Steps to Creating a New Club Sport at Lafayette
STEP 1: To apply for recognition by Student Government you must:
- Complete a New Organization Application.
- Meet with the Office of Student Involvement to discuss the application.
- If granted initial approval, organizations will enter provisional status. This allows them to host interest meetings, create a roster, and complete a Constitution and other documents. Potential clubs will also have their initial Recreation Services meeting during this period.
- The Office of Student Involvement will review the club documents and ask any follow-up questions. Provisional approval will then be decided.
- All Office of Student Involvement approved groups will then be presented to Student Government for their official recognition.
- Following official recognition, clubs have their initial onboarding meeting with Recreation Services.
STEP 2: To become sanctioned for activity by Recreation Services, a club must satisfy the following requirements:
- Send at least two representatives to officer organizational meetings (two per year). Additionally, have four officers registered by this meeting.
- Submit an up-to-date contest (or practice) schedule on the DoSportsEasy system.
- Submit an up-to-date team roster and officer list on the DoSportsEasy system.
- Have an updated Constitution on file, complete with risk management sections, prior to Fall/Spring break.
Depending on the team’s risk level (see below), the following are also requirements:
- Provide evidence that the proper number of officers and/or an instructor are certified in CPR and/or First Aid.
Failure to fulfill all of the requirements to be sanctioned will restrict a club’s ability to operate, including access to its funds and its ability to reserve facilities.
STEP 3: To obtain funding, a club must submit a request to the Budget Committee of Student Government following these guidelines:
The Budget Request forms are completed on Ourcampus at specified times each year. An Unanticipated Allocation Request Form can be submitted and presented at any time.
Student Government requires that new clubs must have the following components to apply for funding:
- Recognition as a student organization
- Adherence to the objectives of the club’s constitution
- Have the names of at least four officers elected by the active membership
- Demonstrated existence of regular meetings (at least once a month)
- Adherence to Student Government, Recreation Services, and college policy.
- Student Government will notify the club via email once it has become eligible for funding as a sport club at Lafayette College. The Office of Student Life will set up accounts for new clubs, maintain balances on accounts, and expedite purchases.
Risk Level I
- Must employ a coach/instructor/certified player-coach to be sanctioned for activity. Recreation Services needs a copy of the signed coaching agreement and a resume on file.
- Coach/instructor must be certified in CPR and trained in First Aid (must be valid for year)
- Must have at least two officers certified in CPR
- Must have at least two officers participate in First-Aid training session
- Will have restrictions placed on practice until all members have received a parent letter regarding participation and insurance. This occurs through registration on the DoSportsEasy platform.
- Must have an athletic trainer, EMT, doctor, or ambulance for all home events
- All club members or participants in events must be 18 years or older
- Highly recommend membership with an NGB or comparable regional organization
Risk Level II
- If club has coach/instructor, must have current resume and coaching agreement on file with Recreation Services Office
- Must have at least two officers certified in CPR
- Must have at least two officers participate in First Aid training session
- Recommend membership with an NGB or comparable regional organization
Risk Level III
- If club has coach/instructor, must have current resume on file with Recreation Services Office
- Must have at least two officers certified in CPR
- Must have at least one officer trained in First Aid
- Recommend membership with an NGB or comparable regional organization
Risk Level IV
- If club has coach/instructor, must have current resume on file with Recreation Services Office
- Must have at least one officer trained in First Aid