Wednesday 6 November 2024

Transfer season - 1 November 2024 to 28 February 2025


In order to transfer from one club to another, a Registered Player needs to settle all of his debts with his current club, and apply to such club to leave.

MSSA, only allows this, unless in exceptional circumstances, to happen in the period 1 November to 28 February.

The reasons for only having one transfer period is to:

  • Create stability in in both clubs and teams

    In the past, gamers were known to 'clan hop'. While this at the time may have rewarded certain players with immediate gratification (in sponsorships, prize-money, etc.) it did  nothing to allow a club to fully develop the gamer. If a club is not sure about the length of time that a gamer will be a member of the club, the club is more likely to abuse the gamer's skills and not further develop the gamer. So it has been in the past where MSSA has seen some gamers move from one club to another as soon as the club offered the gamer that little bit more.

    Teams that also stick together, learn how to deal with each other as a group, deal with problems, and work better as a team.
In order to transfer from one club to another, a Registered Player needs to settle all of his debts with his current club, and apply to such club to leave.
MSSA, only allows this, unless in exceptional circumstances, to happen in the period 1 November to 28 February.

The reasons for only having one transfer period is to:

  • Rationalise membership

    In terms of  MSSA's Constitution and Regulations, a Registered Player may only represent one club, unless a scholar. Scholars, affiliated to a  private club, are allowed to play for their schools in school leagues and championships. The club that the Registered Player may represent is the first club that the Registered Player joined in the season. Such club is  then known as the 'first claim' club and only such club  may enter  the person into championships or count his/her membership for voting rights.

    Thus, MSSA's records apropos membership do not  show 'double-dipping' as a Registered Player may only be shown as a member of only one club and are quite accurate.

  • Ensure sustainability of clubs

    The strength of any  association remains  its members. Since it is the clubs that are the members of MSSA, it is vital that MSSA protects and  develops the clubs themselves. By regulating the movement of players, clubs are better able to budget and plan for how they want to develop themselves.

Thus the transfer 'window' is now open. If you as a player want to transfer your allegiance from one club to another, do it before 28 February 2024.

Additional reading:

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Friday 1 November 2024

Malta Esports Association welcomes 2025 Budget Measures

Republished from https://esports.org.mt/malta-esports-association-welcomes-2025-budget-measures/

The Malta Esports Association welcomes the measures announced during the 2025 budget speech on the 28th October 2024 by the Minister of Finance, Clyde Caruana, in Parliament.

The budget measures announced include the introduction of an esports visa. This important measure, proposed by the Malta Esports Association in its 2022 launch manifesto document, marks a significant step forward in positioning Malta as a premier destination for esports, not only within Europe but on the global stage.

The esports visa will facilitate international players’ travel to Malta, streamlining their access and participation in esports tournaments, events, and training camps. This initiative directly addresses challenges players and teams have faced, notably in terms of logistical and visa-related hurdles, which often complicate participation and planning. By making this process more straightforward, Malta will become a more attractive and accessible choice for international teams.

The esports visa will also offer substantial benefits for Malta’s economy and cultural landscape. As a developing hub for esports and digital entertainment, Malta can become a desirable destination for esports competitions, resulting in increased visitor numbers, with players, coaches, support teams, and fans all potentially spending time—and money—on the islands. This influx can stimulate sectors like hospitality, tourism, and retail.

Moreover, establishing Malta as a go-to destination for esports events will catalyze further investment and create opportunities for local talent. Maltese players will benefit from increased access to top-tier competition, exposure to international standards, and the chance to network with leading figures in the industry.

The Malta Esports Association also welcomes the increased budget earmarked for esports in 2025, and amounting to €3.5 million. This shows an increased commitment by the Maltese Government for further development of the esports sector. The Malta Esports Association augurs that it will be consulted with regards to the distribution of the fund, in order to ensure that the funds are implemented in the most effective way possible for the benefit of the sector, including the local esports community.

The Malta Esports Association acknowledges the success achieved by the country in attracting international esports teams such as Furia and Talon Esports to the country. The Malta Esports Association is proud to have contributed to the facilitation of the move for these international esports teams.

While we celebrate the announcements made, the Malta Esports Association strongly believes there are additional measures that could bolster Malta’s esports ecosystem, particularly through investment in infrastructure necessary for esports. For instance, further investment in specialized training facilities, continued financial incentives for esports startups, and fostering partnerships between educational institutions and esports organizations would build a more sustainable, inclusive framework for esports in Malta.

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , ,

Announcement from the Haitian Esports Federation (FHE)


Dear members of the International Federation, fellow member countries, the people of Haiti, and friends of esports around the world,

We are thrilled to unveil the new logo of the Haitian Esports Federation (FHE). This fresh visual identity embodies not only our renewed commitment to the development of esports in Haiti but also stands as a powerful symbol of change and progress within this rapidly growing sector.
This logo reflects the values and vision of an inclusive, dynamic, and promising esports scene in Haiti. Through this change, FHE aims to mark a turning point in the recognition of esports as a valuable opportunity for Haitian youth, fostering local talent to thrive within a constantly evolving global industry.
This ambitious project aligns with our mission to elevate Haitian esports to new heights while strengthening our connections with the international community. We extend our gratitude for your unwavering support of this vision, and we hope this new logo will serve as an inspiring sign of what the future holds.
Together, with your continued support, we will keep advancing esports in Haiti, for today and for generations to come.
In solidarity and looking toward new horizons,
Freed Wilson
President, Haitian Esports Federation (FHE)
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Procedure to be followed by school clubs affiliating for the 2025 season.

North West University has sponsored MSSA's Online School League since 2019.

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA), founded in 1984, is the national federation for Board games, Card games, Esports, and Wargames.

MSSA promotes all  the different disciplines equally, although each school may pick-and-choose which discipline it wishes to promote at its school. Some schools will promote the whole gambit, while others will concentrate on only one discipline, and/or even just concentrate on one specific title.

The choice is ultimately up to the school.

The various games offer unique opportunities to many South African learners. Many learners have been able to earn Regional, Provincial, and National Colours which have allowed them to earn bursaries and obtain first-class educations.

MSSA has sent teams with full Protea Colours to international events since 1991 for wargames, 1996 for Morabaraba, 1997 for Checkers, and 2005 for Esports. Many members of the national teams have been scholars, and all have benefited from their involvement in the national Protea Team. 

With the above in mind the MSSA has streamlined the process for schools to affiliate to the MSSA.

There is still the option open for a school to start a full-blown sub-club on its premises, but bearing in mind the tight regulatory conditions under which accredited schools have to operate in the Republic, the MSSA no longer deems it necessary for a school to start a sub-club.

As long as the school club has the approval of the school, and has an Educator-in-Charge, a school may affiliate by merely completing the Application for Affiliation Form and submitting such to MSSA. All applicants needs to be aware of the following:
In order to affiliate, the completed Application for affiliation Form must be submitted to the MSSA.

Once the Board has approved a school’s affiliation, the school then needs to complete the Google Registration Page allocated to the school for the players and make payment.

All school members may participate in all events for which it qualifies. Such events include meetings, championships, courses, and so forth. 

Advantages of having a MSSA affiliated club: 

There are many advantages of having a MSSA affiliated club, such as:
  1. Being part of a community where your club has a real say in how things are done
  2. Being able to apply for National Lottery Funding – MSSA member clubs can apply for up to R800,000.00 in funding
  3. Being able to get assistance from your local government
  4. Experience increased media exposure of your events and your gamers
  5. Become part of the international community through the MSSA Registered players are able to become internationally recognised umpires, etc.
  6. Enable your gamers to take part in MSSA events, which may qualify them for Regional, Provincial, and National colours, overseas trips, and even sports bursaries at university.
MSSA’s Constitution   

The Constitution forms the foundation of the MSSA. It guarantees members rights and governs the way that the MSSA operates. It can only be amended by a two-thirds majority at a Council Meeting. Please remember that Associations only have two (2) votes each, whereas member clubs have a representational vote, being: 
  • Private clubs: one vote per every five registered players, and 
  • School clubs: one vote per every ten registered players.
MSSA’s General Regulations   

The General Regulations comprises of decisions made by both Council and Executive Committee Meetings. The General Regulations deals with how sub-committees operate as well as to how teams are selected and development funding is distributed.   Please refer to Schedule 10.12 in regard to the rights of clubs in hosting events.

MSSA’s Discipline Specific Regulations   

The Discipline Specific Regulations deal with rules concerning the different disciplines. The Disciplines that the MSSA caters for are; Board Gaming, Card gaming, Esports, and Figure Gaming.

Application for Affiliation form   

When a club applies for membership, the applicant club must complete such form and return the same to the MSSA.

Fee note for 2025

The fee note details the Affiliation Fees and Registration fees that are payable.

Player Registration Form   

The Player Registration Form needs to be completed by every player that is a member of a club and intends to participate in MSSA affairs.

MSSA’s Letter of Undertaking   

The Letter of Undertaking is for all registered players who sit on any MSSA committee.

Social Media

The MSSA makes use of the following:
Should you have any queries whatsoever, please contact mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com.

Additional reading:

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Reminder: Nominations and submissions are due...

MSSA President, Colin Webster, delivering a speech on the importance of esports in education in Thaba Nchu.

As stated in previous articles, Mind South Africa (MSSA) shall be holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 7 December 2024. 

As such, MSSA member clubs are entitled to submit the following:

  1. Nominations for Board Members, 
  2. Nominations for Provincial Directors,
  3. Nominations for Regional Directors,
  4. Motions to amend the Constitution,
  5. General motions to amend Regulations, 
  6. Nominations for Management Awards, and
  7. Submissions apropos game titles to be played in the 2024/2025 season.
All the above must be submitted before midnight on Friday, 1 November 2024.

Additional reading:

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)