As part of its commitment to community and acceleration of chess as an esport we're establishing the Checkmate Players Council. Members of the Council will be elected by the Checkmate community prior to the first competitive season. We want to ensure that players interests are fairly represented and we're all moving forward together.
The Player Council's fundamental mission is to represent Checkmate players' interests and mechanisms that will support players' success. By working in partnership with the community we seek to increase the opportunities for players to compete and earn.
It's not always fun being the ref and sometimes we will make a bad call or that players don't agree with; it's in all stakeholders interests to minimise the chance of this.
Checkmate aims to create an equitable and sustainable pro-level environment of mutual respect, transparency and fairness.
A healthy ecosystem in any sport or esport requires players to have the opportunity to play and practice full-time. We hope that with the participation and active support of the community that talent is nurtured, supported and success is shared.
First by enabling opportunities with the platform, tools and community treasury. Then working together to design sustainable profit-sharing mechanisms to ensure the success of chess’s acceleration as an esport.
In tandem with the Community, the Council will provide constructive feedback on policies and practices while identifying areas for improvement, input on scheduling, new initiatives, integrity policy, programs, and events.
The details below have been provided as a draft terms of reference. A channel will be open on discord for community feedback to develop a final terms of reference and what the ideal council composition should be. Community elections will be held when the competitive pass is available for public sale.
Composition
The Council will be composed of a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 members, who have the skills that will benefit the intent.
Alignment and values
Members should be committed to Checkmate's first principals and the first principal of Ekecheiria.
Responsibilities
The Players Council will be responsible for the following:
Checkmate anticipates that the council will provide advice and recommendations in the following areas:
The council also provides checkmate an opportunity to share with the community if suitable in a confidential setting why certain decisions may have been made. The reality is that sometimes matters which are sensitive due to commercial, legal or privacy reasons will not be able to be shared with the community directly.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that members of the Council act in the best interests of its mission avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise their ability to provide impartial advice and consultation.
Definition of Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest arises when a Council member's personal or financial interests, relationships, or affiliations could influence their judgment or decision-making with regard to their duties on the Council.
Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest
Council members have a duty to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may arise in relation to their duties on the Council. Members must disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, whether direct or indirect, as soon as they become aware of them.
Evaluation of Potential Conflicts of Interest
Checkmate and the Council will evaluate each disclosed potential conflict of interest to determine whether it constitutes an actual or perceived conflict of interest. If tit is determined that a member has a conflict of interest, the member will be required to recuse themselves from any discussion or decision-making related to the matter.
Management of Conflicts of Interest
The Council will take appropriate steps to manage conflicts of interest, including:
Confidentiality
All disclosures and discussions related to potential or actual conflicts of interest will be treated as confidential by the Council unless disclosure is required by law or the disclosure is necessary for community transparency.
Record Keeping
The Council will maintain records of all disclosures and discussions related to potential or actual conflicts of interest
Enforcement
Failure to comply with this policy may result in the termination of the Council members membership.
Annual Review
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Council to ensure that it remains current and effective. Any necessary revisions will be recommended to Checkmate's management for approval.
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for members of the Council who compete in Checkmate tournaments. This is to ensure the integrity of the Council's decisions is maintained and competitive integrity.
Applicability
This policy applies to all members of the Council who participate in tournaments conducted by Checkmate, whether as players or organizers.
Disclosure of Participation
Council members who plan to participate in tournaments conducted by Checkmate must disclose their participation to the Council as soon as possible in order to ensure that any potential conflicts of interest are identified and managed appropriately.
Management of Conflicts and the Integrity of Fairplay Decisions
Checkmate will evaluate each disclosed participation to determine whether it constitutes a conflict of interest. If a member's participation in a tournament constitutes a conflict of interest, the member will be required to recuse themselves from any discussion or decision-making related to the tournament or integrity matters.
Public Statements
Council members who participate in tournaments conducted by Checkmate must refrain from making public statements that could compromise the integrity of the Council's decisions or create the appearance of a conflict of interest. Members should also avoid using their position on the Council to influence the outcome of the tournament.
Conflict of interest policy
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that members of the Players act in the best interests of Checkmate and the community and its mission and avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise their ability to provide impartial advice and consultation.
Confidentiality
Members must maintain confidentiality with regard to any discussions or decisions related to tournaments conducted by Checkmate. Any breach of confidentiality may result in the termination of Council membership.
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually and as required by Checkmate to ensure that it remains current and effective.
The Council is a voluntary position however as a thank you for their support of the community they will receive:
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