What is the difference between a sport club and a varsity ICA/NCAA program?
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Varsity programs are NCAA sports facilitated by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Sport clubs are under the direct supervision of Campus Recreation. Sport Clubs offer the benefit of continuing your sport at a competitive level without the time commitment and high demands of a varsity program. Sport Clubs do not provide scholarships to their athletes.
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What are the benefits of joining a sport club?
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There are many benefits to being involved including improved fitness, meeting new people, being part of a community and the opportunity to travel. Aside from the opportunity to learn a new sport or continue in a familiar one, the Sport Clubs program gives students an opportunity to participate in the leadership roles and decision making process of club activities.
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How do clubs operate?
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Clubs are run by student officers. The officers are responsible for the successful operation of the club including but not limited to budgeting, scheduling practices, coordinating league schedules, planning events, fundraising, policy adherence and communicating with Sport Club Supervisors and the Sport Clubs professional staff. The success of individual clubs and the Sport Club program is dependent on the professionalism and leadership shown by the club officers.
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Who can join a club?
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Most full-time undergraduate, fee-paying students who have medical insurance are eligible for full participation*. Those eligible for limited participation in our organization include:
- Part-time undergraduate fee-paying students
- Graduate fee-paying students
- Faculty
- Staff
- Coaches
Limited participation excludes members from voting on club business, holding office in the club or the Sport Club Organization and receiving allocated funding as an individual.
A signed liability waiver and valid TU OneCard must be presented to be eligible for participation in Sport Club activities.
NOTE: Students in the Freshman Transition and English Language Center programs may NOT participate in games, travel or practice with Sport Clubs.
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I don't know how to play that sport. Can I still join the club?
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No experience is necessary, and there is no limit to the amount of clubs you can join. However, some clubs are very competitive and have extensive schedules. If you are not interested in this level of competition or commitment, you can consider participating in Intramural Sports. The majority of clubs encourage novices to join. Sport Clubs are a great way to learn and experience a new sport. Typically, novices are encouraged to join at the beginning of each semester.
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Do I have to have my own equipment to join a club?
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Depends on the club and you. Most clubs which require equipment, have a limited amount of entry level equipment for new members to use. Some activities you will need to have your own equipment.
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Do I have to try out?
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Some clubs choose to conduct tryouts while others do not. Due to financial limitations, many clubs limit the number of members that travel to compete. Try outs or evaluations may be necessary to select traveling teams. In addition, A, B and C squads may be formed based on the size of the club to allow for different levels of competition and participation. Club officers, in accordance with the club's constitution, determine the tryout process.
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Are there fees to join?
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Costs vary for each club, depending on club activities. Clubs set their own dues. The cost of being a part of a sport club greatly varies depending on which club you are interested in joining. Because most clubs are financially supported by the Student Government Association, dues are limited and range from $0-$1,000 per year. Additional costs could be added depending on gear, travel and other activities. Clubs try to limit out of pocket expenses by participating in various fundraisers. For more information on the specifics of what it costs to participate in a club, contact the club directly.
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How are sport clubs funded?
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Sport Clubs are funded by the Student Government Association. Individual clubs are allocated funds by the Sport Club Council, and all clubs in good standing have the option to request funding. Any financial support gives is to be looked upon as a subsidy, with the remaining costs being paid by the club members and/or the club's general account. Clubs raise money through fundraisers, alumni donations, and membership dues.
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How often are practices? When are they held?
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The Sport Club professional staff creates the practice schedule based on club requests. Clubs are responsible for organizing and planning individual club practices and workouts. Most clubs practice 2-4 times/week for 1-2 hours. Practice attendance may be considered when selecting squads and traveling teams.
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Where are practices held?
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Most practices are held on-campus, however some clubs practice off campus. These clubs include Ice Hockey (M & W), Baseball, Softball, Equestrian & Gymnastics. In most cases clubs coordinate car pools to off campus practice locations.
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Who do you play?
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Sport Club teams participate in a number of leagues and are members of various associations that operate under the direction of each respective sport’s national governing body. Sport Clubs competes against other recognized intercollegiate club sports programs. Such teams include: UMD, American, Rutgers, George Washington, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Navy, NC State, Temple and many more. In addition, many of our club teams compete regionally and nationally. In the past clubs, have qualified for nationals held in locations such as Ft. Lauderdale, FL; San Diego, CA; St. Louis, MO, and Lexington, KY.
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How competitive are the sport clubs?
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Our teams regularly attend league and regional championships. Several have attended the National Championships for their respective sports in recent years. Most sports clubs compete at Division 1 or 2 levels.
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Are there coaches?
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The clubs are student led and coached by students or adult volunteers. In some cases, coaches are paid.
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Are games or tournaments held on campus?
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Yes. Clubs coordinate and host several tournaments and home events each year. Most are even open to the public! These competitions also make for great spectating opportunities.
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How do I learn about a specific sport club?
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Information can be found on the club’s website or social media account, by emailing the club contact and by inquiring in person at the Competitive Sports Office in Burdick Hall.
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How do I form a new club?
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Don’t see your sport listed? First, check to see if your sport is a student organization at Towson University, but not a recognized through Campus Recreation. A listing of all student organizations can be found through Involved at TU.
To form a new club or apply for Sport Clubs Organization (SCO) recognition please reference procedures within the Sport Clubs Handbook.
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What is the Sport Clubs Organization (SCO)?
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The Sport Clubs Organization is the governing body for all sport clubs. Each club must send a representative to all Sport Club Organization (SCO) Meetings.
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What is the Sport Clubs Council?
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The Sport Clubs Council (SCC) is the executive board of the Sport Clubs Organization (SCO). Four students from various clubs are elected to the Sport Club Council (SCC), and two are appointed by the Assistant Director. The SCC sanctions clubs for violations of SCO policies, advises on policy changes, and approves supplemental funding.
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What if I get injured while participating in Sport Club activities?
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For non-emergencies, all sport club members are encouraged to see the Campus Recreation Athletic Trainer in Room 139 of Burdick Hall for triage, basic care and referrals. Call 410-704-3304 or email sportsclubmedical@towson.edu in advance to make an appointment. Club members may be referred to physicians, physical therapists, and other specialists as needed who are on campus during the work week.
Before evaluation or treatment by a Campus Recreation Athletic Trainer, athletes will be required to create an ATS portal account and complete a medical history packet that includes past medical history, family history, and any orthopedic injuries.
For life threatening emergencies, call 911.
All possible concussions MUST be reported to the Campus Recreation Athletic Trainer
Insurance & Billing
Personal insurance will be billed and/or copays collected for all referrals. Each athlete must have their own insurance, and will be billed for any services including physician visits, medical procedures, durable medical equipment, and any physical therapy that is required. Each athlete will be billed for anything that their insurance does not cover.
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