Dale Ramsay
Director, Intramural and Recreational Sports
Swain Student Activities Center
Room E-102
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
November 28, 2007
Dear Dale,
Thanks for the opportunity to work with you and your staff. I really appreciate everyone that
took time to speak to me. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and talking with everyone. The open
and honest conversations were a tremendous help in drafting this review. The students I spoke
with were fantastic and very enthusiastic about the possibilities. After speaking with Dr. Mardis
and Dr. Jackson I can see why you’re so optimistic about the recent change in leadership and
the direction University of Louisville is heading. I am really excited about the possible
expanding opportunities for Intramural and Recreational Sports Department at the University
of Louisville.
Once again thanks for the opportunity of working with you and I hope this review will be a
useful tool. If there are any questions please do not hesitate to call. Good Luck.
Ron Lee
Director, Campus Recreation
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506-0220
(859)257-3928
University of Louisville Department of
Intramural and Recreational Sports Review
Programming
Intramural Sports
The intramural sports program offers a selection of over thirty structured sports ranging from
table tennis to basketball. There is an excellent blend of team and individual/dual sports to
meet the student’s needs. The sports are offered for men, women and co-rec with various
divisions and skill levels to choose from. There are overall point systems available to all
students to encourage participation in the sports offered and create excitement to crown the
overall winning organization at the end of the year. The schedules, results, and point totals of
all intramural events are posted to the web site immediately to make it more convenient for
students to stay informed. Most sports are played in the Student Activity Center and Parkway
Fields. The intramural sports program is organized and administered by the Coordinator of
Intramural Sports and five undergraduate assistants. The intramural staff utilizes an intramural
council to help decide the sports offered and add input for all aspects of intramural sports. The
intramural council is comprised of student representatives from various participating teams and
student organizations. Last year over 6,500 students participated in intramural sports. There
has been an increase in the number of teams participating in intramural sports as seen in flag
football this year (increased from 60 to 80 teams). From my meetings the most common issue
cited with intramurals sports is recruiting and keeping quality intramural sports officials.
The intramural program meets or exceeds most universities in the number of different sports
and divisions available to students. The biggest concern is the ability to attract and retain
student officials. Intramural officials have one of the hardest student jobs on campus. With
minimal training and pay they must officiate their peers who have unrealistic expectations of
the official. The intramural program has reached a point where it is difficult for one
professional staff member to sustain and grow the program. An additional position would not
only assist with the programming and supervision, but could devote a large amount of time and
effort to improve the officiating issue.
Fitness
The fitness program is coordinated by an Assistant Director of Intramural and Recreational
Sports who also has facility responsibilities. The fitness program offers group fitness classes,
fitness assessment, and health and fitness days. The group fitness classes are offered at both
the Health Science Campus Fitness Center and the Student Activities Center. The group fitness
studio in the Student Activity Center is converted from two racquetball courts. Classes offered
range from Step Aerobics to Cardio-Kick. Yoga and Pilates classes are offered at the Health
Science Campus Fitness Center. Yoga and Pilates cannot be offered at the Student Activity
Center because of the noise with the racquetball courts. The cost for group fitness classes is
$40 per semester. The group fitness classes are offered at noon time and early afternoon
(generally 5:15pm – 6:15pm) at both locations.
Fitness assessments (assess blood pressure, heart rate, body composition, cardiovascular,
flexibility etc.) are available to students for $10. Fitness assessments are done by appointment
only during certain times at both facilities.
The health and fitness days are scheduled at various times throughout the semester at the
Humana Gym, Student Activities Center weight room and Health Science Campus Fitness
Center. During these scheduled times the fitness staff is there to answer fitness related
questions (workouts, how to use equipment etc.) from students.
Fitness has been the fastest growing area nationwide. Students are now more health conscious
than ever before. Students want more fitness and wellness opportunities and programs.
Offering more group fitness classes (particularly in the afternoon and evening time),
fitness/wellness programming (healthy eating chooses, fitness challenges etc) and expanding
the availability of fitness assessments and fitness days are needed. The fitness program needs
additional funding and a full time position dedicated to meeting the fitness and wellness needs
of the students
Informal Recreation
One of the most important services provided to students is the opportunity to participate in
sports/recreational activities in an informal, unstructured setting. Students are free to choose
their own activities and participate at their own skill level and pace. Given the current indoor
facilities, the staff has maximized the available time for informal recreation. Informal
recreation is available at the Student Activities Center, Human Gym and the Health Science
Campus Fitness Center. Between the three facilities there are over 300 hours of informal
recreation available per week. Activities available include volleyball, basketball, badminton,
squash, racquetball, wallyball, weight lifting, cardio workouts (treadmills, exercise bikes etc.),
billiards, table tennis, board games and a video gaming room.
There are two areas lacking in informal recreation: not enough fitness equipment (limited by
space) and limited outdoor field space available for informal recreation.
Sports Clubs
Sports Clubs are groups of students that organize because of a common interest in a sport.
These organizations are self administrated and regulated by the students. Sports Clubs allow
the student to further pursue their interest, whether by intercollegiate competition or just
meeting on a regular basis to improve their skill. The Sports Club program currently has 18
clubs. There is a nice blend of clubs that range from Lacrosse to Ballroom Dance. The Sports
Clubs are governed by the Sports Club Federation. This group is comprised of one delegate from
each of the currently recognized sports clubs. These delegates meet three times per semester
to discuss current club issues and report on club activities. Because of limited outdoor field
space some of the more traditional outdoor sports clubs (rugby, soccer, field hockey etc.) are
not offered.
Facilities
Student Activities Center
The recreational sports area of the Student Activities Center has five racquetball courts, two
squash courts, a four court multi-purpose gymnasium that can be used for basketball, volleyball
and badminton, and five thousand square feet (some from converted racquetball courts) of
cardio and fitness equipment. The amount of multi-purpose court space and racquetball courts
seems adequate. The amount of space for cardio and fitness equipment falls short of what is
needed. The Student Activities Center was built just before the skyrocketing of fitness in
campus recreation. It follows the pattern of other facilities built during that era that try to
compensate for lack of fitness space by manufacturing space (like converting racquetball court
space). The staff has maximized the amount of cardio and weight equipment that can fit.
Waiting lists are used for cardio equipment during high volume times and time is limited to 30
minutes per person on a piece of equipment. This is done to maximize the number of people
that can use the equipment. But 30 minutes can barely be called a cardio workout. This
becomes very frustrating and discouraging to students.
More space is needed for fitness. The staff has captured all the space that could currently be
converted without taking too much from the other sports areas. Major renovation would be a
good option.
Humana Gym
The Human Gym has a multi-purpose gym, a mat room, a fitness room with limited cardio and
weight lifting equipment, saunas, and locker rooms. With free parking and no crowds it is a
viable option for off campus students. It is home to several club sports and has a loyal
following. This facility seems to have found its niche.
Continuing cosmetic improvements and updating equipment would make this facility more
appealing.
Health Science Campus Fitness Center
The HSC Fitness Center was built seven years ago and serves the Health Science Campus. This
facility has an open fitness area that contains 21 pieces of cardiovascular equipment, a
complete line of 15 pieces of selectorized weight training equipment, and a free weight training
area. The fitness center also has an aerobics studio and locker rooms. Although there are times
this facility is crowded, it seems to meet the needs for the Health Science Campus.
Cardinal Corner Game Room
The Cardinal Corner Game Room provides a place for students to play billiards, table tennis,
cards or board games. The back part of the room has become the gaming room (a place to play
video games). The billiard and table tennis area is adequate. The gaming room currently is not
equipped to handle the number of students who want to participate. The video gaming room
could be made more appealing by adding more monitors and internet connections.
Parkway Fields
This lighted Bermuda grass field is well maintained and a quality outdoor field area. This space
is used primarily for intramural sports. This field is locked except when used by intramurals or
scheduled special events. The consistent feedback received from students was a lack of open
outdoor field space. Finding a way to open this field more while still keeping it in playable
shape would help in this area.
Funding
The staff has done a tremendous job maximizing their budget. After all expenses are paid there
is about $20,000 left to purchase new equipment and perform regular maintenance. A
significant amount of the budget is soft money that is generated from camps and other outside
entities. The lack of funding has put a tremendous challenge on the staff to run a quality
program while scratching for every dollar. Student fees dedicated to the Intramural and
Recreational Sports Department would remedy the budget issues. There currently are no
student fees earmarked for the Department of Intramural and Recreational Sports. Most
programs across the country and particularly in our state are funded in part by student fees.
Currently the students at the University of Kentucky pay $56.75 per semester for full time
students and a pro-rated portion for part time students directly to the Campus Recreation
Department.
Marketing and Assessment
The department is very sound in these areas. They take full advantage of the web and existing
marketing opportunities within the university. The department is well ahead of the curve with
assessment and applying the CAS standards for measuring learning outcomes. The Marketing
and Assessment Planning, Strategy and Implementation Schedule for 2007-2008 publication is
very impressive.
Risk Management
The goal of risk management is to provide a safe environment for students. Through staff
training employees are made aware of their responsibilities and the proper policy and
procedures to follow to provide a safe environment for participants. The Department of
Intramural and Recreational Sports has one manual that covers all risk management procedures
(Intramural Sports Risk Management). This is an invaluable resource for a quick reminder or
refresher of proper procedures to follow to ensure a safe environment or to manage incidents
when they occur. The risk management practices are on par with or above most universities.
Summary
The strength of The University of Louisville Department of Intramural and Recreational Sports is
the experienced staff. That so many of the staff are long-term employees is not only an
indication of the strong leadership of the department, but also a testament to the University of
Louisville. The most limiting factors of the program are funding and facilities. In summary my
recommendations are as follows:





Immediately I would recommend taking advantage of the opportunity provided by
Extreme Home Makeover to put artificial turf on a field for $200,000. This price is easily
a $500,000 savings. The artificial turf field would provide durable needed outdoor field
space.
Major expansion of the Student Activities Center Recreational Sports Area needs to
happen just to catch up with the other state schools. From my discussions with the
students this expansion is something they would rally behind and be willing to fund
through student fees. These fees should be dedicated to the Intramural and
Recreational Sports Department and not only cover paying the bond, but also other
operational expenses.
The current funding is barely enough to operate. This can be resolved with student fees
dedicated to the Intramural and Recreational Sports Department.
Due to the popularity and demand for fitness and fitness programming there needs to
be a full time staff member dedicated solely to fitness.
With the increase in intramural sport participation, adding an assistant intramural
coordinator would be beneficial not only in recruiting and training officials but in all
aspects of administrating the intramural sports program.