Sports Clubs Rules & Guidelines
Participation in a club sport is a privilege, not a right. Please read the following rules and guidelines carefully.
- Criteria for Active Status
- Club must be physically active or athletic in nature, and provide opportunities for participation, which cannot be achieved through intramurals, equipment issue, and/or open recreation.
- Club sports are student-led clubs, under the supervision of the director of recreation.
- Maintain a minimum of 10 active members each semester, which must be full-time students paying the Recreation Fee. Students may be part-time if in their last semester prior to graduation.
- A captain must be designated, who is CPR/AED/FA certified, Title IX trained, concussion trained (specific sports only), attend captains’ training, attend other mandatory meetings, maintain an accurate roster, ensure each member completes required paperwork, provide website updates, ensure safety at practices and competitions as best as possible, attend all practices and competitions, and report injuries within 24 hours to the director of recreation. A completed Student and Visitor Accident Report (CS-13) must be filed within 24 hours of any participant getting injured at a club practice or event.
- Each club member must complete risk management paperwork, unless the club is pick-up in nature. This paperwork will be provided to students by captains and/or the director of recreation. If under 18 years of age, a liability form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
- Each club member must carry personal health insurance.
- Clubs will be moved to inactive status if their respective requirements have not been met by October 1 or March 1, clubs will be considered inactive for the remainder of semester.
- Only active clubs will be allowed to reserve spaces in Memorial Hall and the Field House.
- Director of recreation will determine the category for each club.
- Clubs will be held to the standards in the Group Conduct Manual.
- Director of recreation will serve as the advisor for each club sport.
- All clubs interested in operating at SUNY Plattsburgh must be formally recognized by the college.
- Approval Process
- A student wishing to start a new club must first meet with the director of recreation. If support is given, then the student must submit an application to COSOR prior to December 15 in order to be approved for the following academic year. If approved, the club can start a probationary period in the spring semester with no guarantee of funding or reserved indoor space.
- Types of Club Sports
Competitive
- Club competes against other college/university club teams both home and away
- Club likely governed by a national governing body
Recreational
- Club holds regular practice sessions on campus, does not travel
Performance
- Club performs at athletic events and showcases on SUNY Plattsburgh campus, does not travel
- Travel
- All travel must be pre approved by the director of recreation.
- Lodging requests can be submitted for approval only for trips at least four hours away from Plattsburgh.
- Arrangements for rental vehicles when permitted will be made by the director.
- A travel authorization must be completed for each club member traveling for each trip.
- Each traveler wishing to be reimbursed for mileage must complete a non employee travel form within seven days after the trip has concluded.
- The primary means of transportation to events is by personal vehicle. The college
is not responsible for any damages or injuries related to travel. It is strongly recommended
that drivers of personal vehicles obtain additional insurance.
- All drivers transporting other students must be LENS cleared prior to departure. To become an authorized driver, a copy of your driver’s license and LENS form must be submitted to University Police at least one week prior to travel. Approval from University Police must be obtained.
- Mileage is reimbursed at .655 cents per mile, up to a 300 mile round trip distance from Plattsburgh for a maximum of three drivers per trip.
- Apparel
- Must be purchased by individual club members
- Must utilize official marks and fonts, available upon request
- Volunteers
Must complete official volunteer form prior to participation in club activities.
- Fundraising
- Must complete permission to solicit through Campus Groups
- Must be approved in advance
- Scheduling Competitions/Performances
- Clubs will follow the conference schedule and/or student leaders are responsible for contacting opposing teams.
- Must receive pre approval from director
- Each club can reserve up to four hours per week in Memorial Hall. Requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
- Equipment/Supplies
- Requested items must be submitted to the director of recreation by May 15 for the upcoming fall semester, and December 15 for the spring semester.
- Items must be purchased through recreation and the purchasing department on campus. Reimbursement is not permitted.
- Food is not an approved purchase, nor will it be reimbursed.
- Hazing
Hazing in any form is prohibited and may result in charges through the student conduct system, club suspension, and/or club termination.
- Gender Identity Policy
All eligible club sport participants may participate in accordance with their personal gender identity. However, clubs competing in conference and national competitions must follow those respective policies.
- Finances
Anticipated expenditures will be submitted to the director of recreation in January for the upcoming year by the captain. The director must approve all expenses related to purchasing and travel in advance, and is ultimately responsible for the management of each club sport’s budget.