Question 1. How does MSSA, help grow eSports?
The short answer is that the MSSA helps to grow eSports in
SA through having gained acceptance as a sport by all the relevant
governmental and non-governmental authorities. Through such
recognition eSports qualifies for funding from national, provincial
and local government as well as from the national lottery. The
accreditation, although visible in the form of Protea Colours has had
other far reaching effects as well. As a result of the accreditation,
the MSSA is able to run official school championships and have
official clubs established in schools. Not only that, but the MSSA
has assisted the development of official eSports clubs at university
which has resulted in a number of gamers be awarded with sports
bursaries at such universities. The accreditation has also lead to a
greater public awareness as well as greater media coverage. Through
being a legal entity, the rules used govern eSports in South Africa
have also created stability for the titles and for the gamers alike.
Question 2. Exactly how do you let teams qualify or proceed to
become a representative of South Africa?
Selection of national teams is a year long process in South
Africa. Players from any team that is affiliated to a member club
that finishes in the top 3, or top 20% (whichever is greater), at a
Provincial or ational Championship automatically qualify for National
Team Trials. Since the MSSA runs LANs in 6 out of the 9 provinces,
many South Africans are afforded the opportunity of qualifying for
Trials with little cost to themselves. Not only that, but the MSSA
runs on-line championships which too count towards qualifying for
National Team Trials. To further reach all the outlying areas in
South Africa, the MSSA allows the winner from any Regional
Championship to attend the National Team Trials. There are 56 Regions
in South Africa which consist of some of the most remote areas. Thus
there is no excuse for anyone to not participate as the MSSA has made
it as easy as possible to play in an official
championships.
Selection of Provincial Teams is done very
differently. The nine Provincial Directors are responsible for the
selection of the Provincial Teams according to the rules established
by the Provincial Boards of Control.
Question 3. If a number of community members (e.g 80%) wishes that
some changed be made to your organization, would you accept it?
The MSSA is a properly constituted association. As such it is
accountable primarily to its own members. The vague groups that claim
to be the 'community' are often faceless and those speaking do not
have the right or authority to speak on behalf of others as they have
not been elected to do so. Also, how do you come to the figure of
80%? Is this 80% of every-one who has a computer, or is it 80% of
everyone who has ever played a game on a cell-phones, computers, PS's and or XBOX's? How do you determine the percentage?
Every committee member in the MSSA has been elected to be there
and should any change be required, the membership is quite capable of
doing so. In fact the MSSA is the most democratic institution in
South Africa as all member clubs have voting rights at all General
Meetings, and all member clubs have the right to propose Registered
Players for positions on any MSSA committee. Therefore the MSSA will
not tolerate outside interference whether it be by government, or non
affiliated individuals.
Question 4. What lies in the future for South African eSports? Do
you see some great teams competing at the next Big event (e.g
Dreamhack 2015, or ESL Katowice)
The MSSA believes that SA has a bright future in eSports. The MSSA
has sent teams overseas every year since 2005 except for 2008. In
2008 the MSSA, instead of sending a team overseas, brought SK Gamings
CS1.6 and DotA team to South Africa in order to further promote
gaming. However, the MSSA encourages any/or all clubs to also
participate in the privately owned and run events.
Clubs
that are affiliated to the MSSA can use National Lottery funding for
this purpose. The MSSA also helps clubs to get across to
these events, for example, in 2013 the MSSA obtained deferred exams
from the University of Cape Town for two eN team members so that they
could attend the ESWC. The MSSA believes that unless South African
teams play in more overseas events, the standard in South Africa will
not improve. Unfortunately overseas travel is an expensive endeavour,
but the MSSA is committed to getting more players overseas to official IeSF events in line
with further developing the game at home.
Question 5. Where does your support and funds come from to help
you host local events? (e.g sponsors or subscription fees)
The MSSA works on a system of registration and entry fees which
does not bring in much money due to how little is charged. The rest
of the funds that the MSSA receives comes from sponsorships (such as MWEB),
donations and grants.
Question 6. What is your employees or volunteers experience with
competitive eSports?
The MSSA does not have employees. All the officials are volunteers
who dedicate their free time to the development and growth of
eSports. Thus all those involved in the eSports Board of Control have
a great deal of experience in eSports. Remember all officials are
voted in - members would not vote in a person who is not
knowledgeable in their field. While a person holds a position, there
is also an upward learning curve as the officials have to deal with a
greater degree of administration as well as the playing of the
various titles.
