ClubSports

 *Click the image to visit the club sport page.

The Club Sports Program promotes participation in a wide variety of activities, complementing the University's Intramural Sports Program and Varsity Athletic Program. Club Sports are designed to help students develop leadership, financial, and organizational management skills through the opportunity to create, organize, and run their own club. The Department of Intramurals provides advisement and administrative assistance to clubs, but emphasis is placed on student leadership and involvement, with the success of each club dependent on the dedication and commitment of its student leaders and members. All Club Sports are required to adhere to the policies set forth by the Department of Intramurals.

 
CLUB SPORTS COUNCIL

The Club Sports Council (CSC) is an organization that serves as an administrative body within the Intramural Program that has as its purpose to act in addressing issues that affect the operation of the individual clubs that are part of the Club Sports Program; and it is vested with authority to make decisions and/or recommendations as noted in the Intramural Constitution.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Along with the benefits and privileges of being recognized student organizations and members of the Club Sports Program, sport clubs assume certain responsibilities. As applicable, these include:

Adhering to the membership policy for Club Sports.
• Ensuring that prospective members are advised of the accident/medical insurance requirement for membership in a sport club in which physical contact is an inherent element of the sport.
• Following Intramural guidelines and procedures for the operation of sport clubs.
• Remaining in good standing with state, regional, and national affiliations as appropriate.
• Following the Risk Control Guidelines for sport clubs.
• Keeping the Intramural Office informed of scheduled club activities and events.
• Ensuring that club activities do not interfere with academic responsibilities.
• Completing and submitting all required forms and reports to the Intramural Office in a timely manner.
• Checking email routinely and the club mail box in the Falcon Center weekly.
• Maintaining the cleanliness of facilities reserved for club use.
• Providing for a smooth transition of officers through orientation and training.
• Ensuring that club members are informed of the Code of Conduct for Club Sports and understand the importance of conducting themselves in a mature and responsible manner that will reflect positively upon themselves, their club, and FSU or PC&TC.

CLUB SPORTS RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understanding that student organizations are not agents of Fairmont State University or Pierpont Community & Technical College, and ensuring they make it clear in their representation to third parties that they speak only for their members and not for the University (e.g., the Fencing Club is the Fencing Club at Fairmont and/or Pierpont or the Fairmont State Fencing Club, but not the Fairmont State University Fencing Club). All Club Sport Team Names must be approved through the Club Sport Council.
• Complying with all local, state, and federal laws, University policies and regulations, and Campus Recreation requirements.
• Ensuring that prospective members are advised of the accident/medical insurance requirement for membership in a sport club in which physical contact is an inherent element of the sport (applies to all sport club teams).
• Ensuring that club members are informed of the Code of Conduct for Club Sports and understand the importance of conducting themselves in a mature and responsible manner that will reflect positively upon themselves, their club, and FSU or PC&TC.
• Seeking approval for fundraising activities from the Student Affairs Office through completion and submission of any required paperwork.
• Following basic guidelines as specified in the Student Organization Handbook.

NOTE: All uniform apparel, team shirts, use of FSU or PCTC logos etc. must be approved through the Club Sport Council.

 DEPARTMENT OF INTRAMURAL & RECREATION REQUIREMENTS

• Ensuring that a Release and Waiver of Liability/Informed Consent has been signed by each member and submitted to the Intramural Office prior to his/her participation in club activities.
• Securing an updated, completed Roster, Advisor/Coach Contract Form, and all other necessary paperwork.
• Assisting in the scheduling of practice facilities/times/dates and home games.  Ensuring that all visiting teams submit a Visiting Team Roster.
• Oversee the following of Campus Recreation guidelines and procedures for the operation of sport clubs.
• Provide equipment storage facilities if needed.

CLUB SPORTS STANDINGS CRITERIA

The following is a list of guidelines that the Club Sports Council will use to assess each club. The Council will review all of the club's activity and place them in the appropriate category.

These are the minimum requirements that must be met for a Club to be considered in GOOD STANDING:

• Have submitted 100% of the required Fall Start-up forms by the deadline date.
• Must continue to update club information and roster as necessary.
• All trip planning forms must be submitted at least 5 business days in advance.
• Travel rosters must be submitted at least 24 hours before trip departure.
• Equipment checked out from the Intramural office must be returned no later than 3 business days following the event.
• Must be in communication with the Intramural office regarding club activities and events.
• At least one Club Officer must be present at all Club Sport meetings.
• Guidelines set forth in the Student Organization Handbook as specified for Club Sports.
• No current violations of the student Code of Conduct (Current is considered within the past six months).

ROLE OF CLUB ADVISOR

Each sport club must have a full time faculty or staff member of Fairmont State University or Pierpont Community & Technical College as its advisor. He/she should be a person who is accepted and respected by club members, has a strong interest in the club, and is willing to attend some of the club's meetings and activities. While not required, it would be helpful if the advisor were experienced in the sport or interest area of the club. The advisor serves as a resource person to help provide direction and continuity to the club. He/she can contribute valuable knowledge and experience related to University operations and policies. The advisor may be called upon to give input and/or feedback regarding the programs and activities of the club, but his/her foremost task is to facilitate self-government by the students, while providing help or guidance as needed.

NOTE:  Each club team is required to have an Advisor.  The advisor can also serve as the coach if the team desires. 

Responsibilities of the advisor could include:
• Being available to meet with the president and other officers as needed.
• Acting as a sounding board for the club in dealing with ideas and concerns.
• Advising the club regarding University policies and procedures.
• Encouraging the development of initiative, responsibility, and leadership in club members.
• Assisting the club in defining and achieving its goals and objectives.
• Reviewing the club budget and making recommendations as appropriate.
• Encouraging sound financial practices for the management of club funds.
• Keeping informed regarding club business and activities.

ROLE OF COACH/INSTRUCTOR

While each club may choose whether it wishes to have a coach or instructor, the Department of Intramurals recommends that competitive teams have a coach who is at least 21 years of age (This may be a requirement of some leagues or conferences.) The Department of Intramurals is not responsible for the selection, training, supervision, or compensation of coaches or instructors. They should be selected on the basis of their expertise and experience in the sport, certifications as appropriate, personal references, and their perceived ability to relate to club members. It is suggested that the club provide the coach/instructor with a position description that includes his/her responsibilities and authority. Several forms, including a Coach/Instructor Application and a  Coach/Instructor Agreement are available for club use.

NOTE:  If the coach is NOT a FSU or PC&TC employee an advisor will still be required.  If he/she is an employee then they can serve in both capacities - Advisor and Coach.

The responsibilities of the coach/instructor should include:

• Following risk control and safety guidelines as established by the club, the Department of Intramurals, and/or any other governing bodies for the sport or activity.
• Coordinating practices/classes and providing instruction and training that will help club members to develop and improve their skills.
• Providing on court/on field management for competitions.
• Promoting fair play and sportsmanship at all practice/class sessions and competitions.
• Abiding by all applicable rules and regulations of FSU and/or PC&TC and any conference, league, or association to which the club may belong.
• Conducting himself/herself in a professional manner that will reflect positively upon the club and FSU and/or PC&TC.

ROLE OF CAMPUS RECREATION

The Department of Intramurals provides a diversified program designed to meet the recreational needs and interests of the University community. The Club Sports Program promotes participation in a wide variety of sport and outdoor recreation activities, complementing the University's Intramural Sports Program and Varsity Athletic Program. While the Department of Campus Intramurals provides advisement and administrative assistance to clubs, emphasis is placed on student leadership and involvement, with the success of each club dependent on the dedication and commitment of its student leaders and members.

If you have questions regarding the Club Sports Program, please come by the Intramural Office in room 101 on the first level of the Falcon Center, or contact Tina Mascaro - tmascaro@fairmontstate.edu or tmascaro@pierpont.edu (304) 367-4291.

Other Responsibilities:

• Scheduling of Campus Recreation facilities for club activities.
• Guidance related to compliance with University policies and regulations and Student Organization requirements.
• Risk management planning.
• Assistance with publicity and promotions.
• Equipment loan service.
• Provision of storage space for equipment and supplies.
• Preparation and maintenance of fields.