Intramurals Handbook

Handbook Contents

Sport Programs Staff

Mitch Wiltbank - Assistant Director, Sport Programs
Matt Macer - Intramural Sports Manager
Tony Williams - Intramural Sports Coordinator
Haley Mills - Athletic Trainer

Message from Sport Programs

The Intramural Program offers a fun and unique recreational opportunity to Oregon State University students, faculty, staff and affiliates. The Intramural Program provides structured athletic leagues, tournaments and events in a wide variety of sports and activities and is open to campus members with all levels of sporting experience. With a range of competitive levels, novices and experts alike are able to find activities that fit their ability level. Beyond play, the Intramural Program provides opportunities for individuals to gain technical officiating skills while gaining valuable work experience. With our wide variety of activities, we hope everyone is able to enjoy participating in the intramural program and that the experiences you take away from our program stay with you long after your days at Oregon State University.

Mission Statement

Mission of Sport Programs at Oregon State University

To engage the university community in diverse sport and program opportunities that enrich the student learning experience through involvement, leadership, and physical activity.

To help fulfill this mission, the Intramural Program offers extensive opportunities for competitive and structured sports activities. Divisions are established in team sports for male and female students, as well as for co-rec teams in many sports. In addition, Sport Programs holds over 30 special events. These special events range from single to several day tournaments for individuals, dual events and teams. Leagues for team sports have four to five games or matches. In events where the demand warrants, different skill levels are offered to encourage participation of players regardless of their background in the sport.

Interest, not just skill or ability, should be the factor that determines the goals of participants. Involvement in Intramurals should always be fun and voluntary. It should provide participants with many opportunities to learn new sports, meet people, improve physical conditioning and break from routine. Choose those events on the Intramural Calendar that interest you and then register online.

Details on each event are available in the Sport Programs Office, located in Dixon Recreation Center, Room 111, at least two weeks prior to the entry deadline.

Job Opportunities

The success of the Intramural Program relies heavily on the services of Student Officials and Sport Program Associates. Each year over 200 students are employed to carry out these important functions. Any currently enrolled Oregon State University student with an interest and background in any of the team sports offered by the Intramural Program is encouraged to apply for these positions. Previous experience as an official is not required.

The Sport Programs Staff conduct training clinics at the beginning of each term to teach the necessary skills. Students may also participate on a team if they work as an official or supervisor. A more active role, such as officiating or supervising, often enhances the enjoyment of a sport. It also provides income. Hiring of student officials takes place the term prior to the sport being offered. To apply, visit the jobs page on the Rec Sports website. For additional information and details about the hiring timeline, officiating clinics, etc., contact the Sport Programs office.

Health Insurance and Injuries

The Department of Recreational Sports does not provide health or accident insurance for participants. The Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU) does, however, offer a voluntary student health insurance policy that can be purchased during school registration periods. Injuries that occur during intramural participation, as well as many other accidents, are eligible for coverage by the ASOSU policy. Participants should check to make sure they have proper insurance coverage.

It is the responsibility of every individual participating in intramurals to ascertain whether or not health conditions would make it inadvisable for them to participate. Oregon State University and the Intramural Program does not assume the responsibility for participants. Persons uncertain about a health condition they may possess should consult their family physician or Student Health Services.

The on-site sport supervisor should be notified of all injuries at the time of the incident. The supervisors are not trained in the treatment of sports injuries but are certified in first aid and CPR-PR with AED. The supervisor will also have a two-way radio to call for further assistance, if necessary. By reporting your injury to the supervisor (which may be necessary for your insurance company), you will assist the Department of Recreational Sports in identifying trends in injuries that could possibly be reduced by changes in the program.

Student Health Services is typically open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. available to all registered students for the treatment of most injuries. Those cases which cannot be treated at the Student Health Center will be referred to Good Samaritan Hospital or wherever is deemed appropriate by the health care provider.

Team Manager's Duties

An alert and efficient manager who is interested in sports can be very beneficial to an intramural team. It is helpful for managers to visit the Sport Programs Office frequently to get to know the staff and program policies and procedures. Communication often goes through the managers, so it is important for them to be in frequent contact with the Sport Programs Staff.

This Intramural Handbook, as well as other materials put out by the Sport Programs Staff, should be of assistance in carrying out managerial duties. Team managers are expected to:

Inform team members of the activities available and promote participation.
Initiate team registration via IMLeagues for the desired sport before or on the announced deadline date.
Represent, or see that the team is represented, at all Intramural Manager’s Meetings, playoff meetings, disciplinary hearings and/or protest hearings.
Be sure that all players on your team meet the eligibility requirements. If there is any doubt about a player’s eligibility, have that person complete an eligibility petition in the Sport Programs Office.
Study the playing rules of each sport and be sure that team members are also aware of these rules.
Notify each team member of the date, place and time of each contest the team is scheduled to play. If your team does not have a specific uniform, and if white or dark jerseys are specified on the league schedule, be sure all team members are in compliance with the color scheme indicated.
Complete all arrangements with your opponents and the Intramural Program to reschedule a game. Do not accept a verbal agreement. If neither team shows up for a scheduled game, both teams will receive a forfeit loss.
See that all players successfully join your team by agreeing to the Waiver of Liability and completing the participation quiz.
See that those on the team play according to the rules of the game. Managers are responsible for maintaining control of their team and spectators with regard to conduct at intramural games.
If a protest is warranted, inform the officials and opponent at the time of the incident. Then complete a protest form and submit it to the Sport Programs Office by 2:00 PM the next working day after the contest.
Check with the Intramural Program the day after the team’s last game to find out which teams have qualified for the playoffs and when to attend the playoff manager’s meeting.

Entering a Team

League team sports conducted by the Intramural Program include: flag football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, wheelchair basketball, bowling, water polo, inner tube water polo, team pocket billiards, wiffle ball, ultimate disc, team tennis and team golf. To enter a team, follow the procedures listed below.

After you log in to IMLeagues click the “Oregon State University” button at the top of your page to go to the homepage. All of the league sports and tournaments and events for the entire term will be listed here. Find the sport/activity you’d like to participate in and click on the icon.

Next it will outline all of the important information for that sport/activity. Select which league you’d like to participate in for that sport (men’s, women’s, open, co-rec). Click on the league and then on the next page you’ll have the opportunity to either “create a team” or “join as a free agent”. If you have a group of friends to play with already, create a team. If you don’t have a team, join as a free agent so that teams can view your profile and contact you if they need more players.

When creating the team you will be required to take the quiz, select a team name, agree to the waiver, etc. After the team is created, start inviting players through your captain toolbar.

If this is a league sport, you must attend the mandatory manager’s meeting. Only one representative from the team needs to attend this meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to give participants an overview of the league and sport, review sport specific rules and discuss how managers can contribute to the success of the sport.

Some tournaments and events may require managers to attend a mandatory manager’s meeting. Information will be outlined on the specific sport page.

Team Names

Sport Programs reserves the right to change any team name that is deemed inappropriate or offensive to participants (including, but not limited to, names involving profanity or of sexually implicit content). Please use proper judgment when selecting team names and uniform artwork. Our goal is a pleasant and fun atmosphere for everyone competing. If you are unsure if a team name or t-shirt artwork will be acceptable, please contact the Sport Programs Office for approval.

Players Without a Team

If you wish to participate in a team sport and either do not know enough people to form your own team or don’t happen to live in a campus housing unit that has a team, we want to help you find a team. Individuals can register as a “Free Agent” for a specific activity through IMLeagues.

How to sign up as a Free Agent

Go to IM Leagues.
Login or create an account using your school email (@oregonstate.edu).
Select a sport, then a league for the sport.
Click on "Join as a Free Agent."
Click the Accept button on the waiver.
Provide additional information about yourself.

Some teams have indicated in IMLeagues that they are looking for Free Agents.

To try and join one of these team:

Click on "Join Team" for a team indicating they’re looking for free agents.
Click the Accept button on the waiver.

Free Agents looking for a team and team managers looking for players are also encourage to attend Free Agent Roundups. For dates and times, please visit the Free Agents page on the Rec Sports website to view the meetings for each sport.

Entering Individual and Dual Activities

In addition to the numerous team-oriented sports, the Intramural Program offers a variety of individual and dual events. These events include 5K runs, tennis doubles, pickleball, table tennis, volleyball doubles, golf, wrestling, badminton and swimming. Go to IM Leagues to see this year’s events. If you wish to participate in an event, you will do so through IM Leagues. In some events, where there are a large number of entrants, the Intramural Staff may use skill level divisions. In some tournaments, handicapping methods are used. Entrants may represent an organization or compete unattached, whichever best fits their circumstances. Events are open to all students, faculty, staff and affiliates who meet eligibility requirements.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Oregon State’s Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. All Sport Programs participants are subject to Oregon State’s non-discriminatory policies. If complaints of discrimination or harassment arise, they will be reported to Equal Opportunity and Access. Additionally, any allegations of discrimination related to gender identity and expression is subject to review on a case by case basis by the Sport Programs Staff.

Inclusive Participation

Sport Programs supports and advocates for inclusion of members of all gender identities and all forms of gender expression. All individuals who meet the eligibility requirements shall be permitted to participant within intramurals in accordance with their expressed gender identity regardless of medical intervention or the sex indicated in official school records. Those who identify as nonbinary—whose gender identity is neither woman nor man, but is between or beyond genders, or is some combination of genders—can choose to participate as a woman or a man, whichever feels more comfortable, for the purpose of involvement in divisions in which participation or application of rules is gendered. A participant’s gender identity will be applied when there are gender specific rules or player ratio requirement in co-recreational leagues. Additionally, a participant’s gender identity must be consistent for all leagues and events during the duration of the term. If circumstances change during the term, participants should set a meeting with Sport Programs Staff to discuss these circumstances prior to participating in their next intramural league or event.

Divisions

The Intramural Program is divided into four divisions: Women, Men, Co-Rec and Open. If there is enough interest, A, B and Elite leagues are formed. Elite league and A leagues are our most competitive. B leagues offer a more relaxed, fun environment while maintaining a little competitive edge.

The Women’s division is open to individuals who identify as women and who also meet all other intramural eligibility requirements.
- Faculty, staff and affiliates with a Recreational Sports membership are eligible to participate as well.
- Only when a Women’s division is not offered may those individuals who identify as women participate on a men’s team.
The Men’s division is open to all individuals who identify as men and who also meet all other intramural eligibility requirements.
- Faculty, staff and affiliates with a Recreational Sports membership are eligible to participate as well.
- The Men’s division is divided into the following two subdivisions:
  - Independent teams represent a variety of living arrangements including off campus, residence hall and fraternity/cooperative.
  - Fraternity/Cooperative teams are restricted to individuals who are registered members or pledges of a specific cooperative or fraternity.
- Only when a Men’s division is not offered may those individuals who identify as men participate on a women’s team.
A Co-Rec division is available in many team sports and is open to students, faculty, staff and affiliates.
- These events require equal numbers of individuals who identify as women and men and have specific gender rules.
Participants may play on only one team in each division for which they are eligible.
- Participants may play for a maximum of two teams in a sport, as long as one of them is a single gender team and the other is Co-Rec.
- In the event that an Elite league is offered, participants can play on an Elite League team in addition to the standard single gender (A or B) and co-rec (A or B) team provided that they meet the eligibility requirements for those leagues.
Open leagues are offered in multiple sports and events. Open leagues do not have specific requirements regarding the number of men and women on a team. Additionally, open leagues do not have specific gender rules.

Skill Classification

When the demand warrants, the Intramural Program offers three skill levels of competition. Each player or team is encouraged to select the level that best suits their skill and interest according to the following guidelines.

Elite leagues and A leagues are the most competitive and reflect high skill levels. In team sports, these teams are striving to test their skills with the best players on campus. In most team sports, the best teams from the A leagues compete for the All University Championship at the end of the regular league season. In individual and dual competitions these individuals are frequently tournament players and seek the higher level of competition. For Elite leagues, the only eligibility restrictions are that and individual has a Rec Sports Membership and an IM Pass.

B leagues are for players of any skill level who seek a league competition format but are not highly skilled in the sport. In team sports, league standings are recorded, but there are no playoffs. In individual and dual competition these players typically do not have tournament experience.

Rescheduling Games

In those instances when a team cannot play one of their games at the scheduled time, the Intramural Program provides the opportunity for the team to reschedule the game by using the following steps:

Visit your team’s page on IMLeagues, navigate to the game you need rescheduled and click “Reschedule.”
View the times available and contact the opposing manager with these proposed times to find one all parties agree on.
Once a time is agreed on, select it on the reschedule list and send the request to the opposing manager.
Once the opposing manager accepts the request, the official request will be sent to the Sport Coordinator of that sport.
Requests regarding activities on Sundays and Mondays must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. on Thursday and requests for Tuesday activities must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
Playoff games may not be rescheduled.

Rescheduling Deadlines

For games on Sunday or Monday - 2:00 p.m. on Thursday.
For games on Tuesday - 2:00 p.m. on Friday
For games on Wednesday - 2:00 p.m. on Monday
For games on Thursday - 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday
For games on Friday - 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday

Forfeits

Special effort is needed from players and managers to ensure that their teams are ready to play before the scheduled game time. The forfeit policy is explained below.

If one team is not ready to play at game time, the team that is ready to play will win the game by forfeit.
If the required minimum number of players arrives shortly after game time and the manager whose team has won by forfeit agrees, and verifies by signing the score sheet, the game may be played as an official game. The length of the game will be shortened in order to keep games on schedule. If the officials have been reassigned to work elsewhere, the game will remain a forfeit.
If neither team is ready to play at the designated start time, the game will be recorded as a double forfeit.
If both teams arrive late, both teams agree in writing on the score sheet to play the game with the shortened time period, and the officials are still present, the game may be played and recorded as an official game. If the officials have been reassigned to work elsewhere, the game will remain a forfeit.
After a forfeit, a team will automatically be dropped from the league schedule. The student account at the Oregon State University Business Affairs Office of the team manager will be charged $20.00 if a team forfeits a contest.
Teams may petition the Sport Programs Office to remain in the league following a forfeit. If a team is allowed to remain in their league, the forfeit will be recorded as a loss. However, should they forfeit again, their team manager will be subject to an additional $20 charge and their team will be dropped from the league.
Teams winning by forfeit will receive a “4” for their conduct rating. Teams losing by forfeit will receive a “3” for their conduct rating.
If a team cannot fulfill their commitment to complete their league schedule, they are encouraged to notify the Intramural Program of their desire to be dropped from the schedule.
If a team knows ahead of time that they will not be able to field a team for a scheduled contest and are unable to reschedule the game, the Manager needs to notify the Sport Programs Office by calling, emailing or stopping by the office. Teams that notify the office by 2:00 pm on the business day prior to their game will not be charged the forfeit fee. The team will be allowed to remain in the league, provided the team competes in the remainder of their scheduled league games. The game will still be recorded as a forfeit loss for the team and win for their opponent. Both teams in a defaulted game will receive a “4” for their conduct rating.

Nomad Substitute Player

The Nomad policy is used as a guideline for teams short of the minimum number of participants at game time of a scheduled intramural contest to temporarily field a full roster without having to forfeit or play a person down.

A Nomad can be any current participant with an active Intramural Pass. Any team may pick up these player(s) to play for their team to avoid forfeit and play competitively. Teams may only add enough Nomads to have enough players to meet the standard number of players for the game on the court/field. For example, you can add the number of Nomads to meet five players on the court in basketball. If a Nomad is used but the original team members show up, the Nomad will be done participating at the next legal stop in play.

Nomads are NOT allowed during playoffs.

Protests

A participant may file a protest if there is a misinterpretation of a rule by an official or if a team uses an ineligible player.

Misinterpretation of a rule: A protest may be made against the misinterpretation of a rule, but not a judgment call. If a team feels that the official misunderstood the rule or incorrectly administered it, a protest should be clearly made to the officials and opponents. This should be done at the time of the incident and before the next live ball situation. The game situation should be recorded on the back of the score sheet immediately so that everyone is clear about the circumstances, and the game should be completed. The protesting team must complete an “Intramural Protest” form and return it to the Sport Programs Office before 2:00 p.m. the next working day. Protest forms are available from the on-site supervisor or at the Sport Programs Office.

Playing an ineligible player: If a team believes an opponent is using an ineligible player, they should protest at the time to the officials and to the opponent. The protesting team should be sure to provide witnesses (including an official) who can later verify the protest. The protesting team must complete an “Intramural Protest” form and return it to the Sport Programs Office before 2:00 p.m. the next working day. If a team finds out after a contest that their opponent has used an ineligible player, they must complete a protest form before 2:00 p.m. the day of their next scheduled game. The burden of proving the identity of the player and providing witnesses becomes more difficult as time passes. If at any time the Sport Programs Staff become aware of an eligibility issue, they may address the situation at their discretion.

Decisions on protests will be made by the Sport Coordinator and/or a Coordinator of Sport Programs. Appeals of this decision can be made in writing to the Associate Director of Programs within two working days of notification of the ruling. In some protest cases or situations of appeal, a protest board may be called by the Associate Director of Programs. The board shall consist of a minimum of four student members. In these cases, a representative from the protesting team and the opposing team shall present their side of the incident to the Protest Board. An intramural representative will be present to provide necessary information but will not rule on the matter. The Associate Director of Programs will work with the Protest Board to accept or deny the protest, and their solution will be implemented by the Sport Programs Staff as soon as possible.

Eligibility Rules and Regulations

The Intramural Program is open to all currently enrolled Oregon State University undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty, staff and affiliate members provided they have purchased a membership to the Department of Recreational Sports. There are some restrictions which are listed below which have been developed by Student Advisory Boards to provide fair opportunities for participation by the majority of students on campus. In a case in which a student believes an exception should be made, the individual should complete an eligibility petition in the Sport Programs Office in order to receive approval prior to participating in intramural activities. The Intramural Program also abides by the Oregon State University Student Conduct Regulations as outlined in the Schedule of Classes.

Waiver of Liability: All players must sign the Waiver of Liability prior to playing in a contest in order to be a legal participant. Players will be promoted to do so via IMLeagues when registering for a league, tournament or event. A player must play in at least one league game and have their name signed on the Waiver of Liability to be eligible for playoffs.
Intercollegiate Squad Members: Varsity athletes may participate in other intramural activities outside of their varsity sport. However, they may not participate in their varsity sport or its related activities at the intramural level (i.e. football/flag football; baseball/softball; basketball/wheelchair basketball) unless it is an Elite league.
- No individual who is on a roster of a varsity intercollegiate squad (including red-shirts) or who is on athletic scholarship (at Oregon State University or an institution of comparable athletic stature) at the time of a regularly scheduled intercollegiate contest, or who joins those teams after the start of the intramural season, shall play on an intramural team in that sport or related sport remainder of that year plus one full academic year.
- Persons participating or working out with the team who are not on the official roster will be governed by our OSU Sport Club Members participation rules (see bullet four below).
- Students dropped from a squad may petition in writing for intramural eligibility within the same academic year with the consent of their varsity coach involved and the approval of the Intramural Program.
  - Petitions must be made in writing to the Sport Programs Office.
  - These individuals are eligible to participate in an Elite league without petitioning for eligibility.
Unaffiliated Traveling Leagues: Any student practicing or playing with any traveling league teams, developmental league teams or semi-pro teams must petition for intramural eligibility prior to playing in any intramural competition in a related sport. Petitions must be made in writing to the Sport Programs Office. These individuals are eligible to participate in an Elite league without petitioning for eligibility.
Oregon State University Sport Club Members: Any student who is a member of a sport club may participate in the Intramural Program following the guidelines listed below:
- Events that provide for five or fewer players in the game at one time are limited to one club player on their intramural roster. Events which provide for six or more players in the game at one time are restricted to two club players on their intramural roster.
- An individual is considered to be a club member if their name is listed on the club roster form on file with Sports Programs or the person attends more than four club practices in any given term. They are also considered a club member for the school year in which they have participated in the traveling team/roster or other club related activities.
- Sport club coaches are considered club members for intramural participation. For the purpose of gender determination in intramurals, a Sport Club coach’s expressed gender identity is used to determine their eligibility, not the gender of the club they are coaching. For example, if the Women’s Water Polo coach identifies as a man, they will be considered a man when determining their eligibility in Intramural Water Polo.
Participating on Multiple Teams: Eligible intramural participants are permitted to participate in one single gender league and one Co-Rec league per sport.
Forged Signatures: Individuals who forge roster and waiver of liability signatures will be suspended from intramural competition and their case will be forwarded to the office of OSU Student Conduct and CommunityStandards for further investigation.
Fraudulent Identification: No participant may participate in an intramural under any identification other than their own. Any player using an assumed name, false gender identity or an illegal I.D card will cause their team to forfeit the contest they participated in. The individual will also be suspended from intramural competition and their case will be forwarded to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
Professionals: People who have attained professional status in a sport are ineligible for intramural competition in that sport unless they are participating in an Elite league.
Eligibility Clearance: Players and their managers are responsible for checking the eligibility of their team members and their opponents.
Eligibility of Opponents: It is to a team’s advantage when questioning the eligibility of an opponent to air those questions as they occur to the opposing team manager and the game officials. If a protest is warranted, follow up with a written protest to the Sport Programs Office.
Playing In Gendered Divisions: Individuals may participate in another gendered division only if a division for their gender is not offered in that sport. In those situations, individuals are welcome to participate in another gendered division if they meet all other eligibility requirements.
Dual Enrollment: Students who have dual enrollment status with Oregon State University and Linn-Benton Community College must be paying Oregon State University’s incidental fees to be eligible to participate in the Intramural Program.
Eligibility Petition: Participants wishing to appeal their eligibility status may do so by submitting formal request, in writing, to the Sport ProgramsOffice.
Elite League Eligibility Exceptions: In the event that an Elite League is offered, the only eligibility restrictions are that an individual has a Rec Sports Membership and an IM Pass. Participants can play on an Elite League team in addition to the standard single gender (A or B) and co-rec (A or B) team provided that they meet the eligibility requirements for those leagues. Elite league participants are treated as sport club members for eligibility purposes in A or B leagues. Teams may not have more than the allowed combination of elite league players and sport club members on their A or B league roster.

Playoffs

In Elite leagues and A leagues of team sports, teams’ records and conduct rating averages are taken into consideration for admittance into the playoffs. B leagues do not have playoffs. Based on league size and regular season records, teams may be divided up into separate brackets. The following guidelines are used to determine playoff eligibility:

Teams must have an average conduct rating of 3.25 or better to qualify for playoffs.
If a team qualifies for the playoffs while playing in a division other than their own, they will be placed in the proper division for the playoffs. For example, Independent playing in Fraternity will be placed in the Independent playoffs.

Scheduling playoffs to accommodate everyone’s needs is a difficult task. The Intramural Program uses this priority structure when developing a playoff schedule:

Availability of facilities.
Availability of the most qualified officials and supervisors.
Availability of teams.
Avoiding overlapping contests between sports.
Avoiding overlapping between male/female and co-rec contests.
Completion of games as soon as possible.
Cost.

The Intramural Program will not reschedule playoff contests once the playoff brackets are distributed. However, teams may have input for first round contests prior to and at the playoff manager’s meeting. Requests submitted at that time will be accommodated whenever possible. Drawings for playoff bracket placement are done by the Sport Coordinator after the playoff manager’s meeting.

Playoff Eligibility

Playoff eligibility is a major concern and each year some teams are eliminated from the playoffs because they have used ineligible players. To be eligible for the playoffs, players must have signed their Team Entry and Waiver of Liability and must have played in and appear on the score sheet of at least one regular season game. At each playoff game, all players are required to present their current student I.D. card to game officials before entering the game. If a student I.D. card is not available, a picture I.D. card (driver’s license or passport) will be accepted. Faculty, staff and affiliates need to present their employee I.D. card or Recreational Sports Membership card. Prior to the playoff manager’s meeting, all playoff teams’ rosters will be checked and the managers will be notified of any potential problems. Remember: teams must have an average conduct rating of 3.25 or better to qualify for the playoffs.

Note: If a team has two or more players or spectators ejected for unsporting behavior, the team will be disqualified immediately from the playoffs. Their opponent in the game in which their second player was ejected will advance into the next round.

The Sport Programs Staff may also disqualify teams that commit acts so severe and/or inappropriate that the team creates a playing environment that is unsafe and undesirable.

Sportsmanship

The Intramural Program seeks to provide participants with structured recreational sport opportunities in a learning environment that contributes to student success through involvement, leadership and wellness. All actions and comments, whether directed at staff, opponents, teammates or spectators, should be constructive and conducive to fulfilling this purpose. Please play to the best of your ability and make every effort to win within the spirit of the rules. Win-at-all cost attitudes are totally inappropriate and are strongly discouraged. All participants and spectators are expected to behave in a courteous and responsible manner in victory and in defeat. Intramurals are valuable recreational activities with their benefit coming from playing, not winning.

These guidelines should assist teams in reinforcing a sportsmanlike atmosphere.

Expected Conduct
- Participants and spectators are expected to behave in a cooperative, positive manner which contributes to the philosophy of friendly competition.
- Teams are responsible for the conduct of members and spectators before, during and after any intramural contest.
- It is the responsibility of each team to cooperate with the Sport Programs Staff in controlling both team members and spectators. If, in the opinion of the staff, cooperation is not evident, the game may be forfeited.
- Intramural participants and fans will be held responsible for their personal conduct as outlined in the University’s Student Conduct Regulations.
Misconduct (Unsportsmanlike Conduct)
- Team Captains, Managers and/or Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players and therefore are subject to the same disciplinary action as their players.
- In cases where the responsible team member cannot be identified, the team manager may be assessed the appropriate sanctions.
- Vulgar, obscene, abusive, derogatory, intimidating and demeaning comments or gestures will not be tolerated. Such comments and gestures create a hostile environment, generate ill will, place unnecessary pressure on staff and participants, and contribute to a negative Intramural experience.
- All acts of physical aggression, including fighting, pushing, shoving, kicking or any other attempt to injure another person, are totally unacceptable behaviors while participating in intramurals.
- Any comments, signs, jokes, remarks or gestures intended to threaten or intimidate any other person are equally inappropriate and will disciplined accordingly.
- Sanctions for any individual involved in any act of physical/verbal aggression or physical contact of any type toward a Sport Programs Staff member may include a lifetime suspension from the Intramural Program.
- The use of alcohol and/or drugs at any intramural event is a violation of the Department of Recreational Sports conduct policy, as well as the Student Conduct Regulations at Oregon StateUniversity.
- The actions of one team member can cause an entire team to be disqualified from intramural competition.
- If a game is stopped due to unsportsmanlike behavior by players and/or spectators associated with a team, the game will be forfeited and the team will be suspended from intramural participation.
Spectators
- The role of spectators is to provide support and encouragement, which will be beneficial to the participants, the game and the program.
- Spectators must remain in designated areas and not encroach on the playing area.
- Spectators are also governed by the alcohol/drug policy listed above. Any violation this policy will be dealt with accordingly.
- Spectators violating these guidelines or exhibiting unsportsmanlike conduct will be asked to leave and may be assessed additional sanctions.
- Team managers and/or teams can be penalized for the actions of their spectators.

Ejections

If an intramural participant is ejected from a game for poor conduct, or exhibits such behavior following a contest, that person is immediately ineligible for further competition in any intramural activity. The participant will then meet with the Sport Coordinator to discuss the situation and consequences. It is the responsibility of the ejected participant to schedule the meeting with Sport Coordinator.

If the participant feels that their ruling is not fair, they may schedule a meeting to discuss the matter with a Coordinator of Sport Programs. If there is still not agreement between the participant and the Intramural Program, the case will be presented to a student appeals board.

Note: Although disciplinary procedures and minimum disciplinary actions have been established, each altercation will be handled individually with appropriate penalties for the incident.

Conduct Rating System

The Intramural Program expects excellent conduct by its participants. To facilitate this, a Conduct Rating System is in effect. The officials of each game rate the conduct of the participants in the game according to a pre-determined scale (see below). These scores are available in the Sport Programs Office the next working day. If after two or more games a team’s average conduct rating falls below 2, the team’s manager is required to meet with a Coordinator and the Sport Coordinator to discuss required improvements in their team’s behavior before their next scheduled contest. Failure to meet this requirement will result in a forfeit of their next scheduled contests until the meeting takes place. Teams receiving a rating of 0 or 1 will be required to meet with a Coordinator and the Sport Coordinator to discuss the incident and any potential future ramifications.

Standards are also in place for qualifications for playoffs. Regardless of a team’s win/loss record, if their conduct rating average is below 3, they will not qualify for playoffs. If a team has two or more players ejected from the playoffs in a sport, the game will be stopped and the team will be disqualified from the playoffs.

Associated Behaviors for Score of 4

Good display of sportsmanship for the duration of the contest. Minimal instances of disagreement with officials and staff on close calls or fouls.
Players and/or spectators cooperate fully with the officials about rule interpretations, game management and requests from staff.
Players are under control, not excessively fouling or contacting on another and remain respectful to each other throughout the contest.
Team captain had full control of their team and spectators for the duration of the contest.

Associated Behaviors for Score of 3

Team members and/or spectators are respectful of opponents and officials for a majority of the contest. However, there were instances of disagreement of rules or calls made by the officials.
A team received one technical foul, one yellow conduct card or one unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for unsportsmanlike behavior.
A softball or water polo team received one verbal team warning for their conduct.
Team had one or two instances that were unnecessarily unsportsmanlike to the opponent or engaged in excessive physical contact during the contest.
Team forfeits game due to not enough players or not showing up at all.

Associated Behaviors for Score of 2

Team members and/or spectators are disrespectful of opponents or officials for a majority of the contest. Players may have verbally complained about the majority of decisions made by the officials.
A team received multiple (2-3) technical fouls, yellow conduct cards or unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for unsportsmanlike behavior.
A softball or water polo team received two verbal team warnings.
A team had a player ejected for an unsportsmanlike like act.
Intramural Staff had to stop the contest one time to resolve conduct issues with the team.

Associated Behaviors for Score of 1

Team members and/or spectators constantly shared negative comments to the officials and/or opposing team. Majority of players on the team were disrespectful to officials and/or opposing team.
A team received multiple (more than three) technical fouls, yellow conduct cards or unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for unsportsmanlike behavior.
A softball or water polo team received three or more verbal team reprimands.
The team captain exhibits little or no control over teammates, spectators or themselves.
Intramural Staff had to stop the contest more than once to resolve conduct issues with the team.

Associated Behaviors for Score of 0

Unacceptable display of sportsmanship. The team and/or spectators were completely disrespectful towards participants or officials.
The game could not be completed due to inappropriate behavior; multiple technical fouls, yellow cards or unsportsmanlike conduct; or penalties for unsportsmanlike behavior.
A team had multiple players (2+) ejected for unsportsmanlike acts.
The team captain exhibits no control over teammates, spectators, or themselves and aggresses the situation.
There is a fight or attempted fight by a player(s).

Summary of Major Regulation Infractions

Rules and regulations have been established to allow the Intramural Program at Oregon State University to be organized and administered efficiently and effectively. Although these regulations are listed in the handbook and are discussed at the manager’s meetings, on occasion they are “overlooked” by a few teams and/or participants during the year. Listed below are the most common violations and their minimum penalties.

When a player or team is suspended, they are not allowed to participate in any future intramural activity until completing the Intramural Disciplinary Process.

Common Situations and Results:

Playing for two gendered teams or two co-rec teams in the same sport.
- Both teams forfeit a minimum of one contest and the player is suspended from intramural participation based on the decision of the Sport Programs Staff.
Use of an ineligible participant.
- The team forfeits a minimum of one contest and the player is suspended from intramural participation based on the ruling of the Sport Programs Staff.
Individual ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct.
- Person is immediately ineligible for further competition in any intramural activity. The Sport Programs Staff will review the incident to determine if, or when, the player will be allowed back into the program. The player will be required to schedule a meeting with the Sport Programs Staff within two working days to discuss the incident and consequences.
The presence of alcohol and/or other drugs at a contest and situation not handled by manager.
- Game is forfeited and the team is restricted from intramural participation based on ruling of the Sport Programs Staff. Alcohol and/or other drugs at Intramural Events are prohibited. The Sport Programs Staff reserve the right to call law enforcement to assist in these situations.
Player using fraudulent identification.
- The team forfeits a minimum of one contest and the player and team manager are restricted from intramural participation based on the ruling of the Sport Programs Staff and may be referred to the Dean of Student Life.
Player does not have a valid identification card at a playoff contest.
- The player is not permitted to participate in the game.