These items ensure the student's primary focus remains on education and well-being.

• Academic Eligibility Requirements: Confirm the minimum GPA (e.g., 2.0 or higher) and attendance standards the student must maintain to remain on the team.

• Time Commitment: Understand the practice schedule, match times, and travel demands (if any). This is crucial for balancing esports with homework, studying, and other extracurriculars.

• Screen Time and Sleep: Discuss and agree upon rules for non-school-related screen time to ensure the student gets adequate sleep and avoids burnout.

• Physical Health: Promote healthy habits, including taking breaks, stretching, proper nutrition, and hydration, to mitigate risks of repetitive strain injuries or sedentary behavior.

These points address the specific online nature of esports competition.

• Online Conduct & Toxicity: Review the program's Code of Conduct regarding online behavior, language, and sportsmanship. Parents should monitor and reinforce the expectation that the student represents the school respectfully.

• Personal Data & Privacy: Understand what personal information (e.g., name, gamertag, photo) may be shared publicly by the school or the league (e.g., PlayVS, NASEF).

• Game Content (ESRB): Verify the ESRB rating of the specific game(s) the team competes in and ensure it aligns with parental values.

• Anti-Cheating Policies: Review the program's zero-tolerance policy on cheating, hacking, or exploiting games, and understand the consequences.

These are the potential resources or financial contributions required for participation.

• Program Fees: At this time our program does not have any fees associated. This is subject to change in the future.

• Equipment: Most equipment is offered & maintained by the school. We do require students to bring their own game controllers whenever possible. Hand warmers are a great piece of equipment for players as well.

• Fundraising: All of our fundraising goes directly into our program account. We use these funds for pro coaching sessions, jerseys, and much more. 

• Travel Costs: If the team competes in live events or championships both locally or nationally, our school district does their best to cover some of the costs. This coverage is not always guaranteed and each trip will have to be funded appropriately. If needed, we will fundraise and find sponsors to assist with cost.

These focus on the potential long-term benefits of the program.

• Soft Skills Development: Recognize that esports fosters crucial skills like communication, teamwork, critical thinking, rapid decision-making, and leadership.

• College Opportunities: Explore information about esports scholarships and collegiate programs, and understand how the student's participation can be leveraged on college applications.

• Career Pathways: Discuss the potential for careers in the esports ecosystem, including game design, streaming, event management, and broadcasting.

The college esports ecosystem is expanding rapidly, with over 200 colleges and universities in the U.S. offering dedicated esports programs, many of which provide scholarships.

• Financial Value: Scholarships can range from partial tuition awards (often between $500 and $8,000 per year) up to full-ride scholarships (tuition, room, and board) for top-tier players and teams. The total value is frequently school-dependent.

• Team vs. Non-Team: The majority of scholarships are given to players selected for the Varsity or Junior Varsity competitive teams for specific game titles (e.g., League of Legends, Valorant, Rocket League).

• Non-Player Roles: Some universities offer scholarships or stipends for students who contribute in non-gaming roles vital to the program, such as:

  • Coaching and management

  • Broadcasting and commentary (shoutcasting)

  • Video production and content creation

  • Marketing and social media

  • Data analysis and statistics

Students must prioritize their school work and maintain good standing with the school to remain eligible for the program.

• Academic Priority: All participants must maintain the minimum required Grade Point Average (GPA), usually a 2.0 or higher, in all classes.

• School Attendance: Maintain a good attendance record, adhering to all school and district policies.

• Behavioral Record: Maintain a positive behavior record, free of major disciplinary actions or serious violations of the school's general Code of Conduct.

• Compliance: Adhere to all rules, policies, and regulations set forth by the school, the athletic department (if applicable), and any competitive league (e.g., PlayVS, NASEF).

Participants are representatives of the school and must uphold the highest standards of ethics and respect in all online and offline interactions.

• Positive Communication: Use supportive, inclusive, and respectful language at all times, whether in team chat, in-game voice chat, or on social media.

  • Absolutely no use of language, nicknames, or expressions that insult or denigrate others based on gender, identity, origin, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age.

  • Avoid excessive profanity, toxic statements, and personal attacks.

• Sportsmanship: Demonstrate grace in winning and losing. Treat opponents, teammates, coaches, and administrators with respect. Avoid "trash talk" that crosses the line into harassment or toxicity.

• Fair Play (Anti-Cheating): Cheating, exploiting game bugs for advantage, using hacks (e.g., aimbots, wallhacks), or match-fixing are strictly forbidden and will result in immediate disciplinary action, including removal from the team and league.

• Account Responsibility: Do not share account information, play on another player's account, or solicit others to play under your name.

• Privacy: Protect the personal information of yourself, your teammates, and all associated parties

Esports is a team activity that requires discipline, preparation, and consistency.

• Attendance: Attend all scheduled practices, meetings, and official match days on time. Notify the coach/sponsor in advance if an absence is unavoidable.

• Preparation: Come to practices and matches prepared to contribute. This includes having necessary equipment ready and being familiar with team strategies and game updates.

• Collaboration: Actively work with teammates to develop and refine strategies, offer constructive feedback, and be a positive force in resolving conflict.

• Facility & Equipment: Respect all school-owned equipment, computers, and facilities. Report any damage or needed repairs immediately to the coach/sponsor.

• Growth Mindset: Be open to coaching and feedback. Actively seek ways to improve individual performance, communication, and teamwork skills.