| Participation in intramural sports is beneficial to students on university and college campuses across the country. Specifically, it can add to students' lives through social interaction, competitive challenges and physical and mental outlets. Women in particular gain from intramural participation such as friendships, health improvements and skills that help them find success in other areas of their lives. Female participation in intramural sports however, is low compared to the number of women on a college campus. Although women participate in other similar recreational programs, women should be able to benefit from the specific qualities that intramural sports programs' provide This study analyzed results from three open ended discussions involving female students at the University of Arkansas who did not actively participate in intramural sports. These students had previous experience in high school sports and volunteered to participate in this study. The results of these focus group discussions developed into six major themes for non-participation in intramural sports. The participants did not participate because of lack of time, certain characteristics of playing like competition, social aspects like frustration with teammates, lack of information, issues with image including self-consciousness and poor activity offerings. |
