As an official coordinator of University of Calgary intramural sports, I supervise and organize intramural volleyball, basketball and ball hockey teams. Intramurals division provides a great platform for students to participate in various sports, and also it let people play at a more competitive level than a pick-up game without the pressure or work of more organized sport. My goal for the job is to oversee and manage a safe and pleasant atmosphere for intramural participants by enforcing all intramural sports policies and procedures. I try to provide all participants with exceptional service through displaying a strong knowledge of the intramural sport rules and policies, excellence in professionalism, maintaining a positive attitude, and always communicating in a courteous consistent manner.
Intramural program is a great way to keep students physically active and lower the chance of obesity. However, there are several issues that could adversely affect it. For example, many teachers and coaches have little support of a viable intramural. The number of teachers who are involved in intramural activities has been dropping over the years. Also, problems in securing have become overwhelming. The number of demands on existing space, combined with legal and liability issues, have made the gym time for intramural sports difficult to reserve. As a society, we appear to be at the two extremes of athletic participation. The youngsters are either playing on numerous competitive sport teams, or they are physically doing as little as possible away from the television or computer. On top of all those, schools usually charge a participation fees for playing in the intramural programs. Some schools’ fees are pretty high and it has become one of the reason that keep students from joining the program.
I believe that all students should have the opportunity to participate in school-sponsored activities at some level. There is a definite need for intramural sports, for social as well as physical reasons. As a society we need to value the importance of physical activity and promote healthy social activities for our youth.
Great post Anderson. Your perspective on school intermurals is well supported. The true source of these challenges for school athletics is, in my opinion, the result of poor allocation of resources due to many limitations and in some case, ill formed priorities. I agree that all schools should give access and encouragement to the students to get involved. Not everyone is naturally gifted at sports, but focusing on getting involved and having fun is what is most important. This was my favorite part of where you identified your responsibilities; keeping the experience pleasant and positive
ReplyDeleteNIce post Anderson! I agree with you that every student should have the opportunity to participate in some school activities! I hope that intramural programs can survive the declining numbers of teacher participants and rising participation fees! I hope to play in intramural leagues once my varsity career is finished!!
ReplyDeleteI agree! Intramural sports are highly under rated. It is necessary that we look past the sporting aspect. Intramural is about staying in shape, enjoying yourself, and creating new friendships. Although the competitive aspect must never leave because that is what makes sport so special. It is a shame that fees are rising because all that does is drive people away. The fees are higher - yet participation is low. Great post man!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! All kids should have an opportunity to be involved in sport, even if they have financial restrictions. Also I think that the opportunity to be involved intramural or other recreational programs is very important. Competition in sport is valuable for health reasons, but it also provides other benefits, that are often forgotten. Skills like teamwork and leadership emerge when participating in sport and can be translated to many areas in people's lives. Intramural programs can offer so much more than a competitive environment, so I really hope they do not taper off and become a thing of the past.
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