A Comparison of Constraints to Participation in Intramural Sports Between International and Noninternational Students.

This study investigated if international students face unique interpersonal, intrapersonal, and structural constraints to participation in intramural sports. Surveys were collected from 292 participants, with proportionate representation of international and noninternational students when compared with the broader university population. Results demonstrated that international students who have participated in intramural sports experience significantly higher interpersonal and intrapersonal constraints when compared with noninternational students who also have participated in intramural sports. There were no significant differences in the three types of constraints between international vs. noninternational students who have not participated in intramural sports. It was concluded that campus recreation and international student service departments at universities need to collaborate to foster awareness, promote the benefits of participation, and assist international students in overcoming these constraints to participating in intramural sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]