How is a delay in a match first penalized?

A delay in a match is first penalized with a verbal warning in order to inform the team that their actions are not in compliance with the match's flow and to provide them an opportunity to correct their behavior before imposing more severe penalties. The emphasis on a verbal warning underscores the intent to encourage teams to adhere to the rules rather than immediately resorting to punitive measures.

This approach fosters a spirit of cooperation and understanding, allowing teams a chance to address issues without the more severe consequences that follow. If the delay continues after the verbal warning, more stringent penalties could then be applied, which reflects the progression of consequences based on the severity and recurrence of the infraction.