Sport Clubs
What is a sport club?
A sport club is a registered student organization designed to serve individuals motivated by a common interest and desire to compete in a favorite sport. All Sport Clubs operate on a competitive level.
Clubs vary in focus and programming because the student members manage the operation of the club and decide on club activities. Also, some clubs are individually oriented while others are team oriented.
The VCU Sport Club Program offers opportunities for learning a new sport, improving existing sport skills, and/or competing at various levels. All clubs strive to enhance and promote good sportsmanship, benefits derived from engaging in physical activity and the socialization aspect of their sport.
Sport Club Council Bylaws
Provisions for Becoming a Sport Club
Who is eligible?
Sport club membership is open to all VCU students, faculty and staff. However, the majority of the membership must be currently enrolled VCU students. Individuals, adults and minors not affiliated with VCU are prohibited from participating in sport club activities with the exception of a coach. Sport Clubs are open to the beginner as well as the advanced performer however some clubs may have tryouts.
How to Join
To join a sport club please contact the appropriate club contact.
If there is not a club for the sport you are interested in, any VCU student can start a club. All clubs are started through the Student Organization department of the University Student Commons and Activities. The basic steps to starting an organization include this outline and the UserName request form. Once you have registered as a Student Organization, you may contact Anne Zielinski Brown about becoming part of the Sport Club program. All Sport Clubs must be actively competing sports. Anne will talk to you more about the requirements when you contact her.
Leadership opportunities
All sport clubs are student organizations of the university and are therefore student-run and governed. Emphasis is placed on student leadership opportunities and involvement. Club officers develop valuable leadership skills because the success of any sport club depends on the ability of its leaders to manage the administrative affairs of the club. The basic structure of clubs allows members numerous opportunities for involvement with fundraising, public relations, budgeting, administration and scheduling. Although elected officers are ultimately responsible for final decisions and are the leaders of the club, all members must be involved to ensure the success of the club both on and off the field.
Sport Club Council
The Sport Club Council (SCC) is an umbrella governing body that represents all VCU sport clubs. The purpose of the SCC is to provide leadership and coordination of all sport clubs, act as a body through which concerns are addressed and program improvements are made, and serve as a liaison between individual sport clubs and the Department of Recreational Sports. Each sport club affiliated with the SCC shall have one voting member on the council, preferably the president of the club.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between intramurals and sport clubs?
Although both are managed by the Department of Recreational Sports, sport club teams are led and organized by students. Team practices, competitions, and fundraising are managed by individual club officers and members. Finally, sport club participants may travel to other universities to compete while individuals playing intramural sports compete against other members of the VCU community.
What is the difference between sport clubs and varsity athletics?
As stated above, sport clubs are student-organized and incorporate student leadership skills and involvement. Sport Clubs are in no way affiliated with the Varsity Athletic program and students that participate in Sport Clubs are not insured for injuries by the University. Sport Club participants participate at their own risk.
What does it cost to join a sport club and how much of a commitment will I have to make?
Membership dues vary from club to club depending on the sport involved and how much each club conducts fundraising. Some clubs have dues whereas others may not. Also, a club may obtain funds from the VCU Student Government Association (via the Sport Club Council) to cover expenses and alleviate out-of-pocket expenses. Check with the president of the club for more details. The commitment required of active membership also varies from club to club. Some clubs practice and meet year round on a regular schedule while the participation involved in other clubs is less frequent.
What sport clubs are offered at VCU? How do I start a new club?
Clubs vary year to year due to student participation and leadership. The Recreational Sports Department is also open to suggestions for new sport clubs to add to our program. Click here for a list of current clubs, contact information or any other information you may need regarding the Sport Club Program at VCU.
Sport Club Contacts
Sport Club News
Sport Club Officer Travel Paperwork
Student Travel Waiver
Travel Authorization Form
Sport Club Contact
Anne Zielinski Brown
Assistant Director
MCV Campus and Sport Clubs
(804) 828-6220
For specific questions about an exisiting club, please contact the club president list in the contacts
Locations
Cary Street Gym
101 South Linden St.
P.O. Box 842029
Richmond, VA 23284-2029
Phone: (804) 827-1100
Email: recsports@vcu.edu
MCV Campus Recreation & Aquatic Center
Jonah L. Larrick Student Center
900 Turpin Street, P.O. Box 980619
Richmond, VA 23298
Phone: (804) 828-6100
Email: recsports@vcu.edu