Super Smash Bros. Melee players Juan “Hungrybox” Debiedma and Zachary “SFAT” Cordoni both accrued yellow cards for receiving mid-set coaching TKduring their match in the top 16 at Evo 2017.
The first instance occured when Debiedma called up his coach, Luis “Crunch” Rosias, after a game one win.
After Cordoni bounced back to tie the set 1-1, Debiedma turned back offstage and lifted his headset, presumably to talk to his coach again. In response, Gordon “G$” Connell ran on-stage to talk to Cordoni, and the two play-acted a coaching session.
Per Evo rules, there is no coaching allowed in tournament matches outside of pools. Joey “Mr. Wiz” Cuellar, head honcho of Evo, issued an official statement on the tournament ruling.
Hungrybox has been Yellow carded for the coaching violation.
— Joey Cuellar (@MrWiz) July 16, 2017
After fans on Twitter commented on what seemed like a slap on the wrist, Cuellar clarified the reasoning behind the ruling.
Since both players violated the rules, the match will stand. Had only HBox violated the rules, he would have been DQed.
— Joey Cuellar (@MrWiz) July 16, 2017
Some have argued that Connell approaching the stage should not be held against Cordoni in the same manner as Debiedma’s intentional call for coaching. Cordoni himself replied, saying he wasn’t even aware of an anti-coaching rule in the first place.
Apparently there was a no coaching rule and he shouldve been DQd but I didn’t know that there was no coaching :/
— CLG.SFAT (@SFAT) July 16, 2017
The set ultimately ended in Debiedma’s favour 2-1, as he advanced into the top 8 on the winner’s side. His coach, Rosias, also made a statement on the matter.
I feel really bad about the coaching thing. I was told it was only not allowed for top 8, didn’t know it wasn’t allowed top 32.
— Luis Rosias (@Liquid_Crunch) July 16, 2017
It’s definitely my responsibility to read the official ruleset for every event and not just take people’s word. Sorry everyone.
— Luis Rosias (@Liquid_Crunch) July 16, 2017
Will make sure to read through every single official ruleset from now on.
— Luis Rosias (@Liquid_Crunch) July 16, 2017
Comments
3 responses to “Yellow Card Ruling On Super Smash Bros. Melee Coaching Stirs Controversy”
Ah the old “I didn’t read the rules/I didn’t know” excuse
Its almost as useless as “apologizing for saying something offensive”
Yeah true, but again it’s a growing pain for esports.
A good tournament for conventional sports always hold briefings at the start clearly stating the rules. Don’t attend? Can’t play.
It’s not an excuse though, it’s just an explanation.