Introduction to Collegiate Intramural Sports 101

NIRSA is committed to creating professional pathways through in-depth explorations of functional areas across collegiate recreation. Complementing available resources such as the Campus Recreation Essentials series, the Recreation 101 Virtual Course series gives NIRSA members the opportunity to establish a core, introductory knowledge base tied to specific content domains.

The Recreation 101 Virtual Courses are fully online, asynchronous experiences so participants can take them whenever they like and at their own pace. Each of them is anchored by approximately four hours of on-demand video content designed and taught by experts in each functional area. These courses are designed to be evergreen and will be reviewed and updated periodically to showcase current best practices in the profession.

Introduction to Collegiate Intramural Sports 101 video modules will be available starting on Tuesday, June 18.

Instructors

Heather Marshall - University of Central Florida
Nicholas D’Amato - UMass Amherst 
Kayla Irlbeck – Sacramento State
Parker Goss - University of Wisconsin, Madison
Victor A. Martin - Southern Illinois University

Course Description

This course provides an in-depth introduction to collegiate intramural sports, covering their definition, benefits, historical evolution, and various types. Participants will learn how to plan, organize, and run intramural events and tournaments effectively. The course includes strategies for event planning, facility management, team recruitment, and student development. It also covers tournament formats, officiating, and equipment guidelines. Additionally, the course emphasizes the importance of evaluating and improving intramural programs through participant feedback, data analysis, and adapting to changing demographics. Future trends and the integration of technology in intramural sports are also explored. Upon completing the course and passing the assessments, participants will receive a certificate of completion. 

Module 1

Description: In this module we discuss career paths into Intramural Sports and how to find an Intramural job that aligns with your goals and values. We discuss the role of NIRSA within the Campus Recreation profession as well as the resources available to NIRSA professionals along with its founding and history. We also discuss the typical framework of Intramurals within campus recreation departments and the impact that can have on intramural professionals and their jobs.

Learning outcomes:

• Learn the role of intramural sports within a university and NIRSA
• Learn about the career paths to becoming an intramural professional and the pros and cons of different paths
• Learn about the history and resources available within NIRSA

Module 2

Description: Intramurals aims to educate new professionals on their first 30 days of the job and how to best set yourself up for success in your new role. We will share tips and tricks about how to combine your vision and ideas with the university’s current practices, how to finance your program, collaborate with other departments, and how to prioritize your own well-being while beginning your career. Working in intramurals is a dynamic and fun environment, and this module will show how to get the most from the job and settle comfortably into the new position. 

Learning outcomes:

• Participants will learn how to navigate campus current intramural practices, departmental structures, marketing, and politics while beginning a new role
• Participants will learn the importance of overall wellness and how to prioritize wellness when working a non-traditional work schedule
• Participants will learn how to advocate for themselves and their program while settling into a new role within intramural sports

Descriptions and learning outcomes for Modules 3 and 4 will be added here as soon as they are available.

In addition to Introduction to Collegiate Intramural Sports 101, check out the rest of our lineup releasing this year:

• Introduction to Collegiate Sport Clubs 101
• Introduction to Collegiate Recreation Officiating 101
• Introduction to Collegiate Esports 101

For Institutional Bundle Registrants: Included with the Bundle are 5 free registrations. For each additional after 5, there is a 65% savings over regular individual registration pricing. After the Bundle is purchased, you will be emailed 2 promo codes to be used to register your other attendees.

*Registration for any of these Recreation 101 courses grants a 25% discount coupon for any Campus Recreation Essentials book.