Some of my fondest memories of undergraduate involve intramural sports. For many high school athletes, intramurals allow them to continue enjoying the sports they fell in love with during high school. For some eliminating the grind of daily practicing and the expectations of coaches and family reignites a lost passion. This was certainly the case with me and basketball. I went from dreading after-school practices to actively looking forward to the Thursday night league, where I played with guys who soon became some of my closest friends on campus. There are some quirks and unwritten rules to intramurals, and knowing them may improve a student's experience. This article shares some of those Do's and Don'ts.
Do find the right level of competition
Some schools offer different leagues to allow for different skill levels. If a student is looking for a more casual experience and prioritizes the social aspect, they should make sure they find the league that will suit that mindset. On the other hand, more competitive students will want to find a league where they can go all out. Joining the wrong league can really negatively affect a student's experience.
Don't miss games if you can help it
The most stressful part of intramurals often occurred before the first whistle-ensuring everyone showed up. If students commit to intramurals, they should attend every possible game. When considering putting a team together, I recommend students have one or two more players than they think they may need.
Do share the ball or spotlight
Don't be a ball hog. In my experience, teams with a selfish player or two always play worse than teams that cooperate anyway, even if the selfish players have more talent. Players who do not cooperate will have difficulty finding a team the following semester. My aforementioned basketball team did not invite a player back for the following "season" and was better for it. This individual was not the least talented player but would make terrible decisions that dragged the game. On that same token, only involving the friend the student joined is also annoying.
Don't be a jerk
This should be obvious, but many people have a competitive side that brings out an uglier version of themselves. Letting that competitive spirit shine is ok, and even good. But remember, at the end of the day, everyone has a different skill level, and the competition is for, at best, probably a t-shirt. Sports are inherently emotional, and that's part of what makes them fun, but intramurals are not worth hurting relationships over.
Do try your best
Students should not feel like they need to be great athletes to play intramurals. But one of the most frustrating as a player are those who joke around and do not take the competition at least somewhat seriously. While not life and death, slacking or sandbagging the match ruins other people's enjoyment.
Don't be afraid to try new things
This one does have a caveat that some sports have a higher barrier to entry than others. Basketball, for example, can take years to be proficient to the extent that it is enjoyable with other experienced players. But other sports are relatively straightforward and can be a great way to discover a new hobby. If a student can run and catch, they will likely have fun with flag football. Spikeball is a game that is maybe only a decade old but is incredibly popular on campuses. Students need to make sure that they let their team know if they are a beginner to set expectations for their teammates. Similarly, coed leagues can be off-putting and the most fun. I think it is worth trying coed at least once to experience the different dynamics.
Do consider being an official
One of my campus jobs was officiating intramural games. Not only is it an intuitive way to make extra money, but learning the rules to the degree an official does may add to a student's understanding and appreciation of the sport. There may be other benefits to the position as well. For example, my teams got their entree fee waived, and I was always one of the first to know about sign-up dates.
Intramurals can lead to great campus memories. For many, it gives them the outlets for their competitive nature that used to be fulfilled by high school sports. It is also a great way to stay active, helping students avoid (or at least postpone) the typical loss of fitness that comes with college life. Understanding the culture of intramural sports can help students have a more consistently fulfilling experience.
