TSM vs Azubu Frost (Rule Violation)

Tournament: World Playoffs, Quarterfinal #3, Game 1
Teams: Azubu Frost vs. TSM
Date of Match: October 5
Date of Ruling: October 9
Subject: Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Chronology:

The game was paused to deal with audio/microphone malfunctions with the AzF headsets. During the pause:

• TSM Chaox said that he had witnessed a member of AzF looking at the venue screens during the game. Referees didn't independently corroborate these allegations.
• TSM Dyrus looked back and up at the venue screens.

 The match was then restarted as a result of AzF's inability to fully communicate in-game (mic malfunction). Prior to the restart, referees directed both teams to look forward at all times during the match.

After the restart, TSM left its base en masse, appearing to be invading top lane/brush. At 00:15 on the game clock, Woong of AzF looked back and up to his right at the venue screens.At 00:25 on the game clock, an AzF player pinged near the lane between TSM's top inhibitor tower and the second top lane tower.

AzF Shy (Jayce) and AzF MadLife (Blitzcrank) headed to top lane. AzF Shy (Jayce) approached the brush where TSM was headed to hide, switched to Cannon mode and fired his skillshot into the brush, landing a hit on TSM Dyrus (Darius), which gave away TSM Dyrus (Darius)' position. AzF Shy (Jayce) then backed away.

Once AzF had confirmed that Darius was top lane with Jayce's skillshot:

• AzF sent two players deep into TSM's red jungle to drop a sapling at wraith camp, which would ordinarily be a dangerous risk for only two players.
• AzF Woong (Miss Fortune) facechecked bottom lane¢s tribrush, which would have been an extremely risky move had he not known that the lane was likely unoccupied by TSM. AzF Woong (Miss Fortune) did not even cast “Make it Rain” to reveal the brush, indicating a high level of confidence that the brush was uncontested.

Relevant Competition Rule(s):

1. The World Championship Competition Rules, Paragraph 9.1, prohibit unsportsmanlike behavior.

a. Penalties, as set forth in Paragraph 9.2, include, without limitation:

i. Verbal Warning
ii. Prize Money Deduction

1. Minor infraction: 5% of World Championship prize money
2. Major infraction: 20% of World Championship prize money

iii. Loss of Side Selection
iv. Game Forfeiture
v. Tournament Disqualification

2. Prior to the game, referees directed both teams to look forward at all times during the match.

Analysis:

TSM Dyrus clearly turned his head to his left and looked back and upward at the venue screen, but there is no direct evidence that TSM Dyrus obtained any helpful information from this action. TSM obtained no direct meaningful benefits from TSM Dyrus' action; the game was restarted afterward.

TSM Chaox briefly turned his head toward the AzF team to monitor them. This violation had no potential or actual gameplay benefits for TSM.

AzF Woong clearly turned his head to his right and looked back and upward at the venue screens. The potential gains from this action were not inconsequential. At 00:15 into the restarted game, AzF had no idea where TSM was located or which direction they were headed. AzF did not have Clairvoyance. By looking at the venue screens, AzF Woong stood to learn the location of all TSM champions.AzF Woong's actions did yield tangible benefits for AzF. Once AzF learned that all five members of TSM were in the top lane area, this reduced TSM's ability to control top lane and pressure AzF's blue side. It also allowed AzF to more safely invade TSM's red side.

Rulings:

TSM Chaox did not look forward at all times during the game. This was not unsportsmanlike conduct.

TSM Dyrus violated the rules by looking at the stage screens. This violation, however, did not yield any meaningful benefits for TSM.

AzF Woong violated the rules by looking at the stage screens. His actions yielded benefits for AzF in the game. Other members of AzF modified their gameplay based upon the information.

Penalties:

TSM Chaox: None.

TSM Dyrus is hereby warned not to engage in any further rule violations. Further violations may result in additional penalties.

AzF Woong committed a major infraction of the rules and the team is hereby collectively fined in the amount of 20% of the prize winnings earned by AzF as a result of advancing into the Semifinals ($150,000). AzF's total fine for this violation is $30,000. Further violations may result in additional penalties.

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