Anticipation of changes

It is well known that there are a number of changes happening in eSports. IeSF's Global Summit as sponsored by WCA hinted at the massive changes that esports is undergoing.

Just to get into the IOC require huge structural changes. Such changes include greater gender equality, and even greater good governance (at all levels).

IeSF and all its members, being committed to the vision of getting esports into the Olympics is quickly improving on its existing structures and has already implemented an Athlete's Commission, and has started processes for welfare, education, drug testing, equity, discipline, and the such.

However, at such a tumultuous time, both IeSF and MSSA are in the throws of elections.

Such elections could see very different Management Boards returned with new faces and new visions which may, or not, be in line with the current vision.

That is the price that you day for democracy and the rule of law. No matter the state of development, the rule  of law comes first - there are no sacred cows!

The excitement is palpable as nominations of candidates roll in.

Just who will be on the new committees?

Brazil has the fundamentals right

Unlike other interest groups that 'pop' up overnight and then do nothing, whither and die, national federations go the distance.

National Federations are largely driven by volunteers who selflessly put in hours of their time to grow eSports at every level.

That is exactly what the Confederação Brasileira do Desporto Eletrônico (CBDEL) is doing.
The dedicated administrators of all 27 federations that make up the Confederação Brasileira do Desporto Eletrônico (CBDEL) seem yo be doing all the right things.
From developing esports at school, university and other grass-root levels, the CBDEL also has its affiliation with IeSF in order to fully benefit from a truly international family that cares more about the welfare of the gamer than personal aggrandisement and profit.

CBDEL too enjoys full recognition from the Brazilian Ministry of Sport, which allowed CBDEL to utilise Casa Brazil in the Olympic Village for not only a month long exhibition, and celebration of, esports, but also for CBDEL's National Championships at which they are selecting Brazil's first official eSports Team.

Then there are the sponsors (Connect Rio, Eletrobras, and RedZero).

Every sponsor is onboard as such realise  the value of investing in such a federation.

The sponsors see that CBDEL is a legacy. The federation will continue long after the original founders have moved on as no-one owns the federation.

CBDEL too, is careful to nuture ongoing relationships with sponsors. Since federations are not interested in profit, and more interested in delivery, sponsors can invest knowing that every last sent is going into the programme - and not into someones back pocket!

Federations too exist to allow the athletes take ownership of the sports that they love - perhaps that is why there is such a clash between commercially driven entities and federations?

Brazilian Sports ministry confirms that eSports is indeed a sport.

It was  just  like  any other  sporting event.

The teams arrived, the media set up their cameras, and there was a flurry of activity from the organisers.

Such was the opening of the finals for CounterStrike: GO as the Confederação Brasileira do Desporto Eletrônico (CBDEL) held its team selections for IeSF's 8th World Championships - Jakarta.

The event started with Daniel Cossi (President of CBDEL) giving a rousing speech. Colin Webster (Board member of IeSF) followed, and explained to all the benefits that gamers get through National Federations working in close harmony with IeSF.

Paulo Protasio (President of the Rio Chamber of Commerce) then took to the floor.

The last speaker was Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Luiz Lima.

Although all the speeches were both interesting and relevant, all were eclipsed when Luiz openly declared the Ministry's support for eSports.

It is remarkable that CBDEL has achieved in two short years what many federations have taken decades to achieve,

Viva CBDEL, viva Brazil, viva!

CBDEL - at Casa Brazil in the Olympic village

CBDEL's stand next to the Brazilian department of sport in Casa Brazil in the Olympic village

The Confederação Brasileira do Desporto Eletrônico (CBDEL) fully understands the importance  off working with all stakeholders.

CBDEL continually interacts with government, the Brazilian Olympic Committee, its membership  and the public.

Thus CBDEL,  through the  kind offices of the Brazilian department of sport, were allowed to man a stand within Casa Brazil in the Olympic village.

During the Olympic Games, interest in eSports was outstanding, and the CBDEL officials were swamped with interest.

Young Leonardo Ribas, who was recently selected to represent Brazil on IeSF's Athlete's Commission) and Kathleen Rossi Cossi (who, in May 2016 earned IeSf's International Referee accreditation) were both there helping the other committed athletes  explain, encourage and demonstrate esports to fascinated crowds of other athletes and members of the public.

Wherever you looked in the stand IeSF's logo and branding is clearly visible.

The pride that CBDEL has of its affiliation to IeSF is palpable.

The long-term benefits of the stand in Casa Brazil are hard to predict, but one thing is certain, eSports is in very good hands in Brazil.

Brazil - an experience

Daniel Cossi of CBDEL at the Copacabana

On my arrival in Rio, one can easily see why the country was selected to host the Olympics.

There was absolute commitment from both the government and the people.

As a South African in Rio, at no time did I ever feel unsafe, and found the population to be warm and hospitable.

The warm relaxed atmosphere in Rio, pervades all life.

Sitting at one of the many cafes on the Copacabana sipping one of the many exquisite concoctions, it is not hard to see why Rio has captured the hearts off so many people.

30th MSSA S A National Board Gaming & Wargaming Championships

The 30^th MSSA S A National Board Gaming & Wargaming Championships shall be held at HTS Witbank, Beyers Road, Witbank, on 3 & 4 December 2016.

In terms of the current regulations, any period may be played to more than one rule set if there are sufficient entries, if the period has met the criteria to be played, and a player has qualified to act as an umpire has volunteered to umpire such rule set.

The championships shall start on both days at 9H00. Players need to register at least 30 minutes before the start of play.

The following periods have qualified to be played, and shall be, should sufficient entries be received:

Period	ONE DAY HISTORICAL FIGURE GAMING CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BE PLAYED ON SUNDAY ONLY
	Sunday
	ROUND 1	ROUND 2	ROUND 3	ROUND 4
Ancients – DBM 3.2	9H00-10H30	11H00 – 12H30	14H00 – 15H30	16H00 – 17H30

Board gaming
Period	CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BE PLAYED
	Saturday
	ROUND 1	ROUND 2	ROUND 3	ROUND 4	ROUND 5
Checkers	10H00-10H45	11H00 - 11H45	14H00 -14H45	15H00 - 15H45	16H00 - 16H45
Draughts (Brazilian)	10H00-10H45	11H00 - 11H45	14H00 -14H45	15H00 - 15H45	16H00 - 16H45
Draughts (International)	10H00-10H45	11H00 - 11H45	14H00 -14H45	15H00 - 15H45	16H00 - 16H45
Morabaraba	10H00-10H45	11H00 - 11H45	14H00 -14H45	15H00 - 15H45	16H00 - 16H45
SesothoMorabaraba	10H00-10H45	11H00 - 11H45	14H00 -14H45	15H00 - 15H45	16H00 - 16H45

Period	ONE DAY HISTORICAL FIGURE GAMING CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BE PLAYED ON SUNDAY ONLY
	Sunday
	ROUND 1	ROUND 2	ROUND 3	ROUND 4
Ancients – DBM 200AP	9H00-10H30	11H00 – 12H30	14H00 – 15H30	16H00 – 17H30

In keeping with Mind Sport South Africa's policies re development programmes, entries are free and gratis to registered players who are unable to afford to enter such championships should the member club formally request assistance.

Such applications must be directed to MSSA at e-mail: mindsportssa@iafrica.com

Please note that if there are not at least 10 players entered for a figure gaming period, then such period shall be played to four (4) rounds and not five (5).

Entry fees are:              R60.00 for figure gamers, and
                                   R30.00 for board gamers.

Only players who are registered with fully-paid-up members may participate.

Players are reminded that the majority choice of rules as at the closing date for entries shall be used.

Entry fees can be deposited directly into Mind Sports South Africa's account, held at ABSA Bank, account number: 90 4766 7676.

All entries, and army lists (if applicable) must be e-mailed to the Umpire  at: mindsportssa@iafrica.com on or before 30 November 2016.

For the next event please go to https://www.facebook.com/notes/mind-sports-south-africa-mssa/2017-calendar-of-events/10154320593527264

Issued by:

Colin Webster
General Secretary
Mind Sports South Africa
P O Box 19275
FISHER'S HILL
1408
Tel: 011 828 4994
Cell: 073 593 9451
Fax: 086 672 1911
e-mail: mindsportssa@iafrica.com
URL: http://www.facebook.com/mindsportssa
Twitter: @mindsportssa
Skype: colin.webster4

Further proof that eSports is now a sport!

Emil "HeatoN" Christensen - picture courtesy of wikimedia.org

Sources in the Swedish eSports Federation (SeSF) have just advised "eSports, and other games", that Emil"HeatoN" Christensen  (of Ninja's in Pyjamas - NiP - fame) will compete against ex-olympians and world champions in traditional sport in Sweden's Ninth season of the Masters Championship.

This year Ninja's in Pyjamas are currently one off the most successful CounterStrike: GO teams in the world.

Fans are delighted now to shape culture, which sees the news as a confirmation of e-sports as a "real" sport. 

Emil "HeatoN" Christensen will be competing against:

Helen Alfredsson, golf

Born in 1965 in Gothenburg and started playing golf at age eleven. As an amateur, she won SM 1981-84, 1986, 1988. Became professional in 1989 on the European Tour and came to the LPGA Tour in 1992. She won a major (the Kraft Nabisco Championship, 1993) and four LPGA titles. Helen Alfredsson represented Europe in the Solheim Cup eight times, which is the second most of all in the European team (1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2007 and 2009.

Jonas Bjorkman, tennis

Born in 1972 in Alvesta who turned professional ATP player in 1991 and until 54 November 2008 won double titles and six singles titles. At best he was ranked world number one in doubles and number four in the singles. Was considered to have one of the world's top server tours and volleys and well known for its own victory gesture: "Brussels stage."

Cissi Ferm, basketball

Born in 1975 in Stockholm who has played for elite clubs Nerike and Solna Vikings. She has played in both the Deaf and hearing the national team in basketball, has won six European Championships for the Deaf, the World Championships for the Deaf, an Olympic gold medal for the deaf, eight national championships for the hearing and U20 gold for the hearing. She was named the world's best dövidrottare in both 2001 and 2004.

Kjell Isaksson, pole vault

Born in 1948 in Stockholm, which competed for Sundbybergs IK and Österhaningen IF. Had the world record in the pole vault outdoors for a few months in 1972 and world record indoors in three installments from 1970 to 1972. Won ten SM rod, silver in there Championships in 1969 and two silver in the European Championships Indoor in 1970 and 1971. In addition to their athletic performance Kjell Isaksson became known to a wider audience when he was a successful participant in the SVT program "Superstars".

Janni Larsson, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Born in 1987 in Kristinehamn. At age 14 she moved to Jönköping and it was there that he began his Jiu-Jitsu training. Has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is the first world champion with the black belt from Sweden. When Brazilian Jui-Jitsu came to Sweden in 2007 began Janni immediately compete. In 2010 she moved to Denmark to improve their training facilities. She ended her career 2015.

Martin Lidberg, wrestling

Born in 1973 in Stockholm and competed in Greco-Roman wrestling. Took the European Championship in 2000 in the 85 kg class and European Championship gold in 2004 in the 96 kg class, World Championships 2003 in the 96-kg class and both the European and World Championship bronze in 1998. Finished his career in 2007.

Josefin Lillhage, swimming

Born in 1980 in Askim, outside Gothenburg and Väsby Simsällskap. She is one of the most successful swimmer of all time and was "resident" in the national team from 1995 to 2010, when she finished her career. Her biggest success came in freestyle and European Championship gold in the 200m when she defeated world number one Laure Manadou and was only two hundredths of the world record she counts as one of its highlights. In total she has 43 medals in international competitions, including individual World Championship gold, silver and bronze, and three European Championships.

Maria Rooth, ice hockey

Born in 1979 in Änge Holm and started playing ice hockey in Rogle BK's boys team. After high school she moved to Boston and played one season with the Assabet Valley Girls Club. In American college hockey, she was recruited to the University of Minnesota and played for the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs and won the US college championships 2001-2003. Participated in the Swedish Olympic women's ice hockey national team 1998-2006 and took Olympic silver in 2006. In December 2014 - after finishing career in 2010 - she was elected as the first Swedish woman into the IIHF Hall of Fame.

Per-Olof "Posa" Serenius, ice racing

Born in 1948 in Hedemora Posa became world champion in ice racing on two occasions, 1995 and 2002. He is also the world champion teams (1985, 1995, 2002) and has participated in a total of 32 World Cup finals, where he, in addition to her two World Championship gold also three silver medals. Posa Serenius is the protagonist of the documentary film "Icy Riders" (2008).

Therese Sjögran, football

Born in 1977 in Lund and debuted in Veberöds A team (Division III) at age 14. 1997 enlisted Wä IF her and during the year the club went up in the Damallsvenskan. October 30 the same year she made her debut in the Swedish national team. 2000 wrote on Sjögran of Malmö FF, where she stayed until 2011, when she made a proffsår in the US (Sky Blue FC). She has the Swedish record in the number of international matches played - 210 pieces.

Therese Sjögran, football

Born in 1976 in Gothenburg, a midfielder with the number 8 in Elfsborg from 1994 to autumn 2015. 2001-2005 he played in Southampton. Played in the Swedish national team from 1999 to 2013 and, according to official statistics, Anders Svensson, the male player who played the most internationals - 148 pieces. He became a Swedish champion with Elfsborg in 2006 and 2012 and participated in the 2002 World Cup and 2006 and European Championship in 2004, 2008 and 2012.

- It will be really fun to be with, but most of all we prove that there is no doubt that e-sports is a sport and what we can do together, translated from what Christensen wrote on Facebook. (Det ska bli riktigt kul att vara med, men allra mest att vi alla bevisar att det inte är något snack om att e-sport är en sport och vad vi kan göra tillsammans).

It makes me laugh!

Don't you just love it when people who have no information whatsoever about an organisation attack statements made by such an organisation?

This is indeed true by a few 'members' of the South African gaming community.

But why do I put the word 'members' in inverted commas, you ask?

The answer is simply that most of the people who claim to be such members are not voted in by anyone.

In fact, they are all self-appointed, and yet they launch into tirades against those who are elected into office.

Such people too maliciously spout untruths against organisations and people without even trying to check the facts.

There are many articles published on the internet that examine the liability to which such people may be exposed as a result of careless and malicious comments.

Some comments may be contested in a civil action, whereas some action may be of a criminal nature
.

MSSA's 2016 South African National LAN Championships

Registrations are open for MSSA's 2016 South African National LAN Championships.

MSSA's 2016 South African National LAN Championships is part of the process of selecting the 2017 Protea eSports team that will attend IeSF's 9^th IeSF World Championships.

MSSA remains absolutely committed to sending teams to all future IeSF World Championships.

Not only will MSSA send teams to the World Championships, but MSSA will also continue with participating in the ever popular International On-line Test Matches.

Registrations will close on the 30 November 2016. 

Players who wish to compete in any of MSSA's Championships are advised to complete their annual registration forms so that they may registered as Registered Players as soon as possible. Please note that MSSA's financial year starts on 1 November, so all players need to re-register if they intend to participate in the S A National Championships.

Late entries will be accepted in exceptional circumstances.

All gamers are reminded that MSSA's 2016 South African National LAN Championships are an open championship.In other words any registered player is entitled to enter the championship – no matter where they live, or their category of membership. If you have any queries, please contact MSSA.

Championship Details:

Hosting Club: HTS Witbank, Beyers Road, Witbank

Venue: HTS Witbank, Beyers Road, Witbank

Date: 3 & 4 December 2016

Entry Fees: R60.00 per Registered Player per Period

Computers: Bring your own. Please ensure that all game updates are done prior to arrival.

Schedule: The LAN Schedule for all 2016 is:

Saturday
Time	StarCraft II	PES (Pro Evolution Soccer)	League of Legends (LoL)	HearthStone	Street Fighter V
09H00	Round 1 Starts	Round 1 Starts	Round 1 Starts	Round 1 Starts	Round 1 Starts
09H45	Round 2 Starts	Round 1 Continues	Round 1 Continues	Round 1 Continues	Round 2 Starts
10H30	Round 3 Starts	Round 2 Starts	Round 2 Starts	Round 2 Starts	Round 3 Starts
11H15	Round 4 Starts	Round 2 Continues	Round 2 Continues	Round 2 Continues	Round 4 Starts
12H00	Round 5 Starts	Round 3 Starts	Round 3 Starts	Round 3 Starts	Round 5 Starts
12H45		Round 3 Continues	Round 3 Continues	Round3 Continues
13H00	LUNCH
Time	TEKKEN TTII	PES (continued)	LoL (continued)	Hearthstone (continued)
14H00	Round 1 Starts	Round 4 Starts	Round 4 Starts	Round 4 Starts
14H45	Round 2 Starts	Round 4 Continues	Round 4 Continues	Round 4 Continues
15H30	Round 3 Starts	Round 5 Starts	Round 5 Starts	Round 5 Starts
16H15	Round 4 Starts	Round 5 Continues	Round 5 Continues	Round 5 Continues
17H00	Round 5 Starts
18H00	Awards Ceremony
19H00	Doors Close
SUNDAY:
Time	Dota 2	CounterStrike:GO	FIFA '16	MORTAL KOMBAT X
09H00	Round 1 Starts	Round 1 Starts	Round 1 Starts	Round 1 Starts
09H45	Round 1 Continues	Round 1 Continues	Round 1 Continues	Round 1 Continues
10H30	Round 2 Starts	Round 2 Starts	Round 2 Starts	Round 2 Starts
11H15	Round 2 Continues	Round 2 Continues	Round 2 Continues	Round 2 Continues
12H00	Round 3 Starts	Round 3 Starts	Round 3 Starts	Round 3 Starts
12H45	Round 3 Continues	Round 3 Continues	Round3 Continues	Round3 Continues
13H00	LUNCH
Time	Dota 2 (continued)	CounterStrike:GO  (continued)	FIFA '16	MORTAL KOMBAT X
14H00	Round 4 Starts	Round 4 Starts	Round 4 Starts	Round 4 Starts
14H45	Round 4 Continues	Round 4 Continues	Round 4 Continues	Round 4 Continues
15H30	Round 5 Starts	Round 5 Starts	Round 5 Starts	Round 5 Starts
16H15	Round 5 Continues	Round 5 Continues	Round 5 Continues	Round 5 Continues
17H00
18H00	Awards Ceremony
19H00	Doors Close

Rules and Regulations: All Rules and Regulations pertaining to eSports are available from MSSA. Players are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with the LAN League Bylaws and all Period Specific Rules. If any Player wishes to provide advice regarding the drafting of the Period Specific Rules they are encouraged to contact the eSBoC who will take all comments into account.

The following Medals may be awarded at MSSA's 2016 South African National LAN Championships:

• PREMIER: Medals shall be awarded to the first three players who are registered players.
• UNIVERSITY: Medals shall be awarded to the first three players who are currently registered at any officially recognised University, provided the players have not received any Premier Medals.
• SCHOLARS: Medals shall be awarded to the first three high school scholars, provided they have not received any Premier medals.
• WOMEN: Women will be awarded medals as per the same basis as above, that is in all three categories.

Colours and National Team Trials:

• National Colours: All Players that win all of their Matches at a National Championship will earn National Colours.
• Provincial Colours: All Players that win all of their Matches at a Provincial Championship will earn Provincial Colours. All Players who score within the top 50% in a specific Period at a Provincial Championship, and who also score within the top 50% at a National Championship in the same period and in the same year, will earn Provincial Colours.
• National Team Trials: All Players that score within the top 20% or top three places, whichever is greater, in a specific Period at a Provincial or National Championship will earn an invitation to National Team Trials. National Team Trials shall be held in the event that a National Team must be selected to represent South Africa when competing in such Period in an International Championship. 

The next provincial event is: The Online Schools Championships that shall be held on 11^th February 2017.