Collegiate sports are a big part of American culture – excitement runs across the country as fans cheer for their teams and alma maters. College sports are popular in the United States, but according to The Collegian at Fresno State, many “…international students are often overwhelmed by just how big college sports really are.” Even President Barack Obama filled out brackets for the 2013 National Collegiate Athletic Association’s men's NCAA and women's NCAA basketball tournament, commonly referred to as “March Madness.”

As an F or M student, your primary reason for coming to the United States is to study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school and complete an academic program. However, you are eligible to participate in amateur athletics at colleges or universities if you maintain your student status. If you want to join a sports team, it is important to remember a few rules for international student athletes:

• You may enter the United States no more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”
• If you decide to transfer to another school, you must attend an SEVP-certified school.
• You must enroll in a full course of study each semester. If you want to take an online or distance class, only one without the physical oversight of a school employee can count toward your full course of study. You can take more online or distance courses if they require physical presence/oversight. This includes taking an online or distance class while traveling for team events if your coaches monitor your work.
• Playing a non-professional sport is not considered employment, although student athletes sometimes receive stipends or scholarships. Do not work without authorization in the United States. Always talk to your designated school official (DSO) for official approval to work.
• If you are a student athlete, you must still make normal academic progress toward completing your program.
• You must attend and pass your classes. If you decide to drop a class, you must first talk to your DSO.
• You must maintain your nonimmigrant status.

There may be other athletic opportunities at schools, such as intramural or club sports. You can even participate by cheering for your teams during games. If you have questions about maintaining your status, talk to your DSO.

Source:

• Behind the life of an international student-athlete; The Collegian at Fresno State