Stockton University Athletics

The Club Sports program emphasizes student participation and enhances the quality of life on campus by providing students with the opportunity to develop their physical, social, organizational and leadership skills.

• View the Club Sports Brochure

The creation of a club sport originates through motivation of students with a common interest and desire to participate in a sporting activity.  Benefits of participation include, learning new skills, improving existing skills, competing, enjoying recreational activities and socialization.  Club Sports are unique in respect to the different categories of participation available. To the Stockton community. These categories are recreational, instructional, competitive, and non-competitive.  These clubs hold activities on-and-off campus throughout the academic year. 
 
Jeff Haines
Associate Director of Athletics & Recreation
Jeffrey.haines@stockton.edu
609-652-4985

Rules Governing a New Club Sport  

1. Any individual or group may petition the Office of Athletics & Recreation for a new club recognition.  Factors determining acceptance include student interest; lack of similarity or duplication of other existing clubs, intramurals or intercollegiate sports; projected funding requirements; availability of indoor/ outdoor activity space and conformity to the policies and procedures governing club sports at Stockton.
2. All new clubs operate under probationary status the first year with no funding from the Office of Athletics & Recreation.  Recognition as an organization does not guarantee funding the following year.
3. Student interest is assessed by organizing a meeting.  The Assistant Director of Athletics & Recreation will assist in planning initial meetings.
4. A membership list is developed through meetings and club fair participation.
5. A written constitution and by-laws is submitted to the Assistant Director of Athletics & Recreation.  Included in the constitution, will be club name, statement of purpose, officers and their duties, meeting/ practice schedule, and procedures for conducting the meetings.
6. A program of activities should be organized that will reflect the stated purpose of the club.  Records should be kept of participation for each event.
7. An advisor must be secured that can accompany the club members on and off campus for events.  The advisor must also be under contract with the university.
8. The names of all officers, current addresses and phone numbers must be submitted to the Assistant Director of Athletics & Recreation.
9. A representative of the organization must attend general club sport meetings held by the Assistant Director.

Petitioning A Club Sport for Intercollegiate Status

A club sport wishing to be upgraded to intercollegiate status should submit a written petition to the Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation to request consideration for intercollegiate status.  The petition shall be submitted to the Executive Director during the fall term no later than December 1st. The request should be submitted by the club president or the captain(s) if the club sport does not have a president position.  The petition shall contain a review of the club's current organization, past record of competition for the three prior three years, proposed recruitment plan, proposed operating budget for the intercollegiate level, and a summary of the cumulative grade point averages and academic progress toward a degree for each member of the club for the prior three years.

The Office of Athletics and Recreation will evaluate the petition and will also consider the following:

1. Whether or not the program supports the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) as it relates to gender programming at the intercollegiate level.
2. An assessment of the ability to acquire adequate funding through institutional sources.
3. The ability to secure a qualified coaching staff.
4. The availability of facilities appropriate to conduct the programming at the intercollegiate level.

If the petition is approved, the Executive Director will forward a recommendation to the President for final approval.  If the proposal is denied by either the Executive Director or the President, the club may resubmit a petition in the following academic year.

Upon approval by the Executive Director and the President, the sport will be placed on a three-year probationary intercollegiate status.  The probationary period will provide commitment to the club sport and the option, at the end of the probationary period, to revert the sport to club status if funding sources are unavailable or if the sport lacks necessary student commitment.