ច្បាប់ការប្រកួត

 

2022 Season

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Rules

(July 2022)

 

Introduction and Functions

The Official Rules (hereinafter referred to as "Rules") of the Cambodia Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (hereinafter referred to as "MPL-KH") apply to all teams qualified to play in MPL-KH 2022, as well as their coaches, managers, owners, starting lineup, substitute players, trainees (collectively referred to as "Team Members") and other employees of the team. 2022 MPL-KH will be divided into two seasons, i.e., the Spring Season and Autumn Season. Each season comprises a regular season and playoffs: the playoffs begin after the regular season ends. The champion of the Autumn Season will advance from MPL-KH into the Global Series after the Autumn Season's playoffs. Top teams from MPL-KH and other regions will battle each other in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang's Global Series.

These Rules apply only to official MPL-KH matches and no other competitions, tournaments or organized play of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (hereinafter referred to as "MLBB" or the "game").

These Rules are designed solely to ensure the integrity of the system established by MPL-KH officials for the professional league of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and that teams playing at a professional level can do so on a fair playing field. Standardized rules benefit all parties involved in MLBB's professional league, including the teams, players and managers. Other official MPL-KH documents besides the Rules are also part of the Rules that teams shall comply with.

These Rules do not restrict the competitiveness of players. The terms of engagement between players and teams are left to each team and its players.

 

  1. Schedule and Prizing
    1. Definition of Terms
      1. Game An instance of competition on the MPL-KH map that is played until a winner is determined by one of the following methods, whichever occurs first: (a) completion of the final objective (destroying the enemy's base), (b) team surrender, (c) team forfeit, or (d) awarded game victory.
      2. Match A set of games played until all game finished or one team wins a majority of the total games (e.g., two games out of 2 ("Best of Two"); winning three games out of five ("Best of Five"). The winner or they got a draw will gain points in the league (Regular Only) or advance to the next round in knockout matches.
      3. Season Each season lasts approximately three months. 2022 MPL-KH will comprise two seasons (Spring and Autumn), each comprising a regular season and playoffs. Each team will be granted season points based on their ranking after the Spring Season ends. The champion in the Autumn Season will be qualified to represent the MPL-KH region and advance to the global finals. Season points will be tallied based on each team's ranking after the Autumn Season ends. If another team in the region (in addition to the champion team) is allowed to advance to the global finals, it will be the team with the highest total points in the Spring and Autumn Seasons.
      4. Challenger Cup The Season Qualifiers will take place before the Spring Season, and 4 teams will be qualified to advance to the MPL-KH, while 4 other teams will be put on the MPL-KH waiting list. Reference the 2022 MPL-KH Season Qualifiers Rules for more information on the Season Qualifiers.
    2. Schedule
      1. Season Qualifiers (January 13 - January 23, 2022)
      2. Spring Regular Season (February 26 - March 27, 2022)
      3. Spring Playoffs (April 9 - April 24, 2022) 
      4. Summer Transfer Period (June 20 - July 21, 2022) 
      5. Autumn Regular Season (August 6 - September 4, 2022)
      6. Autumn Playoffs (September 17 - September 25, 2022)
    3. Tournament Prizes
      1. The prizes for MPL-KH Spring Season and Autumn Season will be published on officially designated platforms at a time determined by the MLBB officials.
    4. Special Circumstances
      1. If a Team Member is diagnosed with COVID-19 or otherwise unable to participate in the tournament after the tournament has begun, MPL-KH will change the schedule on the premise of following local laws and regulations. The MPL-KH officials will have the final say on what the special circumstances entail.
  2. Team Member Eligibility
    1. General Requirements
      1. During MPL-KH seasons, each team's roster must include 1 manager, 1 to 4 coaches, 5 players in the starting lineup ("Starters") and 1 to 5 substitute players ("Reserves"). The roster must comprise 6 to 10 players. There shall always be 5 players listed for a game no matter the circumstances, and at most 2 players among these 5 can be from players of non-MPL-KH regions.
      2. At most 10 players can be listed in a team.
      3. Rookie Free Signing Quota
        1.   Definition of 'Rookie' A player that has not previously participated in any professional, semi-professional or development league tournaments.
        2. Definition of Free Signing The signing of a player via a non-official selection channel. Signing refers to a club signing a player service agreement with a player and putting the player on its roster for MPL-KH. To clear any doubt, the rules stated in 2.1.3 are not applicable to signing a new player via an official selection channel.
        3. Rookie Limit In 2022 (from December 31, 2021, to December 31, 2022), each club may freely sign contracts with 3 new players; In 2023 (from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2023), each club may freely sign contracts with 2 new players. The limitation does not apply to new players that are required to form a team.
        4. Reforming a Team  If a team has no more than 5 players due to force majeure. The team can apply to MPL-KH officials to reform a team without being limited by 2.1.3.3 on the premise of keeping the team tag and name. However, MPL-KH reserves the right to review force majeure events and strictly examine team applications and has the final say on the results.
      4. Player Age  All players that participate in matches related to MPL-KH must be at least 16 years old. However, this term does not restrict teams from signing a 15-year-old free agent, but any such will not be able to participate in MPL-KH matches before they turn 16. If the player will turn 16 years old in that year but not before or on the day of the match, the player will be deemed younger than 16 years old and may not partake in MPL-KH matches. Teams must submit their players' identity cards or passports that are officially issued by the government of the Kingdom of Cambodia, an authorized organization, or the government of another country or region as proof of the players' age. Any other proof will be invalid. Players that are unable to submit the required materials may not participate in any events related to MPL-KH.
      5. Regional Player Requirements
        1. MPL-KH Regional Player This refers to (a) a player that owns an identity card issued by the Kingdom of Cambodia; or (b) a new player that has the Freedom of Choice and has chosen to be an MPL-KH regional player; or (c) a player that becomes an MPL-KH regional player via an Interregional Application. The MPL-KH officials will have the final say on the Rules.
        2. Freedom of Choice Taking into account the esports environment and development of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang in other countries, MPL-KH shall grant new players from the aforementioned regions Freedom of Choice to decide whether to first register for the MPL-KH region or other MPL regions. If a new player first registers for the MPL-KH region, they shall be deemed an MPL-KH regional player; and if they first register for another MPL region, they shall be deemed a player from that region. It is important to note that in a match, each team is only allowed to have at most 2 players that are MPL-KH regional players based on Freedom of Choice but do not own identity cards issued by the Kingdom of Cambodia.
        3. Interregional Player If a player is not from the MPL-KH region but has been on a team roster in MPL-KH since before December 31, 2022 and has resided in the Kingdom of Cambodia for no less than 36 months in the past 60 months (starting from the first time the player participated in MPL-KH, the Global Series, etc.), the player can apply to the MPL-KH officials to become an MPL-KH regional player. If the application is approved, the player will be able to become an MPL-KH regional player.
        4. Single Identity A player cannot under any circumstance simultaneously have more than 1 regional player identity. For example, a player cannot be an MPL-KH and MPL-ID regional player at the same time.
      6. Work Eligibility
        1. Players must submit documents (i.e. identity cards or relevant visas) to prove that they have the right to legally reside (according to local laws and regulations) and work in the Kingdom of Cambodia in order to be qualified to participate in MPL-KH matches.
        2. Clubs are obligated to ensure their players have the right to legally reside and work in the Kingdom of Cambodia as required by the tournament. If relevant documents (e.g. visas) are updated, they shall be submitted to the MPL-KH officials in time. The MPL-KH officials have the right to disqualify a player if their relevant documents do not meet the requirements.
      7. Player Requirements
        1. An MPL-KH player may only work for one club at most in each season (including but not limited to players and other positions).
        2. A player may not act as manager or coach in the same season and vice versa. In the meantime, a player may not participate in any Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournaments in any other capacity (e.g. club owner, assistant coach, analyst, coach, manager, etc.).
      8. Rank Requirements
        1. A player must have reached Mythic in Ranked Mode on the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang when registering for the tournament in order to pass the registration. In addition, all players must maintain their Mythic rank in Ranked Mode on the Cambodia servers or other Mobile Legends: Bang Bang servers. If a player that qualified for official MPL-KH matches in the Qualifiers has not reached Mythic rank yet, they need to reach Mythic within 3 months after being qualified, or their eligibility to partake in MPL-KH shall be temporarily rescinded.
      9. Contract Requirements
        1. All players must sign written contracts with the team they work for, and the contract duration may not exceed 2 years. A player may only work for the club they signed a contract with, and not for other clubs or relevant organizations at the same time, i.e., a player may not be listed for multiple clubs at the same time. In order to verify that players have signed written contracts with their clubs, each club must submit the service agreements for all players on its roster and receive the registration approval of MPL-KH officials. All roster changes shall be subject to the Rules described in Section 4.
      10. Non-Official Employees or Affiliates
        1. Team Members must not under any circumstance be affiliates, employees, managers or counterparties of Shanghai Moonton Technology Co. Ltd., its parent company and/or subsidiaries. "Affiliate" refers to any persons or entities that another party has direct or indirect control over or has a direct (e.g. ownership) or indirect (e.g. contractual arrangement) financial interest in. "Control" hereby refers to any power to directly or indirectly devise or let another party devise policies or manage the entity, including the rights to directly or indirectly elect, appoint, or authorize entities such as directors, executives, managers and trustees. MPL-KH officials will have the final say under any circumstances not stated above.
      11. Contract Ban for Unlisted Players
        1. Teams must not sign contracts with any other players that are not on their rosters and shall be penalized if found out. To remove any ambiguity, teams must terminate their contracts with any players that have been removed from their rosters.
      12. Player Ban for Club Owners, Managers and Coaches
        1. Team owners, managers and coaches must not register as players, but players and coaches that have acquired shares of their team since October 3, 2021, or prior are not limited by this ban. However, if players and coaches that hold shares of their team wish to join another team, they must sell all of their shares or other financial benefits of their first team to ensure they no longer have any financial relationship with their first team.
    2. Roster Requirements
      1. Player Type
        1. Official Player All players that are on the official MPL-KH rosters are deemed official players.
        2. Starting Player Starting players are defined as the 5 players in the starting lineup of any game.
        3. Substitute Player Substitute Players are defined as the other players on a team's roster that are not the starting players.
      2. Roster
        1. Limit on the Number of Players A roster may contain between 6 players (5 starting players and 1 substitute player) and 10 players (5 starting players and 5 substitute players). If there are 2 players not from the MPL-KH region (foreign players) on the starting lineup of the team, the team must have at least 1 MPL-KH regional player as a substitute player. A player may not simultaneously be a starting player and a substitute player.
        2. Onsite Requirements A team must have 5 starting players and at least 1 substitute player at the site of the tournament, and the team can have at most 2 players not from the MPL-KH region among their starting players. If a team has 2 starting players that are not from the MPL-KH region in the team, it must have at least 1 MPL-KH regional player on-site as a substitute player. If a team has 1 or no starting player that is not from the MPL-KH region, the substitute player(s) may not necessarily be from the MPL-KH region. Any team that violates this rule shall be penalized.
      3. Coaches
        1. Limit on the Number of Coaches  Each team (2 teams from the same club are deemed as 2 different teams) must register 1-4 coaches that may take turns for each game. Before players are onstage or enter the match area, each team shall designate 1-2 coaches to be on-site and inform the officials. These coaches cannot be changed after players are onstage or enter the match area. MPL-KH officials shall publish the list of coaches on its website after the coaches are officially registered and approved by MPL-KH officials. Active players, managers, leaders, interpreters, team owners and other crew members that are not coaches shall not act as coaches on site unless allowed otherwise due to special circumstances by MPL-KH officials.
        2. Work Eligibility  Coaches must submit documents (i.e. identity cards or relevant visas) to prove that they have the right to legally reside (according to local laws and regulations) and work in the Kingdom of Cambodia in order to be qualified to participate in MPL-KH matches. Clubs are obligated to make sure their coaches have the right to legally reside and work in the Kingdom of Cambodia as required by the tournament. If relevant documents (e.g. visas) are updated, they shall be submitted to MPL-KH officials in time. MPL-KH officials shall have the right to disqualify a coach if their relevant documents do not meet the official requirements.
        3. Coach Requirements  An MPL-KH coach may only work for one club per season (including but not limited to coaches or any other positions). For example, the following situation shall not be allowed: Coach A and Coach B are both qualified to participate in the playoffs with their teams. Coach A works for a team that is ranked higher than the team Coach B works for. Team A is defeated by Team B in the first round of playoffs, and Team B eventually advances to the finals. Coach A then becomes the new coach for Team B. This is to prevent coaches from deliberately letting their teams lose in the playoffs.
          A coach may not act as a player in the same season they are coaching, and vice versa. In the meantime, a coach may not participate in any Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournaments in any other capacity (e.g. club owner, assistant coach, analyst, player, manager, etc.).
        4. Coach Age  All coaches that participate in MPL-KH and relevant matches must be at least 16 years old. Coaches that are unable to submit the required materials may not participate in any events related to MPL-KH as a coach.
        5. Contractual Requirements  All coaches must sign written contracts with the teams they work for and have the official approval of MPL-KH in order to be on a team's roster. A coach may only work for one team of the club they signed a contract with, and not for multiple teams or relevant organizations at a time. I.e., a coach may under no circumstance work for the teams of different organizations or be on the lists of multiple teams
        6. Non-Official Employees or Affiliates  Coaches must not under any circumstance be affiliates, employees, managers or counterparties of Shanghai Moonton Technology Co. Ltd., its parent company and/or subsidiaries. "Affiliate" refers to any persons or entities that another party has direct or indirect control over or has a direct (e.g. ownership) or indirect (e.g. contractual arrangement) financial interest in. "Control" hereby refers to any power to directly or indirectly devise or let another party devise policies or manage the entity, including the rights to directly or indirectly elect, appoint, or authorize entities such as directors, executives, managers and trustees. MPL-KH staff will have the final say under any circumstances not stated above
        7. Coach Cooling-Off Period  If a player chooses to become a coach, they may not become a player again in the season after they register to become a coach. However, they may become a player again in the transfer window before the following season.
          1. Interim Coach
            1. If a coach is discharged under normal circumstances, they may not act as a coach for the same team within 3 match weeks.
            2. If a team no longer has a coach due to any reasonable cause, the team shall be allowed to designate an interim coach until they find a full-time coach. An interim coach may only act as a coach in 3 matches in the regular season or 1 match in the playoffs, and one person may only act as interim coach once per season.
            3. If a coach is unable to instruct in a match due to special circumstances, the team must appoint an interim coach to instruct the team on-site. The interim coach can be one of the management staff of the organization. The team shall be penalized if they fail to have a coach on-site.
            4. If a team has another coach available on the roster, the team may not apply for the designation of an interim coach. A team may only apply for one interim coach per occasion.
          2. Coach Transfer
            1. A club can apply to transfer a coach on the roster of its MPL-KH teams to another of their teams according to the contract signed with the coach or after reaching an agreement with them. For example, a coach in the roster of an MPL-KH team can be transferred to another MPL-KH team of the same club. The transferred coach shall be removed from the roster of the previous team and added to the roster of the new team.
            2. The two MPL-KH teams of the club must meet all roster requirements following the transfer, or else the application will be rejected.
            3. If a coach is transferred between two MPL-KH teams of the same club, the team and the coach need not change their agreement and shall continue to obey the rights and obligations stated in the agreement unless they agree to otherwise. In the event of a conflict between any other terms in the Rules and this term, this term shall prevail. A letter of confirmation provided by MPL-KH officials shall be signed if the service fee changes.
            4. The review duration and cooling-off period for coach transfers are the same as stated in the rules for player transfers.
      4. Limit on Club Ownership
        1. "Sole Club Owner" Term
          1. The club owner, management staff and people related to the club owner may not directly or indirectly own or control more than one club in MPL-KH. They may not have a financial interest in another MPL-KH club directly (e.g. ownership) or indirectly (e.g. contractual arrangement) or be the employee or counterparty of multiple clubs in MPL-KH. Buyback terms, pre-emptive rights and similar rights in a club shall be deemed as a limit on club ownership. MPL-KH officials will have the final say on this term.
          2. MPL-KH officials have the right to make final and binding decisions on issues and nexuses that may harm the fairness of competition in MPL-KH such as club ownership, multiple team limits, etc. People that apply to join MPL-KH must meet the highest character and moral standards. Any candidates that violate or attempt to violate the Rules and principles may be rejected by MPL-KH even if they have signed official contracts.
  3. Team Names, Team Tags and Player Names
    1. Team Names and Tags
      1. A team name may not contain: content of vulgarity, obscenity, horror, violence, gambling, etc.; any phrase that is related to a hero or similar to a character, location or equipment name in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang; or any other content that may violate the Rules. The aforementioned content must not appear in a team name or tag in any explicit or implicit way.
      2. The logo and short name of a professional or semi-professional team may not be identical to those of any other professional or semi-professional teams worldwide, be under copyright protection, or be on the global restriction list. In the event of two teams with identical team logos and short names entering a professional or semi-professional league at the same time, they shall be decided upon the following principles:
        1. If one team enters a professional league and the other team enters a semi-professional league, the team that enters the professional league shall have the right to keep its logo and short name, while the other team will be forced to change its logo and short name.
        2. If both teams enter a professional league (of the same level), MPL-KH officials shall negotiate with the two teams until a mutual agreement is reached. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, the identical logos and short names shall be banned, and both teams must choose a different team logo and short name that are in accordance with the Rules.
        3. If a parent club owns two or more feeder clubs that serve in different professional leagues, the feeder club(s) in Cambodia must submit relevant materials to prove their relationship with the parent club. For example, an international esports club has professional teams in Indonesia, Malaysia and Cambodia and wants to use the same team logo and short name for their teams, then the feeder club in Cambodia must submit relevant materials to prove that it is controlled by this international esports club. After the application is approved, the feeder club in Cambodia shall be allowed to use the logo of this international esports club, but it must still differentiate itself in team name and short name.
      3. A team may only change its name, short name and logo once a year unless officially approved by MPL-KH officials in writing. The application must be submitted before the latest transfer window closes (the general manager or team managers shall be officially informed of the time of each transfer window). The team name, short name and logo must meet the official standards when the application is submitted, or MPL-KH has the right to reject it. The club also needs to provide a reasonable solution for the remaining team uniforms and a new uniform design. MPL-KH shall review the application from all aspects before making a decision. The team name, short name and logo may not be changed mid-season. Any approved new team name, short name and logo shall take effect when the next season starts. For example, if the application is submitted and approved before the summer transfer window in 2022 closes, the new team name, short name and logo will be used once the 2022 Autumn Season begins; and if the application is submitted and approved after the winter transfer window in 2022 closes, the new team name, short name and logo will be used once the 2023 Spring Season begins.
    2. Player Names
      1. A player name may contain uppercase and lowercase letters, and numbers between 0-9. Other special characters (including underscores, spaces, etc.) may not be used in team names, player names or tags.
      2. A player name must contain 4-12 characters.
      3. A player name may not contain: content of vulgarity, obscenity, horror, violence, gambling, etc.; any phrase that is related to a hero or similar to a character, location or equipment name in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang; or any other content that may lead to misunderstanding. A player name may be registered via the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang client.
      4. A player's name may only be changed during a transfer window. Once a player's information is confirmed and the roster submitted, their name may only be changed during the next transfer window. A player's name may not be changed during mid-season. MPL-KH will have the final say on whether a player name may be used.
      5. Player or coach names must be unique in the region, meaning that a player name may not be identical to that of another player or coach in a Mobile Legends: Bang Bang professional or semi-professional league in Cambodia, be under copyright protection, or copyright infringement. In the event of two players or coaches with identical player names entering a professional or semi-professional league at the same time, their names shall be decided upon the following principles:
        1. If one player or coach enters a professional league and the other enters a semi-professional league, the player or coach that enters a professional league shall have the right to keep their player name, while the other player or coach will be forced to change their player name.
        2. If both players or coaches enter a league of the same level, MPL-KH officials shall negotiate with the two players or coaches until a mutual agreement is reached. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, the identical player names shall be banned, and both players or coaches must choose a different player name that is in accordance with the Rules.
      6. All team names, short names, logos and player names must be approved by MPL-KH officials before being used in matches. They may not be changed, with a few exceptions, and must be approved by MPL-KH before being used in MPL-KH matches. Any change of team name, short name, logo, player name, etc. must be made within the specified periods. If a name fails to meet the requirements of MPL-KH, MPL-KH reserves the right to reject the name and demands it to be changed. MPL-KH will have the final say on the review and approval of names and logos.
  4. Roster Changes
    • An MPL-KH team has the right to change the players on its roster in the following 3 ways:
      1. Player transfer with another team;
      2. Signing (or terminating) a contract with a free agent;
      3. Promotion, demotion and loan. All player changes must be in accordance with the Rules and officially approved by MPL-KH in order to take effect.
    1. Basic Rules of Player Change and Registration
      1. No Breach of Contractual Obligations Each team shall comply with its obligations to the players according to their service agreement, including but not limited to paying service fees, prizes and reimbursements as stated in the contract. In the meantime, players shall comply with their obligations to the team, including but not limited to paying for the penalties. Any form of player change shall not breach the contractual obligations.
      2. No Violation of Terms Any player change that violates any terms of the service agreement shall be deemed invalid. When changing a player in the aforementioned ways, a team shall be obligated to submit all the necessary applications and obtain approval before the player change takes effect. A team may not denounce the service agreement with its player unilaterally unless the player agrees to forfeit this right when signing the contract.
      3. Complete Roster Requirements A team may not go below the roster requirements when deciding to change players, i.e., the team must have at least 5 starting players and 1-5 substitute players during the entire MPL-KH season. The team shall be penalized if it does not have at least one substitute player or fails to meet the roster requirements at any moment, with a few exceptions officially determined by MPL-KH.
      4. Scope The player change in this section only refers to those decided by the team itself, and not those required by MPL-KH in the event of a player's death or injury, or when MPL-KH demands the player to stop playing or bans them from the tournament due to their violation of the Rules. In addition, the Rules stated in 4.1.5 shall be referred to for the procedures of player transfers and free agent registration.
      5. Registration Requirements A player on the roster must submit their contract to be officially reviewed and approved by MPL-KH in order to be qualified to register for any tournament. The procedure is as follows (also applicable to coach registration):
        1. The team manager shall submit registration materials to MPL-KH officials, and MPL-KH officials shall review said materials and reply within 5 business days after receiving the complete materials. If the application is submitted no later than 18:00 (time in the Rules follows time in Phnom Penh unless otherwise specified), the review starts from the day of submission; if the application is submitted after 18:00, the review starts from the day after submission. The materials to be submitted shall include: registration form, eligibility authorization, identity card copy and scanned copy, passport copy and scanned copy (or passport application receipt issued by the government, and the player must submit their passport copy and scanned copy within 14 days, or else they will not be able to participate in any matches), visa page as required by MPL-KH officials (for players not from the MPL-KH region), copy and scanned copy of player service agreement, statement against account abuse, statement against match-fixing, confirmation of account asset submission on the tournament servers, headshot that meets the official requirements, and other officially required documents. For a newly signed free agent, the team manager shall also submit the free-agent contract signed by the team and the player.
        2. MPL-KH officials shall review the materials submitted by the team and investigate the player's relevant behaviors in and outside the game within 5 business days. If the materials or investigation fail to meet the requirements, or the player is under official investigation by MPL-KH for a major rule violation, the application will be rejected, and the team must resubmit the registration application.
        3. A player that is approved may play in matches the following day. The team must wait for official confirmation to release information about signing a new player.
      6. Contract Registration A contract signed between a team and a player or coach must be registered with MPL-KH officials within 10 days of signing. MPL-KH officials have the right to reject any player or coach that doesn't have a registered contract from partaking in official events. However, registration shall not equal to full recognition of the terms, and in the event of any dispute arising between the club and the player or coach, MPL-KH and the club shall make the final decision or verdict together.
      7. Roster Lock In the last week of the regular season, MPL-KH will not accept any new player registration, promotion or demotion application. For example, if the last week of the MPL Spring Regular Season lasts between March 25 and 31, MPL-KH will accept new player registration, promotion and demotion applications submitted on March 24 or earlier, and all roster change applications submitted between March 25 and 31 will be rejected. After the roster is locked, the team may not sign any new players, promote, or demote any player until the next transfer window is open unless otherwise specified. It is important to note that this term is not applicable to any coach registration and change, which means teams will be able to register and change coaches after the roster is locked.
      8. No Rent A club may not rent out its players or coaches to another club for participation in MPL-KH events. Each player or coach may only represent the MPL-KH team that they are registered with in the tournaments.
    2. Player Transfer
      A team can choose to transfer its players within a transfer window. Any player transfer application between MPL-KH teams must be submitted in writing before the season's transfer window closes, or else it will be rejected. This rule is not applicable to the first season (the 2022 Spring Regular Season and Playoffs) after this transfer rule is published. However, teams shall be informed and understand this rule, which will take effect starting from the 2022 summer transfer window.
      The rules of player transfers between teams are as follows:
      1. Quota There is no limit to the maximum number of players that can be transferred in a league or season.                       
      2. Chance A player may only transfer once within a transfer window and may only be on one club's roster during any given season.
      3. Transfer Window Trading between teams can start as early as the first day of a transfer window and no later than the last day of a transfer window. A transfer window refers to a spring or winter transfer window that is announced by MPL-KH officials every year in advance, during which teams may transfer their players. The transfer agreement must be submitted to the league within 5 days after it is signed, or it will be rejected. MPL-KH officials shall only review transfer agreements and other documents that are signed and submitted within the current transfer window; any transfer agreements and other documents that are not signed or submitted within the transfer window will not be recognized by MPL-KH officials.
        In addition, if a player is registered between the last day of the transfer window and the 7th day after the next season starts, the player will not be able to play in any matches within the first 7 days after the next season starts unless approved by MPL-KH officials.
      4. International No Poaching or Tampering Policies A Team Member (including but not limited to players, management staff, coaches, managers, crew members and club owners), other affiliate members, executives, controllers or shareholders of the club or relevant parties, or an organization related to the team may not take part in offering any job to an official player or coach that is in a contractual relationship with another team, or encourage an official player or coach of another team to breach or terminate their contract. Any conversation that is deemed to be made with such intentions shall be considered as being in violation of this rule. A team that wishes to contact a player or coach that is already in a contractual relationship with another team must contact the management staff of the other team or wait for the player or coach to sign a Contact Statement to contact this player or coach. Otherwise, any discussion related to the contractual relationship, whether about the current contractual status or potential employment after the current contract is terminated, shall be deemed as a violation of this rule. If the player or coach supports or cooperates with the solicitation, they shall also be penalized.
        1. Trade and Transfer Requirements A team may only trade or transfer players on its roster. MPL-KH will not approve any trading or transfer of a potential or free agent or a player that is signed within the current transfer window.
        2. League Approval Transfer applications shall comply with all related rules and requirements of MPL-KH officials and also follow the steps stated below:
          1. The manager of the selling team (i.e. the team the player is leaving) shall apply for transfer to MPL-KH officials and submit the following documents within a transfer window:
            1. The transfer agreement and a translated copy in English that are signed by the selling team, the buying team (i.e. the team the player is joining) and the player;
            2. The termination agreement and a translated copy in English that are signed by the selling team and the player;
            3. If the player is not yet 18 years old when signing the aforementioned documents, the documents must be signed by the player and their legal guardian(s);
            4. If the translated copy in English differs from the original agreement in meaning or content, the translated copy in English will take precedence.
          2. After receiving a transfer application from the selling team, MPL-KH officials shall contact the buying team in due time and confirm in writing whether their transfer application is approved. MPL-KH officials shall decide whether to approve the transfer application based on the results:
            1. If the buying team agrees to the application, they shall submit a player service agreement signed by them and the player to MPL-KH officials within 48 hours after being contacted. MPL-KH officials will approve the transfer if the aforementioned document passes the examination; otherwise, MPL-KH officials will ask the buying team to supplement or correct the document before the deadline ("Add Correct Period");
            2. If the buying team refuses the application or fails to submit document(s) as required by MPL-KH officials within 48 hours (or the corrected period) after being contacted, the transfer application will not be approved.
          3. If the transfer does not need the player's approval, the aforementioned document won't need to be signed by the player (and their legal guardian(s)). In the event of the buying team being unable to reach a new service agreement with the player, the selling team must promise to not reduce the service fee paid to the player within the remaining duration of the original service agreement signed between them and the player.
          4. The player's team has the right to refuse the player's requests to negotiate a transfer with a third party (person or company), and no team may conclude any agreement that may compromise the independence of a player's registration right, their match performance or the fairness of the competition, including but not limited to that the selling team or any third party may not control or affect the player's match eligibility, performance and results in the buying team after their transfer unless otherwise stated in official regulations.
          5. The service agreement between the player and the buying team will be valid after MPL-KH officials approve the transfer and the player is registered in the buying team. The new contract must be consistent with the original contract unless the player consents otherwise.
        3. Effective Date The transfer will be completed when MPL-KH officials approve the transfer and complete the player's registration to the buying team. The transfer will be deemed as approved even if the approval is issued after the current transfer window's closure.
        4. Emergency Procedures In the event of any dispute regarding a player's registration eligibility during the course of making a transfer agreement or registration of a free agent, MPL-KH has the right to follow the following procedures:
          1. MPL-KH officials shall inform the team that plans to register the player regarding the dispute, and after receiving their application for emergency procedures, inform all involved parties. The involved parties shall follow the MPL-KH's instructions, submit relevant written materials before deadlines, and cooperate with any investigation;
          2. Based on the investigation result, MPL-KH officials will take into account the dispute, the player's opinion, the balance of the parties' rights and obligations and other factors in deciding whether to approve the player's transfer or registration in the new team through emergency procedures;
          3. The decision made by MPL-KH officials through emergency procedures to approve or reject the application shall be final and conclusive. No parties will have the right to appeal;
          4. The decisions MPL-KH officials make about disputes are solely whether to approve or reject a player's transfer or registration application and do not represent the official opinion about the contractual dispute between the parties. As for the player service agreement, transfer agreement or other contracts involved in the dispute, the parties shall apply for arbitration based on MPL-KH's arbitration rules. If the player's termination of a contract is ruled unwarranted, the new team that has applied to buy or register that player within the duration of the original player service agreement shall also be liable. If any party of the transfer agreement is ruled to have breached the contract, that party shall be responsible and liable for the consequences.
    3. Free Agent Signings
      MPL-KH teams may sign free agents in the following ways:
      1. Definition
        1. A free agent ("FA") is any player that is qualified to participate in MPL-KH and (a) has not signed an effective player agreement in writing with any MPL-KH or other league team, or (b) has terminated their previous contract with an MPL-KH or other league team or not renewed the contract after it expired.
        2. Being in negotiation with a team will not change a free agent's status. The player shall be able to freely sign with any MPL-KH team as long as they meet all the requirements for MPL-KH.
      2. Time Selection—Free Agent Signing Period
        1. A team may sign free agents at any moment outside the roster lock period. However, since each player can only represent one team throughout a season, should a player terminate their contract with their team during a season, they will not be able to join another team as a free agent throughout that same season.
        2. A team may not reach any verbal, financial and other legally-binding agreement during the roster lock period with any player that has been on the rosters of a professional, semi-professional or development league in the current season, with the following exceptions:
          1. The agreement is to extend the original player service agreement between the team and the player;
          2. The player is a new player (that has never signed with or coached in any professional or semi-professional team or participated in any match on behalf of any of such team);
          3. The agreement will not affect the free agent's status after the next transfer window opens (i.e., it will not affect the player's right to freely sign with any other team after the next transfer window opens). For example, the contract expires before the next transfer window opens. If a player terminates their contract with the team on March 8, the player will be able to sign a contract with another team before the spring transfer window opens (e.g., if the spring transfer window opens on April 30), but the contract must expire before April 30, making sure the player will be deemed a free agent no later than April 30.
      3. Complete Roster Requirements A team may not go below the roster requirements including but not limited to maintaining 5 starting players and 1-5 substitute players throughout a regular MPL-KH season when signing free agents.
      4. MPL-KH Approval A team must submit a written application to MPL-KH officials before signing a free agent, and any player service agreement without the written approval of MPL-KH will not be recognized. Reference 4.1.5 for registration procedures. A team signing free agents or coaches must meet all the requirements and follow the application procedures and other rules, including the review of behavior in and outside the game. Before the application is officially approved, a team may not announce that they have signed or terminated a contract with a player or coach, nor may a player or coach announce that they have left a team, joined another team, or renewed their contract with a team.
        1. The manager of the team signing a free agent shall submit the free-agent signing application, player service agreement and other registration materials signed by the team and the player to MPL-KH officials. After receiving the complete application materials, MPL-KH officials have the right to approve or reject the application based on factors such as the player's eligibility and whether the application complies with the rules.
        2. The application shall be reviewed and replied to within 5 business days, and it will take effect the day following its approval. For example, a player receiving the official application approval on January 1, 2022, will be able to play in a match as early as January 2, 2022.
    4. Roster Shuffle Channels
      1. Special Rules
        1. MPL-KH does not currently have any secondary leagues/development leagues, so any youth or secondary team players drafted for the development of a team must be registered and will not be considered as a new player.
        2. MPL-KH does not currently have any secondary leagues/development leagues, so any youth or secondary team player drafted for the development of a team may join during transfer windows as long as the player complies with the rules stated in 5.2.
        3. Clubs may apply to MPL-KH to promote or demote players outside of a transfer window (e.g. during regular seasons).
        4. The rules stated in 4.4 still apply after MDL-KH is established and will be expanded to include all MPL-KH teams.
      2. Promotion
        1. MPL-KH teams can apply to promote a player from their youth or secondary league teams to their MPL-KH team, and the promoted player will leave the roster of the youth or secondary league team and become an MPL-KH player on the roster of the MPL-KH team. Each team can promote up to 3 youth or secondary league players in a single season.
        2. After promoting a player, the MPL-KH team must still meet the roster requirements of MPL-KH. Otherwise, MPL-KH officials will have the right to reject the promotion application of the team. Promotion must also be finished before the roster lock.
      3. Demotion
        1. MPL-KH teams can apply to demote a player from their team to one of their youth or secondary league teams, and the demoted player will leave the roster of the MPL-KH team and become a player on the roster of the youth or secondary league team. Each team can demote up to 3 MPL-KH players throughout a single season. The demoted player must meet the player requirements for the youth or secondary league and other match requirements (e.g. foreign player requirements); otherwise, the application will be rejected.
        2. After demoting a player, the MPL-KH team must still meet the minimum roster requirements of MPL-KH. Otherwise, MPL-KH officials will have the right to reject the demotion application. Demotions must also be finished before the roster lock.
        3. Unless otherwise agreed, the team and the player need not change the player service agreement and shall continue to obey the rights and obligations stated in the agreement (e.g., no reduction of the service fee). In the event of any conflict between any other terms in the Rules and this term, this term shall prevail.
      4. Player Status Adjustments
        A club can apply to MPL-KH to adjust the status of a player of their club, and the status adjustments within a transfer window will not be considered promotion or demotion. There are two types of adjustments that fall into this category:
        1. Adjusting a player from an MPL-KH team roster to a youth or secondary league roster, where the adjusted player will participate in matches as a youth or secondary league player in the following season.
        2. Adjusting a player from a youth or secondary league team roster to an MPL-KH team roster, where the adjusted player will participate in matches as an MPL-KH player in the following season.
        3. Each player can only be adjusted once within one transfer window.
      5. Player Cooling-Off Period
        If a team and a player terminate their contract during a season, the player will not be able to join the same team again during that season.
      6. Review Duration
        MPL-KH shall review applications for promotions, demotions, loans and status adjustments during a transfer window within 5 business days. The review of an application submitted before 18:00 on a business day will be complete before the fourth business day ends, and the player can play in a match the day after the application is approved; if the application is submitted after 18:00, the review starts from the day after submission, and the player can also play in a match the day after the application is approved. For example, if an application is submitted before 18:00 on Monday, the review will be completed on Friday, and the player can play in a match on Saturday; if the application is submitted after 18:00 on Monday, the review will be complete on the following Monday, and the player can play in a match on the following Tuesday; (MPL-KH will not accept or process applications on any non-business days, i.e. weekends and legal holidays, but players can still play in a match on non-business days after their application is approved.)
      7. Loan, Promotion and Demotion Cooling-Off Period
        To prevent clubs from frequently loaning, promoting or demoting players for any reason that violates this section of the Rules, the minimum cooling-off period of a loan, promotion or demotion is 7 days. For example, a youth or secondary league player that has passed a loan or promotion application review on October 1, 2021, will be able to play in MPL-KH as early as October 7; if the player's team applies to return or demote the player, MPL-KH will finish the review within 5 business days, and the player will be able to play in the youth or secondary league as early as October 20. This rule does not apply to youth or secondary league players that are automatically returned to their previous leagues after the roster lock.
      8. Promotion, Demotion and Adjustment Time
        In the last week of a regular MPL-KH season, any applications to promote, demote or adjust MPL-KH and youth or secondary league players will stop being accepted until the end of the next transfer window
    5. Retirement
      1. Definition
        When a player applies to retire, it will be considered as forfeiting their status as an MPL-KH, youth or secondary league player, and they will no longer be able to join any MPL-KH, youth or secondary league team roster as a free agent or through player transfer.
      2. No Breach of Contract
        A player can apply to retire when they have reached an agreement with their team or their player service agreement expires. It shall be noted that the player service agreement must be terminated and not changed in any form whatsoever if they wish to retire before the agreement expires. A player may not retire without the consent of their team when their service agreement is still binding ("Unilateral Retirement"). Unilateral Retirement is considered to be a breach of contract and will be penalized if discovered.
      3. Retirement Application Procedures
        A player shall fill in their "Retirement Statement" and submit it to MPL-KH for review, which will be finished within 5 business days. The player will be informed of the review result afterward. If the player publicly announces their retirement before the retirement application is reviewed and approved, the player will be considered as retired, and MPL-KH officials will determine the cooling-off period for their comeback and the penalty for any such action, including but not limited to fines, the extension of their cooling-off period or comeback ban.
      4. Comeback
        "Comeback" refers to a retired player rejoining an MPL-KH, youth or secondary league team roster. After a player's retirement application is approved, they will not be able to rejoin an MPL-KH, youth or secondary league team roster within 12 months ("Comeback Cooling-Off Period"). For example, if a player's retirement application is approved at 18:00 on January 1, 2021, they will once again be able to register for the league at 18:01 on January 1, 2022, and play in a match on January 2, 2022.
      5. Applicability
        The retirement rules only apply to players that retire from MPL-KH and secondary leagues. Retirement, comeback or relevant actions in another region shall comply with that region's rules.
      6. Restrictions
        Starting from the publication date of the Rules, players that announce their retirement will also be bound by all the terms above. MPL-KH will have the final say on the comeback cooling-off period of players that retired before the Rules were published.
    6. Roster Public Announcement Time
      1. According to Rules 4.2.7, 4.3.4 and 4.4.6, all roster changes must be reviewed and approved by MPL-KH officials to take effect. Before their application is approved by MPL-KH, a club is prohibited from publicly announcing or implying that a player or coach will be joining or leaving the club in any way whatsoever or on any platform (including but not limited to interviews, fan groups and social media); otherwise, MPL-KH reserve the right to penalize the club for any such action.
  5. Player, Coach and Crew Clothing
    1. Definition
      1. Definition of a Team Uniform An official team uniform that meets the requirements and is approved by MPL-KH, including but not limited to shirts, jerseys, jackets, pants and team-branded shoes. If MPL-KH officials require team members to wear specific clothing, the teams will be obligated to meet the requirements. MPL-KH will inform the teams and provide the teams with said clothing 14 days before the requirements take effect. To clarify, sweatpants, pajama pants and/or open-toed shoes will not be considered appropriate clothing; not wearing matching clothing (e.g. wearing a team jacket but matching shirts) will not be considered appropriate. MPL-KH officials will have final approval over all clothing.
    2. Player Clothing
      1. This rule applies to all players on the current MPL-KH rosters.
      2. For any MPL-KH or official appearance, players must wear appropriate team uniforms during the entirety of the event (from arriving at the venue in a vehicle to leaving the venue in a vehicle). If a player fails to wear an appropriate team uniform (including not wearing the uniform, deliberately covering, concealing, removing, adjusting or changing the league team uniform partner brand logos, or any other behavior that compromises the partner brand image or reputation), or wears, uses, or displays the league team uniform partner brand's competitors' products, logos, slogans or mascots, MPL-KH will fine them and refuse their entry or continued participation in the match according to MPL-KH's penalties for violating team uniform rules. MPL-KH or official appearances are defined as any MPL-KH, MPL-KH Allstar, M Series, MSC and other events held by Shanghai Moonton Technology Co. Ltd., third party events for MPL-KH teams (including but not limited to pre-match interviews and setup, matches, post-match interviews, fan interactions and all other official events), and official interviews, ceremonies, news conferences, video recordings, parties and other events. Clubs are obligated to comply with the clothing review of MPL-KH officials and will be penalized if they refuse to cooperate.
      3. In other unofficial events, player clothing must comply with the following requirements:
        1. In club campaigns and advertising materials, players may not cover the MPL-KH logo or the official partner brand logo if they are wearing MPL-KH team uniforms, nor may they wear or display any product of a brand which is a competitor of the official partner brand. Club campaigns include but are not limited to posting campaign videos, posting or reposting on the club's official YouTube channel, Facebook account or other social media accounts, offline events, etc.
        2. For any individual action (including individual commercial campaigns and advertising materials) that features the clothing, accessories or shoes of a brand that is a competitor of the official partner brand, players may not use the current team logo, wear the team uniform, introduce themselves as an MPL-KH player or a member of the club in any way whatsoever (e.g., wearing a competitor brand's clothing while live streaming with a YouTube account verified as a member or player of the club), nor directly or indirectly remind the public of MPL-KH or other events that represent MPL-KH.
      4. Teams and players that are qualified for international tournaments will need to apply to display their sponsor's logo on their team uniform in M Series, MSC and other official international tournaments held by Shanghai Moonton Technology Co. Ltd. before the deadline; any application submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Teams may only wear team uniforms approved by MPL-KH when playing in these international tournaments. MPL-KH will have final approval over all clothing. (There will be additional rules for the position and quantity of sponsor logos on team uniforms.)
    3. Coach Clothing
      1. In the entirety of the events stated in Rule 5.2.2, coaches must wear appropriate business casual clothing without any clear brand logo. The clothing needs to include at least: a dress shirt, pants and shoes or other business casual attire. Coaches may not wear any product of a brand that is a competitor of the official partner brand, and their clothing must be professional and not ostentatious. If MPL-KH officials require coaches to wear any sponsor's products, coaches must comply with the official requirements.
      2. In club campaigns and advertising materials, coaches may not cover the MPL-KH logo or the official partner brand logo if they are wearing MPL-KH team uniforms, nor may they wear or display any product of a brand that is a competitor of the official partner brand. Club campaigns include but are not limited to posting campaign videos, posting or reposting on the club's official Facebook account, offline events, etc.
      3. For any individual action (including individual commercial campaigns and advertising materials) that features the clothing, accessories or shoes of a brand that is a competitor of the official partner brand, coaches may not use the current team logo, wear the team uniform, introduce themselves as an MPL-KH coach or a member of the club in any way whatsoever, nor directly or indirectly remind the public of MPL-KH or other events that represent MPL-KH.
    4. Crew Clothing
      1. In the entirety of the events stated in Rule 5.2.2, crew members of a club (including but not limited to coaches, leaders, managers, etc.) that need to be in the frame of an official match's live broadcast may not wear any product of a brand that is a competitor of the official partner brand.
      2. In the entirety of the events stated in Rule 5.2.2, besides the crew members mentioned in 5.4.1, there may not be more than 3 crew members in the venue that wear clothing on their upper body (including shirts and jackets) that has the same design and is of a brand that is a competitor of the official partner brand. The same design includes similar clothing of different colors.
      3. In the entirety of the events stated in Rule 5.2.2, crew members of a club may not wear clothing of a brand which is a competitor of the official partner brand in an organized manner. MPL-KH will have the final say on such action.
    5. MPL-KH reserves the right to at any time impose bans on objectionable or offensive clothing. Team member clothing may not have the following features:
      1. Containing any false, unsubstantiated, or unwarranted claims for any product or service, or testimonials, that MPL-KH, in its sole and absolute discretion, considers unethical.
      2. Advertising any non-"over-the-counter" drug, tobacco product, firearm, handgun or ammunition.
      3. Containing any content constituting or relating to any activity that is illegal in any MPL-KH region, including but not limited to a lottery or an enterprise, service or product that abets, assists or promotes illegal gambling and lottery.
      4. Containing any content 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.
      5. Advertising any pornographic website or pornographic products.
      6. Containing any trademark, copyrighted material or other elements of intellectual property that is used without the owner's consent or that may give rise to, or subject MPL-KH or its affiliates to, any claim of infringement, misappropriation, or other forms of unfair competition.
      7. Disparaging or libeling any opposing team or player or any other person, entity or product.
    • MPL-KH reserves the right to refuse entry or continued participation in the match to any team member who does not comply with the aforementioned clothing rules.
  6. Player Devices
    1. Match Devices
      • MPL-KH has provided or will provide devices in the following categories to MPL-KH players for exclusive use in official MPL-KH matches. This term's applicability will be notified in due course by MPL-KH. MPL-KH has the final say on the requirements stated in this term.
      • The devices include:
        1. Match Mobile Phone
        2. Headsets and/or Earbuds and/or Microphones
        3. Table and Chair
      • At the request of an MPL-KH player or the discretion of MPL-KH, MPL-KH officials will provide the following categories of devices for use in all official MPL-KH matches:
        1. Backup Mobile Phone
        2. Backup Earbuds
    2. Player-Owned or Team-Owned Devices
      1. Players are allowed to bring devices in the following categories, which are owned by themselves or their teams, into the match area and use such devices during official MPL-KH matches:
        1.   Match Mobile Phone (when MPL-KH does not provide such a device)
        2. Headsets and/or Earbuds and/or Microphones (when MPL-KH does not provide such a device)
      2. Device Check MPL-KH officials will check match devices according to the device checklist, and clubs will need to comply with the entire procedure.
      3. Model Submission Teams will need to submit the models of their players' other devices ("peripherals") to MPL-KH officials and specify whether any device driver needs to be downloaded in advance. For clarity, this includes backup peripherals. Rule 6.2.3 only applies to when a player uses any peripheral for the match, including but not limited to screen protectors, cell phone coolers, etc.
        1. MPL-KH officials will provide a registration list of all peripheral models approved by MPL-KH officials. If a player needs to change their match peripheral to a model on the approved list, they shall submit their application to MPL-KH officials no later than 18:00 one day before the match. To change a match peripheral to a model not on the approved list, the team will need to submit their application to MPL-KH officials 14 days before the use of this peripheral for MPL-KH to review it, install its drivers, and test it before deciding whether to approve its use.
        2. A peripheral change application submitted after 18:00 one day prior to the match will be subject to penalties. If it is due to force majeure, the team must inform MPL-KH officials immediately after the occurrence, and MPL-KH officials will determine the outcome at their discretion. For clarity, a team may only change their match peripheral to an officially provided model or one on the approved list.
        3. If a team changes its peripherals without approval, the team will be subject to penalties. Any peripherals deemed by MPL-KH officials to affect the stability of a match will not be permitted for use, and the player will be required to use approved peripherals instead.
      4. Wireless Peripheral Requirements Players may use wireless headphones and other wireless peripheral devices but must ensure that the wireless device has at least 80% battery before the match begins and place the cable of the wireless device above the match table to replace it in case of issues. If a player fails to comply with the rules, MPL-KH officials have the right to prohibit the use of the wireless device; if a player using a peripheral device has any related problem in the match, the officials MPL-KH have the right to immediately ask the player to use the cable or replace the peripheral device. If the player insists on using the wireless peripheral or the original device for the match, the club shall be responsible for the risk the device creates in the match (e.g., the match will not be paused due to a problem with the peripheral, and MPL-KH will not provide any solution for the consequences, etc.). A player must not disconnect the device from the cable and use it on wireless without approval and will be subject to penalties if discovered doing so.
      5. Prohibited Devices In the match area, players, interpreters and coaches may not bring any headsets, earbuds and/or microphones that are not provided by MPL-KH unless otherwise specified by MPL-KH officials. All player-owned and team-owned devices must be submitted to MPL-KH officials in advance for approval, and the referees on-site have the right to check player devices. Unapproved devices or devices that are suspected by MPL-KH officials of providing an unfair competitive advantage will not be permitted for use, and a player will be required to use devices provided by MPL-KH instead.
      6. At their discretion, MPL-KH officials may disallow the use of any individual device for reasons relating to tournament security, safety, or operational efficiency or effectiveness, or require the player to use officially registered or approved peripherals instead, and may check the player's devices from time to time.
      7. No player-owned or team-owned hardware or device 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 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
    3. Replacement of Devices
      If MPL-KH officials at any time suspect there to be issues with a device or technical problems, a player or MPL-KH official may request a technical review. MPL-KH technical personnel will diagnose and troubleshoot problems, as needed. The technical personnel may request that clubs order replacements for any devices, at their discretion. Decisions regarding the replacement of any device are solely at the discretion of MPL-KH officials. A club must bring at least 2 sets of backup peripherals (if any) and 2 backup match cell phones to each match. When a cell phone or peripheral device fails, MPL-KH officials will replace it . If a player insists on using the original peripheral device for the match, the club shall be responsible for the risk such a device creates in the match (e.g., the match will not be paused due to a problem with the peripheral, and MPL-KH will not provide any solution for the consequences, etc.). MPL-KH has the right to determine when a peripheral device shall be replaced according to the situation.
    4. Applications and Usage
      Players are prohibited from installing their own applications on match devices (only limited to devices provided by MPL-KH) and may only use applications provided by MPL-KH. If a player wishes to install an application on their match device, they must first ask permission from MPL-KH. This term's applicability will be notified in due course by MPL-KH. MPL-KH officials have the final say on the requirements stated in this term.
      1. Voice Chat Voice chat between players, coaches and interpreters will be provided via a native system used in the headsets provided by MPL-KH. Use of third-party voice chat software (e.g., Skype, Discord) is not permitted unless MPL-KH officials decide to change the voice chat method in special circumstances at their discretion. The officials MPL-KH may monitor a team's audio at their discretion.
      2. Social Media and Communication It is prohibited to use MPL-KH match devices (only limited to officially provided devices) to view or post on any social media or communication sites. This includes, but is not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, online forums/message boards and emails.
      3. Non-Essential Devices It is prohibited to connect non-essential devices, such as flash drives or MP3 players, to MPL-KH match devices (only limited to devices provided by MPL-KH), for any reason whatsoever.
      4. Match Area Items To avoid any interference with the match, all team members in the match area may not bring any electronic devices other than their match devices (if the officials MPL-KH do not provide devices for a match).
    5. Game Client Accounts
      Players will have match server logins provided for them by MPL-KH. It is the players' responsibility to configure their accounts to their preferences. The account's player name must be approved by MPL-KH officials to be used in official matches by a player. Each player will need to ensure that their account can be used normally in all regions that may be used in the match, including the correctness of the ID, hero skins, etc. If the progress is delayed due to a problem with a player's account, they may be subject to penalties at the discretion of MPL-KH officials.
    6. Audio Controls
      1. Players may not adjust any audio settings outside of the game unless otherwise approved.
      2. 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 take off their headphones for any reason whatsoever while on stage, obstruct the placement of headphones by any method or place any item, including hats, scarves or other articles of clothing, between the headphones and their ears, or damage the headphones by any means (e.g., pulling, twisting, etc.). This restriction does not apply to the pre-match setup stage.
    7. Device Tampering
      Players and coaches may not touch or handle another teammate's owned or provided device after a match has started, including when the match is paused. Players who require assistance with their devices shall ask assistance from MPL-KH officials.
  7. Venue and Match Area
    1. Venue Access  Access to MPL-KH teams to restricted areas of venues for official MPL-KH matches is restricted to team members only unless otherwise approved in advance by MPL-KH officials. Permission to attend MPL-KH matches is solely at the discretion of MPL-KH.
    2. Match Area  The "match area" is comprised of the area immediately surrounding any device used during match play, including the match stage. During match play, the presence of team members in the match area is restricted solely to the on-site rosters of the teams in play. Players may not access another team's match area unless otherwise approved.
      1. Team Managers and Other Crew Members Team managers and other crew members may be in the match area during the pre-match setup process, but may not be in the match area during other periods of the match.
      2. Team Coaches Team coaches may be in the match area during the pre-match setup process, preparation time and the pick/ban phase, but must leave 10 seconds before the conclusion of the pick/ban phase and may not return until after the end of the match.
      3. Wireless Devices Wireless devices, including cell phones, tablets and other devices that may be used for wireless communication, are not allowed in the match area.
      4. Match Supplies Any supplies that may not be used for a match as determined by the officials MPL-KH may not be in the match area.
    3. Food and Drink Restrictions  No food is allowed in match areas unless there is a special need that has been approved in advance by MPL-KH officials. Drinks are permitted in the match area only in containers. It is the players' responsibility to keep the match area and devices clean.
    4. Match Stage  The stage on which the teams are during the match. The match stage will contain match devices and other relevant devices.
    5. Spectator Area  The area where spectators watch the match from after entering the venue.
    6. Player Lounge  Access to player lounges is limited to team members. For the purpose of confidentiality, any person other than MPL-KH staff may not be in this area unless otherwise permitted in writing by a team manager. Any violation or attempt of violation will be subject to penalties.
    7. Public Team Lounge Areas  Public team lounge areas are areas within the venue as defined by MPL-KH officials, 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-KH officials.
    8. Waiting Areas  The waiting areas are the areas on the sides of the stage where players make their final preparations before their official matches begin, and are reserved for designated teams. For the purpose of confidentiality, any person other than MPL-KH staff may not be in this area unless otherwise permitted in writing by a team manager. Any violation or attempt of violation will be subject to penalties.
  8. Tournament System
    1. Regular Season This stage comprises 8 teams and will be played as a best-of-two ("Bo2") single round-robin amongst a group of 8 teams. Each team will play 7 matches per season against the other teams in their regional league. Each team will play the other 7 teams once. The match rankings will be decided by points. It needs to be noted that if a Bo2 match ends in a 1-1 tie, the two teams will each gain 1 season point, and if the match ends in a 2-0 or 0-2, the team that wins 2 games will gain 3 season points, another team will gain 0 season points. See the official MPL-KH website for complete dates and match schedules.
    2. Season Qualification  Qualification to partake in an MPL-KH season will be determined by Invitation and the Challenger Trophy:
      1. Invitation  The top 6 teams of the current MPL-KH Spring and Autumn Season will be invited to the next Spring and Autumn Season. If a team didn’t take part in both the current Spring and Autumn Season, its qualification will be determined according to 8.2.2.3 Special Conditions.
      2. Challenger Trophy The Challenger Trophy will take place after the playoffs of the Autumn Season. There will be two stages in the Challenger Trophy, namely Qualifiers and Promotion and Relegation.
        1. Qualifiers In addition to registered professional players and MPL-KH teams, all the MPL-KH players and teams that meet the requirements specified in 2.1.5.1 can sign up for the Qualifiers. The champion and the second place of the Qualifiers will be determined between the last two teams standing. Besides, teams that meet the requirements of Term D in 8.2.2.3 will also partake in the Qualifiers.
        2. Promotion and Relegation The champion and the runner-up of the qualifiers will confront the bottom two teams in the Points ranking. The champion and the eighth place in the Points ranking will contend for the first qualification to MPL-KH. The runner-up and the seventh place will compete for the second. BO5 system will be adopted in this stage, and the matches are played according to 2022 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Rules.
        3. Special Conditions As for teams that have not taken part in both Spring and Autumn Season, MLBB Official will first consider their willingness to compete in the game.
          1. The team that is among the top 6 in Points ranking but is not considering joining the next MPL-KH Season will be replaced by the first qualified team after the 6th place.
          2. The team that is among the top 6 in Points ranking and will join the next MPL-KH Season will be qualified for the next MPL-KH Season unless it’s the second time this condition occurs to the team. If it is the second time, the team will not advance to the next MPL-KH Season, but can still sign up for the Challenger Trophy.
          3. The team that is neither among the top 6 in Points ranking nor considering joining the next MPL-KH Season will be replaced by the first qualified team after its place.
          4. The team that is not among the top 6 in Points ranking but would like to join the next MPL-KH Season will have to compete in the Challenger Trophy.
    3. Side Selection Participating teams in the regular season will follow the head referee's instructions to draw sides before the match starts, the process of which will be supervised. See 8.7.4 for playoff side selection rules. The team which may choose their side will have the right to choose their side in the first half of the match, while the other team will choose their side in the second half.
    4. Regular Season Victory Principles
      1. If multiple teams are tied (have the same points) at the conclusion of the regular season, the teams will be ranked according to their aggregate points (game wins excluding game losses in the regular season): the team with more net wins will be ranked higher. If there are teams with an equal number of net wins, they will be ranked according to the two teams' head to head record: the team with more wins against the other team will be ranked higher. If their wins against each other are equal in number, they will be ranked according to their net wins in these matches: the team with more net wins will be ranked higher. If they are still tied, the teams will play an additional match to determine their standings.
      2. More specifically, in a two-way tie, the two teams' net wins will be compared first, and if they have an equal number of net wins, their versus record will be considered to determine their standings.
      3. If three or more teams are tied:
        • (a) First, compare all the tied teams' net wins.
        • (b) If there are teams with an equal number of net wins, the versus records of these teams will be considered, and the team with more wins in the versus records will be ranked higher.
        • (c) If there are teams with an equal number of versus records, these teams' net wins in their versus records will be considered, and the team with more net wins in the versus records will be ranked higher.
        • (d) If there are teams with an equal number of versus net wins, the teams will play an additional match based on the following format.
    5. Tiebreaker Rules
      1. General Rules
        1.   Tiebreakers are played after the conclusion of the regular season and before the start of the playoffs. The date, time and location will be determined by MPL-KH officials.
        2. Tiebreakers will be best-of-one matches.
        3. Side selection will be determined by a coin flip.
        4. Total Game Victory Time: The total amount of time it took for a team to win their matches in the regular season.
        5. Equal Total Game Victory Time: In any situation where the Total Game Victory Time between tied teams is equal in length, these teams will be required to play a tiebreaker to determine their standings.
      2. Three-way Tie
        1. The two teams with the highest Total Game Victory Times (the total amount of time it took for a team to win their matches in the regular season) in the tied teams will play a tiebreaker (Match 1), and the loser will be awarded the lowest standing. The winner will play another tiebreaker (Match 2) against the tied team with the lowest Total Game Victory Time, and the loser will be awarded the next highest standing, and the winner the highest. If the tied teams have equal Total Game Victory Times, then a coin flip will substitute the tiebreaker order, before they play the tiebreakers following the rules above.
      3. Four-way Tie
        1. The tied teams will play tiebreakers according to their Total Game Victory Times. The team with the lowest Total Game Victory Time will face off against the team with the highest (Match 1), while the team with the next lowest Total Game Victory Time will face off against the team with the next highest (Match 2). The losers of Match 1 and Match 2 will then face off in a tiebreaker (Match 3) to determine the lowest standing, while the winners of Match 1 and Match 2 will face off in a tiebreaker (Match 4) to determine the highest standing.
      4. Five-way Tie
        1. The two teams with the highest Total Game Victory Times in the tied teams will play a tiebreaker (Match 1). The loser will be awarded the lowest standing, while the winner and the remaining teams will then follow the procedure as stated under Four-way Tie.
      5. Six-way Tie
        1. The four teams with the highest Total Game Victory Times in the tied teams will be randomly drawn into single-elimination tiebreakers (Matches 1 and 2). The losers in Match 1 and 2 will face off in a tiebreaker (Match 3) to determine the lowest standing, while the winners in Match 1 and 2 and the two remaining teams will then follow the procedure as stated under Four-way Tie.
      6. Seven-way Tie
        1. The six teams with the highest Total Game Victory Times in the tied teams will be randomly drawn into single-elimination tiebreakers (Matches 1, 2 and 3). The losers in Match 1, 2 and 3 will follow the procedure as stated under Three-way Tie to determine their standings, while the winners in Match 1, 2 and 3 and the remaining team will then follow the procedure as stated under Four-way Tie.
      7. Eight-way Tie
        1. The tied teams will play tiebreakers according to their Total Game Victory Times. The team with the lowest Total Game Victory Time will face off against the team with the highest (Match 1), while the team with the next lowest Total Game Victory Time will face off against the team with the next highest (Match 2), and so on. There will be a total of four tiebreakers. The losers of these matches will then follow the procedure as stated under Four-way Tie to determine the lowest four standings, while the winners of these matches will also follow the procedure as stated under Four-way Tie to determine the highest four standings.
    6. Regular Season Ranking Principles (Before the last Match of Regular)
      1. Ranking Principles In the regular season, MPL-KH officials will rank the teams according to their points. If multiple teams have an equal number of points, they will be ranked according to their match win percentages, and teams with higher win percentages will rank higher. If their match win percentages are equal, their game win percentages will be considered (game wins minus game losses for all completed matches), and teams with higher game win percentages will rank higher. If their game win percentages are equal, their versus records will be considered. If the teams don't have any versus records or their versus records are tied, they will gain an identical rank.
      2. Ranking Principles for Equally-Ranked Teams Equally-ranked teams will be ranked in the MPL-KH official rankings in the following ways: Teams with more net match wins will be ranked higher than teams with fewer net match wins; if two teams have an equal number of net match wins, they will be ranked alphabetically according to the first letters of their team names; if the first letters are identical, the following letters will be considered, until they can be ranked alphabetically. If they cannot be ranked alphabetically according to their team names, they will be ranked according to their ranks in the last season.
    7. Playoffs
      1. Participation Qualification All teams who participate regular will be qualified for the playoffs, but it is still possible to determine the order through possible tiebreakers .
      2. Tournament System The playoffs are played as best-of-five matches. The four teams with higher ranks (#1, #2, #3 and #4) will be placed in the HIgh rank group, while the four teams with lower ranks (#5, #6, #7 and #8) will be placed in the Low rank group. Each team will be drawn into an elimination match against another team in another group, and the round will comprise four matches (Matches 1, 2, 3 and 4). After the end of the elimination matches, the winners of the four matches will play the semi-finals (Matches 5 and 6). MPL-KH Official will organize a draw which is under monitoring to decide the matchmaking of Matches 5 and 6. The losers of Matches 5 and 6 will face off in a match (Match 7) to determine third place, while the winners of Matches 5 and 6 will face off in a match (Match 8) to determine the champion. (Note: Matches 1 to 8 are only used to address the matches and do not represent the actual match order. The MPL-KH official notice for the final schedule shall prevail.)
      3. Side Selection In the playoffs elimination matches, teams from the High ranking Group will have Free Side Selection Rights, which means they can select their side in whichever three games, e.g., Game 1,2 and 5 or Game 1,3 and 4.
      4. Ranking The champion and the runner-up in the playoffs will be decided by the final (Match 8), while the third and fourth place will be decided by Match 7. The 5th and 6th place in the playoffs will compare the two teams' net match wins (including the playoffs), and the team with more total net match wins will be the 5th place in the playoffs. If the total net match wins is the same, the ranking will be determined by the two teams' regular-season  head to head record. Seventh and eighth places in the playoffs will be determined using the same logic.
    8. Global Series Points After the end of the playoffs, teams will gain Global Series Points ("Points") according to their final ranks. Points will determine whether a team is qualified for Global Series or possible regional qualification. Teams will gain Points according to the following:
      1. Rank

        Spring Season

        Autumn Season

        #1

        9

        20

        #2

        7

        11

        #3

        5

        8

        #4

        3

        6

        #5

        2

        4

        #6

        2

        4

        #7

        1

        1

        #8

        1

        1

    9. Global Series Qualifications At least one team from the MPL-KH region will be qualified for the 2022 Global Series. The winner of the MPL-KH Autumn Season Finals (champion of the autumn season) will play in the Global Series on behalf of the MPL-KH region. If more than one team from the MPL-KH region qualifies for the Global Series, the teams' total Points from the Spring and Autumn Seasons will determine their qualifications, and the winner in the Autumn Season Finals will be the #1 seeded team.
    10. Global Series Points Victory If multiple teams have an equal amount of total annual Points at the end of the Autumn Season, teams with higher ranks in the season will be ranked higher in the Global Series Qualifications.
  9. Match Process
    1. Schedule Changes
      1. MPL-KH officials may, at their sole discretion, re-order the schedule of matches within a given day and/or change the date of an MPL-KH match to a different date or otherwise modify the schedule of matches. In the event that MPL-KH officials modify a match schedule, MPL-KH officials will notify all teams at their earliest convenience.
    2. Roster and Side Selection Submissions
      1. Teams need to submit their starting lineups (players and coaches) to MPL-KH officials no later than 18:00 the day before the match day (or before the time specified by officials). Failure to submit a starting lineup in time will result in a default lineup (the lineup used in the previous match).
      2. Teams may modify their starting lineups after submission only under special circumstances. Under such circumstances, teams must notify MPL-KH officials at their earliest convenience and submit evidence of the circumstance. MPL-KH officials have the right to examine the situation afterward, including but not limited to taking the player or coach that claimed to be injured to hospital for examination, during which the team shall cooperate willingly. MPL-KH officials will have the final say over special circumstances. If an application is submitted too late and MPL-KH officials cannot make reasonable arrangements for the new MPL-KH player or coach, MPL-KH officials can decide that the team is responsible for any additional costs pertaining to the player or coach, without considering any other rules contrary to this term. MPL-KH officials have the right to approve or reject applications based on the player's or coach's eligibility and the application rules. The replacement player or coach must be on the team's roster, and the approved replacement player or coach can participate in the team's match during the period designated by MPL-KH officials, but they cannot participate in any match on the day of approval.
      3. The starting lineup must comprise a minimum of one and a maximum of two coaches on the roster. If the starting lineup has two coaches, the team must specify which is the head coach and which is the strategic coach. The head coach's final decision will prevail when MPL-KH officials need to communicate with the team's coaches. All coaches in the starting lineup must assist the team on stage in the pick/ban phase and must leave the match area before the time specified by officials.
    3. Arrival at Match Venue
      1. Members of a team's roster who are participating in an MPL-KH event must arrive at the match venue no later than the time specified by MPL-KH officials. The arrival time will be the time when all the team's players and coaches have arrived at the player lounge. Teams must arrive 10 minutes before the time specified by officials for verification.
    4. Referees
      1. Role of Referees  Referees are MPL-KH officials responsible for the judgments of all match-related issues, questions and situations which occur before, during, and immediately following match play. Their oversight includes, but is not limited to:
        1. Checking the team's lineup before a match.
        2. Checking and monitoring player peripherals and match areas.
        3. Announcing the beginning of the match.
        4. Ordering pause/resume during match play.
        5. Issuing penalties in response to rule violations during matches.
        6. Confirming the end of the match and its results.
      2. Referee Comportment  Referees shall at all times conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall issue rulings impartially. No passion or prejudice may be shown toward any player, team, team manager, coach, owner, or other individuals.
      3. Finality of Judgment  The head referee will make final decisions on all match-related judgments under the Rules and match situations. If a team disagrees with a judgment, they can appeal through official channels to MPL-KH officials following the match. Teams may not interfere with the head referee and executive referees when the referees are collecting information on and judging match-related situations. If a referee makes an incorrect judgment, the judgment can be reversed under special circumstances. MPL-KH officials may at their discretion evaluate decisions during or after the match to determine if the proper procedure was implemented, thus allowing for a fair decision. If the proper procedure was not followed, MPL-KH officials reserve the right to potentially invalidate the referee's decision. MPL-KH officials will always maintain the final say in all decisions set forth throughout MPL-KH matches.
      4. Gambling Ban  See Section 11 for all rules regarding gambling in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Referees are subject to all gambling restrictions.
    5. Match Game Version and Match Server
      1. Matches during the 2022 Season will be played on the respective game version available on the offline servers, once a sufficient testing period has occurred. Changes to the competitive game version will be at the sole discretion of MPL-KH officials.
      2. Heroes which have not been available on the live servers for more than two week will be automatically restricted. Heroes that are undergoing revamps will be enabled at the sole discretion of MPL-KH officials. If a hero is restricted at the start of the playoffs, the hero will be restricted during the entirety of the playoffs. For example, if Hero A is made available on January 1, 2022, Hero A will be available for all MPL-KH matches starting from January 15, 2022.
    6. Pre-Match Preparations
      1. Match Accounts All heroes (not restricted) will be available for free on the match servers during the match, and any items can be purchased in the Shop. Teams need to ensure that all their players' match accounts are ready for the match before they arrive at the match venue, including but not limited to changing player names, purchasing all heroes, and preparing skins to be used in the match. MPL-KH matches will be played on two match servers, so teams need to prepare their accounts for both servers. If MPL-KH officials find that a team's match accounts are not ready during pre-match checks or setup, the team will be subject to penalties.
      2. Pre-Match Setup Stage The one-hour setup time before the first official match begins on a match day. In the pre-match setup stage, team members can be on stage but cannot wear any clothing that has a sponsor's logo not officially approved.
      3. Setup Time The designated time periods prior to first matches and between matches or games to ensure players are fully prepared. MPL-KH officials will inform players and teams of their scheduled setup times and durations as part of their match schedule. Before the match starts, players and coaches will be led by MPL-KH officials to the waiting areas to wait for the match to start. If players need hand-warmers, drinks or tissues, they must bring them when entering the stage. Any request for such items after players are on stage may not be approved by MPL-KH officials due to procedure problems. Any unreasonable delay of the match process (including delay of entering the waiting areas or stage) will be subject to penalties. For clarity, after MPL-KH officials' notification, if a team refuses to enter a waiting area or the stage because they need more time to discuss tactics, a team member needs to go to the restroom, they haven't prepared a specific item on stage, or any other reason, they will be considered to be delaying the match. If a player isn't on stage at the time announced by the officials, the team will automatically forfeit the match. Only team coaches and players may be on stage during setup time. Once players enter the match area, they will not be allowed to leave without permission of an on-site MPL-KH referee and accompaniment by another MPL-KH official. Setup includes but is not limited to the following:
        1. Ensuring the quality of all devices.
        2. Connecting and calibrating peripherals.
        3. Ensuring the voice chat system functions properly.
        4. Setting up relevant settings.
        5. Adjusting in-game settings.
        6. Some form of in-game warm-up.
      4. Seating Order Players must sit in the order in which they will join the lobby.
      5. Technical Failure of Device If a player encounters any device problems during any stage of the setup process, they must notify MPL-KH officials immediately.
      6. Technical Support MPL-KH officials will be available to assist with the setup process and troubleshoot any problems encountered during the pre-match setup period.
      7. Timeliness of Match Start It is expected that players will resolve any issues encountered during the setup process within the allotted time and that each match begins at the scheduled time. Delays due to setup problems may be permitted, at the sole discretion of MPL-KH officials. For clarity, a few more minutes of custom play to warm-up is not considered an appropriate reason. If a player or another Team Member delays the game for any inappropriate reason or by any violation of the rules, the club will be subject to penalties from MPL-KH officials according to relevant rules. Penalties for tardiness may be assessed at the discretion of MPL-KH officials.
      8. Acknowledgment of Pre-Match Testing Approximately five minutes before the match is scheduled to begin, an MPL-KH official will confirm with each player that their setup is complete. Referees will confirm the content of the checklist with each player before each match begins. Once a player has confirmed their setup to be complete, they cannot adjust the confirmed content or request to pause the match for that reason.
      9. Player Ready Once a player has confirmed completion of the checklist and entered the lobby as required by MPL-KH officials, they may no longer enter any warm-up games.
      10. Game Lobby Creation MPL-KH officials will decide how the official game lobby will be created. Players will be directed by MPL-KH officials to join a game lobby as soon as testing has been completed, in the order in which they are seated.
      11. Match Disqualification If a team is unable to have all five players on its roster join the lobby before the match begins, MPL-KH officials will determine that the team has lost the match. Matches won by disqualification will be reported by the minimum score it would take for one team to win the match (e.g., 1-0 for best-of-1 matches, 2-0 for best-of-three matches, 3-0 for best-of-five matches). No other statistics will be recorded for these matches.
    7. Game Setup
      1. Start of Pick/Ban Process Once all ten players have reported to the official game lobby, an MPL-KH official will request confirmation that both teams are ready for the pick/ban phase (as defined and described below). Once both teams confirm readiness, an MPL-KH official will instruct the room owner to start the game.
      2. The coach will be granted on-stage access and will be allowed to communicate with the team during the pick/ban process. The coach will exit the stage to a designated position once the countdown timer has reached 20 seconds during the trading stage.
      3. Recording of Pick/Ban Process Picks/bans will proceed through the client's Tournament Mode feature. If MPL-KH officials have arranged and directed the completion of picks/bans before the start of the game setup, MPL-KH officials will record the official selection and manually stop the pick/ban process to start the game.
      4. General/Game Settings
        1. Map: MPL-KH Map
        2. Team Size: 5
        3. Allow Spectators: Lobby Only
        4. Game Type: Tournament Mode (see the image below for settings)
    8. Ban/Pick Phase
      1. Tournament Mode/Restricted Tournament Mode MPL-KH officials may choose to employ either the Tournament Mode or the Restricted Tournament Mode (e.g., draft that is conducted in chat without the use of an in-game feature). Players may play any hero which their team has drafted but must confirm their selection with MPL-KH officials.
      2. Restrictions on Gameplay Elements Restrictions may be added at any time before or during a match, if there are known bugs with any equipment, heroes, skins, runes, or skills, or for any other reason as determined at the discretion of MPL-KH officials.
      3. Substitution and Side Selection After the conclusion of each game, a team must notify the MPL-KH officials of their (player and coach) substitution and side selection decision no later than three minutes after the destruction of the enemy base. If no decision is submitted in time, selection will default to the blue side and no substitutions will be made.
      4. Draft Pick  Draft picks and bans proceed in the following order:
        1. Blue = A; Red = B

          Bans: ABABAB

          Picks: ABBAAB

          Bans: BABA

          Picks: BAAB

      5. Custom-Classic Mode  Both teams may start picking heroes in an unrestricted order without selecting bans in the Custom-Classic Mode, with neither team being able to see the other team's selections. It needs to be noted that the teams may choose the identical heroes in the Custom-Classic Mode, and the situations stated in Rule 9.8.9 will not apply to the Custom-Classic Mode.

      6. Selection Error In the event of a hero pick/ban error, the team in error must notify MPL-KH officials of their intended selection within three seconds and before any other team has locked in their next selection, and during the communication with the officials. If so, the process will be restarted and brought back to the point at which the error occurred so that the team in error may correct their mistake. If the next selection is locked before the team in error notifies MPL-KH officials or during their communication with the officials, the erroneous selection shall be deemed irrevocable. After reporting the error, the team must notify the referee of their intended selection within three seconds, or the selection shall be deemed irrevocable. In the event of a hero pick error during the last pick, the player in error must notify the referee on stage of their intended hero pick, or the selection shall be deemed irrevocable. A restart of the process will be allowed for a hero pick/ban error. Any erroneous pick or ban due to force majeure notified to the referee within three seconds will not be restricted by the selection lock, and the process will be restarted and brought back to the point at which the error occurred. The entire restart procedure must be completed under the instructions of MPL-KH officials; if a player restarts their pick/ban process without the instruction and permission of MPL-KH officials, the player will be subject to penalties. MPL-KH officials will have final approval over the restart of the pick/ban process in all matches.
      7. Trading Heroes Teams must complete all hero trades before the 10-second mark during the trading phase. If a team trades heroes after the 10-second mark, the pick/ban process will be restarted and brought back to the point at the 10-second mark. If the match is delayed due to late trades, the team will be subject to penalties at the discretion of MPL-KH officials. Only late trades due to force majeure will not be restricted by this rule.
      8. Game Start After Pick/Ban A game will start immediately after the pick/ban process is complete unless otherwise stated by MPL-KH officials. At this point, MPL-KH officials 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."
      9. Controlled Game Start In the event of an error during the game start or a decision by MPL-KH officials to separate the pick/ban process from game start, an MPL-KH official may start the game in a controlled manner, i.e., the Custom-Classic Mode and all players will select heroes in accordance with the previous valid completed pick/ban process.
      10. Slow Game Client Load If a bug, 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.
      11. In-game Conversations No player may send any provocative, insulting, or spam messages in the [All] chat channel during match play. A player's action error will not be an acceptable reason.
  10. Game Process
    1. Definition of Terms
      1. Unintentional Disconnect A player lose connection to the game due to problems or issues with the game client, platform, network, or cell phone.
      2. Intentional Disconnect A player lose connection to the game due to their own actions (i.e., quitting the game). Any actions of a player which lead to a disconnect shall be deemed intentional, regardless of the actual intent of the player.
      3. Server Crash All players lose connection to a game due to an issue with the game server, match server platform, or venue's Internet connection.
    2. Stoppage of Play
      1. Directed Pause MPL-KH officials may order a game to be paused or execute a pause command on any player stations at the sole discretion of MPL-KH officials, at any time.
      2. Player Pause Players may only pause a match immediately following any of the events described below, but must signal MPL-KH officials immediately after the pause and identify the reason. Acceptable reasons include:
        1. An unintentional disconnect.
        2. A hardware or software malfunction (e.g., cell phone power or peripheral disability or game glitch).
        3. Physical interference with a player (e.g., external forces, or a broken table or chair).
      3. Illness, Injury or Disability Player illnesses, injury, or disability is not an acceptable reason for a player pause. In this case, the team must inform an MPL-KH official who may then grant a pause during the match in order to evaluate the player and to determine whether the player is ready, willing, and able to continue playing within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the MPL-KH officials, but this may not exceed a period of more than a few minutes. If a player is rendered unable to continue to play within this period of time, the team shall forfeit the game unless an MPL-KH official, in his/her discretion, determines that the game is subject to an awarded game victory (see Section 10.4).
      4. Resuming the Game Players are not permitted to restart the game after a pause. After clearance from an MPL-KH official is issued and all players are notified and ready at their stations, which will be contingent on the confirmation received by the referees from both teams, the in-client spectators will un-pause the game.
      5. Unauthorized Pause If a player pauses or un-pauses a game without permission from a referee or MPL-KH official, it will be considered unfair play and penalties will be applied at the discretion of MPL-KH officials.
      6. Player Communication During Stoppage of Play For the fairness of all competing teams, players are not allowed to communicate, in any fashion, with each other during a game pause. For clarity, players may communicate with the referee, but only when directed in order to identify and remedy the cause for the stoppage. If a pause extends long enough, referees may, at their sole discretion, allow teams to talk before the game is unpaused, in order to discuss the game conditions.
      7. Confirming to Resume Play Teams must notify referees that all players are ready to resume play, and the game will only be resumed after both teams have confirmed they are ready.
    3. Major Protocol
      1. Definitions
        1. Bug An error, flaw, failure or fault that produces an incorrect or unexpected result, or causes a game or hardware device to behave in unintended ways.
        2. Minor Bug A bug (including a hardware failure) that is, at worst, inconvenient to players. This may include bugs that alter game stats or gameplay mechanics in a manner that, while not optimal, can be played through if necessary.
        3. Play Through Bug A bug that does not significantly alter or influence the competitive integrity of the game. This may mean that mitigation steps can be taken for an otherwise difficult to play around bug (like restarting the game client or computer). Alternatively, this may include situations where the impact of the bug can be mitigated through other in-game functions.
          This category also includes bugs provided under the "inform designation", i.e., bugs that are provided to teams in advance of games (usually hero, item or environment interactions and persistent effects) for which no remake will be offered. These bugs cannot be avoided or mitigated through any means other than the disabling of the offending heroes, skins or items and thus remakes are not available for these bugs, and they must be played through.
        4. Unintentional Hardware Malfunction The malfunction of any piece of hardware, including server malfunction, cell phone malfunction or player peripheral malfunction. This does not include any hardware malfunction that is player induced, including the intentional damage to, or destruction of, a player peripheral or cell phone. The determination of whether a hardware malfunction is unintentional is up to the sole discretion of MPL-KH officials.
        5. Critical Bug A bug (including an unintentional hardware malfunction) that significantly damages a player's ability to compete in the game, significantly alters game stats or gameplay mechanics, or a situation in which the external environmental conditions become untenable. The determination of whether the bug has damaged a player's ability to compete is up to the sole discretion of MPL-KH officials.
        6. Verifiable Bug A bug or critical bug that is conclusively present and not attributable to player error. The spectator must be able to replay the situation or instance in question and verify the bug or critical bug.
        7. Terminal Situation A bug or other circumstance that requires that a game be remade. These circumstances include (i) hero or skin bugs that may require that such hero or skin be disabled; or (ii) any other instance in the discretion of MPL-KH officials where the continuation of the game is untenable (including environmental concerns and catastrophic hardware malfunction).
        8. Prompt Reporting Once a player is aware of a bug (which, as defined, includes presumed hardware malfunction), the player is required to pause the game as soon as is practical through one of the methods listed below and alert MPL-KH officials as to the bug. These methods are:
          • (a) Requesting that a referee pause the game. For clarity, if a player audibly requests that a referee pause the game, even if the game is not immediately paused, the player will be considered to have requested a pause as soon as is practical. In addition, it may not be practical to cause an immediate pause upon recognizing the bug if, for example, the two teams are engaged in a battle with each other. In such cases, MPL-KH officials may determine that it was not practical to pause the game until after the engagement.
        9. Game of Record 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 Game of Record ("GoR") status, the period ends in which incidental restarts may be permitted and a game will be considered as "official" from that point onward. Examples of conditions that establish GoR:
          • (a) Any attack or skill landing on a minion, creep, turret, or enemy hero.
          • (b) Establishing line-of-sight between players of the two opposing teams.
          • (c) Setting foot, establishing vision or targeting skill in the enemy jungle by either team, which includes either leaving the river or entering the bush connected to the enemy jungle.
          • (d) Game timer reaches two minutes (00:02:00).
        10. Terminal Situation In the case of a terminal situation, MPL-KH officials shall follow the remake procedure (as seen below):
          1. Remakes Before GoR The following are examples of situations in which a game may be remade if GoR has not been established:
            • (a) If a player notices that rune, skill, gameplay or GUI settings have not applied correctly due to a bug between the game lobby and match, they can pause the game to adjust these settings. If the settings cannot be correctly adjusted, then the game may be restarted. The game will not be restarted if the settings have not applied correctly due to the player's fault or if the player notices the problem after GoR.
            • (b) If MPL-KH officials determine that technical difficulties will not allow the game to resume as normal (including a team's ability to be in the proper position for certain game events, such as minion spawns).
            • (c) Any circumstance which would permit a restart after GoR.
          2. Restarts After GoR The following are examples of situations in which a game may be restarted after GoR has been established:
            • (a) If a game experiences a terminal situation at any point during the match.
            • (b) If MPL-KH officials determine that there are unfair environmental conditions (e.g., excessive noise, hostile weather, unacceptable safety risks).
        11. Remake Procedure
          1. Terminal Situation MPL-KH officials will determine whether either or both teams were significantly disadvantaged by the bug, and any significantly disadvantaged team will be offered the opportunity to remake the game. If any significantly disadvantaged team accepts a remake, the game will immediately be restarted as per this section. A significant disadvantage is a prerequisite to a remake offer.
          2. Controlled Environment Certain conditions may be preserved in the event of a remade game that has not reached GoR, including but not limited to: picks/bans, runes and skills. If, however, a match has reached GoR, then MPL-KH officials shall not retain any settings.
          3. Disabling of Heroes and Skins If the remake occurred due to a hero bug, then the settings will not be retained (including picks and bans) regardless of Game of Record status. 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).
        12. Hardware Malfunction In the case of any hardware malfunctions, MPL-KH officials shall determine whether the hardware malfunction constitutes a minor bug (i.e., a cell phone loses power and a player walks directly into an enemy turret), a critical bug (i.e., a touch screen stops working, causing a death) or a terminal situation (i.e., the game server crashes) and follow the appropriate aforementioned standards.
        13. Reporting Procedure Any bug that triggers analysis under these Rules shall be documented by the local region in a "Bug Incident Report", including a narrative on the information the team had on hand (i.e., game recording, observed behavior, etc.) and the decision-making process.
        14. League Discretion MPL-KH officials may restart any game if MPL-KH officials, in their sole and absolute discretion, believe that such action is necessary to preserve the best interests of the league. This power is not constrained by the lack of any specific language in this document.
    4. Awarded Game Victory
      1. In the event of technical difficulties leading to MPL-KH officials declaring a restart, MPL-KH officials may instead award a game victory to a team. If the game has been played for over 15 minutes (00:15:00), MPL-KH 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 (but are not required to be used) in the determination of reasonable certainty. In some scenarios, the MPL-KH officials may award a game victory to a team when the other team clearly cannot avoid defeat (e.g., only a Support in one team survives in a team fight, and it is reasonable to assume the player has enough time to destroy the enemy base) even if the game does not fit any of the criteria. MPL-KH officials have final approval and say on an awarded game victory.The following criteria may be used (but are not required to be used) in the determination of reasonable certainty when two (2) out of three (3) criteria are met:
        • A) Gold Differential One team has earned more than 30% of the total gold earned by the other team; or
        • B) Remaining Turret Differential The difference in the number of remaining turrets between the teams is at least seven; or
        • C) Hero Differential The difference in alive heroes between the teams is at least four with more than 30 seconds of respawn time.
    5. Post-Game Process
      1. Results MPL-KH officials will confirm and record game results.
      2. Technology Notes Players will identify any technical issues with MPL-KH officials.
      3. Break Time MPL-KH officials will inform players of the remaining amount of time before the next game's pick/ban phase begins. MPL-KH officials may at their sole discretion determine whether to log in to a player's account and join a game lobby. If any coach on the roster of a team cannot be made available at the start of the match, MPL-KH officials may penalize the team based on the nature and severity of the situation.
      4. Forfeit In the event of a game pause regardless of the reason, MPL-KH officials will notify the teams of the final judgment when MPL-KH officials decide to continue the match and restart the game. After the notification of the final judgment, refusing to accept MPL-KH officials' final judgment will be considered as forfeiting the right to continue the match, and the team will be considered to have forfeited the match as per rules 10.5.5 and 12.2.5.
      5. 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 best-of-1 matches, 2-0 for best-of-two matches, 3-0 for best-of-five matches). No other statistics will be recorded for forfeited matches.
    6. Post-Match Process
      1. Results MPL-KH officials will confirm and record match results.
      2. Next Match Players will be informed of their current standing in the competition, including their next scheduled match.
      3. Post-Match Obligations
        1. Players will be informed of any post-match obligations, including, but not limited to: maintaining the cleanliness of the match area, media appearances, post-game and backstage interviews, or further discussion of any match-related matters. Players must be available for any scheduled official photoshoots without undue absence or delay.
        2. Players will be required to follow the league officials' schedule and not separate themselves from their teams unless otherwise approved.
        3. Players may not invite any non-affiliate to their team lounge area or officially-arranged hotels, or to ride on officially-arranged buses or to take part in any group events.
  11. Player and Club Conduct
    1. Competition Conduct
      1. Unfair Play The following actions will be considered unfair play and will be subject to penalties at the discretion of MPL-KH officials.
        1. Match-fixing Teams and team members may neither directly nor indirectly (including but not limited to: propose, agree, plan, induce, or attempt) to participate in any activity that may alter the match process or result and fully or partially change the uncertainty of the match for any illegitimate benefit for themselves or others. Teams and team members are obligated to inform MPL-KH officials of any activity and information directly or indirectly related to match-fixing. Withholding information may be subject to penalties at the sole discretion of MPL-KH officials. Match-fixing includes, but is not limited to, acts such as:
          1. Collusion, which is defined as any agreement among two or more players not to hurt each other or stop the opposing team, or not to adhere to a reasonable standard of competition in a game;
          2. Pre-arranging to split prize money and/or any other form of compensation, or offering any gift or reward for promises or requirements to defeat a team or be defeated by a team;
          3. Sending or receiving signals, electronic or otherwise, to/from a conspirator;
          4. Deliberately losing a game for prize money, or for any other reason, or attempting to induce another player to do so.
      2. Competitive Integrity Teams are expected to play at their best at all times within any MPL-KH match and to avoid any behavior inconsistent with the principles of good sportsmanship, honesty, or fair play. Teams and team members may not play inactively, acquire other teams' confidential information illegally (including but not limited to team voice chat content, game footage, or tactics and lineups), or violate the principles of good sportsmanship and competitive integrity in any other way, including, but not limited to:
        1.   Inactive Performance Quitting or forfeiting a match without appropriate cause, failing to play in a match at their best, or any other inactive performance at the sole discretion of MPL-KH officials;
        2. Illegal Acquisition of Confidential Information Entering another team's practice game lobby, learning another team's tactics and lineups, or stealing another team's chat messages, confidential documents or any other specified data or information that is commonly considered confidential without permission;
        3. Cheating Teams and team members may not use any methods to cheat in or outside of matches. Any cheating behavior or attempt to cheat, regardless of the intention, is prohibited and will be subjected to penalties at the sole discretion of MPL-KH officials. Cheating includes, but is not limited to:
          1. 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;
          2. Cheating Methods The use of any kind of cheating device and/or cheat program, or any similar cheating method such as signaling software, devices, hand signals, etc.;
          3. Exploiting Exploiting is defined as using any in-game bug to seek an advantage. Exploiting includes, but is not limited to, acts such as: bugs/glitches when buying items, bugs/glitches for neutral creep interactions, bugs/glitches of hero skill performance, or any other game feature that, in the sole determination of MPL-KH officials, is not working as intended. Use of an in-game bug that is specifically banned by MPL-KH officials or any other bug is prohibited, including but not limited to: using bugs whether or not to seek advantage or using bugs by mistake. If a team is found to have maliciously/intentionally used a bug in a match, the team may be subject to penalties such as disqualification from the match at the sole discretion of MPL-KH officials;
          4. Spectator Monitors Looking at or attempting to look at spectator monitors;
          5. Find Boosters Playing under another player's account or inducing, encouraging or directing someone else to play under another player's account, regardless of whether it is during MPL-KH events or off-season. For clarity, this rule applies to all players and coaches active in MPL-KH, as well as free agents and coaches, youth/development league players and coaches;
          6. MPL-KH Discretion Any other further acts, failure to act, or behavior which, in the sole judgment of MPL-KH officials, violates these Rules and/or the standards of integrity established by MPL-KH for competitive gameplay;
        4. Other Violations of Sportsmanship and Fair Play:
          1. Interference with Connection Disrupting or attempting to disrupt another player's device connection with the game server;
          2. Intentional Disconnect An intentional disconnect without a proper and explicitly-stated reason;
          3. Unauthorized Use of Device Damaging match facilities or devices or using a device that doesn't meet the official standards;
          4. Other Behavior Any other behavior that improperly seeks an advantage;
      3. Doping Teams and team members are strictly prohibited from using, possessing, providing or selling any stimulants in and outside matches. MPL-KH officials may penalize the team or team member according to the nature and severity of the behavior at their sole discretion. For clarity, stimulants are defined as drugs and substances that are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and other sports associations or anti-doping associations and drugs that are not authorized by MPL-KH officials and may influence the outcome of a match. Energy drinks and food that are legally sold in Cambodia are not included in the restrictions.
      4. Misconduct The misconduct below will be subject to penalties in the sole discretion of MPL-KH officials: 
        1. Violence No team member may physically attack or use violence on others at any time, including but not limited to provoking a fight, fighting, and/or violently damaging or destroying any property.
        2. Profanity and Hate Speech No team member may 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 devices provided or made available by MPL-KH or its contractors to post, transmit, disseminate or otherwise make available any such prohibited communications. No team member may use this type of language, commit such acts, or promote such communications on social media or during any public events such as while streaming.
        3. Disruptive Behavior/Insults No team member may take any action or perform any gesture directed at another team's members, fans, or officials, or incite any other individual(s) to do the same, which includes, but is not limited to insulting, mocking, disruptive, antagonistic, unnecessary physical contact or other behaviors or language that MPL-KH officials consider disruptive/insulting.
        4. Abusive Behavior Abuse of MPL-KH officials, the opposing team's members, or audience members will not be tolerated. Repeated etiquette violations, including but not limited to using any abusive language and gesture, committing other insulting acts, or touching another player's computer, body or property will result in penalties. Team members and their guests (if any) must treat all individuals attending a match with respect. 
        5. Drinking and Smoking No team or team member may provide or use any tobacco, tobacco product or alcohol (including alcohol and alcoholic beverages) at any match venue. MPL-KH officials may penalize the team or team member according to the nature and severity of the situation.
      5. Influence on Match Process Team members must comply with the match organization and arrangements as scheduled by MPL-KH officials. Players must meet the MPL-KH officials' reasonable requirements, including but not limited to: following schedules, creating and logging in to game accounts in time, reporting and calibrating peripherals in time, joining pre-match setup on time, entering the tournament venue and match area on time, entering the game lobby on time, and being ready for the match in time. A team is obligated to supervise and assist team members in complying with the match organization and arrangements as scheduled by MPL-KH officials.
      6. Influence on Match Environment No club or Team Member may influence match devices or the match environment in any way whatsoever, including but not limited to interfering, adjusting, modifying or changing any match device, device owned by a player or team, device software or hardware, device system, network environment at the match venue, or power environment of the match venue.
      7. Broadcast Interference No team member may touch or otherwise interfere with lights, cameras or other studio equipment. Team members may not climb or stand on chairs, tables or other studio equipment. Team members must follow all instructions of MPL-KH studio personnel.
      8. Unauthorized Communications All cell phones, tablets and other voice-enabled and/or "ringing" electronic devices must be removed from the match area before the game. Players may not text/email or use social media while in the match area. During the match, communication of starting players shall be limited to the starting players once approved by MPL-KH officials.
      9. Identity A player may not cover his or her face or attempt to conceal his or her identity from MPL-KH officials. MPL-KH 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-KH officials. For this reason, as well as those listed in Rule 6.6.2, hats are not allowed.
      10. Qualification Violation A player may play in a match after the official qualification review and approval unless otherwise specified by MPL-KH officials. Any improper attempt to be qualified for a match may be subject to penalties at the sole discretion of MPL-KH officials, including but not limited to fabricating qualification application materials and providing or stealing accounts to/from someone else for a match.
      11. Member Number Violation A team in a match shall ensure that their number of players and other members on its roster complies with the requirements of MPL-KH at all times unless otherwise specified by MPL-KH officials. A team shall also maintain an appropriate number of team members in the match area as per the requirements of MPL-KH.
    2. Unprofessional Behavior
      1. Responsibility Under Rules Teams and team members are obligated to comply with the agreements or promises signed with MPL-KH officials or any other MPL-KH official rules. Unless expressly stated otherwise, offenses and infringements of these agreements, promises or rules (including but not limited to the MPL-KH Professional League Rules and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang User Agreement) are punishable, whether or not they were committed intentionally. Attempts to commit such offenses or infringements are also punishable.
      2. Speech and Conduct The speech and conduct of participants in MPL-KH leagues (including but not limited to clubs, players, coaches or other Team Members) must comply with the requirements stated in this section in their appearances worldwide (including all private and public appearances online or offline, public appearances include but are not limited to appearances on game clients, game platforms, social software, social media, live streaming platforms, or interviews). No participant may give any speech or commit any act that violates the laws and regulations in Cambodia, public interest, good morals, discriminates against others (on account of race, skin color, gender, sexual orientation, language, religion, political opinion, etc.), denigrates others (including but not limited to their name, nickname, image, reputation, honor, or privacy), is egregious, morally controversial, or fabricated, or may damage, influence or risk the reputation of the tournament, MPL-KH officials and affiliates (including but not limited to tournament sponsors and other participants). MPL-KH officials may penalize any such conduct according to the nature of the conduct and the severity of the consequences. Inappropriate speeches and acts include but are not limited to:
        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 intended to isolate or ostracize a person and/or affect the dignity of the person.
        2. 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.
        3. Abuse of Account The usage of accounts shall comply with the requirements of MPL-KH officials, including a player's responsibility to ensure that his or her account meets the rank requirements of MPL-KH officials. A player may not let another person use his or her account, use another person's account, share an account together with another person, or inappropriately affect the outcome of a game outside MPL-KH matches in any other way.
        4. Unauthorized Access  Unless otherwise authorized by MPL-KH officials, no team member may enter any off-limit areas, including but not limited to match venues that are not open for a match, tournament broadcast studios, referee rooms, sound studios, server rooms or any other areas specified by MPL-KH officials.
        5. 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, ethnicity, 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 whatsoever.
        6. Unauthorized Exposure or Display Teams and team members may not display any content to the public that may have a negative influence. For this reason, they shall avoid any public display or exposure of any body parts, clothing, tattoos, or other inappropriate words, pictures, sounds, videos or other materials that may cause audience members to feel uncomfortable or affect them negatively, especially adolescents.
        7. Moral Turpitude A team member may not engage in any activity deemed by MPL-KH to be immoral, disgraceful, or contrary to conventional standards of proper ethical behavior.
        8. Behavior Detrimental to the League Teams and team members are obligated to maintain the social image, reputation and value of the entirety of the league, MPL-KH officials and affiliates. Teams and team members may not commit or participate in any activity, or give, make, issue, authorize or endorse any statement that directly or indirectly has an effect prejudicial or detrimental to the best interest of MPL-KH officials, Shanghai Moonton Technology Co., Ltd. or its affiliates, or Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Failure to comply may result in penalties as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of MPL-KH officials.
      3. Unauthorized Publication Teams must submit paperwork for approval throughout the MPL-KH season before its publication. This procedure is necessary for maintaining expectations throughout the league. Early announcements may disrupt the league as other teams may use this information 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 member proceeds to release said information, then the team member and/or team will be subject to penalties.
      4. Behavior Investigation If MPL-KH officials determine that a team or team member has violated the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang User Agreement or other rules of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, MPL-KH officials may assign penalties at their sole discretion. A team or team member under investigation is obligated to tell the truth. If a team member withholds information or misleads an MPL-KH official, the team and/or team member will be subject to penalties.
      5. Criminal Activity An MPL-KH participant (including but not limited to clubs, players, coaches, or other Team Members) may not directly or indirectly (including organize, solicit, encourage, help, induce, coerce, authorize or indirectly make another person) engage in any activity which may violate any law, statute, policy, treaty or other regulation of any country or region. Failure to comply will make the participant subject to severe punishment by MPL-KH officials as per these Rules, and MPL-KH officials will have the right to hand over the participant and related materials to the authorities.
      6. Confidentiality No team member may disclose any confidential information owned or provided by officials, MPL-KH, Shanghai Moonton Technology Co., Ltd., or any of its affiliates, by any method of communication, including all social media channels. Confidential information includes but is not limited to penalty declarations and emails issued by MPL-KH officials or any other confidential information that MPL-KH officials explicitly prohibit the publishing of.
      7. 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-KH team, nor solicit, lure, encourage, help, induce, or coerce any such official coach or player to breach or otherwise terminate a contract with their MPL-KH team. For clarity, the affiliates of a team include but are not limited to all crew members of the club, any stakeholder or company employee of the club, or any individual or company employee that is closely related to the person or company in control of the club. MPL-KH officials have the final say on who constitutes a team affiliate.
      8. An official coach or player may not collude with another team to violate this rule. An official coach or player may express publicly their desire to leave their team and encourage any and all interested teams to contact the management of the team they are signed to. However, the official coach or player may not entice a team directly to reach out to their management or attempt to violate their contractual obligations.
      9. Violations of this rule shall be subject to penalties at the discretion of MPL-KH officials. To inquire about the status of an official coach or player from another team, managers must contact the manager of the team that the player and/or coach is currently contracted with. The inquiring team must submit a written report to MPL-KH officials before being able to discuss any contract with the player.
      10. Exchange of Unfair Benefits No team or team member may request, accept, provide or promise to provide any monetary, material or other benefits in exchange for any unfair advantage, other benefits, or promise about such an unfair benefit. Such actions may be subject to penalties at the discretion of MPL-KH officials according to their nature and severity. If such action involves any intention related to a match process and/or result, it shall be considered to be in violation of the match-fixing rules stated in these Rules.
      11. Non-Compliance No team member may refuse or fail to apply the judgments, instructions or decisions of MPL-KH officials. Delay or refusal to apply any judgment, instruction or decision of MPL-KH officials will be subject to penalties by MPL-KH officials.
      12. Document or Miscellaneous Requests Documentation or other reasonable items may be required at various times throughout the entirety of MPL-KH as requested by MPL-KH officials. If the documentation is not completed to the standards set by MPL-KH, then a team may be subject to penalties. Penalties may be imposed if the items or documentation requested are not received and/or completed at the required time or does not meet the standards set by MPL-KH.
      13. Contractual Obligation A team or team member that fails to meet their contractual obligations without appropriate reason may be subject to penalties by MPL-KH officials.
      14. False Information No team or team member may withhold information, provide false information, or create any other obstruction of the effectiveness of an official arbitration, conciliation, or other procedure aim at resolving a conflict.
    3. Engaging with Gambling
      1. No team, team member or MPL-KH official may organize, engage in, or assist others to engage in, either directly or indirectly, betting or gambling on any process and/or result of any Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament (including but not limited to MPL-KH, MDL, if any, and other global Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament events) and all other tournaments, or directly or indirectly seek any benefit from such action in any way whatsoever. For clarity, betting, engaging in betting, engaging in seeking benefits and other gambling behaviors are not accepted even if the object is any other project of a sports or esports league. Legal gambling under the protection of national law in Cambodia will be accepted to a reasonable extent but is subject to supervision and control.
    4. Club Conduct
      1. Management and Supervision Obligation Clubs are obligated to strictly manage and supervise all members' daily activities (including but not limited to their speech and actions in or outside the match, at the team's base and other public areas), appropriately inform the members of the official rules, and in the event of a member's violation of the rules, submit paperwork to MPL-KH officials in time and penalize said member, to ensure its members comply with the conduct requirements of this section. If a Team Member violates any such rule, MPL-KH officials may penalize the club according to the nature and severity of the violation.
      2. Truthful Statement In the registration of Team Members, submission of materials, other MPL-KH official review procedures and communications with MPL-KH officials, a club may not misrepresent any member's age, background, match qualification, injury status, contract content or other necessary information required by MPL-KH officials in any form whatsoever, including but not limited to false statements, significant omissions, or misleading statements.
      3. Compliance with Official Contacts       A club is obligated to actively comply with the arrangements of MPL-KH officials and make members available on time and throughout manager meetings, work meetings, review meetings, and any other meetings, talks, interviews and contacts as per the MPL-KH officials' requirements.
      4. Compliance with Match Preparations A club is obligated to actively comply with the arrangements of MPL-KH officials and make preparations for each match as per MPL-KH officials' requirements, including but not limited to various pre-match, mid-match and post-match stages. If a non-Team Member (including but not limited to MPL-KH officials or members of another club) needs to enter the club base due to the match, after being notified by MPL-KH officials, the club shall make adequate preparations, direct and arrange said non-Team Member to enter the club base in time for work, and may not interfere or obstruct the process in any way whatsoever.
      5. Non-official Event Conduct A team or team member shall inform MPL-KH officials before taking part in any event that is not officially organized or run (including but not limited to commercial activities). If it involves a performance match or any other event related to Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, the team and/or team member shall apply to MPL-KH officials and have their approval first before taking part in the event. Throughout the event, any behavior that either directly or indirectly harms the image of MPL-KH will be subject to severe penalties. No team or team member may engage in any game event that is not related to Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and not officially organized or run (including but not limited to live broadcasts, performance matches, or any other commercial activity), for the purpose of promotion, advertising or receiving any other form of compensation.
      6. Photoshoot Materials MPL-KH officials may require a team player or coach to be made available for the photo-shooting of official materials at various times, including but not limited to portraits, promotional videos or other materials that may be broadcast in an MPL-KH match. The player or coach shall follow the instructions of the officials to meet the photoshoot requirements in an officially-designated period of time. Misconduct of a team during a photo shoot will be subject to penalties. Misconduct includes but is not limited to tardiness, delay caused by the team, or inappropriate acts committed to personnel on-site.
      7. On-site Photo-shoots MPL-KH officials may designate an area on-site that team members are allowed to take pictures in. Any unauthorized picture taking of a non-designated area will be considered a violation of the rules, and the team will be required to delete the picture(s) or video(s) and be subject to penalties accordingly. On-site areas that are prohibited from picture-taking include but are not limited to: the front of a player's seat (especially the cell phone screen), tournament broadcast studio, referee room, sound studio, server room, and other areas specified by MPL-KH officials. MPL-KH officials will have the right to adjust the on-site picture-taking areas at any time.
      8. Provision of Original Copy After a team signs a service agreement, team regulation or any other document with a member, and notifies the member of any team arrangement, training schedule, prize allocation, attendance management or other information related to said member's participation in competitions or other events of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, the team shall provide an original copy to the team member.
    5. Indirect Conduct
      1. No team or team member may, either directly or indirectly, organize, solicit, encourage, help, induce, coerce, authorize, or in any other form make another person commit a violation against anything explicitly stated in these Rules.
    6. Concealing, Withholding or Failure to Report
      1. All clubs and Team Members shall immediately report to officials any violation of these Rules that they know or learn of. Concealing, withholding, or failure to report such information constitutes a rules violation in itself and may be subject to penalties at the sole discretion of MPL-KH officials according to the nature of the action and severity of the consequences.
    7. Maintaining the Integrity of the League
      1. To maintain the integrity of the league, no club or Team Member may commit any act that may either directly or indirectly harm the public image of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang professional tournament or the integrity of the league. If a club or Team Member violates these Rules, MPL-KH officials may at their sole discretion determine to punish the club and/or Team Member according to the nature of the act and severity of the consequences. MPL-KH officials have the final say on any such acts, and this power is not constrained by the lack of any specific language in these Rules.
  12. Penalties
    1. Receiving Penalties
      1. Engaging in or attempting to engage in any act that MPL-KH officials believe, at their sole discretion, constitutes unfair play, will be subject to penalties. The nature and extent of the penalties imposed due to any such action shall be in the sole and absolute discretion of MPL-KH officials.
      2. In the event of minor or egregious violations, MPL-KH officials may impose less or more severe penalties that are not specified in the MPL-KH Penalties and Global Penalties regarding such violations according to the danger and consequences of such violations.
    2. Possible Penalties
      1. Penalties for individual violations include:
        1. Verbal Warning(s);
        2. Reprimand(s);
        3. Fine(s) and/or Prize Forfeiture(s);
        4. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Tournament Ban(s) for Match(es), Day(s), Month(s), or Year(s);
        5. Disqualification(s) and/or Registration Ban(s) for Year(s);
        6. Restriction(s) on Entering Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Tournament Venue(s);
        7. Restriction(s) on Taking Part in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Tournament Event(s);
        8. Prize Cancellation(s) and/or Prize Disqualification(s);
        9. Lifetime Tournament Ban(s);
        10. Other Penalties Imposed at the Sole Discretion of MPL-KH Officials.
      2. Penalties for group violations include:
        1. Verbal Warning(s);
        2. Reprimand(s);
        3. Loss of Side Selection for the Current or Future Game(s);
        4. Loss of Ban for the Current or Future Game(s);
        5. Fine(s) and/or Deduction(s) of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Tournament Share(s);
        6. Rejection(s) of Trade(s) and/or New Player Registration(s);
        7. Pause(s) of Trade(s) and/or New Player Registration(s);
        8. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Tournament Ban(s) for Match(es), Day(s), Month(s), or Year(s);
        9. Disqualification(s) and/or Registration Ban(s) for Year(s);
        10. Game/Match Loss(es) and/or Forfeiture(s);
        11. Prize Cancellation(s) and/or Prize Disqualification(s);
        12. Other Penalties Imposed at the Sole Discretion of MPL-KH Officials.
      3. List of Global Ban(s):
        1. Repeated infractions are subject to escalating penalties, up to disqualification from future participation in MPL-KH. It shall be noted that penalties may not always be imposed in a successive manner. MPL-KH officials, in their sole discretion, can disqualify a player for a first offense if MPL-KH deems the action of the player egregious enough to be worthy of disqualification.
    3. Right to Publish
      1. MPL-KH officials 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 declarations hereby waive any right of legal action against MPL-KH officials.
    4. Appeal
      1. If a team doubts the judgment or penalty given by an MPL-KH official, it may appeal to MPL-KH through email. The appeal will be processed by the official MPL-KH arbitration committee.
    5. Other Principles
      1. If a team or team member commits an indirect violation of rule 11.5.1 of these Rules, MPL-KH officials may impose a penalty on the team and/or team member according to the nature of the violation and severity of the consequences. The extent of the penalty may be within or above the scope of penalties for the violation corresponding to the violation at hand, which will be determined at the sole discretion of MPL-KH officials.
      2. If a violation is suspected of constituting an administrative or criminal responsibility, other than impose penalties as per the Rules, MPL-KH officials may, at their sole discretion, determine to hand over the individual that committed any such violation and related materials to any law enforcement agency, judiciary administration, or other authorities with the jurisdiction.
  13. Online Match Rules
    • In any case that Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials think in-conducive for all teams and staff participating in MPL-KH to carry out offline activities safely and orderly, or in any other emergency, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials will enable the online match mode. An online match requires certain basic conditions, and is not applicable to all situations where offline tournaments cannot be held. Whether to enable an online match will be decided by Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials at its sole discretion based on the actual situation.
    • The rules in this Article apply only to the online match stage. In addition to this Article, other documents designated by Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials are also part of the online match rules, such as the main body of the official match rules of MPL-KH, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Global Ban List, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Global Restricted List, etc. All participating teams are required to abide by the relevant regulations. In case of any discrepancy between any rules and regulations in this match rules document and this Article in the online match stage, the rules set out in this Article shall prevail.
    1. Match mode
      As the conditions and backgrounds that affect and are used to determine whether to enable online matches may vary, such as venues are not open to the public, cross-regional mobility cannot be carried out, and mobility is restricted in residences or communities, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials will choose specific match modes based on the corresponding actual conditions and standards. The following are the main match modes in the online match stage of MPL-KH, including:
      1. Base match mode       It refers to the mode of online match between both teams or one of the teams in the base environment
      2. Multi-base match mode          It refers to the mode of online match between both teams or one of the teams concurrently in the multiple base environment
      3. Home-based match mode      It refers to the mode of online match where at least 1 player from both sides or one of the teams play in the home environment
    2. Match environment
      1. Basic requirements      Before confirming whether the team meets the entry conditions of online match, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials will evaluate whether the match environment where the team or players are located meets the requirements for equipment and materials, online match supervision and stable network conditions. Teams are required to cooperate with the online match environment test as required by Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials to ensure that the online match venue meets the basic tournament requirements, including but not limited to
        1. The match equipment must meet the minimum equipment configuration required by the Officials
        2. The match equipment must be standardized as required by the Officials
        3. The match network must meet the minimum bandwidth required by the Officials
        4. Wireless & wired network coverage in match area
        5. The match area must be divided as required by the Officials
      2. Area division   Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials will divide the team match venue into match area and non-match area, to physically separate the areas where players compete formally and prepare for/watch the match. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials will define the area division before the match. A certain distance or partition shall be maintained between the match area and the non-match area, including but not limited to the fact that the non-region and the region shall be located on different floors/rooms, be provided with certain sound insulation or physical partition, etc. Teams are required to comply with the specific requirements of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials. The following are the definitions of different areas:
        1. Match area It refers to the space where players compete, usually the area near the players' match equipment. In consideration of fairness, the area is required to ensure that players cannot receive any information except in-game information during the match. On the day of the match, from the equipment inspection stage to the end of the match, team members are required to obtain the explicit permission of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials to go to the match area, otherwise they will be restricted from entering the area. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials will monitor the match area, and if there is any violation of competitive fairness, the team will be severely penalized.
        2. Non-match area      It refers to the area where team members watch/prepare for the match and take rest. During the match, the actions of team members in the team rest area may not affect the match area to any extent.
      3. Supervision mode       In all the above online match modes, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials will supervise the match via remote monitoring technology. If actual conditions permit, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials reserve the right to dispatch referees and relevant staff to the squad base or match venue to assist in the execution and monitoring of the tournament. Any deliberate obstruction or interference with the supervision modes will result in severe penalties.
        1. Remote supervision Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials will erect surveillance cameras in the designated match area to monitor the pictures and sounds of the match area throughout the match, including but not limited to players, coaches, tables and chairs, mobile phone screens, etc. Camera images will be recorded and saved for subsequent forensics. In addition, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials will designate a team leader to complete the pre-match preparation and process communication of online match, and keep real-time communication with players through designated equipment or methods, and record the intra-team voice in the game stage.
        2. On-site supervision Where referees are allowed to enter each venue, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials will designate specific referees to the match venue to supervise the match. Except for special circumstances, referees will stay in the match area until the end of the match. Teams are obliged to cooperate and assist the referees to enter the venue to complete relevant work.
    3. Match environment
      1. Match equipment requirements          During the base match mode, multi-base match mode and home-based match mode, teams are required to prepare the following equipment under the guidance of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials. Some equipment needs spare equipment, which must be placed in the match area during the match, and teams are required to replace it immediately upon receipt of instructions. Teams are required to report the equipment model to Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials in advance according to the regulations, which can only be used upon confirmation by Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials to meet the standards. These equipment include but are not limited to
        1. Mobile phones for match      From the equipment inspection stage on the day of the match to the end of the match, the mobile phones are required to comply with the specifications of Rule 6.2.1. Mobile phones may be installed with applications that violate competitive fairness, and players may not launch any applications except the game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and communication software designated by the Officials during the match.
        2. Headphones and microphones         Wireless peripherals are required to comply with the specifications of Rule 6.2.4
        3. Auxiliary equipment Only necessary auxiliary equipment are required such as heat dissipation equipment, which are required to pass the audit of the Officials and be used under the supervision of the Officials.
        4. Tables and chairs for match
      2. Maintenance and replacement of equipment   Teams are required to be equipped with at least one technician or designated staff to assist in the maintenance, debugging and replacement of match equipment under the supervision of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials shall have the right to unilaterally determine the abnormal situation of the equipment and request the team to make replacement with the standby equipment.
    4. Match progress
      1. Arrival at the match venue      Except for impact by force majeure, in any online match of any mode, teams are required to meet the requirements for the number of people in the list rules, and arrive at the match venue or match area at the time designated by the Officials to sign in and accept the clothing inspection by the Officials.
      2. Pre-match inspection   Before the start of the online match, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials will confirm the online match environment of the participating teams; these confirmations include but are not limited to
        1. Mobile phones for match
          1. Client and version: confirm that the match client can be used normally and is the match version.
          2. Mobile phone settings: confirm that the mobile phones are normally set for the match and pass the equipment inspection requirements of the Officials.
          3. Alternate mobile phones for match: confirm that the number and settings of alternate mobile phones meet the match requirements and are kept on during the match.
        2. Audio equipment
          1. Intra-team communication: confirm that the voice function between players works normally and can enable smooth communication with official staff.
          2. Voice recording: When this function is required by the Officials to be turned on, confirm that the voice recording function of the team works normally and the audio files are complete.
        3. Monitoring equipment
          1. Monitoring screen: confirm that the screen is clear and unobstructed; and the recording function of monitoring equipment works normally
          2. Voice monitoring: confirm that the monitoring equipment can enable normal communication with players.
        4. Match area
          1. Empty the match area: confirm to remove items unrelated to the match in the match area
      3. Pre-match debugging stage    In the debugging stage of online match before the start of each official match, teams are required to cooperate with the Officials to carry out the corresponding in-game environment test to confirm that the match equipment, network server and in-game environment meet the online match standards.
    5. Game process
      1. Supplementary clause of major penalties
        1. Principle of rematch determination
          • In case of any bug in the online match stage, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials must determine whether the player has followed the pause procedure. If the match is paused in time, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials must determine whether the bug is a verifiable bug. If it is a verifiable bug, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials must then determine whether the bug is a minor bug, a critical bug, or a termination condition
          1. Network fluctuation & unintentional malfunction of equipment/software and hardware           During the online match stage, teams are obliged to ensure the stability of the network and equipment in the match area. Subject to the consistency of determinations of both sides of the match, in case of an emergency caused by network fluctuation & equipment/software and hardware during the match involving base match mode, multi-base match mode and home-based match mode, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials will not provide rematch permission to either team of both sides in this regard, regardless of whether or not the situation leads to catastrophic consequences.
          2. Catastrophic force majeure           If any team has any serious problem caused by force majeure (e.g., large-scale power outage, network disconnection, or server downtime in the park where the club or match area is located, and in the jurisdiction where the player resides, etc.), and such situation is verified, or is entirely determined as the bug caused by game elements or in-game interactions and the impact thereof, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials will decide whether to provide rematch permission.
        2. Game and post-match procedures
          1. Results         When necessary, teams are required to assist Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials to confirm and record the game results.
          2. Technical records     When a player or team is required to confirm any technical problems with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials will require the team to assist in collecting relevant information, including but not limited to video playback, match source files, equipment operation record files, etc.
          3. Post-match obligations         Teams are required to keep the match area clean and tidy, and cooperate in the online media interviews and any possible in-depth discussion of the match content that may be arranged for by Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Officials.
  14. Spirit of the Rules
    1. Finality of Decisions
      1. All decisions regarding the interpretation of these Rules, player eligibility, scheduling and staging of MPL-KH, and penalties for misconduct, lie solely with MPL-KH officials. In the event of doubt, an appeal may be submitted to MPL-KH officials through official channels, which will be processed by MPL-KH officials according to the content of the appeal. This shall not give rise to any claims for monetary damages or any other remedy.
    2. Rule Changes
      1. These Rules may be amended, modified or supplemented by MPL-KH officials from time to time in order to ensure fair play and the integrity of MPL-KH. The Rules will be updated on the official website of MPL-KH.
    3. Best Interests of MPL-KH
      1. MPL-KH officials shall always act with the necessary authority to preserve the best interests of MPL-KH. This power is not constrained by the lack of any specific language in this document. MPL-KH 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 MPL-KH.

 

 

MPL-KH League Operation Team

July, 2022