Sport Club Rights & Expectations

As a member of the UTSCA, each Sport Club has the obligation to have the approval of the Sport Club Office prior to acting on items, issues or ideas that are not covered in this handbook. If a Club chooses to act independently, they risk losing UTSCA membership and Recreational Sports sponsorship. Club social events are not sponsored by Recreational Sports and must NOT be advertised as part of the club’s official activities.

University Code of Conduct

The core values of The University of Texas at Austin are learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity, and responsibility. Each member of the university is expected to uphold these values through integrity, honesty, trust, fairness, and respect toward peers and community.

Standards of Conduct

The basic concept underlying The University's standards of conduct is that students, by enrolling in the University, assume an obligation to conduct themselves and their organizations in a manner compatible with the University's function as an educational institution.

Individuals must always conduct themselves in a manner that does not detract from the reputation of The University. This includes behavior in game situations as well as contact with other teams and event staff. When involved in off-campus events or when traveling, be aware that you are still representing The University of Texas at Austin.

Student Conduct 

The Office of the Dean of Students is responsible for the administration of university rules for registered and sponsored student organizations. Student Conduct and Academic Integrity investigates and resolves alleged violations by student organizations.

Student Conduct and Academic Integrity routinely receives reports of alleged violations of university rules from campus offices (e.g., University of Texas Police Department, University Housing and Dining, Information Technology Services, Parking and Transportation Services, etc.) as well as faculty and students.

Sport Clubs may be referred to Student Conduct for any conduct violation deemed an university rule. For more information, please review their website and our discipline page for more information.

Sponsored Student Organization Expectations 

A Sport Club is defined as a sponsored student organization that exists to promote and develop interest in a particular sport. Sport Clubs are strictly voluntary. Involvement in a Sport Club enhances the student's college experience and contributes to the student's overall education. Recreational Sports, through the University of Texas at Austin, officially sponsors sport clubs. Sponsorship requires endorsement, support, supervision, and assumption of responsibility for all club actions and activities. The responsibilities listed below should be considered guidelines and not a complete listing of the representative's duties. Anything pertaining to the relationship between the club and Recreational Sports is the responsibility of the student representatives. 

For more information, review the University of Texas at Austin Institutional Rules. For an overview of the differences between Sponsored Organizations and Registered Organization, please visit Student Activities website. 

Sport Club Program Expectations

Your duty as an Authorized Representative is to lead your club and set the example for what is expected of a member as part of the Sport Club Program. Here are some of the expectations for your club:

  • Communicate with Sport Club Staff on a regular basis
  • Represent the University and the program with integrity and pride at all times
  • Create leaders and role models within your club and the surrounding community
  • If able to compete, compete in league or national governing body events that lead to an intercollegiate championship
  • Proactively plan for your organization's goals, objectives, needs, etc.
  • Meet Administrative Compliance Program requirements. 
  • Stay in good disciplinary standing. 

Alcohol & Illegal Drugs

As a Recreational Sports sponsored organization, Sport Clubs are required to follow all the policies below about alcohol and illegal drugs:

  1. Alcohol and illegal drugs are PROHIBITED during ANY club-related activity (home events, official team social event, or while traveling).
  2. The possession, sale, use or consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs, in public areas of the campus is prohibited.
  3. No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs may be purchased through an organization's funds, nor may the purchase of alcohol for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of, or on behalf of, the organization.
  4. No members, collectively or individually shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any club members
  5. When traveling, clubs are considered representing the university and department from the time you leave campus until the time you return to campus. Club members, participants, and coaches MAY NOT consume any alcohol or Illegal drugs during a Sport Clubs trip at any time (including at dinner or after an event has concluded).
  6. If a club violates Institutional Rules regarding Alcohol Misconduct or Drugs, they will be referred to Student Conduct as well as have their sponsorship agreement reviewed.
    1. The Institutional Rules state alcohol misconduct includes engaging in the improper use, possession, sale, distribution, or consumption of alcoholic beverages, including but not limited to underage possession of alcohol, underage consumption of alcohol, providing alcohol to a minor, (those under legal drinking age) public intoxication, minor driving under the influence of alcohol, or driving while intoxicated. 
    2. The Institutional Rules about Drugs state engaging in the unauthorized use or possession of a drug, or possession of drug paraphernalia, and engages in the unauthorized sale or distribution of a drug.

Please contact Sport Club Staff at utrs.sportclubs@austin.utexas.edu with any questions or concerns.