2. Definition of club sports:
Club sports are less formal than varsity sports, more competitive than
intramurals, and try to provide the perfect middle ground for Austin Community
College student athletes. The Club Sports program offers students the
opportunity to participate in organized, competitive sports teams which includes
playoffs and tournaments. This allows the student to continue the use of their
athletic skills obtained in High School enhancing their collegiate experience.
3. Mission of Club Sports:
The goal of the club sports program is to create a safe, fun environment that
provides team members the opportunity for physical, social, and leadership
development through competitive league play involving students at Austin
Community College and area colleges.
Recent examples:
- Intramural team competing in the City of Austin Co-Rec softball league.
- Intramural team competing in the City of Austin women’s basketball
league.
- 1st Annual ACC Invitational Men’s Basketball tournament
4. “Proposed” Club Sports for the Fall, 2015
- Co-Rec Softball team to compete in city league
- Women’s volleyball team to compete in city league
- Women’s basketball league offered to area colleges(collaboration)
- Tennis tournament held at ACC Riverside courts
Examples of club sports held at other Texas community colleges/universities:
Lee College - Baytown, Tx
- Baseball
- Volleyball
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Tennis
- Golf
5. Examples of Club Sports
St. Edwards University
- Men's Soccer
- Women’s Soccer
- Rugby
- Swimming
- Men's Basketball
- Women's Volleyball
- Rowing
- Women’s Basketball
- Men’s Lacrosse
6. Club Sports - “Advantages”
- No advisors, therefore “leader” has to step up for each team
- Offers more competitive play for those who want competitive leagues and
allows student to continue to play specific sports played in high school
- Very economical, such as playing in the city of austin league system
- Included in team entry fee - umpires, game schedule, awards for top
finishers, email notifications, rain-out and cancellation notices
- Brings ACC up to date with trends in the variations of “Intramural Sports”
- Markets ACC Intramurals programs by exposure to the public through the
involvement with the City of Austin leagues
- Allows students to play at a “high level” even without the institution having
an “Interscholastic team”
7. Limitations/Solutions of the Club Sports Program
Limitations:
- Lack of facilities
- No travel
- Limited practice time
- Limited budget for uniforms/supplies
- Cannot attend out of town NIRSA tournaments
Solutions:
- Rent City of Austin facilities/enter City of Austin leagues
- Invite area colleges to come to Austin for tournaments
- Purchase jerseys just to be worn at league games/tournaments
- Hold in-town tournaments/leagues inviting area colleges
8. Conclusion
Facilities such as Purdue's are being renovated to increase space and to add services that support health and wellness.
At Purdue, registered dietitians are on staff to discuss nutrition, and students have access to personal trainers and
fitness consultants. Representatives from the Student Wellness Office are also onsite.
"Student success research shows that engaged students do better academically, and we see that when they come here
with their friends as well as classmates or study groups," Zelaya says. "This is a place where students learn to use
physical activity to cope with stress. Being fit also is about getting the appropriate amount of sleep, and that is key to
doing well in school. Our goals for success go beyond the classroom and are aimed at helping young people develop
healthy habits for life."
While many universities have studied user demographics, such as frequency of on- or off-campus students who visit
the gym, Zelaya says comparing grades with gym use is a new trend, which is made easy by new student identification
card swipe systems in these updated buildings.
*This information above comes from a Kinesiology professor at Purdue University. Fitness in all forms
such as wellness, intramurals, athletics, recreation is a proven additive to the success of the student
academically. It is my goal to take ACC to the highest point available in the area of
intramurals/fitness/wellness. Even with the limitations of “lack of facilities,” I believe the Club Sports
program is a positive step in the right direction for Austin Community College to move forward.
