Sanctions & Disciplinary Framework

This document defines how breaches of tournament rules, integrity policies, and conduct standards are investigated and sanctioned.

It applies to all Participants, including players, substitutes, coaches, managers, owners, officials, broadcast staff, and contractors.

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1. Objectives

The objectives of this Framework are to:

• protect competitive integrity
• deter misconduct
• ensure consistent enforcement
• provide procedural fairness
• maintain public confidence
• meet sportsbook and regulator expectations

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2. Definitions

Organizer - the tournament operator.

Participant - any person subject to tournament rules.

Integrity Officer - independent official appointed by the Organizer to oversee integrity matters.

Breach - any violation of tournament rules, policies, or applicable law.

Provisional Suspension - temporary removal pending investigation.

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3. Principles

Sanctions will be:

• proportionate to severity
• consistent across cases
• transparent in reasoning
• timely
• documented
• subject to appeal

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4. Reporting & Case Initiation

Cases may be initiated by:

• reports from Participants
• betting operators or data providers
• integrity monitors
• automated alerts
• whistleblowers
• law enforcement

All allegations are logged in a confidential incident register.

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5. Preliminary Assessment

Within seventy-two (72) hours of receipt:

• the Integrity Officer conducts an initial review
• determines risk to competition
• decides whether provisional measures are required
• classifies the alleged breach

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6. Provisional Measures

Where necessary to protect the Tournament, the Integrity Officer may:

• impose provisional suspension
• restrict communications
• freeze prize money
• require device or account access
• remove individuals from broadcast or staff roles

Provisional measures are not disciplinary findings.

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7. Investigation Process

7.1 Evidence Collection

May include:

• match logs and demos
• server telemetry
• voice communications
• betting data
• financial records
• device inspection
• witness statements

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7.2 Participant Rights

Participants are entitled to:

• notice of allegations
• opportunity to respond
• access to relevant evidence (subject to confidentiality)
• representation
• impartial decision-makers

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8. Decision-Making

Following investigation:

• findings are issued in writing
• standard of proof is balance of probabilities
• sanctions are reasoned and recorded
• parties are notified

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9. Breach Categories

9.1 Minor Breaches

Examples:

• unsportsmanlike conduct
• admin failures
• lateness
• minor media violations

Sanctions may include:

• written warning
• fine
• map loss
• points deduction
• probation

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9.2 Serious Breaches

Examples:

• betting violations
• inside information sharing
• harassment or threats
• refusal to cooperate
• cheating attempts

Sanctions may include:

• match forfeiture
• disqualification
• prize forfeiture
• suspension (three months to two years)
• team penalties

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9.3 Critical Breaches

Examples:

• match-fixing
• bribery
• organised corruption
• repeat serious breaches
• criminal conduct

Sanctions may include:

• lifetime ban
• full prize forfeiture
• referral to authorities
• reporting to regulators and governing bodies

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10. Team Liability

Teams may be sanctioned where:

• misconduct is enabled or ignored
• failures of supervision occur
• multiple roster members offend
• managers participate in breaches

Team sanctions may include:

• fines
• point deductions
• event exclusion
• licence revocation for the circuit

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11. Appeals

11.1 Right to Appeal

Participants may appeal sanctions within seventy-two (72) hours of notification.

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11.2 Appeals Panel

Appeals are heard by:

• independent adjudicator(s)
• not involved in the original decision

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11.3 Appeal Outcomes

The panel may:

• uphold the decision
• reduce or increase sanction
• overturn findings
• order rehearing

Appeal decisions are final within the Organizer’s jurisdiction.

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12. Publication of Decisions

The Organizer may publish disciplinary outcomes where appropriate, subject to:

• legal requirements
• privacy obligations
• integrity considerations

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13. Data Sharing & Cooperation

The Organizer may share information with:

• betting operators
• data partners
• integrity bodies
• regulators
• law enforcement

where permitted by law.

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14. Amendments

This Framework may be updated from time to time.

Material changes will be published on the Organizer’s website and incorporated into future rulebooks.