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Players COUNCIL

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.

Overview

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:

  • Providing advice and representing the community on Fairplay matters and community growth
  • Providing input on new initiatives, programs, and events that benefit the community
  • Input and reviewing Checkmate's policies and practices to ensure that they are inclusive and accessible
  • Identifying gaps in Checkmate's policies and practices and making recommendations for improvements
  • Identifying programs and resources that should be supported to nurture talent

Checkmate anticipates that the council will provide advice and recommendations in the following areas:

  • Recommending parties who can provide players who are appealing integrity decisions with a support person, whether from the council or external, to ensure that they have access to appropriate resources and support throughout the appeals process
  • Providing advice and on key issues raised by the community that impact play and resources or features that should be prioritised

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.



Conflict of interest policy

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:

  1. Where appropriate, requiring a member to recuse themselves from discussions and decision-making related to a matter where a conflict of interest exists
  2. If necessary, seek advice from Checkmates legal counsel or an external third party to assist in evaluating and managing conflicts of interest
  3. Ensuring that all Council members are aware of this policy and their responsibilities with regard to disclosing and managing conflicts of interest

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.



Tournament participation policy

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.



Honorarium

The  Council is a voluntary position however as a thank you for their support of the community they will receive:

  • A Pawn Avatar that will be issued as part of Checkmates Founders drop
  • Council members may trade or sell these Avatars after the second meeting
  • Council Members will receive x 4 VIP tickets to any live event conducted by Checkmate or the duration of their tenure in the Council [Travel and Accommodation not included]