4.2 Player Readiness

• The maximum late time is defined as 10 minutes for Professional matches and 15 minutes for Challenger and Cup matches.
• Players must be ready to start the game at the scheduled start time. If a player is not ready after the maximum late time a forfeit will be enforced for that game, favouring the prepared team.
• In the event that the game is part of a series, a forfeit will be awarded for every interval of the maximum late time the opponent team fails to be ready.

4.3 Minimum Player Requirement

• Periods must be played with at least 4 players per team. Violations will result in a forced forfeit against the infringing team, as uneven play affects league standings.

4.4 Lobby Security

• Use passwords for games. The stream host will provide lobby details to GMs. Non-affiliated guests are allowed provided they don't disrupt gameplay. Rule violations by guests are attributed to the team that invited them.

4.5 Mid-Period Restarts

• Players may disconnect and reconnect mid-period to resolve issues, but not to exploit game mechanics. Opponents may continue playing or pause during this. Abuse of this rule can lead to suspension.

4.6 Mid-Period Substitutions

• One substitution per team is allowed mid-period. The substitute must complete the period, and can join only after the original player has left. Having 5 players on the rink simultaneously results in a forfeit.

4.7 Live Match Continuity

• Once a game starts, inability to continue results in a forfeit. Teams have a 5-minute inter-period break to arrange substitutes.