Club Sports

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Club Sport?

A club sport is a student organization formed by students with a common interest and desire to participate in a specific sport or activity. Club sports can best be described as the combining the team elements of varsity athletics with the recreational atmosphere of intramural sports. Some clubs can be highly competitive and compete in conferences and leagues while others may be instructional or recreational in nature. The goals and the purposes of the club sports are really dependent upon the student leaders of the club, who are the individuals who run the clubs.

Why should I join a club sport?

Other than the pure enjoyment of the sport or the thrill of competition; sport clubs offer essential lifelong learning skills in organization, management, budget planning, leadership as well as many other transferable skills for your careers after college.

Who is in charge?

Club sports are unique sports entities because all of the organizational duties are performed by the student leaders who may be one of the following: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, etc. Club sports prepare their own budgets, with the assistance of the Club Sports Director as needed; schedule their own practices and games, and may hire their own coaches/instructors with the approval of the Club Sports Director.

Are there tryouts?

Some competitive traveling clubs have try-outs and others have an open membership. Competitive traveling clubs that have tryouts may have limitations on roster size imposed by conference or governing body rules.

Is there a cost to participate?

Most clubs have some sort of participation fees, require fundraising time by members and/or solicit sponsorship or donations to assist with the clubs’ budget. A limited amount of funds are allocated annually to assist the clubs’ reach their goals, but most of clubs’ finances come through dues, fundraising or sponsorship/donations.

What is the Club Sports Council?

The Club Sports Council consists of a club officer from each of the recognized sport clubs. The council meets at least twice per semester up to monthly to discuss topics related to sport clubs, receive training in risk management and other safety related issues as well as other topics related to running a sport club. An Executive Board is in development and will consist of elected club leaders to serve as the leaders of the  Club Sports Council and meet to discuss policies, approve new clubs or interest groups, allocate funding to clubs, disciplinary actions, fundraising opportunities, community service and social events for all clubs to attend.

What if the activity I am interested in does not have a club?

Speak with the Club Sports Director and discuss the program that you would like to start. Some clubs may not be able to be accommodated due to facility/space limitations or the club would pose too significant of risk of injury to participants.