Russian eSports Federation Discusses New Physical Training Standards for Gamers

The Federation of Computer Sports in Russia (FCSR) has provided comments regarding the establishment of training standards for esports athletes. The Federal Standard for Sports Training (FSST) in computer sports is a document issued by the Ministry of Sports of Russia, as explained by the FCSR press service to the Habr information service. This standard outlines the minimum requirements for athletic training and is mandatory for developing educational programs. Its foundation lies in Article 34 of Federal Law No. 329-FZ and the Ministry of Sports Order No. 419 dated May 18, 2022. The timeframe for this standard extends for up to four years.

The FSST does not apply to athletes under employment contracts or members of national teams. Separate regulations are established for individuals with disabilities and those with limited mobility.

The Federation of Computer Sports in Russia contributed suggestions to the first and second drafts of the standard. The initial version included a requirement for «squats without stopping.» Following the FCSR’s proposal, this requirement was replaced by a visual-motor reaction test. The second draft proposed a click-test, which measures mouse-clicking speed. However, despite its relevance for assessing esports athletes’ training, the click-test was not included in the final sanctioned version.

Prior to submitting recommendations, the FCSR conducted research and facilitated open discussions, inviting experts and stakeholders to participate. However, no invitations to join the expert commissions were received.

With regard to general physical conditioning, adapted norms from the GTO (Ready for Labor and Defense) complex were suggested. Special requirements were shaped based on an analysis of current athletes’ performances, taking into account their training phases and qualifications.

Press release

«Esports is a sport, and in the Russian Federation, sports have established standards. Moreover, it’s crucial for esports athletes to adhere to the specific rules of their sport, as well as to the guidelines for athletic training, including a clear routine and schedule.»

«An athlete is someone who trains and follows a proper regimen. It’s essential to understand what types of loads are appropriate and how to balance time spent on the computer. We constantly tell our athletes that their physical condition and overall health are tools that must be kept in optimal shape to achieve success in esports.»

«Thus, the saying ‘a healthy mind in a healthy body’ holds true for esports as well. If we examine the current federal standard for sports training, over 50% of it focuses on physical conditioning. There must be a balance between physical and mental activities. Additionally, the established norms align with the minimum requirements of the GTO.»