On April 1st, WCS officials became aware of evidence suggesting that Frustration had intentionally abused the pause feature within a game of StarCraft II as well as engaged in unsportsmanlike conduct. This occurred during Frustration’s series against Seither in the lower bracket Round of 8b of the WCS Season 1: Round of 16. After a thoughrough investigation by WCS officials it has been deemed Frustration has indeed been in breach of both pause abuse in game 2 of his series against Seither and unsportsmanlike conduct throughout the series. Context

Abusing the pause feature without an eligible reason to do so is a serious offence. The pause feature should only ever be used for reasons prohibiting the play of a game. It is also imperative all players competing within WCS maintain a professional level of conduct.



Relevant Rules

4.4.2. Pause Rule (ESL Play Rules)

It is forbidden to use the pause feature without an eligible reason to do so.



The pause time shouldn't be longer than 5 minutes in total. If a longer pause is needed, either the opposing player, or an ESL Admin, has to agree to it. If neither agree, the match will continue after the 5 minute mark.



Abuse of the pause feature will lead to a disqualification from the qualifier. In the case of an abuse of the feature, screenshots will have to be taken and uploaded to the match media section of the match.



6.1. Behavior. (WCS Global Rules)

(A) Players must at all times observe the highest standards of personal integrity and good sportsmanship. Players are required to behave in a professional and sportsmanlike manner in their interactions with other competitors, WCS organizers and members of the administration team, the media, sponsors and fans.



(B) Players may not use obscene gestures or profanity in their BattleTags, player handles, game chat, lobby chat or live interviews. This rule applies to English and all other languages in use in the WCS and includes abbreviations and/or obscure references.



(C) Players are expected to settle their differences in a respectful manner and without resort to violence, threats, or physical or non-physical intimidation. Violence is never permitted at any facility that is owned by or leased to Blizzard or a tournament organizer, or against any competitor or administrator.



Ruling

Frustration has violated 4.4.2 of ESL Play rules and 6.1 of the WCS Global rules. Frustration has officially been placed on a final warning with any further breach of rules subject to immediate disqualification. An official must be present in all of Frustration’s remaining games of WCS Season 1. Based on the above, along with an existing history of warnings within WCS, Frustration will also be fined $500 AUD. Baldie , Saturday, 01/04/17 10:41