Happy Trade Deadline!
We hope you’ve enjoyed the season thus far! We have a lot of exciting elements to discuss this time around, so we’ll jump right in!
Spotlight Story - HO Intern
I’m very excited to bring you word from our current HO interns, Swanty and DarknessRising!
Swanty and I have been ISFL HO Interns for just over a month now, and wanted to highlight what being an intern is like, some things we do and why you should consider applying for it whenever it opens up again. I applied hoping to help improve communication within the league, whereas Swanty applied with the aim of making the league we love more fun for everyone. We have been able to speak our mind, share our ideas and get support in doing them, for example, watch out for a more informal newsletter series coming soon trying to highlight the going-ons of HO more.
As interns, we are able to talk freely about any topic that comes up from discussion. So far we have shared our thoughts on rule proposals, rulebook adjustments, punishments, expansion, any queries that GMs make, general league maintenance and discussion points, such as the recent rise of cap space. We don’t have votes when it comes to making the official decisions, and we don’t have access to all the same channels as a full HO member, but our viewpoints are just as valid and taken on board as those of full HO members. Our ideas and opinions have been taken forward by HO on a handful of occasions.
One of the biggest jobs you do as an intern is the Department Inventory, checking in with the head of each department and relaying back to HO how the department has been doing and if there’s anything HO can help with. It has served us greatly, given us a great opportunity to get to know the department heads a bit better and really deepened our understanding of the league and the nuances that go with it.
Being an intern is a priceless experience, and we both highly recommend it! With two dear members of HO leaving, there might be an opportunity around the corner to apply for this experience. Not only does it give you greater insight into the league, it will help you grow as a user while being given the opportunity to help make the league a better place.
HO Explainer
We know that there are always questions about how HO reaches the conclusions we do. We’d like to take the time to talk a bit about two decisions so you can get a glimpse into our thought processes.
League Budget Cap: The cap will be remaining at $85 million next season. There's been a lot of talk about how a cap increase is necessary for the league, however currently the league and all its potential contracts fit underneath the current salary cap with room to spare. It's important to understand and remember that the salary cap exists in part to be a competitive balance tool and encourage teams to make smart team-building decisions. We're definitely looking at reworking the entire contract and cap system down the road, but right now we can guarantee a contract to every player over 250 TPE in the league - including senddowns - and still come in under the total cap value. It just isn't necessary at this time.
Expansion: After a lengthy discussion and investigation by HO and the expansion committee, the decision was made to not expand this season. The reason for this was a combination of factors; including numbers of current players, future players, as well as the new sim engine and the fact we are still learning how it affects roster building. The aim for HO is still to get the league to have 16 ISFL teams when it is appropriate and sustainable. With this in mind expansion will be explored every season, to ensure that when the parameters for it are in place it can be pursued.
Owner Change
Our big news this newsletter is announcing that the league ownership is changing. After countless seasons spent as Owner, user @iamslm22 is passing on the mantle. In his place, we welcome @manicmav36. As you have seen, Manic recently stepped down as Head of Appeals, and we thank him for his work in that position while wishing him luck in this new role.
As we do not often talk about what the role and responsibilities of the Owner are, I’d like to take the time to discuss that here. League Owner is not a paid position. The only motivation to take this position is the preservation of the league’s integrity. The first outline of the Owner responsibilities occurred in April of 2018, which you can read here.
Now, you might notice that some of these are no longer relevant. Some are tied to jcink quirks (stuff like the ticker and permission groups) that are not part of the new platform. Other elements are now the responsibility of HO.
So what are the owner responsibilities now in a post-jcink world?
1- Field complaints from the users if they have any on the Head Office or any other member of the site.
2- Assist Head Office in matters when they ask for advice.
3- Monitor Admin and Moderator Logs for any signs of abuse.
What rulebook implications exist for the owner?
Per Rule II.C.4.a, the Owner can only hold a GM position via a majority vote from HO. It is the stance of HO that the owner should only hold a GM position in an emergency situation.
Per Rule II.D.1, the Owner is permitted to be a voting member of our annual rules summit. We do not require the Owner to vote, but allow them to as an extension of their role as a league advisor. As such, they do not incur a fine for not voting.
Per Section II.E of the rulebook, the Owner is a necessary figure in the process of removing a member of HO.
If you have any further questions about the Owner position, or any concerns that fall in line with the owner purview, I encourage you to reach out to Manic directly!
Around the League
HO - As is custom, the looming off-season will mean changes in HO staffing. We will be saying goodbye to two members of HO this time around, as both Jpach and SDCore will move on to new league endeavors. We thank them for their service, and will be cherishing our remaining days with these amazing individuals.
DOTTS - The new Dotts website combines greater functionality, more intuitive user interface, and better visual displays for an improved user experience. Users can now access the site from any browser and can easily search their own collection or other users' collections quickly and easily to look for that unique card made for their player. Users will also appreciate the pack opening animation and the sleek new appearance. Finally, all new users will receive their first pack for free! Visit the Dotts subsection of the forums to get started.
TL;DR
- HO intern life is nice
- No cap raise, no expansion yet
- slm doesn’t own us anymore. . . but manic does
- Cutest members of HO Jpach and SD are leaving
- New Dotts site!
Thank you for reading! As always, please let me or any other member of HO know if you have any questions!
Best,
ISFL Commissioner
We hope you’ve enjoyed the season thus far! We have a lot of exciting elements to discuss this time around, so we’ll jump right in!
Spotlight Story - HO Intern
I’m very excited to bring you word from our current HO interns, Swanty and DarknessRising!
Swanty and I have been ISFL HO Interns for just over a month now, and wanted to highlight what being an intern is like, some things we do and why you should consider applying for it whenever it opens up again. I applied hoping to help improve communication within the league, whereas Swanty applied with the aim of making the league we love more fun for everyone. We have been able to speak our mind, share our ideas and get support in doing them, for example, watch out for a more informal newsletter series coming soon trying to highlight the going-ons of HO more.
As interns, we are able to talk freely about any topic that comes up from discussion. So far we have shared our thoughts on rule proposals, rulebook adjustments, punishments, expansion, any queries that GMs make, general league maintenance and discussion points, such as the recent rise of cap space. We don’t have votes when it comes to making the official decisions, and we don’t have access to all the same channels as a full HO member, but our viewpoints are just as valid and taken on board as those of full HO members. Our ideas and opinions have been taken forward by HO on a handful of occasions.
One of the biggest jobs you do as an intern is the Department Inventory, checking in with the head of each department and relaying back to HO how the department has been doing and if there’s anything HO can help with. It has served us greatly, given us a great opportunity to get to know the department heads a bit better and really deepened our understanding of the league and the nuances that go with it.
Being an intern is a priceless experience, and we both highly recommend it! With two dear members of HO leaving, there might be an opportunity around the corner to apply for this experience. Not only does it give you greater insight into the league, it will help you grow as a user while being given the opportunity to help make the league a better place.
HO Explainer
We know that there are always questions about how HO reaches the conclusions we do. We’d like to take the time to talk a bit about two decisions so you can get a glimpse into our thought processes.
League Budget Cap: The cap will be remaining at $85 million next season. There's been a lot of talk about how a cap increase is necessary for the league, however currently the league and all its potential contracts fit underneath the current salary cap with room to spare. It's important to understand and remember that the salary cap exists in part to be a competitive balance tool and encourage teams to make smart team-building decisions. We're definitely looking at reworking the entire contract and cap system down the road, but right now we can guarantee a contract to every player over 250 TPE in the league - including senddowns - and still come in under the total cap value. It just isn't necessary at this time.
Expansion: After a lengthy discussion and investigation by HO and the expansion committee, the decision was made to not expand this season. The reason for this was a combination of factors; including numbers of current players, future players, as well as the new sim engine and the fact we are still learning how it affects roster building. The aim for HO is still to get the league to have 16 ISFL teams when it is appropriate and sustainable. With this in mind expansion will be explored every season, to ensure that when the parameters for it are in place it can be pursued.
Owner Change
Our big news this newsletter is announcing that the league ownership is changing. After countless seasons spent as Owner, user @iamslm22 is passing on the mantle. In his place, we welcome @manicmav36. As you have seen, Manic recently stepped down as Head of Appeals, and we thank him for his work in that position while wishing him luck in this new role.
As we do not often talk about what the role and responsibilities of the Owner are, I’d like to take the time to discuss that here. League Owner is not a paid position. The only motivation to take this position is the preservation of the league’s integrity. The first outline of the Owner responsibilities occurred in April of 2018, which you can read here.
Now, you might notice that some of these are no longer relevant. Some are tied to jcink quirks (stuff like the ticker and permission groups) that are not part of the new platform. Other elements are now the responsibility of HO.
So what are the owner responsibilities now in a post-jcink world?
1- Field complaints from the users if they have any on the Head Office or any other member of the site.
2- Assist Head Office in matters when they ask for advice.
3- Monitor Admin and Moderator Logs for any signs of abuse.
What rulebook implications exist for the owner?
Per Rule II.C.4.a, the Owner can only hold a GM position via a majority vote from HO. It is the stance of HO that the owner should only hold a GM position in an emergency situation.
Per Rule II.D.1, the Owner is permitted to be a voting member of our annual rules summit. We do not require the Owner to vote, but allow them to as an extension of their role as a league advisor. As such, they do not incur a fine for not voting.
Per Section II.E of the rulebook, the Owner is a necessary figure in the process of removing a member of HO.
If you have any further questions about the Owner position, or any concerns that fall in line with the owner purview, I encourage you to reach out to Manic directly!
Around the League
HO - As is custom, the looming off-season will mean changes in HO staffing. We will be saying goodbye to two members of HO this time around, as both Jpach and SDCore will move on to new league endeavors. We thank them for their service, and will be cherishing our remaining days with these amazing individuals.
DOTTS - The new Dotts website combines greater functionality, more intuitive user interface, and better visual displays for an improved user experience. Users can now access the site from any browser and can easily search their own collection or other users' collections quickly and easily to look for that unique card made for their player. Users will also appreciate the pack opening animation and the sleek new appearance. Finally, all new users will receive their first pack for free! Visit the Dotts subsection of the forums to get started.
TL;DR
- HO intern life is nice
- No cap raise, no expansion yet
- slm doesn’t own us anymore. . . but manic does
- Cutest members of HO Jpach and SD are leaving
- New Dotts site!
Thank you for reading! As always, please let me or any other member of HO know if you have any questions!
Best,
ISFL Commissioner