The Campus Recreation & Wellness department and its staff assume no responsibility for injuries received by any person during participation or involvement in any departmentally sponsored program or service.  Participants are reminded that their participation in all facets of the program is on a voluntary basis and must be within their personal health status. It is therefore recommended that all participants have a medical examination prior to participation and carry their own appropriate insurance coverage. Most students will be required to purchase insurance provided by the University or sign-off on a waiver stating that they currently have medical insurance. Visit www.ecu.edu and search "student insurance" for complete information.

Whenever an intramural participant suffers a laceration or wound where oozing or bleeding occurs, the competition shall be stopped at the earliest possible moment and the participant will be required to leave the contest.  The participant may not return to competition until the wound has been covered, the oozing or bleeding has stopped, and any item(s) of clothing that contain an excessive amount of blood or other bodily fluid (other than perspiration) have been removed and replaced.  Campus Recreation & Wellness does not provide trainers on site nor is medical tape available for taping.  Intramural Site Managers are trained in how to manage emergency situations in addition to being First Aid, CPR, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogen certified.

1.     Team captains will be able to sign-up a team(s) in a particular sport after attending the corresponding team registration meeting.  There are two team registration meetings offered each semester.  Captains must attend a meeting prior to registering any team(s) for that semester.  All team registrations will be conducted online.  Once a team captain attends a registration meeting, they will receive the appropriate documents to utilize the online registration for the entire semester.

2.     Team captains who are unable to attend the registration meeting may pre-register by submitting an online form available at www.ecu.edu/intramurals and completing online registration requirements (directions will be provided after the completion of the online form). This option will allow the captain to receive their registration information by noon the day after the captains’ meeting.

Teams will have all the necessary information to utilize the online registration once a representative attends a mandatory team registration meeting.  In order to register an official team, captains must be able to submit a roster online.  This information includes the correct spellings of each player’s first and last name and each player’s Banner ID number.  The captain should also have a general idea of when their team is available to play.  

After the team registration meeting, each sport will have a registration period.  This registration period will open at 6:00pm the night of the meeting and will conclude at 11:00am on a specified closing day.  These registration periods will vary depending on the sport, but will typically last anywhere from one to five weeks.  Teams that miss the team registration meeting that still wish to sign-up a team will be placed on a waiting list.  Waiting list teams will only be added after the registration period is over and only if there is space in a league for their team.  

Individual/Dual Activities

To register for an individual/dual activity, participants should come by the intramural office to either signup or, if online registration is being used, pickup the appropriate documents for them (and their partner in dual activities) to utilize the online registration.

Team Schedules

Team schedules for all activities are posted indicating opponents, dates, times, and locations of play in the designated location in the Student Recreation Center as well as on the website. If the website is inoperable, it is the captains' responsibility to check the posted scheudled by visiting the Student Recreation Center. Questions concerning reading and interpreting scheduling information should be directed to the Intramural Sports staff.  However, team schedules will not be provided over the telephone!  

Playoff schedules are posted near the conclusion of the regular season in bracket format indicating dates, times, and matchups for the entire tourney within each league.  The rules and information sheet for each sport will have the playoff schedule posting date. 

Team Sports
For most sports activities, with the exception of sports with two game regular seasons in which all teams will qualify for playoffs, there will be a single-elimination tournament at the conclusion of the regular season.  Teams that are eligible for the playoffs (win or tie one regular season game and have an acceptable level of sportsmanship) will be included in the playoff brackets.  It is the team captain’s responsibility to check scheduling information. Teams that have any combination of two forfeits and/or defaults will not be eligible for post-season play regardless of the sport. 

Playoff match-ups for team sports will be based on the regular season computer rankings displayed on the website, however when necessary, the Intramural Sports staff may modify match-ups as needed to avoid scheduling conflicts or to protect the competitive balance of the seeding process. 

Teams may be scheduled to play on different nights during the playoffs than during the regular season.  Team members that play multiple intramural activities may be scheduled to play more than one contest at the same time.  If the majority of players on a team have an academic or religious scheduling conflict, or play another intramural activity that may conflict with playoff schedules, requests may be made by the team captain to the sport manager to avoid potential conflicts.  These requests must be made at least 48 hours prior to the release date of the playoff schedules.  Efforts will be made to avoid these conflicts, but requests do not guarantee there will be no conflicts.   

Individual/Dual Activities
The format for Individual/dual activities will vary depending on the number of participants and/or the activity involved.  Some events will employ pool play followed by a single elimination tournament, while some will only involve a tournament. 

In an attempt to equalize competition, various levels of skill have been established.  Leagues will be offered if sufficient interest exists.   

All independent leagues will participate in an “Open” league during the regular season for team sports.  Typically,teams with a winning percentage of .750 or higher that have met all other qualifications, will participate in the “Gold” league playoffs.  Teams with a winning percentage below .750, and have met all other qualifications for the playoffs will participate in the “Purple” league playoffs.  Exceptions: Leagues with minimal team numbers may remain as “Open” leagues for playoffs.  Teams may petition to move up to the Gold league or down to the Purple league.  These requests must be made at least 48 hours prior to the release date of the playoff schedules.

1.       Gold Leagues are designed for those teams or individuals which are somewhat advanced in sport skills and strategies, and/or are motivated to play in a highly competitive atmosphere.   

2.       Purple Leagues are designed for those teams or individuals who desire to play recreationally and have some experience and skill in organized sports.   

Please note:Intramural Sports reserves the right to modify the playoff criteria including winning percentage as it relates to separtating teams for "Gold" and "Purple" playoff brackets. Intramural Sports reserves the right to move a particular team or individual from one level to another if necessary.

When registering a team, first and last names and Banner ID numbers will be required for all players.  All roster information will be verified.  Incomplete or incorrect roster information will result in that person(s) being considered ineligible until correct information is obtained.


There is no maximum limit to the number of players which may be listed on a roster.  However, any submitted roster must contain a minimum number of players.  The minimum number for each sport shall be the regulation number of individuals who may actually participate at any one time for the activity involved. The minimum number will be located on the informational sheets for each activity.
 

Additions
Names may be added to the a team's roster through the IMOnline registration module. Players may also be added in the Intramural Sports Office during normal business hours or by adding to the roster at the activity location with the scorekeeper. Any players to be added to an activity location must be present a valid ECU OneCard at the time of entry onto the roster. Any team using a player that is not listed on the team roster, or has not been added to the team roster, will be given a forfeit for all games in which this individual(s) participated illegally.  No names may be added to the team roster after the last regular season game has been played or, if a tournament-only format is used, after a team has played their second game. 

Deletions
Names may be dropped from a team's roster in the Intramural Sports Office during normal business hours.  Players may not drop from a roster in order to play with another team unless they have not played any games with their original team.

Coaches

Captains may also choose to utilize a coach for the purpose of providing direction to a team. A coach is defined as a non-player who is appointed by team personnel to represent the team in communicating with the Intramural Sports staff. Coaches are not allowed to confer with officials about plays or question the judgment of a call. Coaches will be required to sign in with a team and designate themselves as a coach. This will not be considered participation on two teams if, for example, a male is coaching a fraternity team but playing on a men's league team. Coaches will be penalized for inappropriate conduct in the same manner as any other participant, with the coach's actions affecting the team's sportsmanship points and playoff eligibility.

Substitutions in individual or dual sports shall be governed by the following:

1.   Substitutions must be made before a player/team’s first scheduled game/match.  The substitute shall then continue to participate in the tournament.  There will be no re-entry of the original player.  

2.   All substitutions must be approved by the staff member in charge of that sport BEFORE 5:00pm on the working day before the substitute’s game/match will be played, or by 5:00pm on the previous Thursday for weekend games/matches.  If the Intramural Staff is not notified of substitutions, no points will be awarded for participation (fraternity/sorority only).

3.   The substitute cannot have previously entered in or played in the tournament.  

4.   In activities with a tournament format, late entries may show up at the activity site and assume a first match position left open by a no-show player/team.  

5.   An illegal substitute will be dropped from participation in the tournament.  If the illegal substitute is a fraternity or sorority participant, any participation will be considered a forfeit and result in no points being awarded for that team/individual.

Some form of picture ID (driver’s license, ECU OneCard, military ID, etc.) must be used in order to participate in an activity if a player is verified as eligible by being listed on the printed scoresheet.

All participants not already on the printed scoresheet verifying eligibility to play with that team will be required to present a valid ECU OneCard, or a combination of a picture identification and documentation which proves enrollment (i.e. current class schedule) or employment (business card, pay stub, etc.) and Banner ID number in order to add to the roster.  A temporary ECU OneCard without a picture will not be accepted without presenting an additional picture ID.

  Participation in the Intramural Sports program is open to the following individuals: 

• Fall and Spring - Currently enrolled students
• Those individuals classified as “currently enrolled” students who are not paying student fees must either purchase an SRC membership or a “Limited Pass” in order to be eligible.
• Summer - The definition of “student” is expanded during the summer to include those individuals who were enrolled the previous Spring semester and are enrolled for the following Fall semester.
• Presently employed permanent or temporary faculty/staff as designated by the Department of Human Resources working a minimum of 20 hours per week.  This does not include individuals working under contracted services.
• Spouses/partners* of students, faculty, or staff participating in the co-rec program on the same team as their spouse/partner*.
• Competition will be open for both men and women.  Males and females must compete in their respective divisions, unless there are not enough participants to establish a particular league of play.  If this occurs, men or women may participate in a league with the other sex.  Deviations to this policy are at the discretion of the Intramural Sports staff.

* A partnership is defined as a personal relationship between two individuals who live together at the same address, and have shared a common domestic life for no less than twelve (12) months. Proof of documentation must be submitted to the Intramural Sports office prior to purchasing a "Limited Pass." Documents may include but are not limited to joint bank statements, joint bills, joint contracts, joint leases, etc.

(NOTE:  Non-SRC member faculty/staff and spouses/partners who wish to participate in intramural sports must purchase a non-refundable Intramural “Limited Pass” for $15.00 in order to be eligible for participation.  Limited passes must be purchased at the Student Recreation Center (room 128) and are not sold at the activity site.  This pass is valid only for the current semester in which it is purchased.

Other SRC membership categories (including Alumni members) not listed above ARE NOT ELIGIBLE for participation in the intramural sports program.  

• Members of ECU varsity teams are ineligible for participation in that sport or its related sport if they are listed on that sport’s varsity roster at any time during the 2012-13 academic year.  This includes students who are listed on a varsity team roster but are not receiving financial assistance, players with “redshirt” status during the 2012-13 academic year, or players on the 2012-13 roster but leave the team.
• Students who are trying out for an intercollegiate team are ineligible for intramural participation in that sport until they voluntarily withdraw or are cut from the team.  This includes spring football practice.
• A student receiving any amount or form of athletic scholarship, or other financial assistance is ineligible for intramural participation in the sport or related sport for which the scholarship or other financial assistance is given, regardless of his/her varsity team status.
• In those intramural sports which precede varsity seasons in the same or related sports, varsity team members from the 2012-13 academic year who have intercollegiate eligibility remaining will be ineligible for intramural participation.

Related Sports

·         Restricted players will be subject to the guidelines of the table below.

                                                           

Intramural Sport	Related Sport(s)
Basketball	Basketball
Bowling	Bowling
Disc Golf	Disc Golf
Flag Football	Football
Golf	Golf
Innertube Water   Polo	Water Polo
Racquetball	Racquetball
Soccer	Soccer
Softball	Baseball/Softball
Tennis	Tennis
Ultimate	Ultimate
Volleyball	Volleyball
Wiffleball	Wiffleball
Wrestling	Wrestling

  “Restricted Players” refer to students and faculty/staff members (including coaches) who have been on a college varsity level roster at any four-year college or university during the 2011-12 academic year, individuals that would be on a varsity collegiate roster but are academically ineligible, or members of Club Sports teams in the same or a related sport.  

“Restricted Players” shall be eligible for Intramural Sports participation in that sport or its related sports but teams are restricted to having EITHER:  

• One varsity player from the previous academic year in the corresponding sport(s)
  OR
• One academically ineligible varsity athlete in the corresponding sport(s)
  OR
• One or two members of Club Sports teams in the corresponding sport(s) (only one in dual events)

An individual shall retain their designation as a “restricted player” for one academic year following the conclusion of the academic year in which their name appeared on the varsity roster or during the entire year in which the individual is classified as academically ineligible or on a Club Sport team roster.  A club sport member is defined as any individual who is on the Club Sport’s roster at anytime during the current academic year.  Once a player is a “Restricted Player,” they remain under that status for the entire 2012-13 academic year. A "restricted player" is not considered to officially be on the Intramural roster until they participate in an Intramural contest.

“Restricted player” limitations only apply to on-campus intramural sports activities.  Off-campus tournament and extramural event eligibility will be determined by the rules of the particular event.  

  For intramural purposes, a professional athlete is defined as an individual who has received pay for playing a sport.  This includes any compensation received for try-outs, training camps, or summer leagues.  Any student, faculty or staff member, or spouse/partner (Co-Rec only) who has competed in a sport on a professional basis shall be ineligible for intramural competition in that sport or its related sport for a period of two years following his/her last professional participation.  

Once a participant has played one game for a team in any activity, he/she may not switch to another team for the duration of that sport season, unless it involves one of the following two situations:  

1. If a team disbands after the first scheduled game, individual members may join other teams with written approval of the intramural staff.  Situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
2.  
3. When a team is eliminated from further competition due to forfeiture, individuals/players who have not participated in more than one contest/game may join other teams with written approval of the staff.  Situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.  NOTE:  Practice games and Preview tournaments are not considered league games.

 

EXCEPTION:  

1. A participant may play on one co-rec team in addition to one single gender team (ex. men's, women's, fraternity, sorority) during the same sport season.
2. Women/men may participate on a men's/women's league team (as well as a co-rec team) if a women's/men's league is not available.
   
   

• Any individual who participates on more than one team during any sport season shall be suspended from participation in that sport for the remainder of the sport season.
• Any individual who participates in an Intramural Sports activity under an assumed name shall be suspended from participation for their next 50 consecutive enrolled class days similar to the guidelines provided for repeat disciplinary offenders.  In addition, the falsely used I.D. will be confiscated and turned over to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities with the actual name of the offending individual for further action.  The actual person on the ID will also be suspended from participation for their next 50 consecutive enrolled class days.
• Any team with an illegal player will be given a forfeit in that sport.  The legal team the player is on (the team they first played with) will not be penalized unless the legal team had knowledge of the player's actions.
• If the ineligible player has played in more than one game those games will be forfeited as well.
• Any team captain who uses a player participating under an assumed name shall be suspended from participation for a minimum of one game.
• Any team captain that uses an ineligible player at an extramural tournament will be suspended, along with the ineligible player(s), from all Intramural participation for their next 50 consecutive enrolled class days.
• An ineligible player (due to suspension) who participates in an Intramural Sports contest will be "ejected" and is ineligible for all Intramural Sports activities until he/she meets with the appropriate member of the Intramural Sports staff. The minimum suspension for this violation will be two games.

 

For purposes of determining participation in a particular game/contest as related to eligibility, signing-in of a player on the scoresheet and presence at the game constitutes participation in that contest.

Participation within this division is open to all currently enrolled students as well as to current faculty and staff. A separate men's and women's division is available for all individual, dual and team sports.  

All fraternity/sorority participants must be currently enrolled students.  Teams representing all social fraternities/sororities which are recognized by East Carolina University I.F.C., N.P.H.C. or Panhellenic and have national affiliation are eligible for participation within this division.  Students participating with fraternity or sorority teams must be active student members or pledges as listed on the organization’s official roster on file with the Office of Greek Life.  Affiliates and inactive members may not participate with fraternity or sorority division teams.  

All participants in Residence Hall divisions must currently live in a Residence Hall on the campus of ECU.   

Co-Rec involves males and females participating together on teams for various activities with some modifications to the sport rules.  Participation within this division is open to all currently enrolled students, current faculty and staff, and spouses/partners of current ECU students, faculty, and staff.  

These leagues are designated for Graduate Students, Faculty, and Staff and may require a team fee.  Undergraduate Students are not eligible to participate in this league.

Each team entering an Intramural Sports activity must have a captain and alternate captain.  These individuals will be accountable for their team and should be capable and conscientious persons who will serve as the liaison between the Intramural Sports office and the team.  

1. Attend or send a designated representative to the team registration meeting.
   
2. Submit timely and correct team/player information prior to registering the team for the upcoming season.  Maintain current and updated information if roster changes are made during the season.  When choosing a team name, please ensure that the selected name is in good taste and not offensive to individuals or groups on the basis of race, place of origin, religion, disability, sex, age, or culture.
   
3. Know, understand, and share pertinent policies and procedures of the Intramural Sports program with all team members.  Assume responsibility for adherence to these policies and procedures.
   
4. Obtain and share information with team members concerning playing schedules and schedule changes.  Team captains should check the Inclement Weather Hotline (328-6443) when game status is questionable due to inclement weather.
   
5. Promoting fair play and a positive atmosphere at game sites by encouraging good sportsmanship and assuming responsibility for controlling the conduct of teammates and spectators.
   
6. Ensure that all necessary players are present and prepared to play at game time for each and every game or notify the Intramural Sports office using appropriate advance default procedures if unable to play.  At the game site, captains should accurately complete the appropriate scoresheet/card.
   
7. Ensure that all players possess proper identification for participation at each and every game.
   
8. Make sure that all team members are eligible to participate and that all other policies and procedures as listed in the Intramural Sports Policy Handbook are followed.
   
9. Work with the Intramural Sports staff to ensure a safe, fun Intramural Sports experience for all participants.
   
10. Captains are required to represent their teams in all actions related to intramural participation including protests, disciplinary matters, reschedule requests, and other pertinent matters.
    
11. Pay any forfeit fees incurred by team.
    
12. For purposes of policies related to team captains such as use of a player under an assumed name or loss of captain’s certification due to a fight, the individual listed on the roster as “team captain” shall be considered responsible regardless of whether or not they are present at the game where such conduct occurs and shall accept any associated penalties.

Each team is limited to a maximum of two reschedule requests for the entire sport season (regular season and playoffs combined).  The steps to rescheduling a contest are as follows:

• The captain of the team desiring the change must come into the Intramural Sports office, pick up a list of predetermined reschedule dates and times, and obtain the contact information for the opposing team’s captain.
• Once both teams have agreed upon a new contest date and time, the respective team captains may either send an e-mail to the sport manager, or may arrange a time to meet in the Intramural Sports office to finalize the reschedule and to sign the Reschedule Form.  If the reschedule is completed via e-mail, the reschedule is not confirmed until e-mails have been received from both captains, and a confirmation e-mail has been sent from the sport manager. This procedure must be completed no later than 5:00pm on the working day prior to the day of the originally scheduled game in order for the reschedule/postponement to be in effect.  Reschedules for Sunday games must be completed by 5:00pm on the previous Thursday.
• The predetermined reschedule dates and times are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Teams are not allowed to “hold” a reschedule date and time.
• If any of the above procedures are not completed fully, the game shall remain as it was originally scheduled.
• If the opposing team is not willing to reschedule, or if the teams are unable to reach an agreeable reschedule time, the game shall remain as it was originally scheduled.
• During playoffs, only when teams are scheduled for games on consecutive days, the rescheduling deadline will be 12:00pm on the day of the game.
• Any rescheduled game not rescheduled through the Intramural Sports office shall result in a forfeit for both teams.
• If a reschedule date is selected that is before the originally scheduled game, the reschedule is due no later than 5:00pm on the working day prior to the new date.
• This procedure may not be done over the telephone.
• The reschedule procedure must still be followed even when team members have conflicting game schedules in the same or another sport.

• Participants who cannot play at the scheduled time are responsible for contacting their opponent(s) and requesting to reschedule the match.
• If the opponent(s) agree, the match may be changed to a date and time during designated reschedule times or may be changed to another date, time, and location that is convenient for all.  If the opponent does not agree, the requesting player must either play at the scheduled time or default. 
• The Intramural Sports office should be notified of all rescheduling arrangements and the score(s) of rescheduled matches must be reported prior to the next scheduled round of play.  Participants will be responsible for their own facility reservations and procuring necessary equipment for all rescheduled matches.

• When registering a team, each team captain/representative agrees to a Participation Contract (either online or in person) when they register which outlines participation expectations and forfeit consequences.
• Game time is forfeit time!  At game time, the clock will start.  At this time, the offended team is given the option to take the victory or to wait up to 10 minutes for the other team and play the game.  Once this decision is made by the offended captain, it may not be reversed and the outcome of the contest shall stand.  If neither team has enough players to play at game time the 10 minute time period will automatically be provided.  Any time consumed by waiting for a late team shall be taken off the time allotted for the game.
• A forfeit is the failure of a team to have the minimum number of players necessary for competition in that sport or event (as designated in the rules specifically for that event) present by the designated time in order to play.  In dual sports (tennis doubles, etc.) both team members must be present by the designated time in order to play.
• Forfeits shall be assessed for the following:  use of ineligible players, unsporting behavior, and failure to appear for a contest.  Any forfeits involving ineligible players or failure to appear shall constitute assessment of the $20.00 forfeit fee.
• Teams which have been assessed a forfeit for failure to appear or use of ineligible players will be suspended from further competition and charged a $20.00 fine.  A team may petition to re-enter by paying the fine in 128 Student Recreation Center by 5:00pm two (2) working days following the forfeited contest.  Failure to pay the forfeit fee during the designated time period will result in the team being eliminated from the league, but the team captain will still be responsible for paying the forfeit fee.
• The person whose name appears on the Participation Contract will bear full responsibility for payment of the $20.00 forfeit fee.  Records will be tagged for any captain who does not pay their forfeit fee.
• Any combination of forfeits and/or defaults equaling two (2) eliminates a team from further competition in that sport. A team captain may be assessed a maximum number of one (1) forfeit per sport, per day.             

• The advance default is a measure whereby the defaulting team accepts a loss and avoids a forfeit by notifying the Intramural Sports office prior to the designated time of their inability to play.
• A default must be documented on the appropriate form in the Intramural Sports office.  No defaults will be accepted after 3:00 pm on the day of the game.  Defaults for Sunday games must be filed by 12:00 noon on the previous Friday.
• Team captains will not be subjected to the provisions of the forfeit fee policy when a proper advance default is filed.
• Any combination of forfeits and/or defaults equaling two (2) eliminates a team from further competition in that sport.
  
  

Protests are restricted to matters of rule interpretation or player eligibility. 

1. Rule Interpretation
   1. The team captain must make any protest involving rule(s) interpretation to the officials at the time the question is raised.  If the protest is not registered at this time and play resumes, the protest will not be valid.  The officials are then responsible for stopping the contest and notifying the Intramural Site Manager at the time of the protest.  He/she will record all pertinent game information on the protest form and play will resume.
   2. On the protest form, the team should give detailed information about what happened on the play in question and must state the rule (including rule number and page number) that was thought to be misinterpreted during the play.
   3. Captains of teams that protest a rule interpretation are encouraged to submit a typed summary of the rule being protested to the Intramural Sports Office.  This typed summary must be submitted by 10:00am the next working day following the incident.
   4. An upheld protest involving a rule interpretation will result in the game being replayed from the point of the protest if at all possible and if the upheld protest affects the outcome of the game.
   5. When staff is evaluating a protest no outside items (videos, fans, etc.) will be considered.
   6. Judgment calls of an official cannot be protested.
2. Player Eligibility
   1. Written protests concerning player eligibility must be made by the team captain before, during, or after the contest up until 5:00pm the first working day following the incident.  If done at the game site, the team must notify game officials who are then responsible for stopping the contest and notifying the Intramural Site Manager at the time of the protest.  Exception: During playoffs and tournaments, a post-game eligibility protest must be filed in the Intramural Sports office by 10:00am the next working day following the incident.  Teams that protest player eligibility must be able to identify what individual(s) is thought to be ineligible and why the individual(s) is ineligible.
   2. Should the Intramural Sports staff detect player eligibility violations which are not protested by a team or individual, appropriate actions will be initiated.  This will typically involve the forfeiting of any contests in which the ineligible individual(s) participated.
   3. Upheld player eligibility protests will result in the game being forfeited by the guilty team or individual.  Teams that use an ineligible player(s) will be suspended from further competition and charged a $20.00 forfeit fee.  A team may petition to re-enter by paying the fine in 128 Student Recreation Center by 5:00 pm two (2) working days following the forfeited contest.  Failure to pay the forfeit fee during the designated time period will result in the team being eliminated from the league, but the team captain will still be responsible for paying the forfeit fee.

 
Teams may submit written comments regarding any incident which may occur during participation in intramural play.  These comments may be made at any time by requesting a “Comment Form” from the Intramural Sports Site Manager on duty.  Participants will receive a response, if needed, from an Intramural Sports staff member within 1-2 working days after receiving the form.

Good sportsmanship is vital to the conduct of each contest in every activity.  The spirit and intent of the rules are self evident.  Violations are most likely to occur when individuals and organizations misapply the rules to gain an unfair advantage.  If violations occur, the staff reserves the right to take immediate corrective action.  It should also be understood that all teams are responsible for the conduct of their spectators.  

The Sportsmanship Rating System has been implemented for all team sports to make the games more enjoyable for opposing teams as well as employees.  The system also provides accountability measures which serve as a way to eliminate teams which fail to comply with sportsmanship standards.  In order to make for a more objective grading system, minimum standards have been established for certain types of misconduct infractions in each sport.  This system uses a simple Likert-type scale with ratings ranging from 1 to 3:

3	=	Acceptable Sportsmanship
		Players cooperate with game personnel and the other team's members. Team members may verbally complain about some decisions made by the officials and/or show minor dissension which may or may not merit actions by the intramural staff. The captain provides necessary leadership and control of his/her players and/or spectators and approaches any concerns or questions with the officials about rule interpretation and calls. There are no blatant displays of overall poor sportsmanship, however a member of the team may have been penalized for a non-threatening unsportsmanlike act.
2	=	Unacceptable Sportsmanship
		Team shows verbal dissent toward officials and/or opposing team which may or may not merit being penalized for an unsportsmanlike act.  Captain exhibits minor control over his/her team, but is generally in control of him/herself.  Teams that are penalized for multiple unsportsmanlike and/or flagrant acts or have at least one disqualification will receive no higher than a “2” rating.  Specific acts include, but are not limited to: abusive language, profanity toward opponent or employee, profanity from the sidelines, excessive arguing with an official’s decision, taunting an opponent, or obscene gestures.
1	=	Forfeiture
		Team is completely uncooperative.  Captain has no control over team and him/herself.  Any team causing a game to be forfeited due to a failure to appear, fighting, blatant cheating, flagrant acts or unacceptable conduct such as a second ejection in a game or any attempt or actual aggression toward an official/opponent, shall receive a “1” rating.

• Defaults and rained-out games that are not re-schedule will not receive a sportsmanship rating and will not factor in to playoff rankings.
  
  
• Two ratings of 2.0 or below constitute that team being eliminated from further competition in that sport.
•  
• If a rating of 2.0 is received in a playoff game, the specific actions of the team as well as their behavior during other games in the season will be reviewed.  A team may be dropped from playoff action if they receive a rating of 2.0 in a single playoff game.  The Sports Manager and Assistant Director will evaluate situations on a case-by-case basis and determine whether to drop the team or allow them to continue play.
•  
• If a team is dropped from the playoffs due to an unacceptable sportsmanship rating, their opponent (provided they receive an acceptable rating) will automatically be advanced regardless of the game result.  Sport-specific criteria for ratings will be available for each sport.
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• A team may be eliminated immediately if there is an incidence of serious discipline problems (i.e. fighting) by the team in a single game.  These situations will also be handled by the Intramural Sports staff on a case-by-case basis.

Under no circumstances should student employees or participants feel either verbally or physically threatened.  Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken by the Intramural Sports staff should any of these situations occur.  The following policies outline the basic sanctioning system that is implemented when unsporting behavior occurs by a player, coach, and/or spectator(s):

• Any player ejected from an Intramural Sports contest for unsporting behavior is automatically ineligible for all Intramural Sports activities until he/she has met with the appropriate member of the Intramural Sports staff.  It is the responsibility of the ejected player involved to set up a meeting with the appropriate sport manager in order to initiate the reinstatement process.  Following this meeting, the ejected player will be suspended from participation in a minimum of their next game in either the same activity or a subsequent activity, if applicable.
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• A team captain who uses a player under an assumed name will be suspended from participation in a minimum of their next game and will be charged with a forfeit fee of $20.  Fraudulent use of an ID card shall also result in confiscation of the card and referral of the actual individual to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for further action.  The actual person on the ID will be suspended from participation for their next 50 consecutive enrolled class days.
  
• Post-game incidents involving threatening behavior (verbal or physical) shall be dealt with as an extension of the contest.  The nature of these penalties shall be based upon the severity of the actions.
  
• If an individual is ejected from an Intramural Sports contest for a second time during a time period of two consecutive semesters or participates under an assumed name, they will be automatically suspended from participation in Intramural Sports for their next 50 enrolled academic class days (approximately 10 weeks).  Following the serving of this suspension, these repeat offenders must contact the Assistant Director for Intramural Sports to gain formal approval prior to participation in their next activity.
  
• Intramural Sports employees are required to record the specific details on any disciplinary/unsporting incidents which occur during the course of scheduled activities.  Disciplinary reports may relate to ejections or other forms of unacceptable behavior that are handled by alternative methods.  If the same individual is cited three times (including ejections) for their role in a disciplinary incident, the 50 day suspension described in the above article will be invoked.
  
• Limits for unsporting behavior are established for each activity.  Once these limits are exceeded (Example: Third technical foul charged to the same team in a basketball game), the game is terminated and a victory is awarded to their opponent.  In any case where a game is terminated due to the unsporting behavior of a team, the team(s) involved will be suspended from participation in their next scheduled game.
  
• No team or individual shall be permitted to make a travesty of a contest.  Those teams/players that demonstrate actions considered to make a mockery of the game will be either suspended or eliminated from further participation (purposely shooting at the wrong basket, running football plays during basketball, etc.).  The severity of this penalty shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Sport Manager.
  
• Any player or team that receives disciplinary action at an extramural tournament will be sanctioned in a similar manner as if the incident had occurred on campus.

Extreme Disciplinary Cases

Extreme disciplinary cases will be ruled upon by the proper CRW staff member. The following guidelines represent the minimum penalties in relation to the specific CRW program for the corresponding actions. In some instances, the conduct of participants or the nature of certain discipline related issues will be of such a severe nature that the impact of such actions relates not only to CRW personnel, programs, and services but to other aspects of campus life as well. In such instances, the department representative will forward the details of the incident to the Office of Student’s Rights and Responsibilities with a specific request to review the incident for appropriate action, possibly in addition to any action taken by CRW. Such actions may include but are not limited to the following: 

1. Destruction of Property – (payment for or reimbursement for damages) Any damages to equipment, fields, facilities, and/or other property while participating at or representing ECU  that have not occurred within the framework of a CRW event will be charged to the offending person(s) and/or team.  The responsible individual(s) records will be tagged until payment is rendered.
2. Fighting (suspension from specific program participation for a minimum of the next 50 consecutive enrolled academic class days) – Fighting consists of any attempt to initiate physical contact (whether or not contact is made), spitting or other combative actions unrelated to the activity or sport involved (includes but is not limited to: striking with the arm(s), hand(s), leg(s), or foot (feet); charging into with the body; etc.) by fans, players, coaches, captains, or teammates. These acts include retaliatory actions including but not limited to offensively charging another participant. However, actions related to self-defense will be considered as mitigating circumstances.
3. Disorderly Conduct/Verbal Abuse/Threatening Behavior (suspension from specific program participation for a minimum of the next 50 consecutive enrolled academic class days) – Disruptive behavior such as using abusive, obscene, vulgar, loud, or disruptive language or conduct directed and deemed offensive toward a CRW staff member or any other individual. Other situations involving threatening behavior (verbal or physical) directed towards a Campus Recreation & Wellness employee or any other individual will be considered under this policy. In addition, a participant who refuses to leave the game site and/or facility after being asked to do so resulting in police intervention will fall under this policy.
4. Assault on a CRW employee (suspension from specific program participation for a minimum of one calendar year) – Any participant, coach, or spectator that shoves, pushes, bumps, brushes, punches, spits at or attacks (this also includes any attempt to initiate these actions, even though there may not be contact) a Campus Recreation & Wellness employee, game official, etc. in any manner will be suspended from participation in the related program for a minimum of one calendar year.
5. Alcohol and/or Drugs (suspension from specific program participation for a minimum of the next 75 consecutive enrolled academic class days) – No individual will be allowed to participate in any activity if it is suspected that he/she is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Spectators and players/teams are also prohibited from bringing to and/or consuming alcohol at an activity site.  Individuals violating this rule shall be removed immediately.
6. Reckless Driving (suspension of the next 75 consecutive enrolled academic class days from driving in support of any departmental program) – Any CRW participant who is found to have been driving recklessly while representing the university or department shall be suspended under the reckless driving policy. Examples of reckless driving include but are not limited to speeding, swerving in and out of lanes, tailgating, Driving While Under the Influence etc.
7. Hazing (suspension of the next 75 consecutive enrolled academic class days) – Hazing has been defined as generally including, among other things:
   1. Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health or involves the forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization.
   2. Any other act or series of acts which cause or are likely to cause mental or physical harm or danger.
   3. Mistreatment by playing stunts or practicing abusive, humiliating or abusive tricks that subject an individual to personal indignity, humiliation or ridicule.
   4. Harassment by enacting unnecessary, disagreeable or difficult work by banter, ridicule or criticism. Some examples of such activities include:
      • Abnormal or unusual dress holding the wearer to ridicule, e.g., extraordinary headgear, underwear, body painting
      • Performing unusual or abnormal acts, e.g. dancing on tables, standing at attention, standing on window sills, etc.
      • Excessive or unusual physical exercise, e.g. crawling, duckwalk, pushups, situps, skipping, hopping, squatting, etc.
      • Verbal harassment or abuse, e.g. yelling, making demeaning remarks, etc.

With regard to items #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7, following the completion of the assigned sanction, the offender(s) will be placed on probation for one-year.  Any participant that commits one of the above infractions during the probationary period will be subject to a suspension that is equal to or greater than the initial suspension dependent upon a review of both incidents by the proper Campus Recreation and Wellness staff member(s).

Appeal Procedures

In extreme discipline cases, as mentioned above, an appeal may be made as long as it meets the following criteria:

• Decision not supported by the evidence
• Sanction too harsh above the stated minimum for the infraction

A written notice of appeal must be presented to the Advisory Council facilitator (Janis Steele - steelej@ecu.edu) within two weeks (10 class days) following the date of the initial decision. Requests for appeals after the two week time limit will not be considered. All legitimate appeals will be taken before the Campus Recreation & Wellness Advisory Council. In the event of an appeal, any disciplinary penalties imposed by the Campus Recreation and Wellness staff shall be in effect until a decision is made by the Campus Recreation & Wellness Advisory Council. At this point a special meeting will be convened for the purpose of placing the appeal before the Advisory Council representatives. This meeting will be held within two weeks of the date of receipt of the official appeal notice/written request or as soon thereafter as possible. A minimum of three Advisory Council representatives must be present at the appeal review meeting. In the event of an appeal being requested during a time frame when the Advisory Council is not active (i.e., summer), the Advisory Council Facilitator will enlist the assistance of the previous term Advisory Council representatives or representatives who have been appointed to serve during the upcoming term to address the appeal. The Council, after listening to and reviewing the pertinent information, will make a decision with regard to the issue(s). This decision will contain appropriate penalties and/or sanctions to be imposed on the individual(s) involved.) This decision will be forwarded to the Advisory Council Facilitator who will forward notice of the decision to the participant or group involved within three (3) class days after the appeal meeting. The initial decision will remain in effect until all appeals are exhausted. The appeals decision will indicate appropriate dates that will apply to either newly established penalties/sanctions or to the upheld and currently existing penalties/sanctions.

Awards will be presented to Divisional Men’s, Women’s, and Co-Rec champions in each activity.  Members of championship teams must have participated in at least two (2) games to be eligible for any awards. The maximum number of awards that will be issued to a team, provided they meet the participation requirements will be:

Sport	Award maximum
Basketball- 5-on-5	10
Basketball- 3-on-3	5
Bowling	6
Dodgeball	6
Flag Football- 7-on-7	12
Flag Football- 4-on-4	6
Innertube Waterpolo	9
Kickball	12
Sand Volleyball	6
Soccer- Indoor	9
Soccer- Outdoor	14
Softball	15
Team Handball	9
Volleyball	9
Wiffleball	8

           Basic Policies and Regulations
The Sorority and Fraternity point systems are based upon accumulation of points on a yearly basis by participation and/or achievement in intramural sports.  For further and more detailed information on any of the Point Systems in use, please pick up a copy of the specific Policies & Procedures which are available in the Intramural Sports office and online.  

Chancellor's Cup Award
The Chancellor's Cup will be awarded to the fraternities (two divisions) and sorority which earn the greatest number of points via their respective point system throughout the year.  Placement of organizations will be determined by members during point system meetings at the beginning of the Fall semester.
Students are given the opportunity to introduce new activities to be included in the Intramural Calendar of Events for the upcoming academic year. Approval will be based upon the philosophy of the program, facilities required, student interest, safety, cost, personnel needs, etc. If you are interested please contact Mark Parker at parkerma@ecu.edu.
Intramural Sports utilizes Blount Fields, the North Recreational Complex, the Student Recreation Center, Christenbury Gym, Mendenhall Student Center, Bradford Creek Golf Course and West Meadowbrook Park for its various intramural activities. Each facility that we use has its unique features and regulations. Please visit http://www.ecu.edu/crw/facilities/ for complete details. Most intramural activities will be held on-campus, however, a few activities are held at off-campus locations. ECU transportation is available for most of the on-campus sites. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own transportation whether or not ECU transportation is available to the various off-campus activity locations. Although most participants have their own equipment or purchase equipment as a team/organization, a limited amount of equipment is available for checkout. Equipment may be checked out at the Student Recreation Center during regular hours of operation. A current ECU OneCard is required for checkout. The equipment must be returned the following day by the close of the SRC. Limited equipment such as jerseys and softball bats may be checked out at the different activity locations.