Riot forms governing body for scholastic esports

With the 2019 League of Legends College Championship starting tomorrow, Riot Games has introduced the division in charge of the event. The company today announced the formation of the Riot Scholastic Association of America to oversee League of Legends esports activity at the high school and collegiate level.

"The formation of the RSAA represents Riot's long-term commitment to League of Legends, and its development as an inclusive, multi-generational, college and high school sport," said RSAA head of college Michael Sherman. "As League enters its 10th year, we've never been more committed to growing the ecosystem that supports it."

The RSAA is a team of Riot employees dedicated specifically to the association and responsible for "scaling competitive operations, creating a more inclusive student community, and aligning with the goals of schools." Riot has also established a six-member advisory board for the RSAA consisting of representatives from US schools and collegiate athletic conferences.

"When we established the first varsity college esports program in the country [at Robert Morris University] in 2014, I was largely inspired to do so because of League of Legends," said Kurt Melcher, executive director of esports at Robert Morris and RSAA advisory board member. "As an increasing number of high schools and universities across the country build esports programs, it is important that a broad range of co-curricular perspectives are included to help shape the future of campus esports. Riot's scholastic team is committed to creating great opportunity and establishing a more inclusive environment for all students. I look forward to expanding my efforts through the RSAA Board of Advisors."