Adding Esports to Your High School Activities Program
At one time, online gaming was relegated to your best friend’s basement, but that certainly isn’t the case anymore. One of the latest trends to take over the entertainment world is e-sports. This phenomenon transforms video games into a spectator event. Some contests are so popular that they are held in arenas. Given the public demand, it only makes sense that students in the nation’s schools be given the chance to participate on e-sports teams.
THE PSYCHOSOCIAL BENEFITS
Conventional athletics provide numerous gifts to the people who participate in them. In addition to physical conditioning, they foster a spirit of teamwork. Kids learn to problem-solve in the moment, and they come to appreciate the fact that life goes on even after the bitterest disappointments. Being on a team also forces young members to get along with all types of people. Finally, the upsides of dogged practice become clear.
In many respects, e-sports are similar. Although video gaming does not lead to physical strength or conditioning, an excellent case can be made for its positive effects on a person’s ability to multi-task, problem-solve, think quickly, gather and use resources wisely and persevere until the goal is reached. Since e-sports are played on teams, kids learn how to collaborate and cooperate even with the most challenging people. Finally, as with any other skill, learning the importance of regular practice is essential.
OPEN TO ALL
For traditional team and individual sports, a participant generally needs to demonstrate a certain amount of athletic ability. Many also require kids to risk serious injuries if they want to play. By contrast, anyone who is motivated to learn the rules of the video game can participate in e-sports regardless of gender, size or athletic ability. The possibility of concussion, ACL tears, shoulder separations and other injuries simply does not exist. In short, e-sports give everyone a truly level playing field.
INSPIRATION FOR A CAREER
Gaming is not just for kids anymore. In fact, there are numerous career opportunities in this industry, and the possibilities are expanding every day. Although the chances of making it big in professional gaming are slim, there are numerous opportunities for people to work behind the scenes in positions such as agents, casters/commentators, coaches, analysts, managers, referees, journalists, marketing executives, social media experts and salespeople. With so many opportunities on the horizon, it makes sense to tap into kids’ passion for gaming early so that they can acquire the skills necessary to excel in a related career later in life. This has already begun to happen. For example, Los Angeles-based musician and entrepreneur Nick Gross partners with Team Rogue, a professional Fortnight e-sports organization, to mentor kids about careers in gaming. Since they learn from real-life e-gamers, this program and others like it may well serve to accelerate the e-sports field even more.
Gaming is fun, inclusive and highly instructional. Since many districts are looking to make the educational experience more fun and relevant, it seems like a no-brainer to include e-sports in public school extracurricular offerings. Hesitant administrators could test the waters by forming gaming clubs first and gauging their popularity. Given the ongoing popularity of video games, there is little doubt that the idea would take off like a rocket.