Intramural Sports Participant Guide

Campus Recreation Overview

Mission Statement

We connect, educate, and inspire people to lifelong activity and well-being.

Vision Statement

We aspire to be leaders in student development and collegiate recreation through programming, services, and facilities that reflect the highest industry standards.

Core Values Integrity: We are committed to the highest level of ethical and professional behavior and actions.

Continuous Improvement: We are committed to safe and creative programs, services, and facilities that invite feedback, promote fun, and consistently seek opportunities for growth and innovation.

Service: We are committed to the effective and efficient use of student resources while providing exceptional service that is passionate, proactive, friendly, and professional.

Teamwork: We strive to develop a strong appreciation for the benefit of working mutually as a group toward a common goal; together we can achieve more.

Student Development: We are committed to engaging students with experiences and skill development opportunities that empower personal growth and enhance transferable skills.

Community: We promote and celebrate campus and community partnerships to enhance quality of life.

Well-being: We strive to provide the tools for others to develop positive habits that create a balance in mind, body and spirit.

Intramural Sports Overview

Intramural Sports is a program area within Campus Recreation. It provides East Texas A&M University (ETAMU) students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of sports programs throughout the year. Participants may create their own teams, or can join as a free agent to be picked up by a team that is in need of extra players.

The Intramural Sports program utilizes IMLeagues and the Lions Rec Sports App to post schedules, scores, standings, and all other updates related to the activities and programs that are hosted. In addition, information can be found on:

• Campus Recreation Website
• Twitter – Campus Rec
• Facebook
• Instagram

This guide highlights the policies and procedures of the Intramural Sports program. It is the responsibility of each captain, participant, coach, and spectator to read, understand, and comply with these policies and procedures while participating in Intramural Sports.

The Intramural Sports program reserves the right to implement rule changes or modifications regarding equipment, facilities, and/or participant eligibility to maintain safety and fair play.

Staff Directory

Sport Programs and Cain Sports Complex Coordinator
Xavier Deloatch
[email protected]
903.468.3195

Important Phone Numbers

Morris Recreation Center 903.468.3181
University Police (Emergency) 903.886.5111
University Police (Non-Emergency) 903.886.5868
Hunt Regional Health Care ER 903.886.3161

Participation

Participation policies are in place to provide opportunities for everyone to participate in a safe, balanced, and fair competition. All possibilities cannot be covered within this guide, so the Intramural Sports program reserves the right to rule on any eligibility status as necessary.

The Intramural Sports program provides equal opportunity to all students regardless of their race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, or veteran status.

Disability

• Individuals with disabilities may seek reasonable modifications, aids, or services to ensure an equal opportunity for them to participate in Intramural Sports, unless the modification would fundamentally alter the sport or program.
• Please notify the Coordinator of Sport Programs and Cain Sports Complex if you are seeking reasonable accommodation and have a disability that might affect the safety of others.

Eligibility

Eligible Participants

• Currently enrolled, fee-paying ETAM undergraduate and graduate students
• Faculty and staff employed by the University o Must have a membership through the Morris Recreation Center (MRC) in order to participate in activities that take place at the MRC

Ineligible Participants

• ETAMU alumni
• Contract workers for the University (ie. SSC, Sodexo, construction companies, etc.)
• Students from other colleges or universities
• Faculty and staff that do not have an MRC membership (applies to sports taking place in the confines of the MRC)
• Spouses and/or life and domestic partners of students, faculty, or staff

ID Policy

• All participants must present a photo id (Lion Card, Government issued identification, Virtual ID card with a picture on the Lion Rec Sports App upon check-in at any Intramural Sport event.
• Anyone found playing under an assumed name, not currently a student, or using another student's identification, shall become ineligible for at least one game or could be suspended from all activities until further notice as well as reported to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Restricted Players

Restricted players are those that are deemed ineligible based on certain criteria as outlined below.

Varsity Athletes

Varsity athletes are eligible for all other Intramural Sports outside of their corresponding sport. Athletes are ineligible in their corresponding sport for one full calendar year from the team's final game played during their last season on the roster as a varsity athlete. Varsity athletes are defined as:

• Players listed on the current roster of a ETAMU varsity team or as a former member of a university/college/community college varsity team.
• Players who are in the process of “trying out” with a team (unless they voluntarily withdraw or are cut from the team prior to the first scheduled varsity match).
• Players listed as a current red-shirt or transfer athlete who is on the practice squad and formally practicing with the varsity team.
• Players listed as a practice squad member.

Professional and Semi-Professional Athletes

A professional is classified as someone who has forfeited their amateur status, received compensation or sponsorship for their performance, or who is recognized by the sport governing body as a professional. It is the responsibility of the athlete to inform the Intramural Sports program of their standing. Former professional athletes are ineligible for five calendar years (in corresponding sports) from the last game played as a professional athlete.

Club Sport Athletes

A participant is deemed a club sport athlete if they coach, participate in a club contest, pay club dues, and/or appear on the club roster. Athletes are considered a club sport athlete for the entire academic year in which they were a part of the club team. For example, if a Club Soccer player decides not to play on the club team in the fall of 2025, but played in the spring of 2025, they would not be considered a club player for intramural sport competition, as the academic year for this time period runs from August 2024 to May 2025. If a player played on a club team in the fall of 2025, but then did not play in the spring of 2025, they would be considered a club player for intramural sport competition due to the dates of the academic year.

Club athletes may compete in corresponding Intramural Sport activities, but can only compete at the highest competition level. Intramural teams are also limited to the amount of club sport members they can have on one team. The restrictions are as follows based on the maximum number of players on the imleagues roster:

• 1-3 player teams = 1 club member
• 4-6 player teams = 2 club members
• 7+ player teams = 3 club members
• 9+ player teams = 4 club members

Limitations Explained

Varsity, Professional, Semi-Professional, and Club Sport athletes are restricted in the following corresponding sports:

• Football – 7v7 and 4v4 flag football
• Basketball – 5v5 and 3v3 basketball, 3-point contest
• Baseball/Softball/Slow-pitch Softball – slow-pitch softball, hitting derby
• Volleyball – volleyball, wallyball, and sand volleyball
• Soccer – outdoor soccer, arena soccer, soccer tennis, and futsal

Sports Program Staff

A person is considered as Intramural Sports staff if they are currently employed by the Intramural Sport program. This includes the Coordinator of Sport Programs and Cain Sports Complex, program assistant, supervisors, and officials. The restrictions are as follows based on the maximum number of players on the field/court at one time: Intramural Sport staff can compete at any level. The restrictions are as follows based on the maximum number of players on the field/court at one time:

• 1-3 player teams = 1 (except for non-officiated doubles teams)
• 4-6 player teams = 2
• 7+ player teams = 3

Spectators

Any participants not on a team’s roster are considered spectators. Spectators must stay in designated spectator areas, and they may not sit or stand in the team bench area.

Spectators are held to the same sporting behavior standard if not higher than the players. Team captains are responsible for keeping their fans under control. Actions of spectators can affect sporting behavior related penalties, ending the game, or removal from the facility.

Greek Participation

Any active Greek student organizations can compete in the Greek divisions (when offered) and for Greek Cup points. Participants must be active members in good standing with the University. Non-active alumni and advisors are ineligible to play with a Greek team. See Appendix A for the Greek Cup Point System Breakdown.

Free Agents

Any student that is unable to form their own team, but would still like to play a team sport, can register on IMLeagues as a Free Agent. Registering as a Free Agent lists you on IMLeagues as such and allows for captains of other teams to see students that want to play, but may not have enough for a full team. If captains need extra players this is where we direct them to find players for their teams. There is no guarantee that Free Agents will be placed on a team.

Non-Team Substitutes

In the event that a team is short on players and cannot meet the minimum player requirements, there is an option to have up to two substitutes from another team. Non-team substitutes may only be used to meet the minimum player requirements. Should players from the original team show up after the game has started, then they will replace the substitutes. Substitutes must have an active account on IMLeagues in order to be eligible to play. Substitutes can only be used for the regular season and will not be allowed during playoffs or tournament play.

Code of Conduct

The Intramural Sports program believes good sporting behavior is an integral component of intercollegiate competition.  We wholeheartedly embrace the position that, for positive sporting behavior to prevail, team representatives participants, and spectators must display respect, fairness, civility, honesty, and responsibility before, during, and after all athletic contests. Offensive language including profanity, discriminatory or derogatory remarks of any kind directed at officials, supervisors, Campus Rec Staff, participants, spectators, or team representatives will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the competition site.

Every team is responsible for the conduct of its players and spectators. Any conduct judged as detrimental to the participants, program, or contest, may result in loss of the contest, suspension of individual players, suspension of entire team, referral to Student Community Ethics, or other appropriate action.

Intramural Sports supervisors, officials, and staff jurisdiction is in effect from the time a team and spectators arrive at the playing site until the time they leave. Incidents outside of these limits may be examined as well. Thus, the captain and other players should be ready to act and prevent misbehavior and/or unsportsmanlike conduct of teammates and spectators.

Certain behaviors will not be tolerated before, during, or after Intramural activities (examples, but not limited to):

• Actions meant to cause harm to any person
• Verbally abusive or threatening language towards players, spectators, or Intramural Sports Staff
• Lack of self-control by individuals or the team
• Offensive, discriminatory, racial, or vulgar language
• Failure to comply with Campus Recreation personnel and policies

This is a zero-tolerance policy and is under the discretion of the Officials, Supervisors, and/or Coordinator of Sport Programs and Cain Sports Complex to remove players at any point and time before, during or after a game.

Unsporting penalties are tracked and rolling throughout a participant’s intramural sports career. If a participant receives three unsportsmanlike penalties during a sport season or a semester, they are suspended from that sport until they meet with the Coordinator of Sport Programs and Cain Sports Complex.

Ejections

When students behave in an unacceptable manner, they are ejected from the program site. When ejected, a student must gather their belongings and leave the facility within reasonable time.

• If a player participates in both multiple leagues, participation will be prohibited in all leagues until a judicial meeting has been held and the player has been reinstated.
• If a player is removed from a game and has an additional game the same night, they will not be allowed to participate in the later game.

All ejected participants will also be suspended from the MRC as well as the Intramural Sports program. The MRC suspension may be lifted once a judicial meeting is scheduled with the Coordinator of Sport Programs. It is the participant's responsibility to schedule the appointment to review and evaluate the ejection and future eligibility status. Ejections do affect a team's rating.

Length of suspension will depend on the severity and repeated action that resulted in the ejection. Participants may also be reported to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Sporting Behavior Rating Guidelines

At the conclusion of each contest, the Intramural Sports staff will assign each team a sportsmanship rating using a 0-4 scale. The rating for each game will be recorded and tracked throughout the entirety of the season and affects both playoff eligibility.

In order to remain eligible for playoffs, the team must have an average of a 2.75 or above rating at the end of the regular season. If a team drops below a 2.75 at any time during the regular season or playoffs, they will be removed from the league.

The words and actions of all team members, coaches and spectators, both before and after the contest, affect the rating.

See Appendix B for a detailed breakdown of the guidelines.

League and Division Format

Divisions of Competition

Not all divisions of competition will be offered for each sport. Depending on the timeframe and type, leagues and tournaments will vary in the divisions offered.

• Men's – composed of men only
• Women's – composed of women only
• Co-Rec – composed of both men & women
• Greek – composed of active members of Greek organizations
• Open – no gender specification, all teams compete together

Competition Levels

Much like divisions, not all competition levels will be offered for each sport. For our larger leagues and tournaments, competition levels may be divided.

• Gold – competitive division – designed for those seeking intense competition
• Blue – recreational division – designed for those seeking beginner to moderate competition
• Open – if no league is distinguished, then there is only one competition level offered
  • If there are too few entries in a particular division, it may be necessary to combine divisions.
  • The minimum number of teams to “make” a division will be set at four teams.

League and Tournament Structures

Leagues

• Formed based on division (Men's, Women's, Co-Rec, Unified) and league (Gold, Blue, Greek, Open)
• Teams will have 4 regular season games followed by a single-elimination playoff tournament
• All teams advance to playoffs if they meet the minimum sportsmanship requirement
• Teams are allowed 2 reschedules per league for the regular season

Tournaments

• Offered in pool play, single, or double elimination format
• Typically played over the course of a day or multiple days that fall within the same week
• Reschedules are not always an option for tournaments, due to the nature of bracket play
• Registration takes place on-site or must sign up in advance.

Scrimmage Games and Pre-Season Games

• Used for training of Intramural staff
• Participating in a scrimmage game does not count towards a player's eligibility on a certain team
• If a player is ejected or receive an Unsporting behavior penalty from a scrimmage game, disciplinary action may result that effects the entire sport season

Rosters

All players must add themselves to the roster on imleagues to be eligible to play in a game. Roster sizes are determined by doubling the amount of players needed for the team for that specific sport and then adding two (N=2P+2). IE, Basketball maximum is 12 players.

Playing on Multiple Teams

A participant is allowed to play on one Co-Rec team as well as one Men's or Women's team. For example, a participant could play on a Co-Rec team and a Men's Greek team, but could not play on a Men's Greek team and a Men's Open team.

Adding/Deleting Players

If a player is listed on the roster, but has not played in any games, they are still able to be removed and be added to another team. Players that are found to be playing on multiple teams will be removed from the league.

A player is locked to the roster after checking in to a competition. There is one exception to the roster lock: should a player wish to remove themselves from a team, that player must not have checked in for more than one game within that season. Players may only be removed and placed on another team once per league (a player could not jump from team to team each week).

Playoff Rosters

Rosters are locked for playoffs. These deadlines are already set in IMLeagues and can be referenced there for specific time and dates. Players must play in one regular season game to be eligible for playoffs. Players not listed on a roster prior to the deadline, will not be allowed to play.

Policies and Procedures

Captain's Responsibilities

• Be knowledgeable of all sport rules and policies in order to communicate them to their team
• Take the captain's quiz on IMLeagues in order to create and register their team
• Select team time preferences on IMLeagues
• Pass on pertinent information to all team members such as game dates and times, playoff schedules, and any reschedules
• Ensure the eligibility of all players on the team
• Communicate with the officials and supervisors for the team
• Keep all players, coaches, spectators under control before, during, and after play

Team Registration

The Intramural Sports program utilizes IMLeagues for all sport registrations, schedules, results, standings, and all other information. IMLeagues has an application option for both Apple and Android devices.

• All leagues, tournaments, and other events require registration, unless otherwise noted.
• Participants must log in using the university SSO log in.
• Teams must be registered by the registration date in order to be scheduled.
• Captains must pass the online captain's quiz prior to creating the team on IMLeagues.

Team Names

Use proper judgment when selecting team names. The Intramural Sports program reserves the right to request a team to change their name that is deemed inappropriate or offensive to participants (including but not limited to names that are: profane, racist, or sexually explicit).

Teams may also not use a team name that may affect programming or scheduling, such as: “no game this week”, “forfeit”, “bye”, “no game” etc.

Schedules

Schedules are available to view on IMLeagues. An email notification via IMLeagues will be sent to captains to inform them of the posted schedule for each league and tournament. Brackets for playoffs will be posted as quickly as possible following the end of the regular season, an email will also be sent out to captains when the bracket is posted. Time Preferences All league sports and tournaments with pool play will have time preferences listed. Captains must fill out these time preferences to best match their team's availability to ensure the team attends all scheduled games. A set number of time preferences must be selected for each sport. Preferences must be completed prior to the registration deadline. Not all time preferences may be met.

Music

Participants and non-participants may bring and play their own music. However, the following guidelines will be used by Campus Recreation staff to monitor music:

• Music should not be played at the specific game court/field during play. It should only be played during dead ball periods such as time-outs, half-time, or between games
• Music should not include vulgar, discriminatory, or inappropriate language
• Music should be kept at a reasonable volume and should not interfere with any Intramural Sports operation or disadvantage any team.

If all of the above policies and not met, the Intramural Sports staff will require the music to be turned off.

Reschedules

Reschedules are provided for any team that cannot participate in a scheduled game, up to two times in the regular season per league. Teams must notify the Coordinator of the reschedule by 3 p.m. on the day of the scheduled game.

• The team captain must request the available reschedule times from the Coordinator.
• The captain will then coordinate with the opposing team captain to set the day and time for the rescheduled game.
• The opposing team captain MUST agree to the reschedule before the game will be changed. Proof of the agreement is required to be submitted to the Coordinator.
• Once both team captains have confirmed the change, the game will be cancelled and rescheduled. The game will be rescheduled one time.
• If one or both teams cannot play the rescheduled game, it will be declared “no game” and will not count as a win, loss, or forfeit. Teams are responsible for notifying the Coordinator that they cannot play at the rescheduled time in order to be recorded as “no game”.

Forfeits and Defaults

Forfeits

Teams can also forfeit by:

• Eligibility – teams utilizing an ineligible player
• Sporting behavior and conduct – game ends due to conduct related issues (2 ejections, etc.)
• Not having enough players to start the game

Players are suggested to arrive 10 minutes prior to game start time in order to insure the minimum number is present. However, there is 10-minute grace period for teams to reach the minimum number to avoid a forfeit. You must have one player signed in at the game start time to receive the 10-minute grace period. Each sport has different stipulations as it pertains to grace period points, please see specific sport rules for the point breakdown.

Teams that forfeit due to a complete no-show, will receive a 2.0 rating. Teams that forfeit due to not meeting the minimum number of players will receive a 3.0. The opposing team will receive a 4.0, unless otherwise noted by the officials and supervisors.

Defaults

If a team cannot make a scheduled game and the captain notifies the Coordinator of Sport Programs and Cain Sports Complex by 3:00pm the day of the game (deadline is Friday at 3 pm for games taking place on Saturday or Sunday), the game will be recorded as a default loss. Teams receiving the default loss will receive a sportsmanship rating of 3.0. Opposing teams will receive a 4.0. To receive a default, the captain must complete the Intramural Sports Default Form. The opposing team will be contacted by the Sport Programs Coordinator informing them of the updated contest status

Dropped From Competition

If a team has two forfeits, two defaults or one default and one forfeit in a regular season, they will be automatically dropped from further competition. Sporting behavior can also impact a team being dropped from further competition.

Sport Rules and Rule Changes

Rules are based the NIRSA Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, National Federation of High School (NFHS), and National Associations when applicable. Some rules require modifications due to the nature of play, facility confines, and/or time allotted. These modifications are listed as such in the sport specific rules. The Intramural Sports program reserves the right to make immediate rule changes or modifications. Participants will be notified prior to these changes taking effect via IMLeagues. All sport specific rules can be found on IMLeagues and are made available prior to the start of the competition.

Inclement Weather

Games and events can be postponed or cancelled due to poor weather (see extreme temperatures below), field conditions, or power outages. Decisions based on weather conditions will be made by 3pm on the day of the event. In certain situations, issues may arise after this deadline. The Intramural Supervisor has the authority to cancel games on-site as necessary.

In the event of a cancellation, the Intramural supervisor will make note of the time left on the clock and the score.

If a game has reached halftime, the score will be reported as final. If a game has not yet reached halftime, the game will be restarted from the point of interruption (at a later date) if possible.

If time and space allow, cancelled/postponed games will be rescheduled. The Coordinator will contact teams about weather related reschedules.

Outdoor sports may be played in all types of weather and are only cancelled when there is a danger to participants or the possibility of damaging the fields

Extreme Temperatures

Games may be cancelled due to extreme temperatures. Below is a guide for both high and low temperatures that must be followed. For the safety of all participants, practices or competitions cannot be held when temperatures fall below or above the thresholds set below. Campus Recreation utilizes Perry Weather for real-time weather updates as well as to predict weather for upcoming practices or competitions.

• Heat: Based on heat index (air temperature and humidity) – “feels like” temperature.
  • Playable – Heat Index: 82°-87°
    • Water available, encouraged water breaks every 30 minutes
  • Cautionary – Heat Index: 88°-99°
    • Water available, mandatory water breaks every 20 minutes
  • Unplayable – Heat Index: 100° and above
    • No outdoor activity

**Please note that sports that require extra equipment that is worn on the body, are advised to practice with minimal body equipment and/or decrease the intensity of the activity when the heat index is in the playable and cautionary range.

• Cold: based on wind chill (air temperature and wind speed) – “feels like” temperature. When conditions are wet (precipitation is falling), there is an increased risk for cold-related injuries, so precipitation is present, there is a chance that events may be cancelled regardless of the wind chill temperature reading.
  • Playable – Wind Chill: 45° and above
    • Warm clothing is encouraged
  • Cautionary – Wind Chill: 36°-44°
    • Warm clothing is encouraged, breaks for rewarming of extremities every 30 minutes
  • Unplayable – Wind Chill: 35° and below
    • No outdoor activity

Protests

On occasion, an official or supervisor may incorrectly interpret and/or enforce a policy or rule. The purpose of a protest is to insure a correct application of the policy or rule. When making a protest, please make sure to follow these steps:

Protesting Game Records:

• Notify the Coordinator of Sport Programs and Cain Sports Complex immediately if a game record is incorrect.
• Game records are final once the regular season ends and playoff brackets are distributed.

Protesting Rule Interpretations:

• Participants cannot protest judgment calls – only rule interpretations.
• Judgment calls include: block/charge in basketball, flag pull in flag football, in/out call, etc.
• Captains must protest on the field of play at the time of the incident before the next live ball situation. The captain should notify the head official and then the supervisor.
• Upon communicating with the captain, the supervisor/official will stop the game and notify both teams of the protest. The supervisor will make a decision about the protest.
• If the captain does not agree with the decision, an official protest form will be completed.
• The game will then continue with the supervisor/officials ruling.
• All protests that do not follow the above procedure will be null and void.
• If a protest is upheld, then the game will be continued from the point at which the protest occurred. A date and time for this continuation will be scheduled following the decision.
• Video, audio, other electronic media, and social media may not be used to make decisions or judgments in intramural sports.

Protesting Player Eligibility

• Teams must protest a specific individual, and may not protest an entire team.
• All protests must be made in writing.
• Regular Season
  • If a protest is filed before or during a regular game, the player and captain will be notified by the Intramural supervisor and a decision will be made (by the player and captain) as to whether or not the player will participate. If the player plays and is indeed ineligible, the game will be a forfeit. If the player does not play, the protest is void.
  • If a protest is filed after the game (deadline of noon the next business day), the player in question will be reviewed and a determination will be made as soon as possible.
  • If the protesting team wins the game, the protest is negated.
  • If a player is found to be ineligible, his or her team will forfeit the game in question in which the eligible player participated. If a player is deemed ineligible after the protest deadline, that player will be unable to participate in future games. The games in which they played will not be a forfeit.

Playoffs

• All of the above (Regular Season) apply with the following additions:
  • If the protest is valid and submitted prior to the deadline of the game starting, the opposing team will advance in the bracket.
  • If the protest is valid, but not submitted prior to the deadline of the game starting, the team with the ineligible player will advance, but the ineligible player will not be allowed to play in future games.

Equipment and Attire

Equipment

The Intramural Sports program will provide game equipment for all activities that take place. Some equipment will be required to be checked-out in order to be utilized. Equipment such as softball gloves, warm-up balls, etc. will require check-out.

Attire

• Jewelry: Check each individual sport rules. The Intramural program and staff will not provide tape or bandages to cover jewelry and has the authority to determine if a piece of jewelry is unsafe during play.
• Casts/Splints: No players will be allowed to wear casts or splints during play. Braces with exposed metal, hard plastic, or metal hinges are also not allowed unless covered by a minimum of ½ inch thick padding.
• Headgear: Check each individual sport rules.
• Prosthetic Devices: Prosthetics are allowed, please seek accommodations as necessary.
• Medical Alert Bracelets: Bracelets must be taped to the body and may be visible.
• Participants need to be able to move freely.
• Shirts are required at all times, except during Sand Volleyball.
• Even if pinnies are worn, shirts are required.
• Footwear:
  • Indoor Gymnasium & Outdoor Tennis Courts – athletic, close-toed shoes with non-marking soles
  • Outdoors – athletic, close-toed shoes without metal cleats or metal cleat tips
    • Exception: sand volleyball, participants are allowed to play bare-footed
• Uniforms:
  • Teams are encouraged to wear matching colors with numbers on the back for most sports.
  • The Intramural program will provide colored pinnies for those teams that do not match or have numbers.
  • Teams can't wear orange colored shirts as our Officials wear orange shirts.

Facility Rules

All participants must adhere to all Campus Recreation facility rules while participating in Intramural Sports. Listed below are a few specific rules as it pertains to the Intramural Sports program. All other facility rules can be found on the website.

Pets

Pets are allowed at Cain Sports Complex but not on the sports fields, tennis courts, or sand volleyball courts. Pets must be on a leash and always remain on a leash. If a participant owns the pet, then it is the responsibility of the participant to find someone to watch the pet while they are participating. It is not acceptable to tie the pet to the fence or pole while participating. Pet owners are also responsible for cleaning up after their pets and disposing of the waste properly.

Only service animals or emotional support animals (recognized by the university) are allowed at the MAC, Pool, Morris Recreation Center, or Athletic facilities.

Alcohol, Tobacco, Drug Usage, and E-cigarettes/Vaping

The use of alcohol, tobacco (any form of smoking or vaping – including e-cigs, and chewing tobacco), and drugs are prohibited at all University sanctioned events.

The Intramural Sports staff has the right to make decisions regarding the eligibility status of those found to:

• Have the smell of alcohol on their breath
• Be suspected of drinking alcohol
• Be deemed under the influence due to actions or language

If someone is found to be under the influence of alcohol, the individual/s will be removed from the contest, University Police will be called, and the participant or spectator will be asked to leave the premises.

Risk Management and Safety

Assumption of Risk

Participation in Intramural Sports is completely voluntary and individuals recognize the inherent dangers in the activities. Individuals participate at their own risk and are responsible for their own health and safety. ETAMU and Campus Recreation are not responsible for injuries sustained during participation in any intramural activity.

In the event that a participant chooses to receive care at a hospital, clinic, or other medical center either by emergency transportation or private vehicle, any billed services are the participant's responsibility to cover.

Injuries

Participation in Intramural activities may cause injury and exposure to blood borne pathogens. The Intramural Sports program will make sure to minimize exposure, as much as possible, to maintain the safety of the participants and employees. Intramural Supervisors and Officials are trained and certified to respond to emergency and blood exposure situations. Should an injury occur, the participant should notify the staff immediately so the staff can respond appropriately and ensure the safety of all participants. If a participant is injured:

• At a minimum Intramural staff will assist the injured participant by:
  • Cleaning and bandaging scrapes or cuts
  • Providing ice packs
• If further assistance is needed, either by request of the injured participant or deemed necessary by the Intramural staff, EMS will be contacted to provide further care. The participant has the right to refuse care by any party.
• If a player sustains an injury that causes bloodshed, that player (and any other player with blood on their uniform or on their body) will be required to leave the game until the bleeding is stopped and the wound is bandaged. If blood is found on a uniform, players may not re-enter the game until a new uniform has been obtained.
• Participants that re-enter a game after sustaining an injury, do so at their own risk.
• An injury report will be completed by the supervisor on-site.

Concussions

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain functions. A blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head or neck can cause a concussion. Effects are usually temporary.

Anyone participating in a Campus Recreation event that is suspected of a concussion or other severe head injury will be removed from participation for the day. Removal from play can be done by the injured athlete, Intramural supervisor, Intramural official, or any other ETAMU Campus Recreation personnel that suspects someone may have a head injury.

If a staff member suspects an athlete has a concussion, the athlete will be:

1. Removed from play
2. Encouraged to see a health care professional
3. Kept out of play the day of the injury. An athlete can only return to play with permission from a health care professional, who is experienced in evaluating for concussions, or by waiting the period of 7 full days. There are free services available to on-campus at the Student Health Center (903.886.5853).

Concussion Signs and Symptoms

Athletes complaining of the following may be suffering from a concussion:

• Headache
• Pressure in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Felling sluggish, hazy, or foggy
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion
• Not feeling right

Witnesses to a potential concussion may notice that the individual appears:

Dazed or stunned

• Confused about assignment or position
• Forgets instructions
• Is unsure of the game or activity
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness
• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
• Can't recall events prior to the hit or fall

Intramural staff are trained through CATT (Concussion Awareness Training Tool). For more information or to go through a training yourself, visit Concussion Awareness Training Tool.

Awards and Tournament Travel

Championship Gear

Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each division in each league and weeklong tournament. Coaches and spectators are not eligible for prizes. Only participants that are listed on the roster and has played in a game will receive a prize.

If a participant is not present for the championship game and HAS played in a game during the season or tournament, that player is eligible for an item. They must come to the Campus Recreation office in order to obtain their prize.

Tournament Travel

Teams will be allowed to travel to tournaments that are hosted by NIRSA. For the champions of the highest competition division, team registration fees will be paid by Campus Recreation. The team will be required to fund their own travel and other accommodations, only registration fees are covered. If the winning team cannot attend the tournament, the second place team will have the chance to play in their place. Currently, there are tournaments for Flag Football and Basketball. Flag Football offers men's, women's, and co-rec divisions, while Basketball only offers men's and women's divisions.

Team Requirements

• All players must be in good standing with the Intramural program as well as with the University – player conduct will be checked prior to registration with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
• Players must attend the pre-travel meeting and complete all required documents.
• If teams are short players, they may pick up additional players from those that played in the league for the current season. A player may not be picked up if they did not play during the current season.
• Teams must pay for their own travel outside of the registration fee.

Required Documents

All documents will have a due date assigned based on the registration deadline for each tournament. This due date and further information about the required documents will be given to the captain upon winning the league. Some documents are time sensitive and need further approval from the Registrar and Office of Student Conduct. Teams will be required to have these documents turned in by the deadline in order to travel. Required documents:

• Travel Authorization
• Tournament Registration Form
• Player Certification Form
• NIRSA Waiver
• ETAMU Waiver
• Campus Recreation Code of Conduct

Additional (Non-Champion) Teams

If additional teams wish to travel, the same criteria applies above (without monetary support) in order for a team to be eligible to compete. The Coordinator must sign off on all documents and the Registrar and Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities must also confirm eligibility to compete. NIRSA will not allow teams to compete without University approval.

Appendix A – Greek Cup

The Greek Cup is an academic year-long competition between University-recognized Greek organizations where Greek organizations receive points through Intramural sport contests and the Fraternity and Sorority with the most points at the end of the year will receive the Greek Cup trophy and bragging rights for the following academic year.

All members playing as part of the respective Greek organization must be an active member with that organization.

Teams have the ability to earn points both single-gender, open, and co-rec divisions. Points will be divided in half for co-rec participation. Greek organizations participating in co-rec divisions for points must have the name of the organization being represented in their team name and must have all Greek members for the respective gender. For example – if a fraternity is playing in a co-rec volleyball league, all of their male participants MUST be a part of the Greek organization that they are representing (the women are not restricted to being a part of a Greek organization unless they are in a Greek organization themselves).

		League	Tournament
		Single Gender | Co-Rec/Open	Single Gender | Co-Rec/Open
Regular Season	Pre-Season Participation	20pts | 10pts
	Participation	20pts | 10pts
	1st Place	30pts | 15pt
	2nd Place	20pts | 10pts
	3rd Place	10pts | 5pts
	Sporting Behavior Rating Above 3.5	20pts | 10pts
Playoffs/Tournament	Participation		10pts | 5pts
	1st Place	60pts | 30pts	30pts | 15pt
	2nd Place	40pts | 20pt	20pts | 10pts
	3rd/4th Place	20pts | 10pts	10pts | 5pts
	Sporting Behavior Rating Above 3.5	20pts | 10pts	10pts | 5pts
Deductions	Forfeit	-20pts | -10pts	-10pts | -5pts
	Sporting Behavior Rating Below 2.75	-20pts | -10pts	-10pts | -5pts
	Unsporting Behavior Penalty	-20pts | -10pts	-10pts | -5pts
	Illegal Participant	-40pts | -20pts	-20pts | -10pts
	Ejected Participant	-80pts | -40pts	-40pts | -20pts

*For individual/dual participation events, organizations will be given points based on the number of individuals or dual team members participating (2pts/participant) instead of team points. When available, place points will also be given for individual/dual sports.

POINTS WILL NOT BE ADDED UNTIL THE CONCLUSION OF THE SPORT. Standings will be updated no later than one week after the championship game. You can view updates via this Google Sheet.

Appendix B – Sporting

Behavior Criteria The Intramural Sports program believes good sporting behavior is an integral component of intercollegiate competition.  We wholeheartedly embrace the position that, for positive sporting behavior to prevail, team representatives, participants, and spectators must display respect, fairness, civility, honesty, and responsibility before, during, and after all athletic contests.

At the conclusion of each contest, the Intramural Sports staff will assign each team a sporting behavior rating using a 0-4 scale. The rating for each game will be recorded and tracked throughout the entirety of the season and affects playoff eligibility. This rating is non-negotiable.

The team captain is responsible for educating everyone affiliated with their team as well as their spectators about good sporting behavior and to check imleagues on their sporting behavior rating status. An unsporting penalty assessed on to a team is assessed to the team captain.

To encourage acceptable conduct before, during, and after contests, officials and/or supervisors shall make decisions whether to warn, penalize, or eject persons and/or teams for poor sporting behavior. As unsporting penalties help determine an initial rating, however intramural sports supervisors and officials reserve the right to lower a team's rating based on their conduct before, during, or after the game.

In order to make playoffs, a team must have an average of a 2.75 or above rating at the end of the regular season. If a team drops below a 2.75 at any time during playoffs, they are removed from play and may be subject to further disciplinary actions. Sports Program staff reserves the right to review or change any rating given to a team.

4.0 – Superior

• Team displays absolute respect for the game, opponents, officials, and staff
• Team cooperates with and respects all decisions made by Intramural Sports staff
• All actions by players and spectators are acceptable and appropriate
• Questions directed toward the officials are respectful and genuine
• Captains shows control over teammate and spectators
• Team receives no warnings, ejections, yellow cards, unsporting conduct penalties, or technical fouls

3.0 – Average

• Team members verbally complain about decisions made by the officials and/or show minor dissension which may not merit a sporting behavior penalty. Teams and spectators are respectful of opponents with minor incident
• Or a team receives: one unsporting conduct penalty on one individual
• Team forfeits by not meeting the minimum number of players needed to play (1 or more players are present)
• Game was defaulted (forfeiting team cancelled prior to 3pm on the day of the scheduled game)

2.0 – Below Average

• Team members show verbal dissent (yelling, questioning calls, etc.) towards officials and are disrespectful towards opponents and officials on a number of occasions. Team captain shows minimal control over their actions and the actions of teammates and spectators.
• Or a team receives: two unsporting conduct penalties on two individuals or one ejection/two unsporting penalties on one individual
• Team forfeits the game by no call/no show (no participants present)

1.0 – Poor

• Team members and/or spectators persistently question and complain to officials and constantly comment to opposing players. The team captain exhibits little or no control over themselves, their teammates, or their spectators. Players/spectators are verbally/physically abusive and cannot calm themselves down.
• Or a team receives: one ejection/two unsporting penalties on one individual and one additional unsporting conduct penalty on another individual
• Any team that receives a one rating are notified by the intramural supervisor and given a notification. The entire team is suspended and ineligible from further competition in that sport until the captain meets with the Sports Program Staff. It is the captain's responsibility to schedule this meeting.

0.0 – Unacceptable

• Team members and/or spectators are completely uncooperative and are out of control. Multiple ejections or blatant unsporting conduct has occurred. Players/spectators are extremely verbally/physically abusive and cannot calm themselves down. Captain has no control of themselves, their teammates, or their spectators
• Or a team receives: two ejections or three unsporting conduct penalties on three different individuals
• Game automatically declared a forfeit at that moment due to unacceptable conduct.
• Any team that receives a zero rating are notified by the intramural supervisor and given a notification. The entire team is suspended and ineligible from further competition in that sport until the captain meets with the Sports Program Staff. It is the captain's responsibility to schedule this meeting. Depending on severity, one team “0” rating could result in a team dropped from further competition.