Just one day ahead of the Overwatch<\/em> League’s second stage, Blizzard has finally published a summary of the competition’s rules and code of conduct.<\/p>
The documents published are not<\/em> the full rule book, but instead a truncated format designed “to clarify rules and standards of conduct” for Overwatch<\/em> League players and fans. Amid a preseason and stage one rife with controversy<\/a> and player <\/a>and staff misbehavior<\/a>, the Overwatch<\/em> League has faced criticism for not releasing the document sooner.<\/p>
Related: <\/strong>Dallas Fuel suspends xQc for the rest of Overwatch<\/em> League’s first stage<\/strong><\/a><\/p>
Among other things, the Code of Conduct requires that team members and owners:<\/p>
- observe the highest standards of personal integrity and good sportsmanship<\/li>
- compete to the best of their skill and ability at all times<\/li>
- comply with all applicable laws at all times<\/li>
- not engage in any activity or practice which brings him or her into public disrepute or scandal<\/li>
- not engage in any form of harassment or discrimination<\/li>
- not place bets on any games, matches, or tournaments involving Overwatch<\/li>
- not make any false, defamatory, libelous, or slanderous remarks, comments, or statements<\/li>
- not use or attempt to use any bugs or exploits in Overwatch.<\/li> <\/ul>
“League discipline may include, among other things, informal or formal warnings, public reprimands, fines, suspensions, and permanent bans,” the Overwatch<\/em> League office wrote<\/a>. Blizzard chose not to publish a detailed account of potential punishments for specific infractions of the code of conduct.<\/p>
Beyond the code of conduct, the Overwatch<\/em> League competition rules include league formatting and scheduling, game settings, and tie-breaking rules. Equipment rules, referee responsibilities, and substitution process are now available online<\/a>, too. Rules against player tampering are also included in the shortened rule set. Punishment for this behavior is not listed.<\/p>