University of Chicago

Governance of Program

All Sport Clubs are supervised by the Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Fitness within the Department of Athletics & Recreation at the University of Chicago.

Purpose of Sport Clubs

The general purposes of Sport Clubs are to:

1. Introduce students, faculty, staff, alumni and their partners to new activities
2. Continue and enhance skills
3. Develop student leadership
4. Provide opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumni and their partners to develop positive interpersonal relationships
5. Promote an appreciation for diversity

Criteria to become a Sport Club

All Sport Clubs must have:

1. A membership of at least 10 currently registered UChicago students
2. Club officers who are current UChicago students
3. A faculty advisor who is interested in the physical club activity and involved with the guidance of club officers
4. A constitution approved by the Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Fitness. The constitution is the framework of the club and expresses the fundamentals of the club's existence. Students, faculty and staff, alumni, and their partners comprise the total population of participants in the Sport Club program and have the responsibility for: writing their constitution and bylaws, determining their membership requirements, establishing any dues schedule, selecting and establishing duties of the officers and ensuring that all activities are administered safely and according to Sport Club Policies and Procedures.
5. Approval to operate by the Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Fitness

How to Start a New Sport Club

If a currently registered Sport Club (or RSO) that meets interests/needs cannot be found, then a group may apply to become a new Sport Club by:

1. Completing the Sport Club Application. The application requires the petitioner’s name (as the contact person), student ID number and the names (and student ID numbers) of at least nine other current UChicago students who are interested in joining the proposed Sport Club.
2. Submitting a constitution and accompanying bylaws for the proposed club. All applications, constitutions and bylaws must be submitted to the Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Fitness. All materials will be reviewed by at least this individual for approval.
3. If trying to restart a deactivated Sport Club, the above steps must also be followed.

Club Constitutions and Bylaws

All clubs must adopt bylaws that govern and explain how the club shall be organized. The bylaws should explain the: club's name and purpose; qualifications of membership and members' duties; rights and responsibilities; details of meetings; election of officers; handling of funds; amendment of bylaws; advisor selection; and any other details about the club's organization and operation. Bylaws should also outline a consistent and fair method of selecting leadership for the organization. Sample bylaws should be used as a reference.  All clubs should be open to all interested UChicago students, regardless of divisional or departmental affiliations. Questions should be directed to the Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Fitness.