's Code, if you haven't seen it already:
http://gameinfo.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/game-info/get-started/summoners-code/
This is the standard that every player in our community is held to, and the only way we can improve this community is if we all do our best to abide by it. Every time you queue for a match, remember that there are 9 other people that are playing with you. This match is not all about you!! Unfortunately, many players will forget this and end up trolling, being toxic, and/or refusing to cooperate with their teammates. However, we must still do our parts to uphold these standards and hope that other players will learn from our example.
Be the change you want to see in the world!
3.) Communicate
Riot Support is there for you if you every want to send in a ticket and ask a question:
https://support.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
I have had conversations with support that have literally gone on for days, and thankfully they have been very patient with me as they have explained how the Instant Feedback System and the Community Standards works!! You can also post your questions and concerns here, where there are usually helpful Summoners who will happily give you the best answer they can.
4.) Teach
Stick around long enough, and you'll become very familiar with the game mechanics, item stats and effects, champion builds, game modes, and all the other little quirks. We all had to start somewhere, but then some of us reach a point where we finally learn a thing or two and git gud. At that point, we all need to work together to teach others when they need some help or advice, especially the new folks in our community!
If we all do these things together, instead of looking at our player community and seeing how abysmal it is we can instead have a bit of hope that we can make it the positive and fun community that we really want it to be.
[slayer-pantheon-thumbs]
