Tech Savvy Intramural Departments Use iPads & Tablets

There are many factors to consider when whether to make the transition to a paperless intramural department. The method of keeping scores and registration forms on paper is slowly, but surely, disappearing. More and more campus recreation facilities are attempting to go paperless. The technological advances give colleges every opportunity to do so, as the iPad and android tablets are perfect for campus recreation. Andy Laughlin, the assistant coordinator for Iowa State University, stated that “it does everything we want” (2013) when referring to the iPad.

In an article found in Athletic Business, Laughlin states that they are able to transfer all of their forms to their iPads. There are many other reasons iPads can be used other than merely maintaining certain forms. In the Intramural department, supervisors can keep score on an iPad and it then can be input into IMLeagues, or whatever methods used by your college to keep track of schedules. Another way the Intramural department can use iPads is by giving the students the opportunity to create accounts on IMLeagues at the Intramural fields.  Tarleton State University does not allow students to play an Intramural sport unless they are on their team’s roster via IMLeagues. If a student needs to create an account, providing iPads on site would give the supervisors the opportunity to let that student make an account so they could play that night. Without an iPad at the facility, that student would not have that opportunity. Also, having an iPad would allow a supervisor to pull up any rules or regulations, changes to the schedule, or any other changes that may occur.

iPads can also create a new way of marketing for Intramural departments. Being able to take videos of the Intramural events and streamlining them to Facebook, Twitter, Vine, or whatever social media your campus uses, gives students a visual and live feedback of what’s happening. Also an iPad at each field enables staff to keep and provide live stats and scores in real time.

iPads and tablets not only cut the cost of paper, but are more convenient for Intramurals programs. Being able to have access to forms, social media, and updating scores are just a few ways that Intramural programs can benefit from the use of technology.