The Parents’ Guide to High School Esports
Esports is growing, fast.
Esports has become an officially sanctioned high school sport, and players across the country
are changing what it means to be a student-athlete. To help parents in this new journey,
PlayVS and the NFHS have put together this helpful guide.
I. About Esports
II. Benefits of Esports
III. Esports in Education
IV. Esports Safety
www.playvs.com [email protected]
About Esports
What is esports?
Esports officially stands for electronic sports, not to be
confused with video games. Esports takes video gaming to
another level with organized competitive gameplay
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. However, since esports is played online, there is no travel required throughout the regular
season. Players compete from their respective campus, supervised by a coach. Currently through PlayVS,
students can compete in teams of five for League of Legends and SMITE, and teams of three for Rocket
League, three of the most popular titles in esports. Each school year is divided into two regular seasons, Fall
and Spring, each with their own playoff season.
Regular Season
Playoff Season
● Weekly matches and practices
● On campus, no travel
● State rankings
● Top teams compete
● Single elimination
● Online finals
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.
With their PlayVS season pass, students will receive in-game perks and free copies of games for an even
playing field.
www.playvs.com [email protected]
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.
84% of Season Zero players
reported they finally found a
community they could connect
with.
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. NCES
reported that students who participated 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.
“The kids that are participating here
have dramatically pulled up their
grades to be eligible. It gives this small
group a reason to come to school.”
Coach Catherine Turner
Lafayette High School, GA
www.playvs.com [email protected]
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.
www.playvs.com [email protected]
Esports Safety
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 PlayVS 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. One of the benefits of joining a formal esports team is that rules and practice schedules
can be set and monitored regarding how much students can play during the week and on weekends. Setting
clear guidelines for device and computer-free times and zones in your home will help your student find a
proper balance between all of their interests.
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.
About PlayVS
PlayVS is building the infrastructure and platform for amateur esports, starting with high schools. We work
directly with game publishers and states to build and operate sanctioned leagues across the country.
Through the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), PlayVS is empowering students to
compete in esports on behalf of their high school, with the opportunity to win a championship, just like any
other youth sport. Contact your local school’s principal or athletic director to get a program started and learn
more at www.playvs.com.
www.playvs.com [email protected]
