How Old Do You Have to Be to be in RLCS?
Introduction
Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) is one of the most exciting and competitive esports leagues out there. If you’re wondering what it takes to participate in RLCS, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll delve into the age requirement for RLCS players, discuss the common guidelines set by game developers and parents’ organizations, and explore other factors to consider when determining whether your kid can participate in the competition.
Age Requirement
According to the RLCS website, you must be 15 years old or older to participate in competitive matches and tournaments. However, if you’re below 18, you will need a parent’s consent to participate in tournaments with prizes that exceed a specific threshold (usually $25,000).
Parents’ Concerns and Safety
Common Sense Media, an organization dedicated to helping parents navigate online games and other digital content, recommends Apex Legends, Rocket League’s parent company’s other popular game, for teenagers 14 and older due to online chat and frantic violence. When considering your child’s age eligibility for RLCS, take the time to explore parental reviews, ratings, and content advisories on official game websites, reviews on parenting forums, or visit reputable review websites to learn more about the content’s suitability for your child’s age group.
Factors to Consider
PG-13 Rating
In addition to the recommended age limit for RLCS participants, there are some inherent aspects to consider within Rocket League:
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PG-13 Rating: Like its peer Apex Legends, Rocket League also carries a PG-13 rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Gameplay can be frenzied, and while players engage in competitive battles on the virtual pitch, your child might be exposed to more intense action than, for example, playing the classic Super Mario Brothers or FIFA Soccer.
- Age Verification**: To compete, your child will require age verification and parental consent through Rocket League’s Epic Games account creation process, or on RLCS events (in which case parental authorization may be required at various checkpoints throughout the tournament)
| Age Limit | Reasons/Notes | Parent/Guardian Oversight |
|---|---|---|
| 15-18 | Must be under parental guidance; Online protection is still necessary; Chat functions will be strictly supervised. | Guiding Principle: Involves an age threshold, suggesting responsible and accountable behavior expected; Encourages careful discussion about mature themes or subject matter, and maintaining active oversight during gameplay. |
Consequences of Irresponsibility
Game Settings
Parents and young adults must keep in mind RLCS tournament settings for player ages below 18 are as follows:
- Restricted communication, such as live chat during matches. You might experience limited real-time chat availability, only authorized messages may be accessible between teams
- Prearranged restrictions on players interacting directly during matches through specific rules governing communication settings
- Careful considerations given for handling sensitive themes while exploring themes in discussions for children younger than the average recommended RLCS entry requirement of 15 (keep track of your content within age categories)
When taking the next step: