I'll paste final comment on the matter here (since was personally tagged in twitter chain). Trying to reply via twitter (while afk) with limited characters made attempts look like a mess and not get information across. Also not sure that twitlonger app can reply directly to certain tweets, nor do i have access to another suitable blog platform, so here works best
Players leaving teams/clans and joining others is a common occurrence within the sport. So far in the Team Championship i'd estimate we'd be easily pushing 100+. Even today the Team Championship project managers were updating databases with several changes. With that quantity there's a chance of 1-2 being disputed, which recently happened, requiring investigation. That's a lot of transfers to work through, but thankfully an easy process is in place to review and and a large team of trusted community leaders to verify if required.
From the Championships outset there have been separate Team + Clan definitions. The main goal of this project is to provide teams another way to earn money back from their investment into SC2 and support of their players. Teams picking up and supporting teamless or clan players is also a desired outcome. Clans have been welcome to participate for fun, pride, attempt to out score teams, win a few set prizes, or register for additional rewards/playoffs, but as they're not supporting SC2 players, and not a team by stated definitions, the main competition is not designed for them. As such when a player is both on a clan and team, priority goes to the team, as providing direct and measurable support. Players of course can still be active with clans outside of the competition, as many are on both teams and casual clans. Players also can't be on two teams at the same time.
Recently, ClanBearMe privately reached out about rankings after July, inquiring about points from 2 recent transfers, Azure, and Has (Both moved to a new team in July). Both transfers were looked into. While trying to work out BearMe pov/nature of enquiry, rep was reminded of Azure transfer discussions early in the month, and upon looking into it further, we easily found documentation and communications from parties acknowledging this. This aswell as the second player result (an error was found and corrected) were given. Posting to twitter afterwards is disappointing, may be looked into further, and ultimately neither changes the facts or outcome of reviews.
There was a record of communication and agreement of player transfer from 7th of July onwards. Payment, Agreements, clarification re clan-team and notifications commencing from this point. BearMe had been informed of Azure moving to team, and acknowledged this within first 1/2 of month transfer window. At the very start of discussions it was made clear a player couldn't play for both, so he would have to leave clan for team. This is the case for all clan-team transfers.
After which, If the new team elects to announce a player signing at a delayed time, that's fine. It's their prerogative, although probably non beneficial the longer it goes on.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Review Azure
The evidence has been reviewed by Team Championship Project Managers Peppy, Seigifried, Ascarecrow, as well as Bloodyrafe, Elusory and Eddie.
"There is sufficient evidence to believe that azure was transferred prior to the 15th of july, and points for july therefore are given to OSC-elite" - Peppy, Lead Team Championship Project Manager
We are satisfied with the records showing transfer notification, understanding, and acknowledgment made by all involved, which is what's required for transfer.
We wont release private documents or private conversations and breach privacy of those involved in this case, or any others throughout the Team Championship. We have a lot of private discussions with teams and individuals which aren't meant for the public eye, or ours to reveal. It is inappropriate to do so publicly via twitter or message boards. This is not how things are done! Likewise we expect the same professional standards in return. Given our reputation, and the amount of respected eyes who reviewed, we hope you trust in the decision. If otherwise, that's disappointing, and your prerogative, but we stand by reasons above, and doesn't change the outcome. We are confident in our decision, which is inline with all other transfers.
All dialogue and outcomes are handled between organisations or individuals involved. There is no drama, or witch hunts. This case is the same as all others before, with the processes followed as all other transfers. Transfer review is closed.
There is no wrong doing here by any of player, team or clan, with situation explained, notifications made, and commitments met. It would seem to be the case of misunderstanding between certain parties, primarily previous clan and new teams announcement, which is unfortunate. However, we can only go by what was stated, acknowledged, agreed and approved inline with transfer requirements.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Review Has
We weren't able to quickly attain when the second player, Has informed clan of transfer. However, did find discussions were commenced in the second half of the month, leaving towards the end of month, which as per an outdated version of player transfers, suggests that if clans lost player in second half on month, still get points. We concede an error here, and the point difference was fixed, and scores adjusted. An updated clarification regarding teamless/clan players will be made soon prior to the next update as not to happen again.Transfer review is closed.
We also acknowledge that most transfer discussions and Q&A occur via direct official communications (email), or via messengers, and main past points of reference for Team Championship are done through either of those, the dedicated discord server, the Matcherino home page, or old TL thread (which is difficult to update due to variety of updates from several different OSC Staff, changes to TC roles, and editing difficulties on TL). To rectify this we will look at getting an updated version on SC2Online asap, and a liquipedia should already be in development. But these take time. In the last month, more people have also been brought in to help manage the project and improve efficiency, and we're already seeing some great results there.
There are rules that need to be and should be followed, and teams are required to adhere to rulings of the organizers if they wish to remain in the competition. Unfortunately it could seem things may not always go your way, but decisions are made objectively, with consistency and improvement in mind. A review was done, and final decision made, closing the matter. Any non adherence or acceptance of final decision may be reviewed further as a separate issue. Although, not related to this case, as said from the beginning, OSC reserves the right to update or change/edit the Team Championships format, prizepool distribution, rankings formula, or duration at any time throughout it's run in order to improve the design or access to competitors, teams, or larger community. Teams may also be penalized or disqualified if breaching rules/rulings, or other external factors.
2017 is only a trial year, it is new, things will change, things will be tested, and at the end, reviewed, and assessed how we can make it bigger and better in 2018. This transfer aside, so far so good, and accept that there's always likely something to come up requiring review once or twice over the year. With the success so far, we'd like to see continued investment into the project, pushing 10-$20000 USD in team support!
Since i was tagged personally: On a personal note, i'll add, i'm disappointed with some implications suggested re bias surrounding this or a business supporting it's own SC2 squad. There plenty of examples of similar in the sport (and other sports) now and over the years... The more support for players the better as far as i'm concerned. If we/i can do our bit to improve conditions and help players, that's a good thing. (Plus we've been doing so for over a year) And there are legitimate reasons for doing so, not something just done on a whim.
Many of the regulars in SC2 will know i cheer for and try and support all the players, either directly or indirectly, and give everything i have, time and $'s (I work 2 jobs outside of OSC to support my SC habit!). Calling into question ones integrity, despite 7+ years of objective work, not to mention (as maybe a few would know) the very high professional standards and integrity i'm required to adhere to in my career outside of esports, not just within, it does dishearten a little. It can be a bit hard for me at times to switch from that background/industry experience, to dealing with a more youthful/still developing industry with a wide mix/variety of people with different experiences, but that's on me to work through/manage expectations.
I'm not a fan of chasing drama/looking to start drama just for that sake of it, and don't find it appropriate to break confidence of organisations or individuals. Unless you're involved, it's not really your business. Would be happy if we could stamp unnecessary drama hunting out of the sport, but i guess the reality is that's what some people like to do/see. I personally won't be a party to it.
I can somewhat understand Azure's POV re final contract return, but overlooks/contradicts previous agreements and payments made related to, which is a certainly a little surprising. Furthermore all party discussions regarding transfer, and the approved transfer were submitted prior to this, which is what is assessed in relation to transfer, and ultimately the point of review. It's pretty clear. But i think enough has been said about the reviews already...
I think its also worth pointing out that I'm actually a member of the clan in question (Great group of guys! +Not the only OSC team member to be in clan), playing with them for fun to support a local clan, personally working actively to help them (while not looking for team), and contributing, as evident by my player ranking value (2nd highest in clan). So certainly in this case, implying I or we've got something against the clan is odd to say the least.
Furthermore, i've been on various teams and clans over the years with no impact to my objectivity or commitment to greater SC2 at any point. ClanBearMe have been one of the great stories so far, with high scoring, basically locking in Clan of the year prize, and tracking for a good seed for top 12 playoffs, and i hope to see this continue!
I have nothing to gain from this project, only hoping for success of sc2 teams. I'm willingly putting $'s into the championship/teams, with no hope of ROI/breakeven. I personally don't care which teams win the money, may the best team win! Clearly $ return is not why i, or others in the organisation do this or other work in SC2...
If that's the type of talk the happens, i'd assume primarily from those that don't know me/history, or just chasing drama/a reply, and that's unfortunate, but happens, and you can't please everyone i guess. I simply dont have the time or need to entertain this, so wont bite at any bait. As always, official channels are always open. Constructive feedback is always welcome! True, there are certainly some improvements we can make to the Team Championship in this trial year, and will endeavour to do so, but we also operate as per project outlines and management discretion. I won't let this somewhat disappointing turn of events/miscommunication, or some things said, stop that work, only look to improve upon.
To finish. Reviews done. Azure transfer fine, very clear. Has transfer error, points fixed. Objective decision, many respected eyes, no bias. This will be final comment on this transfer or relating to it. For future player transfers, please continue to submit via email or directly to team championship project managers. It is not my role unless escalated.
Thanks, Eddie.
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