The Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) will launch competition in a new sport this spring, and there won’t be a ball, bat, or stick anywhere in sight. For the first time ever, the CHSAA will offer esports to students in its member schools. 

“[CHSAA (Boys) President Kevin Pigott and I were talking. Lots of the schools have [esports] clubs, whether that means in-house or an online league. We see that it’s here, it’s the future. It’s what the students want. Usually the best decisions are when the students take ownership,” said Christopher Beal, coordinator of the CHSAA esports league. 

Participating teams will play one or more of four games: Rocket League; Super Smash Brothers; Valorant; and Overwatch.

School esports leagues offer a few advantages over solo play. Because games are played on school premises, the availability of a fast computer with a large monitor is reduced as an issue for individual students. Also, games are played in the afternoon, not late at night as many commercially organized tournaments are. Play is supervised by school staff, and limited to games with non-violent themes.

“Each school will have a team of varying sizes. For Rocket League it’s four per school at a time. Imagine being in an arena playing soccer using a car. Super Smash Bros. can be two [players] and up, playing against each other. Think Mario Bros. Valorant is a team concept,” Beal said, describing the nature of the games for parents and others who may not be gamers themselves. 

Despite initial misgivings that esports meant more screen time for students and less time outdoors, “[School] administrators and parents are excited that we’re looking into the future at what opportunities this gives students — colleges are giving scholarships for esports.” Beal also pointed to the preference many students have for online interaction over other forms.

For Pigott and Beal, their challenge was the same with esports as it is with any other competitive endeavor. “How can you just have more students involved in activities? How do we get them to participate in a positive way?”

Competition began this week, with a league championship in each game set for May 22. 

“This spring is our pilot program with the CHSAA. In the past, schools have been involved in one or two federations, which are online and they host different games and competitions. Play stared April 18,” Beal said. 

Currently, the CHSAA plans to continue the esports league in the fall.