Intramural Rules and Policies

OVERVIEW

Having the opportunity to participate in both formal and informal recreational outlets is a vital part of everyday life. The Intramural Sports Program at Assumption College seeks to provide formal recreation opportunities to students, faculty and staff by:

• Offering an opportunity for interesting and rewarding competition while including men's, women's and co-ed sports.
• Presenting a varied and diverse program of sports and recreational activities so that the entire campus community has the opportunity to participate regardless of athletic ability or preference.

CODE OF CONDUCT

All participants and spectators are expected to behave in an appropriate manner by showing good sportsmanship and respect for officials, staff, and opponents. Any abuse, physical or verbal, of an official or opponent will not be tolerated. Any player ejected from a contest must meet with the Assistant Director of Recreation (Intramurals) before reinstatement will be considered. All participants must remember, at all times, that the intent of the intramural program is fun, exercise, and social interaction with fellow students.

ELIGIBILITY

Each participant is responsible for his/her own eligibility and each team captain is responsible for the eligibility of his or her own players. The status of any player should be clarified before the roster is submitted.

All Assumption College full-time undergraduate students, faculty, staff, and administrators are eligible to participate in the intramural program. Full time graduate students who possess a valid Plourde membership are permitted to participate. The following are strictly prohibited from participation in intramural programs:

• Alumni
• Family of Faculty, Staff, or Administration
• Former Assumption students
• Continuing Education Students
• Part-time staff
• Varsity athletes in corresponding sports

Eligible individuals must abide by Campus Recreation Rules and Policies to remain eligible for participation; including, but not limited to:

• Providing a valid Assumption ID card at check-in.
• Participating on only one team per sport.
• Signing the intramural participation waiver on the back of the roster form.
• Following sportsmanship guidelines.

Any team using an ineligible player will forfeit all games in which the player has appeared. Ineligible players may not play even by mutual agreement of both teams. A player competing under assumed name will be suspended from the intramural program.

Restricted Players:

Teams are responsible for declaring any players who have may have the status of a 'RESTRICTED PLAYER'. Teams are limited to the number of restricted players that are eligible to participate, which varies by sports. Recreational teams may not have restricted players on their roster.

Breakdown of Restricted Player regulations by sport for the field of play and roster.

Varsity Athletes:

Varsity and red shirt athletes must wait one (1) semester (fall or spring) from the end of the season, before participating in intramurals corresponding to their varsity sport. Former varsity athletes will be listed as 'RESTRICTED PLAYERS' in their first two (2) semesters of eligible intramural participation. Exception: varsity athletes who exhaust their NCAA eligibility must sit out two (2) semesters before becoming a Restricted Player. Varsity lists shall be obtained from the Athletic Department.

Athletes who try-out for a varsity sport may participate in intramurals so long as they did not participate in any regular season games or practices.

• Flag Football: No current varsity football players are eligible.
• Basketball: No current varsity basketball players are eligible.
• Court/Beach Volleyball: No current varsity volleyball players are eligible.
• Floor/Ice Hockey: No varsity ice hockey players or field hockey players are allowed to play.
• Indoor/Outdoor Soccer: No current varsity soccer players are eligible.
• Softball / Wiffleball: No current varsity baseball or softball players are eligible.
• Golf: No current varsity golfers are eligible. (Exception: senior golfers may participate in senior week golf tournament, but are not eligible for awards)

Club Sport Participants:

Current club sport athletes will be labeled 'RESTRICTED PLAYERS' and will follow the rules and regulations provided below. Any clubs sport member who participates in any club sports function during a given semester will maintain ‘Restricted’ status for the entirety of the semester, even if club involvement is discontinued.

ENTERING A TEAM / ROSTERS

Steps for Entering a Team

• Official roster forms are available in the in the Plourde Recreation Center or on the Campus Recreation website.
• Recruit friends, classmates, faculty, administration and staff who are eligible under the rules to participate and completely fill out the form with the required information.
• Be certain to include the days and times your team cannot play on the roster form to ensure that your team can play at all scheduled times.
• Return the completed form to the Campus Recreation Office before the registration deadline with the registration fee. Forms returned without the registration fee or after the posted deadline will not be accepted.
• The team captain, or another representative of the team in the absence of the captain, must attend the Captain's Meeting in the Meeting Room in the Plourde Center when the league structure, rules, and playoff format will be discussed. Teams that are not represented at the meeting will not be eligible for the league.
• If a person is unable to find a team they may register as a free agent with the Campus Recreation Office. The Intramural Director will assist free agents in finding a team. If enough players register as free agents they will be combined onto one team.

Rosters

Players may be added to a team’s official roster prior to the playoff portion of each league so long as they are not listed on another team’s roster. Players may only play for one team per sport. In the event that a player wishes to switch teams after the season has started the player must complete the Request for Player Transfer form which must be signed by both captains and provide ample justification for the switch. Player transfers are rarely accepted and must be approved by the Assistant Director of Recreation (Intramurals) prior to participation with new team. No players will be allowed to switch teams after their team has played half of its games.

Organization of Competition

• Men’s / Women’s Division - Composed of either male or female undergraduate, graduate students and faculty/staff/administration members.

• Open Division - Composed of male or female undergraduate, graduate students and faculty/staff/administration members, open divisions do not have specific gender requirements.

• Coed Division - Composed of any combination of University faculty/staff/administration and students.  Teams in this division shall consist of men and women as designated by the rules of each sport.

• Competitive - Higher level of competition.  Typically players that have played in high school or have a high level of skill.

• Recreational - Intermediate level of competition.  Typically players that have fun as their number one priority.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF CAPTAINS

Each team or individual entering an intramural activity must have a captain.  The captain's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Attending or sending a representative to all captain's meetings.
• Submitting complete and correct team/player information on the team roster.
• Know the eligibility rules and abide by them.
• Read and understand the game rules.  Convey game rules to their teammates at the team meeting. (Always conduct a pre-season meeting.)
• Notifying team members of playing schedules/schedule changes.
• After each game, check and verify the results on the game sheet by signing the score sheet.
• Only the captain may address an official on matters of interpretation and/or for information during a contest.   All questions should be raised in calm and respectful manner.
• Representing the team in the case of protests.
• Promoting fair play and a positive atmosphere at contests.
• Responsible for their players conduct before, during, and after each Intramural contest.  Similarly, they are responsible for the conduct of their team's fans as well.

SCHEDULING / PLAYOFFS

A single elimination tournament will be held at the conclusion of the regular season. The number of teams eligible to make the playoffs per division will be determined by the number of entries received and will be discussed during the captain's meeting.

If two or more teams in the league finish with identical win/loss records, the following tie breaker procedures will be used to determine final standings and potential playoff slots, unless otherwise noted for a particular sport.

Sportsmanship ratings will serve as the tie breaker after win/loss records. If there is still a tie after sportsmanship ratings the following procedures will be used.

• Two-way tie: the results of the contest between the two teams during regular league play will be used to break the tie.
• Three or more teams or teams did not play each other: Total points scored during the regular season followed by points allowed.
• Coin flips will determine any ties that remain unbroken.

FORFEITS /FORFEIT FEES

A forfeit is defined by the inability to play a game; including, but not limited to: not having enough players to start/complete a game, a forfeit applied to a game for using ineligible players, or inappropriate team behavior.

Teams have until 5 minutes after the scheduled start time to field a team consisting of the minimum number of legal players to begin play. Picking up players from other teams to start a game is not allowed even if the opposing team agrees. When neither team shows for a scheduled game, a forfeit shall be recorded for both teams. In event of unsportsmanlike behavior, league officials may declare a forfeit at any time. No forfeited contests will be rescheduled.

Failure to show up for scheduled games is unfair to opponents and officials and negatively affects the program. Team captains must impress upon their players that by placing their name on the team roster, they are making a commitment to their team and teammates.

After one forfeit teams will lose their eligibility to compete in the playoffs. They may regain their playoff eligibility by paying a $10 forfeit fee.

Avoiding Forfeits - Teams notifying the Assistant Director of Recreation by 3pm the day prior to their contest will not be charged with a forfeit or subsequent fee’s and may have the opportunity to re-schedule the game if the schedule allows, if the game cannot be scheduled it will be considered a “Default” loss.

Teams notifying the Assistant Director of Recreation (Intramurals) of an upcoming forfeit by 3pm the day of their contest will receive a sportsmanship rating of 3. After 3pm teams will receive a 2 for sportsmanship. Teams not notifying will get a 0 for sportsmanship.

After 2 forfeits teams will no longer be able to participate in the regular season or playoffs.

RESCHEDULING GAMES/INCLEMENT WEATHER

Rescheduling games creates problems for league supervisors, officials, and opponents. In order to complete the intramural program currently underway, schedules are made with little or no open dates for rescheduling games. Teams are given the opportunity to make scheduling requests on their roster forms before the official league schedule is made prior to the season.

In the event of poor weather, teams will be notified as soon as possible if games are cancelled. For the latest information, contact the Campus Recreation Hotline at Ext. 7188 – option 2, or stop by the Plourde Center. Every attempt will be made to make up all games cancelled due to weather.

PROTESTS

Only matters of player's eligibility and rule interpretation can be the basis of a protest. Judgment calls by an official cannot be protested. Even quality officials are subject to an occasional mistake, the purpose of protests are not to highlight errors made by student employees, but to ensure that each team has the opportunity to a fair contest. That being said, it is the expectation of Campus Recreation that this process be used respectfully.

Rule Interpretation

The team captain must register the protest with the game official at the time the question occurs. The game official will note the game time and all notable game information at the time of the protest. If available, the intramural supervisor will review the protest at the time of the event and either enforce or correct the rule interpretation. If the protest cannot be reviewed at the time of the game the Assistant Director of Recreation (Intramurals) will review the protest at the captain’s request to determine if there should be a correction or replay of the game from the point of the protest.

Player Eligibility

All protests on player eligibility must be in writing and submitted to the Assistant Director of Recreation (Intramurals) within 24 hours after the contest in question. The opposing team captain will be contacted and notified of the protest and both teams and the game officials will be permitted to give their version of what took place. The Assistant Director of Recreation (Intramurals) will gather all relevant information. All decisions regarding protests are final.

AWARDS

In order for each member of the championship team to receive a championship t-shirt they must be present at the championship game. Champions also get their name or team name on the championship banner in the Plourde Recreation Center Gymnasium and their picture on the Wall of Champions.

SAFETY

Assumption of Risk

Participants are advised that participation in the Intramural Sports Program involves physical risk. There is a possibility that a participant may be injured during the course of normal Intramural activities. This risk of injury extends to the physical being, as well as personal belongings that the individual may bring to the activity (including eyeglasses, or apparatuses left on the sideline). The Campus Recreation department strongly advises that participants take advantage of the College sponsored insurance plan or their own private insurance policy. Assumption College does not assume liability for injuries or lost/stolen/damaged equipment.

Drug/Alcohol Policy

In order to maintain a safe environment for all participants the participation in intramurals while under the influence is strictly prohibited, regardless of the legality of the consumption.  If any participant is suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol by the sports supervisor or official on duty, that player will be removed from the activity. In the event that drugs/alcohol are present at an activity Campus Police will be notified to take necessary action. Any team or participants with knowledge of noncompliant behavior regarding the drugs or alcohol policy should report this activity to the supervisor on duty. Failure to report noncompliant behavior may result in further disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the Assistant Director of Recreation (Intramurals).

Tobacco Products

The use of tobacco products has severe health consequences which conflict with the primary mission of the Campus Recreation Department. The use of tobacco products is prohibited at all intramural activities.

Blood

There is a risk for blood borne infectious diseases to be transmitted from one player's wounds to another. Recognizing the concerns this risk creates for our Intramural participants, the Intramural Sports Staff has established the following policy:

In the event a player is bleeding, has an open wound, or has blood on his or her clothing, the official will temporarily stop the game, and the bloody player must leave the game. The player involved shall not return to the contest until the bleeding has stopped, the open wound is covered, or the piece(s) of clothing have been changed.

Shoe Policy

All participants must wear proper shoes. For indoor sports participants must bring a second pair of non-marking athletic shoes in order to keep the surface clean and safe. All cleats for outdoor activities may be smooth or molded, with soft rubber or plastic cleats, providing the cleats are rounded, non-abrasive, tapered uniformly on the sides and will not develop a cutting edge. No metal, or shoes similar to metal sole and heel plates will be allowed. The officials and supervisors on duty have the authority to disallow any shoe that they feel would endanger the person wearing the shoes or other participants.

Clothing Policy

All participants must wear appropriate athletic clothing for the intramural activity they are participating. Shirts must always be worn under provided jerseys. All participants must follow any clothing guidelines put in place for specific activities. 

Jewelry Policy

Jewelry is not allowed to be worn by any participant during an Intramural event. This includes any rings, watches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and any other such similar jewelry. The officials and supervisors on duty have the authority to disallow any participant from participating for wearing jewelry.

Headgear Policy

Headgear is not allowed to be worn by any participant during an Intramural event. For INDOOR sports this headgear consists of any hats, bandanas, baseball caps, winter/wool hats, and any other such similar headgear. The following pieces of headgear are permissible: yamikas, turbans and one-piece head or sweatbands that does not have to be tied and are elastic in nature. This also applies to OUTDOOR sports with the following exceptions: winter/wool hats are also allowed. The officials and supervisors on duty have the authority to disallow any participant from participating that they feel would endanger the person wearing the headgear or his/her opponents.

VANDALISM

Deliberate destruction of College property and equipment, public property, or personal property of individuals will not be tolerated. Individuals may be suspended from play and responsible for replacement costs of damaged property. All incidents of vandalism will be reported to College authorities.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Rating Scale

Each team will receive a sportsmanship rating from the official(s) and or supervisor at the conclusion of the game.  The scale is as follows:

• 4 points = EXCELLENT- Team displayed excellent character; demonstrating respect for officials/staff and participants. The entire team handled all situations throughout the game with good conduct.
• 3 points = ABOVE AVERAGE- As a whole the team was cooperative with participants and officials/staff; no major incidents occurred during the contest.
• 2 points = AVERAGE- A few minor infractions present during the game.  Poor behavior was displayed by during the game. Teams receiving forfeits will receive this score.

• 1 point = BELOW AVERAGE- Players continuously needed to be reminded of infractions, were not cooperative with game officials; major incidents may have occurred and minor incidents were prevalent throughout the game. Teams with ejected players will automatically receive this score.

• 0 points = Players lacked all respect for officials and game. Captain was unable to control players and may have been part of the issues. Major incidents were prevalent during the contest. Players may have been ejected.

These ratings will be reviewed during any intramural season as well as year.  Player behavior, what you do and say, affects you, your teammates, spectators, officials, supervisors, scorekeepers and professional staff.  Be aware of your actions and take responsibility to act with the highest standards at all times.

Teams must maintain a 2.75 rating to be eligible for playoffs. Teams receiving below a 2.75 may still participate in playoffs if their sportsmanship is above a 2 and all players attend a sportsmanship seminar prior to their playoff contest.

Sportsmanship Ratings during the Playoffs

• If a team receives a "0" rating they will be eliminated from the playoffs.
• If a team receives a "1" rating, the captain must come into CAMPUS RECREATION OFFICE the following day to discuss the rating.  A decision will be made as to whether the team will continue to participate in the playoffs.  If they do continue in the playoffs, they must receive a "4" or "3" rating for remaining playoff games.

• A player receiving an ejection will be disqualified from all remaining playoff games.

DISCIPLINARY PROTOCOLS

If participants fail to follow the rules and policies set by the Campus Recreation department they will be held accountable for their actions. Below are the standard minimum disciplinary actions that will be taken for offenses. The Assistant Director of Recreation (Intramurals) will be responsible for setting disciplinary actions on a case by case basis. Violations against the student code of conduct may also be referred to judicial affairs.

• Playing for multiple teams – One (1) game suspension.
• Signing in as different player – season suspension.
• Intentionally damaging equipment – ejection, replacement costs paid prior to next participation.
• Under Influence of Drugs/Alcohol – ejection, suspension, notification of Campus Police if illegal.
• Ejection #1 – One (1) game suspension.
• Ejection #2 – Season suspension.
• Ejection #3 – 365 day suspension from intramurals.
• Conduct that threatens or endangers another player – ejection, suspension, and referral to judicial affairs.
• Fighting or verbally threatening players or officials – 365 day suspension from intramurals and referral to judicial affairs.

Disciplinary Protest

Any player who receives a disciplinary sentence has the right to have their case reviewed by the Intramural Committee on the Student Recreation Council. In this instance the committee will either uphold the decision made by the Assistant Director of Recreation (Intramurals) or offer a disciplinary recommendation to reduce or increase the current punishment. The Assistant Director of Recreation (Intramurals) and Director of Recreation will review the recommendation and make a final ruling on the protest.

RULE/POLICY CHANGES

The Campus Recreation Department reserves the right to change and/or put into effect any new rules/policies without notice.