TheMat.com Message Board to be improved, and all users must update their profiles by Friday, Feb. 18

TheMat.com Message Boards, the most active online wrestling forum in the world, will be upgraded this week. A new Message Board system will be implemented soon. Under the new system, users will be allowed only one screen name (username) that will serve as a "passport" for the entire site, and will determine the areas they are allowed to access on TheMat.com. Before the forums are switched to the new system, users will receive an email with their current message board username and a new password for the new system. In order for users to keep their current username, the current username Profile must include a valid email address. Users can update their profile by clicking the "Profile" link at the top of the page and updating the information (they must be logged in at the time). This must be done by 5 p.m. MT on Friday, February 18, 2005. After that date, no changes to current message board profiles will be incorporated into the new message board system. Upon the first login to the new system, users will be prompted to complete their "passport" profile with current information, such as your name, address, and USA Wrestling Membership number (if you have one). This information will not be made public. The intent of the message boards is to provide an online forum for the discussions of a variety of wrestling topics. It is meant to be an area where the wrestling community can participate in a free exchange of ideas and opinions, in a respectful and safe environment. There are certain rules that must apply to this message board in order for it to serve its function on behalf of the sport. It is the responsibility of users and the task force to adhere to the following rules. TheMat.com Message Boards will absolutely will not tolerate: Personal Attacks Swearing Threatening, abusive, intolerant or prejudicial language Advertising or Soliciting Products and Events Users determined to be in violation of the rules will receive one warning regarding the violation and the post(s) in question will be removed. A second violation of the rules will result in the loss of privilege to post on the message boards. In an effort to better manage the message boards and improve the entire experience, a task force of USA Wrestling staff members and wrestling volunteers has been established to moderate the boards more thoroughly. This task force will also consult on ways that USA Wrestling can better serve the wrestling community through its internet presence. As part of the new system, certain areas of the TheMat.com will be available only to current members of USA Wrestling. This includes the Members-Only Page, which features the Streaming Video and Chat areas of the site. Included is the popular Bout of the Week archives as well as the Palestra technique program. USA Wrestling members will be required to update their "passport" information to include your current USA Wrestling Membership number before these areas will be available. Those who would like to become a USA Wrestling member and have access to these areas can join online on TheMat.com. TheMat.com will continue to be enhanced and updated regularly with new and improved navigation, content, tools and interactive features. One of the core business objectives for USA Wrestling is to network the wrestling community online. TheMat.com has been developed to assist in this important mission. The Bulletin Boards are provided free of charge to the wrestling community, as a way to foster a safe and informative gathering place online for wrestlers and wrestling fans of all ages.