The Uintah County School District board voted unanimously June 18 to sanction an esports program at Uinta High School and authorize the school to participate in Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) competition beginning in January.

Counselor and club adviser Christie Nurdin and student captains described two years of club activity at the school, with three teams and a rotating roster of additional players. Club leaders said the program currently meets weekly after school, uses four donated TVs and Nintendo Switch consoles, and competes online through the state platform PlayVS; teams have made playoff runs in recent seasons.

Club captains told the board that sanctioned status will allow the program to expand featured titles (Rocket League, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros.) and offer students increased competitive and scholarship opportunities. Adviser Nurdin emphasized student engagement and career connections through technology and said the program plans to expand titles and participation when sanctioned.

Board members asked about competitive structure, gender balance and technical requirements. Students and staff said reliable Ethernet connectivity and low-latency displays are important for playoff play; the district IT staff was encouraged to work with coaches to confirm in-school networking and to provide guidance on equipment for larger events. Board members also discussed how high school-sanctioned activities are school-level decisions and that the high school principal will monitor program size and sustainability.

The board approved esports as a sanctioned activity unanimously. Administrators said they will work with the high school on facility and network readiness and will monitor program growth and budget implications.