ST. GEORGE — In a move that will allow youth to experience the “virtual battlefield,” the Utah High School Activities Association has announced a groundbreaking decision to officially sanction esports as an activity.
Esports commonly refers to competitions involving various competitive multiplayer video games. Some of the games that are popular in Utah esports leagues right now are League of Legends, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, NBA 2K24 and Madden NFL.
According to a UHSAA news release issued on Monday, the decision to recognize esports as an officially sanctioned activity beginning with the 2025-26 school year was made by a unanimous vote by the UHSAA Board of Trustees on Thursday, March 28.
“This decision underscores the UHSAA’s commitment to adapting to the evolving interests and needs of today’s youth while embracing emerging trends in extracurricular participation,” the news release states, noting that it also marks a “significant milestone in the association’s efforts to provide increased opportunities for student engagement.”
Starting with the 2025-26 school year, high school students across Utah will have the opportunity to compete in organized esports competitions under the auspices of the UHSAA. The inaugural season will run from January through April, offering students the chance to showcase their skills in a variety of popular video games while representing their schools with pride.
“We are thrilled to announce the sanctioning of esports as an official activity within the UHSAA,” said Rob Cuff, executive director of the Utah High School Activities Association. “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 decision to sanction esports as an activity comes after careful consideration and collaboration with stakeholders across the state, including educators, administrators, students and community members. The UHSAA remains committed to ensuring that esports participation aligns with the Association’s core values of sportsmanship, integrity, and inclusivity.
“We believe that esports has the power to bring students together in new and exciting ways, fostering teamwork, strategic thinking, and leadership skills,” added Cuff. “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.”
The Utah High School Activities Association looks forward to the positive impact that esports will have on high school communities across the state and invites students, educators, and parents to join in this exciting new venture.
Cedar City News reporter Jeff Richards contributed to this article.
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