Sport Club FAQ

This Quick Reference Guide has been designed to answer some of the common questions we receive. Policy and Procedure questions can be found in the Sport Clubs Handbook.

How do I create a sport club?

To be considered a candidate for the Sport Clubs Program under the Department of Recreational Sports, an organization must first meet the criteria outlined below.

The Sport Clubs Council with guidance from professional staff has the discretion to determine if the following criteria has been met.
• The Club must be physical and athletic in nature.
• The Club must show the existence of a national or regional governing body.
• The Club must maintain a schedule against outside competition.
• The Club must have access to a safe, suitable practice venue for the sport. The venue must have the capacity for future growth.

Candidates must demonstrate the following:
• The Club must be registered with the Center for Student Involvement.
• The Club must have enough members to field a team for a team sport and at least 10 active members.
• The Club must actively promote their sport to the general student body.
• The Club cannot significantly duplicate an existing sport club or other campus program.
• The Club must demonstrate financial stability through fundraising and other sources of revenue.

How can I initiate involvement in a sport club?

Some clubs create positions and/or committees to allow more members to be involved in club governance and normal operations. Such committees may assist the club in recruiting new members, special events, developing budgets, alumni relations, etc.

Suggestions from other clubs include:

• Public Relations: Alerts local media of events and results. Use of PR for recruitment on campus and reports club accomplishments to Sport Clubs Office.
• Alumni: Keeps track of past alumni, alumni newsletters, solicits donations and plans alumni events.
• Inventory: Checks the equipment to make sure that it is not lost or damaged, and reports status to Sport Clubs Office.
• Historian: Takes pictures, videos, or collects articles in order to track the progress of the club and its members.
• Social: Provides the members with social outlets other than the usual club activities, ranging from intramural teams to trips to the beach.

How do I contact sport clubs?

There are several ways to communicate with the Sport Clubs office.

Mailboxes:
Each sport club has a mailbox located in the Sport Clubs office at the SWRC. The individual sport clubs should receive outside mail through this mailbox. The Sport Clubs Address is: [Name of Sport Club] Univ. of Florida, Recreational Sports, Southwest Recreation Center, 3150 Hull Road, Gainesville, Florida 32611.

E-Mail:
All important messages and reminders are sent out to the club’s officers through a sport clubs listserv. All club officers e-mail addresses should be kept up-to-date with the Sport Clubs Office. E-mail is also one of the easiest ways to get in contact with the Sport Clubs staff to discuss any issues. General e-mail inquiries can be sent to Jason Darby at: j.darby@ufl.edu.

Web Page:
The Sport Clubs program has a website to disseminate important information. The website is the location for club participants and officers to find the handbook, forms and documents, home event calendar, general information on each club, contact information for the staff and Sport Clubs Council. The Sport Clubs website is viewed by students seeking information about the different sport clubs on campus, and can be a successful way to recruit, therefore, we encourage your club to keep club information current. All sport clubs have a site attached to the main Sport Clubs page.

Do sport clubs get their own websites?

Where can sport clubs get extra practice?

There are several places on campus to condition yourself and your club through workouts and education. These include the Student Recreation & Fitness Center, Florida Pool, and Southwest Recreation Center. Within the SRFC and SWRC is a Personal Training and Assessment Center. These programs provide education, incentive programs, personal fitness profiles, exercise logging, and nutritional and dietary analysis. The fitness centers can also provide a one-on-one personal training appointment for those interested in setting up a workout program. A comprehensive conditioning program can both enhance performance and prevent injury.

Can sport clubs fundraise?

Before undertaking any type of fundraising campaign, please consult with the Sport Clubs staff to ensure that all efforts are conducted in a proper manner.

Revenue must be deposited in the club’s Outside Revenue or Foundation Account, whichever one is applicable. Clubs may also choose to have any off-site commercial bank account. The Sport Clubs staff can provide the club with some “best practices” to ensure the club has information to make a sound decision.

Hosting special events has proven to be a consistent and successful means of raising money. Car washes, monetary or product donations from local businesses, apparel, or other merchandise sales can be successful. Clubs should avoid debt by taking pre-orders for products before any purchases are made. Several of our clubs have had success doing “group work” for various Gator athletic events such as parking lot and event security, concession stands, and swim meet timers. There are also some local businesses that allow organizations to reserve a block of time to host as many people as possible and the club receives a certain percentage of the sales for that block of time.

Another way to generate funds is to conduct a letter drive to parents, family, and club alumni. The Sport Clubs staff can assist the club on composing a letter if requested.

What kind of fundraising is not allowed?

Where can sport clubs meet?

Clubs may hold business meetings in academic classrooms or the Reitz Union. The Reitz Union Reservations office (352-392-1645) is responsible for such scheduling. The Sport Clubs staff can also assist clubs in reserving these rooms or academic classrooms. Clubs wishing to reserve a space for a promotional table or to hang a banner at Turlington Hall, Plaza of the Americas, or other campus location must contact the Department of Student Activities and Involvement for additional information.

Can sport clubs advertise?

Limited advertising is provided for free to all Sport Clubs. Fliers, copies, and signs can be made and distributed through the Sport Clubs Office. If a club wants to design their own fliers and distribute them, they must follow the proper guidelines per university regulations. Other services we can provide include assistance with press releases and event media coverage. Some restrictions may apply depending on request.