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Box Elder board approves UHSAA-sanctioned esports program for high schools
Summary
The school board voted to sanction esports as a Utah High School Activities Association activity, authorizing participation, staffing stipends and associated participation fees after hearing from the coach and staff about structure, roster interest and IT safeguards.
The Box Elder School District Board of Education voted to approve participation in the Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) esports program for the coming school year, authorizing fees and stipends needed to start a sanctioned competitive program.
Assistant Superintendent Keith Meekum presented the recommendation and explained the district’s intent to transition longstanding esports clubs into a UHSAA activity. Coach Hayden described the structure and standards the teams will use, noting the titles approved by UHSAA and the level of student interest. “Box Elder Esports is a great opportunity for the kids that otherwise wouldn't have that opportunity to be seen and to represent our high school at a competitive level,” Hayden said.
Hayden told the board the program currently plans to compete in three UHSAA-approved titles — Super Smash Brothers, Rocket League and Mario Kart — and that practices are structured rather than informal play. The coach estimated roughly 38 students on rosters, described tryout and starter/backup processes, and said most competition will be virtual with occasional travel for regional and state competitions. Meekum said the district plans to offer a head coach and assistant coach stipend because of the program’s size and time commitments.
Board members asked about device and network security; staff said IT will secure competition systems behind a district firewall and that the program will work with CTE funds and grants to meet startup equipment needs. Supporters framed esports as an activity that develops teamwork and technical skills and can align with CTE and future workforce pathways; an administrator compared esports’ competitive purses and collegiate scholarships as context for the activity’s growth.
A board member moved and the board approved the motion to participate in the UHSAA esports program, including participation fees and future growth as interest dictates. The motion passed on a voice vote.
The program will proceed to implement tryouts, finalize coaching stipends and coordinate IT safeguards before the competitive season.
