Selecting the national Protea teams for Mind Sports South Africa.

South Africa's 2019 Protea Esports Team which attended IESF's 11th World Championships. The sponsors of the team are EnerGHack, Partnermedia, NWU, ZAG Academy, and Tuluntulu.

With the selection of any team there are always those who claim that they could have done a better job at selecting the team.

It does not matter which sport it is, it could be rugby, football, netball, hockey, and so forth, but there are always members of the community who are quite vociferous about their opinions.

Sometimes, however, such critics are right. 

There is always someone out there that does know better. There is always someone who can make a great contribution.

Thus Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA), being truly aware of the talent that exists in South Africa, has opened the Selection Committee to interested persons who do not have to be Registered Players.

There is now, no reason, to be a side-line selector.

MSSA needs four individuals to be its selectors for 2019. At least two have to be Registered Players, while the other two do not have to be Registered Players.

However, the people elected as Selectors shall sign the Undertaking and keep all discussions confidential.

All Selector's shall be suitably qualified for the role, which shall include, but not be limited to: 

• previous experience as a selector, 
• previous international experience as a player or involvement with competitive gaming, 

The emphasis shall always be placed on knowledge of the level of competition required at international level.

Mind Sports South Africa thus requests all interested persons to send in ttheir applications, together with a CV., to mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com by 15 January 2020.

Also read:

• Changes to the Selection Committee.
• The new national team selection criteria.

Esports titles selected for all MSSA's Premier Provincial and National Championships.

South Africa's Protea DotA 2 team in action at IESF's 11th World Championships - Seoul.

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) has a selection process through which all esports titles are selected for use at Provincial and National Championships.

The process takes into account those  titles which are used at International Esports Federation'(IESF) World Championships, and those esports titles which are popular among the member clubs.

But saying an esports title is popular is not enough. Just because a title is popular online among recreational gamers, does not make it popular among the hard-core competitive esports athletes who will attend LAN championships.

Thus, for any esports title to be considered for consideration to be included in Provincial and National Championships at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), at least one Regional Championship must be held in such esports title to prove that it is able to attract competitive esports athletes to a single venue.

It should also be noted that age restrictions for esports titles vary from country-to-country. An esports title may have a 12 age restriction in one country and may then have an age restriction of 16 in another.

It is therefore important for parents to check the age restriction of the esports title in the country of residence as such age restrictions are established to protect the mental health and well-being of the child.

It should also be noted that changes may be made to the line-up in exceptional cases. If IESF selects a title not on the list for use at its World Championships, then MSSA shall include it.

Titles previously selected for the past 5 years by IESF are:

Year	Title
2019	DotA 2
	PES 2020
	Tekken 7
2018	Counter-Strike: GO
	League of Legends
	Tekken 7
2017	Counter-Strike: GO
	League of Legends
	Tekken 7
2016	Counter-Strike: GO
	League of Legends
	Tekken 7
2015	League of Legends
	StarCraft II

A lot of time has been invested in determining the esports titles for 2020, and the comprehensive list is as follows:

Period/genre	Title	Platform	Age restriction	Players
Shooter	Counter-Strike: GO	PC	16	5 v 5
	Paladins	PC/console	12	5 v 5
Sport	FIFA '20	Console	3	1 v 1
	PES 2020	Console	3	1 v 1
MOBA	Dota 2	PC	12	5 v 5
	Clash Royale	Mobile	12	1 v 1
	League of Legends	PC	12	5 v 5
	VainGlory	Tablet/mobile	12	3 v 3
Fighting	Tekken 7	Console	16	1 v 1
	Street Fighter V	Console	12	1 v 1
Card	HearthStone	Various	7	1 v 1

Also read:

• Esports titles selected for all MSSA's School Championships.
• Esports titles selected for all MSSA's Student championships.
• 2020 Calendar of Events
• The various events held by Mind Sports South Africa.
• Why schools and universities should invest in esports.
• New National Team Selection Criteria

The various events held by Mind Sports South Africa.

Some of the winners at MSSA's 2019 S A National Championships.

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) runs a plethora of events during each and every year.

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) was constituted in 1985 and was first accepted by the National Olympic Committee (NOC) as a member in 1991 when it was still the NOSC.

Volunteers stand at the core of MSSA, and without whom, nothing would get done or be achieved. MSSA is indeed blessed to have sterling volunteers who act as administrators, umpires, and technical officials. Due to the involvement of such volunteers MSSA is able to host so many activities dwarf  those of all other constituted bodies in South Africa.

In 2019, MSSA held no fewer than 30 events since  the last IESF World Championships in Kaohsuing in 2018.

The MSSA runs the following:

Type of event	Level	Eligibility
School Championships	Regional face-to-face	Any gamer who attends a school
	Provincial face-to-face	Any gamer who attends a school affiliated to the MSSA
	Provincial Online	Any gamer who attends a school affiliated to the MSSA
	National face-to-face	Any gamer who attends a school affiliated to the MSSA
	Inter-school online league	Schools that are affiliated to the MSSA
Student Championships	Regional face-to-face	Any gamer who attends a tertiary level institution
	Inter-university online league	Any gamer who attends a tertiary level institution affiliated to the MSSA
	Provincial face-to-face	Any gamer who attends a tertiary level institution affiliated to the MSSA
Senior Regional Championships	Inter-Regional Test Matches	Only official teams that have been selected
	Regional face-to-face	Any gamer who is registered with an affiliated member club
Provincial Championships	Provincial face-to-face	Any gamer who is registered with an affiliated member club
	Provincial Online Championships	Any gamer who is registered with an affiliated member club
	Provincial Online League	Any gamer who is registered with an affiliated member club
National Championships	National face-to-face	Any gamer who is registered with an affiliated member club
Test Matches	Inter-Regional - School, Student, Senior	Only official teams that have been selected
	Inter-Provincial - School, Student, Senior	Only official teams that have been selected
	Inter-National - School, Student, Senior	Only official teams that have been selected
World Championships	School, Student, Senior	Only official teams that have been selected

One can only commend all the volunteers and the sponsors (EnerGHack, North West University, Partnermedia, Tuluntulu, and ZAG Academy) - well done! So many  levels of competition, so much work!

Also read:

• Esports titles selected for all MSSA's School Championships.
• Esports titles selected for all MSSA's Student championships.
• 2020 Calendar of Events
• Why schools and universities should invest in esports.
• New National Team Selection Criteria

Esports titles selected for all MSSA's Student championships.

North West University is an active participant in MSSA events.

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) is the only body in South Africa that currently runs official esports championships for students.

It should be noted that International Esports Federation (IESF), the only global esports body in the world is in partnership with International University Sports Federation (FISU) in order to have esports recognized as a true sport at university level.

Thus while MSSA also has awards for students at all of its Premier Provincial and National Championships, MSSA also runs additional championships for students which allows MSSA to host those esports titles that are only for mature audiences.

Since most students at tertiary education level are of the age of majority, students in these dedicated championships are able to play esports titles which would, otherwise, require additional logistics.

It should be noted that persons who are under age, by law, are not allowed to even watch titles which are not appropriate.

The championships shall allow players not only to earn medals, but also enable students to earn student provincial colours.

The colours shall be based upon residency, so even if a Registered Player is originally from Louis Trichardt, but is studying at Stellenbosch as a boarder, such player may earn Western Cape student provincial colours.

Thus, it is at MSSA's Student Championships that students are able to play esports titles which have 18 age restrictions.

The titles to be played at all MSSA student specific championships are as follows:

Period/genre	Title	Platform	Age restriction	Players
Shooter	CS GO	PC,	16	5 v 5
	Call of Duty – Modern Warfare	PS4	18	5 v 5
	Paladins	PC/console	12	5 v 5
Sport	FIFA ‘20	PC	3	1 v 1
	PES 2020	PC	3	1 v 1
MOBA	Clash Royale	Mobile	12	1 v 1
	Dota 2	PC	12	5 v 5
	League of Legends	PC	12	5 v 5
Fighting	Tekken 7	Console	16	1 v 1

Also read:

• Esports titles selected for all MSSA's School Championships.
• 2020 Calendar of Events
• Why schools and universities should invest in esports.
• New National Team Selection Criteria

MSSA's umpiring course - 25 January 2020.

One of the most important aspects of a well run championship is the consistency and standard of umpiring.

Umpiring affects every aspect of a championship, and since Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) is highly cognisant of such, MSSA shall continue to hold a number of umpires' courses during 2020.

Players who have reached the age of majority and have received Protea and/or, National Federation, and/or Provincial Colours in the previous year, shall have successfully completed an Umpires’ Course (if such course was held in the province in which such player resides after the date of being awarded such colours)  in order to be considered for selection.

Such umpiring courses around the country shall ensure that umpires are certified and are fully aware of their duties and responsibilities.

The first such course shall be done as follows:

Date: 25 January 2020
Time: 9H00 - 18H00
Cost: R331.00 per person
Venue: Old Edwardian Society, 9 11th Avenue, Lower Houghton, Johannesburg

The cost will include morning and afternoon tea, and lunch.

The course shall include:

• Ethics
• Background to MSSA's systems
• Roles of the different umpires
• Entry
• Pairings
• Data capturing of results
• How results are further used

At the end, a test will be given, and those that pass will be accredited as level 1 umpires.

Any Registered Player who is 18 or older may register for such course through their member club.

For additional information, please contact mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com

Also read:

• 2020 Calendar of Events
• New National Team Selection Criteria

South Africa's Jason Batzofin is re-elected as Chairperson of IESF's Players' Commission

Jason Batzofin presenting on the achievements of the Players' Commission from 2016 to 2019.

International Esports Federation (IESF) established its Players' Commission in 2016.

IESF, as the worlds’ oldest and largest non-profit world organisation for esports, established such commission to represent the views of the esports athletes. Only by players representing themselves can IESF fully protect the player at every level. 

Thus IESF’s Players’ Commission has no role during the Games. It also has no role in any nomination and selection disputes or any anti-doping or other disciplinary hearings or tribunals involving athletes. 

In 2019, the term of office of the inaugural Players’ Commission came to an end, and at IESF’s 2019 World Championships, a new commission was elected.

Those elected were: 

• Jason Batzofin (South Africa), 
• Koen Schobbers (Netherlands), and 
• Freddy Mazila (Namibia). 

At the first meeting of the commission, the three elected members decided to elect the chairperson. The commission unanimously agreed to elect Jason as Chairperson. 

IESF President, Coin Webster, stated, “IESF is proud of the contribution made by the members of the inaugural commission. All members worked well during their term of office and have created a culture within the commission that will ensure that all esports athletes are protected.” 

Also read:

• MARINESCU RE-ELECTED AS VICE-PRESIDENT
• Webster returned as president of IESF
• IESF ELECTS IN TRULY GLOBAL ESPORTS BOARD

MARINESCU RE-ELECTED AS VICE-PRESIDENT

Vlad Marinescu is IESF’s dynamic Vice-President.

Vlad Marinescu was co-opted onto IESF’s Board in early 2019 due to the sudden resignation of Silviu Stroie.

Vlad made such a mark through his dynamic approach to problem-solving and pure dedication to the tasks at hand that IESF’s OGM overwhelmingly voted him onto the Board for a full term.

With an impressive pedigree in both sports, and esports administration, Vlad Marinescu brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the oldest and largest esports organization in the world. 

Even though IESF was founded in 2008, there is much that IESF can learn from Vlad who served in a number of positions in the International Judo Federation, General Director of SportAccord (now GAISF), and is currently the President of the United Esports Federation.

Vlad Marinescu said “I am honoured to be entrusted by the IESF board with the appointment to the Vice President position. I wholeheartedly believe that strong collaboration and exchange needs to exist between traditional sport and Esports to ensure sharing of values, practices and experience with the scope of educating the youth for a better tomorrow.”

As Vice-President, Vlad Marinescu has the following portfolios:

• World Championships,
• Ex-officio on LOC’s for IESF events, and
• To act in the President’s stead should the President be absent.

IESF President, Colin Webster is grateful that the will of the membership, as expressed at the Ordinary General Meeting, had chosen wisely, and that through Vlad’s competencies IESF shall continue to achieve its ambitions.

Also read:

• Webster returned as president of IESF
• IESF ELECTS IN TRULY GLOBAL ESPORTS BOARD

MSSA's 2019 Management Board Awards.

Dr. Janine Brandt (MSSA) who gave her expert opinion at IESF's 4th Global Esports Executive Summit - Busan.

Back in 2009, Mind Sport South Africa (MSSA) initiated its Management Board Awards which takes into review the period 1 October to 30 September of each year.

The Awards were designed to recognise the contribution made by those who gave selflessly, and/or made an impact, to the promotion of the various types of gaming under the jurisdiction of MSSA.

The list is a veritable 'who's-who' in South African gaming.

All recipients have shown themselves to be of the highest standard and are a credit to South Africa. MSSA is proud that each and every one of the recipients is part of the official community which strives to make a real difference in the lives of all participants. MSSA sees gaming as more than participation, more than a business. Gaming is a way of life, it is a way that participants may reach their full personal potential, it is a  way that the individual can achieve all that they can. 

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) shall thus always fondly remember the winners and the incredible contribution that they made towards gaming.

The Management Board has agreed to award the following:

MSSA's 2019 Management Board Awards.
Mind Sports Person of the Year:	Dr. Janine Brandt	Valhalla
Board Gamer of the Year:	Saudah Bhaimia	Curro Klerksdorp
Computer Gamer of the Year:	Terrance Broomberg	Curro Aurora
Wargamer of the Year:	Angellah Sulamoyo	Old Edwardian Mind Sports Club
Team of the Year	ZAG Paladins	ZAG Academy
Volunteer of the Year:	Christiaan Botes	Helpmekaar Kollege
Umpire of the Year	Johan van Breda	ZAG Academy
Coach of the Year	Jessie Joubert	ZAG Academy
Educator of the Year	Gary Blieden	Curro Aurora
Mind Sports Writer of the Year:	Jermain Craig	Saturday Star
Social Media Person of the Year	Riaan Vrey	Monument Park High School
Best Sponsor of the Year:	TULUNTULU

Also read:

• Nominations required by 31 August 2019 for MSSA's Management Board Awards.
• And the nominees are...