Welcome to Intramurals Participation Structure

When you are registering a team for an Intramural League or Event, there are a number of different participation options based on the composition of your team in terms of skill level, gender identity and expression. If you are unsure of what to register for, follow these three steps prior to registering your team.

Is your team Competitive vs. Just For Fun?
Which Competitive Team Category would you like to compete in?
Which Intramural Leagues Tier would you like to compete in?

The Intramurals Participation Structure is intended to reflect the inclusivity of our programs. There are different team structures that depend on the gender expression and identity compositions of a team. We have updated the names and descriptions of these different structures to better describe the competition environments in each. For more information on gender identity and gender expression please visit our Inclusive Recreation: Gender Identity and Expression page.

1. Competitive vs. Just For Fun

The first decision that you’ll have to make is whether your team wants to be a competitive team, or a just for fun team.

Competitive Teams

Competitive teams are eligible for advancements, finals, and ultimately the winning of a championship shirt! In Intramural Leagues, there are also multiple levels of play called “tiers” (1, 2 and 3). Each league’s structure is outlined below in the Leagues Tier Explanation step.

If your team wants to compete as a competitive team, continue down this page to decide on the team structure options for you to compete in.

Just For Fun Teams

If you’re here to try something new, or you just want to have fun outside of a competitive atmosphere, the Just For Fun category could be right for you! Please note that these teams do not qualify for advancements or championships, and in leagues this level of play is not officiated.

If your team wants to participate as a Just For Fun Team, you are ready to register for your desired Event. In the Just For Fun category, team gender requirements are not applicable.

2. Competitive Team Structure

UBC strives to build a respectful and welcoming environment for all participants to enhance well-being, participation and a sense of community on campus through opportunities in Athletics and Recreation. We, acknowledge gender identity and gender expression as a spectrum, and welcome and encourage all participants.

We encourage individuals to self-select where they feel they belong within the participation structure. If your team wants to compete on a competitive team, you have three different team categories to choose from:

Open Category: This category welcomes all individuals to participate regardless of gender, including those who identify as Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary.
Women (Trans Women Welcome): This program is for all trans and cis women who are comfortable in a space that centres the experiences of women.
Mixed Category: This category welcomes all individuals to participate regardless of gender; however, teams must adhere to a maximum number of self-identified men. Please refer to the specific program for additional information.

Once you have selected your team category (Leagues only)

If you are registering for an Intramural League, please move on to Leagues Tier Explanations to choose the Tier that best suits your team’s skill level in the respective sport.

3. Intramural Leagues Tier Explanation

UBC Recreation provides a variety of competitive tiers for our leagues. These tiers are within each of the three competitive Team Structures. Please note that not all tier options are offered for all leagues and the competition level in a tier in one league, may not be comparable to a tier in another. Please refer to the specific league of choice for an outline of what tiers are offered and the competition level within them. Typically, tiers are as follows:

Tier 1: Highest level of competition – players should have significant experience in this sport, and played at an organized level.
Tier 2: Middle level of competition – players should have beginner to intermediate experience in this sport.
Tier 3: Lowest level of competition – players can be beginners, but some basic understanding of the sport is recommended.