Wednesday 24 April 2024

Combined Online Provincial Championships for Schools - 27 April 2024

Colin Webster, MSSA President) at Hoërskool Middelburg (Middies) with three of the school's top players. Hoërskool Middelburg is a loyal member that has produced many players who have earned provincial colours. (Photo by @Lyricz)

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) shall be holding its ever popular annual Online Provincial Championships for schools on 27 April 2024.

An important feature of this championship, is that it is only open to schools affiliated to MSSA.

Learners who are being homeschooled may also participate, but such homeschool clubs must be affiliated to MSSA.

Players, will be able to play from venues approved by the school.

MSSA's Online Provincial Championships for schools offers local players the opportunity to qualify for selection to the national squad and for the Protea Team should they meet the criteria.


The championship shall be held on 27 April 2024


Game titles to be played are:

Period/genreTitlePlatformAge restrictionPlayers
FPS
Counter-Strike 2PC185 v 5
ValorantPC/console165 v 5
Sport
FIFA '24Console121 v 1
eFootballConsole121 v 1
Rocket LeaguePC121 v 1 and 3 v 3
MOBA
DotA 2PC125 v 5
Clash RoyaleMobile121 v 1
League of LegendsPC125 v 5
Clash of ClansMobile121 v1
Mobile Legends Bang BangMobile125 v 5
FightingStreet Fighter VConsole121 v 1

Players are to acquaint themselves with the rules apropos substitutes and loadshedding.


Tournament Structure:

As per the MSSA's rules, being:

  • If less than six teams, the championship shall be a Round Robin Championship
  • If 6 to 10 teams enter the championship there shall be four rounds as played to the Swiss System
  • If 11 or more teams enter the championship there shall be five rounds as played to the Swiss System

Eligibility:

  • Any learner currently registered for primary or secondary studies may enter.

Entry fee:

  • Entry is R50.00 per Registered Player.
  • Only fully-paid-up Registered Players may participate in this event.

Entries:

Medals:

Medals shall be awarded to the first three gamers for both men and women (per  province) in the following categories:
  • MALE: The top three places (1st, 2nd, and 3rd)).
  • FEMALE: The top three places (1st, 2nd, and 3rd))
Please note that the medals shall be awarded to the players at the next LAN championship in which such team/player enters and participates.

Colours:
  • School Provincial Colours: All Players that win all of their Matches at a Provincial Championship will earn School Provincial Colours. All Players who score within the top 50% in a specific Period at a any two (or more) Provincial Championships, and who also score within the top 50% at a National Championship in the same period and in the same year, will earn School Provincial Colours.
When and Where:
        • 26 April 2024
        • The first round will start at 10H00. Players shall be given 60 minutes to complete each round. 
        • Players must all be on-line at 9H00.
                    The championship is accredited as being of the same status as a provincial championship. This means that the championship shall be used for the following:
                    • The awarding of school provincial colours;
                    • The awarding of medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places for both men and women;
                    • The ability to qualify for National Team Trials. 
                    • As usual Trials shall be done at a LAN venue, and the team that can best represent South Africa shall then be selected.
                    • All medals shall be awarded to the recipients at a MSSA LAN championships.

                    Shout casting:
                    • The MSSA shall decide who may shout-cast the games.
                    • Anybody wishing to be appointed as a Shout-Caster must apply in writing to mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com 

                    Additional reading:







                    Monday 22 April 2024

                    Volunteer for a Provincial Directorship

                    The success of a province rests heavily on the shoulders of the Provincial Director.

                    Members are aware that there are criteria that need to be fulfilled in order to stand  for a position on Mind Sports South Africa's (MSSA's) 
                    Board. The criteria ensure that there is continuity on the Board as well as that there is a greater understanding of the culture within MSSA, and an understanding of the issues surrounding the administration of MSSA and to provide an upward path to those who wish to eventually serve on MSSA's Board.

                    Strong provincial leadership in organizations like the Mind Sorts South Africa (MSSA) is vital for several reasons:'

                    1. Strategic Direction: Provincial leaders provide strategic direction and vision for the MSSA, ensuring that its goals and objectives align with the broader educational priorities and needs of the province.
                    2. Resource Allocation: They oversee the allocation of resources, including funding, personnel, and infrastructure, to support the effective functioning of the MSSA and its programs at the provincial level.
                    3. Policy Development: Provincial leaders play a key role in develo
                      ping policies and guidelines that govern the operations of the MSSA within the province. These policies ensure consistency, fairness, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
                    4. Advocacy: They serve as advocates for the interests of MSSA within their province, representing their needs and concerns at provincial government and within the MSSA itself.
                    5. Capacity Building: Strong provincial leadership facilitates capacity building initiatives within the MSSA, including training programs to enhance skills and competencies in areas such as leadership, governance.
                    6. Quality Assurance: Provincial leaders oversee quality assurance mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the performance of member clubs and MSSA programs within their jurisdiction, ensuring adherence to standards of excellence and continuous improvement.
                    7. Collaboration: They foster collaboration and partnerships with other stakeholders, including government agencies, school boards, parent organizations, and community groups, to leverage resources and expertise.
                    8. Innovation and Adaptation: Strong provincial leadership promotes innovation and adaptation within the MSSA, enabling it to respond effectively to changing trends, the needs of the athletes, and societal challenges.
                    9. Accountability: Provincial leaders are accountable for the performance and outcomes of the MSSA to the Board, ensuring transparency, integrity, and responsible stewardship of resources.

                    Overall, strong provincial leadership is essential for ensuring the effectiveness, relevance, and impact of the MSSA in promoting quality secondary education and supporting the holistic development of students across the province.

                    Their are nine Provincial Directorships available and are
                     elected in for two year terms at the AGM, although, since Registered Players will be co-opted, he term of office shall be from the day of co-option until the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

                    However it should be noted that only Registered Players who meet the following criteria may be co-opted:

                    1. A member club has nominated the Registered Player, and
                    2. The Nomination Form has been submitted to MSSA on or before 26 April 2024, and
                    3. Letter of Undertaking has been submitted by the nominee, and
                    4. The Registered Player is fully-paid-up for the 2023/2024 year as at the date of nomination, and
                    5. The club nominating the Registered Player has paid its affiliation fees for the 2023/2024 season.

                              Please note that only Registered Players may stand for the position in the province in which they live.

                              If you want to be a Provincial Director, ask your club to nominate you to the Management Board as soon as possible at mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com.

                              Additional reading:

                              Sunday 21 April 2024

                              Do you want to be a Regional Director?

                              It is the Regional Directors that select Regional Teams and organise Inter-Regional Events.

                              South Africa is divided into provinces, and below that into
                               Regions (which may consist of one or more municipalities).

                              Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) conforms to all such demarcations.

                              Members need to be aware that there are criteria that need to be fulfilled in order to stand  for a position on Mind Sports South Africa's (MSSA's) Board. The criteria ensure that there is continuity on the Board as well as that there is a greater understanding of the culture within MSSA, and an understanding of the issues surrounding the administration of MSSA.

                              Thus MSSA holds, National, Provincial, and Regional Championships in order to ensure it has an effective footprint.

                              To do so, MSSA makes provision for Regional Directors to oversee and/or run regional events.

                              Regional Directors only have a one-year term and are accountable directly to the Management Board.

                              The roles and duties of the Regional Directors are:

                              There are a staggering 52 positions available for the position of Regional Director.

                              The term of office shall be from being co-opted until the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

                              However it should be noted that only athletes who meet the following criteria may be elected:

                              • The nomination of the Registered Player has been submitted, by the member club to which the individual is affiliated, to MSSA on or before 26 April 2024, and
                              • A Letter of Undertaking has been submitted by the nominee, and
                              • The Registered Player is fully-paid-up for the 2023/2024 year as at the date of nomination, and
                              • The club nominating the Registered Player has paid its affiliation fees for the 2023/2024 season.

                                        Please note that only Registered Players may stand for the position in the province and/or region in which they live.

                                        If you want to be a Regional Director, ask your club to nominate you to the Management Board as soon as possible at mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com.

                                        Additional reading:

                                        Friday 19 April 2024

                                        Sportsmanship awards - Je'nielle Cavanagh takes the award

                                         

                                        Je'nielle Cavanagh, (PES Society), has lead her team to two Provincial victories, as well as showing just what it means to be an exemplary sportsperson.
                                         

                                        With the year in full swing, Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) continues to hold events in order to select teams to represent South Africa at Regional, Provincial and National levels.

                                        At every event MSSA selects the person who most embodies the concept of sportsmanship. At the end of the year, the Sportsperson of the Year is selected from those who have been selected at official MSSA events.

                                        Sportsmanship is crucial for several reasons:

                                        1. Respect: Sportsmanship fosters respect among competitors, coaches, officials, and spectators. It teaches individuals to value and appreciate the efforts and abilities of others, regardless of the outcome.

                                        2. Fair Play: It upholds the principles of fair play and integrity in sports. Sportsmanship encourages athletes to compete within the rules and regulations, promoting an environment where everyone has an equal chance to succeed.

                                        3. Character Building: Engaging in sportsmanship helps develop positive character traits such as humility, empathy, and resilience. It teaches individuals how to handle both victory and defeat with grace and dignity.

                                        4. Teamwork: In team sports, sportsmanship is essential for fostering teamwork and cooperation. Players who display good sportsmanship are more likely to support and encourage their teammates, leading to stronger bonds and improved performance.

                                        5. Role Modeling: Athletes who demonstrate sportsmanship serve as positive role models for others, especially children and young athletes. They inspire others to strive for excellence while maintaining respect and integrity.

                                        6. Enhanced Enjoyment: Good sportsmanship contributes to a more enjoyable and inclusive sports experience for everyone involved. When athletes, coaches, and spectators exhibit respect and fair play, it creates a positive atmosphere that enhances the overall enjoyment of the game.

                                        7. Long-term Success: Sportsmanship is often associated with long-term success in sports and in life. Athletes who prioritize sportsmanship are more likely to earn the respect of their peers, gain opportunities for advancement, and enjoy lasting satisfaction from their achievements.

                                        Overall, sportsmanship is essential not only for the integrity and spirit of sports but also for the personal development and well-being of individuals involved in all the different mind sports.

                                        Those already selected are:

                                        EventDateNameClub
                                        14th Provincial Online Championships13 April 2024Je'nielle CavanaghPES Society
                                        13th Online Inter-school Provincial Championships2 March 2024Relebogile NkadimengDawnview High School
                                        5th WESTERN CAPE Online Championships17 FebruaryRidah HendricksPES Society

                                        Additional reading: