Tournament Rules – MPL-PH Season 2

MPL-PH SEASON 2 TOURNAMENT RULES & REGULATIONS

1. Player Requirement

 

1. 1. Players below the age of 18 are required to acquire parent’s consent to participate. Link to parental consent form: http://bit.ly/METWaiver1. Waiver will be checked if the teams qualify for the regular season.
   2. Players are not allowed to join more than 1 team. (1 team per qualifiers and only 1 team for the whole regular season)
   3. Player must be available for all League-related activities they are involved in, including, but not limited to, match days and media appearances.
   4. The act of registering for this League implies full acceptance of all terms, conditions, rules and regulations stated, in its entirety.
   5. All teams representing their countries will need to have at least 3 local citizens and all team members must be physically playing within their represented country (The Philippines).
   6. All members of each team are required to display the Philippine flag in the match lobby.
   7. Clothing Requirements

1.7.1 Competitors shall wear their official team uniforms during the whole MPL contest period, and pre-/post-contest interviews conducted by MPL. All starting team members must wear their uniforms throughout the contest. All jackets and other clothing worn during the contest are subject to checks and rulings by MPL official staff. MPL officials reserve the right of final interpretation on team clothing.

1.7.2 Pants, shoes etc. are not subject to requirements, but all members should wear pants of the same color. MPL officials reserve the right of final interpretation.
1.7.3 Team uniforms shall be designed and provided by the teams themselves. (If a team cannot provide a uniform, one will be provided by the official staff.)
1.7.4 It is recommended that every team has at least two sets of uniforms (short-sleeve, long-sleeve and jacket).
1.7.5 The team logo must be displayed in a prominent position on the uniform.

1.7.6 Teams are permitted to add the logos of their major sponsors within a reasonable amount.

1.7.7 Each team shall provide the MPL officials with their contest uniform at least 10 days in advance for inspection by the MPL Organizing Committee, who also reserve the right to review and suggest changes. Inspection is to ensure uniform meets the minimum style requirements, as well as check the size and location of logos.

1.7.8 If a team has a coach, then he/she shall wear formal clothing during the contest period or when appearing in public events in his/her capacity as an MPL coach.

1.7.9 Identity: Competitors may not cover their faces or attempt to take any action to conceal their identity from MPL officials. Face masks and hats may not be worn. In the event of special circumstances, please inform the organizers in advance to obtain permission.

 

2. Team Requirement

 

1. 1. A team must consist of the following members:
      1. 5 main player (Necessary)
      2. 1 Substitute player (Optional)
      3. 1 manager (Optional)
   2. Team ownership is determined by 51% of the team members during registration.
   3. Teams are prohibited to replace any of the registered players (including the reserved player) during non-Roster Shuffle period.
   4. Teams are required to submit a team logo upon qualifying for top 16 during the qualifiers.
   5. Teams are required to produce a team shirt/jersey for their players upon successfully qualifying in the tournament’s regular season. Players are required to wear said shirts during official MPL-PH S2 events at all times.
   6. Only a maximum of 2 teams can represent an organization for the Regular Season.

3. Team Names, Team Tags, and Player Names

1. 1. Teams will be permitted 1 tag for Team Names (consisting of 4 characters) in front of each player’s Hero Name (IGN)    throughout the League. These tags must be upper-case, lower-case letters or numbers 0-9 only.
   2. Names may include upper-case letters, lower-case letters, numbers 0-9, underscores, or single spaces between words only. Player Names must not exceed 12 characters (character count includes spaces and punctuations). If special characters are used, the Organiser reserves the right to simplify them for use during the League. Player Names and Team Names may not contain: vulgarities or obscenities; MLBB hero derivatives or other similar character names; or derivatives of products or services that may create confusion.
   3. All Team Tags, Team Names, and Player Names must be approved by League Official in advance of use in play. Name changes are not allowed except under certain extenuating circumstances, but must be approved by League Officials prior to being used in in League game. All teams will be given a chance to modify if they get a sponsor during the player shuffle period. League Officials have the ability to deny a team name if it does not reflect the professional standards bought by the Organizer and the team will be required to change their name.
   4. By registering, Teams acknowledge that all usage of photos, videos, and any form of recording during the tournament have been given legal consent by the players for media and marketing purposes.

4. Sponsorships

1. 1. Should the sponsorship require a change of team name or team logo, teams must submit the request to the league within the league stipulated team name/logo period.
   2. An Organizer team has the ability to acquire sponsors throughout the League. Sponsorship acquisition is unrestricted but will be subject to the Organizer’s approval. If the sponsor falls under the list of limited categories, then the sponsorship may not be displayed by the players during MPL-PH Season 2. The League Officials have the ability to update the category list at any time. The following is the non-exclusive list of limited sponsor categories:
      1. Gambling Websites: defined as any website that aids or abets the wagering of funds on a sport/esports event and/or allows for the wagering of funds in casino games including poker.
      2. Non-“over-the-counter” drugs
      3. Account sharing/skin selling websites.
      4. Firearms, handguns, or ammunition providers.
      5. Websites displaying or related to pornographic imagery or products.
      6. Products or services from direct competitors of MLBB.
      7. Tobacco products

5. Playoffs / Grand Finals League Format

1. 1. • The top 4 team will be seeded to the upper bracket while the 5th-8th ranked teams will be seeded to the lower bracket.
      • Upper Bracket A = 1st seed VS 4th seed.
      • Upper Bracket B = 2nd seed VS 3rd seed,
      • Lower Bracket C = 5th seed VS 8th seed.
      • Lower Bracket D = 6th seed VS 7th seed.
      • Lower Bracket E = Match C winner VS Match  B loser.
      • Lower Bracket F = Match D winner VS Match A loser.
      • Upper Bracket Finals G = Match A winner VS Match B winner.
      • Lower Bracket H = Match E winner VS Match F winner.
      • Lower Bracket Finals I = Match H winner VS Match G loser.
      • Grand Finals J = Match G winner VS Match I winner.

• Organizing the matches
  • A tournament marshall will be the one to host the games.
  • Choosing Sides.
    Choosing side is determined by the teams rank form the regular season.
    This is true even for the preceding matches after the first round with the exception of the grand finals.
    • Best-of-Three Matches
      • Team with the higher seed chooses side for the first game.
      • Teams with the lower seed chooses side for the second game.
      • Team with the higher seed chooses side if there is a third game.
    • Grand Finals / Best-of-Five Match
      • The team who chooses the side for the first game is determined by a coin toss.
      • Coin toss is made by the admin in front of each team’s representative.
      • The team coming form the upper bracket will choose sides if the coin toss result comes out heads and the team coming from the lower bracket will choose sides if the result comes out tails.
      • The team that lost the coin toss  will choose sides for the second game.
      • The team the won the coin toss will choose sides for the third game.
      • The team that lost the coin toss  will choose sides if there is a fourth game.
      • The team that won the coin toss  will choose sides if there is a fifth game.
  • Pauses can be requested and it will be executed by the match referee. Each team has a maximum pause time of 5 minutes per game. Players are not allowed to talk with each other during the pause
  • Total game duration – The game lasts until winner is known. The winner is the team which destroys enemies Core or forces them to surrender.
  • If a game experiences a critical bug at any point during the match that significantly alters game stats or gameplay mechanics, or the external environmental conditions become untenable then a restart may occur. MPL-PH officials must determine that the bug is critical and verifiable.
• If players believe they have experienced a critical bug, they must alert a referee in a timely fashion and request for a pause.
• Each team captain shall verify that every player on his/her team has finalized their intended game settings.
• Starting the matches on time.
  • Teams are expected to be in the in-game lobby and at the stage. Maximum 10 minutes waiting time.
    • The  designated time during the playoffs is the broadcast schedule of the match or ten minutes immediately after the previous match or scheduled stage program, whichever comes first.
    • The broadcast schedule will be communicated to the teams by the league admin at least a day ahead of the scheduled match.
  • If any team is not ready during the designated time, their opponent can take a default win by contacting an admin and having him check the lobby.
  • If both teams agree, they can delay for a maximum of 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, whoever has the most players in their team will take a default win and must report to an admin and having him checking the lobby.
  • In order to keep the League on schedule, teams may not wait more than 10 minutes, or both teams may get disqualified.
    • If the previous match has been cancelled because of a disqualification, the next teams are expected to be in the
  • Teams may not remake after the 1st creep wave has spawned.
  • All results must be reported to the respective admins right after the match within 30 minutes.
• Players will be provided with mobile phones (iPhone 7 Plus) for their matches.
  • Mobile phones will only be connected to the provided connection of the organizer. (Stage Internet)
  • The ingame speed mode should always be turned off.
  • Mobile phones should be kept charging if their batteries falls below 70%.
• Substitutions
  • Any member of the team can play for game 1.
  • If the 6th member will be playing, for game, the team must inform the stage marshals 15 minutes before the start fo their match or within 5 minutes after the end of the previous match.
  • A team can have a substitutions between games. Teams are allowed 1 substitution for best of 3 matches, and 2 substitutions for best of 5 matches.
  • If a substitute will be made. The team must inform the stage marshall within two minutes after the end of the previous match.

 

6. General Conduct

1. 1. Contest Etiquette
      6.1.1 All MPL team members must sit upright during online contests when live-streaming, and may not put their feet on the seat, sit cross-legged or act in an otherwise unseemly manner. Mobile phones must also only be used on the desktop.
      6.1.2 Competitors and team members must respect the backstage order; refrain from making loud noises, fool around or negatively affect other teams’ preparations; and shall keep the team lounge clean and tidy.
      6.1.3 During the contest, competitors are not allowed to stand-up or leave their seats without the referee’s permission. In the case of special circumstances, players should raise their hand and obtain permission from the referee.
      6.1.4 Before the start of a series contest, competitors from both teams shall take to the center of the stage and shake hands (right hand) as a mark of respect. They shall then return to their team zone after shaking hands.
      6.1.5 After a series contest finishes, each team shall be permitted a certain amount of time to communicate with each other, then shall leave their positions promptly after being directed to do so by the referee. The winning team shall walk to the losing team’s zone and shake hands (right hand) as a mark of respect. Teams shall shake hands standing up (and bow – not part of the Filipino Culture)  as a mark of respect.
      6.1.6 Team members shall not make any offensive or insulting comments, nor shall they act in any disparaging, inciting or discriminatory manner at any time in the contest zone, on social media or in any public area nearby (Eg: during live-streams or interviews).
      6.1.7 Team members shall not make any indecent, impolite or insulting actions or gestures towards other team members, fans or official staff.
      6.1.8 No team member shall maliciously commit any act that negatively affects the contest during the contest period.

• Etiquette during Awarding
  6.2.1 After the final match, the team manager and coach (if they have one) and substitutes as well as main players are allowed to celebrate together on the stage. However, only the main players are permitted to take to the stage to accept the awards.
  6.2.2 During the award giving, all competitors must stand upright with their left hand on top of the right hand with closed fists placed naturally in front of the body. No whispering or talking to each other is permitted. When receiving awards, competitors should receive their trophy or award with both hands and bow as a mark of thanks. If the prize giver offers a handshake, competitors shall shake hands and bow.
  6.2.3 After the prize giving there shall be photographs. Competitors shall place their trophy, medal or other award in front of their chest making sure not to turn them upside-down. It is strictly forbidden to put trophies, medals or other awards on the ground or any other place in which it is not conspicuous.
• Post-Contest Etiquette (Grand – Finals)
  6.3.1 Results: MPL officials will confirm and record the contest results. The referee shall declare the winner based on the contest results. The team must obey the referee’s decision and sign the “Contest Results Confirmation Form.”
  6.3.2. Handshake: After a series contest finishes, each team shall be permitted a certain amount of time to communicate with each other, then shall leave their positions promptly after being directed to do so by the referee. The winning team shall walk to the losing team’s zone and shake hands (right hand) as a mark of respect. Teams shall shake hands standing up and bow as a mark of respect.
  6.3.3. Next Contest: Competitors will be notified of their current ranking as well as the schedule for their next match.
  6.3.4. Contest competitors shall all follow the Organizing Committee’s plans and not go anywhere unaccompanied without consent. (Eg: not taking the bus, staying out at night, changing rooms etc.)
  6.3.5. Post-Contest Etiquette: Competitors will be informed of all their post-contest obligations, including but not limited to: Attending media events, interviews and any in-depth discussions on contest-related matters.
  6.3.6. Competitors may not take any persons unrelated to the contest into rest areas, the hotel or bus arranged by the Organizing Committee, or take part in other group activities.

 

• Behavior during Competition
  6.4.1. Unfair Gaming: Dishonesty, deception or other unfair practices will be punished by MPL officials.
  6.4.2. Fair Play: All teams should practice good sportsmanship in MPL games at all times, try their best in the competition, and avoid anything that may damage the principle of fair play.
  
  The Following
  6.4.2. *Considered Illegal and will be Punished: Creating/Exploiting Bugs: Creating or exploiting any in-game bug to achieve victory.
  6.4.3 Account Sharing: Using another player’s account in contest; or instigating, working together or guiding another person to use another competitor’s account to enter the gaming.
  6.4.4. Screen Spying: Looking at or trying to look at non-game screen is prohibited and will be punished.
  6.4.5. Deliberate Disconnection: Deliberately disconnecting for improper or unclear reasons is prohibited and will be punished.
  6.4.5. Cheating: Using any kind of device or program to cheat, or using any resembling means to cheat. (Eg: Devices or gestures to signal etc.)
  6.4.6. Other: Any other act, conduct or behavior that violates the rules and integrity standards that have been laid down.
  6.4.7. Profane and Hostile Speech: Team members shall not use obscene, offensive, vulgar, rude, threatening, abusive, libelous or defamatory language to attack or offend others; they shall also not use incendiary, inciting or discriminatory language in the game zone, during the contest, on social media, or in any public area nearby (Eg: during live-steams or interviews).
  6.4.8. Interference/Impolite Behavior: Team members shall not make any indecent, impolite or insulting actions or gestures towards other team members, fans or official staff.
  6.4.9. Broadcast Interference: No team member shall touch or use other methods to interfere with the lighting, cameras or other broadcasting devices. Team members shall not stand on the chairs, tables or other items used in the broadcasting. Team members must follow the instructions given by all MPL personnel.
  6.4.10. Insulting Behavior: It is forbidden to insult MPL officials, other team members or audience members. Team members and special guests (if present) must be polite to all individuals participating in the contest.
  6.4.11. Unauthorized Communication: All cellphones, tablets and other voice-message enabled devices must be removed from the contest zone before the contest begins. Competitors shall not send messages or emails, or use social media when in the contest area. During the contest, starting competitors may only communicate with other members of their team.
  6.4.12. Banned Substances: Competitors and coaches are forbidden from taking any banned substances including but not limited to stimulants, sedatives or inhibitory drugs. Staff are obliged to report any individual or team who violates this rule to the Organizing Committee.
  6.4.13. Competitor Clothing: Competitors shall wear their official team uniforms during the whole MPL contest period, and pre-/post-contest interviews conducted by MPL. All starting team members must wear their uniforms throughout the contest. All jackets and other clothing worn during the contest are subject to checks and rulings by MPL official staff. MPL officials reserve the right of final interpretation on team clothing.
  6.4.14. Identity: Competitors may not cover their faces or attempt to take any action to conceal their identity from MPL officials. Face masks and hats may not be worn. In the event of special circumstances, please inform the organizers in advance to obtain permission.

 

• Players will conduct themselves in a reasonable manner, maintaining a friendly and polite demeanor to spectators, competitors, members of the press, League staff, and to other participants of the event.
• Players will refrain from the use of vulgar language during the entire competition. All rules of conduct also apply to chatting through the game console.
• Players are expected to compete in a professional manner. Throwing a match, halting play without cause, or showing a flagrant lack of effort will be construed as a violation of player conduct, and will result in match penalties, forfeit and disqualification from the League.
• The Organiser has the right to apply penalties (see General Section 10), disqualify and dismiss any registered player from the League, at their discretion, at any stage of the League, for any reason, with no prior warning to the players.

7. In-Game Rules

1. 1. The mobile application to be used is Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Developer: Moonton)
   2. The game mode used in the Regular Season & Playoffs: Tournament Mode.
   3. The first team to destroy the opposing team’s Base wins.
   4. If any player disconnects during a match, they can request a League Official to pause the game for the player to reconnect. Once all players are ready, as indicated by both Team Captains, the League Official will resume the game.
   5. In the case of a server crash, the game can be continued from a new draft but has to be the same line up.

8. Extreme Technical Difficulties

1. 1. In the event of a technical difficulty which leads the League Officials to declare a restart, the Organizer may instead award a game victory to a team. If a game has been played for more than 5 minutes on the game clock (00:05:00), League Officials, at their sole discretion, may determine that a team cannot avoid defeat to a degree of reasonable certainty. The following criteria may be used in the determination of reasonable certainty:
   2. The teams total net worth differences must exceed 800 x minute of the game. For example, 20 minutes in to the game, Team A holds a net worth of 20,000 while Team B’s net worth at 38,000. Difference in net worth is 18,000. 800 x 20 minute = 16,000. The difference in net worth of 18,000 is greater than 16,000, hence Team B is deemed victory.
      1. In the situation where the difference in net worth is less than 800 x minute, the game has to be remade.

9. Forbidden acts and behavior

1. 1. 1. Creating/Exploiting Bugs: Creating or exploiting any in-game bug to achieve victory.
      2. Account Sharing: Using another player’s account in contest; or instigating, working together or guiding another person to use another competitor’s account to enter the game.
      3. Screen Spying: Looking at or trying to look at non-game screen.
      4. Deliberate Disconnection: Deliberately disconnecting for improper or unclear reasons.
      5. Cheating: Using any kind of device or program to cheat, or using any resembling means to cheat. (Eg: Devices or gestures to signal etc.)
      6. Other: Any other act, conduct or behavior that violates the rules and integrity standards that have been laid down.
      7. Profane and Hostile Speech: Team members shall not use obscene, offensive, vulgar, rude, threatening, abusive, libelous or defamatory language to attack or offend others; they shall also not use incendiary, inciting or discriminatory language in the game zone, during the contest, on social media, or in any public area nearby (Eg: during live-steams or interviews).
      8. Interference/Impolite Behavior: Team members shall not make any indecent, impolite or insulting actions or gestures towards other team members, fans or official staff.
      9. Broadcast Interference: No team member shall touch or use other methods to interfere with the lighting, cameras or other broadcasting devices. Team members shall not stand on the chairs, tables or other items used in the broadcasting. Team members must follow the instructions given by all MPL personnel.
      10. Insulting Behavior: It is forbidden to insult MPL officials, other team members or audience members. Team members and special guests (if present) must be polite to all individuals participating in the contest.
      11. Unauthorized Communication: All cell phones, tablets and other voice-message enabled devices must be removed from the contest zone before the contest begins. Competitors shall not send messages or emails, or use social media when in the contest area. During the contest, starting competitors may only communicate with other members of their team.
      12. Banned Substances: Competitors and coaches are forbidden from taking any banned substances including but not limited to stimulants, sedatives or inhibitory drugs. Staff are obliged to report any individual or team who violates this rule to the Organizing Committee.
      13. Competitor Clothing: Competitors shall wear their official team uniforms during the whole MPL contest period, and pre-/post-contest interviews conducted by MPL. All starting team members must wear their uniforms throughout the contest. All jackets and other clothing worn during the contest are subject to checks and rulings by MPL official staff. MPL officials reserve the right of final interpretation on team clothing.
      14. Identity: Competitors may not cover their faces or attempt to take any action to conceal their identity from MPL officials. Face masks and hats may not be worn. In the event of special circumstances, please inform the organizers in advance to obtain permission.
          
          Duty to Follow the Rules: Rule violations or transgressions are subject to punishment, whether intentional or not, unless otherwise stated.

 

• Discrimination and Slander: Team members shall not make any discriminatory or slanderous comments or actions based on race, skin color or ethnicity that offends the dignity of a country, individual or group.
• Harassment: All forms of harassment are strictly forbidden.
• Negative Comments: Team members shall not make any statements in bad faith that negatively affect or harm MPL, the contest organizing company, affiliated organizations or Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. MPL reserves the right to adjudicate on such matters.
• Unauthorized Publishing of Malicious, False or Leaked Information: If a team/team member releases information they have been told not to, then the team/team member will be subject to punishment.
• Investigations into Competitor Behavior: If MPL decides that a team/team member has violated the contest rules, the MPL retains the right to carry out punishments. If MPL official staff contacts a team member to carry out investigations, then that team member is obligated to tell the truth. Any team member who obstructs the investigation by withholding information or misleading MPL officials will be subject to punishment.
• Improper Behavior: Team members shall not take part in any behavior the MPL deems to be immoral, shameful or counter to traditional social norms.
• Illegal Behavior: Team members shall not violate any laws, rules or public security regulations.
• Confidentiality: Team members shall not use any method of communication including any social media channel to reveal any confidential information provided by MPL, the organizing company, or affiliated organizations.
• Gifts: No team member shall accept gifts, cash gifts, or remuneration in exchange for promises or demands related to the contest with the objective of defeating or attempting to defeat other teams or to abandon the contest. The only exception to this rule is the appearance fee paid by the team’s official sponsor(s) and owner(s) to team members.
• Bribes: No team member shall provide gifts or cash to any team member, coach, manager, referee, MPL official, employee of the contest organizing company or person related to another MPL team for the promise or demand of defeating or being defeated by a team.
• Refusing Orders: No team member shall refuse or ignore instructions or decisions by MPL officials.
• Match Fixing: No team member shall propose, agree, plan or attempt to influence the game or its result by any legal or prohibited means. Players involved in match fixing will be punished for dishonest behavior.
• Documentation and Other Requirements: Throughout the duration of the MPL contest, MPL officials may require teams to provide documentation or other reasonable items at various times. If the documentation provided does not meet the standards set by the MPL, the team may be subject to punishments. If requested items are not received or are not completed within the specified time, the team will be subject to punishments.
• Gambling. No team member or employee related to the MPL contest may directly or indirectly participate in any betting or gambling related to the results of MPL contests.
  

 

10. Penalties

1. 1. 1. Upon discovery of any Team Member committing any violations of the rules listed above, the officials may, without limitation of its authority under General Section 6.4, assess all offenses cumulatively starting from the Regular Season to decide the intensity of the penalty and issue either a Warning, Yellow Card or Red Card, which entails one or more of the following penalties:
         1. Verbal Warning(s)
         2. Yellow Card penalties include one or more of the followings:
            1. Loss of a Ban during the drafting phase for Current or Future Game(s)
         3. Red Card penalties include one or more of the followings:
         4. Cash Fine(s)
         5. Game Forfeiture(s)
         6. Match Forfeiture(s)
         7. Suspension(s)
         8. Disqualification(s)
         9. Prize Forfeiture(s)
      2. Specific Disciplinary punishments and fines for the Regular Season
         For breaking the rules of these Regulations there are specific disciplinary punishments and fines.

 

11. Organizer Rights

11.1 The Organizer may overrule any of the rules mentioned above based on the situation on a case by case basis, at their discretion. The Organizer’s decisions are final after the appeal process.

 

12. Cash Prize

12.1 All cash prizes and subsidies will be distributed to the teams according to the player contract.

12.2 Team Captains or managers are required to provide sufficient details for the Organizer to proceed with the bank transfer process of the various cash prizes and subsidies.

12.3. Qualifiers

Successful Qualification: $300

12.4. Regular Season

Per Week of attendance: $300
Regular Season Matches
2-0: $600 for Winning Team / $0 for Losing Team
2-1: $400 for Winning Team / $200 for Losing Team

12..5 Finals Prize Distribution

Champion $25,000
2nd Place $12,000
3rd Place $5,000
4th Place $3,000
5th-6th Place $1500
7th-8th Place $1000

12.6. Post-Season Awards

Regular Season MVP $1,200
King of KDA $500
Grand Finals MVP $1,200

12.7. Additional Prizes: Teams will be informed if there are additional prizes by the match admin.

 

13. Cooperation Obligations
MPL officials have the right to require competitors to cooperate in various activities, such as: MPL official activities, press conferences, interviews and event sponsor activities etc., when it will not influence the contest or preparations.

14. Publishing Rights
MPL officials have the right to issue a statement that a team member has been punished. Any team member and/or team involved in such a statement shall be deemed to have waived any right to take legal action against the MPL officials.

15. Teams are required to share all live videos and videos produced for MPL to their respective team’s Facebook page.

16. Communication with League Operations.
For questions or feedback you may contact the MET League Ops. team at bit.ly/METMLDiscord

17. Changes to above Rules
19.1 The Tournament Admin has the right to overrule any of the rules above. This is to avoid players trying to use a loophole in the rules to gain an unfair advantage.

18. Final Right of Adjudication
The MPL Organizing Committee has the right to amend or delete any of the above-mentioned content and reserves the final right of adjudication.