Frequently Asked Questions
What are Club Sports?
As Sponsored Student Organizations, Club Sports have access to additional opportunities, privileges, and resources, resulting in additional responsibilities for the Officers, players, and staff. Club Sports are registered in collegiate leagues and regularly compete in various state, regional, and national contests and tournaments against clubs from other colleges and universities. Each club is formed, developed, and governed by the student membership of that specific club and has served a successful Voluntary Student Organization probation period. Each club is responsible for electing officers and coordinating practices, competitions, transportation, publicity, and other club activities. The Club Sports Associate Director is the advisor for the various Club Sport teams and is their liaison to the University community.
Who is eligible?
Athletes in every Club Sport must be:
- Enrolled in a degree program at UM-Flint
- Per SPG 601.34, dually enrolled and Genesee Early College students are not eligible for participation in Club Sports.
- Enrolled for the semester(s) of competition (exception for spring/summer)
Additionally, some sports leagues have higher standards for athletes to be eligible for competition. Examples include: men’s basketball – enrolled in 12 credit hours; women’s volleyball – enrolled in nine credit hours for undergraduates, six hours for graduate students; men’s hockey – enrolled and passed at least nine credit hours for undergraduates, six hours for graduate students.
When are tryouts?
Tryouts vary depending on the beginning of the sport’s season. Please visit our Team Directory and contact a team to learn more about the sport you are interested in.
How much does it cost?
Team dues vary from sport to sport based on equipment and facility needs, along with travel volume. While Club Sports receive some funding from the University, along with sponsor and donor gifts, those funds only partially cover the full cost of a club’s operation. Team dues serve an essential role in covering that difference.
How can I start a new Club Sport?
Any UM-Flint student can start a student organization. All sport-based clubs start as a Voluntary Student Organization and serve a two- to three-year probationary period before becoming a Club Sport if that is what they wish to do. Sport-based VSOs are required to follow the policies and procedures established by the Office of the Dean of Students, as well as Recreational Services, where applicable. The Recreational Services staff will determine if a sports-based VSO is ready to become a Club Sport and if the program is fiscally able to support an additional club.
Where do teams practice and compete?
Some of our teams practice and compete in the rec center (basketball, cheer, volleyball), whereas other sports practice and compete at facilities around the Flint area (baseball, hockey, soccer, softball).
Our teams have many in-state away games, but Indiana and Ohio are the most frequent destinations for out-of-state trips. Games are almost exclusively held on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays.
Do I need a physical to participate?
No, we do not require physicals for any of our athletes. However, every athlete is required to have health insurance.
Who do I contact if I have any questions?
Please contact the Club Sports Program Manager, Vance Arrington, at [email protected].