Last night I had a situation arise before our intramural softball playoff game. The umpire approached my team's captain and said the other team, which was Rec. Sports, would protest the game if I was to play. The reason he gave was this rule:
"Candidates for varsity intercollegiate programs are not eligible for intramural participation in the related sport in which they are
practicing. (This includes all players on the roster and other people
who are practicing with the team.) Varsity participants must sit out one
full season before Intramural eligibility can be reinstated."
Because I played baseball last season I was not allowed to play and had to completely leave the field. I can't argue the rule because it's a national rule, but I have a major issue with how the situation was handled and why the rule is in place.
Before the season started Rec. Sports had to verify everyone was eligible. So after they deemed me eligible is it fair to revoke my eligibility in the playoffs?
As far as the rule being fair. Don't see how they can justify keeping a guy out of intramural sports for a year when he no longer plays a team sport. I'm nothing but a college student right now. This rule seems very discriminatory. They said the rule is in place because intramural sports is for people who didn't have an opportunity to play athletics at the college level.
I also don't see how a college pitcher has an advantage at hitting a softball, or how i'll magically lose these "superior" skills after sitting out one year.
Do I have a case to take up with NIRSA or should I just take my ball and glove and stay at home?