2022 Honor of Kings International Championship Rules

November 2022

Introduction and Purpose

These Official Rules ("Rules") of the 2022 Honor of Kings International Championship (KIC) apply to each of the teams qualified for the 2022 KIC, as well as their owner, managers, coaches, players, and other employees ("Team members"). These Rules are designed to ensure the integrity and standardized operation of the Honor of Kings professional competition system, to sustain a competitive balance among the teams that play at the professional level, and to offer guidance for team members. Standardized rules benefit all parties involved in the professional play of Honor of Kings. The Rules do not restrict competition for players. The terms of engagement between players and teams are left to each of the teams and its players.

1 Definition of Terms

1.1 Game

An instance of competition on the Hero's Gorge map that is played until a winner is determined by one of the following methods, whichever occurs first:

(a) Destruction of an Enemy's Crystal,

(b) Team Surrender, or

(c) Awarded Game Victory/Defeat.

1.2 Side Selection Right

The right to choose a side (i.e., Blue or Red) before a match.

1.3 Match

A set of games that is played until one team wins a majority of the total games , or the number of rounds required by the competition system is completed.(e.g., two teams finish two games in the BO2; winning four games out of seven (BO7)). The winner of each match will gain point or advance to the next round in the knockout format.

1.4 A Match

A set of games played in the BO1/BO2/BO7 format that will influence team's points or decide which team will advance to the next round in the knockout format.

1.5 A Game

A part of a match.

2 Event Eligibility

2.1 Team Eligibility

2.1.1 China (KPL)

Two KPL teams, namely 2022 Summer KPL Winner and the team with the highest points in 2021-2022 Champions League, will be seeded into Group Stage.

Among the rest, ranked by points accumulated in 2021-2022 Champions League, four teams (from #1 to #4) will be eligible for the first round of Qualifiers; ten teams (two losing teams in the first round and teams ranked from #5 to #12) will be eligible for the second round of Qualifiers.

2.1.2 Other Regions

Areas will be awarded berths in 2022 KIC as follows: (Areas that fail to meet relevant demands will be disqualified in 2022 KIC, and their berths shall be given to teams in Qualifiers; berths gained by teams in Qualifiers, if canceled, will not be given to other teams.)

Regions Berth Allocation

Türkiye area 1 Team seeded into Group Stage

Latam area 1 Team seeded into Group Stage

Brazil area 1 Team seeded into Group Stage

Middle East and North Africa (MENA) area 1 Team seeded into Group Stage

South Asia area 1 Team seeded into Other Area Qualifiers

Europe area 1 Team seeded into Other Area Qualifiers

North America area 1 Team seeded into Other Area Qualifiers

South Korea area 1 Team seeded into Other Area Qualifiers

Japan area 1 Team seeded into Other Area Qualifiers

Garena area 3 Team seeded into Other Area Qualifiers

2-1 Berth Allocation for Teams in Other Areas

3 Roster Rules

3.1 Roster Requirements

During 2022 KIC, each team is required to maintain five players in the starting line-up (Starters), two substitute players (Reserves), a Head Coach, and a Team Manager. If a team cannot meet this demand because of force majeure, it shall report to the 2022 KIC Committee (the Committee) in advance, and then the Committee will decide whether the team is eligible for the match. A team's line-up consists of Starters and Reserves. Teams who fail to meet the requirements above shall file their application for new player registration to the Committee. It is forbidden to have a team member work for more than one teams in any form. The Committee has the right to disqualify teams whose roster is not complete.

3.1.1 Line-Up

A team's line-up shall consist of seven players (five Starters + two Reserves). If a team cannot meet this demand because of force majeure, it shall report to the Committee in advance, and the Committee will decide whether the team is eligible for the match. Players and their teams shall have written contracts. A KIC player shall only play for the team that signed him/her. Each KIC Team shall submit to its players. When submitted as required, Team Line-Ups will be presented on KIC's official website after players sign and confirm. Line-Ups shown on KIC's official website will be considered as the latest available player lists.

3.1.2 Head Coach

During KIC, teams' Head Coaches shall fulfill their responsibilities. The Head Coaches are not allowed to leave their team or to transfer to any other teams. If a team needs to change its Head Coach during KIC, then it shall:

(a) file an application (compliance documents such as the photograph and contract of the new Head Coach) to the Committee at least 48 hours before the team's next match.

(b) the team that files the application less than 48 hours in advance for whatever reason other than emergent illness or force majeure will be subject to punishments.

The Head Coach who is replaced will not be allowed to be on stage (except the emergent illness or force majeure)during the Ban/Pick Phase of the team's future matches during this KIC, though they could still work for the team.

3.1.3 Players

At least six to seven players in the Line-Up are required to be on-site for every match.

3.1.4 Other Team Personnel

On Match Day, apart from Starters and Reserves, only a team's Head Coach, Analyst, Team Manager, and Leader are allowed to be on-site after filling an application to the Committee at least 48 hours in advance. Personnel other than those mentioned above shall have tickets for venue access, but they are forbidden to enter the match area and the team lounge.

3.2 Line-Up Submission

3.2.1 Pre-Match Line-Up Submission

Teams shall submit their Line-Ups, which include five Starters and two Reserves, before the deadline set by the Committee. The Line-Up cannot be modified after the deadline. The Committee is able to, at its discretion, approve or deny Line-Up modification applications based on the rules regarding player's eligibility and Line-Up Submission. Teams that modify their Line-Ups shall bear potential costs.

3.2.2 Substitutions

If a team wishes to substitute players (Starters or Reserves) for its first game in the first match, the substitution application must be filed to the Committee no later than 48 hours before the match.

3.3 Team Names, Team Tags and Player Names

3.3.1 Team Names and Team Tags

Teams shall not use duplicate or similar names, and team tags must be unique. Teams that want to change their names or tags shall file an application to the Committee 15 working days in advance. Name changes can only be done during the transfer window, during which each team can only apply once. New names shall not share similar elements with other teams', and it is forbidden to use a sponsor's logo as the team tag.

3.3.2 Player Names

A player must use the Summoner Name that their team submits before the match. Please be noted that a player is not allowed to use Hero names/names similar to any Heroes in Honor of Kings, or any words that might cause ambiguity. Names must be no more than 16 English letters long. A player's name can only be used after the Committee's approval. During KIC, name changes are not allowed. The Committee reserves the right of final review.

3.4 Player and Coach Apparel

Players and coaches must wear official team uniforms (Season 2022-2023, Home/Away) during all KIC matches and public activities. The matching apparel includes shirts, jerseys, jackets, and pants. The Committee reserves the right at all times to impose a ban on objectionable or offensive apparel:

(A) Containing any false, unsubstantiated, or unwarranted claims for any products, services, or testimonials.

(B) Advertising any non-"over the counter" drugs, tobacco products, firearms, handguns or ammunition.

(C) Containing any materials constituting or relating to lotteries, enterprises, services, or products that abet, assist, or promote gambling.

(D) Containing any topics that the public considers as unacceptable.

(E) Advertising any pornographic websites or pornographic products.

(F) Containing any copyrighted materials that are used without the owners' consent or that may give rise to or subject KIC or its affiliates to any claim of infringement, misappropriation, or other forms of unfair competition.

(G) Containing information of any competitor products, brands, or clothes that the Committee considers as inappropriate.

The Committee reserves the right to refuse entry or continued participation in the match to any Team Members who do not comply with the aforementioned apparel rules.

3.4.1 Player Uniform Design Requirements

(A) The uniform must be designed and made by the team itself.

(B) The team's logo shall be printed at a conspicuous position in the front.

(C) The uniform can contain logos (not too many) of the team's major sponsors on the front and sleeves.

(D) The Committee will review all uniforms and has the right to advise on design adjustments; review criteria include whether the design is acceptable to the public, whether the size and position of different logos are appropriate, and so on.

(E) Pants and shoes shall be in consistent colors respectively. Before the match, the Committee will provide KIC theme uniforms, which shall be worn in occasions like non-match interviews and other official activities. KIC theme uniforms may also be used as interim matching clothes when a team's uniform design fails to meet relevant requirements, so that the team can have a buffering period for design adjustments.

(F) Coaches shall note the dress code and attend matches or public activities during KIC in formal attire (including suits, tuxedos, or Chinese tunic suits).

4 Venue

4.1 Competition Area Layout

4.1.1 Match Area

The Match Area is the area that players use during match play. During match play, the presence of Team Members and the coaches in the Match Area is restricted solely to the Starters of the teams in play.

The presence of any electronic devices, including mobile phones and tablets, is not allowed in the Match Area during match play.

No food is allowed in the Match Area. Drinks approved by the Committee are permitted in the Match Area.

4.1.2 Substitutes' Bench

Only Team Members on each team's roster are permitted on the bench. Coaches can monitor their players' real-time audio from the bench.

4.1.3 Team Lounge

The Team Lounge is reserved for Team Members. The right of entry is decided by the Committee at its discretion. Team Members shall follow relevant rules and maintain the order in the Team Lounge. No noise is allowed in the Team Lounge as it might affect other teams. A team shall keep its Team Lounge clean and tidy.

4.1.4 Audience Area

The Audience Area is a ticketed area for audiences to watch KIC matches. Players or coaches of the match are not allowed to enter the Audience Area.

4.2 Venue Fairness

Players will not be able to see the details of their opponents' Match Area or the screen for the live broadcast of the match.

Players will not be able to receive any clear audio input other than from their Match Area, such as audio signals sent from their opponents' Match Area, Substitutes' Bench, Audience Area, or casters.

5 Tournament Structure

5.1 Qualifiers

5.1.1 KPL Qualifier Round 1

(A)Schedule: Nov 25 - Nov 26

(B)Teams: The top four teams (except for the two seeded into Group Stage) ranked by accumulated points in 2021-2022 Champions League.

(C)Format: Best-of-seven single elimination, the winner will advance to Group Stage. The losing side will enter the second round of Qualifiers.

(D)Game Mode: Global Pick/Ban + Ultimate Battle in Game 7.

(E)Matchup: Team with the highest points will play the fourth highest; team with the second highest points will play the third highest.

(F)Side Selection: Side Selection for the first game of each match will be determined by a coin toss. Throughout the rest of the match, the losing side automatically gets the right to choose the side for the next game.

5.1.2 KPL Qualifier Round 2

(A)Schedule: Nov 27 - Nov 30

(B)Teams: Two losing teams in Round 1 and teams (except for the two seeded into Group Stage) ranked from #5 to #12 by accumulated points in 2021-2022 Champions League(8 teams).

(C)Format: Best-of-one round-robin tournament, in which the winner of a match gets one point, and the losing side gets zero. The top four teams advance to the Group Stage.

(D)Game Mode: Pick/Ban.

(E)Side Selection: Side Selection for each match will be determined by referee through a coin toss.

(F)Tie: In the situation where two or more teams have same points, the winner(s) will be determined by the relationship between winning and losing of each team. If the relationship between winning and losing of the teams is 1/1, then the teams are considered to have a tiebreaker, then tiebreaker games will be played.

(G)Tiebreaker Game: Teams that need to have tiebreaker games will play with each other in a round-robin tournament, BO1.

5.1.3 Other Area Qualifiers

(A)Schedule: Nov 22 - Nov 24

(B)Teams: Eight wild-card teams in Qualifiers

(C)Format: Best-of-one round-robin tournament, in which the winner of a match gets one point, and the losing side gets zero. The top four teams in each group advance to the Group Stage.

(D)Game Mode: Pick/Ban

(E)Side Selection: Side Selection for the first game of each match will be determined by a coin toss. Throughout the rest of the match, the losing side automatically gets the right to choose the side for the next game.

(F)Tie: In the situation where two or more teams have same points, the winner(s) will be determined by the relationship between winning and losing of each team. If the relationship between winning and losing of the teams is 1/1, then the teams are considered to have a tiebreaker, then tiebreaker games will be played.

(G)Tiebreaker Game: Teams that need to have tiebreaker games will play with each other in a round-robin tournament, BO1.

5.2 Sortition

Main Draw (Group Stage) qualified teams from different areas will entering the pool of their area, teams from the same pool will not be divided into the same group in the group stage.

The following are the group composition of the Group Stage. The draw for the Group Stage will be carried out according to the following rules.

Group A Group B Group C Group D

KPL Area Seed Pool #1 KPL Area Seed Pool #2 KPL Area Seed Pool #3 KPL Area Seed Pool #4

Other Area Seed Pool #1 Other Area Seed Pool #2 Other Area Seed Pool #3 Other Area Seed Pool #4

Non-Seed Pool #1 Non-Seed Pool #3 Non-Seed Pool #5 Non-Seed Pool #7

Non-Seed Pool #2 Non-Seed Pool #4 Non-Seed Pool #6 Non-Seed Pool #8

5-3 Group composition of the Group Stage

5.3 Group Stage

(A)Schedule: Dec 3 - Dec 13

(B)Teams: Six teams seeded into Group Stage; two winning teams in KPL Qualifier Round 1; top four teams in KPL Qualifier Round 2; top four teams in Other Area Qualifiers.

(C)Format: The sixteen qualified group teams will be drawn into four groups of four teams each. The Group Stage will be a best-of-two double round-robin tournament. The winning of each match will be awarded three points, and the losing side will get zero points; in the situation where the two teams draw, each of them will be awarded one point. The top two teams in each group advance to the Knockout Stage.

(D)Game Mode: Global Pick/Ban

(E)Side Selection: When two teams play for the first time in Group Stage (in the first round-robin), side selection for the first game of the match will be randomly determined by a coin toss. Throughout the rest of the match, the losing side automatically gets the right to choose the side for the next game. When the two teams play again in the second round-robin, side selection in the first game of the match will be given to the team without side selection in the first game of their first matchup. Throughout the rest of the match, the losing side automatically gets the right to choose the side for the next game.

(F)Tie: If two or more teams are tied after the Group Stage, the ranking will be determined by the goal difference. If the goal difference each team has won are identical the relationship between winning and losing of the teams will be compared. If those teams have identical the relationship between winning and losing or the records still can't break the tie, then tiebreaker game(s) will be played.

(G)Tiebreaker Game:

Two-way tie(#1): If two teams are tied for first place in the group, then the tiebreaker game will be a BO1 single elimination, the winner of which will be the first place of the group, the losing side will be the second place.

Two-way tie(#2): If two teams are tied for second place in the group, then the tiebreaker game will be a BO1 single elimination, be the second place of the group, the losing side will be the third place.

Three-way tie (#1): If three teams are tied for first place in the group, then the tiebreaker game will be a BO1 round-robin tournament, during which the first team losing two matches will be the third place and the rest two teams tied for the first place in the group.

Three-way tie (#2): If three teams are tied for second place in the group, then the tiebreaker game will be a BO1 round-robin tournament, during which the first team winning two matches will be the second place in the group.

Four-way tie: If four teams are tied for first place in the group, they will be randomly split into two groups of two teams each by drawing lots, and each group will play a BO1 single elimination, the two winner teams tied for the first places.

5.4 Knockout Stage

(A)Schedule: Dec 16 - Dec 30

(B)Teams: Top two teams of each group (eight teams in total)

(C)Format: Best-of-seven single elimination

(D)Game Mode: Global Ban/Pick+ Ultimate Battle in Game 7

(E)Setup: Following the Group Stage, the top two teams in each group will be drawn into an eight-team bracket. Seeding will be determined by placement within each group during the Group Stage. The teams securing the #1 seeds from the Group Stage will play the #2 seeds from different groups, which will be randomly selected through a draw process.

(F)Side Selection: Side Selection for the first game of each match will be randomly determined by a coin toss. Throughout the rest of the match, the losing side automatically gets the right to choose the side for the next game.

5.5 Tiebreaker Game

5.5.1 Tiebreaker Game Timing

The timing of tiebreaker games will be decided by the Committee.

5.5.2 Tiebreaker Game Sequence

All the tiebreaker games sequence will be randomly determined by the referee through a coin toss or draw.

5.5.3 Side Selection in Tiebreaker Game

All the tiebreaker game side selection right are determined by the referee through a coin toss.

5.5.4 Tiebreaker

Definition:

e.g. 1: If the three teams: A, B, and C have the same points, only the 3 games among the three teams will be observed, that is, A vs. B; A vs. C; B vs. C, and the number of wins/losses of each team will be compared. If the number of wins/losses of the three teams is 1/1, then the three teams A, B, and C are considered to have a tiebreaker.

e.g. 2: If the five teams: A, B, C, D and E have the same points, only the 10 games among the five teams will be observed, that is, A vs. B; A vs. C; A vs. D; A vs. E; B vs. C；B vs. D；B vs. E；C vs. D；C vs. E；D vs. E, and the number of wins/losses of each team will be compared. If the number of wins/losses of the three teams are 2/2, then the five teams A, B, C, D and E are considered to have a tiebreaker.

5.5.5 Three-Way Tie

If there is a three-way tie, a BO1 round-robin tournament will be taken, and the sequence matches will be determined according to the referee’s coin toss and the remaining qualifying places. The first team win two matches will be the first place or the first team losing two matches will be the third place. After this, if there is still a tie, another BO1 round-robin tournament will be taken, until the winner is determined.

5.5.6 Five-Way Tie

The referee will draw lots and assign the five teams to A, B, C, D, and E respectively, and perform a BO1 round-robin tournament in the following sequence. If there is still a tie after the end of the first BO1 round-robin tournament, the team ranking will be determined by the extra rules for tiebreaker game.

5.5.7 Seven-Way Tie

The referee will draw lots and assign the seven teams to A, B, C, D, E, F, and G respectively, and perform a BO1round-robin tournament in the following sequence. If there is still a tie after the end of the first BO1 round-robin tournament, the team ranking will be determined by the extra rules for tiebreaker game.

5.5.8 Nine-Way Tie

The referee will draw lots and assign the nine teams to A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I respectively, and perform a BO1round-robin tournament in the following sequence. If there is still a tie after the end of the first BO1 round-robin tournament, the team ranking will be determined by the extra rules for tiebreaker game.

5.5.9 Extra Rules for Tiebreaker Game

In a BO1 round-robin tournament tiebreaker game with five or more teams, after this, if there is still a tie, then the total game victory time of the team (the sum of the time spent in the winning round) will be compared. The fastest team will advance to the next stage. If they have same total game victory time, the total tower killing number will be compared, the team with the largest tower killing number will advance to the next stage. If the total tower killing number is same, then the overall kills statistics will be compared, the team with highest kills statistics will advance to the next stage. If they have same overall kills statistics, then the overall gold statistics will be compared, the team with highest overall gold statistics will be advance to the next stage.

5.6 Schedule Adjustment

Under special circumstances, the Committee has the right to reschedule a Match Day or change future match arrangements.

6 Player Equipment

KIC players must use the equipment and software that the Committee provides during match play. In the Match Area, players cannot bring or use any equipment or software without the Committee's permission.

6.1 Tournament Server/Version

The version of Honor of Kings used in KIC will be determined by the Committee at its discretion. Restrictions may be added at any time before or during a match, if there are known bugs with any items, Heroes, skins, or other game play elements.

Some general settings for the version used in KIC are as follows:

(A)All Volumes should be set as the highest (SFX-Music).

(B)Friend Observation should be set as available (Functions/Privacy-Observation).

6.2 Player Accounts

Player accounts in the esports Client will be provided by the Committee. Players are allowed to adjust their account settings as they prefer. Any forms of disclosure of player account information are not allowed.

In the esports Client, players are not allowed to add friends without permission.

6.3 Mobile Phones for Match Play

Before each match, players will have time to check on their phones provided by the Committee. Players are not allowed to install/uninstall any app or software on those phones.

6.3.1 Restriction

The mobile phone for match play must be properly set according to requirements. During a KIC match, players are not allowed to change any settings without permission, including but not limited to FPS and volume.

Players are not allowed to use their mobile phones for match play to browse or use any social media platforms or websites, including but not limited to Weibo, WeChat, Baidu Tieba, Facebook, Twitter, BBS, and emails. Players are not allowed to use their match play phones to watch KIC live.

6.3.2 Equipment Placement

Before each match, match play phones will be placed on the holder. During Pick/Ban, it is not allowed to move match play phones from the holder. Players are not allowed to touch their match play phones after Pick/Ban until the referee's permission.

6.4 Headphones

Audio equipment, including but not limited to headphones, microphones, and audio controllers, will be provided by the Committee.

6.4.1 Audio Control

Players will be required to maintain the minimum volume determined by the referee or higher, the level of which will be shown on the audio controller. The referee has the right to ask players to turn up the volume if he/she considers the volume level too low.

6.4.2 Headphone Wearing Requirement

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 placing any item, including hats, scarves, or other articles of clothing, between the headphones and the player's ears.

6.4.3 Voice Chat Restriction

Voice chat in each KIC match must be conducted through the communication system pre-set in headphones provided by the Committee. The referee reserves the right to decide, at his/her discretion, whether to monitor players' chat. Any third-party voice chat apps are not allowed, unless the referee, at his/her discretion, decides to change voice chat arrangement under possible special circumstances.

6.4.4 Coach Headphone

In a match, Head Coach will be given an exclusive headphone which can only be used by any listed Team Members, including Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and Analyst.

6.5 Tables and Chairs

Tables and chairs for each KIC match will be provided by the Committee, players are not allowed to make personal requests.

Players are allowed to adjust their own chair at any time.

Match equipment, other than match play mobile phones and headphones, will be placed within the reach of players. Under any circumstance, players are not allowed to touch or tug such match equipment or wires.

6.6 Equipment Restriction

Players are only allowed to use the equipment that the Committee provides in the following two situations: pre-match checking and during a match.

6.7 Replacement of Equipment

If equipment or technical problems are suspected by the referee at any time, a player or the referee may request a technical review of the situation. If necessary, a KIC technician will diagnose and troubleshoot problems. Technicians will decide whether equipment replacement is needed. Decisions regarding the replacement of any equipment are solely at the discretion of the referee.

6.8 Equipment Interference

After a game starts, including potential time-outs, players are not allowed to touch or use the equipment of their teammates’. Players shall turn to the referee if there is any problem or need regarding equipment.

7 Match Format and Procedure

7.1 Pick/Ban

A pick/ban game is the most common game type in Honor of Kings. A pick/ban game, during which the two sides decide Heroes they will use in a match, proceeds in a snake draft format (two teams pick/ban in turn). Each banning or picking has a time limit. Both sides of a match shall finish the Pick/Ban phase within the given time.

7.1.1 Pick/Ban Sequence

A pick/ban proceeds according to the following sequence:

(A)Phase 1 Bans: Blue - Red - Blue - Red

(B)Phase 2 Picks: Blue - Red (2 picks) - Blue (2 picks)-Red

(C)Phase 3 Bans: Red - Blue - Red - Blue

(D)Phase 4 Picks: Red - Blue (2 picks) - Red

7.1.2 Pick/Ban Procedure & Time Limit

(A)Blue Side Pick/Ban time limit: 225s (30s*4+30s+30s+45s=225s)

(B)Red Side Pick/Ban time limit: 270s (30s*4+30s+30s+45s+45s=270s)

7.1.3 Restriction

During Pick phase, the "pick for me" function is banned.

7.2 Global Ban/Pick

Additional rules of Global Pick/Ban in a draft-pick match are as follows:

(A)During a match, Heroes that have been used in previous game(s) will be automatically banned, which means neither team can pick or ban them. (Every Hero can only be used once during a match.)

(B)For clarity, Heroes that have been used by any player of a team will be considered as "used".

7.3 Ultimate Battle (Game 7)

In a best-of-seven match, Ultimate Battle (Game 7) proceeds in a blind Pick format: within the given time, each side of the match shall choose five different Heroes. In this blind Pick, one side's picks will remain unknown to the other until the game loading process.

In a match, the blind Pick format normally will only be applied in the final game, in which all the automatic bans on Heroes used by both teams in previous games will be lifted.

Procedures before Game 7 are as follows:

(A)Head Coach of the team that has the side selection right reports the side the team chooses to the referee.

(B)A certain period of time will be given to both teams for Pick discussion.

(C)Coaches and Analysts will be granted access to the stage to fill in and sign on the confirmation form of Game 7 picks (this process will have a time limit of 180 seconds).

(D)The referee will check the picks result with the coaches of both teams.

(E)Head Coaches will shake hands before the game.

(F)Players enter the game lobby in the Client.

(G)Players pick Heroes as decided, the result of which will be checked by the referee.

(H)Game starts.

In Game 7, Head Coach, Assistant Coach and Analyst of each team will be granted access to the stage for Pick/Ban discussion. (Please note the dress code.)

After coaches enter the Match Area, the referee will start countdown and remind each team at three time points: 60 seconds, 30 seconds and 10 seconds before the deadline.

After picks confirmation, players are not allowed to contact with anyone other than the referees.

7.3.1 Game 7 Picks Confirmation Rules

Please write the correct information including lane distribution, Heroes, and Summoner Skills.

In a situation where a team fails to finish within 180s, the team will use identical Heroes and Summoner Skills in the previous game.

After Head Coach signs the confirmation form, the information enclosed in that form will be the final version for the referee, and a team shall bear all consequences associated with unnoticed incorrect information.

After Head Coach signs the confirmation form, any attempt to change Heroes or Summoner Skills will be punishable; if a team changes its Heroes or Summoner Skills, the game will be restarted to make sure the team will pick Heroes and Summoner Skills as the Head Coach has confirmed. The Committee reserves the right to declare the team as the losing side if it changes its Heroes or Summoner Skills again after the game reloads.

8 Referees

Referees are KIC officials who are in charge of making judgments on every match-related issue, question, or emergency before, during, and immediately after a match. Their oversight includes but is not limited to:

(A)Checking each team's Line-Up before a match.

(B)Monitoring all the operations during the match procedures and activities of people in the match area.

(C)Checking player’s equipment and monitoring the use of equipment.

(D)Adopting basic procedures of a match.

(E)Ordering pause/resume during play.

(F)Solving technical problems during play.

(G)Issuing rulings in the situation of controversy.

(H)Issuing penalties in response to Rule violations during a match.

(I)Confirming and record the match results.

At all times, referees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner, and shall issue rulings in an impartial manner. The referee is subject to all the restrictions on gambling, as described in Section 12.

8.1 Judgment

A judgment will be made by the referee based on the situation and according to the Rules. Players and Team Members are not allowed to interfere the referee's decision-making. The decision of the referee is absolute and will become automatically valid the moment it is made. Anyone that refuses to abide by the decision will be subject to punishment. See 10.1 1 for details.

8.1.1 Referee Involvement

During a game, the referee reserves the right to instruct players to do all legal operations in the game, including but not limited to movements, attacking, setting, buying equipment, or using skills. Referee involvement is one kind of judgments.

9 Match Procedure

9.1 Before Match

9.1.1 Starting Line-Up and Side Selection Submissions

A team's starting Line-Up and side selection result must be submitted no later than the allotted time according to the Rules.

9.1.2 Emergent Line-Up Modification

In the situation of emergencies, such as player illness or force majeure (the COVID-related cause is not included), a team may request to modify its Line-Up of the match, but it must provide legal proof, such as medical record issued by a Grade A tertiary hospital. After modification, the team will not be allowed to ban Heroes in the first game of the match. In the situation where four or less players are available in a match, the Committee, at its discretion, reserves the right to decide the ruling.

9.1.3 Attendance

Team Members listed in the Roster for a KIC match must arrive at the venue/broadcast studio no later than the deadline set by the Committee.

9.1.4 Pre-Match Notification

Before a match, the referee will inform the two teams' players of the rules regarding Client version, match procedures, or emergency response requirements etc. After the notification, the Head Coach of each team shall sign on the confirmation paper to confirm that their players are fully aware of relevant requirements. It is the obligation for all players to abide by all the requirements they are informed of; violations of any form are punishable.

9.1.5 Pre-Match Setup

Players will have designated blocks of time prior to their match time to ensure they are fully prepared. The designated blocks of time will be 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 referee and accompaniment by another KIC official. The Setup is comprised of the following:

(A)Ensuring the quality of all KIC-provided equipment.

(B)Connecting and calibrating peripherals.

(C)Ensuring proper function of the voice chat system.

(D)Setting up Arcana pages.

(E)Adjusting in-game settings.

(F)Limited in-game warm-up (only in Bootcamp).

9.1.6 Seating Order

Players must sit in the order as (Left) Clash Lane / Jungle / Middle Lane / Farm Lane / Support (Right)

If the stage is in front of the Audience Area and match tables are set in the same row, players must sit in the order above with two Clash Lanes sitting at the two ends of the row.

If the stage is surrounded by the Audience Area and match tables are set in two rows, players must sit in the order above with one team's Clash Lane facing the other team's Support.

9.1.7 Technical Support

The referee will be available to assist with the setup process and troubleshoot any problems encountered during the pre-match setup period.

9.1.8 Timeliness of Match Start

It is expected that players will resolve any issue with the setup process within the allotted time and that match will begin at the scheduled time. Delays due to setup problems may be assessed at the sole discretion of the referee. Penalties for tardiness may be assessed at the discretion of the Committee.

9.1.9 Pre-Match Confirmation

Before a match starts at the scheduled time, players will be granted access to be on the stage, where the referee will confirm the quality of KIC-provided equipment with every player. After confirmation, players shall submit the Pre-Match Confirmation Card and return to the Team Lounge. After pre-match player introduction, players will have designated blocks of time, which will be about one minute, to get ready and confirm ready state with the referee. Immediately after confirming ready state, players shall submit the Pre-Match Confirmation Card again. Prior to ready state, the captain of each team shall make sure every player of the team has already finished Preps as they have planned, including but not limited to Arcana pages and basic settings. Any erroneous Prep will not be acceptable as the reason for game restart requests.

9.1.10 Game Lobby Creation

The referee will decide how the official game lobby will be created. Players will be directed by the referee to join a game lobby as soon as testing has been completed.

9.1.11 Player Ready State

Once all ten players in a match have confirmed completion of setup, players may not enter a warm-up game and must immediately enter the game lobby.

9.2 During A Match

9.2.1 Pick/Ban Process

Once all ten players have reported to the official game lobby, the referee will request confirmation that both teams are ready for the Pick/Ban phase. Once both teams confirm readiness, the referee will instruct the lobby owner to start the game.

9.2.2 Selection/Trading Error

During a consistent match, in the event of an erroneous selection/trading of Hero, Hero Pick/Ban, Summoner Skill, Arcana, or pre-match setting due to players' errors, including but not limited to a false touch of the screen or failure to finish the pick/ban within the allotted time, the game will continue, and the team will bear all consequences for its mistakes.

9.2.3 Head Coach Handshake

After the Pick/Ban and trading Phase, the Head Coaches of both teams shall have a handshake before leaving the stage and going to the designed position. After a match starts, Head Coach will not be granted the access to the stage in whatever case other than the Pick/Ban phase.

9.2.4 The Start of a Game

Out of the need for broadcasting convenience, the game will not start immediately after the loading process until the referee's permission. At this point, the referee will remove all irrelevant articles from the Match Area, including notes written by Team Members. Players are not allowed to quit a game during the time between the completion of Pick/Ban and the game launch.

9.2.5 Substitution Between Games/Matches

Substitution requirements between best-of-one matches: if a team wishes to substitute players after the team's first match, the Head Coach shall sign the Line-Up/Substitution Confirmation Form to confirm the team's Line-Up and substitutions for the next match immediately following the previous match (when one team's Crystal is destroyed).

Substitution requirements between games in a best-of-two/best-of-seven match: if a team wishes to substitute players within a match, those substitutions must be declared to the referee before the previous game is over (when one team's Crystal is destroyed). A team will be allowed to have two substitutions at most each time. Substitutions will only be allowed after the referee confirms.

9.2.6 Side Selection Between Games

Side selection right for best-of-two/best-of-seven matches will be decided between match after Game 1. The team with the side selection right for the next game will have two minutes (after the Crystal is destroyed) to select their side for the next game, during which the Head Coach shall inform the referee about their selection. If the process mentioned above fails to complete within the allotted time, the team will be considered as having waived the side selection right. If so, the referee will, at his/her discretion, decide whether to give the side selection right to the other team, or whether the side selection of the last game will be applied in the next game.

9.2.7 Post-Game Break Time

The referee will inform players of the remaining amount of time before the next game's Pick/Ban begins. The next game will commence as scheduled no matter if all players have returned to the Match Area. The referee reserves the right to choose, at his/her discretion, whether to use a player's account to enter the game lobby. After Pick/Ban begins, the Head Coach of a team, immediately after he/she is on the stage, will be allowed to decide picks and bans for the team; if all players are not in their seats, ready for Pick/Ban at the time designated to them by the Committee, the team will be considered as have forfeited this game.

9.3 Post-Match Process

9.3.1 Handshake

After each match, players of each team will have designated blocks of time to communicate with each other until the referee instructs players to leave their seats to shake hands with their opponents.

9.3.2 Bowing to the Audience

After the handshake, players of the winning team will bow to the audience to show respect.

9.3.3 Tech Notes

Players have obligation to identify any technical issue during a match with the referee.

9.3.4 Match Results

The referee will confirm and record game result, after which two teams of the match shall sign the Match Result Confirmation Form to show that they have no doubt about the result.

9.3.5 Next Match

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

9.3.6 Post-Match Obligations

Players will be informed of all post-match obligations, including but not limited to, media appearances, post-game and backstage interviews, or further discussion of any match matters. Players shall follow the instruction of the Committee. Unauthorized actions, including not taking the bus arranged by the KIC Committee, changing hotel rooms or means of transport without permission, or not returning hotel during the night, are all prohibited. Players are not allowed to bring visitors to the Team Lounge, the hotel or bus arranged by the KIC Committee, or other KIC activities.

9.3.7 Results of Forfeiture

Matches won by forfeit will be reported by the maximum margin it would take for one team to win the match (e.g., 1-0 for best-of-one matches, 2-0 for best-of-two matches, 3-0 for best-of-five matches). No other statistics will be recorded for forfeited matches.

10 Pause

A pause is defined as an authorized stoppage during a game out of the referee orders or player requests.

During a pause, the game will still be considered as on-going, which means players/coaches shall follow instructions of the referee.

During a pause, the referee may give instructions to troubleshoot potential issues and resume the game as soon as possible. Players are obliged to cooperate and follow those instructions.

The referee may order the pause of a match or execute a pause command on any player device at the sole discretion of the referee, at any time. Players are not allowed to pause a match casually.

Team Members in the Roster are allowed to request a pause, whereas how many times and under what circumstance can a team apply will be decided by the referee based on the match situation. The referee may permit/reject a pause request; before the permission of the referee the game shall proceed.

The referee may not permit a pause request out of intentional disconnection. If a player, out of unjustified purposes and without signaling the referee, disconnects his/her device, then this player shall bear all possible consequences.

10.1 Player Pause

Players may only pause a game immediately following any of the events described below, but the player must signal the referee immediately by using the real-time audio and raising his/her hands. The referee will then check the reason and decide if it may become an authorized pause. Acceptable reasons include:

(A)An unintentional disconnection, which may include audio, voice chat, game disconnection caused by a hardware or Internet malfunction.

(B)Unstable Internet connection, with a Ping of 100ms or higher.

(C)A Bug.

(D)Physical interference with a player.

(E)Player illness or injury.

10.2 Player Conduct during Pause

(A) When the game pauses for less than five minutes, players will not be allowed to communicate, in any fashion, with each other, until the pause is over, at the point of which pause countdown will be shown in the game page. In this situation, only one player of the team requesting the pause will be allowed to communicate with the referee, the precondition of which is that the communication is conducted in order to troubleshoot the possible issue causing this pause. During this pause, unauthorized communication is punishable and verbal warning(s) will be issued by the referee. Players with repeated infractions will be punishable according to Non-Compliance.

(B) When the game pauses for more than five minutes, players will be allowed to communicate with each other.

(C) When the game pauses for more than ten minutes, players may request the use of bathroom under the condition that all the five players of a team shall leave and return to the Match Area together. After the request is permitted, from the time the five players leave the Match Area to the time they return, players are not allowed to communicate with other people during this period.

(D) During a pause, coaches are not allowed to interfere with the match through any means, including but not limited to entering the Match Area. Also, coaches are not allowed to communicate with players through any means, including but not limited to gestures, voice chat, written materials.

(E) The game will be resumed when the countdown is over. In a pause less than 5 minutes, players are not allowed to communicate with each other until the countdown is shown in the game page.

10.3 Illness and Injury Pause

During a game, in the case of a medical condition, including illness, injury, or other conditions that may make a player unable to finish the game, the player's team must signal the referee to request a pause. The referee will evaluate the condition and decide whether the player is able to continue to play.

If the referee decides that the player is able to continue, then throughout the rest of the game, similar medical condition of the player will not be considered as an acceptable reason to request a pause.

If the referee decides that the player is unable to continue, then the team will need to field a Reserve who will play under the same settings with the player being replaced, including the Hero and other in-game settings, in two minutes.

It shall be noted that the player that is substituted because of a medical condition will not be allowed to play the remaining games of that match day. If the team has four or less available players, the Committee will decide the ruling at its sole discretion.

The penalties for the team will be made after the evaluation of the Committee.

10.4 Pick/Ban Pause

If the Pick/Ban phase of a game is unable to proceed as normal due to an issue such as unstable Internet connection or equipment malfunctions, the game will restart. All the finished picks and bans before the point when the issue arises will be retained; however, any on-going pick or ban at the point when the issue arises will not be retained.

For example:

In the situation above, the game will restart, with picks and bans from procedure 1st to 6th will be retained; procedure 7th and procedures after 7th will restart.

10.5 Resuming the Game

Players are not allowed to restart the game without one referee’s permission after a pause. The game will only be resumed immediately after all the players have been informed and are in the ready state. The resuming operation shall be done by OB with the permission of the referee.

10.6 Unauthorized Pause

If a player pauses or resumes a game for an unauthorized reason, or without permission from the referee, it will be considered unfair play and penalties will be applied at the discretion of the Committee.

10.7 Restart and Recovery Protocol

10.7.1 Game Recovery

The game will proceed immediately after the countdown is over. Referee will not add any restriction in the remaining match.

10.7.2 Review Period

Within the first fifteen seconds after game recovery from a pause, players are expected to play the game as usual while the referee will review the situation to see if the issue that causes the previous pause has been solved. After this review period, the referee may, at his/her discretion, decide if another pause is needed based on the evaluation of the issue.

10.7.3 Confronting State

If the two teams of a match are at a confronting state when the game pauses, then when the game recovers after the pause, players shall follow the referee's instruction to draw their Heroes back to a safe area to stop confronting for a short period of time (usually two to five seconds). After the confronting state is over, the game will resume and proceed as normal, after the referee informs players of both teams to confirm they are ready.

During a pause, any action of non-compliance with the referee's instructions, any action/attempt to cause unfair play, or any action/attempt related to an unauthorized pause will be subject to escalated penalties, at the discretion of the Committee.

(A) Confronting State

A confronting state is defined as: a situation where direct damage, within the first four seconds before the pause starts, is made to a Hero by another Hero (damage over time caused by any debuff is not counted as direct damage).

Or a situation where, as the game proceeds normally after recovery, direct damage will be made to a Hero by another Hero within the first four seconds immediately after the pause is over.

(B) Non-Confronting State

A non-confronting state is defined as: a situation where no direct damage, within the first four seconds before the pause starts, is made to a Hero by another Hero (damage over time caused by any debuff is not counted as direct damage).

Or a situation where, as the game proceeds normally after recovery, no direct damage will be made to a Hero by another Hero within the first four seconds immediately after the pause is over.

Due to the complexity of the game itself, and as it is possible that more than one situation might happen at once, the final rulings will be made by the referee at their discretion.

10.7.4 Chronobreak Availability and Use

In the case of a special situation, including unstable Internet connection, equipment malfunctions, or an intentional disconnection pause, etc., that has led to unfair play and disadvantaged one team (such as when the team loses a Tyrant/Overlord/Tempest Dragon or the team's Hero(es) are killed because of this special situation), then players or other team members may request a chronobreak from the referee.

The referee will, at their discretion and based on the situation, decide at which point in time the issue happens. Then the game will be restored to the point in time the referee has decided, from which players will continue to play after getting ready.

When deciding at which point in time the game shall be restored, the referee will first consider moments in a non-confronting state.

The game has strong consistence, so it shall be noted that a chronobreak may make the game inconsistent. Therefore, a chronobreak is a low-priority solution.

10.7.5 Match Restart Procedure

If a game is remade in the case of a pause, then the game statistics before the pause will not be retained.

The referee will decide, at their discretion, whether the picks and bans shall be retained in the restarted game.

10.8 Other Pause Protocol

In some situations, one solution solely may not solve the issue. If so, the referee may, according to the Rules, resort to more than one solution in order to resume the game in an efficient manner.

For example, in a situation where two teams are in a confronting state throughout all available moments for a chronobreak, the referee reserves the right to decide whether a confronting pause shall be ordered after a chronobreak.

10.9 Extreme Situations

An extreme situation, which means none of the pause protocols listed above can be applied, may include:

(A) The Game Client is unable to launch for a long period of time.

(B) An unsolvable bug appears, which would greatly affect the fairness of a game.

(C) The match is unable to continue due to force majeure such as Internet connection, electricity, or equipment breakdowns.

In those extreme situations, which means the game cannot be restored as the same as before, the referee will, at their discretion, make one of the following decisions:

(A) To continue the game in the Match Area.

(B) To continue the game in another environment suitable for match play.

(C) To remake the game with picks and bans retained.

(D) To remake the game without picks and bans retained.

(G) To award one team victory/defeat.

10.10 Legitimate Benefiting

When one team, in a special situation such as a pause, disconnection, inconsistence, benefits from the referee's decision which is made to ensure the consistency of the game and solve the issue as soon as possible, the action of gaining benefits will be considered passive and the benefits will be considered legitimate.

10.11 Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with a referee's decision may be subject to the following penalties:

(A) A verbal warning in the case of the first infraction;

(B) A severe warning in the case of a repeated infraction;

(C) Dismissal and suspension for the next match in the case of non-compliance after a severe warning;

(D) Repeated/severe infractions are subject to escalating penalties.

11 Bug

11.1 Definition of Terms

A bug is defined as an incident or action that is not mentioned in the explanation of in-game Skills and mechanisms.

11.2 Bug Report

Players shall report the bug they encounter to the KIC officials.

11.3 Game Elements Limitation

A limitation of use may be imposed by the referee any time before or during a game on any item, Hero, skin, Arcana, or Summoner Skill that is bug-affected or any other reason that is confirmed by the Committee.

11.4 Illegitimate Benefiting

If a player encounters a bug that would severely affect the game, then he/she shall immediately report to the referee; if the player fails to do so, he/she may be considered as deliberately concealing the bug or postponing reporting to find a point in time in his/her favor, which is subject to penalties.

11.5 Re-Ban/Pick

If a game restarts due to any bug related to a Hero, then the referee reserves the right to decide whether automatically ban this Hero in the remaining games. If the Hero is banned by the referee, then all the previous picks and bans related to this Hero will not be retained.

11.6 Restart Protocol

During a game, in the case of a severe bug which would significantly change the game mechanism and data, thus affecting players' competition capability, or in the case of external factors that make the game unable to continue, then the game is allowed to be restarted. The Committee needs to confirm that the bug is severe and can be proven. The Committee reserves the right to decide whether this bug has affected players' competition capability.

11.7 Punishment for Bug Exploiting

Exploiting bugs that have been announced in the Pre-Match Notification or the unknown bug that have obviously affected the fairness of a game will be subject to escalated penalties including:

(A) Suspension for more than six months.

(B) The coaches and teams have joint responsibility of management, and the escalated penalties include but not limited: suspensions, heavy fines, or disqualification for the match.

(C) Penalty points to the team involved in related games/matches.

12 Player Conducts

12.1 Competition Conducts

12.1.1 Collusion

Collusion is defined as any agreement among two or more players to advantage opposing players.

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

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

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

12.1.2 Competitive Integrity

Teams are expected to play at their best at all times within any professional games and to avoid any behavior inconsistent with the principles of good sportsmanship, honesty, or fair play.

12.1.3 Buying, Selling, Renting, Transferring

Teams and players are not allowed to buy, sell, rent, or transfer materials, tangible or intangible, which belong to KPL Union, Honor of Kings, and all its parties concerned. Those materials include but are not limited to accounts, items, and gifts.

12.1.4 Cheating

Cheating of any forms are prohibited, including but not limited to any modifications of the Honor of Kings game client by any players, teams, or any individuals or organizations acting on behalf of a player or a team, any use of equipment accessories not permitted by the Committee such as signaling devices, or any similar cheating actions such as the attempt to communicate with others through gestures, the use of unauthorized grip powder or match phone cases and films.

12.1.5 Exploiting

Exploiting is defined as intentionally using any in-game bug to seek an advantage. Exploiting includes glitches in any game function that, in the sole determination of the Committee, is not functioning as intended.

12.1.6 Spectator Monitors

Looking at or attempting to look at spectator’s monitors.

12.1.7 Ringing

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

12.1.8 Profanity and Hate Speech

A Team Member is not allowed to use language that is aggressive, insulting, defamatory, obscene, discriminatory, threatening, vulgar and offensive in the Match Area or online at any time. A Team Member is not allowed to issue or spread this type of language through any channels. A Team Member is not allowed to use this type of language on social media or during any public facing events such as streaming.

12.1.9 Studio Interference

No Team Member may touch or otherwise interfere with lights, cameras, or other studio equipment.

12.1.10 Unauthorized Communications

All communication devices must be removed from the Match Area before the game. Players are not allowed to text/email or use social media while in the Match Area. During the match, communication by a Starter shall be limited to the players of the Starter's team.

12.1.11 Doping

Doping, defined as the use of any banned performance-enhancing drugs which include but not limited to stimulants, narcotics, or beta blockers, is prohibited. It is a common obligation for everyone involved in KIC to report any doping violation to the Committee.

12.1.12 Identity

A player is not allowed to cover his/her face or attempt to conceal his/her identity from the referee. For this reason, hats are not allowed.

12.1.13 Appearance

Proper hygiene of a player is expected. Before a match, a player shall follow the instructions of KIC officials in terms of stage makeup.

12.2 Unprofessional Behavior

12.2.1 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 to isolate or ostracize a person and/or affect the dignity of the person.

12.2.2 Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances. The assessment is based on whether the object of a potential sexual harassment action 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.

12.2.3 Discrimination Denigration

Team Members are not allowed to 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.

12.2.4 Statements Regarding KIC, Tencent, and Honor of Kings

Members are not allowed to 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 KIC, Tencent or its affiliates, or Honor of Kings, as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of KIC.

12.2.5 Confidentiality

A Team Member/team is not allowed to issue any information about KIC without the permission of the Committee. A Team Member is obliged to disclose no information provided by the KIC Committee.

12.2.6 Player Behavior Investigation

If a KIC official contacts a Team Member for behavior investigation, the Team Member is obliged to tell the truth. If a Team Member withholds information or misleads a KIC official, creating an obstruction of the investigation, then the Team Member is subject to punishment.

12.2.7 Criminal Activity

Any team member is not allowed to engage in any activity which is prohibited by common law, statute, treaty, or regulations for public security.

12.2.8 Moral Turpitude

A Team Member is not allowed to engage in any activity which is deemed by the KIC to be immoral, disgraceful, or contrary to conventional standards of proper ethical behavior.

12.2.9 Public Order Disturbance

Members of a team are not allowed to damage the public property and disturb public order in the match area or the public places by actions including brawls, cursing other persons.

12.2.10 Abusive Behavior

Abuse of KIC referees in the Match Area or any other public occasion is prohibited, verbal or otherwise, which is against professional sportsmanship.

12.2.11 Bribery

No Team Member is allowed to offer any gift or reward to a player, coach, manager, KIC official, Tencent employee, or person connected with or employed by another KIC team for services promised, rendered, or to be rendered in defeating or attempting to defeat a competing team.

12.2.12 Gifts

No Team Member is allowed to accept any gift, reward or compensation for services promised, rendered, or to be rendered in connection with competitive play of the game.

12.2.13 No-Compliance

No Team Member is allowed to refuse or fail to apply the instructions or decisions of the KIC Committee.

12.2.14 Match-Fixing

No Team Member is allowed to offer, agree, conspire a match-fixing. Match-fixing, under any circumstance, is subject to the heaviest punishment.

12.2.15 Document Requests

Documentation or other reasonable items may be required at various times throughout the KIC as requested by the KIC Committee. If the documentation is not completed to the standards set by the KIC, then a team may be subject to penalties.

12.2.16 Association with Gambling

No Team Member or KIC official is allowed to take part, either directly or indirectly, in betting or gambling on any results of any KIC game, match or tournament.

13 Penalties

Upon discovery of any Team Member committing any violations of the Rules listed above, the KIC may issue the following penalties:

(A) Verbal Warning(s)

(B) Loss of Side Selection Right for Current or Future Game(s)

(C) Loss of bans for Current or Future Game(s)

(D) Fine(s) and/or Prize Forfeiture(s)

(E) Ejection(s) from the Match Area

(F) Player(s) banned from the Match Area

(G) Dismissal(s) (Player(s) dismissed is/are allowed to be substituted by Reserve(s); substitutes shall use the Hero(es) and in-game settings in the ongoing game. In the situation, if the team has four or less players to substitute its dismissed player, the Committee will decide the ruling at its sole discretion.)

(H) Game Forfeiture(s)/Defeated

(I) Suspension(s)

(J) Disqualification(s)

Repeated infractions are subject to escalating penalties, up to, and including, disqualification from future participation in KIC.

It shall be noted that penalties may not always be imposed in the Rules. The KIC Committee, in its sole discretion, will decide penalties for infractions not included in the Rules.

14 Obligation

14.1 Cooperation

The KIC Committee reserves the right to ask players, without affecting their gameplay and preparations, to cooperate with the officials in game-related activity participation, such as KIC official activities, news conferences, different kinds of interviews, and activities held by KIC sponsors. Tardiness due to personal reasons in those activities mentioned above may be subject to penalties.

14.2 Fans Instruction

A team is obliged to instruct its fans in the Audience Area to maintain order. Any action of a team to abet, encourage, or organize, intentionally or otherwise, is forbidden. A team shall bear all consequences caused by any failure of proper fan instruction.

15 Supplemental Rules

15.1 Appeal and Absolute Discretion

All decisions regarding the interpretation of these Rules, player eligibility, scheduling and staging of the KIC, and penalties for misconduct, lie solely with the KIC Committee. KIC decisions with respect to these Rules can be appealed. The appeal will be arbitrated by KIC Arbitration Committee within three working days, the result of which is final. KIC decisions shall not give rise to any claim for monetary damages or any other legal or equitable remedy. During the KIC, the officials reserve the right to final decisions.

15.2 Rule Changes

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

15.3 Professional Match Regulations

Players and other members in a team shall abide by Professional Match Regulations issued by the KIC.

15.4 Absolute Discretion

The Honor of Kings International Championship Committee reserves the absolute discretion throughout the KIC.