PlayVS Spring 2023 Coach Notes

What's New

Spring '23 End of Season Awards
Don't forget that there is still time to award your students for their accomplishments this season! Head on over your school's awards page and nominate your students today! Each award comes with a sharable social media graphic, printable certificate, and a badge on the students profile.

Spring ‘23 Championship Broadcast VODs
Miss any of our finals? Want to recapture any of the top moments? Check out our YouTube playlists of our championship VODs:

• Rocket League
• League of Legends
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

League of Legends Champion Unlock Update
For next season Riot has made the decision to reserve the "League Unlocked" feature in League of Legends for Riot-owned competitions such as CLoL and LCS. As a result, the existing "PlayVS Champion Unlocked" offering for League of Legends will be affected.

PlayVS high schools can still take advantage of a similar benefit through Riot’s "Campus League Unlocked" program. This program allows schools to apply directly with Riot to have the benefit applied to designated computers on their campus.

More detailed information to follow.

Reminders

Fall ‘23 Enrollment
Fall ‘23 registration is open & teams can opt for a discount with early registration by 9/1/23! Please contact us if you have any questions on pricing & enrollment.

April 3, 2023

What's New

Playoff Reminders 

Due to the length of period for playoffs to take place before finals, playoff matches will occur on different days of the week than the regular season. Teams that win their matches may also be required to play multiple times in a week as they progress through the playoffs. Please refer to the Spring Playoff schedule to see when your specific league begins.

Game Results/Match Reporting 
We ask that the winning team’s coach submit the match results within 1 hour of match completion. Coaches are a crucial part in making sure the Playoff Brackets continue to progress. Any matches without scores submitted will be settled by League Officials so the playoffs can continue. 

End of Season Matches/Reschedule Requests
The dates below represent the last day that all matches must be completed by and results entered to be properly recorded. For any questions, please reach out to Customer Experience.

British Columbia (BCSS) Leagues only

• League of Legends & Splatoon™ 3 - 04/12/23
• Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate - 04/13/23
• Rocket League - 04/14/23

New Mexico (NMAA) Leagues only

• League of Legends & Splatoon™ 3 - 04/12/23
• Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate & NBA 2K23 - 04/13/23
• Hearthstone, Madden, Mario Kart™ 8 Deluxe & Rocket League - 04/14/23

All Other Leagues

• League of Legends & Splatoon™ 3 - 04/05/23
• Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate & NBA 2K23 - 04/06/23
• Hearthstone, Madden, Mario Kart™ 8 Deluxe & Rocket League - 04/07/23

Reminders

Playoffs Roster Lock Info & Dates
Please make sure your rosters (including substitutes) are set at least 1 week before Playoffs. No changes will be allowed after that time. Roster Lock dates are listed below:

• General Roster Lock (Most Leagues) - 4/3/2023 at 11:59 PM League time
• BCSS, CIAC, MHSEL & NMAA Leagues - 4/10/2023 at 11:59 PM League time
• OSSAA Leagues - 3/27/2023 at 11:59 PM League time

Playoffs
We have compiled most of the Spring 23 Playoff Start Dates! Please check back for updates while we work closely with the states association to finalize all playoffs information.

Rocket League
Rocket League changes to Best of 7 for Playoffs matches.

Season Dates
Spring ‘23 Season Schedule
Spring 23 Playoff Start Dates

March 20, 2023

What's New

Playoffs Roster Lock 

• General Roster Lock (Most Leagues) - 4/3/2023 at 11:59 PM League time
• BCSS, CIAC, MHSEL & NMAA Leagues - 4/10/2023 at 11:59 PM League time
• OSSAA Leagues - 3/27/2023 at 11:59 PM League time

Scrimmages Video

• Find all the details on how you can Scrimmage in this new video here in Scrimmages on the PlayVS Platform.

Reminders

Playoffs

• We have started compiling the Spring 23 Playoff Start Dates! Please check back for updates while we work closely with the states association to finalize all playoffs information.

Game Account Connections

• Coaches need to ensure all players on their enrolled teams have proper accounts connected to avoid disputes and possible forfeiture of matches.

Season Dates

Regular Season Match Dates

• Spring ‘23 Season Schedule

Playoffs Match Dates

• Spring 23 Playoff Start Dates

March 13, 2023

What's New

PlayVS Cup

• Regional and State League Champions will be invited to the PlayVS Cup ‘22-23!

Playoffs

• We have started compiling the Spring 23 Playoff Start Dates! Please check back for updates while we work closely with the states association to finalize all playoffs information.

Splatoon™ 3 Passwords

• For Splatoon™ 3, while not a current rule, it is highly recommended that a password is set to help ensure the match is uninterrupted and only verified players are participating.

Reminders

Playoff Bracket Strategy

• With most teams more than halfway through the regular season matches, we recommend coaches review How Playoffs Brackets are Determined and Scheduled.

Break Week

• Please double check your break week to ensure it is set properly.  PlayVS can make changes as long as the break week has not occurred and no matches for that week have been scheduled.

Scrimmages

• Scrimmages can be held for your team throughout the season. Learn more about Scrimmages on the PlayVS Platform.

Season Dates

Playoffs for most teams will occur during the weeks of 4/10 & 4/17. Find all details in the Spring ‘23 Season Schedule.

March 6, 2023

Reminders

Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate Rosters

• Rosters must have the minimum number of players on the team at all times. Rosters that drop below the minimum will have all of their currently scheduled matches automatically forfeit. Prior to match time, you can swap your players with "Change Position".

Match Assistant

• Please review How the Match Assistant Works with Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate and the General Match Assistant Overview.

Nintendo Connectivity

• If you run into any connectivity issues, particularly with Nintendo Switch Online, please review Nintendo Switch Connectivity Troubleshooting.

Spectating

• Spectating is not available for Nintendo titles. For other titles, coaches must agree to a spectator being present before the match begins as noted in the High School Competition Rulebook (7.7).

Season Dates

Playoffs for most teams will occur during the weeks of 4/10 & 4/17. Championships may begin as early as 4/21. Find all details in the Spring ‘23 Season Schedule.

February 27, 2023

What's New

Player Profiles

• Player profiles are back! Within your player profile, you can find your match history and team history.

Reminders

Nintendo Connectivity

• If you run into any connectivity issues, particularly with Nintendo Switch Online, please review Nintendo Switch Connectivity Troubleshooting.

Spectating

• Spectating is not available for Nintendo titles. For other titles, coaches must agree to a spectator being present before the match begins as noted in the High School Competition Rulebook (7.7).

Match Assistant

• Please review How the Match Assistant Works with Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate and the General Match Assistant Overview.

Hearthstone Unlocked

• No changes to the accounts should be made for teams using the PlayVS Provided Card Unlocked Hearthstone accounts.

Support

• If you have any questions about your upcoming opponent, match queue, or reschedule concerns, please be sure to reach out to Support@playvs.com!

Season Dates

The season is well underway for all leagues! Please review this article to find all details on the Spring ‘23 Season Schedule. We also added a new video for How to Navigate the Schedule.

February 21, 2023

What's New

Match Assistant

• We updated the videos for How the Match Assistant Works with Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate and the General Match Assistant Overview!

Standings Dropdown Update

• The standings page has a new League dropdown that organizes your leagues based on enrollment status. You can now easily find the leagues you are participating in at the top of the list.

Reminders

Support

• Support@playvs.com please contact us for game disputes, coach questions, connectivity concerns, and feedback overall.

Google SSO

• We have a new sign in workflow. Find all the details in our new article for Google SSO (Single Sign-On).

Hearthstone Unlocked

• For teams using the PlayVS Provided Card Unlocked Hearthstone accounts, no changes to the account should be made. This includes Passwords and Battlenet names.

Big Updates Last Season - If you’re a brand new coach or did not compete in Fall ‘22, please review the following:

• Rule Changes Summary Article
• PlayVS Tiebreakers FAQ
• Smart Scheduler Overview

Season Dates

Please review this article to find all details on the Spring ‘23 Season Schedule:
2/13 - 4/7 Regular Season
4/10 - 4/21 Playoffs
4/24 - 4/28 Spring Championships

February 13, 2023

What's New

Stay Plugged In (SPIN)
How to sign up for scholarship and recruiting benefits with Stay Plugged In (SPIN).

Global Chat
Tired of flipping between different tabs or windows to check multiple chats? You can manage and interact with multiple chats all at once with our new Global Chat feature (next to the notification bell). More information is coming soon!

Player of the Week Awards
At the end of each week, Coaches are able to submit a Player of the Week for their school. The Player of the Week nominations include any player who participated in a completed match during that week. Once nominated, Coaches can download a digital mini-award to share on social media. More information is coming soon!

Reminders

Account Connections
For regular season matches beginning this week, please ensure your players have their respective game accounts connected to PlayVS.

Coach Handbook
For a summary of the season’s expectations as a coach, please review the Coach Handbook.

Match Assistant
This spring season, we have a new management system required for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate™. Once fully implemented, this tool will be able to record player statistics for matches without API integration. Check out all the details in the new Match Assistant for Smash and video.

Google SSO
We have a new sign in workflow. Find all the details in our new article for Google SSO (Single Sign-On).

Roster Lock
Rosters for Madden 23 and NBA 2K23 cannot be changed after enrollment closes.

Hearthstone Unlocked 
For teams using the PlayVS Provided Card Unlocked Hearthstone accounts, no changes to the account should be made. This includes Passwords and Battlenet names.

Big Updates Last Season
If you’re a brand new coach or did not compete in Fall ‘22, please review the following:
Rule Changes Summary Article
PlayVS Tiebreakers FAQ
Smart Scheduler Overview 

Support

Support@playvs.com: Please contact us for game disputes, coach questions, connectivity concerns, and feedback overall.

Season Dates

Please review this article to find all details on the Spring ‘23 Season Schedule:
2/13 - 4/7 Regular Season
4/10 - 4/21 Playoffs
4/24 - 4/28 Spring Championships

February 6, 2023

What's New

Preseason 

• Most teams begin preseason week 2 this week!

Last Chance to Register for Spring 

• Create a New Team or Enroll an Existing Team before the deadline for Spring 23 Season signups on 2/10/23!

All Titles

• Before regular season games begin, please ensure your teams have the minimum number of players required. Starting players must be registered to a team and have their own title specific accounts connected per the High School Master Rulebook.

Match Assistant

• Our engineers have designed a new match management and results submission system for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate™. Check out all the details in the new Match Assistant for Smash.
• Other titles will join the Match Assistant process next season so we’ve created a general Match Assistant Overview.

Reminders

Google SSO

• We have a new sign in workflow. Find all the details in our new article for Google SSO (Single Sign-On).

Roster Lock

• Rosters for Madden 23 and NBA 2K2 cannot be changed after enrollment closes.

Hearthstone

• For teams using the PlayVS Provided Card Unlocked Hearthstone accounts, no changes to the account should be made. This includes Passwords and Battlenet names.

Big Updates Last Season

• If you’re a brand new coach or did not compete in Fall ‘22, please review the following: 
  - Rule Changes Summary Article
  - PlayVS Tiebreakers FAQ
  - Smart Scheduler Overview

Support

• Support@playvs.com: Please contact us for game disputes, coach questions, connectivity concerns, and feedback overall.

Season Dates

Please review this article to find all details on the Spring ‘23 Season Schedule.

• Registration deadline for most leagues: 2/10/23
• Preseason: Weeks of 1/30/23 & 2/6/23
• Regular Season: Weeks of 2/13/23 - 4/3/23
• Playoffs: Weeks of 4/10/23 - 4/19/23
• Spring Championships: Week of 4/24/23

January 30, 2023

What's New

Preseason 

• Most teams begin preseason week 1 today, 1/30/23!

Google SSO (Single Sign-On) is now available on PlayVS!

• New coaches and players now have the option to create an account using their Google email address.
• Existing coaches and players with a Google email attached to their current PlayVS account can log in via Google SSO.
• PlayVS account passwords and Google SSO passwords are separate from one another. Please contact us with any questions or concerns at support@playvs.com.

Big Updates Last Season 

If you’re a brand new coach or did not compete in Fall ‘22, please review the following:

• Rule Changes Summary Article
• PlayVS Tiebreakers FAQ
• Smart Scheduler Overview

Reminders

Register Now

• The Spring 23 Schedule is Live!
• You can Create a New Team or Enroll an Existing Team for Spring 2023.
• Most leagues will begin their preseason the weeks of 1/30/23 & 2/6/23 with an enrollment deadline of 2/10/23.

Roster Lock

• Rosters for Madden 23 and NBA 2K2 cannot be changed after enrollment closes.

Hearthstone

• For teams using the PlayVS Provided Card Unlocked Hearthstone accounts, no changes to the account should be made. This includes Passwords and Battlenet names.

Support

• Support@playvs.com please contact us for game disputes, coach questions, connectivity concerns, and feedback overall.

Season Dates

• Registration deadline for most leagues: 2/10/23
• Preseason: Weeks of 1/30/23 & 2/6/23
• Regular Season: Weeks of 2/13/23 - 4/3/23
• Playoffs: Weeks of 4/10/23 - 4/19/23

January 23, 2023

What's New

• Billing Guide We’ve added a new W9 form to the Billing Guide.

Big Updates Last Season

• Rule Changes – If you’re a brand new coach or did not compete in Fall ‘22, please review this Rule Changes Summary Article.
• Tiebreakers – Find details on our new tiebreaker system in the PlayVS Tiebreakers FAQ.
• Match Scheduling – Please familiarize your team with the Smart Scheduler Overview and Video Tutorial. Here are some key points:
• Only coaches can join the Match Queue.
• Open multiple match queue tabs if you have multiple teams in the same esports.
• Teams without a full roster prior to match start time can not enter the queue.

Reminders

• Register Now - The Spring ’23 preseason is almost here!
• Before preseason, you can Create a New Team or Enroll an Existing Team.
• Most leagues will begin their preseason the weeks of 1/30/23 & 2/6/23 with an enrollment deadline of 2/10/23.
• Roster Lock - For Madden 23 and NBA 2K23 as single player sports, rosters for these teams cannot be changed after enrollment closes.
• Support - Please reach out! The best place to contact us for game disputes, coach questions, connectivity concerns, and feedback overall is Support@playvs.com.

Season Dates

• Registration deadline for most leagues: 2/10/23
• Preseason: Weeks of 1/30/23 & 2/6/23
• Regular Season: Weeks of 2/13/23 - 4/3/23
• Playoffs: Weeks of 4/10/23 - 4/19/23

January 17, 2023

What's New

• Spring ‘23 Webinars! All coaches & admin can join us this week for important updates for the Spring ’23 season including new product features, rules and more!  We’ll save time for Q&A with the PlayVS team afterwards. If you can’t make either of these events, but would like a recording after, please also RSVP at one of the links below:
• Session 1: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 3:00pm EST/12:00pm PST – Click here to RSVP for Session 1.
• Session 2: Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 6:00pm EST/3:00pm PST – Click here to RSVP for Session 2.
• Register now! The Spring ’23 Preseason is coming soon!  Create a New Team or Enroll an Existing Team before the preseason begins. Preseason for most leagues will begin the weeks of 1/30/23 & 2/6/23. The enrollment deadline is 2/10/23. 
• For Madden 23 and NBA 2K23, rosters for these teams cannot be changed after enrollment closes.

New Coaches

• Rule Changes Summary Article - If you’re a brand new coach or did not compete in Fall ‘22, please review this summary of rule additions. These changes also apply to Spring ‘23. 
• PlayVS Tiebreakers FAQ - We have updated the tiebreaker system. If teams are tied, PlayVS will use the tiebreaker system to determine mid-season rank, weekly match pairing, and playoff seedings. 
• Smart Scheduler - Please familiarize your team with the Smart Scheduler Overview article and Video Tutorial.
• On game day, schools with multiple teams in the same esport will need to have separate tabs open for each team and join the queue for each team.
• If you have a scheduled match and your opponent forfeits before your match begins, then your team will need to join the queue to find another opponent.
• Coaches must join the Match Queue to find an opponent, not team captains or other students.
• Team starting rosters will need to be filled 30 minutes prior to their match start time.  Empty or partial rosters will result in a forfeit with the Smart Scheduler as the team will be seen as not prepared.

Reminders

• Discord - Our PlayVS Discord server is available to all coaches as a free resource to connect with other Coaches on our platform, quickly access information and updates from PlayVS, and share feedback directly with the team. Create a Discord profile, connect your profile to your PlayVS account, and then join the server at discord.gg/playvs!
• Fall ‘22 Recap - You can watch replays of our broadcasted Fall 2022 Championships/Finals matches on our YouTube Channel Playlist  Celebrate your players with Fall 2022 Award Certificates!
• Support@playvs.com is the best place to contact for game disputes, coach questions, connectivity concerns, and feedback overall. Please reach out to us!