FAQs

Q: When will tryouts be?

A: Before school in the STEAM room during the the last three weeks of October. Please click here to sign up for a tryout date.

Q: Who can tryout?

A: Any 4th or 5th grader that attends BBHES. We are working on solutions to open this up to 6th grade and that information will come out asap. If we are able to do it, then 6th grade would have after school tryouts and practices with more detailed information to come.

Q: Can my child attend multiple tryouts?

A: Students can sign up for and attend one tryout per game. For example, if they come to tryout on the first Mario Kart day then they cannot tryout again for Mario Kart. They are however, allowed to sign up for and attend one tryout for Super Smash Bros Ultimate (SSBU). 

Q: What will tryouts look like?

A: We will have 16 players per tryout date. 

For Mario Kart-players will be given tracks (to be revealed the day of the tryout) to SOLO race and their times will be recorded. The following settings will be used: 150cc race, smart steering (auto-assist steering) OFF, auto-acceleration OFF, tilt control is user preference. The goal is the fastest time on the tracks. 

For SSBU-players will battle against each other tournament style. They will be using the stock characters (Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Kirby, Fox, Picachu). There will be an 8 minute time limit and a 3 stock (life) supply. Items, FS meter, Stage Hazards, and Damage Handicap should be set to OFF. 

Q: When will I know if my child made the team(s)?

A: Once every player has tried out I will review the results of their performances and formulate teams. I will extend invitations to up to 28 Mario Kart players and up to 35 SSBU players. 

Q: My child was on the team last year, are they automatically on it this year?

A: No. Everyone who wants to play this season must tryout. If a player was on the team last year they have the same chance as a new player to make the team (for Mario Kart, SSBU is new). 

Q: Does it cost anything to join?

A: Yes. This year there will be a cost of $50 to join the team if you are extended an invitation after tryouts. This will cover fees and equipment associated with playing online competitively. Please note that it is completely free to tryout. 

Q: Do I need/Can I bring my own Switch and/or controllers?

A: For tryouts-No. 

If you make the team and you have a controller you want to bring-you are welcome to but it is YOUR responsibility. BBHES and the Esports program will not be held responsible should the controller become lost or damaged. 

Q: When are practices and matches?

A: Once teams are set, detailed information will go out. As of right now, Mario Kart practices will be before school on Mondays in November and December. Matches will be Mondays after school in January-April. SSBU practices will be before school on Thursdays in November and December. Matches will be Thursdays after school in January-April. Once the season starts in January there will be no practice only days-just the match days on Monday and/or Thursday. 

Before school practices will be at 8:10 in the STEAM room. After school matches will go until 5:30 in the STEAM room. You will be responsible for picking your child up in the car line at 5:30. 

If these times do not work for you then please keep that in mind when deciding whether or not to try out. The match times and days are set by Esports Ohio. 

Q: What will competition look like? Can I come watch my child?

A: Each game will have tiers of teams according to Esports Ohio competition guidelines. More information can be found here. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to have spectators for match days. We hope to have an intra-squad tournament to end the season that spectators can attend. 

Q: I am concerned about my child playing video games online. What safeguards are in place?

A: All Esports athletes will be supervised while online gaming. Both of the games we offer have a rating of E for Everyone. Your child will not have access to Discord-only the coaches as it is needed to set up the matches. There will be no gaming headsets for Esports athletes to communicate. Any necessary in-game text communication will be monitored. You and your child will have to sign a permission slip that outlines the expectations of BBHCSD and Esports Ohio. The competition will be other schools in Ohio that have to adhere to the same safeguards and expectations-not random people. 

Q: What if I have questions that are not listed here?

A: Please e-mail Mr. Caleb Bihari (BBHES STEAM teacher) @ biharic@bbhcsd.org as he is the advisor/coach for Esports and can answer any questions you have.