One of the largest student involvement groups at Murray State is intramural sports, and with such a large number of students involved, accidents are sure to occur.
But, with a larger intramural group than last year, some students feel like the injuries are occurring too often.
Steven Leitch, director of campus recreation, said the University has had nine injuries reported during this intramural basketball season.
That number is up from seven a year ago.
Leitch said there are 13 more teams and approximately 50 more games than last year.
Intramurals are separated into three divisions for most sports: Greek, Residential College and independent.
“When you compare how many injuries we’ve had compared to how many people are playing and how many games they have played in, that number is well below 1 percent,” Leitch said. “There is always an assumption of risk while participating in sports, and I would argue we have not experienced a high rate of injuries.”
He said all intramural supervisors are trained and hold CPR and AED certifications, and there are at least two staff members certified and present at every game. First aid kits are also available if needed.
To have an on-site ambulance and paramedics, Leitch said it would cost $100 per hour.
The cost for basketball alone would be $10,000 and would not include any playoff games.
“The truth is the officials have enforced more technical fouls, and have suspended more players for unsportsmanlike conduct this basketball season than last season,” Leitch said. “The same goes for the student officials, and there is not a single person I would rather have calling these games than the officials we have now.”
Kathryn Mehlbauer, junior from Louisville, Ky., plays for the Hester Residential College intramural team. She said as soon as campus recreation and Leitch heard about the injuries issue, they were quick about fixing the problem and was apologetic.
“I do appreciate that they were very willing to help us out and keep everyone safe,” she said. “Since the meeting with SGA I have noticed a difference in the officiating of the games.”
Three members representing student recreation met with Student Government Association President Jeremiah Johnson on Feb. 12. and discussed the issue with strictness at games.
Mehlbauer said people need to remember it is only intramural sports and everyone is playing for fun, but it can be competitive because everybody wants to win.
“Roughness and being physical comes with playing sports and there is a chance for injuries to occur,” she said. “However, it is not only the job of the refs and campus rec to keep violence out of the games. It is the participants job to play fairly and not be so violent and to play clean.”
Joetta Kelly, manager of student recreation at the Wellness Center, said intramurals are designed to give college students a fun way to participate in friendly games with other students.
“Add into the mix that those who have not previously played the sport don’t know all the rules, playing with those that have, it can get a little frustrating with those people for not doing things the proper way, she said.”
She said when different types of athletes come together having different perspectives, it can be a challenge.
“No one is happy when people get hurt and they try to avoid it by putting rules in place,” Kelly said. “But, should injuries happen, they are trained to administer care and get them further help as needed.”
Story by Meghann Anderson, News Editor, and Jaci Kohn, Sports Editor.
