Intramural Sports Policies & Procedures

Participant Expectations

Expectations

UC Santa Cruz is committed to promoting and protecting an environment that values and supports every person in an atmosphere of civility, honesty, cooperation, professionalism, fairness, and fun. As such, Athletics & Recreation expects every campus member will practice the Seven Principles of Community. Collectively we strive to be: Diverse, Open, Purposeful, Caring, Just, Disciplined, and Celebratory
Sportsmanship rating are assigned by Intramural Sports staff on-site at all activities

Sportsmanship Rating System

All teams and participants are subject to receiving a sportsmanship rating on a scale of 1-4 for every event they participate in. All ratings are determined by the Intramural Sports Staff of duty throughout the event. Teams/participants that earn an average sportsmanship less than 3.0 are subject to being removed from playoff contention or the remainder of scheduled events. Please read below for details on what each rating represents

4 - Team members and spectators were cooperative with officials and were respectful of opponents and officials. The captain had full control of the team. Team members showed complete respect for all opponents and staff throughout participation
3 - Team members and spectators were mostly respectful of opponents and stuff throughout participating except for one or two minor incidents. Minor incidents do not include administrative penalties for illegal substitutions or too many people participating at a time, unless the actions are deemed intentional or have been a repeat offense.
2 - At least one of these examples must occur for a 2 rating to be given. Team members or spectators were disrespectful of opponents and/or officials on a number of occasions. Captain showed little control of the team. An unsporting technical foul, unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, or yellow card was issued. An Intramural Sports supervisor had to step in to address unsportsmanlike behavior among team members. Teams failed to clean up after themselves after the game ended. Any other behavior deemed inappropriate or unsportsmanlike by the Intramural staff.
1 - At least one of these examples must occur for a 1 rating to be given. Team members initiated, retaliated, and/or ented into a physical altercation including but not limited to pushing, striking, kicking, spitting, tackling, etc. Team members or spectators continually comment to opponents and/or officials and are disrespectful. Team captain showed no control over the team. Multiple unsporting technical fouls, unsportsmanlike conduct penalties or yellow cards issued. Participant ejection for unsportsmanlike behavior. An Intramural Supervisor had to step-in on more than one occasion to address unsportsmanlike behavior among team members. Any other behavior deemed inappropriate or unsportsmanlike by the Intramural Staff.
Sportsmanship is further defined as:
1. Abiding by the letter and the spirit of the rules of play
2. Treating opponents with courtesy and generosity
3. Playing your best but never losing sight of the fact that it is a game which was designed primarily for enjoyment
4. Winning and losing with dignity and respect
Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated! Examples of unsportsmanlike conduct include but are not limited to:
1. Persistently questioning game official(s) decision(s)
2. Making derogatory remarks about/to officials and/or players
3. Using profanity excessively
4. Conduct which seeks to intimidate or deceive officials
  1. Employing unnecessarily rough tactics against an opposing player
  2. Refusing to abide by an official’s decision
  3. Shoving, striking, or otherwise threatening participants and/or officials

Ejections (Updated Policy)

If a participant is ejected from a game for unsportsmanlike behavior, the individual shall be ineligible for ALL Intramural Sport activities until they meet with the Assistant Director of Sport Programs. If a player participates in any sport before speaking with the Assistant Director or serving their suspension, the game they participate in will be an automatic forfeit. It is the responsibility of the captain to know if their player is eligible.

Any player that gets ejected from a game for conduct/behavior issues will automatically be disqualified from playoffs for that team. Player will also lose their playoff eligibility for a team if they accumulate the equivalent of 3 cautions/warnings/unsportsmanlike penalties due to conduct/behavior issues throughout the season
1. For example, 3 conduct related yellow cards in soccer, 3 technical fouls in basketball, 3 unsportsmanlike penalties in Flag Football. Should a team have more than one player ejected throughout the season, that team automatically becomes disqualified for playoffs.

Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs

Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs are not permitted at any Intramural Sports activity. Possession of these substances or suspicion of intoxication will lead to ejection (including team spectators.) Those who fail to cooperate will forfeit the game for their team and are subject to disciplinary action through campus police and/or the Dean of Students office.

Game Official Authority

Intramural Sports game officials may employ the following procedures to any person for unsportsmanlike conduct

All Intramural Game officials begin their jurisdiction over an assigned contest after participates have signed in. Game officials maintain jurisdiction over the game until the next scheduled game begins or the game officials have left the facility playing area
Failure to abide by a game official’s decision will result in ejection from the event by the game officials or supervisor on duty
The ejected participant must leave the entire Athletics & Recreation facility. They may not sit on the sidelines watching
1. If on the East “Upper” Field, the individual must leave the field entirely. The closest they may be is the service road splitting the Athletics and Recreation complex from the East “Upper” Field.
Should the participant(s) refuse to leave the facility or should the participant’s unsportsmanlike conduct be flagrant or persistent the game will be declared a forfeit win for the opposing team. UC Santa Cruz Police may also be alerted at this time
Intramural Sports Supervisors hold authority over the facility site for the entirety of their time on duty. They also reserve the right to eject participants and/or spectators for violation of Intramural Sports Policies and Procedures

Disciplinary Procedures

The following procedures will be observed in cases of alleged unsportsmanlike conduct and for all persons ejected or removed from play during, before or after an Intramural Sports contest or activity.

The ejected individual will be suspended from all participation effective immediately
If a suspended participant ignores this policy and continues to participate in Intramural Sports games, all future games that the suspended person participated in, regardless of if it is the same sport or a different sport, will be declared a default win for the opposing team
The alleged or ejected participant(s) changed with unsportsmanlike conduct must make an appointment to meet with the Intramural Sports professional staff. Suspensions will remain in place at least until after this meeting occurs.
Suspended participants must be accompanied by their team captain. Both individuals will be asked to express their perspective and view of what transpired or contributed to the altercation/ejection
At times, members of the Intramural Sports student leadership team may sit in on meetings
Depending on the severity of the incident, offenders will be suspended for at least one week in length and could remain suspended indefinitely. If a second offense occurs, the person is subject to a longer suspension and/or permanently removed from future participation in any and all Intramural Sports events
Depending on the severity of the incident additional Athletics & Recreation privileges and access may also be revoked
Any ejections/cases including but not limited to acts of violence, assault,discrimination, or hate will also involve the filing of a police report and/or adjudication by the Dean of Students

Eligibility

The UC Santa Cruz Intramural Sports program invites all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students to participate. Faculty & staff are also invited to participate
To participate in any Intramural Sports event, each participant must complete membership payment online at campusrec.ucsc.edu
1. Each participant is subject to providing proof of payment in order to participate in any Intramural Sports event
  1. Email confirmation receipt
2. Exception: any free event offered by Intramural Sports will not require a membership payment

Payment Instructions

Step 1

Purchase your quarterly or annual membership by visiting camprec.ucsc.edu
Select the “Memberships”
1. Then select the “Intramural Sports Membership” button
Use your CruzID credentials to login
Scroll to and select “Intramural Sports Membership”
Select the quarterly or one year option

Step 2

Create your individual or team profile via IMLeagues.com utilizing your CruzID credentials. When creating a team you will be designated as the team captain. Participants may play with one team per league. Please see Intramural Sports Policies and Procedures for more details
Once a team is created on IMLeagues.com team captains and team members may begin to invite others to the roster
Teams will remain on the “Waitlist” until the minimum roster requirements are met. When roster requirements are met, the team may move to an available time slot or officially enter a tournament
Team members will also be asked to complete an electronic/online waiver to each sport upon adding themselves to the team’s roster. If you are under 18 you will need to have parent/guardian complete a different waiver and email imsup@ucsc.edu

Play begins approximately one week from the registration close date. All teams should be prepared to play the first game of the season/event in the time block they registered for unless told otherwise by the Intramural Sports office

Identification Check Policy

Intramural Sports staff checks for valid, UC Santa Cruz or government-issued photo identification prior to the start of ALL Intramural Sports activities. This is to ensure adequate safety and fairness within our activities. Just as individuals need identification to access the East Field House Complex or other facilities and establishments on/off campus, all participants need a hard copy photo identification to participate in Intramural Sports

Any person found to participate in Intramural Sports activity without checking in with appropriate identification will automatically forfeit the relevant Intramural Sports activity

Inclusive Gender Policy

The University of California, Santa Cruz is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all individuals, including non-affiliated visitors, who participate in university programs and activities, can do so in an atmosphere free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. Individuals who wish to participate are not rooted in the gender binary may create open participation teams which are inclusive of all genders. UC Santa Cruz Intramural Sports offers many open leagues and seeks to provide opportunities for all students to participate in our programs inclusive of gender identity. To that end, all individuals shall be permitted to participate in the Intramural Sports program (i.e. leagues, tournaments, sponsored events, etc.), in a manner consistent with their gender identity and expression. If an individual or team is unsure how to apply the inclusive gender policy, or seek assistance in order to meet the participation needs of the individual and/or team, please contact the Intramural Sports professional staff. Any matters that may arise in regards to gender identity within Intramural Sports participation may be presented to the Intramural Sports professional staff and/or Cantu Queer Center. For questions regarding gender identity harassment and/or discrimination, please contact the Title IX office at 831 - 459 - 2462.

Varsity Athletes

Varsity athletes who are currently on a NCAA roster and/or practicing with a varsity team are not eligible to participate in the associated sport. For example, a varsity basketball player cannot play Intramural 5v5 Basketball or 3v3 Basketball or any additional form of basketball. They can however, play any and all other Intramural Sports.

Former Varsity Athletes & Sport Club Athletes

FORMER VARSITY PLAYERS AND SPORT CLUB ATHLETES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN “RECREATION” LEAGUES. They must participate in the most advanced/highest skilled division offered (Competitive league). Former varsity players become eligible at the beginning of the quarter following the conclusion of their last varsity season. NO MORE THAN 2 COMBINED GRADUATING/FORMER VARSITY ATHLETES OR SPORT CLUB ATHLETES ARE ALLOWED PER TEAM in the associated sport they participate in. Please see the example in “Varsity Athletes"

Faculty & Staff

Faculty & Staff are eligible to participate in the Intramural Sports program. They must purchase the Faculty/Staff Intramural membership and follow the steps to create or join a team

Annual non-student pass: $80
Quarterly non-student pass: $35

Alumni

Are NOT eligible to participate in Intramural Sports

Playoff Participation

If applicable, individuals must participate TWICE (in at least two games/matches) with their team during the regular season in order to participate with the team during playoffs. This policy promotes a fair environment while providing relative consistency with game play.

In case of a forfeit, a team will have to be at the game/match site in order to receive participation that will count toward playoff eligibility. If a team receives prior notice that a game will be a default, participation will be marked for all participants of the winning team.

Protests

Protests may be submitted for two specific reasons:

Ineligible Participant(s) - Must be reported by the opposing team captain before 12:00pm the day after the contest. Please communicate your intent to protest a player’s eligibility to the Intramural Supervisor on duty. To submit your protest, email imsup@ucsc.edu with full details of your report including which player you are protesting the eligibility of and why they are ineligible.
Misapplication of a Rule - If a sport rule or procedure was not applied correctly by a game official, a team captain is permitted to declare a protest if the protest is declared immediately after the perceived misapplication of a relevant rule to the previous play.
1. Once the team captain informs the game official of the protest the game will be stopped.
2. The game official will report to the supervisor on duty of the protest.
3. The supervisor on duty will talk to the game official first. Then, the supervisor on duty will talk to the protesting team captain to discuss the protest at hand.
4. The supervisor on duty will make the final ruling on the protest. If a rule application needs to be correct the game official will do so and continue the game. If the rule application was correct or if the protest was a judgement call by the game official, the game will continue will no change
5. Game official judgement calls cannot be protested.

Team Rosters

Rosters

To become eligible, participants must be registered on an IMLeagues team roster and pay the relevant membership fee. In doing so they will sign the Intramural Sports waivers and policy agreements.

Failing to create an account and being added to a team’s roster and attempting to, or successfully participating in, an Intramural Sports activity may result in that team forfeiting the activity in question for participating with an ineligible participant
Participants are not considered eligible until they have created an account, been added to a team’s roster, and paid for the relevant membership
Participants listed on team rosters must present a valid UC Santa Cruz or government issued photo identification to intramural Sports staff at the site of the game or match. All participants should be prepared to show proof of purchase of the relevant membership to the supervisor on duty if needed
Participants NOT listed on team rosters at the game site must be added to the roster digitally. Once the roster is updated, the participant must present valid, UC Santa Cruz or government issued photo identification and proof of payment to the Intramural Sports supervisor on duty.

Team Name Policy

Any inappropriate team name, as judged by the Intramural Sports staff, will be changed to the captain’s name.

Format

Maximum roster sizes are determined by a formula consisting of double the standard activity team size, plus 2. For example, in 5v5 basketball league the roster limit will be 12 (5+5+2) participants. This roster format allows participants the most opportunity to field a team throughout the season. Additionally, maximum roster sizes are formatted such that there is consistency within the team from week to week.

Exceptions being 2v2 Volleyball and Pickleball

Roster Completion / Minimum Requirements

In order to complete registration and select a time slot in an activity, all teams must meet the minimum number of participants on the roster for each relevant sport. This mitigates the chances of a team forfeiting while assuring opposing teams that a game/match will occur.

Injury During Game

If, during that game, as a result of an injury, a team falls below the minimum number of players required to start the game, the team may be allowed to continue the game at the Intramural Supervisor’s discretion and willingness of the team that fell below the minimum requirement.

Roster Regulation

In addition to the roster format specifications listed above, participants will be unable to switch teams after participating in two games with the same team. This provides the Intramural Sports participants opportunity to find the right fit for their interest, skill level, and/or class schedule. Participants who wish to leave a team roster must notify the Intramural Sports staff for review of the roster movement. If the release is granted, the participant will be removed from the current team roster and the participant will be free to join any other team so long as it takes place before the roster addition deadline.

All player additions for rosters will lock with less than two games to play in the regular season. This policy is in place to prevent late additions that change the makeup of a team, put it at an advantage over other teams, and encourages participants to play during the entire season

League Formatting

Participants are permitted to play in one skill level league per sport. For example if a participant is on an Open Competitive roster they are not permitted to play on an Open Rec team in the same sport.

Scheduling

League Scheduling

Your team will be scheduled based on the time bracket you register for. Please note, these time may change during playoffs.

Forfeit Fine

Captains and co-captains of teams which forfeit games are subject to receiving a $15 forfeit fine per university - approved miscellaneous fees. The fee will be attributed to the team captain and/or co-captains university bill. All captains are responsible for ensuring their team plays each game or attempt to work with the Intramural Sports staff to reschedule or default any scheduled game to avoid a forfeit occurring.
Teams that forfeit scheduled games/matches will be marked as receiving a “2” sportsmanship rating for the game/match and record as a loss with points awarded to the team that was checking in and ready to play
The Intramural Sports program has the authority to remove a team after they record two forfeits during any given season
Participants on teams that forfeit out of a league/tournament are not eligible for a refund of their membership
Teams who display a pattern of forfeiting out of leagues and across multiple sports and quarters of play may become ineligible to participate in Intramural Sports programming at the discretion of the Intramural Sports office.

Default Policy

Teams that want to avoid forfeiting a game/matches must notify the Intramural Sports office by 2:00pm on the weekday of the game or by 7:00am on Saturdays/Sundays before the relevant game/match via the Default Form
Defaults still count as a loss for teams, however they are not counted against a team’s record as heavily as a forfeit and captains avoid the forfeit fee
Teams that default scheduled games/matches will be marked as receiving a “3” sportsmanship rating for the game/match and record as a loss with points awarded to the team that was checking in and ready to play
Teams that win by forfeit or default will receive a sportsmanship rating of “4” for that contest and receive scores for that game as follows:
1. Flag Football, 5v5 Basketball, Ultimate: 10 - 0
2. Futsal, Inner Tube Water Polo, Softball: 5-0
3. Soccer: 2 - 0
4. Indoor/Sand Volleyball, 3v3 Basketball: 10 - 0 set scores, 2 - 0 game score
5. Dodgeball, Kickball: 4 - 0
Teams will only be allowed 2 defaults per season. A third default will count as a forfeit and your team will be charged the forfeit fee.

Rescheduling Request

Rescheduling request must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance of the originally scheduled game/match time to avoid a default situation. Rescheduling accommodations are not guaranteed due to limited time/space but Intramural Sports strives to accommodate as best as possible.

If reschedules are not confirmed by 2:00pm on the day of the originally scheduled game/match then the original date and time must stand as scheduled.
Rescheduling will potentially occur same day in your time bracket

Weather, Environment & Facility Conditions

All Intramural Sports events are subject to postponement, rescheduling, or cancellation due to inclement weather, poor facility conditions, or other extraordinary circumstances. If this occurs, participants will be notified via IMLeagues and/or email with as much detail as possible. If games are postponed due to weather or field conditions Intramural Sports will make every effort to reschedule the game(s) to a later date. However, this is not always possible due to facility availability and time remaining in the quarter.

Playoff Qualifications

Qualifications

Teams that have not forfeit 2 games, have divisional/league leading winning percentage, and and acceptable sportsmanship rating (at least 3.0) at the end of the regular season will be eligible to advance to one of two playoff brackets: “Competitive” or “Beginner”
1. The number of teams that advance to the playoffs will be determined by the amount of space and time that the Intramural Sports department can provide/accommodate due to daylight, weather, and space/reservations
In order to determine playoff qualification, the Intramural Sports staff will use the following guidelines in order:
1. Points
2. Sportsmanship
3. Head to Head
4. Differential (final)
In the case of a tie between 2 teams, sportsmanship will be the first tiebreaker, followed by head to head

Refund Policy

Refunds

Refunds for an Intramural Sports membership must be requested within the same academic quarter in which the league, tournament, or event took place. Refunds will not be issued for past quarters under any circumstances
To be eligible for a refund, one of the following must apply:
1. The participant withdraws before the first scheduled game or match
2. The league, tournament, or event is canceled by the Intramural Sports program
3. A team was not taken off the waitlist to participate in the league, tournament, or event
Please note:
1. All refund requests must be sent to imsup@ucsc.edu
2. Refunds may take 2-6 weeks to process
3. Processing fees or administrative charges may be deducted from the refund total

Policies and procedures updated 8/1/2025