Committee Meeting Recap: Esports
AURORA – The Colorado High School Activities Associations Esports Committee met virtually for its annual meeting Thursday night.
Conversations revolved around the costs associated with supporting esports, what growth within the activity should look like, how to develop in-person opportunities during the regular season and the relationship with PlayVS.
With Marvel Rivals debuting this year, committee members discussed the challenges associated with character bans but acknowledged that the increase in participation makes those challenges a small price to pay. The first state championship in Marvel Rivals will be awarded this December.
The conversation then shifted to the costs associated with supporting esports, particularly those related to PlayVS and the ongoing evolution of games. Members recognized that students want to play the most recent iteration of a game, but noted that doing so can create additional costs if updated hardware, such as a new Nintendo Switch or controllers, is required.
The committee also acknowledged the cost of PlayVS this year after the service was provided for free last year. While members recognized that PlayVS needs to compensate its staff for the work involved in scheduling, developing rules and handling disputes, there was discussion about the financial impact of those costs on schools and program.
Beyond that, there was discussion about the potential for more in-person events throughout the regular season, specifically through occasional regional tournaments. However, schools often face Wi-Fi bandwidth, network and firewall issues that can make hosting those events challenging.
There was also conversation about whether esports should be consolidated into a single season — either fall or spring — to help even out stipends, lower costs for students, improve student availability by semester and reduce the cost of the championship venue. The group will reconvene in January to discuss this topic more in depth.
The meeting wrapped up with reminders about testing requirements for coaches and a review of the upcoming championships. The fall championship will be held Tuesday, Dec. 8, with titles being offered in Marvel Rivals, Splatoon and two classifications – 4A and 5A – for Rocket League. The spring championship will take place Tuesday, April 27, with championships in Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart and Unified Mario Kart. Both championships will be at Localhost in Lakewood.
