A Story of PASSION to POSITION

Written By Adam Shanley

My first day on Rutgers campus in August of 2009 was overwhelming, the options to get involved and
stay active never ended. My passion for Rutgers football was born from their thrilling upsets in the
previous years of Louisville and South Florida. I was ready to be in the stands. I would be in the stands
because my varsity football career ended after my first and only snap downing a punt for my high school team.
Looking for a way to channel my love of playing sports with my ability level, I learned Intramural Sports at
our first floor meeting. I didn’t know what Intramural meant, but a group of us decided to make a flag football team
that year. 10 years later, I know what Intramural Sports mean, within the walls of a building by the way. I serve as
the Sport Club Coordinator at Rutgers University. I sit in my office at the College Ave Gym and provide
opportunities for students just like me, passionate about sport, but never going to step foot on the field at
SHI Stadium. The question most students ask me when they get on campus is, “What is the difference
between Intramural Sports and Club Sports?”

 

The question most students ask me when they get on campus is, “What is the difference
between Intramural Sports and Club Sports?”

Intramural Sports

Intramural Sports are the local soccer league of University Recreation. All the participants are Rutgers
students, faculty, or staff. You compete once a week against another group of Rutgers students, faculty,
or staff. Your team pays a small fee and it goes directly to paying the student employees who dedicate
their time to learning the rules and mechanics necessary to officiate that sport.
Intramural Sports offer the recreational athlete the opportunity to play organized games for the chance to
say they were the best Basketball team on their campus. Intramural Sports provide the equipment you
need and aligns within your class schedule. We offer leagues on all campuses and special events
throughout the year.

Club Sports

For those striving to compete at a higher level or participate in a communal activity, we offer Club Sports.
Club Sports are student organizations that focus on physical activity. They are led by students and offer
opportunities to compete against other universities or connect with Rutgers students on campus.
Competitive Club Sports are the travel soccer team. They can be either team based like Soccer,
Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Quidditch and more or individual like Tennis, Fencing, Equestrian, or
Wrestling. Our competitive Clubs practice 2-3 times throughout the week and compete locally and
nationally on weekends throughout the year against other colleges and universities.
Our communal Clubs offer students a place to de-stress around a common activity. These Clubs focus
more on the learning and technique of a Sport rather than competing against other Universities. Our
martial arts Clubs like Aikido, Kendo, Kodenkan Jujitsu or Martial Arts and our Dance Clubs like Ballroom,
Salsa, and Performing Dance are great ways to make new friends and connect with a smaller group at
Rutgers.

Whatever your ability level or interests we have something for you at Rutgers Recreation. We strive to
meet the needs of our students. We offer opportunities to compete, socialize, destress, and connect with
other students. We employee over 150 students every year as officials, supervisors, and office workers. If
you have any questions feel free to connect with us through our Contact Form.