College Intramural Sports: Even for the Inexperienced
The college experience as a whole has a lot to offer, including an education, parties, and of course experiences that you may or may not remember. No shame. But what it also offers is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be involved in a team sport.
Now, this becomes pretty competitive only when you make it competitive. No worries, though, because that happens to be for most of us. College intramural sports are popular because they are pure fun with your friends or future friends. Plus, they are usually free and give you an excuse to not study for a chem quiz the night before.
To discover common intramural sports, continue reading below.
Softball
The best thing about softball in college is that it is for both boys and girls. There is no discrimination here. Teams still usually consist of nine players on the field, batting it out for a homer or a chance to slide to the plate. It is mainly for bragging rights, I know.
Some would argue given you are playing with an actual softball, which is evidently larger than a baseball, that it is easier. Others say that sans an all-star pitcher or shortstop you are on your way to a losing season. But regardless, you get to yell strike and stand on a mound.
Flag Football
I am highly certain that most of us are aware of football, but in case not, flag football is played slightly different. For one, there are flags involved and not just the ones that refs throw when you are caught with PI. So this means no tackling, guys.
Depending on your school’s regulations, there are sometimes still 11 players in action. And what this means is that you are supposed to be following your route and sticking to protecting the pocket. We want to win, and if not, we want to get a decent amount of cardio in.
Frisbee
Before attending college, I was very unaware of how popular ultimate Frisbee was. For one, it is taken with the utmost sincerity, and for two, just go anywhere outside and you have the potential of being knocked out by one. I am being serious. Just remember to keep your hands up.
This is a very common intramural sport for reasons I am not completely sure of. I know that they are not usually co-ed and that bruises are a constant. Plus, you really get to live out your dream of being in the Frisbee Olympics, which they are striving to make happen. So go disk away, people.
Basketball
Everyone loves a good round of b-ball and if you don’t, then you may need to sign up for some intramurals. Basketball is the usual offense vs. defense and attempting to not foul when on a drive. But don’t worry if you do — it happens to the best of us. Just be prepared to argue a lot between what counts as a flagrant one and two.
Basketball is great because games are indoors which means air conditioning, hello. Plus, friends can come and support us by being in the stands. And it is quite the workout given you are running back and forth across a court for an average of 60 minutes. Thank you, cardio.
Soccer
Speaking of running back and forth, soccer tends to lead to that. A lot. Soccer games are great for intramurals because you just get a lot of your friends together and decide to become highly competitive. Trust me, it is fun.
The rules are usually the same, except they may be more willing to call a red just because. And soccer is all about scoring, running, and of course bonding with your besties. Plus, there are cuties. And that is never a bad thing. Never.
Intramural sports are a ton of fun because that is their intent, but also because you are getting in exercise with your friends. And who does not love killing two birds with one stone? My point exactly. And regardless of your experience or lack thereof, it is still available to the masses. Or students, really.
There are more intramural sports offered of course, but these are most likely what you would find. If there is not a team located at your school, do not be afraid to start it up yourself. And if all else fails, then this can just be another example of what you do not remember about college.