At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020, university campuses began to close or move into virtual operations to attempt to prevent the spread of the virus around the United States, pausing all co-curricular learning opportunities at the campuses, including club sports for the estimated 2 million students who participate in these programs annually. Using systems theory as a theoretical framework, this study, funded by a NIRSA Research Grant, attempts to determine the impact that the pandemic had on club sports participation and operations, both in the 2020-2021 academic year when campuses were first learning to operate with the virus, and over the full four academic year period from 2019-2020 to 2022-2023. The study collected data from club sports departments at 107 institutions nationwide via an electronic Qualtrics survey administered from May to July, 2024. Take away lessons for club sports, collegiate recreation, and student affairs professionals for future events and crises that disrupt normal operations, including severe weather, violence and terrorist acts, and mass illness, include insuring that students feel safe while participating in the immediate aftermath of a disruption, and not being concerned about temporarily suspending operations to respond to the crisis.

Join us for a discussion on the implications of the recent Dear Colleague Letter from the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Colleagues from states that have already implemented similar legislation will share their experiences, challenges, and strategies for compliance. This interactive roundtable will provide a space for discussion, knowledge sharing, and support, helping institutions prepare for and navigate these evolving requirements. Bring your questions and insights to this important conversation.

Join this Associate Showcase on COVID & Athletics from the American Heart Association to learn about: - Athletic registry: Monitoring the long-term effects - Staying healthy and safe - CPR training and collaborations during COVID

A recorded discussion about hot topics in youth programs. This discussion focuses on planning for summer 2021.

​Join this session to explore the various components within Risk Management and discuss how professionals in collegiate recreation can navigate an ever evolving field. Risk Management is oftentimes a taboo concept as it is the norm to associate it’s success with professionals who specifically deal with safety and risk related processes and procedures. Through meaningful conversations from a variety of professionals in various specialties within collegiate recreation, we have established 3 main topics that constantly challenge our profession; advocacy, experience and change.

Don't get caught behind the curve on concussion management! Come learn about the process of implementing a full removal and return to play protocol to protect your Club and Intramural Participants, as well as your department. This session will examine the process of implementing concussion management, including two full time Athletic Trainers (ATC), as well as provide an opportunity for discussion and sharing of strategies among attendees.

Reopening Considerations: A Framework for Campus Rec