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

Esports titles selected for all MSSA's School Championships.

Blake Govender (Oakhill School) represented South Africa with pride in the PES 2020 esports title at IESF's 11th World Championships. The team was sponsored by EnerGHack, NWU, Partnermedia, and ZAG Academy.

The gowth of esports starts at school level. Schools are the breeding ground where champions are fashioned by schools that have the interest of learners at heart.

Thus it is not surprising to see that the entire Protea Esports Team that participated in International Esports Federation's 11th World Championships in Seoul in 2019 were learners in 2019.

While it was unusual for the entire 2019 Protea team to consist of learners, such team selection underpins Mind Sports South Africa's faith in promoting learners into the upper eschelons and giving as many players as possible the chance to excel at the highest levels.

2019 saw North West University (NWU) take a very active interest in esports due to the fact that only MSSA's school championships and leagues are official in nature in which players are able to earn provincial colours and has any form of official recognition.

MSSA's school championships and leagues too run strictly in adherence to the laws in South Africa and take into account the physical and mental health of the participants.

Thus all games are played under acceptable supervision to prohibit unsavoury practices.

MSSA is thus totally committed to ensure the validity of the event, the results attained, and the colours awarded.

The esports titles to be played in all MSSA's school championships and leagues are as follows:

Period/genre	Title	Platform	Age restriction	Players
Shooter	CS GO	PC,	16	5 v 5
	Paladins	PC/console	12	5 v 5
Sport	FIFA ‘20	PC	3	1 v 1
	PES 2020	PS 4	3	1 v 1
MOBA	Dota 2	PC	12	5 v 5
	League of Legends	PC	12	5 v 5
	Clash Royale	Mobile	12	1 v 1
	VainGlory	Tablet/cell	12	3 v 3
Fighting	Street Fighter V	Console	12	1 v 1
Card	HearthStone	Mobile	7	1 v 1

Also read:

• North-West University becomes the headline sponsor for MSSA's Online School League.
• Closing date for entries to NWU MSSA Online School League extended to Monday, 15 July 2019.
• MSSA's NWU 2019 Inter-School Online League
• 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...

Webster returned as president of IESF

International Esports Federation’s Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) held on 13 December 2019 saw IESF demonstrate its unity of purpose when the majority of members expressed their desire to see Colin Webster re-elected as president of such body.

Established in 2008 as a non-profit organization with 56 national federations at the time of the OGM, IESF is already the largest representative esports organization in the world. Under Colin Webster’s presidency, a further six (6) national federations were accepted into full membership.
Colin Webster has thirty years of experience in esports, having run his first championships in 1998, oversaw the accreditation of esports as a sport by SASCOC, and presided over the award of the much coveted Protea Award to the national South African esports team in 2005. Colin Webster then voluntarily stepped down as President of Mind Sports South Africa in 2013 to concentrate on IESF matters.

Colin Webster was first elected to IESF’s Board  in 2013 where he served as a Board member until 2018 when he was first elected as President.

Always on call, Colin Webster is of the opinion that the position is one  of duty and custodianship.

This is just one of the ways that IESF Board members reflect the global footprint of IESF with its elected officers boasting a wealth of experience.

Also read: 

• IESF ELECTS IN TRULY GLOBAL ESPORTS BOARD
• The road to Eilat

The road to Eilat

Amanda Pakade, MSSA President (second on the right), and Johan van Breda, MSSA Team Manager (on the extreme right) pose with Israeli Esports Federation's officials after the announcement of IESF's 2020 host.

Mind Sports South Africa's Esports Protea Team (sponsored by EnerGHack, NWU, Partnermedia, and ZAG Academy) was present at the closing speech at IESF's 11th World championships on 14 December 2019 when the host for IESF's 12th World Championships was announced.

The announcement caught many off-guard.

The 2012 host is none other than the resort town of Eilat in Israel.

Eilat is a southern Israeli port and resort town on the Red Sea, near Jordan. Its beaches are noted for their calm waters, like Dolphin Reef, where the aquatic mammals are often spotted. Known for snorkeling and diving, Coral Beach Nature Reserve has buoy-marked underwater trails among fish-filled reefs. Nearby Coral World Underwater Observatory Marine Park has a glass-enclosed observation center submerged offshore.

IESF officials have alreaddy inspected the venue, and are more than satisfied that Maccabiah in conjunction with Israeli Esports Federation will deliver the best-to-date World Championships.

Israel has already guaranteed that all are welcome and that all shall have safe entry.

Mind sports South Africa (MSSA) is already gearing itself to deliver a team to Eilat.

MSSA has always delivered a full team to every single World Championships, and there is no reason why 2020 will be any different.

Off course the game titles have not yet been announced, and MSSA is confident that it will be able to field a team in every game title selected.

Thus the race is on to Eilat. Who will make it into the team?

The chips  are down, and now it is up to the personal dedication, determination, and efforts of those who have the will to make it

Also read:

• ENERGHACK SPONSORS SOUTH AFRICA'S NATIONAL PROTEA ESPORTS TEAM

• Tekken 7 player selected for IESF’s 11th Esports World Championships
• Oakhill Schools' Blake Govender is off to Korea.
• MSSA names its DOTA 2 team for 11th Esports World Championships.
• NATIONAL PRIDE IS AT STAKE!
• Busan Metropolitan Government to cooperate actively in developing esports.
• PES 2020 selected as an Official Title For 11TH ESPORTS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
• IESF announces DOTA 2 as First Game Title for 11th Esports World Championship
• 2019 Esports World Championship: December 11 to 15, 2019