Player-Centric Governance
Alpha and pro pass holders can actively participate in community decision-making, fostering a democratic environment.
Participation will be based on published terms of reference, and in addition two initial community councils will be put in place to ensure players are represented:
> Players Council - to provide players with a voice, promote player welfare and development
> Queens Council - to promote female participation and representation in chess
Each council will have representatives voted in by the community as per the terms of reference and representatives appointed by Checkmate to provide independent guidance and support.
Player 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.
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 work 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 term of reference. A channel will be open on Discord for community feedback to develop 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 and 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:
Where appropriate, requiring a member to recuse themselves from discussions and decision-making related to a matter where a conflict of interest exists
If necessary, seek advice from Checkmates legal counsel or an external third party to assist in evaluating and managing conflicts of interest
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
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
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.
Queen's Council
The purpose of the Queens Council is to provide advice and consultation to Checkmate on issues related to female participation and representation in chess. The Council provides an additional voice for female players, reviewing policies and practices and making recommendations based on community input. The Queen's Council will also promote new initiatives for female players funded by the Community Treasury.
As part of its commitment to community representation and gender equity, Checkmate has established the Queen's Council to provide female community members with an additional voice and to promote female participation and representation.
Checkmate has published the following draft terms of reference to kick start the initiative. 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 prior season one.
Composition
The Queens Council will be composed of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 10 female members, who have the skills that will benefit the purpose of the initiative. Initially, the founding members will be appointed by Checkmate's with additional members voted in by the the community. Ideally, Council members will serve a term of 2 years, with the option of renewing their term for an additional 2 years.
Alignment and values
Members should be committed to Checkmate's first principals and the first principal of Ekecheiria.
Responsibilities
The Queens Council will be responsible for the following:
Providing advice and consultation to Checkmate on issues related to female participation in chess
Providing input on new initiatives, programs, and events that can be supported by the community treasury to ensure that they are inclusive and accessible to women chess players
Input and reviewing Checkmate's policies and practices to ensure that they are inclusive and accessible to female players
Identifying gaps in Checkmate's policies and practices related to female participation and making recommendations for improvements
Promoting gender equity in chess through outreach and education initiatives
Act as an Ambassador to encourage greater female participation
Topics and issues
Checkmate anticipates that the council will provide advice and recommendations in the following areas:
Online Harassment, Toxicity and Bullying: Discussing measures that could be taken to prevent and address online harassment and bullying towards female chess players
Sponsorship and Funding: Ensuring that female players have access to sponsorship or grants given by Checkmate and advocating for the development of new initiatives to support female participation and performance in chess.
Access to Online Tournaments: Ensuring that online tournaments are accessible and available to female players
Prize Structures: Reviewing prize structures for tournaments to ensure that they are fair and equitable for all participants, regardless of gender.
Role Models and Mentoring: Encouraging and supporting the development of female role models and mentors in chess who can inspire and guide young female players and help to create a more supportive and inclusive chess community.
Recommending parties who can provide female 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.
Outreach and Recruitment: Develop outreach and recruitment programs to encourage more females to take up chess and participate in tournaments.
Research and Data Collection: Collecting and analyzing data on female participation and performance in chess in order to better understand the barriers and challenges faced by female players and to develop targeted initiatives to address these issues.
Marketing and Promotion: Collaborate on marketing and promotional campaigns to raise awareness of the achievements of female chess players and to highlight the benefits of participation in chess for girls and women.
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:
Where appropriate, requiring a member to recuse themselves from discussions and decision-making related to a matter where a conflict of interest exists
If necessary, seek advice from Checkmates legal counsel or an external third party to assist in evaluating and managing conflicts of interest
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 the 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
Subcommittee 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
The Council 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 Queens Council for Chess Players act in the best interests of Checkmate 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.
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