Telepresence Draft Guidelines - May be in effect for World Championships

[Brad Fox]

One of my goals for this years officiary meetings was to codify the various "telepresence" rules that had been organically adopted (to varying degrees) by different society tournament, leagues, and clubs. As the increasing adoption of digital technology makes Telepresence increasingly viable for many players I feel it's important to standardize a starting set of rules as soon as possible - even if that set of rules has to evolve over time.

This coincides nicely with my other major goals for the year which is to more actively involve the RPS player community in jurisprudence decisions. While these rules have had the input of various focus groups and the like, it's rare for non-finalized rules to be presented publically to the players for input before their adoption. To that end, I welcome and all comments to these draft guidelines. Pending final regulatory approval, which I expect next week, I suspect these guidelines will be in force for this years World Championships.


Yours in jurisprudence,

--

WRPS Draft Telepresence Guidelines
Last Modified Monday October 19, 2009

1) The WRPS may modify these guidelines at any time without advance notice. It is the responsibility of Telepresence players to stay updated on the most recent version of these guidelines prior to competing in any WRPS event.

2) Telepresence play shall refer to any situation where a player who is unable, for any reason, to physically attend a WRPS event (the "Remote Player") conveys real-time instructions (through any means, electronic or otherwise) to a player who has registered at the event with the sole purpose of representing the remove player (the "Proxy").

3) Telepresence play shall only be allowed where there is a 1:1 correlation between Remote Player and physical Proxy (ie: Proxy can not represent a group, a club, a country, or an organization, nor can they register multiple times representing several distinct Remote Players. They can register only as a single individual).  Conversely, one Remote Player can not enter an event multiple times with several proxies. There is a single exception to this rule in Section 10 herein.

3.1) At this time any player with advanced seeding in a tournament as a reward for previous play, cannot be represented by a Proxy and must physically attend the tournament.

4) Proxy shall clearly indicate themselves as Proxy and provide their opponents correct, factual information about their counterpart when asked. Proxy must be familiar with (and volunteer unasked every match) the sex, age, dominant hand, and physical location of the player they represent as well as prominently display a recent (no older than 6 months) photograph of their Remote Player  (acceptable displays would be on a t-shirt, hand-out, cardboard stand-up or other such device). A Proxy must answer questions about the identity and nature of their Remote Player to the best of their ability without consulting with their Remote Player. If a Proxy is unsure about the correct answer, only then may they ask their Remote Player for clarification.

4.1) The Remote Player may ask, and the Proxy may provide, factual information which engaged in a match (e.g. describing the opponent's stance, priming style, costume etc.) so long as - in the judgment of the match referee - the match is not unduly delayed by the conversation. However, the Proxy is not permitted to provide any strategic or tactical advice (defined as: suggestions of what to throw next and/or predictions of what the opponent will throw next) while engaged in a match.

5) The Remote Player shall maintain contact with a maximum of one Proxy over the course of the event. The Remote Player will not collect information from a network, group, or array of devices, nor change proxies over the course of the event (although teams and coaches can relay information to the Proxy who can relay information to the Remote Player). There is one exception to this rule in section 8 herein. To clarify the forgoing Telepresence play may be disallowed for tournaments with extensive live television or radio coverage if, in the opinion of the tournament organizers or WRPS, such information would give an advantage to Telepresence players.

6) In the case of Telepresence instruction being delivered by cellular phones (or any other portable device) the Proxy may pass the phone to other individuals wishing to talk to the Remote Player, provided that when the Proxy is without a direct connection to their Remote Player they take no action which might be seen as representing the Remote Player until such device is returned to them. Possession of the digital device in no way confers the ability on a player other than the designated Proxy to play matches for the Remote Player, nor does it transfer the role of Proxy. There is a maximum one designated Proxy per Remote Player per event. There is a single exception to this rule in section 10 herein.

7) The Proxy will be entitled to any event action, right, or privilege to which a single entrant would be entitled.

The Proxy shall respect all physical rules of play and shall not be accorded any more time or latitude with form, nature, or speed of play than any other player. The Remote Player shall accept any penalty relating to form or speed of play of their Proxy as their own, and recognizes it may be attributed directly to them in WRPS publications, records, and other official documents.

9) In the event that a Telepresence player places in a WRPS event only the Remote Player will be accredited as the victor, and be entitled to any prizes or recognition due. Proxy understand this when registering in an event as a Proxy.

10) In some exceptional cases a Proxy *may* be allowed to register twice for an WRPS event to both compete individually as a regular player, and to represent a Remote Player as a Proxy (a "Double Entrant"). This will only be allowed with the expressed written permission of the WRPS, or it's assigns, in writing, a minimum of 72 hours in advance of an event. No requests will be considered immediately prior to, or during an event.

In such cases Remote Player and Double Entrant recognize this exception may create a situation where the Remote Player is temporarily or permanently assigned an alternate Proxy, or asked to locate an alternate Proxy at the sole discretion of referees or tournament officials on short notice.  For example, but not to limit the forgoing, should a Double Entrant be assigned to a round, match, or wave as a Proxy entrant where they are also personally competing, or reaching a stage of playoffs where it could be seen to be a tactical advantage (however nominal) to have one player representing more than one remaining competition slot.

11) If any referee or event official feels that Telepresence or Double Entrant play is giving an undue advantage to any player (or players) or prejudicing physically present players, or having any effect on the nature and character of any given event, they may choose to handicap, penalize, or disqualify Telepresence players at their sole discretion, at any time, with no advance notice. Telepresence players accept this as an inherent potential risk of this style of play, even in situations where their own conduct (or the conduct of their proxies) may not be at issue.

12) This constitutes the entirety of Telepresence guidelines unless modified in writing at some future date.

--

[C. Urbanus]

This is interesting.  I have allowed such tactics to be used in Philly City League tournaments before and I'm glad "Grand Marshall" Brad Fox has finally read the reports I filed.

I would like to immedately file a petition as a Double Entrant for the 2009 Championships if this is put into effect by then (I understand the filing process has been streamlined recently).  I can then hold a bidding war to see whose proxy I will be.  It will be, for the person on the other end, a great honor.

I would also like to ask if video is permitted.  If this is the case, then I may need the services of a good filmmaker / producer to assist me in recording a few months worth of throws in hopes that I win a World Championship even if it's after I am long gone.

[Brad Fox]

I can see it now, the front page of the Toronto Star, Urbanus - cup held high - and the byline "World Championship of Rock Paper Scissors won by Ruxpin".

The "RPS Beyond the Grave" raises an interesting point, I don't see a reason - given the current guidelines - that a proficient scripter couldn't leave instructions (and an endowment to fund registrations) to keep competing long after their passing from the mortal coil. I think that's just another example of how RPS is the most inclusive competitive sport in the world regardless of age, gender, race, pregnancy, intoxication, or mortality. Whether or not that's a occurence we want to encourage is another matter. It would certainly give new meaning to a "Masters" tournament to have one being conducted entirely of deceased legends. No more would we have to argue who would win in a match between Rufus "Three Fingers" Elliot and M. J. de L. Simpson if they were both playing each other actively... but I digress.

 There was discussion about the Remote Player having to be capable of comprehension and response to real-time-feedback (to preclude, say, tweeting a pure script automatically while one is on vacation) - however some noted it would be damaging (or add contention) to emerging "AI" play such as the "Deep Mauve" experiment to do so.

I would be happy to consider any and all "Double Play" request's C - and indeed we've tried to streamline the process as much as possible - but the request must be made jointly by a Remote Player and Proxy together, along with a breif explanation of why this exception should be allowed.

[C. Urbanus]

I will begin the bidding immediately.

The reason is that I will be at the Championships and the remote player is unable to attend.

I would also like to put in a request for Custardchuk to represent me in Australia and Burley in New Zealand on a permanent basis, until I terminate our agreements.  I, in turn, will alternate representing Custardchuk and Burley.  They have yet to agree to this, but I'm filing this under the premise of "dibs".

[C. Urbanus]

I've already alerted the Philadelphia-area players of my representation services at www.rpscityleague.com.

Now just to wait for the bids to start rolling in.

[Franklint]

I'll start off the proceedings with a starting bid of 15.



... Cents.


This also makes me think that I should consider using a Proxy one year if I am unable to attend.

Guidelines for Telepresence look sound.

Peace.

[Al Thorn]

Do the telepresence guidelines also relate to cases of consensual possession, i.e., one entity having temporary control of another entity's physical body?  Of course, this does not apply to cases of nonconsensual possession, which is technically difficult, ethically questionable, and in any case makes it harder to successfully execute a chosen throw.

[custardchuk]

I, in turn, will alternate representing Custardchuk and Burley.  They have yet to agree to this, but I'm filing this under the premise of "dibs"

Burley has already "dibbed" me to represent him and offered 30% ((plus expenses). Basically he has offered me an open cheque book, as I see it, and I have grabbed it.)).

As to you representing me, I'm intrigued.

I could stand next to you as you play for me. The rules are vague as to the method of me telling you what I want to throw. (a portable device, could be interpreted as a clipboard, I would have thought.) I have to ask myself whether you could progress myself better than I could. Ordinarily that would be a no-brainer with almost anyone else, but.....There is no way I want to look bad on Good Morning America four hours after I win.

Let me think about it.

regards
custardchuk

[Brad Fox]

I have heard very positive rumblings about these guidelines being adopted in the next week however I'd like to offer, preemptively, a couple points of clarification:

The Telepresence guidelines clearly only apply for cases where the Remote player is not physically present at the event, this is unlikely to change any time soon. Since the "physical location" of the consciousness in regards to paranormal phenomenon is hotly contested it is also likely that, for the moment, this would preclude Telepresence play by any form of possession, astral projection, spectral manifestation, or similar extra-sensory communication. In backroom discussions it has also come up that this may also exclude post-mortem play as the onus would be on the Proxy to prove conclusively that the Remote Player is not, actually, physically present in some manner.

Also, I'd caution players that the "Double Entrant" clause clearly states it will be granted only in *exceptional* situations, so there will have to be some compelling argument in applications for these cases why a specific Proxy for a certain Remote Player must be a certain individual... even if that individual planned to participate directly.

Due to the sensitive nature of these petitions feel free to pm them to my office directly or e-mail bfox@worldrps.com.
 

[custardchuk]

Well, I'm glad that's all cleared up?

[Al Thorn]

Also, I'd caution players that the "Double Entrant" clause clearly states it will be granted only in *exceptional* situations

Let's cut to the chase here, Fox.  Exactly what amount (in Canadian dollars) would constitute an "exceptional" donation to the WRPSS Grand Marshal's Retirement Fund?

The WRPS may modify these guidelines at any time without advance notice. It is the responsibility of Telepresence players to stay updated on the most recent version of these guidelines prior to competing in any WRPS event.

I like how the "Grand Marshal's Office" (typically a purely ceremonial designation) is all of a sudden issuing edicts on what the WRPSS may or may not do.  Having said that, I smell a rat.  By stating that the WRPS [sic] can modify the guidelines at any time, Remote and Proxy players are put in a very delicate situation.  If you are either a Proxy or Remote player, would three days be enough time to alter not only your strategy, but your very mechanism for delivering your throws?  How about one hour?  How about 30 seconds before start of the match?  The WRPSS now has a very powerful tool to use against takers of their latest "Fool's Gold."  Stay on the right side of the Steering Committee and Officiating Staff (like there's any difference these days,) or you could find yourself out of the tournament as a proxy player.  A new rule such as "No Proxy Players from Philadelphia" could be implemented, making many notable players potentially excluded.  Also, exactly where and how will players need to stay updated on the most recent version?  In this forum?  Or on display in the janitor's washroom at the boarded-up Trinity Square Plaza from two to four on Wednesdays?

Telepresence play shall refer to any situation where a player who is unable, for any reason, to physically attend a WRPS event

Is the burden of proof on the players or on the WRPSS as to what constitutes "unable?"  Is a broken leg a fair excuse?  How about financial distress?  How about "I live just down the street but didn't feel like it?"  All I'm saying is that snakes like to wiggle, and there's a lot of wiggle room between "unable" and "for any reason."

For these reasons, the ITF is currently advising players to ABSTAIN from acting as a proxy or remote player, unless you wish to truly be among the first wave of volunteers to alpha-test this system.  If one chooses to do so, the Society's attitude towards volunteers should be remembered...

[Brad Fox]

To be honest Al, I kind of was expecting you to start hurling "abuse of office" allegations last week, you know, when I appointed my brother head referee. On the upside that speaks well to the fact that it's geneally recognized that the younger Mr. Fox is the most senior WRPS World Championships official after myself. The Telepresence guidelines, by comparison, seem kind of petty.

Seriously though you raise completely valid points. There is nothing that would stop the society from changing the guidelines at the last minute to preclude Telepresence play. Heck there's nothing in the guidelines that would stop a tournament referee from disqualifying a player without actually having to give a reason.

However I think as a membership, we're collectively in agreement that this is an avenue worth pursuing - and as you're more aware than most, there is an entrenched old guard that will never allow you to experiment with "the new" unless "the way things used to be" are protected at all costs.

I certainly wouldn't confuse "emergency safety valves" to halt or re-form the program once it's "in the wild" with "ulterior motives".


Incidentally the officiary is pleased to announce that the draft Telepresence guidelines have been approved for the World Championships. As well we have provisionally approved our first ever Double Entrant exception for custardchuk to represent Martinburley as his proxy. For the purpose of transparency, Mr. Burley wrote an eloquent and thorough petition on the importance from both an optics and a communication standpoint to be proxied by a fellow Antipodean with whom he had an existing personal relationship.

As a trial program for this years championships I'm very much looking forward to seeing how this turns out in practice. I hope anyone participating under the new guidelines in Toronto is able to share their experience with us post-tournament so that further refinement of the rules can occur.

[R Cohrs]

It's now pretty much official that I won't be able to attend this year.  My flight for Korea leaves a mere day before the tourney.

So if there's any volunteers, I would like to register for the services of a telepresence player.  My reasons include the obvious inability to compete physically, my 6 years as a member in good standing, my service promoting the sport at home and in Asia, my actual attendance in a prior World Tournament, my willingness to work with others in a wide capacity for the sport, and my eagerness to take part in the first test run.

If anyone attending is interested, pm me and discuss your terms.  I'm quite reasonable albeit broke. 

[C. Urbanus]

On the upside that speaks well to the fact that it's geneally recognized that the younger Mr. Fox is the most senior WRPS World Championships official after myself.

Is Referee Ballantine (sp) no longer active?

Incidentally the officiary is pleased to announce that the draft Telepresence guidelines have been approved for the World Championships. As well we have provisionally approved our first ever Double Entrant exception for custardchuk to represent Martinburley as his proxy. For the purpose of transparency, Mr. Burley wrote an eloquent and thorough petition on the importance from both an optics and a communication standpoint to be proxied by a fellow Antipodean with whom he had an existing personal relationship.

So now Burley has the World RPS Society adopting new rules for just for him.  Fantastic.

Look, I don't mind corruption - but NZRPS having the WRPSS in their pocket is a bit over the line.

[Brad Fox]

Referee Ballantine was not interested in applying for the position, and is, potentially, unable to attend this years championship... a development I know you will be very saddened by.

Also, not that it makes any difference to my review C, but do you think you might possibly want to avoid alienating the entire petition committee when you've made it pretty clear you may be applying yourself at some point?