Table of Contents
What is Esports?
Esports takes video gaming to another level with organized competitive gameplay between two teams, governed by its own strict set of rules and guidelines. It demands critical thinking, communication, teamwork and creativity in order for students to succeed.
Today, esports is growing exponentially with over 400 million fans worldwide and regularly selling out arenas around the world. Currently, there are more than 200 colleges and universities offering almost tens of millions of dollars in scholarships. Establishing esports in high school enables students to do what they love and provides them with additional opportunities to earn recognition.
Benefits of Esports
Character Development
Students build character and develop discipline, self-esteem and sportsmanship through practice and gameplay.
Increase Participation
Esports are co-ed, inclusive, and engage students who might not otherwise participate in school athletics or activities.
STEM Engagement
Esports players are often interested in STEM classes and programs. A high percentage of collegiate esports players select STEM majors.
College Scholarships
More than 200 colleges and universities offer esports scholarships and are actively recruiting players for esports programs.
“Esports brings out a new type of competition in the school system that has never been introduced before. Some students who wouldn’t ever want to participate in a sport now have the opportunity to do so while representing their school and building a community on campus." - Coach Dan Ungar, |
How does PlayVS work?
PLAYVS IS THE OFFICIAL HIGH SCHOOL ESPORTS PLATFORM!
We provide a robust online platform that enables schools to easily build and manage teams, and check schedules all with real-time support.
League Structure
There will be two seasons each school year:
1. Fall - September to December
2. Spring - February to May
Matches are played on a weekly basis:
|
Season Structure
Each season is divided into 4 different phases:
1. Preseason:
Consists of each team enrolled in the league competing in up to three official practice weeks. Results from preseason matches will not count towards Regular Season standings, but they do serve as a great way for coaches to get familiar with our platform and game day protocols for the upcoming season.
2. Regular Season:
Following the Preseason, this phase consists of each team competing within a state or region in a season format against opponents within their league. Seasonal match formats between each team will be dependent on the esport title teams are participating in. Ranking in the league will be determined by each team's win-loss ratio. Wins and losses from each match will be added to each team’s regular season standings.
3. Playoffs:
Takes place at the end of the Regular Season, and consists of the top 50% of teams in each league. Qualifying teams will compete in a single-elimination tournament until only two (2) teams remain. Playoff match formats between each team will be dependent on the esport title teams are participating in.
4. Finals:
Consists of the top two teams from each league as decided by the results from Playoffs.
Getting Started
Quickly build an esports program by signing up on PlayVS.com.
Campus Interest Meeting
Host an interest meeting on campus to get student sign-ups for each of the games and build out your esports program.
Find a Coach
Schools approve the program and select coaches. IT administrators ensure your tech is secure and prepared for gameplay.
Build a Team
Coaches build multiple teams that all represent the same school. Teams are co-ed, inclusive to anybody who can use a computer. We recommend at least 15 students for a well-rounded program.
Compete Together
Each team will play on campus and compete online with other schools in the state. No travel required.
Win a Championship
Build on your success throughout the regular season to make the playoffs and land on top!
“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
2021-2022 Version 4.2
V4.2 - 01/13/22 // Added more detail to the seasonal phases, updated the available titles list
2022-23 Version 5.0