Calvert Hall eSports

List of 12 frequently asked questions.

• What is eSports?

  “ESports” is the term used to define organized, team-based video game competitions. Students compete as part of a team of CHC students against students from other high schools on the east coast. While the term “sports” is in the name, at CHC the program will be run as part of the Student Activities Office (SAO) rather than the Athletics Office because the MIAA, the school’s governing athletic organization, does not recognize ESports (yet).

• What games do you compete in?

  Currently, CHC offers teams for Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart, Madden, Rocket League, Overwatch, Valorant, and Fortnite. Each year we re-examine the games the league offers to look for new additions or adjustments to our lineup based on student interest. No games rated M for mature will be offered.

• Who do you compete against?

  We compete against other high school teams in the Mid-Atlantic region on PlayVS.com. PlayVS.com acts as the “league” and schedules and officiates the matches. Some of our opponents are from Maryland, but because only a few schools in Maryland have ESports teams, most of our opponents are in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and Washington DC. We compete against public schools, private schools, and some home school associations.

• Who is eligible to compete?

  Any current CHC student who is in good standing with the school is welcome to try out for the team. Students must also have their own existing game accounts that they will use for the game they want to play.

• Are there try-outs and cuts?

  Yes. Students interested in joining the team will go through a try-out and some students may be cut. However, we encourage everyone who is interested in joining the team to try-out. Ultimately, teams are formed based on the amount of equipment we have available as well as students who have compatible skills and/or competitive ranks. Tryouts will occur in late August for the fall season and mid/late January for the spring season.

• Can you earn a CHC letter and championship jacket?

  YES! Students will be able to earn CHC letters and red championship jackets because the program will be run as part of the Student Activities Office (SAO). Letters are earned based on the number of seasons a student competes on the team and not necessarily based on skill or rank in the game. Students can earn a red championship jacket by winning their game’s league championship in either the fall or spring season.

• How often do you meet?

  Depending on the game you play, you will have a specific schedule structured around your competition day. Practice days will include scrimmages as well as watching and analyzing match replays/footage. Each game has 1 competition day, 3 practice days, and 1 day off each week. Students are expected to arrive in the esports lab/room for practices and competitions by 3:30 p.m. We finish each day about 5:30 p.m.

• When do you compete?

  Each game competes once a week on their assigned competition day. Currently Overwatch competes on Mondays, Fortnite competes on Tuesdays, Smash Bros and Valorant compete on Wednesdays while Mario Kart, Rocket League, and Madden compete on Thursdays. Matches usually begin around 4:00 p.m. and finish between 5:00 & 5:30. All matches take place at CHC in the ESports lab & team room.

• How long is the season?

  The PlayVS league offers two seasons each year in both the fall and the spring. Each season consists of a 2-week preseason, an 8-week regular season, and a 3-week playoff if the team qualifies. Students may compete in the fall season, the spring season, or both seasons over the course of the year.

• Can I bring my own equipment or peripherals (i.e. controllers, headsets, etc…)?

  Not currently. While we recognize the convenience of using your own peripheral equipment, the school would prefer students to use the equipment provided.

• Is there a cost/fee?

  As part of their participation, each team member receives a gear package that includes a team jersey, drawstring gym bag, water bottle, and laptop stickers—designed to build team spirit and pride. To cover the cost of these items, each student is asked to pay a $100 team fee. This one-time fee ensures students are fully equipped and helps support the continued success of our program. Students will be able to use this jersey throughout their high-school esports career. Future gear purchases will be optional but not required. If students are unable to pay for their gear package, assistance can be offered.
  
  

  The only additional cost would be any subscriptions the student needs to pay to gain online access to the game they are playing. Students are required to use their own accounts while participating in the league; however, most of the games are free to play.

• How was this arena funded?

  The lab and team room were paid for by student fundraisers and the generosity of alumni donors like Mr. Steve Martin ’83 and his wife, Lisa.