Examining the Relationship between Intramural Sports Participation and Sense of Community among College Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between intramural sports participation and sense of community among college students. Study participants ( n = 250) completed the Sense of Community Index-2 (SCI-2) (Chavis, Lee, & Acosta, 2008) measuring four factors that contribute to one's sense of community (SOC): membership, influence, integration and fulfillment of needs, and shared emotional connection (McMillan & Chavis, 1986). Regression analysis was used to test for significant predictors of sense of community, including length of intramural sports participation, frequency of intramural sports participation, campus classification, and service as a team captain. Results indicated that under class students experience greater levels of overall SOC and students who participated longer in intramural sports experienced higher levels of SOC. Suggestions based upon the results of the study are also presented, regarding intramural sports marketing, programming, and retention.