Esports officially stands for electronic sports. Esports takes video gaming to another level with organized competitive game play between two teams, governed by its own strict set of rules and guidelines. The difference is comparable to a pick-up basketball game at a park versus a varsity high school basketball game. Esports requires teamwork, communication, critical and strategic thinking, creativity, sportsmanship, and leadership — much like traditional sports.
What does the high school experience look like?
Like any other high school sport or extracurricular activity, your student will attend team meetings, practices, and official matches.
What equipment does my student need to participate?
Many school computer labs or libraries already have the equipment needed to participate on campus. All your student needs to compete is a PC, keyboard, and mouse. Additional equipment includes a headset with mic, jerseys, and game controllers.
Esports Benefits
Esports requires a tremendous amount of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity from
players to achieve and sustain success. It reaches beyond traditional sports to create an all-inclusive environment that breaks barriers.
Sense of Community
A Pew Research Report states that video games play a vital role in teen friendships. The inclusiveness and accessibility of esports allow students to come together over a common passion while providing access to a positive adult mentor in their lives.
Character Development
There will inevitably be challenges and early failures, but players who demonstrate grit and
adapt/learn will typically succeed in esports. Fortunately, these attributes are exactly what
employers and colleges are telling high schools they are looking for in recent graduates .
Increase Participation
There is a strong correlation between student engagement and student achievement. Students who participate in extracurricular activities perform higher on math and reading assessments.
STEM Engagement
The amount of technology involved with esports enables students to practice and develop STEM skills. Students spend hours analyzing data, game statistics, and strategies, which provide real-world experience and application.
Esports in Education
We firmly believe that esports has a place in education. It provides many opportunities for growth and learning, such as the creation and practice of “soft skills,” including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Many of the same skills that employers are looking for in recent graduates.
Scholarship Opportunities
Esports can provide a gateway to colleges and universities. The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), the main governing body for varsity collegiate esports, has awarded millions of dollars in esports scholarships and aid over the last five years. Currently, more than 200 colleges and universities offer nearly 15 million dollars in scholarships.
Esports majors and careers are becoming increasingly more accessible. There are growing opportunities to find employment in esports-related careers. These opportunities include broadcasting, marketing, graphic design, multimedia production, hospitality, coaching, and management.
Esports Embody ISTE Standards
- Empowered Learner
- Digital Citizen
- Knowledge Constructor
- Innovative Designer
- Computational Thinker
- Creative Communicator
- Global Collaborator
More than 200 colleges and universities offer nearly 15 million dollars in scholarships.
What are these games rated?
All games offered to high school students for competition purposes are either rated “T for Teen” — games that are appropriate for students 13 years or older — or “E for Everyone” — games for all ages . Players must be 13 years or older to participate in the high school leagues.
Should I be worried that my student is playing too much?
The amount of screen time should always be discussed and monitored. Just as in traditional sports, student-athletes must find a balance between practice, games, school work, rest, proper nutrition, social time, and, of course, sleep.
Additionally, with an esports coach, parents are able to discuss concerns and develop plans with them to help students stay on top of academics and extracurricular activities.