Looking for a great way to get active and involved at Bama? Joining a club sports team is a great way to stay fit and meet people. UA has plenty of teams ranging from Water Skiing and Women’s Lacrosse to Ice Hockey (yes – hockey in Alabama). While the information varies from club to club, here are some general guidelines and questions about how it takes less than you think to join a club sport at UA.
What sports are there?
The University Rec Center’s website has links for Crew, Cricket, Ice Hockey, Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Raccquetball, Men’s and Women’s Rugby, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Table Tennis, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, Water Ski, Wheelchair Basketball, Wrestling, Fishing, Kayaking, Tri-Athlete, Volleyball, Skeet Shooting, Cycling, Paintball, Bowling, Disc Golf and the Climbing Club. Each team has its own page where you can go to get information.
What’s the difference between these and intramural sports?
Sports clubs are for those looking for a longer commitment. They normally last for the entire school year, include weekly practices and competitions against other schools’ club teams. Many of the teams travel and compete in regional leagues. If you played a sport in high school and aren’t playing for UA this is a great way to still stay involved in your favorite sport.
So, how do I join?
The easiest way to get information is at Get on Board Day. Almost all the teams have tables where you can talk to current members, get information, and find out when practice starts. Meeting the teams at Get on Board Day gives them the chance to get your information and lets them know you’re interested.
If you’ve already missed Get on Board Day, your next step is to contact the team through their web page on the Rec Center’s site. Each team has their own page where you should be able to find a phone number or email address.
If they don’t have information there, call the Sports Club directly; they can help you get in contact with someone from the team.
What does it cost, and are there try-outs?
It depends; every team has its own set of dues and its own set of requirements to play. Some are looking for only experienced players and some are willing to teach the sport. For specifics, you’ll have to contact the teams directly.
For more information, visit the Sports Club website. http://urec.sa.ua.edu/sportsclub.cfm.
By Megan Cotton
