Contact Information
Jim Underwood
Associate Director
330-672-1138
junderw3@kent.edu
Joshua Dietrich
Competitive Sports Coordinator
330-672-0460
jdietr12@kent.edu
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 are not regulated by the NCAA and do not include intercollegiate or varsity sports. Some clubs can be highly competitive and compete in conferences and leagues with other colleges and universities while others may be instructional or recreational in nature. The Club Sports Program is designed to promote and develop the interests and skills of individuals in different sports or recreational activities. The program provides competitive, instructional and recreational activities for students, faculty and staff. The program emphasizes student leadership development, a sense of community and provides fun and enjoyment to supplement the college experience.
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.
All the contact information for each club sport is listed on our website. We recommend reaching out to the contact person(s) to get more information and let them know if you are interested. You can find out what you need to do to become part of the club sport team.
While some club sports have coaches, most are completely student-driven with advisement from coaches, advisers, and the Club Sports Director. Club sports are unique sports entities because all of the organizational duties are performed by the student leaders and are self-managed through a team of student officers with positions including 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.