Frequently Asked Questions

Electronic sports (esports) is a type of highly organized, video game competition usually played individually or in teams. 

Like any sport, each athlete/team must follow a set of rules, utilize specialized equipment, and work together to win.

Matches typically last between 45-60 minutes, but can go into extended time due to skill level, technical issues, or unforeseen circumstances.

Here is a list of offered games:

• Rocket League

• Super Smash Bros Ultimate

• League of Legends

• Hearthstone

• Chess 

• Street Fighter 6

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

• Madden NFL

• Pokemon Unite

• Marvel Rivals

All players must meet the following criteria:

1. Athlete eligibility based on GHSA guidelines:

   • Good academic standing (above 70%)

   • Good attendance standing

   • Reside in the school's service area

   • Be registered for 8th** - 12th grade at Pepperell High School
     
     

2. Willingness to work with a team (3v3; 4v4; 5v5)
   
   

3. Reliable Transportation
   
   

4. Sense of Commitment, Conduct, and Community
   
   

5. Complete all necessary paperwork and registration information

Pepperell High eSports team tries to cover all necessary equipment costs; however, depending on game interest, some players may need to bring their own equipment and/or copies of games.

Equipment may include items like headphones, controllers, controller dock mount, thumb grips, etc

**NOTE ** Any player that brings their own equipment is responsible for it.

Athletes are free to practice independently OR on campus on Mondays (except student holidays). PlayVS offers scrimmages that do not count toward tournament rankings. This allows players to practice their skills in a low-stakes environment. 

All on-campus practices are held on Mondays after school in the eSports Room (2nd Floor, Rm 370) at Pepperell High School.

Practices will focus on building important soft and hard skills such as video game fluency and hand-eye coordination. In addition, practices will focus on building teamwork and camaraderie. 

During sessions, we also focus on practicing mindfulness and stress reduction techniques to help avoid "tilting".

All matches are held on-campus Mondays after school in the eSports Room (2nd Floor, Rm 370) at Pepperell High School.

Athletes arrive on game day and check in with the coach. Athletes are free to practice until match time. Matches typically last from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm; however, we may run into overtime

All information is recorded and finalized through the PlayVS website. Coaches and team captains are allowed to communicate with the opposing team using the PlayVS chat feature. 

If a match needs to be rescheduled, both coaches need to agree on a date and notify athletes/parents. A team can play a rescheduled match AND a scheduled match on the same day. 

We are a community-focused sport, so yes

Please feel free to join us during a practice or match to support your athlete(s)

Yes! It is possible to letter in eSports and even receive scholarships.

Click here for more information about eSports and Scholarships

In addition to the points listed below, eSports has some of the lowest player dues for all sports AND student athletes do not require a physical as part of the intake process. Please visit the parent information page for more information.

1. Skill Development: Esports fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork skills.

2. Competitive Environment: Participating in esports can provide a healthy competitive outlet and boost self-confidence.

3. Academic Benefits: Esports can improve focus, concentration, and time management skills, which can positively impact academic performance.

4. Social Interaction: Esports offers a platform to meet new people, form friendships, and collaborate with like-minded individuals.

5. Career Opportunities: The esports industry is growing rapidly, creating new career paths in areas such as gaming development, esports management, and content creation.

6. Global Community: Esports connects players from all over the world, promoting cultural understanding and global citizenship.