MWS Statement Promoting Wager Free Environments At Sanctioned Events

In light of recent events involving individuals associated with the MWS Community, it is in the strong opinion of the MWS Board in conjunction with its commissioners that this organization initiates a community wide campaign to promote wager free environments at all MWS Sanctioned Events.

As a result of this report, it should be understood that the commissioners, nor the board of governors of the MWS wishes to legislate morality nor condemn those that participate in wagering where it is lawfully legal, or in environments or venues designated as appropriate by state and local laws. However, as a body, we do not feel that Madden tournaments operated under the auspices of the MWS shall be considered the appropriate environment or venue for such activities. Thus we are unified in adopting rules and provisions to discourage and curtail gambling & wagering at any and all MWS events.

Therefore, as of September 1, 2004 the MWS declares that betting, wagering or any other forms of gambling on an official MWS tournament game is hereby prohibited under the rules and statutes of the MWS. Such regulations shall be included in the MWS Constitution, and MWS tournament rulebooks for immediate adoption.
Individuals found to be involved in activities involving wagering which includes, but is not limited to, placing a bet on an official tournament game either as a competitor or a spectator, shall have their tournament privileges immediately suspended for a period of one year from the date of the said infraction. Individuals under suspension will be prohibited from attending or competing in ALL MWS events during the time of the suspension period. In addition, a $250 fine payable to the MaddeenWorldSyndicate Inc. shall be assessed in order for the said individual(s) tournament privileges to be reinstated for a probationary period of an additional two years from the time the reinstatement fee is paid.

Individuals found guilty of violating any MWS statutes regarding wagering for a second offense during the probationary period shall be BANNED FOR LIFE from attending or competing in any and all MWS sanctioned events.

The MWS also discourages wagering activities on non-tournament games on the premises of an MWS event whether it is during or after the official tournament hours of competition. Individuals found to be participating in such activities shall be reported to hotel security with the recommendation of eviction from the premises for the remainder of the tournament.

While it is understood that ballers may exercise their own personal liberties while in the confines of their hotel room, the massive congregation of individuals in hotel rooms for the purpose of gambling displays that those individuals are no longer considering the best interest of the tournament. This type of activities jeopardizes the tournament director’s professional relationship with the host hotel. With that in mind, tournament directors, with the unified support of the MWS Governing Board will be encouraged to employ any means within the limitations of the local and state laws to disrupt such activities from being associated with any sanctioned MWS event.

RATIONALE:
It is in our opinion that gambling combined with intense competition is a recipe for a disaster. The founding members of the MWS in addition to the forefathers of the PFL have contributed years of sacrifice and dedication towards the establishment of a community where those that have a desire and passion for the game of Madden could congregate and enjoy friendly YET spirited competition. It has been the goal of the MWS from its inception to establish an environment that promotes camaraderie, healthy competition and good sportsmanship. It is in our opinion that allowing the element of wagering to go unnoticed and undeterred condones the presence of such activities. The repercussions caused from the permissiveness of such activities could be detrimental to the further development and future of what has become a well-respected Madden Community. In addition, nothing positive can be gained or added to the community by allowing such activities to take place at MWS events.

In addition, the temptation to alter, fix, or predetermine the outcome of tournament games are heightened unless visible and viable preventive measures are in place. This concept alone compromises the integrity and authenticity of any event. Furthermore, the prospect of physical harm to a competitor or spectator waits like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.

The time to repair the hole in the roof is not when it begins to rain, but while the sun still shines. It is in the minds of the MWS Governing Board unified with its commissioners that we shall take a proactive stance towards promoting wager free environments at all sanctioned MWS events for the betterment and safety of the community, the competitors and spectators.