Below is a list of questions commonly asked by students, as well as parents/guardians, who are interested in learning more about Sport Clubs. If you have additional questions that are not addressed here, please contact Sport Clubs at sportclubs@rec.tamu.edu or (979) 862-1996. Please review the Sport Clubs Guidebook to learn more about Sport Clubs polices and procedures.
What is a Sport Club?
A Sport Club is an affiliated student organization at Texas A&M University. Participation in a sport clubs is voluntary. Sport clubs are sponsored by the University through the Department of Recreational Sports. These clubs provide a medium for students to enhance the lessons and theories learned in the classroom through real life experiences and responsibilities. Students are directly responsible for all aspects of operating and managing their organization. Clubs practice 2-4 days a week and compete regionally and nationally.
What is the difference between Sport Clubs and Intramural Sports?
Sport Clubs and Intramural Sports are both housed under the direction of the Department of Recreational Sports. However, the main difference between the two programs is that Sport Clubs is a group of Texas A&M Students that complete against other college and university sport clubs whereas Intramural Sports is Texas A&M students forming teams to compete in a structured league against other Texas A&M students. All sport clubs compete within a governing body.
Can Sport Club members participate in Intramurals?
Yes, but there are limitations for those participating in intramural sports with a correlating sport club. In the intramural sports below, no team shall have more than two “restricted” players on its roster. (Exception: Sand Volleyball teams cannot have more than one) Teams with competitive club members must play in competitive. Restrictions are for fall and spring semesters. Questions regarding competitive sport club members and Intramural guidelines should be directed to the Intramural Help Desk at 979.862.1884 or im@rec.tamu.edu.
| Sport Club | Associated Intramural Sport |
| Baseball | Softball |
| Soccer | Indoor and Outdoor Soccer |
| Water Polo | Innertube Water Polo |
| Ultimate Frisbee | Ultimate Frisbee |
| Volleyball | Volleyball and Sand Volleyball |
| Racquetball | Racquetball |
What is the difference between sport clubs varsity and sports?
Sport Clubs are student-run organizations. Club teams compete against other college or university club teams around the country. Sometimes they even complete against NCAA varsity teams. Varsity sports are housed by Texas A&M University Athletics and compete in within the NCAA.
What are the current clubs offered?
The Department of Recreational Sports currently offers 35 different Sport Clubs ranging from Archery to Wrestling. A list of currently offered sport clubs can be found here.
How do I join a Sport Club?
The best way to join a Sport Club is to contact a club representative directly. Club contact information can be found at…
How much does it cost to join a sport club?
Most clubs have dues that are required. In addition, each club receives limited funding from the Department of Recreational Sports, but this funding does not subsidized all club expenses. Sport Club dues help defrays the cost incurred by the club. Dues help to subsidize travel, equipment, league dues, etc… Dues can range up to $2,500 per club. Please contact the club directly concerning the dues that are required for that club.
Who is eligible to participate in sport clubs?
Each participant must be enrolled as a student at Texas A&M University. Each Sport Club will determine its own membership guidelines, but they must be free of any restriction based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, disability, age, or sexual orientation. Participants may be subject to further governing body or league guidelines for participation. In order to compete in competitions and represent Texas A&M University as part of a sport club, enrolled students must be taking a minimum of 6 credit hours, 4 credit hours (Blinn Team) or 3 credit hours for graduate students.
Minors who are not students enrolled at Texas A&M University are ineligible for membership and may not participate in regular activities or Texas A&M University recognized student organization. Minors who are Texas A&M students, and have their guardian’s consent and signature on the Assumption of Risk Form may participate.
Can Blinn Team students participant in sport clubs?
Blinn Team students are eligible for participation in sport clubs because they pay fees that give them access to certain services of the University, including Recreational Sports. They are considered students at Texas A&M University. Further governing body and league restrictions may apply for club competitions. Blinn Team students may not hold the office of President or Treasurer within a club. Students only enrolled at Blinn College are ineligible to participate. Blinn Team students must maintain an overall Texas A&M GPR of 2.0 to participate fully and take a minimum of 4 credit hours.
Where is the Sport Clubs Office?
The Sport Clubs office is located in room 250 on the second floor in the Student Recreation Center.
Do I have to try-out to be a member of a Sport Club?
Some clubs do hold try-outs for membership. The sport clubs that currently hold try-outs are Men’s and Women’s Volleyball, Men’s & Women’s Soccer, Men’s Lacrosse, Men’s Rugby, Ice Hockey, Baseball, Inline Hockey, & Pistol. Other Clubs will hold try-outs and separate into an A & B team. These clubs are Women’s Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee and Paintball. Furthermore some clubs may have further cuts to limit the number of people for travel. For information on try-out dates and times please either visit each club’s individual web-site or the sport clubs calendar of events.
What is the benefit of joining a Sport Club?
Sport Clubs offers the opportunities for skill development, recreation, and intercollegiate competition to participants of all skill levels and interests. In addition, it presents a unique opportunity for students to develop both athletic and leadership abilities. These groups provide a medium for students to enhance the lessons and theories learned in the classroom through real life experiences and responsibilities. Not to mention, it’s fun and keeps you active.
I have tried to contact a club; why have I not received a response?
If you have not heard back from a club, please contact the Sport Club Office at sportclubs@rec.tamu.edu or at (979) 862-1996.
Can I be a member of more than one Sport Club?
Of course, however, each club requires a different time commitment. All you have to do is complete an Assumption of Risk form for each club you would like to participate in. These forms can be found in the Sport Club room or at each club practice.
Do Sport Clubs offer scholarships?
Yes, some of the clubs offer competitive scholarships from $500-$2000 per year. Each scholarship criteria is different. To be eligible you must be a member of the Sport Club and complete the application given out by the club. The following clubs currently offer scholarships, Archery, Judo, Polo, Men’s Rugby Men’s Soccer Trap and Skeet, and Wrestling.
Do I need health insurance to participate in a sport club?
Texas A&M University does not insure students who are injured during participation in extracurricular activities, such as sport club competitions, practices, travel and other club activities. The Department of Recreational Sports strongly recommends that all sport club members have adequate medical insurance coverage. Visit University Insurance for more information.
Is there a minimum GPR (grade point ratio) to participate in Sport Clubs?
All Sport Club participants must maintain an overall GPR of 2.0 to remain fully eligible for sport club participation. Club participation can be limited if the participant falls below a GPR of 2.0. The participant can be subject to any or all of the following:
What is the time and commitment required to participate in a sport club?
The level of commitment will vary with each sport club. All the sport clubs within the Department of Recreational Sports have a competitive aspect and compete within a league or conference and are a member of a national governing body.
I have an incoming freshman or transfer student coming to A&M; where can I learn more about Sport Clubs?
A great place to learn more about Sport Clubs is the new student conferences held during the summer months prior to the fall semester. A list can be found here. http://newaggie.tamu.edu/nsc/dates
Students can also learn more during Sport Club Day that is held prior to MSC Open house in the Rec Center. Individual Sport Clubs will have tables available with a representative and information. Check the following website frequently during the summer for a list of sport club meetings and try-outs:
http://recsports.tamu.edu/programs/sport_clubs/events.stm
Some clubs are also represented at the MSC Open house. MSC Open house is usually the first Sunday after the Fall semester has begun.
And always feel free to find one of our clubs on http://recsports.tamu.edu/programs/sport_clubs/. Club contact information is listed there. You can also call the Sport Club office at 979.862.1996.
Who should I contact to find out more about a specific Sport Club?
It is best to contact the club president directly for specific information about the club. Club contact information can be found on the Sport Clubs section on the Rec Sports website.
Do Sport Clubs have coaches?
Some clubs do have volunteer coaches. The coaches are not employees of the Department of Recreational Sports and do not have offices within the Rec Center. Any compensation for coaching is decided upon between the club and the coach. University funds are not used to pay coaches. We encourage the student to make first contact with a club officer prior to contacting a coach. Coaches are not always easily accessible for questions. The Department of Recreational Sports sees the club officers as the primary contact for each club because they are student-run organizations.
How often do sport clubs travel to competition?
Club travel is dependent on each sport. Some travel all year or just during their competitive season. Please contact the club for more specific information.
What modes of transportation do the clubs use to travel?
Clubs can take several modes of transportation. The most common mode of transportation is vehicle rentals through Enterprise. The Sport Clubs office has a great relationship with Enterprise and assists the clubs with securing rental vehicles. Other modes of transportation can include flights, personal vehicles, or charter buses. The Sport Clubs office reviews each mode of transportation with the clubs while they are planning their trips to ensure the club is traveling safely. We do not permit clubs to travel between the hours of 12am - 6am.
Are sport club trainers available at practices or competitions?
The Sport Club program does not offer trainers or training services. However, the Department of Recreational Sports will provide a Rec Medic to each Rec facility or practice on campus or off-campus practices within 25 miles of campus. A Rec Medic is also provided for games and tournaments on campus or within 25 miles of campus. The Rec Medic's primary responsibility is to be a first emergency responder at each event.
