The executive board of the Arizona Interscholastic Association made it official last week.

Esports is now a sanctioned AIA activity.

As an emerging activity, teams began competing for AIA state esports titles in 2019. The popularity of the AIA's esports leagues led the AIA to take the next step—to sanction the activity with its own bylaws.

The AIA offers esports in the fall and spring. Ninety-four teams competed during the previous school year’s fall season, with 10 more teams joining the fun in the spring of 2020.

Registration is currently open for AIA esports teams to play the six games (League of Legends, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros., Splatoon 2, FIFA 21, Madden 21) the AIA offers. FIFA 21 and Madden 21 were added to 2021-22 esports' roster. The registration deadline is Sept. 9. The regular season begins Sept. 13, and the championships run from Dec. 3-4.

To register: https://www.azpreps365.com/esports