> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.norrnext.com/norrcompetition/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.norrnext.com/norrcompetition/points-system/overview.md).

# Overview

The **points system** is a native virtual economy subsystem built into NorrCompetition (via the `plg_system_ncpoints` plugin). It enables site administrators to integrate point-based mechanics directly into voting contests, entry submissions, and moderation processes.

With points mechanics, you can reward site members for active participation, charge points for submitting entries or voting, and build complete monetization workflows on your Joomla website.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Requirements:** The points system feature requires **NorrCompetition 3.0.0** or higher and Joomla 5+.
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### Key Capabilities

* **Monetized Voting:** Charge users points to cast votes in specific contests or reward users with bonus points for voting.
* **Paid Entry Submissions:** Charge contestant members points to submit new entries to competitive contests.
* **Author Rewards:** Automatically award points to entry owners when their entries receive votes or get approved by moderators.
* **100% Native Architecture:** Operates natively in Joomla 5+ using atomic database transactions to guarantee balance integrity.
* **Per-Contest Flexibility:** Configure global point rules or override rule costs individually for specific contests.
* **E-Commerce Platform Flexibility:** Integrates with available e-commerce extensions without locking you into a single solution. This unlocks virtually unlimited payment gateway options for selling point packages to your users.

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### How Monetization Works: Ecosystem Setup

To set up a complete point monetization workflow on your site, the ecosystem consists of four components working seamlessly together:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### 1. NorrCompetition - Points Plugin

Install and enable the **NorrCompetition - Points plugin** (`plg_system_ncpoints`) to establish the virtual points economy and define action costs (voting, submissions, rewards).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 2. E-Commerce Store Platform

Have an e-commerce store extension installed and configured on your Joomla site, where you create point packages as store products.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 3. E-Commerce Integration Plugin

Install the dedicated **integration plugin** matching your chosen store platform (e.g. J2Commerce App or Phoca Cart Plugin for NorrCompetition Points).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 4. Payment Gateway Plugins

Configure your preferred payment gateway plugins in the store (Stripe, PayPal, credit cards, local gateways) to accept real-money payments from users.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

### How Action Processing Works

Within NorrCompetition, points processing happens automatically via Joomla events:

1. **Gate Checks (Protection):** Before a paid action is performed (such as voting or submitting an entry), the system checks the user's current point balance. If the balance is insufficient, the action is blocked, and an informative notification with a top-up link is displayed.
2. **Transaction Recording:** When an action succeeds, points are atomically added or deducted from the user's account, and a detailed audit log entry is saved in **NorrCompetition -> Points Log**.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Flexible Architecture:** You can use the points system purely for internal member rewards without selling points, or connect an e-commerce store whenever you are ready to monetize.
{% endhint %}