Tournament Rules – MPL-PH Season 3

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Pro League Official Rules

Introduction and Purpose

These official rules of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (“MPL”) apply to each of the Teams who have qualified to play in the MPL in 2019. These rules also apply to the Teams’ Team Coaches, Managers, Owners, Starting Lineup, Substitutions (collectively “Team Members”), and other employees.

These rules apply to all the splits of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s 2019 Pro League.

These rules have been enacted to ensure the maintained stability of a complete Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament system, and the fairness of competition between professional teams. Standardized rules benefit all parties who are involved in the professional play of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, including the teams, players and general managers.

These rules shall not restrict the competitive performance of Players. The articles of any Player or Team’s agreement will be determined by each Team and Players themselves.

1. Team Member Eligibility

To be eligible to compete in the MPL, each player must satisfy the following conditions:

1.1. Player Age

No Player shall be considered eligible to participate in any MPL Match before having lived 12 full years. This shall not prevent Teams from signing Free Agents who have lived 11 full years, granted that they may not participate in an MPL Match until they have lived 12 full years.

1.2. Regional Residency Requirement

1.2.1. Forming of Team At least three out of the five Players on the Starting Line-up of a Team are required to be Residents of the countries or regions where the MLBB Pro League (MPL) are held. A team may not have more than 2 non-resident players who are living in the country or region during the whole tournament.

1.2.2. Citizenship A player is considered a “Citizen” if the player is a lawful permanent resident in the region or country or a holder of ID cards of the region of country upon the legal status in that region or country. (If it is MPL-PH, the participants must be the residents of Indonesia the Philippines , including dual citizenship.)

1.2.3. Single Residency Status. A player may only be a Resident of a single region at any point in time.

1.2.4. Starters  a “Starter” is defined as one of the five players established in the Team’s starting lineup

1.2.5. Official Players: All players that are submitted on the official MPL Summary Sheet within the stipulated date will be considered official players.

1.2.6. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Pro League (MPL) any MPL Matches (including qualifying matches, regular seasons, playoffs, finals) is intended to single out the champion of each split.

1.2.7. Substitutions A team must have one substitute any given time. Teams are not allowed to violate rule 1.2 regarding substitutions at any time. A Substitution refers to a player that has been replaced through the instruction of a Coach in order to maintain a balanced number of players for a match, due to a starter being unable to participate due to an unforeseen event. This player must be a member of the team’s Active Roster which was submitted to MPL officials.

1.3. Work Eligibility

All Coaches and players must submit the following documents as proof of identity when participating in any MPL tournament:

1.3.1. Legal proof of the right to reside in the country (in accordance with local laws) of the region in which the player is participating in, and

1.3.2. permission to work in the country of the competition. Players which are not citizens of the country they are participating in require a work visa (specific details are determined by local law)

1.4. No Official Employee or Relevant Personnel

Team employees may not be affiliates, employees, agency or other contractors of SHANGHAI MOONTON TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD at the start of or at any point during the WCE. “Affiliate” is defined as any person or other entity which is under common direct or indirect control with another party or have direct (e.g. Ownership) or indirect (e.g. contractual arrangement) interest. “Control” shall mean the power, through any means, to determine the policies or management of an entity, whether through the power to elect, appoint or approve, directly or indirectly, the directors, officers, managers or trustees of such entity or otherwise.

1. Team and Players Compensation: Bonus

2.1. Player Minimum Compensation

Each team must distribute the required Minimum Player Compensation (Minimum $200/month per player during the first split of 2019 season) to its players, in accordance with the terms of the applicable Team Agreement. Each team must, also, distribute the coach stipend (Minimum $200/month during the first split). Under no circumstance, shall any player or coach choose to accept compensation lower than the aforesaid Minimum Compensation. Nothing in these Rules is intended in any way to limit the compensation a team pays to its players. If a team’s payment of compensation to a player exceeds three months, this member can forcefully terminate their contract with the club through MPL officials.

1. Team Ownership and Roster Rules

3.1. Ownership Restrictions

3.1.1. “Club Sole Owners”

In a single region, when a team qualifies for the MPL through qualifiers or from directly qualifying from the last split, MPL officials will recognize this team’s eligibility to compete in the MPL. If the team has been formed from a group of individual players, they must first register as a team with the MPL officials before they can obtain eligibility to compete in the MPL. No Team Owner or Team Manager or Affiliate of an Owner may own or control, directly or indirectly, or have a direct (e.g., ownership) or indirect (e.g., a contractual arrangement) financial interest, or be an employee or contractor of, more than one Mobile Legends: Bang Bangs team in MPL. Any buy back provision, right of first purchase, or similar interest in a team shall be treated as a controlling interest in such team for the purposes of enforcing ownership restrictions

The definition of a “Club Sole Owner” is as follows:

1. Company Name: MPL teams must belong to an independent company entity, multiple teams cannot be managed by a single company.
2. Team names and logos: All MPL team names and logos must be unique, names cannot be shared, and there cannot be any team names or logos which are subordinate to another team.
3. Legal Persons/Shareholders: Each MPL team must have their own individual legal persons/shareholders, multiple teams are not allowed to have the same legal persons/shareholders belonging to them.
4. Coaches/Leaders: Each MPL team can have their own independent coaches/leaders (only in the service of that team), coaches/leaders are not allowed to be members of more than one team.
5. Team Base: Each MPL Team must have their own individual “Team Base”, a Team Base cannot be used by multiple teams.
6. Transfer Rules: Every MPL team must adhere to the MPL official transfer system, teams are not allowed to privately allocate or transfer players within their own team. For further details, please consult Section 4.

MPL match area/any other team members that participate in the league through any capacity are not allowed to purchase or attempt to possess/control any other MPL team through any other means before the end of the final MPL which they are participating in.

The League shall have the right to make final and binding determinations regarding Team ownership, issues relating to the multiple team restriction and other relationships that may otherwise have an adverse impact on the competitive integrity of the MPL. Any person that petitions for ownership into the MPL can be denied admission if they are found to have not acted with the professionalism sought by the MPL. Someone seeking admission into the MPL must meet the highest standards of character and integrity. Candidates who have violated this rule set or attempted to act against the spirit of these rules, even if not formally contracted to the rule set, can be denied admission into the MPL. Team Owner agrees that it will not contest any final determination of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang in connection therewith.

3.1.2. Sponsorship and Naming Rights

Changes in Ownership and Sponsors with naming rights may only occur during the designated transfer window by MPL.

3.1.2.1. Sale of Sponsorships and Related Issues

Any Team Manager may only sell or manage sponsorships or brand elements for the team with which he or she is affiliated. The Team Owner may not provide any ownership interests in the Team Owner or team or any brand elements thereof to any third party person or entity who engages in the business of selling or managing of MPL or “Challenger Series” eSports teams.

3.1.2.2. Sale of Sponsorships Cooldown Provision

Any person or entity who engages in the sale or management of sponsorships for multiple MPL teams during the course of an MPL split may not hold a controlling interest in any MPL team for a period of no less than two years following the last day of the MPL split during which he/she represented multiple teams.

3.2. Roster Requirements

Each Team is required to maintain & keep under contract one General Manager (“GM”), five players (“Starts”) across their starting lineup and one substitute player (“Substitute”) during the entirely of MPL split. Collectively Starters and Substitute forms the “Active Roster”. No individual may simultaneously hold two or more of the roles listed above.

All official players of a club and other members in service of a team must have a written contract, teams which are formed from a group of individuals must submit a group registration form to MPL officials. An MPL Player is only allowed to compete for the one Team the Player has a contract with. A Player will not be allowed to compete for more than one Organization simultaneously and cannot be listed on the Roster of more than one Team. To verify that these Players are officially under contract, each Team must submit the Summary Sheet from the Player Agreement (“Summary Sheet”) for each Player they wish to designate as under contract, including starters and substitutes. Changes to the Roster may occur as described in Section 4 below

The Roster will be displayed on the official website of MPL. The Roster on the website will be updated upon proper filing of documentation Once an acquisition is confirmed, the acquisition will be placed on the website. The MPL Roster on that website will be considered the most up to date roster that could be applied within a reasonable time. Roster eligibility is still at the discretion of MPL officials.

3.3. Head Coach

Each Team is allowed but not required to maintain a designated head coach who will be considered the official coach for the Team. If a team designates a Head Coach, they must undergo registration and approval from MPL officials before being published on the official MPL website. The Head Coach cannot be the Starter or Substitute for any MPL Team (domestic or abroad) this split. The Head Coach can only represent one Team. The Head Coach cannot be affiliated with more than one Organization in any capacity The Head Coach is required to be on-site for every Game that the Team participates in. Changes to Head Coaches must be submitted to the MPL organizing committee for approval at least 5 days prior to the next match, the change can then be carried out after undergoing approval.

3.4. Submission of Roster

At a time designated by MPL officials before the start of each league, each team must submit their active roster to the MPL, including five members of the Starters and one Substitution. In the event that a GM elects to modify the Active Roster, the GM must submit requests in compliance with Section 4. In the event that a team selects to modify the starting lineup, the team’s head coach must make a request to revise the roster to MPL officials in compliance with Section 4 below. The request must be submitted in advance of any proposed effective date of any such change.

If a request is submitted too late for MPL to make reasonable arrangements for a new player to travel to an MPL match, MPL may, at their discretion, hold the team responsible for the incremental costs of such player’s travel, regardless of any other rules to the contrary. MPL reserves the right to approve or deny any such request, based upon the eligibility of the players involved and the compliance with the Rules of such request.

3.5. Substitutions

Requests to modify the active roster (including starters and substitutes for the team’s first games on a regular season week may not be submitted any later than 2 hours prior to the start of that broadcast and/or webcast.

A Team may substitute Players between Games of a Match. The Team must notify an MPL referee and have the substitution approved, no later than 5 minutes after the previous Game. For example, if a team wishes to substitute a player in for game 2, then the coach must notify an MPL referee no later than 5 minutes following game 1.

In the event of an emergency, a Team will be given certain time to find an immediate Substitute. If a replacement cannot be found, the Team will forfeit. League Officials will determine if an event qualifies as an emergency.

3.6. Team Names, Team Tags, and Player Names

3.6.1. Team Names and Team Tags

According to the “Club Sole Owner” criterion, professional teams are not allowed to have the same or similar names, team logos cannot be similar-looking and must be unique in design. Moreover, team names logos must only contain English characters and numbers.

Team Logos cannot use the logo of a sponsor or any logo with which exists any copyright issues.

Any applications regarding changes to team names or logos must be submitted to the MPL officials at least 10 days in advance, the new name or logo can only be subsequently used after undergoing approval. Teams can only apply to change their name during the transfer window period and can only apply to change their name once within each trade window period. When changing names, the new team name cannot contain any elements similar to another team’s name, nor can a team directly use their sponsor’s logo as their team logo. MPL officials reserve the final right to approve names and logos.

3.6.2. Player Name

Player Name may include upper-case letters, lower-case letters, digits. Summoner Names must not exceed 12 characters including spaces. No additional special characters will be allowed for team names, player Names, or tags (including underscores, spaces, etc.). Player Names and Team Names may not contain: vulgarities or obscenities; Mobile Legends: Bang Bang hero derivatives or other similar character names; or derivatives of products or services that may create confusion. Player Names cannot contain a sponsor’s name.

All Team Tags, Team Names, and Player Names must be approved by MPL officials in advance of use in play. Name changes are not allowed except under certain extenuating circumstances, but must be approved by MPL officials prior to use in an MPL game. Any cosmetic change to logos, team names, etc. must be made before designated date. MPL officials have the ability to deny a team name if it does not reflect the professional standards sought by the MPL and the team will be required to change their name. MPL officials reserve the final right to approve names and logos.

3.7. Sponsorship

An MPL team has the ability to acquire sponsors. No restrictions shall be applied in acquiring sponsorship. Sponsor names and related information are only allowed to be displayed on team uniforms during a match. If sponsors belong to the following list of restricted sponsor types then the sponsor’s company name cannot be displayed during Mobile Legends: Bang Bang games, any documents related to Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, MPL or any game, competition, league or tournament related to Moonton. The MPL officials have the ability to update the category list at any time. The following is a nonexclusive list of limited sponsors:

3.7.1. Gambling Websites: defined as any website that aids or abets the wagering of funds on a sporting/e-Sporting event and/or allows for the wagering of funds in casino games including poker.

3.7.2. Non-“over-the-counter” drugs

3.7.3. Account sharing/skin selling websites

3.7.4. Firearms, handguns, or ammunition providers

3.7.5. Websites displaying or related to pornographic imagery or products

3.7.6. Products or services from direct competitors

3.7.7. Tobacco products (including E-cigarette)

3.8. MPL Slot Assignment

MPL tournament slot assignment is separated into two types depending on the type of team:

3.8.1 Teams which are formed from a group of individual players, MPL tournament slot assignment makes up 51% or above of players.

3.8.2 Regarding players and clubs of teams whose contracts have been recorded by MPL officials, their slot in the tournament will belong to their club.

1. Roster Change Autonomous Rights

MPL teams are authorized to use three methods to make changes to its Roster: (1) When trading players with other MPL teams; (2) signing (or releasing) free agents, all substitutions must undergo the approval and acceptance of MPL officials before they will be considered legal. All substitutions shall be made subject to the requirements of Section 2.1.

This refers to professional players, in particular to players on the roster that have been approved by MPL officials.

4.1. General Roster Change Rules

4.1.1. No Effect on Contractual Obligations. Each team shall be responsible for making any and all payments to its players which are required by its Player Agreements. No change to the MPL Roster shall relieve an MPL team of its contractual obligation to pay each starting player the Minimum Player Compensation, as defined in Section 2.1.

4.1.2. No Contract Violations. Any change to the MPL Roster which violates any provision of a Player Services Agreement shall be ineffective, and any team GM seeking a transfer or GM or Head Coach seeking demotion of players shall have the responsibility to ensure that all proper approvals are sought and procured before the change would be considered to take effect.

Clubs are not allowed to unilaterally terminate player contracts arbitrarily. If the two parties have good reason to terminate the contract between them, MPL officials must be notified at least two weeks before the contract’s termination.

4.1.3. Full Roster Requirement. No change to the MPL Roster shall relieve an MPL team of the requirement to maintain an Active Roster including five starters and one substitutes during the Regular Season. At any point if a team falls below one substitute on its Active Roster, they will be subject to penalties, unless given permission to drop below the minimum at the discretion of the MPL officials.

4.1.4. Scope of Policy. This Section is intended only to govern MPL Roster changes submitted by teams and does not address mandatory player substitutions which may be required by MPL as a result of the death or disability of an MPL player or the suspension or banning of a player by MPL as a result of the violation of these Rules.

4.1.6. Contract records: Contracts between Clubs and players must be recorded by MPL officials. MPL officials will be unable to confirm validity of any player contracts which have not been recorded. If a contract has been recorded by MPL officials, clubs or players can report the other party to MPL officials in the case of a violation of said contract. MPL officials will penalize parties in light of the seriousness of the violation.

4.2. Player Transfer

Transfer actions and procedures between MPL Clubs and Teams must be completed before the end of the transfer window of a split through mail or written form. MPL officials will not accept any transfers which exceed this period. Inter-Club player trade rules are as follows:

4.2.1. Quantity. There is no maximum total number of players who may be traded per league or per season.

4.2.2. Frequency: One player can only be transferred once during a transfer period and can only represent one club during one split. Player rosters are determined according to the enrollment information.

4.2.3. Transfer Time: Trade can start on the start date of the transfer period at the earliest, they cannot be carried out after the trade deadline period. Transfer Period Refers to: the time window published by the MPL officials, during which transfers are allowed to be carried out by clubs.

4.2.4. Global Anti-Poaching and Anti-interference Policies: During the period when the player has not completed their contract, Clubs can only carry out transactions and negotiations through the player’s Club and agents. Any private communication with players regarding transfers will be regarded as a violation of global anti-poaching and anti-interference policies. MPL officials reserve the right to carry out penalties to the appropriate extent in the event of the aforementioned situation.

4.2.5. Regional Player Trading

4.2.5.1. According to the requirements of Section 1.2, players can be traded within single regions.

4.2.6. Transaction Requirements: Teams can only trade players on their main roster, MPL will not approve of any trades of unsigned players.

4.2.7. League Approval. Trade requests must be submitted to MPL by a team in advance, in writing, and approved by MPL, in writing, before becoming effective. The trade request approval process consists of MPL confirming that the trades are occurring within the approved trading window specified in Section 4 and must meet all qualification and other rules.

4.2.7.1. Trade requests must be made using the Trade Approval Request Form provided by MPL and must include the following information:

4.2.7.1.1. Names of all teams involved.

4.2.7.1.2. Names of all GMs involved.

4.2.7.1.3. Names and Character Names of all players involved. Starter/Substitution status of all players involved.

4.2.7.1.4. Description of trades.

4.2.7.1.5. The amount of any compensation being paid from one team to another as a part of any trade.

4.2.7.1.6. Requested effective date(s) of trades.

4.2.7.2. The GM of each team involved in a trade or series of trades must sign the Trade Approval Request Form. Unsigned Trade Approval Request Forms will not be processed by MPL.

4.2.7.3. During the valid period of the player’s contract, transfers will only be limited to a trading relationship between Clubs and Teams. The Club which the player belongs to reserves the right to refuse transfer negotiations with the player themselves or a third party (company).

4.2.8. Valid Period: Upon undergoing the approval of MPL officials, the trade will instantly take effect unless the trade permission application form clearly appoints a later date to take effect from. However, under any circumstance, the effective date of any trade that is specified during a tournament period must not be later than the tournament’s trade deadline period.

4.3. Free Agent Signings

The provisions on free agency in these Rules are designed to promote team continuity, prevent last-minute roster changes which damage team identity and cohesion, protect MPL tournament integrity, and enhance fan enjoyment of MPL tournament play. To that end, MPL has established limited periods of time or windows during which free agents can be signed. An MPL team may sign free agents as follows:

4.3.1. Definition

4.3.1.1. Free Agent (“FA”). A Free Agent is any player eligible to participate in the MPL and either: (a) has not yet signed a valid written Player Agreement with an MPL team or (b) has been released from an MPL team or has had a contract expire without a renewal. Merely being “in negotiations” with a team does not change a Free Agent’s status. Free Agents are free to sign with any MPL team, so long as they continue to meet all MPL eligibility requirements.

4.3.2. Transfer Times: Free Agent Period

4.3.2.1. Teams can sign a Free Agent at any given time.

4.3.3. Full Roster Requirement: Free Agent signings don’t relieve an MPL team of the requirement to maintain an Active Roster, including but not limited to five starters and one substitute during the Regular Season.

4.3.4. MPL Approval. Free agent signing requests must be submitted by a team in advance, in writing, and approved by MPL, in writing, before becoming effective. Free Agent signing procedures must comply with all other requirements and rules. League approval will include a behavior check that can include in-game and out of game behavior. MPL approval is required for head coaches as well as players. Teams are restricted from announcing acquisitions of Head Coach or Players until the MPL Approval process is completed, while Players are restricted from announcing leaving the original team and/or joining new team. This includes acquisitions of players or coaches being re-signed to the same organization.

4.4. Player Retirement

If a player is unable to fulfill their contractual obligations due to force majeure, they can negotiate with the club to terminate the contract or choose to retire from the Club. Retiring players must carry out retirement procedures through MPL officials. Retirement types are divided into the following categories:

4.4.1. Negotiated Retirement: Players negotiate and carry out the retirement procedure through their club together with MPL officials.

4.4.2. Natural expiry of player’s contract.

4.4.3. Unauthorized Retirement: If a player has not carried out the retirement procedure through their team with MPL officials and just verbally declares retirement or leaves the team without authorization, this will be regarded as unauthorized retirement. The player’s contract will still be regarded as being in effect, and as such, the player will be unable to sign with another team.

When a player who has declared retirement becomes a professional player again, the time in which they are allowed to participate in competitions will be postponed by a split.

4.5. Active Roster Submission Requirements

Managers and Head Coaches can promote or “develop” substitute players who can be substituted as one of the Active Roster’s starters, or vice versa, starters can be demoted to substitutes.

1. Player Equipment

5.1. MPL-Provided Equipment

MPL officials will provide, and MPL players will exclusively use, equipment in the following categories to MPL players for all official MPL matches. The equipment includes, but not limited to:

5.1.1. Gaming Phone (only applicable for the playoffs for MPL-PH)

5.1.2. Headsets and/or Earbuds and/or Microphones  (MPL-PH encourages players to bring their own earbuds for sanitary purposes)

5.1.3. Table and Chair

Within the Match Area, payers are not allowed to bring any headphones, earbuds and/or microphones that have not been provided by MPL without the approval of MPL officials. All player-owned or team-owned equipment must be submitted to MPL officials in advance for approval. Unapproved equipment or equipment that is suspected by MPL officials of providing an unfair competitive advantage will not be permitted for use, and players will be required to use MPL-provided equipment instead.

At their discretion, MPL officials may disallow the use of any individual piece of equipment for reasons relating to tournament security, safety or operational efficiency or effectiveness.

No player-owned or team-owned hardware or equipment may be brought into the Match Area if it features or displays any name, likeness or logo of a company or brand which is a competitor of MOONTON.

5.2. Replacement of Equipment

If equipment or technical problems are suspected by MPL officials at any time, a player or MPL official may request a technical review of the situation. An MPL technician will diagnose and troubleshoot problems, as needed. Technicians may request that MPL officials order replacement of any equipment, at their discretion. Decisions regarding the replacement of any equipment are solely at the discretion of MPL. If a player wishes to use personal replacement equipment, the player must use equipment which has been preapproved by MPL officials otherwise they will be provided replacement equipment by the MPL officials.

5.3. Player and Coach Apparel

Players must wear official team uniforms during all MPL matches and pre-match and post-match interviews by the MPL. If no team requirement exists, players must wear pants and closed-toe shoes, as well as visible team-branded apparel, on their upper body, during the entirety of any MPL event or appearance. All starting players must wear matching apparel during the game. The matching apparel includes shirts, jerseys, and pants. For the avoidance of doubt, sweatpants, athletic pants, and/or pajama pants will generally not be considered appropriate attire. Jerseys and all other apparel worn during such times are subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 10 below, and are subject to the review and discretion of MPL officials. MPL officials will have final approval over all apparel.

Coaches must wear business casual attire or team uniform while at the match area.

5.4. App & Usage

Players are prohibited from installing their own Apps and must use only the App provided by MPL.

5.4.1. Voice Chat. Voice chat will be provided only via the native system used in MPL-provided headsets. Use of third-party voice chat software (e.g., Skype) is not permitted, unless MPL determined to change the method of Voice Chat under special circumstance. MPL officials may monitor a team’s audio at the discretion of MPL.

5.4.2. Social Media and Communication. It is prohibited to use MPL cellphones to view or post on any social media or communication sites. This includes, but is not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, and email.

5.4.3. Non-Essential Equipment. It is prohibited to connect non-essential equipment to MPL cellphones for any reason.

5.5. Client Accounts (only applicable for the playoffs for MPL-PH)

Players will have match server accounts provided for them by MPL. It is the players’ responsibility to configure their account to their preferences. The account’s Gaming Name must be set only to the player’s official tournament handle, as approved by MPL.

5.6. Audio Controls

Players will be required to maintain volume levels above minimum settings, which will be clearly marked on the controls. MPL officials may require players to adjust their volume levels higher if the officials determine, at their sole discretion, that volume levels are too low.

Headphones must be placed directly on a player’s ears, and must remain there for the duration of the game. Players are not permitted to obstruct the placement of headphones by any method or place any item, including hats, scarves or other articles of clothing, between the headphones and the player’s ears.

5.7. Equipment Tampering

Players may not touch or handle another teammate’s owned or provided equipment after a match has started. Players who require assistance with their equipment should ask assistance from an MPL official.

1. Venue, Competition Area Layout, and Schedule

6.1. Match Area

The “match area” is comprised of the area immediately surrounding the match platform. During match play, presence of Team Members in the match area is restricted solely to the players of the teams in play.

6.2. Wireless devices. Wireless devices, including mobile phones and tablets, are not allowed in the match area.

6.3. Food and Drink Restrictions. No food is allowed in the match areas. Drinks are permitted in the match area only in MPL-provided sealable containers

6.4. Green Room

The warm-up area is reserved for Team Members only and access will be provided by MPL officials at their discretion.

6.5. Other Team Member Areas

Other Team Member Areas are areas within the venue, as defined by MPL officials from time to time, designed to allow players to relax and socialize in locations separate from the match area. Access to these areas is limited to Team Members, unless specific permission is otherwise granted by MPL officials.

1. League Structure and Schedule

7.1. Definition of Terms

7.1.1. Game. An instance of competition on the map designated by MPL that is played until a winner is determined by one of the following methods, whichever occurs first: (a) completion of the final objective (destruction of a base), (b) Team Surrender, (c) Team Disqualified, or (d) Awarded Game Victory (See Section 9.5).

7.1.2. Match. A set of games that is played until one team wins a majority of the total games (e.g., winning two games out of three (“BO3”); winning three games out of five (“BO5”)). The winning team will either receive a win tally in a league format or advance to the next round in a tournament format.

7.1.3. Split. Scheduled league play that will occur over an approximately four-month period of time. The 2019 MPL will be divided into two splits (S3 and S4). Each split will consist of three phases. Each split will consist of three phases:

7.1.3.1 Qualifiers

7.1.3.2 Regular Season, played after Qualifiers

7.1.3.3 Finals, played after Regular Season

7.2. Schedule

Determined by the schedule of different regions

7.3. Phase Details

7.3.1. Qualifiers   Determined by the local region’s MPL tournament format

7.3.2. Regular Season  Specific tournament format is determined by the local region’s MPL format. Tournament rankings will be determined through a points system. For complete dates and tournament schedules, please consult the official MPL website.

7.3.3. Regular Season Tiebreaker.  In the event that multiple teams are tied in the standings at the conclusion of either Regular Season split (as defined as having the same match winning score), 1) any teams so tied will be ranked by head-to-head record. 2) if multiple teams are tied and are unable to determine the winner through rankings, then additional matches will be held (BO1). Tied teams will participate in a single cycle of BO1, and will be ranked according to points. 3) If still no winner can be determined through points, they will be ranked according to the average match length of their victories in the additional matches with a shorter match length being ranked higher. 4) In the event of exceptional cases or other unforeseeable circumstances, the MPL commission will voice the final decision.

7.3.8. Playoffs: The top 8 teams in the Regular Season point rankings will enter into the Playoffs, the Playoff tournament format will be determined according to the different regions. Teams that have qualified from the Regular Season will compete against each other in a fixed order.

Default Playoff Competition Order: The first seed plays the eighth seed, the fourth seed plays the fifth seed, the second seed plays the seventh seed, the third seed plays the sixth seed (The MPL will notify of any adjustments made to this order ahead of time

1. Match Process

8.1. Changes to Schedule

MPL may, at its sole discretion, re-order the schedule of matches within a given day and/or change the date of an MPL match to a different date or otherwise modify the schedule of matches. In the event that MPL modifies a match schedule, MPL will notify all teams at the earliest convenience.

8.2. Arrival at Studio

Members of a team’s Roster who are participating in an MPL event must arrive at the studio no later than the time specified by MPL officials.

8.3. Referees

Referee Declarations: At any time, referees must maintain professional and impartial conduct, they cannot express any personal prejudice or sentiment towards any Team Member, Team, Team Manager, Head Coach or anyone else.

Any appeal made to the referee by members and Team Managers during a game must be communicated to and confirmed with the MPL at first before commencing with arbitration, referees are not allowed to consent to any demands made by team members of their own accord. The MPL will judge appeals of errors of judgments made by Referees, if the Referee is deemed to have made a mistake, the MPL will penalize them in accordance with the nature of their error. The MPL can assess any decisions made during or after a game in order to confirm whether the correct procedures have been implemented. If the correct procedures haven’t been abided by, the MPL reserves the right to overrule the Referee’s decision. The MPL maintains the right to make the final decision on all decisions throughout the duration of the Tournament.

The MPL officials reserve the final right of interpretation of these operation standards and protocols, any unsettled matters will be settled according to the MPL’s interpretation of the matter.

8.3.1. Responsibilities. Referees are MPL officials who are responsible for making judgments on every match-related issue, question and situation which occurs before, during, and immediately following match play. Their oversight includes, but is not limited to:

8.3.1.1 Before Match Start

1.1.1 Checking whether the team’s starting lineup matches with the one that was submitted

1.1.2 Checking and ensuring that all player peripherals are normal, items to be checked include:

1. That the 10 cellphones used for the competition are divided into two groups by the markers on their backs of Blue 01 – Blue 05 and Red 01 – Red 05, they cannot be switched without authorization.
2. Each cellphone used for the competition has over 50% of power remaining and is connected to a charging cable.
3. Each cellphone used for the competition has headphones connected to it and the headphones are functioning normally.
4. Each cellphone used for the competition is connected to the designated match Wi-Fi or 4G and has a completely stable signal. Please ensure that all the phones have all forgotten any unrelated Wi-Fi network (any switching and usage of the network must be confirmed with an MPL official)
5. If Discord must be used as the communication software, the Referees must ensure that each phone’s Discord software is open and the five phones have all entered into a group together, and are all functioning normally.
6. After the phones have been setup, launch the game and direct each player to check the team logo, nickname, team name, emblems etc. Once all steps have been completed, turn off the game in the background and reset it in order to ensure that all operations are effective.
7. Invite all team members participating in the match to enter the game room through an Observer Account and ensure that all members are in their correct teams, once each member has confirmed that they are ready, notify the OB of starting the match.

1.1.3 If members need to be switched, during a BO1 match, the information of the two players to be switched must be submitted to the match organizer 10 minutes before the start of the match. If it is a BO3 or BO5 match, the information of the two players to be switched must be submitted to the Referee five minutes after the last game has finished. Team members can only be switched in BO3 matches once, in BO5 matches team members can be switched twice. Referees have the right to refuse any switches between team members after the members have entered the Match Area.

1.1.4 Confirm the Match Area does not have any unauthorized persons

1.1.5 Check and ensure that players have not brought any electric communications equipment

1.1.6 Check and ensure that there is no food in the Match Area and all drinks conform to official requirements

1.1.7 Teams must prepare for the match one hour prior to its start and enter the game fifteen minutes prior to the start of the match and enter into the match room straight away upon invitation of the Observer Account. If one side is not ready once the pre-appointed match time has been reached, then everyone will wait an extra ten minutes. After this extra ten minutes of waiting time has finished, if one team has still not entered into the match room and prepared then the late team will be considered to have lost the first game of this match, if the team has still not entered into the match room and prepared after twenty minutes then the late team will be considered to have lost two games of this match and so on, up until one side has claimed victory.

If both teams are late then the match will use the BO3 match as reference. If both teams are fifteen minutes late, then they will both be considered to have lost. If the match is a point match, then the two teams will be given zero points each, if the match is an elimination match and the two teams have both exceeded the limited time, they will both be eliminated and the other two teams in their group will automatically qualify for the next match.

If there are unexpected circumstances that may cause a team to be late, the team must notify the MPL officials thirty minutes before the start of the match, the MPL officials will decide whether or not they agree to delay the match depending on the situation. If no MPL officials have been notified thirty minutes prior to the start of the match but the team is late nonetheless, the MPL officials will administer extra penalties to the team according to the match result’s importance.

8.3.1.2 During the Match

1.2.1 Once the players of both parties are ready and all equipment is working properly, announce the start of the match.

During the ban/pick phase, the Coach can communicate with the team and participate in the team’s ban/pick. Upon the end of the ban/pick phase, the Coach must leave the Match Area straight away and cannot communicate with their team in any way.

1.2.3. During the match, the Referees must observe and walk around the Match Area to check that all members are competing according to requirements.

1.2.4 If it is an online match, the maximum pause time for each team during each game is 5 minutes, the Referees must pause the match as soon as a team calls for a game pause and ask for the reason for pausing. If no good reason for pausing the game can be given, the MPL officials have the right to penalize the team which called for the pause according to severity. Acceptable reasons include, but are not limited to: Lag, software malfunction such as a glitch, phone hardware malfunction, the health of a player, MPL officials have the final right of interpretation for what is deemed an acceptable reason. If one team has used up all of its pause time during a game but still signifies they wish to pause, the Referee must first assess the situation and decide whether they will pause the match on behalf of the officials (due to a major issue such as a phone malfunction, internet disconnection, game crash etc.), if it’s just a little bit of lag or another minor issue the Referee can refuse the player’s request to pause the game and ensure the smooth running of the match. Once the problem has been resolved, the Referee must ask all players whether they are ready or not, once all the players have agreed, the Referee can resume the match.

If it is an offline match, teams can raise their hand to motion to the Referee and request for a pause, the Referee must pause the match as soon as a team calls for a game pause and ask for the reason for pausing. There is no maximum pause time per game for offline matches, but if no good reason for pausing the game can be given, the MPL officials have the right to penalize the team which called for the pause according to severity. Acceptable reasons include, but are not limited to: Lag, software malfunction such as a glitch, phone hardware malfunction, the health of a player, MPL officials have the final right of interpretation for what is deemed an acceptable reason. Once the problem has been resolved, the Referee must ask all players whether they are ready or not, once all the players have agreed, the Referee can resume the match.

1.2.5 If a Referee discovers a problem which greatly affects the match, they can pause/resume the match but a detailed explanation must be given afterwards and gain the MPL’s agreement, otherwise the Referee will be penalized. If a Referee discovers a large problem but doesn’t pause the match, they will be penalized all the same.

1.2.6 During the match, participating team members must ensure that their cellphone is connected to the charging cable throughout the entire course of the match and are not allowed to turn on Speed Mode, the cellphone’s internet settings are not allowed to be changed without a Referee’s notice.

1.2.7 During the match, the Referees must observe all the actions of the participating team members and warn them of any violations to the match rules, if they have given out multiple warnings to no effect, the Referee can inform the MPL at the end of the match, if deemed necessary, the concerned member will incur a penalty.

8.3.1.3 After the Match

1.3.1 Once the match has finished, the Referee must first confirm the end of the match and its result and sign the match result confirmation with the Team Captains

1.3.2 Once the aforementioned work has finished, if it is the end of a match, the Referee must give the order and tell members that they can proceed to the opponent’s seating area and shake hands.

8.3.2. Referee Comportment. At all times, referees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner, and shall issue rulings in an impartial manner. No passion or prejudice will be shown towards any player, team, team manager, coach, owner, or other individual.

8.3.3. Finality of Judgment. If a referee makes an incorrect judgment, the judgment can be subject to reversal. MPL officials at their discretion may evaluate the decision during or after the match to determine if the proper procedure was implemented to allow for a fair decision. If the proper procedure was not followed, MPL officials reserve the right to potentially invalidate the referee’s decision. MPL officials will always maintain final say in all decisions set forth throughout the MPL.

8.3.4. Gambling Prohibition. All rules prohibiting gambling on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, as found below in Section 10, shall apply to referees without limitation.

8.4. Competitive Patch & Match Server

The MPL will determine the game version used for the match and notify members ahead of time.

On the online servers, some remade Heroes, and Heroes that have newly been added will be prohibited from use within two weeks of being updated. The specific match prohibitions and usage times will be notified by MPL officials. As for Heroes that are known to cause glitches, members of the MPL will prohibit their usage for matches for a period of time according to the seriousness of the glitch, please strictly comply with the MPL’s notifications.

8.4.1. Example: Hero A was released on Oct. 1 2018, so Hero A becomes eligible to be used in all MPL matches on Oct. 15 2018.

8.5. Pre-Match Setup

8.5.1. Match Accounts: During the match, in tournament mode, all Heroes and skins can be used for free.

8.5.2. Setup Time. Players will have designated blocks of time prior to their match time to ensure they are fully prepared. MPL officials will inform players and teams of their scheduled setup time and duration as part of their match schedule. MPL officials may change the schedule at any time. Setup time is considered to have begun once players enter the Match Area, at which point they are not allowed to leave without permission of the on-site MPL official or referee. Setup is comprised of the following:

8.5.2.1. Ensuring the quality of all MPL-provided equipment.

8.5.2.2. Connecting and calibrating devices.

8.5.2.3. Ensuring proper function of voice chat system.

8.5.2.4. Setting up Emblem and Battle Spells pages.

8.5.2.5. Adjusting in-game settings.

8.5.2.6. Limited in-game warm-up.

8.5.3. Seating Order. Players must sit in the seating order they submitted.

8.5.4. Technical Failure of Equipment. If a player encounters any equipment problems during any phase of the setup process, player must alert and notify an MPL official immediately.

8.5.5. Technical Support. MPL officials will be available to assist with the setup process and troubleshoot any problems encountered during the pre-match setup period.

8.5.6. Timeliness of Match Start. It is expected that players will resolve any issues with the setup process within the allotted time and that match will begin at the scheduled time. Delays due to setup problems may be permitted, at the sole discretion of MPL officials. Penalties for tardiness may be assessed at the discretion of the MPL.

8.5.7. Acknowledgement of Pre-Match Testing. Approximate 5 minutes before the match is scheduled to begin, a referee will confirm with each player that their setup is complete.

8.5.8. Player Ready State. Once all ten players in a match have confirmed completion of setup, players may not alter their emblem pages or enter a warm-up game.

8.5.9. Game Lobby Creation. MPL officials will decide how the official game lobby will be created. Players will be directed by MPL officials to join a game lobby as soon as testing has been completed, in their seating order.

8.6. Game Setup

8.6.1. Start of Pick / Ban Process. Once all ten players have reported to the official game lobby, a referee will request confirmation that both teams are ready for the pick/ban phase (as defined and described below). Once both teams confirm readiness, a referee will instruct the OB to start the game

8.6.2. Recording of Pick/Ban Process. Picks/bans will proceed through the client’s Tournament Mode feature. If picks/bans are completed substantially in advance of game setup, at the instruction and discretion of MPL officials, the MPL officials will record the official picks/bans and manually abort the game start.

8.7. Pick / Ban Phase & Side Selection

8.7.1. Draft Pick: The OB will select Draft Pick. After Draft has started, the starting players of each team can’t be substituted. Players can use any Hero within the team’s Draft (Heroes prohibited by the MPL can’t be used).

8.7.2. Restrictions on Gameplay Elements. Restrictions may be added at any time before or during a match, if there are known bugs with any items, Heroes, skins, emblems, or battle spells, or for any other reason as determined at the discretion of the MPL.

8.7.3. Side Selection. Teams’ sides will be pre-selected during the regular season by MPL as set forth in Section 7.3.1. In the playoffs, the higher-ranked seed will have side selection for odd-numbered games (e.g. Games 1, 3, and 5), while the lower seed will have side selection for even-numbered games (Games 2 and 4). For example, the higher seed may choose to play game 1, 3 and 5 on blue or red side and the lower seed may choose to play game 2 and 4 on red or blue side. The higher seed will be required to submit their final decision for game 1 by the deadline. If the match is carried out over the course of a few consecutive days, the team must submit their final decision one day before the start of the Studio at 22:00 at night (according to the local time where the match is being held). If no decision is submitted, the team with the higher seed will default as Blue.

8.7.4. Draft Pick. Draft Pick proceeds in a snake draft format as follows:

Blue = A; Red = B

Ban: ABABBA Picks: ABBAABBAAB

8.7.5. Selection Error. In the event of an erroneously-selected Hero pick or ban caused by personal reason, the erroneous selection shall be deemed irrevocable. If it is caused by a technical reason or malfunction of the game, the team in error must notify a referee immediately, the referee and MPL officials will then communicate and confirm with one another before deciding whether or not the player can reselect.

8.7.6. Trading Champions. Teams must complete all champion trades before the countdown ends during the Trading Phase, or will be subject to a penalty in future games.

8.7.7. Game Start After Pick/Ban. A game will start immediately after the pick/ban process is complete, unless otherwise stated by an MPL official. At this point, MPL will remove any printed materials from the Match Area, including any notes written by Team Members. Players are not allowed to quit a game during the time between the completion of picks/bans and game launch, also known as “Free Time.”

8.7.8. Controlled Game Start. In the event of an error in game start or a decision by MPL to separate the pick/ban process from game start, an MPL official may start the game in a controlled manner. All players will select Heroes in accordance with the previous valid completed pick/ban process.

8.7.9. Slow Client Load. If  disconnect, or any other failure occurs which interrupts the loading process and prevents a player from joining a game upon game start, the game must be immediately paused until all ten players are connected to the game.

1. Game Rules

9.1. Definition of Terms

9.1.1. Unintentional Disconnection. A player losing connection to the game due to problems or issues with the game client, cellphone, network or other devices.

9.1.2. Intentional Disconnection. A player losing connection to the game due to player’s actions (i.e. quitting the game). Any actions of a player which lead to a disconnection shall be deemed intentional, regardless of the actual intent of the player.

9.1.3. Server Crash. All players losing connection to a game due to an issue with a game server, Match Server, or venue internet instability.

9.2. Game of Record

A game of record (“GOR”) refers to a game where all ten players have loaded and which has progressed to a point of meaningful interaction between opposing teams. Once a game attains GOR status, the period ends in which incidental restarts may be permitted and a game will be considered as “official” from that point onward. After the establishment of GOR, game restarts will be allowed only under limited conditions (see Section 9.4) Examples of conditions which establish GOR:

9.2.1. Any attack or ability is landed on minions, jungle creeps, structures, or enemy heroes.

9.2.2. Line-of-sight is established between players on opposing teams.

9.2.3. Setting foot, establishing vision or targeting skillshot ability in opponent’s jungle by either team, which includes either leaving the river or entering brush connected to enemy jungle.

9.2.4. Game timer reaches two minutes (00:02:00).

9.3. Stoppage of Play

If a player intentionally disconnects without notifying an MPL official or pausing, an MPL official is not required to enforce a stoppage. During any pause or stoppage, players may not leave the match area unless authorized by an MPL official.

9.3.1. Directed Pause. MPL officials may order the pause of a match or execute a pause command on any player station at the sole discretion of the MPL officials, at any time.

9.3.2. Player Pause. Players may only pause a match immediately following any of the events described below, but must signal an MPL official immediately after the pause and identify the reason. Acceptable reasons include:

9.3.2.1. An Unintentional Disconnection.

9.3.2.2. A hardware or software malfunction (e.g. monitor power or peripheral disability or game glitch)

9.3.2.3. Physical interference with a player (e.g., fan gank or broken chair or table)

Player illness, injury, or disability is not an acceptable reason for a player pause. In such a situation, the team must alert an MPL official, who may in his/her sole discretion, grant a pause in order to evaluate the identified player to determine whether player is ready, willing, and able to continue playing within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the MPL official, but not to exceed a few minutes. If the MPL official determines that the identified player is not able to continue playing within such reasonable period of time, then the identified player’s team shall forfeit the game unless an MPL official, in his/her discretion, determines that the game is subject to an Awarded Game Victory (see Section 9.5).

9.3.3. Resuming the Game. Players are not permitted to resume the game after a pause. After clearance from an MPL official is issued and all players are notified and ready at their stations, which will be contingent on the team captain confirming through in-game chat that both teams are ready to resume play, the in-client spectators will unpause the game.

9.3.4. Unauthorized Pause. If a player pauses or unpauses a game without permission from an MPL official, it will be considered unfair play and penalties will be applied at the discretion of MPL officials.

9.4. Resuming the Game.

Under which conditions can a game be reset is entirely decided by the MPL officials. The following conditions are examples used to illustrate:

9.4.1. Remakes Before GOR. The following are examples of situations in which a game may be remade if GOR has not been established:

9.4.1.1. If a player notices that player’s emblems, battle spells or GUI settings have not applied correctly due to a bug between the game lobby and match, player can pause the game to adjust these settings. If the settings cannot be correctly adjusted, then the game may be restarted.

9.4.1.2. If MPL officials determine that technical difficulties will not allow for the game to resume as normal (including a team’s ability to be in proper position for certain game events, such as minion spawn)

9.4.2. Restarts After GOR. The following are examples of situations in which a game may be restarted after GOR has been established.

9.4.2.1. If a game experiences a critical bug at any point during the match which significantly alters game stats or gameplay mechanics.

9.4.2.2. If an MPL official determines that there are environmental conditions which are unfair (e.g. excessive noise, fan gank, hostile weather, unacceptable safety risks)

9.4.3. Restart Protocol. 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.

Certain circumstances must be met before a restart may occur. MPL officials must determine that the bug is critical and verifiable. For the bug to be considered critical, the bug must significantly damage a player’s ability to compete in the game situation. The determination of whether the bug has damaged a player’s ability to compete is up to the sole discretion of the MPL officials. In order for a bug to be considered verifiable, the bug must be conclusively present and not possibly attributable to player error. The spectator must then be able to replay the instance in question and verify the bug.

If a player believes s/he has experienced a critical bug, s/he must pause the game and alert a referee in a timely fashion. If it is believed that a player is attempting to delay reporting of a bug to wait for a possible restart at a more advantageous time, then a restart will no longer be granted.

If MPL officials determine that the bug is critical and verifiable and that the player followed the pause protocol, then the disadvantaged team will be presented with the option for a restart. If the team accepts, officials will attempt to utilize the rules set in Section 9.4 to recover the game. An exception to Rule 9.4 is if the restart occurred due to a hero bug, then settings no longer will be retained (including picks and bans) regardless of Game of Record status and the hero may be made ineligible for at least the remainder of the day’s matches unless the bug can be conclusively tied to a specific game element that can be fully removed (i.e. a skin that can be disabled).

This section is applicable if the pause is directed as per Section 9.3.1 and does not limit the ability of an MPL official to institute a restart.

9.4.4. Controlled Environment. Certain conditions may be preserved in the event of a restart of a game that has not reached GOR, including, without limitation, picks/bans or battle spells. If, however, a match has reached GOR then MPL officials shall not retain any settings.

9.4.5. Player Confirmation of Settings. Each team captain shall verify that every player on his/her team has finalized their intended game settings (including emblems, talents, controls, and GUI settings) before GOR is established. Any error in verification is not grounds for a game restart after GOR is established.

9.5. Awarded Game Victory

In the event of a technical difficulty which leads MPL officials to declare a restart, the MPL may instead award a game victory to a team. MPL officials, in their sole discretion, may determine that a team cannot avoid defeat to a degree of reasonable certainty. The following criteria may be used as reference for determining this acknowledgement, if the two criteria are not satisfied, one team’s victory is unable to be directly determined, however, if one of the criteria has been satisfied the MPL officials will use their own judgement according to the situation to determine whether one team would be inevitably defeated.

9.5.1. The difference in kills between the teams is no less than 15.

9.5.2. A game has been played for more than 10 minutes on the game clock while gold difference is more than 800*gaming time.

9.6. Post-Game Process

9.6.1. Results. MPL officials will confirm and record game result.

9.6.2. Tech Notes. Players will identify any tech issues with MPL officials.

9.6.3. Break Time. MPL officials will inform players of the remaining amount of time before the next game’s pick/ban phase begins. The pick/ban phase will start at the pre-determined time whether all of the team is in the Match Area or not. MPL officials can decide themselves whether or not to log in on a player’s account and enter into the game lobby. After pick/ban has started, any player of a team present in the Match Area can determine the Hero pick/ban for their team. However, if there are no players from a team present in the Match Area when the pick/ban phase starts, this team will be considered as abstaining from this game’s pick/ban.

9.6.4. Results of Forfeiture. Matches won by forfeit will be reported by the minimum score it would take for one team to win the match (e.g. 1-0 for BO1 matches, 2-0 for BO3 matches, 3-0 for BO5 matches). No other statistics will be recorded for forfeited matches.

9.7. Post-Match Process

9.7.1. Results. MPL officials will confirm and record the match result.

9.7.2. Next Match. Players will be informed of their current standing in the competition, including their next scheduled match.

9.7.3. Players will be informed of any post-match obligations, including, but not limited to, media appearances, interviews, or further discussion of any match matters.

9.7.4. Match participants must comply with the uniform arrangement of the MPL, no players can act independently without consent (for example, not following others on the bus, night out, changing rooms etc).

9.7.5. Match participants can’t bring unauthorized personnel into the Team Member Areas, into the hotel arranged by the MPL, ride in buses arranged by the MPL or participate in other group events.

1. Player Conduct

10.1. Competition Conduct

10.1.1. Unfair Play. The following actions will be considered unfair play and will be subject to penalties at the discretion of MPL officials

10.1.1.1. Collusion. Collusion is defined as any agreement among two (2) or more players, coaches, teams, and/or confederates to disadvantage opposing players. Collusion includes, but is not limited to, acts such as:

10.1.1.1.1. Soft play, which is defined as any agreement among two (2) or more players to not damage, impede or otherwise play to a reasonable standard of competition in a game.

10.1.1.1.2. Pre-arranging to split prize money and/or any other form of compensation

10.1.1.1.3. Sending or receiving signals, electronic or otherwise, from a confederate to/from a player.

10.1.1.1.4. Deliberately losing a game for prize money, or for any other reason, or attempting to induce another player to do so.

10.1.1.2. Competitive Integrity. Teams are expected to play at their best at all times within any MPL game, and to avoid any behavior inconsistent with the principles of good sportsmanship, honesty, or fair play. For the purpose of clarification, team composition and the pick/ban phase will not be considered when determining whether this rule has been violated.

10.1.1.3. Hacking. Hacking is defined as any modification of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang game client by any player, team or person acting on behalf of a player or a team.

10.1.1.4. Exploiting. Exploiting is defined as intentionally using any in-game bug to seek an advantage. Exploiting includes, but is not limited to, acts such as: glitches in buying items, glitches in neutral minion interactions, glitches in Champion ability performance, or any other game function that, in the sole determination of MPL officials, is not functioning as intended.

10.1.1.5. Spectator Monitors. Looking at or attempting to look at spectator monitors

10.1.1.6. Ringing. Playing under another player’s account or soliciting, inducing, encouraging or directing someone else to play under another player’s account.

10.1.1.7. Cheating Methods. The use of any kind of cheating device and/or cheat program, or any similar cheating method such as signaling devices, hand signals, etc.

10.1.1.8. Intentional Disconnection. An intentional disconnection without a proper and explicitly-stated reason.

10.1.1.9. MPL Discretion. Any other further act, failure to act, or behavior which, in the sole judgment of MPL officials, violates these Rules and/or the standards of integrity established by MPL for competitive game play.

10.1.2. Profanity and Hate Speech. A Team Member may not use language that is obscene, foul, vulgar, insulting, threatening, abusive, libelous, slanderous, defamatory or otherwise offensive or objectionable; or promote or incite hatred or discriminatory conduct, in or near the match area, at any time. A Team Member may not use any facilities, services or equipment provided or made available by MPL or its contractors to post, transmit, disseminate or otherwise make available any such prohibited communications. A Team Member may not use this type of language on social media or during any public facing events such as streaming

10.1.3.  A Team Member may not take any action or perform any gesture directed at an opposing Team Member, fan, or official, or incite any other individual(s) to do the same, which is insulting, mocking, disruptive or antagonistic.

10.1.4. Abusive Behavior. Abuse of MPL officials, opposing Team Members, or audience members will not be tolerated. Repeated etiquette violations, including but not limited to touching another player’s cellphone, body or property will result in penalties. Team Members and their guests (if any) must treat all individuals attending a match with respect.

10.1.5. Studio Interference. No Team Member may touch or otherwise interfere with lights, cameras or other studio equipment. Team Members may not stand on chairs, tables or other studio equipment. Team Members must follow all instructions of MPL studio personnel.

10.1.6. Unauthorized Communications. All mobile phones, tablets and other voice-enabled and/or “ringing” electronic devices must be removed from the play area before the game. Players may not text/email or use social media while in the match area. During the match, communication by a Starter shall be limited to the players on the Starter’s team.

10.1.7. Apparel. Team Members may wear apparel with multiple logos, patches or promotional language. MPL reserves the right at all times to impose a ban on objectionable or offensive apparel:

10.1.7.1. Containing any false, unsubstantiated, or unwarranted claims for any product or service, or testimonials, that MPL, in its sole and absolute discretion, considers unethical.

10.1.7.2. Advertising any non-“over the counter” drug, tobacco product, firearm, handgun or ammunition.

10.1.7.3. Containing any material constituting or relating to any activities which are illegal in any MPL region, including but not limited to, a lottery or an enterprise, service or product that abets, assists or promotes gambling

10.1.7.4. Containing any material that is defamatory, obscene, profane, vulgar, repulsive or offensive, or that describes or depicts any internal bodily functions or symptomatic results of internal conditions, or refers to matters which are not considered socially acceptable topics.

10.1.7.5. Advertising any pornographic website or pornographic products.

10.1.7.6. Containing any trademark, copyrighted material or other element of intellectual property that is used without the owner’s consent or that may give rise to, or subject MPL or its affiliates to, any claim of infringement, misappropriation, or other form of unfair competition.

10.1.7.7. Disparaging or libeling any opposing team or player or any other person, entity or product.

10.1.7.8. The MPL reserves the right to refuse entry or continued participation in the match to any Team Member who does not comply with the aforementioned apparel rules  in 5.3.

10.1.8. Identity. A player may not cover his or her face or attempt to conceal his or her identity from MPL officials. MPL officials must be able to distinguish the identity of each player at all times and may instruct players to remove any material that inhibits the identification of players or is a distraction to other players or MPL officials. For this reason, as well as those listed in Section 5.7, hats are not allowed.

10.2. Unprofessional Behavior

10.2.1. Responsibility Under Code. Unless expressly stated otherwise, offenses and infringements of these Rules are punishable, whether or not they were committed intentionally. Attempts to commit such offenses or infringements are also punishable.

10.2.2. Harassment. Harassment is forbidden. Harassment is defined as systematic, hostile and repeated acts taking place over a considerable period of time, or a singular egregious instance, which is/are intended to isolate or ostracize a person and/or affect the dignity of the person.

10.2.3. Sexual Harassment. Sexual harassment is forbidden. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances. The assessment is based on whether a reasonable person would regard the conduct as undesirable or offensive. There is zero tolerance for any sexual threats/coercion or the promise of advantages in exchange for sexual favors.

10.2.4. Discrimination and Denigration. Team Members may not offend the dignity or integrity of a country, private person or group of people through contemptuous, discriminatory or denigrating words or actions on account of race, skin color, ethnic, national or social origin, gender, language, religion, political opinion or any other opinion, financial status, birth or any other status, sexual orientation or any other reason.

10.2.5. Statements Regarding MPL, Moonton, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Team Members may not give, make, issue, authorize or endorse any statement or action having, or designed to have, an effect prejudicial or detrimental to the best interest of MPL, Moontons or its affiliates, or Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of MPL.

10.2.6. Tribunal Punishment. If a Team Member is found guilty and punished by the Moonton Tribunal, MPL officials may assign an additional competition penalty at their sole discretion.

10.2.7. Releasing Information Without Approval. Teams will be asked to submit paperwork for approval or visibility throughout the MPL season. This paperwork is necessary for maintaining expectations throughout the league. Early announcements can disrupt the competitive scouting a team would use to create strategies for upcoming matches. For this reason, if a Team Member has been told not to release information, as it may undermine the competitive process, and the Team Member proceeds to release said information, then the Team Member and/or Team will be subject to penalties.

10.2.8. Player Behavior Investigation. If MPL or Moonton determines that a Team or Team Member has violated the Player Code, the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Terms of Use, or other rules of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, MPL officials may assign penalties at their sole discretion. If an MPL official contacts a Team Member to discuss the investigation, the Team Member is obligated to tell the truth. If a Team Member withholds information or misleads an MPL official creating an obstruction of the investigation then the Team and/or Team Member is subject to punishment

10.2.9. Criminal Activity. A Team Member may not engage in any activity which is prohibited by common law, statute, or treaty and which leads to or may be reasonably deemed likely to lead to conviction in any court of competent jurisdiction.

10.2.10. Behavior contrary to morality: Team members can’t participate in any actions considered by the MPL to be immoral, disgraceful or contrary to traditional morals and ethics.

10.2.11. Confidentiality. A Team Member may not disclose any confidential information provided by MPL or any affiliate of Moonton, by any method of communication, including all social media channels.

10.2.12. Bribery. No Team Member may offer any gift or reward to a player, coach, manager, MPL official, Moonton employee, or person connected with or employed by another MPL team for services promised, rendered, or to be rendered in defeating or attempting to defeat a competing team.

10.2.13. No Poaching or Tampering. No Team Member or Affiliate of a team may solicit, lure, or make an offer of employment to any official coach or player who is signed to any MPL team, nor encourage any such official coach or player to breach or otherwise terminate a contract with said MPL team. An official coach or player may not solicit a team to violate this rule. An official coach or player may express publicly their desire to leave the team and encourage any and all interested parties to contact their management (i.e. a general statement aimed at the entire marketplace). But, to be clear, the official coach or player may not entice a team directly to reach out to their management or attempt to violate their contractual obligations (i.e. a player cannot contact or callout a team and suggest that they inquire about the player). Violations of this rule shall be subject to penalties, at the discretion of MPL officials. To inquire about the status of an official coach or player from another team, managers must contact the management of the team that the player and/or official coach is currently contracted with. The inquiring team must provide visibility to MPL officials before being able to discuss the contract with a player.

10.2.14. Gifts. No Team Member may accept any gift, reward or compensation for services promised, rendered, or to be rendered in connection with competitive play of the game, including services related to defeating or attempting to defeat a competing team or services designed to throw or fix a match or game. The sole exception to this rule shall be in the case of performance-based compensation paid to a Team Member by a team’s official sponsor or owner.

10.2.15. Non-Compliance. No Team Member may refuse or fail to apply the reasonable instructions or decisions of MPL officials.

10.2.16. Match-Fixing. No Team Member may offer, agree, conspire, or attempt to influence the outcome of a game or match by any means that are prohibited by law or these Rules.

10.2.17. Document or Miscellaneous Requests. Documentation or other reasonable items may be required at various times throughout the MPL as requested by MPL officials. If the documentation is not completed to the standards set by the MPL then a team may be subject to penalties. Penalties may be imposed if the items requested are not received and completed at the required time.

10.2.18 It is not permitted to smoke inside non-smoking areas or other actions which violate venue rules when in the venues provided by the officials.

10.3. Association with Gambling

No Team Member or MPL official may take part, either directly or indirectly, in betting or gambling on any results of any Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament or match globally.

10.4. Subjection to Penalty

Any person found to have engaged in or attempted to engage in any act that MPL believes, in its sole and absolute discretion, constitutes unfair play, will be subject to penalty. The nature and extent of the penalties imposed due to such acts shall be in the sole and absolute discretion of the MPL.

10.5. Penalties

Upon discovery of any Team Member committing any violations of the rules listed above, the MPL may, without limitation of its authority under Section 10.4, issue the following penalties:

10.5.1. Verbal Warning(s)

10.5.2. Loss of Side Selection for Current or Future Game(s)

10.5.3. Loss of Ban for Current or Future Game(s)

10.5.4. Fine(s) and/or Prize Forfeiture(s)

10.5.5. Game Forfeiture(s)

10.5.6. Match Forfeiture(s)

10.5.7. Suspension(s)

10.5.8. Disqualification(s)

Repeated infractions are subject to escalating penalties, up to, and including, disqualification from future participation in MPL. It should be noted that penalties may not always be imposed in a successive manner. MPL, in its sole discretion, for example, can disqualify a player for a first offense if the action of said player is deemed egregious enough to be worthy of disqualification by MPL.

10.6. Right to Publish

MPL shall have the right to publish a declaration stating that a Team Member has been penalized. Any Team Members and/or team which may be referenced in such declaration hereby waive any right of legal action against MPL.

1. Spirit of the Rules

11.1. Finality of Decisions

All decisions regarding the interpretation of these rules, player eligibility, scheduling and staging of the MPL, and penalties for misconduct, lie solely with MPL, the decisions of which are final. MPL decisions with respect to these Rules cannot be appealed and shall not give rise to any claim for monetary damages or any other legal or equitable remedy.

11.2. Rule Changes

These Rules may be amended, modified or supplemented by MPL, from time to time, in order to ensure fair play and the integrity of MPL.

11.3. Best Interests of the MPL

MPL officials at all times may act with the necessary authority to preserve the best interests of the MPL. This power is not constrained by the lack of any specific language in this document. MPL officials may use any form of punitive actions at their disposal against any entity whose conduct is not within the confines of the best interests of the MPL.