The University has changed the way that students pay to play intramurals sports.
In the past each player would pay two dollars per sport, and the team captain would turn it in as a team fee.
Students will now pay a $25 fee for the entire school year, no matter how many sports they participate in. The money generated from intramurals goes into the general operations budget for the Department of Recreation and Wellness.
Director of Intramural and Sport Clubs Scott Sehmann said that the reason for change is twofold.
‘The primary reason was to take the burden off one individual as far as the captain collecting fees,’ he said. ‘A secondary reason is to get a buy-in or get people to make commitment.’
He said he believes that the new system will make players more likely to show and receive the benefits of playing and exercise.
Katie Davis is a staff member at the Student Recreation Center who teaches fitness classes. She said she supports the change.
‘I think it is good,’ she said. ‘It should increase the number of students who participate.’
The intramural program offers 29 different options. A student would need to play 13 sports in a year under the previous system in order to spend $25, and some students might feel like they aren’t getting their money’s worth. Senior Andy Shoup said he does not like the change.
‘It is unfair for some who only play one sport,’ he said.
Senior Ashley Rose agreed.
‘I don’t like it. I only play soccer in the spring,’ she said. ‘It’s not fair for those who only play one sport.’
Sehmann said he believes that there will be an increase in participation among students who already playing, but is not sure how those who are new to intramurals will respond to the change.
Students can register at the front desk at either the Perry Field House or the Student Recreation Center. They can pay using cash, credit, check, or BG1 card.