EDUCATION & SCHOOLS

UHSAA sanctions esports as an official high school activity

Apr 2, 2024, 4:29 PM | Updated: 6:50 pm

SALT LAKE CITY The Utah High School Activities Association has announced it will sanction esports as an official high school activity, beginning in the 2025-26 school year. 

The decision comes after the UHSAA Board of Trustees unanimously voted to sanction it last Thursday.

Once sanctioned, students around the state will have the chance to compete in organized esports events with the support of the UHSAA.

Esports is a competitive multiplayer video game played for a spectator audience.

In a news release, the UHSAA said the esports season will run from January through April. It will allow students to use their skills in several different popular video games, while also representing their schools.

“We are thrilled to announce the sanctioning of esports as an official activity within the UHSAA,” Rob Cuff, executive director of the Utah High School Activities Association, said. “Esports provides a unique avenue for student engagement and competition, and we believe it has the potential to enrich the high school experience for a wide range of students.”

The UHSAA said it discussed the matter with school administrators, teachers, students, and community members before making the decision.

“We believe that esports has the power to bring students together in new and exciting ways, fostering teamwork, strategic thinking, and leadership skills,” Cuff said. “By embracing esports as an official activity, we hope to provide students with opportunities for growth and personal development both on and off the virtual battlefield.”

Additional reading:

Weber State researchers study impact of esports on physical, cognitive abilities

 

Esports serving as catalyst for the future of high school athletes

KSL 5 TV Live

Education & Schools

Elizabeth “Betsy” R. Cantwell...

Carlysle Price

USU President announces departure, becomes first woman president at Washington State University

Utah State University President Elizabeth R. Cantwell has announced her departure from USU and has accepted a position out of state.

2 days ago

STARBASE Hill...

Debbie Worthen

STARBASE Hill program in Utah shuts down due to massive funding reduction

A Department of Defense youth program is the latest victim of budget cuts on Washington’s Capitol Hill, and thousands of Utah children will feel the impact.

3 days ago

FILE — A school bus during sunrise. (Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal via AP)...

Mary Culbertson, Michael Houck and Shara Park, KSL TV

1 student stabbed during fight at Weber County middle school

A student was stabbed during a fight with another student at T H Junior High in Weber County.

5 days ago

The outside of Clearfield High School on Feb. 03, 2025....

Michael Houck

Clearfield High School student brandishes a knife during fight, police say

Three Davis County schools went into secure protocol after an armed student fled from a fight Monday afternoon, Clearfield police say.

6 days ago

North Ogden Canyon Rd, known as the North Ogden Divide, was closed to all lanes of traffic Sunday n...

Alton Barnhart

North Ogden Divide closed due to rock slides, WCRD confirmed

North Ogden Canyon Rd, known as the North Ogden Divide, was closed to all lanes of traffic Sunday night due to numerous rock slides, according to the Weber County Roads Department.

6 days ago

FILE: Salt Lake City Police...

Alton Barnhart

SLCPD’s citywide public safety enforcement results in 22 arrests

Citywide enforcement efforts conducted by the Salt Lake City Police Department resulted in the arrests of 22 people.

7 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

UHSAA sanctions esports as an official high school activity