JBER intramural sports always has events to get you moving

by Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachary Wolf
JBER Public Affairs

2/20/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARSON, Alaska -- As the days get longer, many people start to look for more things to do. One of the options is intramural sports.

There are many opportunities to participate in intramural sports this year on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

The sports being offered are volleyball, arctic skills competition, racquetball, skeet shooting, wrestling, swimming, softball, combat cross-country, golf, soccer and flag football.

Although intramural sports are widespread throughout the United States, there are limitations on who can participate here on JBER.

"Only active-duty Air Force and Army, dependents of active duty 18 years or older, Department of Defense civilians assigned to units on JBER, Guard and Reserve personnel on active orders for 30 plus days, and tenant units assigned to JBER are allowed to participate in the Intramural Program," said Kevin Neely, 673d Force Support Squadron intramural sports aide.

"Active-duty females have the option of playing on a women's or men's team, if women's league exists, but not both. Female family members must play on a women's team if there is a women's league."

All the sports and competitions take place on base. Indoor sports take place either in the Buckner Physical Fitness Center or the Elmendorf Fitness Center.

Depending on the sport, outdoor events take place on the fields at Buckner or on the fields located on JBER-Elmendorf, with the only football field being there.

Someone looking for something to do in the evenings or the weekend should check out the Intramural Sports Program.

"Sports are typically scheduled Monday through Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m. at Buckner Physical Fitness Center and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Elmendorf Fitness Center or fields on JBER-Elmendorf," Neely said. "Some sports such as soccer or football also utilize Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday midday and/or early afternoon timeslots."

Neely also said the dates for the competitions are not set in stone but they do their best to keep them in the general timeframe.

But why would someone even want to participate in intramural sports?

"It gives an opportunity for Airmen and Soldiers to compete in a competitive sport and create unit esprit decorps," Neely said. "The sports program embodies key elements of comprehensive Airmen and Soldier fitness - 'building physical fitness, strengthening resilience, fostering teamwork and camaraderie' - while ultimately offering them positive activity choices during down times, thereby reducing opportunities to engage in high-
risk opportunities."

Of course with any competition there is the prize.

"Post-season tournaments usually have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd team and individual 1st place trophies.

"Of course, some participants are satisfied with bragging rights alone for being victorious," Neely said.

The intramural sports on base have differing popularity based on the service represented.
"Softball nearly always has the greatest participation for the Army with almost 40 teams including men's and women's leagues, and volleyball [has] the least participants," Neely said. "For the Air Force, volleyball is typically a high-participating sport with softball as a close second and indoor soccer as the least."

The Intramural Sports team would like to see more people participate - both to increase the camaraderie of work centers, and for all the benefits coworkers and friends would get playing the sport together.

"Ideally, it would be great to have every squadron and unit participate with at least one team, although multiple teams are allowed," Neely said. "When there are few teams in the league, it gets mundane for the participants playing the same team all the time."

"The adult sports program is a great benefit offered for all DoD members, 18 years and older," Neely added. "Most sports do not require fees and there is a great range of sports available to maximize the interests of the base population.

"Sports can offer an enjoyable time with coworkers and friends to build cohesion, enhance individual physical fitness, develop confidence and self-esteem."

The Intramural Sports Program personnel can't make it to every shop on base so they use Sports Reps within the unit or squadron.

These representatives share information with units about starting dates, coaches' meetings, standings, etc.

"Even if your unit doesn't have a team, you can still be put in the player's pool," said Senior Airman Sarah Trachte, 673d Comptroller Squadron and Wing Staff Agency's sports rep. "A player's pool allows you to be placed on a team with an available opening, which is a great way for military members to build friendships outside of their unit."

If you want to volunteer and know the sport but can't find a team and don't want to be put in a player's pool, Neely offers another way to participate.

"Fiscal Year 14 has been a unique challenge as funding for sports officials has fallen short for the core programming," Neely said. "If anyone is interested in volunteering to be an official, it would be very much appreciated."