1.Introduction and Purpose

Honor of Kings Invitational Midseason, 2024 Riyadh is a competition for Honor of Kings hosted by Proxima Beta Pte. Ltd. (“Tencent”), and its affiliates who are engaged in operating the competition. These Official Rules ("Rules") of the Honor of Kings Invitational Midseason, 2024 Riyadh ("Invitational Midseason") apply to each of the teams that qualified for the Invitational Midseason in 2024 (each, a "Team"), as well as their players, owners, managers, coaches, and other employees (collectively "Team Members").
These Rules are designed as a guideline and penalty index to ensure the integrity of the system established by the Invitational officials for professional play of Honor of Kings, and fair play among the Teams that play at the professional level. A standardized rule set benefits all parties involved in the Invitational Midseason 2024.
These Rules do not apply to terms or contracts that are agreed upon between players and their respective teams.

2. Definition of Terms

2.1 Game

A "Game" refers to a single instance of competition on the Hero's Gorge map that is played until a winner is determined by one of the following methods, whichever occurs first:
(A) Destruction of the Enemy's Crystal,
(B) Awarded Game Victory

2.2. Match

A "Match" consists of a set of Games that is played until one Team wins the majority of the total Games (e.g., winning three Games in a Best-of-Five Series ("BO5")). The Team that wins the Match either earns points in a league format or advances to the next round。

3. Team Member

3.1. Players Eligibility

3.1.1. Age

All Players must comply with the age regulation of the country or region they represent, with a minimum age limit of 16.

3.1.2.Region Requirement

To maintain the regional identity of the teams competing in this global tournament, each team must have at least three players on its roster who are citizens or nationals of the team's home region.
Teams are allowed up to two players who are from other countries or regions not associated with the team's home region. Proof of residency is required (as defined in 3.1.3).

3.1.3 Proof of Residency

3.1.3.1 Legal Representation Status

To verify eligibility, all forms of long-term legal status enabling the player to reside in the country/region are accepted. These may include valid residency visas (e.g., work visas, athlete visas, student visas) and any other official documents affirming eligibility for representation.
For the avoidance of doubt, a tourist visa does not confer eligibility.

3.1.3.2 Three Month Residency

Players must provide valid documentation proving lawful residency within the represented region for at least consecutive 90 days before May 29th, 2024. Acceptable proofs of residency may include, but are not limited to, a valid passport, national identity card.

3.1.4 Single Residency Status

A Player may only represent a single region at any point during the tournament. For example, one player can not represent both SEA and MENA to participate Invitational Midseason .

3.1.5.No Tencent or Tournament Organizer Employees

Team Members may not be employees by Tencent Holdings Limited (“Tencent”), the Tournament Organizer, or any of their respective affiliates during the tournament.

3.2. Player Name

Player name must only include English characters and numbers and may not exceed 12 characters. Players may not include using names identical or like Heroes in Honor of Kings. Player names may not include all or part of a corporate name or make use of the trademarks or other intellectual property of any third party. Player names may not include any word or phrase in any language that is offensive, toxic and hurtful. Player names will be selected at the time of registration and may not be changed during the tournament. All Player names must be reviewed and approved by Invitational Committee.

3.3. Coach, Manager and Staff

Each team must have a designated Coach, who may also be the team manager, responsible for accompanying the Team to all tournament related events. A Team may not change its Coach, Manager and Staff during the tournament.

3.3.1.Registration

The designation of Coach, manager and staff by the Team must undergo registration and approval procedures. Announcement of the designation prior to approval by the Invitational Committee is prohibited and will be subject to penalties.

3.3.2.Single Capacity

The Coach, Manager and Staff may only be registered with one (1) team, they may not represent more than one team during the tournament.

3.3.3.Presence

The Coach must be present on-site during the Ban/ Pick Phase for every game their team participates in. In case of emergencies preventing the coach's attendance, the Team must assign an interim coach who cannot be a player on the roster.

4.Roster Rules

4.1. Team Formation

4.1.1.Roster Requirement

Each team must maintain a minimum 6 members, including one Coach, five Players and a maximum 10 members, including one Manager and one Coach, one Staff, and seven Players during the Invitational Midseason. Invitational Committee will cover 7 members' travel and accommodation fee in the Invitational Midseason. Teams must submit the official roster within the timeframe set by Invitational Committee.

4.1.2.Starters and Substitutes

Each Team must maintain, at all times during the tournament, five players in the Team’s starting lineup (“Starters”) and play in the match. A Team may add two additional players to act as substitutes (“Substitutes”). Requests to modify the starting lineup for the Team's first Game of each match day may not be submitted later than 24 hours prior to the match (For the first match of the day). Subsequent roster changes on match day, teams will need to notify their change of roster 15 mins after their match has ended. Requests must be made by the designated coach. Failure to designate the starting lineup before the deadline will result in a default starting lineup for the first Game.

4.2. Active Roster

Starters, Substitutes and Coach form the "Active Roster". No individual may simultaneously hold two or more of the roles listed above.

4.2.1.Single Team Exclusivity

A Player/Manager/Coach/Staff may register and represent for only one Team and cannot be listed on the Active Roster of more than one Team.

4.2.2.Submission

Each Team must submit their Active Roster before June 9th. The Active Roster must be the same during the tournament, unless a force majeure before the roster necessitates a change, such as a player's sudden illness or an accident that prevents them from coming to host country. If a request is submitted after June 9th by the Team, the Invitational Committee, at their discretion, may hold the Team responsible for the incremental costs of such player's visa and travel, regardless of any other rules to the contrary.
The Invitational Committee reserves the right to approve or deny any request to modify Active Rosters, based upon the eligibility of the Players involved and the compliance with these Rules of such request.

4.3. Substitutions

4.3.1.Substitutions during Match

A Team may substitute Players between Games of a Match (BO3 and BO5). The team must notify a tournament referee and have the substitute approved no later than 5 minutes after the end of the previous game.

4.3.2.Emergency Substitutions

In the event of an emergency, a Team will be given a certain time to find an immediate Substitute upon approval of the Invitational Committee. If a team is unable to find a substitute player before the competition commencement, the Team will forfeit. The Invitational Committee will determine if an event qualifies as an emergency. A substitute player should satisfy the requirements stipulated in Player Eligibility of Team Member Eligibility.

5. Organization

5.1. Team Names

Each Team must have a unique full name and an abbreviation of at least 2 characters and not exceeding 4 characters. Team full names and abbreviations must only contain English characters and numbers. Unless otherwise specified by the Team, the Invitational Committee is entitled to use, at its own discretion, the full Team names and/or the abbreviations on any occasion during the tournament.

5.2. Team Logos

Each Team must have a unique logo which differs in shape from other teams. Unless otherwise specified by the Team, the Invitational Committee is entitled to use, at its own discretion, the Team Logos on any occasion during the tournament.

5.3. Team Jerseys

Team Jerseys, including but not limited to T-shirt, Jackets and Pants, must have a unique design. Players shall, in official tournament settings (game days and media days), wear Team Jerseys. Team Jerseys must prominently display the team logo on the front. The number of sponsor logos should be reasonable.
The Invitational Committee will review jerseys, with the authority to suggest modifications. This review will include checking if the design meets basic aesthetic standards and whether the size and placement of logos are appropriate. Teams will face penalties if Team members wear any Jerseys without the approval from the Invitational Committee.

5.4. Common Restrictions

Team Names and Logos may not include all or part of a corporate name or make use of the trademarks or other intellectual property of any third party. Team Names and Logos may not include any word or phrase in any language that is offensive, toxic and hurtful. Team Names, Logos will be selected at the time of registration and may not be changed during the tournament.

5.5. Review

All Team Names, Logos, Jerseys must be approved by the Invitational Committee before use in tournaments. Changes to the Team Names, Logos and Jerseys are not allowed except under certain extenuating circumstances and must be approved by the Invitational Committee. The Invitational Committee reserves the right to approve or reject a Team Name, Logo and Jersey if it does not uphold the professional standards sought by the tournament.

6. Tournament Structure

6.1. Schedule

Honor of Kings Invitational Midseason consists of two stages:
(A) Group Stage: 1 August - 2 August
(B) Knockouts Stage: 3 August - 4 August

6.2. Group Stage

6.2.1.Group Draw

The group stage will be played with two(2) groups of six (6).
KPL Dream Team and The Invitational Season 2 Champion will be seeded into different groups. The remainder of the teams will be randomly drawn into their respective groups. A live draw will be conducted by the organizer to determine the final groups for the tournament.

6.2.2.Group Stage Format

According to Group Draw results, all teams are divided into two distinct groups. Within each group, a BO1 single round-robin format is employed. This entails that each team will compete in exactly one match against every other team in its respective group. This sequence of matches will be meticulously organized and scheduled in advance. At the conclusion of the round-robin group stage, the top 4 teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage.

6.2.3.Tie and Tiebreaker

In the event that multiple teams are tied in the standings at the conclusion of Group stage (as defined as having the same ranking), their ranking within the group will be determined by head-to-head records. A Tiebreaker game will be held if the head-to-head records are still equal.

6.2.3.1. Three-Way Tie

Three Way Tie for the First or Second Place: No tiebreaker will be initiated. The rankings of Group Stage will be determined by the total amount of time of all winning tiebreaker games.
The team with shorter duration of winning games will rank higher; if the duration of winning games is equal, the team destroyed more enemy towers will rank higher; if the number of tower destroyed is equal, the team with more total kills will rank higher; if the number of kills is equal, the team with more gold will rank higher.

Three Way Tie for the Third Place: A BO1 round-robin will be initiated. The order of match-ups will be determined by drawing. After 3 games, the team with 2-0 record will be 3rd in the group and the team with 1-1 record will be 4th. Consequently, the team with 0-2 record will be eliminated.

Three Way Tie for the Fourth Place: A BO1 round-robin will be initiated. The order of match-ups will be determined by drawing. The first team to win two games will be 4th place in the group. Consequently, the other two teams will be eliminated.

6.2.3.2. Four-Way Tie

Four Way Tie for the First Place: No tiebreaker will be initiated. The rankings of Group Stage will be determined by the total amount of time of all winning tiebreaker games. The team with shorter duration of winning games will rank higher; if the duration of winning games is equal, the team destroyed more enemy towers will rank higher; if the number of tower destroyed is equal, the team with more total kills will rank higher; if the number of kills is equal, the team with more gold will rank higher.

Four Way Tie for the Second Place: A BO1 group elimination tournament will be initiated. Four teams are randomly drawn into two groups and four games will be played for standings. The winner of the tournament will be the 2nd in the group, the runner-up will be the 3rd. Consequently, the winner of losers' bracket game will be the 4th in the group and the last team will be eliminated.

Four Way Tie for the Third Place: A BO1 group elimination tournament will be initiated. Four teams are randomly drawn into two groups and three games will be played. The winner of the tournament will be 3rd in the group and the runner-up will be 4th. The other two teams will be eliminated.

6.2.3.3. Five-Way Tie

For First or Second Place: No tiebreaker will be initiated. The rankings within the group will be determined by the total amount of time of all winning games combined at group stage. The team with shorter duration of winning games will rank higher; if the duration of winning games is equal, the team destroyed more enemy towers will rank higher; if the number of tower destroyed is equal, the team with more total kills will rank higher; if the number of kills is equal, the team with more gold will rank higher.

6.2.3.4. Tie after Tiebreakers

If teams are still tied after the tiebreakers, no more tiebreakers will be initiated. The rankings within the group will be determined by the total amount of time of all winning tiebreaker games. The team with shorter duration of winning games will rank higher; if the duration of winning games is equal, the team destroyed more enemy towers will rank higher; if the number of tower destroyed is equal, the team with more total kills will rank higher; if the number of kills is equal, the team with more gold will rank higher.

6.3. Knockouts Stage

6.3.1. Knockout Draw and Matchup

Following the completion of the Group Stage, the top four teams from each group will advance to the Knockout Stage. A draw will take place to determine the positioning of the first and second place teams of Group Stage in the Knockout bracket, adhering to the same-group avoidance rules. Subsequently, the two first place teams are privileged to choose the opponent from the third or fourth place teams of another group.The remaining 3/4th place team will face the teams placed 2nd from the group stage. A Coin flip will determine which team will be scheduled to play first during the knockout stage.

6.3.2. Quarterfinals Format

BO3 single elimination format is employed for quarterfinals, with the winning teams advancing to the semifinals. Teams that lose in this stage will no longer have a chance to advance or participate in any further matches after that round concludes.

6.3.3. Semifinals and Finals Format

BO5 single elimination format is employed for semifinals and finals. Teams that lose in semifinals will no longer have a chance to advance or participate in any further matches. The Team wins three Games first in finals will be the Champions of Honor of Kings Invitational Midseason, 2024 Riyadh.

6.4. Finals Format

6.4.1.Competition Prizing Distribution

Prizes will be awarded to Teams based on final Team standings. Prizes will be paid out to Teams and are non-transferable. Each team ("Potential Winners") is eligible for one prize package for the tournament. Potential Winners who are eligible for the award of a prize assume all liability for the use of the prize.

6.4.2.Requirements to Collect a Prize Award

Potential Winners must comply with Official Rules and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. Potential Winners shall have no right to any prize unless the conditions set forth in these and any other applicable rules are satisfied. Potential Winners will be notified after the end of the Tournament. Each Potential Winner is required to follow the instructions in the notification. In order to be eligible to claim a prize, each Potential Winner will be required to fill out and sign, within the prescribed period in the notification, an affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release form, as well as all applicable governmental and tax forms required to receive a prize.

6.4.3.Costs Associated with Collecting a Prize Award

Participants are responsible for any and all costs and expenses associated with their prize that are not specifically outlined herein. National or local taxes, including VAT taxes, which are associated with the receipt or use of any prizes are the sole responsibility of the Participant.

7. Player Equipment

7.1. Client Version

The version of Honor of Kings in Invitational Midseason will be determined by the Invitational Committee at its discretion. Restrictions may be added at any time before or during a Match, if there are known bugs with any items, Heroes, skins, or other elements.
Some general settings for the version used in Invitational Midseason are as follows:
(A) Friend Observation should be set as available (Functions/Privacy-Observation).

7.2. Player Accounts

Player Accounts in the Client will be provided by the Invitational Committee. Players are allowed to adjust their account settings as they prefer. Any forms of disclosure of Player Account are not allowed. In the Client, Players are not allowed to add friends without permission.

7.3. Tournament Equipment

Except the equipment of Invitational Midseason, no other personal devices will be allowed in the tournament area. Invitational Midseason equipment includes, but not limited to, Gaming Phone (including but not limited to charger, converter and cables), Headsets (noise cancelation) and/or Earbuds and/or Microphones, Table and Chair, Backup Phone, Camera.

7.3.1. Match Mobile Phone Devices

Before each Match, Players will have time to check on their phones provided by the Invitational Committee. Players are not allowed to install/uninstall any app or software on those phones. The match devices must be properly set according to requirements. During an Invitational Midseason Match, Players are not allowed to change any settings without permission, including but not limited to FPS and volume. Players are not allowed to use their match devices to browse any social media platforms or websites. Players are not allowed to use their match devices to watch Invitational Midseason live. Before each Match, match devices will be placed on the holder. During Ban&Pick Phase, it is not allowed to move the phones from the holder. Players are only allowed to touch the phones after Ban&Pick Phase is finished.

7.3.2. Audio Devices

Audio equipment, including but not limited to headphones, microphones, and audio controllers, will be provided by the Invitational Committee. Players will be required to maintain the minimum volume determined by the Referee or higher, the level of which will be shown on the audio controller. The Referee has the right to ask Players to turn up the volume if he/she considers the volume level too low. Headphones must be placed directly on a Player 's ears and must remain there for the whole match. Players are not allowed to obstruct the placement of headphones by any method or placing any item, including hats, scarves, or other articles of clothing, between the headphones and the Player's ears.

7.3.3. Voice Chat Restriction

Voice chat in each Invitational Midseason Match must be conducted through the communication system pre-set in headphones provided by the Invitational Committee. The Referee reserves the right to decide, at his/her discretion, whether to monitor the Players' chat. Any third-party voice chat apps are not allowed, unless the Referee, at his/her discretion, decides to change the voice chat arrangement under possible special circumstances. In a Match, the Coach will be given an exclusive headphone which can only be used by listed Team Members, including the Coach, Assistant Coach, and Analyst.

7.4. On-stage Apparel

Players must wear official team jerseys, approved by Invitational Committee, during all Invitational Midseason matches and pre-match and post-match interviews. Players must wear dark long pants and closed-toe shoes, as well as visible team-branded apparel on their upper body, during the entirety of any Invitational event or appearance. The on-stage apparel includes T-shirts, jackets and pants. For the avoidance of doubt, short pants, sweatpants, athletic pants, and pajama pants will generally not be considered appropriate attire. Coaches must wear business casual attire or team jerseys while at the Match Area. Players and Coaches must avoid chewing gum, wearing hats, sunglasses, eye-catching necklaces and pendants while at the Match Area. Jerseys and all other apparel worn during such times are subject to the restrictions set forth in this section and are subject to the review and discretion of the Invitational Committee. Players, Coaches and any other staff should not wear any clothes or ornaments that are not approved by the Invitational Committee.

7.5. Replacement

If equipment or technical problems are suspected during the tournament at any time, a Player or Invitational Committee may request a technical review of the situation. Referees will diagnose and troubleshoot problems, as needed. Referees may request that Invitational Committee order replacement of any equipment, at their discretion. Decisions regarding the replacement of any equipment are solely at the discretion of Invitational Committee.

7.6. Interference

No Team Member may touch or otherwise interfere with lights, cameras or other studio equipment. Team Members may not stand on chairs, tables or other studio equipment. Team Members must follow all instructions of Invitational Committee.

8. Match Rules

8.1. Pre-Match

8.1.1. Pre-Tournament

Before traveling to the host location of Invitational Midseason, the Invitational Committee will set up an online conference to inform the players of issues such as schedule, the client version, match procedures, emergency measures, etc.

8.1.2. Rehearsals

All teams may conduct rehearsals, set by Invitational Committee, with coordinated efforts. During Rehearsals, the Officials will inform the team members about the stage route, game day player-related arrangements and instructions to pre-set devices.

8.1.3. Starting Line-Up and Side Selection Submissions

A team's Starting Line-up and side selection must be submitted no later than the allotted time.

8.1.4. Seating Order

Players must sit in the order as (Left) Clash Lane / Jungle / Middle Lane / Farm Lane/ Roamer (Right) or (Right) Clash Lane / Jungle / Middle Lane / Farm Lane/ Roamer (Left) following the Starting Line-up.

8.1.5.Attendance in time

On the match day, Team Members on Active Roster must arrive at the Match Area before the time specified by the Invitational Committee. If a team fails to arrive before the match time:
(A) 5 minutes later, the team shall have no bans in the Game.
(B) 10 minutes the team shall be declared as the loser of the first Game of the serie. (in the case of a BO1, this results in the team losing the match)
(C) 15 mins, the team will forfeit the Game, and will lose the Series.

8.1.6. Devices Checking and In-game Setup

Players will have designated blocks of time prior to their Match to ensure they are properly prepared. Setup time begins once Players enter the Match Area, at which point they are not allowed to leave without permission of the on-site Referee and accompaniment by another Invitational official. The setup includes the following:
(A) Ensuring the quality of all Invitational-provided equipment.
(B) Connecting and calibrating peripherals.
(C) Ensuring proper function of the voice chat system.
(D) Setting up Equipment and Arcana pages.
(E) Adjusting in-game settings.
(F) Limited in-game warm-up (only in Bootcamp).

8.1.7. Pre-Match Confirmation

Before a Match, Players will be granted access on the stage, where Referees will check the provided equipment with every Player. Players shall submit the Pre-Match Confirmation Card and return to the Team Lounge. Then after the Player introduction before the match, Players will have one minute to get ready and submit the second Pre-Match Confirmation Card to the Referee. The team leader shall make sure all players have finished Game settings, including but not limited to Equipment and Arcana and other basic settings. Failure to make correct settings will not be acceptable for a restart.

8.1.8. Game Room

The Referee will create the in-game official Game Room. Players shall be directed by the Referee to join the Game Room.

8.1.9. Ready for the match

Once all ten Players in a Match have submitted the second Pre-Match Confirmation Card, Players may be asked by Referees to end the warm-up game and immediately join the Game Room.

8.1.10. Technical Support

The Referees will be available to assist and to troubleshoot any problems encountered during the setup time. If a Player encounters any equipment problems during any phase of the setup process, the Player must alert and notify Referees immediately. Players have an obligation to identify any technical issue during a Game with the Referee.

8.2. Side Selection and Ban and Pick

8.2.1.Side Selection Rules

For each Match, teams’ side selection for Game 1 will be decided by coin flip. For all games after the first, the losing team of the previous Game will have side selection right. The team obtaining the privilege of choosing sides could independently decide whether to be the Red Side or the Blue Side. Side selection between Games will be decided after a Game. The team with the side selection right for the next Game will have two minutes (after the Crystal is destroyed) to select their side for the next Game, during which the Coach shall inform the Referee about their selection. If the process mentioned above fails to complete within the allotted time, the team will be considered as having waived the side selection right. If so, the Referee will, at his/her discretion, decide whether to give the side selection to the other team, or whether the side selection of the last Game will be applied in the next Game.

8.2.2. Ban and Pick Rules

Once all ten Players have joined the Official Game Room, the Referee will request confirmation that both teams are ready for the Ban and Pick (B/P) phase. The time limit for each B/P round is on the B/P Order & Time Limit Table below. Help Pick is not allowed, once both teams confirm readiness, the Referee will instruct the lobby Room to start the Game. During a consistent Game, in the event of an erroneous selection or trading of Heroes, Ban and Pick, Summoner Skill, Arcana, or pre-match setting due to Players' mistake, including but not limited to an accidental touch on the screen or failure to finish the Ban and Pick within the allotted time, the Game will continue, and the team will bear all consequences for its mistakes.

Four-Ban Matches B/P Order & Time Limit Table
(A) Blue Side Pick-&-Ban time limit: 225s (30s*4+30s+30s+45s=225s)
(B) Red Side Pick-&-Ban time limit: 270s (30s*4+30s+30s+45s+45s=270s)

8.3. During Match

8.3.1. Game Start

After the Ban and Pick Phase, the Coaches of both teams shall have a handshake before leaving the stage and going to the designed position. After a Game starts, the Coach will not be granted the access to the stage in whatever case other than the Ban and Pick phase. Out of the need for broadcasting convenience, the Game will not start immediately after the loading process until the Referee's permission. At this point, the Referee will remove all irrelevant articles from the Match Area, including notes written by Team Members. Players are not allowed to quit a Game during the time between the completion of Ban and Pick and the Game launch.

8.3.2. Substitution Between Games

If teams require substitution, Coaches must declare the substitution requests to the Referee before the previous Game ends (before one team's crystal is destroyed). Each team is allowed a maximum of two substitutions per game. Substitutions can only be made after the referee's confirmation.

8.3.3. Break Time Between Games

Before the Match, the Referee will inform teams of the break time. If a team fails to return to Match Area after break time, the next Game will commence as scheduled. The Referee reserves the right to choose, at his/her discretion, whether to use a Player's account to enter the Game Lobby. After Ban and Pick phase begins, as long as one Player or the Coach is present in the Match Area, that individual can proceed to the Ban and Pick phase for the team. If all five Players are not in the Match Area after the Ban and Pick phase, the team will be considered to have forfeited this Game.

8.4. Post-Match

8.4.1. Tribute

After each Match, Players will have designated time to communicate with each other until informed by the Referee inform Players to shake hands with their opponents. After the handshake, Players of the winning team will bow to the audience.

8.4.2. Match Results

The Referee will confirm and record the Game result. Subsequently, both teams shall sign the Match Result Confirmation Form to affirm their agreement with the outcome. Players will be informed of their standing within the tournament and upcoming scheduled Match.

8.4.3. Post-Match Obligations

Players will be informed of all post-match obligations, including but not limited to, media appearances, post-game and backstage interviews, or further discussion of any match matters. Players shall follow the instructions of the Invitational Committee. Unauthorized actions, including changing hotel rooms or means of transport without permission, or not returning to the hotel during the night, are all prohibited. Players are not allowed to bring visitors to the team room, the hotel or transportations arranged by the Invitational Committee without permission.

8.4.4 Results of Forfeiture

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

8.5. Pause

A pause is recognized as an official halt during a Game, initiated either by the referee's order or at a player's request. While the Game is paused, the Match is still considered active, requiring players and coaches to abide by the referee's directives. In the event of a pause, the referee may issue troubleshooting steps to address and swiftly rectify any issues causing the stoppage. Players shall be obligated to assist the referee in identifying and resolving reasons for the pause. The referee holds the authority to initiate a Game pause or to implement a pause command on any player's device, exercising complete discretion. Players must not trivially request game pauses. Only Team Members listed in the Active Roster are eligible to request a pause, with the frequency and conditions under which a pause can be requested determined by the referee based on specific circumstances. The referee retains the right to approve or deny pause requests, and the Game continues until the referee's authorization. Deliberate disconnections will not warrant pause approvals. Should a player intentionally disconnect the Game or audio without prior notification to the referee, for unjustifiable reasons, that player will face all resultant repercussions.

8.5.1.Player Pause

Players may request a pause in the Game immediately following any of the events described below, but the player must signal the referee immediately by using the real-time audio (say pause) and raising his/her hands. The referee will then verify the situation and decide if it may become an authorized pause. Acceptable reasons include:
(A) An unintentional disconnection, which may include Game, voice chat, or audio disconnection caused by a hardware or Internet malfunction.
(B) Unstable Internet connection, with a Ping of 100ms or higher.
(C) Player's sudden physical illness or injury.

8.5.2.Medical Pause

During a Game, if a medical issue, including illness, injury, or other conditions, renders a player unable to continue and requires a pause, the Team is required to arrange for a substitute player from their roster the allocated time given by the referee. The time allocated will be determined by a case to case basis. The substitute must play with the same hero, utilize identical equipment, and adhere to the same settings as the player being replaced, and will proceed with the Match without any adjustments. It is important to note that a player who is substituted due to a medical condition will be ineligible to participate in any of the remaining Games on that match day. Should a Team find itself with four or fewer available players, the Invitational Committee will exercise its discretion to determine the outcome. Players may not unpause the game themselves. The Game will be resumed once the countdown concludes or resumed by the Game Observer with Referee's permission.

8.5.3.Unauthorized Pause

If a Player pauses or unpauses a Game without permission from the Referee, it will be considered unfair play and penalties will be applied at the discretion of the Invitational Committee.

8.5.4.Player behavior during Pause

(A)For pauses under five minutes, players are prohibited from communicating with one another until the pause concludes, indicated by a pause countdown displayed in the Game. In such cases, only a single player is permitted to interact with the referee for the purpose of identifying or resolving the issue causing the pause. Unauthorized communication during the pause will result in a warning from the referee and ignoring of warning will lead to penalties for non-compliance.
(B) For pauses more than five minutes, players are allowed to communicate with each other.
(C) For pauses more than ten minutes, players may request to use the bathroom provided all players leave and return together and avoid communicating with other individuals during this period.
(D) During a pause, coaches are not allowed to interfere with the Match through any means, including but not limited to entering the Match Area. Also, coaches are not allowed to communicate with players through any means, including but not limited to gestures, voice chat, and written materials.

8.6. Resume and Restart Protocol

8.6.1.Game Resume

After the countdown concludes, the game will immediately resume. No additional restrictions will be imposed for the remainder of the game.

8.6.2.Review Period

Within the first fifteen seconds after Game Resume, players are expected to play the game as usual while the referee reviews whether the issue leading to the pause has been resolved. Based on the review, the referee has the discretion to initiate another pause if necessary.

8.6.3.Confrontation Pause Protocol

Confrontation State is defined as a situation where direct damage (damage caused by debuff not included) is made from a Hero to another within four seconds before the pause, or a situation where direct damage is expected between Heroes within four seconds after the game resumes.

If a pause occurs during a confrontation state, players are instructed by the referee to move their heroes to a safe area and cease confrontation for a brief duration (typically two to five seconds) once the game resumes. After this duration, the game will be paused again and be resumed after the referee ensures both teams are ready. Non-compliance with the referee's instructions, attempting to undermine fair play, or initiating unauthorized pauses will result in penalties, subject to the Invitational Committee's discretion.

8.6.4.Time Machine Protocol

In cases of special circumstances such as network instability, equipment malfunctions, or malicious unpause, resulting in an unfair competition environment and significant disadvantages for one team (such as losing a Tyrant or Overlord, heroes being killed), Coaches can request to activate the "Time Machine" protocol from the Referee.
The Referee, exercising discretion based on the specifics of the situation, will determine the time point at which the issue occurred. The game will then be reset to the time point and resume once both teams are ready. The referee will prioritize a time point where no confrontation occurred.
Given the strong continuity of the game, the fluctuation caused by Time Machine protocol could significantly disrupt this characteristic. Therefore, it is considered a lower-priority solution.

8.6.5. Game Restart

If a Game is remade in the case of a pause, then the Game statistics before the pause will not be retained. The referee will decide, at their discretion, whether the picks and bans shall be retained in the restarted Game. Retaining picks and bans means maintaining players' former choices of Heroes and Common Skills.

8.7. Extreme Situations

An extreme situation, which means none of the pause protocols listed above can be applied, may include:
(A) The game program fails to operate normally for a long period of time.
(B) An unsolvable bug appears, which would greatly affect the fairness of a Game.
(C) The Match is unable to continue due to force majeure such as Internet connection, electricity, or equipment breakdowns.
If the above extreme situations lead to a prolonged pause, which means the Game cannot be restored as the same as before, the referee will, at their discretion, make one of the following decisions:
(A) To continue the Game in the Match Area.
(B) To continue the Game in another environment suitable for Match play.
(C) To remake the Game with picks and bans retained.
(D) To remake the Game without picks and bans retained.
(E) To award one Team victory/defeat.

8.8. Legitimate Benefiting

When a game or player’s competitive state is disrupted due to unexpected pauses or disruptions, and the referee’s expedited decision leads to one side gaining an advantage, such advantage is considered passively obtained and thereby deemed as legitimate benefiting.

8.9. Non-Compliance

Team Members failing to adhere to a referee’s decisions may result in: (A) A yellow-card warning for the first disobedience.
(B) A red-card warning for subsequent disobedience following a yellow card, leading to ejection from the current match and suspension from the next match.
(C) Further violations will incur escalating penalties, at the discretion of the Invitational Committee.

8.10. Referee

Referees are officials appointed by the Invitational Committee to adjudicate every matter related to a match, including incidents occurring before, during, and after the Match. Their responsibilities encompass the oversight of Matches, which includes but is not limited to:
(A) Verifying each team's Starting Line-up before the Match
(B) Supervising the operation of all segments of the match and the activities of individuals within the match venue
(C) Inspecting and monitoring players' equipment.
(D) Implementing the basic Match procedures
(E) Initiating pause and resume commands during a Game
(F) Handling technical issues during the Game
(G) Making decisions in response to in-game disputes
(H) Levying penalties for disobedience of the rules during the Match
(I) Confirming the completion of the Match and documenting outcomes

8.10.1. Referee Conduct

At all times, Referees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner, and shall issue rulings in an impartial manner. No passion or prejudice will be shown towards any Player, Team, Team Manager, Coach, Owner, or other individuals.

8.10.2. Appeal

Any Appeal by Team Members during a game must initially be communicated to and confirmed with the Invitational Committee before commencing with arbitration. Referees are prohibited from independently agreeing to any demands from Team Members. The Invitational Committee is responsible for reviewing Appeals related to judgment errors made by referees. The Invitational Committee has the authority to review any decisions made before, during or after a Match to ensure that proper procedures are followed.

9. Venue

9.1. Match Area

The Match Area is the designated space where competition devices are situated. Throughout the duration of a match, access to the Match Area is limited only to the starting Players and the Coaches of the teams played the match. No electronic devices, including mobile phones, tablets and smart devices (watches), are allowed in the Match Area during the matches. No food is allowed in the Match Area and drinks will be provided.

9.2. Holding Area

Access to the HoldingArea is exclusively reserved for Team Members. Coaches can watch the game and monitor players' in real-time. No food is allowed and drinks will be provided in the Bench Area.

9.3. Player Lounge

Access to the Player Lounge is exclusively reserved for Team Members, with entry permission determined by the Invitational Committee. Team Members are required to adhere to applicable rules and uphold order within the Player Lounge. Lord noises or roughhousing are not allowed to prevent any disturbance to other teams.

9.4. Fan Management

All Teams are obliged to assist Tournament Staff to guide its supporters in the Audience Area and behave orderly. It is prohibited for a team to instigate, motivate, or orchestrate its fans in a manner that disrupts the flow and order of the Match, whether it is intentional or not. Should there be any issues from team's inability to properly instruct their fans, the team is accountable for all resulting consequences.

10. Sponsorships

10.1. Prohibited Sponsors

Teams and Team Members are encouraged to develop relationship with sponsors. The sponsor's business scope should comply with the local laws and regulations of the region where the team belongs. If the overall team sponsorship conflicts with the following prohibited sponsor categories, it is required that the team is exempt from such sponsorship and a statement must be issued by the team's official social media. Teams and Team Members may not acquire sponsorship in the below listed categories:
(A)Casino or gambling websites.
(B)Websites and products related to pornographic imagery and sex.
(C)Firearms, handguns, or ammunition providers.
(D)Alcohol
(E)Drugs
(F)Tobacco or cigarettes, including e-cigarette and vaping products.
(G)Web3, cryptocurrency, NFT and Blockchain.
(H)Other Videos Games
It is prohibited for any social media posts, team jerseys, or any other form of publicity associated with the team to display the sponsor’s logo, or incorporate any slogans, hashtags, or keywords related to the banned sponsor categories.
Teams and Team members are allowed to acquire sponsorship with third party payment and app store organizations. However, the team jersey and any other assets employed for the Tournament are not allowed to include the sponsor's logo in these categories.

10.2. Sponsorship Approval

Teams must submit overall sponsors details to Invitational Committee for approval, including sponsors name, logo, category and the approach to advertise during the Tournament. For instance, if the sponsor requires the display of the sponsor's logo on the Team Members' T-shirt, the design of such T-shirt needs to be provided in the request. The Invitational Committee reserves the right to approve or reject the design or approach if it does not uphold the professional standards sought by the tournament.

11. Code of Conduct

11.1. Competition Conduct Code

11.1.1 Collusion

Collusion is defined as any agreement that involves two or more players to advantage opposing players. Secret agreement before the game to split prize money and/or any other form of compensation. Signaling or otherwise, among players. Deliberately losing a game for compensation, or for any other reason, or attempting to induce another player to do so.

11.1.2 Competitive Integrity

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

11.1.3 Buying, Selling, Renting, Transferring

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

11.1.4 Cheating

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

11.1.5 Exploiting

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

11.1.6 Spectator Monitors

Looking at or attempting to look at the spectator's monitors.

11.1.7 Ringing

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

11.1.8 Profanity and Hate Speech

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

11.1.9 Studio Interference

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

11.1.10 Unauthorized Communications

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

11.1.11 Doping

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

11.1.12 Identity

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

11.1.13 Appearance

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

11.2. Unprofessional Behavior

11.2.1. Harassment

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

11.2.2 Sexual Harassment

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

11.2.3 Discrimination Denigration

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

11.2.4 Statements Regarding Invitational Midseason, Tencent, and Honor of Kings

Members are not allowed to give, make, issue, authorize or endorse any statement or action having, or designed to have, an effect prejudicial or detrimental to the best interest of Invitational Midseason, Tencent or its affiliates, or Honor of Kings, as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of Invitational Midseason.

11.2.5 Confidentiality

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

11.2.6 Player Behavior Investigation

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

11.2.7 Criminal Activity

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

11.2.8 Moral Turpitude

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

11.2.9 Public Order Disturbance

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

11.2.10 Abusive Behavior

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

11.2.11 Bribery

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

11.2.12 Gifts

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

11.2.13 No-Compliance

No Team Member is allowed to refuse or fail to apply the instructions or decisions of the Invitational Committee. 11.2.14 Match-Fixing No Team Member is allowed to offer, agree, conspire a match-fixing. Match-fixing, under any circumstance, is subject to the heaviest punishment.

11.2.15 Document Requests

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

11.2.16 Association with Gambling

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

12. Disciplinary Action

12.1. Investigation of and Right to Monitor Compliance

To ensure the integrity of the Tournament, the Invitational Committee reserves the right to oversee adherence to these Official Rules, investigate potential violations, and enforce penalties for breaches. All Team Members and Team stakeholders are required to cooperate with the Invitational Committee in any such investigations. A Team Member's failure to assist with an investigation conducted by the Invitational Committee or its designated personnel, including but not limited to, being dishonest, withholding information, tampering with, or destroying evidence, is considered a violation of these Official Rules.

12.2. Subjection to Penalty

Violations of the Official Rules by any Team Member or Team stakeholder, caused by actions or negligence, will result in penalties. The Invitational Committee will determine the severity and type of penalties. Decisions made by the Invitational Committee regarding violations of the Official Rules or any other disputes related to the Tournament are conclusive.

12.3. Penalties

Penalties for violating these Official Rules may include, but are not limited to:
(A) Verbal Warning(s)
(B) Written Warning(s)
(C) Loss of Side Selection for Current or Future Game(s)
(D) Game Forfeiture(s)
(E) Match Forfeiture(s)
(F) Player or Team Suspension(s)
(G) Prize Forfeiture(s)
(H) Player or Team Disqualification(s)
(I) Ban for future Invitational and/or Honor of Kings tournament events