Recreational Sports Policies and Procedures

The Department of Recreational Sports provides opportunities for Loyola students, employees, and alumni to participate in competitive and noncompetitive, organized and informal sports and fitness activities. It is the express purpose of recreational sports to meet the diverse needs of the university community with a broad-based, comprehensive program including intramural sports, extramural sports, club sports, non-credit instructional programs, open recreation, and special interest programs. Students participating in sports are responsible for ensuring that they are medically able to withstand the rigors of the physical activity in which they plan to engage. Likewise, all students should have sufficient personal injury insurance in the event of an accident.

The Recreational Sports Complex is a multi-purpose sports facility which includes: courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball, badminton, soccer and floor hockey, and racquetball, an Olympic-style natatorium, a suspended jogging track, and a weight lifting/conditioning area. It also has locker rooms, each with a sauna and steam room. Students are admitted free with their Loyola Express Card and may purchase memberships for immediate family members.

Statement of Jesuit Values Relating to Recreation

In keeping with the goals and values of a Jesuit education, which seeks to develop men and women who act justly, love tenderly, and walk reverently in the spirit of Jesus as persons for others, it is expected that all participants in the intramural sports program and club sports program will demonstrate proper sportsmanship and respect for the dignity of all individuals participating in recreational activities, whether players, coaches, officials, spectators, or program staff. The Department of Recreational Sports further expects all of its employees to demonstrate the highest level of respect and courtesy to all individuals using the services and facilities of the department.

Intramurals

Eligibility:All full-time and part-time students are eligible to participate in intramural sports free of charge. Loyola employees and alumni who are Recreational Sports Complex members are eligible to participate in intramural sports free of charge. Employees and alumni who are not Recreational Sports Complex members and employees of external contractors who work at the university are eligible to participate in intramural sports by following the guidelines found in the eligibility section of the general information for that sport. All participants in the intramural sports program are subject to the following rules:

A participant may play on only one men’s, or women’s team, and a co-rec team in the same sport.
A participant may compete in a playoff game only if he or she is legally on the roster and has played in one regular season game.
Any person who has competed professionally in any sport may not participate in the comparable sport.
Former intercollegiate varsity athletes and members of a sport club must participate in the competitive league in that sport. The number of former intercollegiate varsity athletes and sport club players allowed on one team varies based on the sport.
Roster additions or deletions may be made at any time before the conclusion of the regular season. The person must provide proper ID. Players whose names do not appear on at least one score sheet prior to the end of the regular season are not eligible for participation in the playoffs.

Players who violate eligibility rules will be indefinitely suspended from future competition. Teams shall be penalized by forfeiting all contests in which they use ineligible players. Additional penalties for use of ineligible players may be assessed.

How to Enter

Persons interested in participating in individual sports or persons representing teams as captains may fill out an entry form at the recreational sports office during the appropriate entry period. All entries must be turned in by 4:45 p.m. on the closing date.
Those who do not have a team affiliation or a partner may sign up on a list at the recreational sports office from which teams will be formed.

Responsibilities of Captains

Enter his or her team in the desired sports before the announced closing date for entries.
Represent his or her team at the appropriate captains’ meeting. Teams which do not have representatives in attendance at the captains’ meeting will be given a loss on their record.
Keep fully informed of eligibility rules.
Notify all team members regarding place, date, and time of the contest.
If a team cannot play a scheduled contest, follow the mutual postponement or default procedures in the Intramural Handbook.
Maintain control over team members and spectators before, during, and after competition.

Levels of Competition

In various individual, dual, and team sports, men and women may choose to enter into the competitive league or the recreational league. This structure is designed to meet the needs of people with different skill levels within the university community. In the event of a low number of entries in these sports, all leagues may be combined.

Officials

The intramural program demands high standards of officiating at all times as a key to a successful program. The staff of officials are students who are employed by RS. All persons interested in officiating should inquire about the position in the recreational sports office. No previous experience is necessary, and all applicants will be trained. Officials are paid according to the number of years they have officiated at Loyola.

Identification

A valid Loyola student or faculty/staff Express Card or RS sports league ID is required.

Forfeit Deposits

arious sports require that each team must submit a forfeit deposit. All team sports played off campus require a $50 forfeit deposit. All team sports played on campus require a $35 forfeit deposit. The forfeit deposit is refunded if a team does not forfeit any games due to non-appearance during both the regular season and playoffs. If a team forfeits one game, it may stay in the league.

Forfeit deposit refunds may be requested up to two weeks after the completion of playoff finals. An ID must be presented when requesting forfeit deposit refund checks.

Note: All forfeit deposit refunds that are not requested within the two-week period will be remitted to a departmental account.

Player, Coach, Spectator Conduct

Since the intramural program is aimed at enjoyment, it stresses good sportsmanship. It is expected that all participants will conduct themselves in a manner which will not impair the enjoyment of other participants. All individuals and organizations participating shall be expected to comply with the SPIRIT as well as the LETTER of the rules that cover all competitive situations. Fighting or other flagrant acts of unsportsmanlike conduct will only hurt the program and will result in suspension from further participation. Students, alumni, and Rec Plex members who participate in intramurals, must uphold standards set out in the Student Handbook.

A player or coach ejected from any game for any reason shall be suspended indefinitely from all intramural sports as a player or coach. The suspension may be reduced once the suspended player presents in person at an administrative hearing with the coordinator for recreational sports a written account indicating his/her version of the incident. The coordinator for recreational sports will then decide upon the length of suspension and inform the suspended player in writing of the decision and his/her means of appeal. The suspended player does not receive credit for time which has passed prior to submitting his/her version of the incident.

If a player is ejected on a day in which his/her team is scheduled to play multiple games, he/she may not play until a meeting can be scheduled with the coordinator for intramurals during the hours of 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Any individual ejected from an intramural contest, by either a supervisor or game official, must leave the building or playing area before play will be resumed. If an individual refuses to leave the facility following an ejection, the University Police Department will be notified and the player will be subject to arrest. If an individual fails to leave after being asked by an official or supervisor, his/her team will also forfeit the game. Both the team and the player will also be subject to further sanctions.

The assistant director for intramural sports reserves the right to intervene in situations to insure the correct administration of a game and guarantee the safety of participants and spectators. Any decision to eject participants, correct rule interpretations, or suspend contests is final.

Appeals

Appeals of decisions relating to protests, disciplinary sanctions, or decisions made by the intramural staff, may be made to the Student Appeals Board. The Student Appeals Board is composed of students who represent different facets of the Loyola community. The board is appointed at the beginning of each fall semester and maintains a membership of 10 current Loyola students. The members of the board are students who participate in the intramural program and are not employed by the Department of Recreational Sports. The assistant director for intramural sports acts as a nonvoting, non-office holding member of the committee.

A written request for appeal must be given to the assistant director for intramural sports. This request must state the reason for appeal but need not include specific accounts of the incident or issues surrounding the appeal. The assistant director will convene the board, arrange the time for the appeal to be heard, and inform both parties. Each appeal will be heard by a five member panel of the Student Appeals Board. Both parties involved will present their written account to the assistant director a minimum of two hours prior to the hearing. The board reserves the right to address each individual issue presented in the appeal, make a blanket decision concerning the appeal, or a combination of both. A simple majority is required. The assistant director will notify both parties as to the decision of the board. A second appeal may be granted at the request of the person or persons making the original appeal. This appeal will be heard by the RS director. The RS director will be given both written accounts to. The decision of the RS is final. There are no further avenues for appeal.

All appeals will be heard at the earliest available time. Members of the Student Appeals Board should voluntarily remove themselves from selection if they have any connection to or vested interest in the outcome of the appeal.

Sportsmanship Rating Scale

After every game, each team will be rated by the respective officials for each contest according to sportsmanship displayed. Ratings will be posted on the intramural bulletin board on the day following the contest. Teams must wait until scores are posted to find out their scores.

Teams are required to maintain at least a 5.0 average throughout the season (including pre-season), and a rating of 7.0 or better is required to win a division and/or participate in any playoffs. If a team’s average falls below 5.0 after the first two games, the respective captain must schedule an appointment with the assistant director for intramurals and summer camp before the team’s next scheduled game; otherwise, the game will be considered a forfeit.

Sportsmanship Code for Playoffs

If a team has two players ejected during the playoffs, either in one game or over a period of playoff games, the team will be disqualified from further participation and will lose their forfeit deposit.

Awards

The winning teams or winning individuals in each intramural sports activity will receive intramural champion awards upon conclusion of the activity. Champions in individual and dual sports must come to the RS office to pick up awards.

Forfeits

Forfeit time is five minutes after scheduled game time for ALL intramural sports. Teams which are present must fill out the score sheet and satisfy the officials that they are able to field a team for the contest.

In individual and dual sports, if an individual(s) should fail to appear for a contest at the appropriate time, then the individual(s) present will be declared the winner(s). In individual sports, if both individuals fail to appear, a double forfeit will be recorded. If both teams, in dual and team sports, have less than the number of players required for the contest, a double forfeit will be declared. A team that forfeits twice will automatically be dropped from the league.

Defaults

Any team unable to attend a scheduled contest should notify the intramural sports staff no later than noon on the day of the game or by 3 p.m. Friday for Saturday or Sunday games. The contest will be declared a defaulted forfeit and a loss will be assessed but a subsequent forfeit fee will be avoided. The opposing team will receive a “win.” A team that defaults twice will lose their forfeit deposit.

Schedule Changes for Team Sports

Both teams are allowed to mutually postpone their contest provided the following conditions are met:

The captains of both teams fill out and sign a mutual postponement agreement at the Recreational Sports office no later than 24 hours in advance of the scheduled contest.
The postponed game must be played before the regular season ends.
The intramural staff will schedule and staff the postponed games with a supervisor and officials.

Liability

The Department of Recreational Sports is not responsible for any injuries incurred by participants or spectators competing in intramural activities, club sports, or general recreation in or outside of the facilities.

Students participating in the intramural program or other recreational sports are responsible for ensuring that they are medically able to withstand the rigors of the physical activity in which they plan to engage. Likewise, all students should have sufficient personal injury insurance in the event of an accident.

Loyola Sports Officials Association

All officials employed by recreational sports are encouraged to become a member of the Loyola Sports Officials Association. Members of the club enjoy attending local sporting events, aid in the training of new officials, and conduct fund-raising projects.

Residential Quad Playing Rules

The following sports will be allowed, some with certain restrictions:

Baseball or Softball (Throwing and catching only. No bats allowed.)
- Football
- Rugby
Soccer and Lacrosse (No two-sided games with shooting on goals. Shooting on one goal is allowed if the goal is positioned in the middle of the quad, 20 yards from the flag pole.)
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball

Note: Playing on the quad when it is wet is prohibited, and cleats may not be worn on the quad.

Recreational Sports Complex

Admittance

All students and members must present a VALID Loyola Express or Rec Plex membership card.

Membership

Family members of students may join the Recreational Sports Complex for a nominal fee.

Recreational Sports Complex Facility Hours

Fall Semester and Spring Semester

Schedules of the hours of operation for the Recreational Sports Complex may be obtained from the recreational sports office by telephone (864-7539) or at the recreational sports web page at http://www.loyno.edu/recsports/.

Guest Policy

A non-member of the Recreational Sports Complex may be admitted to the facility as a guest. To gain admission, all guests must be sponsored by a Recreational Sports Complex member, submit a picture ID, and pay the appropriate guest fee. Guest fees vary according to the age of the guest. Both the guest’s and member’s IDs will be held until leaving the facility. Members must accompany their guests at all times while in the facility and agree to take full responsibility for the behavior, damages, and financial obligations of and damages caused by the guests. Each member is allowed three guests per visit.

Lockers

Lockers may be rented on a yearly basis by commuter students. A limited number of lockers are set aside for use on a daily basis for those who choose to bring their own locks.

Rules and Regulations

A valid student Loyola Express Card must be presented to gain admittance to the facility. The Express Card is for the individual student’s use and is nontransferable. The improper use of a card by the student or other person to gain admission to the Recreational Sports Complex or an RS event will result in the suspension of RS privileges for a minimum of two weeks. Subsequent and/or more serious offenses will result in further disciplinary action.
Recreational Sports Complex members and guests must abide by all rules established in the Recreational Sports Membership Guide. Individuals who fail to follow the established rules and regulations may lose their Recreational Sports Complex privileges.
Appropriate athletic footwear must be worn in the Rec Plex at all times.
Members are encouraged to wear appropriate attire: T-shirts, shorts, tennis clothing, and sweatsuits. T-shirts are required in order to work out in the weight rooms. No street clothes are permitted. (For specific weightlifting rules, see "Weight Room Rules.")
Use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs in any form are prohibited in the Recreational Sports Complex. Smoking is NOT permitted within the facility.
Only personal stereos with headphones may be used by patrons. Radios are not permitted.
All individuals in the Recreational Sports Complex are expected to be responsible, courteous, and safety-conscious at all times. Disorderly conduct will NOT be tolerated.
Individuals are permitted to dunk the basketball. However, grasping or hanging on the rim is not permitted.
All emergencies within the Recreational Sports Complex should be reported to the building manager on duty. If this is not possible, the report should be made to the recreational sports employee on duty in the service area.
Equipment may be checked out at the service area with a valid Loyola Student Express Card.
Spitting on the floor is strictly prohibited. Cuspidors are located near the water fountains near court F and in the natatorium.
No pets or bikes are permitted in the Rec Plex.

Weight Room Rules and Regulations

A registration form/liability waiver must be completed at the service area to use the free weights. After filling out the registration form, you will receive a registration sticker which is to be placed on your ID..
Appropriate athletic footwear, covering the entire foot, must be worn at all times. Street shoes are not permitted.
Spitting is not allowed. Please use the cuspidor, located next to the water fountain, if necessary.
Beverages are only permitted in a squeeze bottle.
All weights must remain inside the free weight room. They may not be taken to use in a class, jogging, or to work out in another activity area of the facility.
Children 13 and under are not allowed in the free weight room.
Youths 14 to 17 are allowed in the free weight room but must have a parent or guardian sign their registration form in person at the service area desk.
Shirts are required in order to work out in the weight rooms. No street clothes are permitted.
Only radios with earphones are allowed.
When finished, re-rack all weight plates on plate racks and dumbbells on dumbbell racks.
Chalk is not allowed. Weight lifters should use gloves if they need a better grip on bars.
Gym bags, book bags, and extra clothing are not allowed within the weight room.
A weight belt may not be checked out unless a free weight sticker is affixed to your ID.

Natatorium Rules and Regulations

Louisiana Department of Public Health Regulations will be enforced.
All persons will be required to take a shower before entering the pool area.
No food, drinks, or gum are allowed in the natatorium.
Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Personal conduct in the pool should assure the safety of all participants.
Proper swimming attire is to be worn at all times. T-shirts, cut-offs, tennis shorts, football shorts, etc., will not be allowed.
No horseplay or roughhousing allowed in the pool area.
No hanging on lane ropes.
Participants are not allowed to dive in the shallow end of the pool.
Back dives are not permitted from the pool deck.
Glass containers are not permitted in the natatorium.
People with skin diseases, infections, or open sores are not permitted in the pool.
Persons appearing to be intoxicated will be asked to leave the facility.
Use of play equipment (e.g., balls, toys, etc.) shall be left to the discretion of the guard on duty in specific areas. Frisbees are not permitted.
Swimming under or walking on the bulkhead is not permitted.
Running on the pool deck is not permitted.

Whirlpool Rules

Before entering, elderly persons, pregnant women, infants, and those with health conditions requiring medical care should consult a physician.
Proper bathing attire is required.
No more than eight people are permitted in the whirlpool at one time.
Whirlpool jet and bubble switches are located to the right of the whirlpool. Please turn switches off when leaving the whirlpool
Children 13 and under must always be accompanied by an adult.
Hot water immersion while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not permitted.
Long exposure may result in nausea, dizziness, or fainting. (DO NOT EXCEED 10 MINUTES.)
To enter the whirlpool, please use the hand railings and steps leading into the whirlpool.

Diving Rules

Detailed rules are posted by the diving board.
One person allowed on the board at a time. Make sure the area below the board is clear and safe for diving. D O NOT SWIM UNDERNEATH THE DIVING BOARD.
Diving must be done from the end of the board only. DIVE STRAIGHT OUT. One bounce per dive.
After executing the dive, immediately swim out of diving area.
Parents or guardians will not be allowed to catch children who jump off the board.
Swimmers will not be allowed to go off the board unless they can successfully swim back to the side by themselves.
Hanging on the board will not be permitted.

Club Sports

Club sports provide an excellent opportunity for any person interested in participating in a particular sport on a more extensive basis. Club sports are self-organized and self-run university-chartered organizations which are sponsored by recreational sports. Any person or group interested in a club sport should adhere to the following: .

Each member of the club sport must carry and provide proof of health insurance.
Only individuals who are certified by Recreational Sports as meeting eligibility requirements are allowed to tryout, practice, or participate in a club sport activity. To be eligible, participants must complete all required documents in the Recreational Sports office during regular business hours. Individuals participating who have not been certified as eligible will be subject to disciplinary procedures.
Club presidents are responsible for insuring the eligibility of participants. Clubs allowing participation by individuals who are ineligible will be subject to disciplinary procedures up to and including revocation of charter.

All forms and procedures pertaining to the operation of a club sport are available in the recreational sports office.