There are a number of steps to be taken in preparation to participate in varsity gymnastics. We've gotten suggestions to join the varsity team, or a different club, but neither is entirely possible. Club sports are made so that students can participate in their favorite sport if NCAA isn't a possibility. Whether it's the commitment, an injury, a full roster, or any other problem that prevents an athlete from participating at the intercollegiate level, that shouldn't mean their career has to end.

Sometimes, varsity level sports are not an option for a student. Tennis, baseball, and basketball are among the others. Gymnastics is not the only sport being denied a club. Nicole Schwerner and myself have looked into everything needed for the formation of a team and have found solutions to every issue proposed by the Recreation Staff in their emails responding to our team proposals. Ten athletes are needed to form a team, and within the first semester I have already found eleven, with much promise that more would be interested. Like every other new club, gymnastics would raise their own money to fund, and find their own volunteering coach/advisor. If the coach would prefer the club team not to use that gym, there are plenty of local clubs that host open gyms multiple times a week, which is perfect for a practice. While the varsity team is not practicing, the south campus gymnasium is empty.

However, if a varsity athlete wishes to compete at both the intercollegiate and club level, they must report their time as a club athlete to the NCAA. NCAA does not have a rule against the creation of a club, or a varsity athlete participating in one. It has been said that the policy was to protect NCAA eligibility, and that there is not enough room, staff, or funding for the duplicate sports.

While that said team still exists, as it was 'grandfathered' in, a rule generalizing all other varsity level sports was created.

The policy was put in place due to an issue with Woman's Club Lacrosse. West Chester is one of the only schools to have a rule against creating new club teams if they already appear at the intercollegiate level.

West chester university gymnasium