Everyone knows there are countless options for UVic students who want to participate in sports or other forms of physical activity — but how do you find out which option is best for you?
To narrow it down, consider your selections.
There are three main levels of sport at UVic: varsity, club and intramural teams. With each of these three levels, comes a different degree of cost, sportsmanship, skill level, competitiveness and commitment.
Varsity: a lifestyle
Of the three levels, varsity teams require the most commitment from players. They practice several times a week and usually have their games on weekends. Costs can vary, depending on sponsorship and funding. Most often, the level of competition is greatest at the varsity level — not only because there is a need to win, but also because players at this level have to perform well as individuals in order to keep their place on the team. There can often be associated stress, depending on the demands of the team, which makes this sport level perfect for those who are ready to play their game as more of a lifestyle than a pastime.
Clubs: competitive spirits
For those who still wish to play in a competitive atmosphere but don’t want a huge time commitment, club teams are a good way to go. Like varsity teams, men and women play on separate teams, and play other university teams from Canada and the U.S. For example, this past weekend the UVic men’s ultimate Frisbee team attended a tournament in Washington. There aren’t any varsity ultimate Frisbee teams at UVic, which is another reason why someone might choose to play on a club team — many sports aren’t offered at the varsity level.
“Although not categorized at a varsity level, our ultimate team competes at the highest level of university ultimate Frisbee,” said Kevin Underhill, second-year intramurals and club athlete. “People who have never played [a game] before, and are hesitant, are better off playing at the intramural level.”
A potential downfall for those wishing to play club sports: it can be quite costly due to tournaments, travel and playing fees. However, for those wishing to play in a high-calibre league and don’t mind shelling out the money to travel, it can certainly be a rewarding experience. Also, as opposed to intramural teams, club members must be university students.
“There is a lot more passion when playing for a club team, because you’re representing your school,” said Underhill.
Clubs also include individual sports such as climbing, dance, hiking and skiing.
Intramurals: casual fun For those just wishing to go out and have a good time or try a sport they’ve never played before, there are the intramural leagues. Sportsmanship is greatly encouraged in intramurals, and the leagues are designed so that all skill levels can participate.
Of course, some teams will be more competitive than others, however, in the first few weeks (depending on which teams have been winning or losing) teams are split up into pools and play other teams that are within the same skill range.
Most teams are co-ed and require a certain number of males/females to be on the court/field at a given time. Intramural teams play once a week, convenient for those who have little time on their hands. An initial playing fee has to be paid by teams at the beginning of the season, but there are no other fees after that. Players can either choose to enter an entire team of friends, or they can sign up on their own and be placed on a team — a great way to meet people. Similar to club teams, there are sports offered through intramurals that are often unheard of at other levels, such as walleyball, futsal and inline hockey.
While intramural teams are ideal for many students, downfalls apply to those who need that extra competition in order to feel the rush of a game — most people who play intramurals don’t take the game as a life-or-death situation. Some athletes also prefer to play with people who are at their own skill level, and therefore may be better off to join club teams instead.
Of course, there’s no rule that says a person can’t participate in more than one of these levels. So head out there and get your game on.