Perceived Problems in Campus Recreation Programs in North America

Abstract

Major problems in campus recreation programs were investigated. The participants were 269 campus recreation directors in colleges and universities throughout North America. Participants were asked to indicate whether they agreed, disagreed, or had no opinion regarding statements presented to them on a survey that consisted of the following three general problem areas in campus recreation: (a) conflict, (b) equipment, and (c) miscellaneous. The campus recreation directors identified six specific major problems, at the highest rates, from the three general problem categories as follows: “equipment”—lack of storage areas (59%); “miscellaneous”— availability of parking (59%); availability of athletic training staff (56%); marketing and promotional efforts (50%); “conflict”—turf wars (49%); and conflict with athletic department personnel (46%). Campus recreation directors should, first and foremost, address the above major problem areas, in order to effectively manage their programs.