The Testa Gaming foundation makes every possible effort to keep children safe at our events. We require background checks for all official volunteers regardless of the role they play. Anyone who will be coaching, mentoring, or who’s main role is working with the kids directly must have an Arizona Fingerprint card similar to teachers in the classroom. And we have policies in place such as no adult alone with a child, line of sight rules for all volunteers that do not have a fingerprint card, and strict rules about operating in designated areas. Safety is not just another thing we put on a check list. It is a core value of ours!

Supervision depends on the type of event and its size. Smaller events like hangouts and such are usually held in smaller areas and volunteers are usually together watching the kids at once. Larger events such as tournaments and leagues with team play will be much more split up and may even have kids in multiple locations (teams in practice rooms and such). At these events kids will be supervised by layers of volunteers. If in the main event space then several groups of volunteers from general helpers to coaches and mentors will be monitoring and working the space. If kids split off into designated rooms to practice then they will be in a group and have at least 1 volunteer who has been received an Arizona Fingerprint card which comes with extra background checks. Depending on the size of groups we will even send a 2nd volunteer to aid the coach or mentor.  

• We have 3 core levels of volunteers. The first is called Community Allies these are the ones who help set up and tear down, monitor event spaces and spectator areas, assist with check in, and such. These volunteers are never alone with kids and will always be working in open areas or running specific tasks that deal with the event running smoothly behind the scenes. These volunteers must have at least a basic background check.

• Our next level is called Field operators and these volunteers help in increased capacity. From assisting the Community Allies in set up and check ins. They also will work with coaches and mentors and even help run events such as score keepers and such. Because these volunteers do have some direct interactions with kids, they will have a much more extensive background check run.

• Our final level is called Guild Leaders these are the coaches, mentors, supervisors, and so on. Because these volunteers are working directly with kids as their primary role. They must have a Level I Arizona Fingerprint card with an IVP number. This is the same type of card and background check run on teachers in schools. 

Safety is a number 1 priority for the Testa Gaming foundation. We make sure all volunteers are background checked. We will run basic training and go over rules and procedures with all volunteers. All designated areas that children may go to are monitored, and we have very strict safety policies that everyone working or participating at events must follow (including Spectators). 

We require all children to have a information form that includes a medical section filled out by parents or legal guardians before a child can participate in any event (even hangouts). If a medical situation arises volunteers will assess the situation and make the best decisions based on the situation. The first steps will always be to contact parents or a child’s approved emergency contact. If no contact can be made then an assessment will be made and emergency services may be contacted. 

• Respect is a core value of our events. Bullying, harassment, discrimination, or personal attacks are never tolerated and may result in removal from the event.

• At the same time, gaming is competitive and part of that culture includes a little friendly trash talk and playful rivalry. We encourage participants to compete hard, celebrate wins, and laugh off losses while always keeping things respectful and good-natured.

• Our goal is to create an environment where kids can enjoy the spirit of competition, build confidence, and learn good sportsmanship both in victory and defeat.

• Participants are expected to treat others with respect and show good sportsmanship at all times. This means no bullying, harassment, cheating, or behavior that disrupts the event or makes others uncomfortable.

• Friendly competition and playful banter are part of gaming culture, but it must always remain respectful and good-natured. The goal is to create an environment where everyone can have fun, compete, and enjoy the experience together.

• Participants who repeatedly ignore these expectations may be asked to sit out or leave the event.

• Children in 6th grade and below must have a parent stay on sight and be readily available at all times. These ages may not be dropped off and left and parents must take full responsibility of supervision. 

• Students in Middle and High school under the age of 16 may be dropped off at small events such as hangouts, and dedicated practices after they have attended 3 events with parent supervision and are in good standing behaviorally. Parents must remain on site for major tournaments or any event that has more then 30 participants. 

• Children 16 and 17 years old may be dropped off for any event are expected to act as young adults and even leaders to the younger kids. 

Parents are encouraged to stay and watch all events and may even be given a chance to participate themselves in fun activities. We will host parent nights where kids get to challenge their parents, and have other activities throughout each season for parents. 

• Every parent or legal guardian must sign a Participation packet for any child who wishes to be part of the test Gaming Foundation before they may participate in any event. This includes a liability Waiver, a General Information/Emergency Contact, Media Release, and a Participation Code of Conduct. 

• Some events or leagues will have additional paperwork specific to that event and those will be disclosed at the time of events. 

In the General Info/Emergency Contact form every family must fill out before a child can participate there is a section for additional pick up person. Any individual a family designates may act as the supervisor and have the authority to pick up a child. 

Parents are more than welcomed to pick up their child whenever they like. However, if a child is picked up early from a tournament, league match, or any event that has a competitive nature to it then they will forfeit their spot and their next match will be marked as a loss. 

Due to the ever-changing nature of the Gaming world, we are constantly updating our list of games. We do prioritize games that are age appropriate and have a blend of for fun games and Competitive games. For a full list you can visit our website 

We strive to make sure that children are playing games that fall inside their age and grade level. We use the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) rating system which is the North American rating board on video games. The ESRB rating is our starting point for any game. We will then assess the age rating of a game and do a deep dive into the game ourselves to make sure it is appropriate for kids.

The Testa Gaming Foundation mission is to promote Gaming across multiple fields including fun community building and competitive gaming. While gaming in its nature has a casual and fun aspect. We also prioritize the competitive structed side. The E-sports (Electronic Sports) world is the fastest growing sport sector in the world. We want to emulate the competitive drive we see there and mimic the structure and cooperation you see in traditional sports. 

• Children are expected to bring their own controller to compete in events. In the gaming world we treat controllers as if they were the child’s Cleats in traditional sports. 

• Any child that does not have access to a control then please reach out directly to The Organization. 

Yes! And in many events it is expected a child comes with their own controller. Using a controller provided at an event versus their own can hamper a child’s skill level and is similar to borrowing a pair of cleats in traditional sports.

The Testa Gaming Foundation will hold tournaments, and competitive events often and there will be prizes associated with some of them. All prizes will be Tangible and never be monetary. Prizes can include controllers, games, video game equipment and more. The prize and the level of competition varies by event. 

• Parents can fill out our interest form on our website and a member of the Testa Gaming foundation will reach out with online registration. 

• Families are also welcomed to attend an event and fill out the registration packet in person.

• As a Nonprofit organization the Testa Gaming Foundation strives to make costs for families as little as possible. Any costs for any event will be 100% for the Foundation and will go entirely back into expanding Gaming for kids across Arizona!

• Regular weekly events, and most workshops and activities are completely free and children are encouraged to invite their friends. 

• Tournaments will have a small registration fee just to help pay for the event space and other costs associated with the event.

• Leagues will have a league registration fee, and that will be disclosed based on which league your child registers for. 

Most regular events will be capped depending on the number of volunteers and interest that specific event has. This number will change depending on availability. Most tournaments will be capped at 32-48 participants to manage and give every child adamant play time.

• The Testa Gaming Foundation regular attendance, events, tournaments, and leagues are open from anyone in 4th grade all the way through High school.

• We will occasionally have workshops, and activities for 1st-3rd Graders to get them ready for actual events and competitions once they reach 4th grade. 

• Most events will be event specific meaning if you can’t make one but can make another it will not impeded the success your child can have. 

• However, Leagues will be structured just like traditional sports where each team will compete weekly against another team for rankings and a spot in the post season bracket and eventual championships. If a child misses a league event then their team may need to forfeit that week if they do not meet the minimum number of players to compete.

• Events will be held at different locations across the East Valley of Arizona. Event locations and times will be communicated with families at sign up and any changes will be communicated as soon as possible. 

• Some specialty events may be held outside the East Valley and those will be planned and communicated well in advance. 

• Weekly hangouts are usually run for about 1-2 hours depending on how many kids show up.

• Tournaments usually run a full day and depend on the length of each match. 

• Leagues will be 2-4 hours and follow similar time frames as traditional sports.

• All children must bring at least a controller, and should have a water bottle that can lock. 

• Headphones, snacks, charging cables are also highly encouraged.

• Weapons, and adult products are PROHIBITED!

• Food and drinks at events will depend heavily on the event, sponsorships, and donations. Parents are always welcome to bring snacks and drinks especially during league play. We will communicate ahead of time for tournaments if food and drinks will be available.

• It is encouraged that children bring their own snacks and something to drink to events. 

• In the unfortunate situation that an event is canceled the Testa Gaming Foundation will make every attempt to notify parents and families. 

• Weekly hangouts and workshops that don’t require specific registration we will post on all of our social media accounts of any cancelations. 

• Tournaments, Leagues and any other events that require a specific registration we will email families with the email on file and also post to all social media posts. 

• Any league matches will be rescheduled to another time so as not to interfere with a season. Tournaments may be rescheduled if possible. Weekly events and hangouts will just meet the following week. 

We are a nonprofit that promotes the positive aspects of gaming. We promote not just casual fun, but competitive play, community outreach, education opportunities, college and career opportunities and much more. Our goal is to show that you can have fun while gaming while also building real world skills that last a lifetime! 

• We are a registered Nonprofit in the state of Arizona. We are currently in the process of filing for 501(3)(c) status with the I.R.S, and therefore donations at this time are not tax deductible. 

• Once 501(3)(c) status has been approved we will reach out to all donors and sponsors to inform them of our tax deductible status and if their donations qualify for tax deductions.

100% of all donations go into the Foundation. From reserving event spaces, buying equipment, running workshops, and more. All members of the Testa Gaming Foundation including our President and Board members are 100% volunteers and do not collect a paycheck. 

You can fill out our Request for Information form on our website under the Volunteer section. You can also reach out directly and a volunteer will assist you!

• Yes! Local businesses are encouraged to sponsor events, consoles, food and drink, and more. And it’s because of local businesses and donors that we get to run our events and promote gaming in the lives of kids!

• See our Sponsorship page on our website or reach out directly for more information.

• Due to our family friendly nature, and our work with children The Testa Gaming Foundation may politely and respectfully deny sponsorships or public donations from certain Adult businesses including but not limited too Alcohol, Gambling, Tobacco, Cannabis, Adult entertainment, and so on. 

• Anyone who owns a business under one of these classifications may still make a donation as an individual or make an anonymous donation.