This winter is an exciting time in the sports world. Super Bowl Sunday, where the top two U.S. football teams in the National Football League play for a title, took place a few weeks ago. The Sochi Olympics are underway and athletes from around the world are coming together to compete in events like figure skating, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding.

If you want to be a student athlete at a U.S. school, there are regulations you must follow. While campus athletics are a great way to get involved and meet new friends, it is important to remember that your primary reason for coming to the United States is to study. You must always maintain your status.

If you decide to play a sport in the United States, remember these top “plays” to maintain your status:

• Only study at a school that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
• Enter the United States no more than 30 days before the program start date on your Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”
• Enroll in a full course of study each term or session.
• Make normal academic progress toward completing your program. To do that, you must attend and pass your classes. Talk to your designated school official first if you are having trouble in class.

Tell us on Facebook or Twitter— what sports are you playing while you study in the States?