The Virginia High School League has unveiled a new pilot program for an activity that doesn’t require a ball or a field.
“The industry of esports has been growing over the past five years and it’s really reaching a critical mass now, where colleges around the country are offering academic programs,” said Darell Wilson, assistant director for academic activities for VHSL.
At its May meeting, VHSL’s executive committee approved a pilot program for esports teams across Virginia public schools. This gives students the opportunity to participate in video gaming on a team and compete against other schools.
“Esports is really online competition using video game platform between one to multiple people competing at one time,” Wilson said.
Schools can choose to participate in the program starting in the 2019-2020 school year. In Williamsburg-James City County schools, Jamestown High School, Lafayette High School and Warhill High School will all participate in the pilot program.
However, York County School Division will not be participating.
“The division evaluates multiple criteria when considering expanding VHSL offerings – such as student interest, costs, infrastructure needs, and whether there are Title IX implications,” said Katherine Goff, spokeswoman for the district. “Our high schools do not currently have gaming clubs.”
Wilson said esports is not meant to be considered a sport like basketball or football, but rather falls under academic activities such as scholastic bowl. The concept will help the organization delve into the growing STEM field along with a new robotics program.
“The concept is…has grown out of the industry and it comes from the concept that multiple people compete against one another in that kind of arena seen as a sport,” Wilson said. “It’s sports like collaboration and strategy but it is filed under academic activities.”
However, the teams will have a competitions schedule similar to that of a sports team. There will be practices after school each day and games scheduled once a week. One of the benefits that makes this type of activity stand out though is that, for the most part, students will not have to travel to compete. They can interact with other teams from the comfort of their own school.
There will be a few opportunities for teams to travel if they wanted to, such as tournaments, but it is not a requirement.
For the pilot program, the year will be broken into two seasons, the first from October to January and the second from February to May. Schools are able to take the time in September to gather interest, plan the team and gather equipment.
If the program goes well, VHSL will consider making it an official activity.
To determine success, Wilson said the organization looks at feedback from participating schools, considers the amount of schools taking part, and how many students showed interest.
Games that are played will be chosen based on student preference and game-ratings — Wilson said there won’t be any “shooting” games. All of the games will be rated for teens or for everyone.
To learn more, visit VHSL online.
