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esports Alanis 2/10/25

Overview of Esports Program in Schools

  • Esports gaming is an emerging area within educational settings, offering a structured competitive environment for students.

Competition Structure

  • Schools typically compete against each other from their own campus, utilizing the internet for gameplay.

  • Physical attendance may only be necessary for larger events or championships.

  • UIL involvement in esports is not formalized yet, but schools are working towards creating structures to keep students accountable.

Gaming Competitions

  • Weekly competitions are available, with students selecting the games in which they want to compete.

    • Example games include:

      • Mario Kart (Thursdays)

      • Rocket League (Wednesdays)

  • Teams require a minimum number of players, often around four to five.

  • Students can be part of multiple teams.

Unique Positioning within the District

  • No other high school in the district currently has an esports program.

  • The unique positioning provides an opportunity to lead and establish a competitive culture in esports.

Network and Infrastructure

  • Current network does not adequately support competitive gaming; however, alternative solutions are being explored.

  • Personal internet connections are suggested for controlling access and ensuring a stable connection for students.

  • Consultations with IS personnel have led to potential avenues for improving connectivity through grants or funding.

Costs and Resources

  • Cost for internet access is approximately $35-$40 a month, covered by informal arrangements or personal funding initially.

  • Consoles such as Nintendo Switch may be provided for free through partnerships with esports organizations like Play Versus.

    • This grants students access to practice equipment while competing in events.

Student Engagement and Accountability

  • Contracts will be drafted to outline expectations for student participation, including academic requirements for involvement.

  • The program aims to facilitate inclusivity, engaging students who may not typically participate in traditional sports or fine arts.

Importance of Collaboration

  • Parents will be informed, and there will be clear communication regarding the program and student commitments.

  • A sample contract is provided by Play Versus to assist in establishing ground rules for the team.

Future Plans

  • Seeking to survey students about their interests for game selection and participation.

  • Aspiration to create an ongoing esports program that draws students in and fosters new relationships among participants.