CPL Adjusts Age Restriction

The Cyberathelete Professional League (CPL) has announced a slightly revised age restriction policy concerning M-rated games. The new policy states that tournaments including M-rated games will be open only to players who are 17 years of age or older. Players who are 16 years old are also eligible if they have a signed release form from a parent or guardian. This policy differs from the policy announced in August, which did not include any allowance for 16-year-old players.

According to Angel Munoz, the president of the CPL, the organization has received numerous requests from parents asking the CPL to let the parents make decisions for their own children. The parental release form clause is limited to 16-year-olds due to data collected over the past six months that shows that 16-year-olds represent 6 percent of the CPL's current roster of competitors, while 15-year-olds make up less than 2 percent. While the topic of underage access to violent games is a controversial issue, Munoz stated, "We believe that our new age restriction policy, in reference to M-rated games, represents best the spirit of the ESRB ratings."

The CPL allowed players ages 15 and 16 with a signed release form participate in M-rated tournaments prior to the August announcement. The organization stated that its age restriction policy will be reviewed next December and every year thereafter.