Honoring our long-standing hosts
To our long-standing regional host sites, we extend our deepest gratitude. Year after year, you’ve opened your doors and dedicated time, resources, and expertise to ensuring that NIRSA Championship Series tournaments are nothing short of exceptional! Your unwavering commitment to providing state-of-the-art tournaments has not only maintained the high standards we strive for but has also set new benchmarks within the NIRSA Championship Series.
Over the years, much has changed within the Series and across the broader sports landscape. Yet, through it all, you have evolved alongside us, introducing fresh experiences for staff, officials, and participants alike. You have embraced new challenges, implemented more effective and consistent practices, and consistently delivered experiences that exceed expectations. The foundation you’ve built has been instrumental in our journey, and we would not be where we are today without your steadfast support!
Welcoming new hosts to the NIRSA family
To our new regional hosts, we express our sincere thanks for becoming a part of NIRSA history. We recognize that stepping into a new role, especially one as significant as hosting a championship event, can be both exhilarating and daunting. By taking this leap of faith, you’ve joined a community that values growth, collaboration, and shared success.
While the path may not always be smooth—and there may be challenges along the way—know that you’re not alone. NIRSA Staff, the Series’ Executive Team, and a supportive network of NIRSA community members and institutions stand ready to equip you with the resources, knowledge, and guidance you need to host an exceptional event. Together, we’ll navigate the obstacles, celebrate the victories, and continue building the legacy of the NIRSA Championship Series.
Looking toward the future: The hosts yet to come
As we look ahead, we acknowledge that the future holds many uncertainties. We cannot predict how long our veteran host sites will continue their incredible work or when they might choose to pass the baton. We can’t foresee where our current leaders will make their next career moves or who will rise to lead in the coming decades. However, what we can do is continue to emphasize the importance and value of our host sites.
It’s through the dedication of our current and future hosts that the NIRSA Championship Series will continue to thrive. Whether you’re a long-standing host, a newcomer, or a potential future partner, your role is crucial to the ongoing success of our events and the positive impact they have on students, staff, and the broader community.
The value of hosting regional championships: Beyond the games
When higher education institutions step up to host regional championship events, they take on a responsibility far greater than simply providing a venue. They become key players in the growth of collegiate sports, the development of student officials, and the overall enhancement of the participant experience. The benefits of hosting these events extend far beyond the excitement of the games themselves, offering lasting value to the institution, its students, and the surrounding community.
Growing and developing young officials
One of the most significant benefits of hosting a regional championship is the ability to facilitate the growth and development of young officials. Other training camps can cost between $200-$400 (or even more)—and that’s excluding the expenses of travel, lodging, and meals. The NIRSA Championship Series offers a much more accessible alternative. By providing quality clinicians and feedback at a much lower cost—often covering some or all lodging and meals for the duration of the tournament—NIRSA ensures that officiating is within reach for all students regardless of their financial situation.
This is particularly crucial for students who are just beginning to explore officiating. Regional championships offer a unique environment where they can gain valuable experience and receive professional guidance. This helps them decide which sport—and which level of sports officiating—they would like to pursue. The opportunity to officiate at these events can be a pivotal moment in their development, laying the foundation for a successful career in officiating.
Offering an avenue of sports competition for students
For many students, especially those who were athletes in high school, the transition to college often means leaving competitive sports behind. Unless they choose to join varsity athletics, they have limited opportunities to continue their passion for sports. However, the incorporation of intramural and club sports on campuses nationwide has changed that narrative. Instead, students are given an outlet to continue embracing their love for the game.
Regional championships are the pinnacle of this competitive spirit. For former high school athletes, these tournaments offer a chance to relive the excitement of traveling with a team, participating in intense competitions, and—most importantly—creating lasting memories with teammates. These experiences are not just about winning or losing; they are about the camaraderie, the shared moments, and the joy of playing the sport they love. By hosting these events, institutions give their students the opportunity to continue creating cherished memories.
Fostering partnerships with the community
Hosting a regional championship also plays a significant role in fostering partnerships between the institution and its surrounding community. Campuses—whether large or small, urban or rural—often hold a familiar place within their local communities. These tournaments offer a fantastic opportunity to strengthen those connections by partnering with local businesses and services.
Sports commissions and tourism offices are always on the lookout for ways to give back to the community and promote their cities to visitors. Regional championships are an ideal platform for these efforts. By engaging with local businesses, institutions can create mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance the event experience for participants and spectators alike. For NIRSA members who are no strangers to networking, these connections can lead to lasting collaborations that benefit both the institution and the community.
Promoting cultural and educational enrichment
Regional championships are more than just athletic competitions—they’re events that bring diverse groups from across the country together. This diversity fosters cultural exchange and promotes inclusive practices which enrich the educational experience for all involved.
By hosting these events, institutions create an environment where students can learn from one another’s backgrounds and perspectives, broadening their understanding of the world around them. These cultural exchanges are invaluable, helping to cultivate a more inclusive and empathetic campus community. The educational enrichment that comes from hosting such diverse groups is a testament to the broader mission of higher education: To develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared to thrive in a global society.
Consider hosting a tournament at your institution
Hosting a regional championship is an investment that yields rich rewards. From developing young officials and providing competitive opportunities for students to fostering community partnerships and promoting cultural enrichment, the value of these events extends far beyond the playing field. By embracing the opportunity to host, institutions contribute to the growth of collegiate sports, enhance the student experience, and leave a lasting impact on their communities!
Lauren Carlson is currently the Sports Programs Coordinator at NIRSA.
