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Intramural Employee Handbook

Letter from the Intramural Coordinator

Dear Intramural Sports Staff,

The Department of Intramural Sports welcomes you as an Intramural employee and we look forward to making your job an enjoyable one for you and our entire staff this season. As an Intramural employee, you are a very important part of the Intramural Program. Your job is a key element to the success of the department and our staff has put our trust in your abilities to do a great job. Without the hard work and dedication of the Intramural staff, our program could not exist.

This handbook has been prepared and designed to assist in not only training you as an official, but to be used as a resource throughout the entire season while you are on the job. The handbook is effective only if you read it and use it as a continuous reference. It contains complete information on guidelines and procedures and has been written to be both practical and informative. Our hope is that this handbook will enhance our staff training and prepare you more thoroughly, which will hopefully allow you to enjoy being an Intramural Sports Employee.

Please read this handbook and refer to it for answers to questions you may have throughout the year. Also, do not hesitate to contact myself or David with any questions or concerns you have regarding anything. Thank you very much for the work that you do and best of luck this year.

WORK HARD and HAVE FUN!!!

Sincerely,

Kate Titsworth

Coordinator of Intramural Sports

Mission Statement

Campus Recreation and the Office of Intramural Sports provide safe, recreational programs and facilities for the enhancement of a total educational experience and quality of life for the University community. The Intramural program provides an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to participate in activities, within a structured and competitive environment.

Intramural Department Phone List

Kate TitsworthOffice: 680-8304Mobile: 870-820-2546

David HarrisOffice: 680-4082Mobile: 901-620-9568

Graduate AssistantOffice: 972-3109

General Guidelines

All employees are expected to fulfill the following guidelines:

  • Attend all appropriate meetings required for their position.
  • Perform all assigned duties and responsibilities.
  • Wear the required uniform that is provided, along with any required equipment.
  • Work the entire shift that they are assigned.
  • Report for work on time. If an individual cannot work the shift for which they are assigned, it is their responsibility to find an appropriate substitute and notify IM Sports staff of the substitution
  • If absent from work due to an illness or emergency, employees are expected to let their supervisor know.
  • IM Supervisors will be CPR and First Aid Certified. The Intramural Department and RWC will certify you in these categories.
  • NO CELL PHONES while on the clock. Full time staff and Supervisors will have use of cell phones for safety and emergency situations ONLY.

Job Descriptions

Intramural Supervisor

Duties:

  • Knowledge of Intramural Sports Department Rules and Regulations
  • Enforce all Arkansas State University rules and procedures.
  • Have strong working knowledge of the sport’s playing rules.
  • Assist with set up and take down of Intramural events.
  • Be ready at the game site 30 minutes beforehand to ensure that everything is set up properly.
  • Ensure that score sheets and forms are on the correct field/court.
  • Ensure the first aid kit is at the field/court and is fully-stocked.
  • Ensure that the playing surface is safe and free from obstacles/obstructions.
  • Assist in signing in Intramural teams and in verifying their eligibility.
  • Act as a resource and provide customer service for participants, coaches and spectators.
  • Complete all required forms.
  • Ensure that all games are starting on time.
  • Oversee the Intramural contest and ensure participation takes place in a safe manner.
  • Never leave any Intramural event unsupervised.
  • Provide guidance and support to the Intramural officials.
  • Diffuse any potential problems involving spectators, coaches and players.
  • Aid participants with injuries by providing First Aid and CPR and report all injuries or problems to the Intramural Staff.
  • Maintain control during games.
  • Be able to handle difficult situations such as injuries or disruptive players or spectators.
  • Participate in all training meetings and on-field clinics.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Intramural Official

Duties:

  • Knowledge of Intramural Sports Department Rules and Regulations
  • Have strong working knowledge of the sport’s playing rules or willingness to learn.
  • Be ready at the game site 30 minutes beforehand to ensure that everything is set up properly.
  • Assist with set up and take down of Intramural events.
  • Ensure that the playing surface is safe and free from obstacles/obstructions.
  • Oversee the Intramural contest and ensure participation takes place in a safe manner.
  • Conduct a pre-game meeting with your partner to review positioning and mechanics.
  • Communicate well with all officials, players, coaches and spectators.
  • Conduct a pre-game meeting with the team captain’s to go over rules and answer any questions they may have.
  • View and follow the Intramural sports contest and enforce the rules as judiciously as possible.
  • Report any problems or concerns to the Supervisor.
  • Be open to discuss calls with the team captain (talk with the team captain about calls, but if they become irate find the Intramural Supervisor on duty or other IM Staff).
  • Assist in completing any forms that are in need of completing.
  • Dress appropriately for your sport.
  • Attend all official training sessions.
  • Be able to handle difficult situations such as injuries or disruptive players or spectators.
  • Assist with risk management issues.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • NO CELL PHONES while on the clock

Scorekeeper/Timekeeper

Duties:

  • Keep score for Intramural games.
  • Keep time for Intramural games.
  • Register all participants prior to the start of contests, including checking ASU ID’s.
  • No ID = No Play! No Exceptions!!!
  • Assist with resolving conflicts that may arise during game play.
  • Properly complete scoresheets, which includes getting the captain’s signatures.
  • Provide written reports on all incidents, protests, ejections, etc. no matter how minor.

Expectations

  • Give your best effort at all times.
  • Expect to spend some time studying and learning the rules of Intramural games.
  • Have a positive attitude.
  • Expect to take some criticism from the players.
  • Know when to ask for help.
  • Be professional at all times when interacting with staff, supervisors, players and spectators.
  • DO NOT WEAR UNIFORM when “off the clock”. This includes playing and spectating
  • Be prepared physically and mentally.
  • Dress accordingly and maintain a proper appearance.
  • Always be on time.
  • Follow instructions carefully.
  • Have an interest in helping others.
  • Maintain a safe environment.
  • Have Fun.

Meetings

There will be mandatory meetings at the beginning of each sport to review and explain the Intramural policies and train employees for the upcoming Intramural season. Dates and times of the meetings will be given in advance and attendance is mandatory.

Availability Forms/Scheduling

All student employees are required to complete a class schedule/availability form and have it on file with the Intramural Coordinator. It is up to the student to keep this form up to date. Intramural workers will be scheduled according to the availability form given to the Intramural Coordinator.

Substitutions

If you cannot cover your entire shift for any reason, you must find an appropriate substitute for the entire period. You must also fill out the substitution form and have it approved by the Intramural Director, Asst. Intramural Director or Graduate Assistant. If the appropriate steps are not followed and your substitute does not show up for your shift, you will be held responsible. The procedure is as follows.

  1. Ask employees who are authorized to work at your same position.
  2. Complete the substitution form.
  3. Have the substitution form signed by yourself, your substitute and an appropriate supervisor.

Disciplinary Action

Occasionally it is necessary to correct the actions of employees. This action may take several different forms depending on the offense committed, previous performance, and other factors that were a direct or indirect result of the offense committed. These actions may include, but are not limited to, the following steps.

  1. Verbal warning
  2. Written warning
  3. Probation
  4. Suspension
  5. Termination

It will be at the discretion of the Intramural professional staff to determine what disciplinary action is taken. If necessary, a meeting will be set up between the employee and coordinators to discuss the action given.

Payroll

Payday will be the 15th and the last day of each month. Employees must fill out the on-line time sheet by the end of each pay period, which can be found on Banner Self Service. If you have problems submitting your time please email:

False Hours

Submitting false hours violates the state and federal law. Students could be charged with forgery. If found guilty, the result will be immediate termination of employment with Arkansas State University Intramural Sports Department.

Personal Appearance

Personal appearance is important to the overall impression of the Intramural Department and staff in general. Student employees are required to wear staff shirts when they are working. Personal hygiene is also important. Neat and professional appearance is a must. Use your best judgment in your appearance.

Evaluations

During the semester the Intramural Coordinator and Asst. Intramural Sports Coordinator will evaluate all student employees relative to the job responsibilities. The purpose of the evaluation is to give constructive feedback on improving a worker’s job performance. Awards, references and continued employment are all taken into consideration at the end of each semester.You are welcome to discuss your evaluations with the Intramural Coordinator or Asst. Coordinator at any time. Examples of what will be looked at over the course of the semester are:

  1. Dependability
  2. Attitude
  3. Judgment
  4. Work ethic
  5. Knowledge
  6. Quality of work
  7. Quantity of work

Disciplinary Actions Against Participants & Patrons

The development of sportsmanlike attitudes is one of the Intramural sports major goals. Good sportsmanship is vital to the conduct of every contest in the Intramural sports program. Therefore, participants and fans are expected to play according to the rules of the game and the programs policies. The Intramural Coord., Asst. Intramural Coord., and Graduate Assistant reserve the right to take appropriate action against individuals or teams for fighting and other unsportsmanlike conduct.

Player Conduct

  • Any player who uses profane language, flagrantly disobeys the rules of the contest, flagrantly disagrees either by action or words shall be ejected from the game with an official’s decision.
  • Any player ejected from a game will receive an automatic 1 game suspension and must meet with the IntramuralCoordinator before resuming play.
  • Any player who repeatedly or willfully commits flagrant violations, or who instigates or joins in a fight, shall be ejected from that contest.
  • In the event a player is ejected from multiple games on different occasions, he/she will be banned from all Intramural play for the rest of the current quarter. In addition he/she will meet with the IntramuralCoordinator to discuss further reinstatement.

Team Conduct

It will be the duty of each team’s captain to control the actions of all members representing that team. Any harassment of officials or members of the opposing team, by either player or spectators, shall result in the forfeit of that contest. Repeated violations of this rule will cause the suspension of that team for the remainder of the Intramural season. In the event any member, or members, of a team shall move onto the playing area for purposes of forceful protest or to be involved in a fight, that team/individual shall be excluded from Intramural Sports competition for the remainder of the school year. The persons involved in these activities will be referred to the IntramuralCoordinator for appropriate action.

Fan Conduct

  • The conduct of fans representing a particular team will be the responsibility of that team. In the event that fans representing a particular team use profane language, harass officials or opposing team members, or refuse to abide by acceptable standards of behavior, the team captain will have to meet with the IntramuralCoordinator. In the event this behavior is repeated a second time, that team will be excluded from further Intramural Sports competition for the remainder of that season.
  • In the event any fan, or fans, approach the playing area for the purpose of forceful protest or to be involved in a fight, that team may be expelled from Intramural Sports competition for the remainder of the year and fans will be referred to the Intramural Coordinator for appropriate action.
  • Unruly fans will also be dealt with on an individual basis.

Sportsmanship Policy

It is a priority that participation in Intramural Sports at Arkansas State University be first and foremost a fun experience. To ensure a fun and safe experience, the Intramural Department has implemented a Sportsmanship Policy. This policy will hopefully allow for a safe, fun, and enjoyable atmosphere for all involved. There will be penalties and repercussions for those teams/individuals that do not follow this policy. The Sportsmanship Policy is as follows:

Team Sportsmanship:

The Team Sportsmanship Policy is an objective means for assessing the behavior of teams through an Intramural Sports season. At the end of each game, Intramural staff members will rate the sportsmanship of each team. The game rating will reflect the behavior of the team collectively. The policy is designed to place responsibility for sportsmanship on team members. Team Captain’s will be held responsible for the behavior of their teams’ players and spectators.

Sportsmanship Rating Procedure:

The Sportsmanship Policy is intended to be an objective scale by which teams’ attitudes and behavior is assessed throughout the Intramural league and playoff seasons. Behavior before, during, and after an intramural sport contest is included in the rating. Teams will have to maintain an average sportsmanship rating of 2.75 or higher in order to be eligible to play in league playoffs. Any team below 2.75 will not be eligible to play in league playoffs.

Teams that forfeit a game will be given a sportsmanship rating of 2.0. Teams winning a forfeited game will receive a 4.0 (A) sportsmanship rating. Teams that default a game will result in a sportsmanship rating of 3.0. Also, the Intramural Department has the right to overrule any sportsmanship rating. That right would be reserved to ensure that teams are not being unfairly rated.

Sportsmanship Rating Criteria:

4.0 – GOOD CONDUCT AND SPORTSMANSHIP: Team/spectators cooperate fully with the officials and show respect for opposing team members. The Team Captain has full control of his/her teammates/spectators.

3.0 – AVERAGE CONDUCT AND SPORTSMANSHIP: Team/spectators complain about some decisions and/or minor dissent. These complaints may be voiced verbally or non-verbally toward officials or opposing players.

2.0 – BELOW AVERAGE CONDUCT AND SPORTSMANSHIP: Team/spectators constantly complain to officials and are verbally abusive. The Team Captain exhibits some control over teammates and him/herself. Teams that have a player ejected will receive no higher than a 2.0. Teams receiving at least 1 (one) unsporting behavior during a game will receive no higher than a 2.0

1.0 – POOR CONDUCT AND SPORTSMANSHIP: Team/spectators complain excessively to officials and are verbally abusive. The Team Captain exhibits little control over teammates and him/herself. Teams that have multiple players ejected, or receiving 2 (two) unsporting behavior ina single game will receive no higher than a 1.0.

0.0 – UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT AND SPORTSMANSHIP: Team/spectators are completely uncooperative. Team Captain has no control over team, fans, and/or him/herself. Any team causing a game to be forfeited due to unnecessary rough play, trash talk, or violence shall receive a 0.0.

Playoff Sportsmanship:

A team must have a minimum cumulative 2.75 Sportsmanship Policy Rating during the regular season to be eligible for the playoffs. During playoffs teams are allowed one unsportsmanlike conduct call. If a team receives a second unsportsmanlike conduct call they will be removed from playoffs and the opposing team will advance. If two teams playing each other receive 2 unsportsmanlike calls then neither team will advance.

Ejections

If it becomes necessary to eject a participant from a contest, an ejection report must be completed immediately following the contest. The Intramural Supervisor on duty will have the reports. Please fill out all information regarding the situation. Be specific in your reports. Do not let the contest continue after an ejection until the ejected player has left the field/court area.The Intramural Supervisor on duty, will be responsible for making sure the ejected player leaves the premises.

Player Check-in

Each player is required to show a valid ASU picture ID before playing in each game. Officials and/or scorekeeper will be responsible for checking the ID of each player prior to the game.

No ID = No Play! No Exceptions!!!

*Note* If a player is on the printed roster they will be allowed to show their driver’s license or passport as a form of picture ID in order to be allowed to play. Participants may also show their class schedule on mycampus as proof that they are enrolled in classes. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other social media accounts will not be accepted as a form of ID.

Injuries

One of your main responsibilities is to provide a safe environment for those involved with the Intramural program, hopefully we have done all we can to prevent an injury. But, injuries are an inevitable part of sports. In the case of an injury, follow these steps: