Club Membership & Becoming a new club
2.1 Club Sports Membership
Oklahoma State University is proud of the role recognized and registered student organizations play on our campus and in our community, and recognizes and respects the autonomy of student organizations. OSU is committed to supporting student organizations. All student organizations participating in the Club Sport Program are required to operate in full compliance with the policies and procedures outlined in this handbook, the University Code of Conduct, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Participation in the Club Sport Program is entirely voluntary. However, by choosing to participate, each club agrees to meet and uphold the standards and responsibilities detailed in this handbook.
Club sports are open to all interested students (undergraduate and graduate) that are enrolled at Oklahoma State University, regardless of skill level. Each student member is required to pay club dues.
The officers, members and advisors of student organizations are individually and collectively responsible for ensuring that all members understand and comply with the contents of this Code of Conduct. Officers, members and advisors may also be held accountable individually as well as the organization.
Club sports fall into the Student Organization Code of Conduct and the expectations outlined by Campus Life for all student organizations. All clubs must follow this handbook and the Student Organization Code of Conduct, found here.
All faculty and staff members are eligible to join club sports as an associate member (have no voting rights).
Each club can set its own policy for non-enrolled OSU students. Such individuals can become Associate Members, who must follow all relevant policies but cannot vote, use university funds, or compete for OSU Club Sports.
Each club's league or association rules dictate the requirements for those individuals competing as team members. These rules may exclude faculty, staff or graduate students.
No club may restrict its membership based on race, color, national origin, age or disability.
For club competitions, clubs must adhere to the gender identity policies established by their sport’s national governing body.
Intercollegiate athletes are allowed to join a club sport. However, if you are a member of an association, you need to check their rules on allowing intercollegiate athletes to participate in competition.
2.2 Active Status
All student organizations are required to have four (4) officers and a minimum of ten (10) student members. To be active, the club must have the following on file or online:
- Officers listed on DSE (minimum 4)
- All club members on DSE (minimum 10 non officers)
- Active in Campus Life (updated CampusLink – officer contact info)
- All club practices, games, tournament and events on DSE
- Dues for all members submitted to the Competitive Sports Office
- Constitution on file with Competitive Sports Office
- Representation at Club Sports Leadership Meetings
Clubs that fail to complete the annual Club Sport Activation Checklist (covered in the August Club Sport Leadership Meeting) will be suspended until January of that academic year.
If clubs do not meet the above requirements, they will not be considered active and will not have access to any funds, facility space or be allowed to travel. Each club will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Loss of Club Sport Status
Clubs that do not compete in at least one event per year, or are inactive, suspended, or removed from the Club Sport Program for more than one year, may lose their Club Sport status and be designated as a standard student organization. This change acknowledges the club’s failure to meet Club Sport Council standards.
Upon Removal from the Club Sport Program: The club will lose all privileges associated with Club Sport Program, including but not limited to access to funding, travel privileges and facility reservations.
The club may continue to operate as a standard student organization under the oversight of the university’s Student Life office, subject to its policies and procedures.
A club that lost club sport status may apply for reinstatement to the Club Sport Council after a minimum of one (1) full academic year from the date of relegation. Reinstatement is not guaranteed and will be subject to a comprehensive review by the Club Sport Executive Committee and relevant university offices.
2.3 Becoming a New Club Sport
Any student interested in forming a new Club Sport must follow the following guidelines:
Guidelines for Forming a New Club Sport:
- Register as a Student Organization:
- Apply through Student Life (Student Union).
- Prospective Club Sports must be an active Student Organization for one full year prior to applying to be a member of the Club Sport Council
- Competitive Sports Office:
- Complete the New Club Sport Interest Form.
- Approval Process:
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After Student Life approval, the Club Sport Executive Committee will review if the club aligns with the Club Sports mission and goals. Those that do will be invited to present to the committee.
- Club Sport Executive Committee Presentation (10 minutes).
- The committee will then make a final decision on your to join the Club Sports Council.
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Recommended Presentation Outline:
- Club's vision on campus
- Steps taken to achieve active status
- Club Members Information (current officers, interested members, etc.)
- Leagues/Associations for competition
- Current year budget
- Officer roles and responsibilities
- Future goals and objectives
- Additional relevant information
Prospective clubs that are approved by the Executive Committee will be on probation for six months minimum and must meet with a Competitive Sports staff member monthly during the probationary period. New clubs will not be eligible to receive funding from the Club Sport Council for one calendar year.
Sports clubs may use the name of Oklahoma State University in their organization title. However, when using the University's name, club sports speak only for their club and do not officially represent the University or the Department of Wellness.