Introduction

The Club Sports program at The University of Southern Mississippi is part of Southern Miss Campus Recreation. A Club Sport is defined as a registered student organization that may provide a program of instruction, recreation or competition in a specific sport. Club Sports assume a variety of types and sizes in order to meet many of the sport needs and interests of students, faculty and staff. Each club establishes its own organizational framework, leadership and performance level. Each club sport team is a student organization that is administered by its members and is independent of other Club Sports. Group efforts by various sport clubs are coordinated through the University Club Sports Council.

Membership

Individual sport clubs establish their own membership requirements, dues and club programs. All sport clubs are available to students, faculty and staff. For the most part, performance ability is not always important; all that is needed is interest and willingness to participate actively in the sport as well as in the management of the club. Additionally, each sport club must have an active club adviser.

Competition

Most club sports are organized with the purpose of allowing members to experience intercollegiate competition beyond the intramural level. Practice sessions leading up to a scheduled season are usually organized to enhance the competitive skills of the club sports' team members. Competitive teams are usually coached and managed by fellow students or faculty members. Some clubs become very highly organized and represent The University of Southern Mississippi in tournaments in the region. There are also those clubs that assume a low profile on competition and participate primarily for sport socialization. This gives the participant a broad range for competitiveness and a range that caters to everyone.

Instruction

For many reasons, Club Sports provide instructional sport programs for their members. The instruction is usually oriented toward the intermediate level, leaving beginning instruction for physical education classes. Highly qualified instruction can be found within many clubs.

How to Join

On the current Club Sports web page is a list of current club sports at The University of Southern Mississippi. Call the adviser for the schedule club meetings and more information. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the Intramural Sports and Club Sports Office at 601.266.5405.