Club Contacts
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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 participate in a favorite sport or recreational activity. These interests range from very competitive sport clubs that travel and play in intercollegiate competition to the recreational and instructional clubs that conduct such activities as basic skill instruction and intra-club tournament play.
Clubs vary in focus and programming because the student members manage the operation of the club and decide on club activities. For example, a sport club may be competitive, recreational, instructional, social or all of these. 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, practicing and playing for fun, 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.
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.
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. Also, no one is turned away or "cut" from a sport club team. Any student who wishes to play, improve or maintain skills can participate in a sport club.
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 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?
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 or contact Anne Zielinski for a list of current clubs, contact information or any other information you may need regarding the Sport Club Program at VCU.