recreation were under one umbrella and there was good
communication and cooperation between all parties. In today’s
university, recreation plays a role in introducing activity (new
or expanded) for students to connect with, resulting in higher
retention rates.
The most effective process to educate and generate interest
for pickleball in the collegiate setting is to approach university
recreation departments. Approaching them individually can
be effective; however, the National Intramural-Recreational
Sports Association (NIRSA) powers these departments through
regional and national conventions.
I am fortunate to have 20 badminton courts, which makes
for a lot of pickleball play. Along with the facilities, we have
an open-minded, progressive, proactive department with a
uniquely qualified, nationally recognized Basic Instruction
Program.
All students must take two semesters of physical education
to graduate. With the college student population becoming
less fit and having obesity issues, we have a strong professional
physical education department that educates our students
regarding the benefits of living a healthy and physically active
lifestyle. We provide opportunities for sport, fitness and leisure,
with pickleball being one of the newest activities. That’s a lot of
new pickleball players that the USAPA needs to reach out and
embrace. The potential is unlimited.
Most of the students have not been exposed to pickleball
before. They receive a course syllabus with specific objectives
and outcomes for the class as well as a daily schedule of class
activities for the entire semester. The university provides all of
the equipment. The majority of our students love our classes.
They learn a new lifetime sport, get lots of exercise and meet
other students to play with outside of class. In class, our
students are required to take written exams, skill tests, officiate
matches and participate in class tournaments.
We have a good working relationship with our University
Recreation Department which allows our pickleball club to
flourish. Our club has two tiers of participation, a recreational
and a competitive group. The club has elected officers and is
student driven. We maintain open channels of communication,
which allows us to provide a good pickleball experience for all.
We view everybody in this process as pickleball team
members. We want to promote pickleball and provide
opportunities at all levels of participation. Whether it is
physical education pickleball classes or recreational/competitive
club play, working together involves building a community in
which all members feel valuable, responsible and engaged in
the work at hand. Intercollegiate pickleball is coming! Love it,
Live it. •
Ed Remen
Director, Racquet Sports
Health & Exercise Studies Dept.
North Carolina State University
[email protected]
919.741.3360
Randy Bechtolt
Director, Team Sports
Health & Exercise Studies Dept.
North Carolina State University
MARCH 2016 |
MAGAZINE
25