Andrew ODellI am a horrible athlete. I am too skinny to play football and too short to play basketball. I have no hops and no arm. Yet, I love sports. I live and die with every pitch, every touchdown pass, and every hoop. While it is nice to watch Sammy pound home runs, and Shaq slam down dunks, I get antsy. I want to pretend for a second that I can be an athlete. Luckily, Washington University has many intramural sports competitions.
What are IM sports?
The intramural sports department offers some 20 sports (see chart) and plus 13 special events. You can compete in the men’s, women’s, or co-ed divisions of most sports. Further, most sports within each division have multiple levels of competition (usually an A and a B level).
There is a large difference between the A leagues and the B leagues (the B leagues are for beginners). However, many times A league teams play in B leagues to win.
What are the most popular sports?
IM ultimate Frisbee is extraordinarily popular-it seems to be a University tradition. Whether you can throw a disc or not sign up for a team. The practices are a ton of fun and it is a great chance to bond with your friends.
Basketball, flag football and softball are other favorites.
Why participate in IM sports?
While IM sports are not as intense as game seven of the World Series or the Super Bowl, they are competitive and fun. They are a way to bond with your freshman floor-mates. They are a way to let off some excess steam from that tough chem midterm. They are a way to get involved.
What do you win if you win a league?
A cool t-shirt-and that is it. But trust me; the t-shirt is worth it!
How are IM sports officiated?
Just like any other athletic contest, they have referees. Referees go through a training program so that they know the basics of the game they are watching. Yet, ultimately it is up to the teams to police themselves.
How do you sign up?
When the school year starts a list of sports and deadlines for signing up are posted. All you have to do is go to the IM office (on the second floor of the Athletic Complex), pick up a form, get a bunch of signatures, and turn it back in. It is that simple! But act fast because leagues and sports are known to fill up fast. (You also have to put down a deposit that you forfeit if you fail to show up for a game.)
When are the games?
It all depends! Most games are on the weekends, but games take place all week long. Just sign up for dates and times that jive with your schedule.
What if you are shut out of a league and still want to play a given sport?
Chances are that there will be pick up games in the Swamp or around campus. If you miss out on Frisbee, basketball or football there are ample opportunities to join informal games on the 40. For the more exotic sports like water polo and arena flag football, you’ll just have to wait until next year.
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