FAQ

• What is esports?
  Esports (electronic sports) is a term to describe competitive video game competitions, often played individually or on teams.
• What is online gaming?
  Any time a person plays a video game online for recreation, either individually or in groups.
• What is OYSA Esports?
  ‍OYSA Esports opens new opportunities for our members to enjoy soccer through video games. With esports, we are enabled to provide virtual soccer experiences that extend off the field and further complement — not replace — our existing programs.
• What are the benefits of esports?
  There are a wide range of development and educational benefits for those who play esports – improved cognitive abilities, development of 21st century skills, STEM educational experiences, technological literacy, and engagement with peers.
• How is OYSA addressing the risks of esports and keeping athletes safe?
  Many of the risks in esports come from unsupervised and anonymous online environments where youth can be especially vulnerable – interactions with bad actors, predatory risks and grooming, bullying, toxicity, and more. With OYSA Esports, we are providing a community environment to support the development of youth through soccer and video games.‍‍
• Is OYSA Esports COPPA compliant?
  ‍Yes, OYSA Esports follows all requirements enforced by the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) for children under 13 and obtains verifiable parental consent for all members. Please contact us for any questions regarding the privacy of your child’s personal information.
• When will OYSA Esports events take place?
  OYSA Esports events will take place during our off-seasons and select times throughout the year to enhance our traditional soccer programming and experiences.‍
• What events will OYSA Esports be hosting?
  We will be hosting various esports tournaments and events throughout the year.‍‍
• Where will OYSA Esports events be hosted?
  OYSA Esports events will be hosted virtually and in-person at select universities with the support of the Esports & Online Gaming Association (ESOGA).‍
• Who can play in OYSA Esports?
  Only members of Oregon Youth Soccer Association may participate in our esports programs and events. If you are not yet a member and would like to participate, please visit our event page to sign up.‍‍
• Are there age groups and gender divisions?
  OYSA Esports is a co-ed program open to players U-11 to U-18. For any team competitions, players can choose their own teammates or request teammates. Players requesting a teammate will be partnered with a player within <2 years of age or as otherwise approved by a parent or legal guardian. When requested, we will work with parents and families to review any special needs or preferences for their player.‍
• What video games will be played?
  OYSA Esports will feature popular soccer-themed video games such as Rocket League, EA Sports FC, and FIFA.‍
• What do I need to play?
  1.  Supported Gaming Device‍ (PC, Xbox, Playstation, or Nintendo Switch)
  2. Internet Connection‍ (10mbps+)
  3. Free Rocket League Account 
  ‍4. Free Discord Account
  For players under 13, a parent or legal guardian must be the account owner and user for Discord and Epic Games to share access with their player.
• What does it cost to play?
  The price to compete in OYSA Esports will vary by season. All membership fees and/or dues associated with OYSA Esports are to support the online environments, venues, and related expenses necessary to provide safe esports and online gaming programs for youth in the state of Oregon and surrounding areas.‍‍
• What is the Esports & Online Gaming Association (ESOGA)?
  The Esports and Online Gaming Association (ESOGA) is a national leader in providing safe and engaging esports experiences for communities.
• What is Community+?
  Community+ is the software provided to us by the Esports & Online Gaming Association (ESOGA) to allow safe and private communication between our members.
• What is Discord?
  Discord is an online chat application that we use to communicate during OYSA Esports events. This platform provides us a secure and free environment for voice, video calling, and text messaging in a private virtual community. No inappropriate, offensive, or political Discord usernames will be permitted. For additional security, the Community+ platform is integrated directly with Discord to further secure and protect our members. To create a Discord account for your player, go to www.discord.com and register for free. For players under 13, a parent or legal guardian must be the account owner and user for Discord to share access with their player.
• Can OYSA clubs and leagues create their own esports events?
  Yes! Clubs and leagues are welcome and encouraged to offer local esports events and tournaments. Please contact us for any questions or assistance getting started.