Army Regulation 215

Installation and unit-level sports programs are designed for broad-based participation in a full range of individual and team sports consistent with patron interest, availability of suitable facilities, unit missions, and climate. There are opportunities to enhance individual morale and unit esprit de corps, promote teamwork and cooperation, engage in competitive recreation, and to encourage individuals to attain and sustain high levels of physical fitness. Emphasis is on group participation in unit and intramural sports with wide appeal, such as softball, volleyball, flag football, basketball, running, and soccer. Programming includes instruction, practice, and competition at all skill levels, starting with beginners.

(b) Other authorized patrons and family members may participate in organized sports leagues only when not enough military personnel are available to form teams for intramural league play. Such persons will not participate with military personnel in individual sports, to include contact sports such as boxing, martial arts, wrestling, handball, or football (with the exception of Flag Football leagues employing and enforcing strict non-contact rules, that is, NIRSA).

(d) Mixed participation by men and women in installation sports programs is subject to commander discretion. Separate programs for each gender may be conducted. (This does not prevent the conduct of programs that lend themselves to mixed competition.) When there are separate programs, in any sport, participants are assigned according to gender, and teams may not compete against teams of the opposite gender.

(e) Teams or individuals representing the Army will not participate in any sports event or exhibition where there is unlawful discrimination involving participants, administrators, or spectators because of race, creed, color, or sex. No participant in the Army Sports Program, to include those assigned, detailed, or volunteering any services, will use drugs or medications designed to improve athletic performance. All involved in the Army Sports Program will sign a statement that they understand and will comply with this policy.

(a) Athletic officiating services are funded by APFs only under an APF contract or purchase order. Decisions to use APFs for officiating services are made in advance. A NAFI may be the contractor only if it is the sole source of the required services and the contract is in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs) procedures.

(b) Sports officiating opportunities are open to all qualified applicants and not restricted to off-duty military or civilian employees. The use of off-duty personnel as sports officials will comply with Government regulations regarding the employment of off-duty military personnel or Governmment contractors specified in ARs 215-3 and 215-4. The local SJA will review each contract regardless of dollar amount.

(a) Installation sports program managers will coordinate directly with installation safety directors to arrange appropriate education and training programs. They will integrate applicable safety practices, prescribed by an applicable national governing body, into its sports program to prevent athletic injuries to participants and collateral injuries to spectators. Based on concern for participants' safety, local commanders may bar any eligible individual from competing in contact sports.

1. Professionals in boxing, judo, karate, and wrestling will not participate with amateurs but may act as coaches, trainers, officials, and managers.

2. All Army sponsored boxers will wear competitive boxing headguards at all levels of competition and a foul-proof protective cup and fitted mouthpiece when competing in amateur boxing events. A qualified medical doctor is at ringside for matches.

4. Metal-cleated shoes are worn only for track and field events. Molded rubber-cleated shoes, all-purpose athletic shoes, gym or tennis shoes are to be used for all other sports, with the exception of specialized shoes for sports such as hockey, sky diving, skiing, and so forth. The appropriate shoe should be on an approved list governing the respective sport.

(a) If the Army team includes professional athletes, commanders conducting competitions will advise, in writing, representatives of the other Service or civilian teams. Amateur athletes do not lose amateur status as a result of membership on any Army team composed partly of professionals, if the competition is for prizes other than cash or the equivalent.

(b) A competition sponsored by the Army on a military installation against a civilian team that includes professional athletes is conducted as an exhibition for entertainment purposes only. Competition against professional athletes, or civilian teams that include professional athletes, may not be sponsored by the Army at a nonmilitary facility.

(c) A competition on a military installation which involves two or more civilian teams must be sanctioned by the national sports governing body or local affiliate having jurisdiction over the sport involved. A list of national sports governing bodies is provided in table 8-2.

(d) When a competition, conducted by civilian organizations, involves payment of fees, commanders may approve participation if one of the below criteria is met. If the competition is a fundraiser, participation must be in accordance with AR 600-29 and the Joint Ethics Regulation (DoD 5500.7-R).)

(e) If the event is of local interest only and held within normal commuting distance of the installation, the installation commander may approve participation. MACOMs approve events conducted beyond normal commuting distance. If the event is of national or international prominence or overseas travel of participants from foreign countries is involved, approval is obtained from USACFSC (CFSC-SF-S).

(f) Before entering Army personnel in any civilian competition, the effect on community relations, consistency with the Army Sports Program, and the nature and details of any commercial sponsorship are considered carefully.

(7) When personnel resources permit, commanders may form and train organizational teams to provide opportunities for soldiers with advanced athletic skills to compete in athletic events. Events may include "donkey basketball," competing against touring professional teams, such as the Harlem Globetrotters, and may be held for spectator entertainment purposes.

(8) The terms "interservice" and "Armed Forces" will not be used in the title of locally sponsored sports events. Such terms are used only for competitions sponsored by the Armed Forces Sports Committee, a DOD agency.

(9) Generally, playing rules published by U.S. national sports governing bodies are used for all competitions conducted within the Army. Otherwise, installations use rules of any other recognized sports organization, such as the National Federation of State High School Associations, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association, or the United States Slowpitch Softball Association. Overseas commands may use international rules, if appropriate.

(1) Unit activities. Comprehensive unit level sports programs are developed and conducted in accordance with DA Pam 28-9. Community recreation sports staffs give technical assistance and coordinate the use of facilities and equipment. Unit sports are for active duty soldiers only and may be conducted during both duty and off-duty time.

(2) Intramural activities. Commanders will develop intramural training programs to supplement unit level activities. Intramural sports are usually conducted during off-duty hours between teams on the same installation; however, they may compete with teams of other installations when available resources permit. Civilians may participate when there are not sufficient military personnel; however, civilians may not compete above the intramural level.

(3) Installation, regional, MACOM competitions. MACOMs may conduct installation, regional, or MACOM competitions as follow-ons to installation intramural sports programs. This may include sports that lead to departmental, national, or international competition. MACOMs may grant subordinate commands authority to place participants on administrative leave for assembly and training for a maximum of 30 days prior to the championship. Individuals or teams representing installations may participate in MACOM or regional competitions if they qualify as follows--

(a) They have participated in an installation intramural program. Reassignment, permanent change of station, or reenlistment will not prevent a soldier from competing.

(c) Local NAFs may be used for travel and per diem expenses at sports events hosted by MACOMs or installations. Use of local NAFs must be approved by the responsible commander. Appropriated funds are authorized for travel of soldiers only when required to accomplish the MACOM and/or installation's mission and only when of direct and substantial benefit to DOD.

(a) Departmental and Armed Forces competitions, conducted periodically in selected sports, offer higher level competition for accomplished soldier-athletes who meet the following criteria:

1. Prospective candidates must be on active duty for not less than 91 days and authorized by immediate commanders to participate. Participation in a leave status is not authorized. Completion of scheduled military training will not be delayed. Bonus recipients may participate only if there is no conflict with bonus provisions or conditions (see AR 614-200).

2. All participants must be amateurs as defined by the appropriate national governing body, with the exception of bowling, golf, and basketball participation.

3. Minimum qualifications for track and field are shown in table 8-3. Golf applications include individual handicaps certified by a golf course manager, sports director, or golf professional. Bowling applications include scratch averages certified by the bowling center manager or league secretary. The minimum average considered is 190 for men and 160 for women in 21 or more league games.

4. Trial camp selection is based on performance in current military and civilian competitions, records and reports of the national governing body, recommendations of sports directors or coaches, and athlete statements. USACFSC makes selections for departmental and Armed Forces sports activities.

5. Army personnel may not represent another Service, nor may members of the other Services represent the Army in departmental, Armed Forces, national, or international competitions except as members of a composite Armed Forces team.

(c) MACOMs may nominate competitors based on the results of MACOM or invitational championships conducted before the start of Army trial camps. If a MACOM designates these events as the basis for trial nominations, individual applications are not accepted (command or individual championships are not used as a basis for MACOM nominations).

(d) Individual soldiers from USAREUR, EUSA, USARPAC, and USARSO, who believe they qualify, may submit applications through their chain of command; soldiers of other MACOMs apply independently. Applications are submitted to USACFSC (CFSC-SF-S), 4700 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302-4418, with an information copy provided to the respective supporting sports office. Applications are required at USACFSC at least 30 days before the Army trial camp starts.

(e) Application forms, DA Forms 4762-R (Athlete's Application) and 4763-R (Athlete's Certification of Amateurism), may be reproduced locally on 8 1/2 by 11-inch paper. Copies for local reproduction purposes are located at the end of this regulation. The commander's concurrence is indicated on DA Form 4762-R.

(f) Costs of planning and conducting trial camps and Army-wide competitions are borne by USACFSC. Transportation, travel, and per diem (TDY) costs for Army trials and competitions are funded as follows:

1. Commanders will arrange for transportation to and from the airport of departure for the training site. If required and authorized in advance by USACFSC, the MWR fund of the athlete's parent command or installation will advance travel and per diem allowances. Per diem or miscellaneous expenses are as prescribed in the administrative instructions published for each sport.

2. Requests for reimbursement of funds advanced are forwarded to USACFSC (CFSC-SF-S) in accordance with the format in figure 8-3. Each request will include supporting orders, receipts, and vouchers and is submitted not later than 20 days after advancement of allowances to avoid the local MWR fund assuming the liability for expenses associated with the TDY.

3. Per diem or miscellaneous expenses while at the training site and return travel to original airport of departure are paid by the host installation from NAFs made available by USACFSC.

(g) Armed Forces competitions conducted periodically by the Armed Forces Sports Committee include individuals or teams selected by USACFSC to represent the Army. Participation is based on results of Army-wide competitions to the extent feasible. When not practical, USACFSC will announce separate qualifications, selection criteria, and related procedures.

(5) National and international competition. Exceptional soldier athletes may be nominated by the Armed Forces Working Group or selected by national sports governing bodies to participate in prestigious national and international competitions such as the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) competitions, Pan American and Olympic Games, world championships, and other international amateur sports events considered suitable by the Department of State.

(a) Policy governing the participation of U.S. Armed Forces personnel in national and international sports competitions is derived from DOD Directive 1330.4 and ensures that the United States is adequately represented in international competition.

(b) The U.S. Army Personnel Command (PERSCOM), in coordination with USACFSC, may waive the requirement for completion of scheduled military training on a case-by-case basis.

(c) Athletes notified directly by a national sports governing body or national coach of selection for training or competition must immediately inform USACFSC (CFSC-SF-S).

(d) Priority is given to the Service team in situations when an athlete is selected to compete in national competitions where an all-Army composite team or Armed Forces team is also competing, unless the athlete is on annual leave or released by USACFSC.

(e) An athlete selected for international sports competition inside or outside the United States must obtain a country clearance through USACFSC before participating. Overseas MACOMs may grant country clearances for their personnel. Detailed information and requirements are in AR 55-46.

(6) World Class Athlete Program (WCAP). Athletes of world class caliber have the opportunity, through the WCAP, to train for national and international sports competitions leading to selection to United States national teams. The WCAP is conducted over a two-year period prior to the start of scheduled Olympic Games. Participation is limited to athletes who have attained a high national ranking in a sport, or been selected to a U.S. equivalent level team no more than 3 years prior to the next scheduled Olympic Games, or are otherwise recognized to have world class potential.

2. Individual applications are submitted on DA Form 4187 (Personnel Action) through military personnel channels to Commander, PERSCOM, ATTN: TAPC-OP (officers) or TAPC-EP (Appropriate Career Branch) (enlisted). DA Form 4762-R, DA Form 4763-R, and supporting documentation (such as events, dates, sites, and results that permit a proper evaluation of athletic abilities and experience) are included.

3. PERSCOM will record and forward applications to USACFSC for initial evaluation by the Army Sports Office, after which applications are forwarded to the executive director or the appropriate national governing body for a detailed evaluation. USACFSC will make final determinations and selections.

(b) New accessions complete basic training and advanced individual training (AIT) before entering the program. Soldiers scheduled to attend, including those en route to advanced civil or military schooling, enter after completing courses and any Service obligations incurred. In any case, soldiers are restricted to a maximum of 2 years in the program.

(c) Selected individuals may remain in the program for 2 years or until completion of the next Olympic Games (whichever is sooner). After which, they are available for reassignment to meet Army requirements or career development needs. Athletes who are cut from national teams or fail to maintain qualifications are reassigned to appropriate duties.

(d) PERSCOM will attempt to assign those selected to locations that permit expert coaching, training, and preparation for competition. Officers so assigned are carried in a "duties unassigned (OOA)" status.

(e) While in the program, participants are rated by the team coach. When the coach is not a U.S. Government employee, a request for an exception to AR 623-105 or AR 623-205 is addressed through USACFSC to PERSCOM (TAPC-MSE). The senior rater is either the Chief, Army Sports Office, or the Director, Soldier and Family Support, USACFSC, as directed by the Commander, USACFSC. If the participant is senior to a coach who is also a military member, the senior rater renders both rater and senior rater evaluations.

(f) Although the primary purpose of this assignment is to train for the Pan American and Olympic Games, athletes will be encouraged to pursue available opportunities to work in their career field or MOS as much as possible, to include enrollment in correspondence courses. When not in actual athletic training, individuals perform duties at their assigned units.

(7) U.S. Modern Pentathlon Program. The U.S. Modern Pentathlon Association selects military volunteers to train for the U.S. Modern Pentathlon Team at San Antonio, TX. The program consists of running, swimming, equestrian, fencing, and shooting events.

2. Demonstrated ability to run 2 miles in 10 minutes and 1 mile in 4 minutes and 45 seconds, plus swim 100 yards in 54 seconds and 300 meters in 3 minutes and 40 seconds (men) or run 1 mile in 5 minutes and 10 seconds, plus swim 100 yards in 1 minute and 10 seconds (women).

(b) Experience in equestrian hunting and jumping events, fencing (epee), and .22 caliber pistol is desired, but not mandatory. There is comprehensive training in all required skills.

(c) Applicants apply by letter to Commander, USACFSC (CFSC-SF-S), 4700 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302-4418. Details of prior experience, highest levels of previous competition and achievements are cited, if any, and a statement by the unit commander or local installation sports director certifying that the individual meets the time requirements are attached.

(d) Selected individuals are placed on permissive TDY to the U.S. Modern Pentathlon Program (San Antonio, TX) for up to 90 days for training and rating of potential, at no expense to the Government (NAFs available from USACFSC). During the TDY period, individuals must achieve the minimum dyathlon (running, swimming) point score in subparagraphs below. Dyathlon times are tested during actual competition.

1. Men: A minimum score of 2,300 points. This requires swimming 300 meters in 3:35.0 and running 4,000 meters in 13:27.0 or a combination of times that equals or exceeds the minimum score.

2. Women: A minimum score of 1,800 points. This requires swimming 200 meters in 2:35.0 and running 2,000 meters in 7:50.0 or a combination of times that equals or exceeds the minimum score.

(e) Minimum point requirements are adjusted upward to enable only the most qualified athletes to remain. International scoring standards generally favor strong competitive swimmers.

(f) At the end of the TDY period, USACFSC requests PCS assignment of selected individuals to the U.S. Modern Pentathlon Program. Normally, no more than 30 full-time athletes are assigned.

(8) U.S. Army Parachute Team (USAPT) (Golden Knights). The USAPT represents the Army in national and international sport parachuting events and competitions. It conducts demonstrations and exhibitions to foster recruiting, retention, and public relations.

1. Maintaining a pool of highly skilled competitors for entry in national and international parachuting competitions with the goal of producing national and international champions.

3. Initiating or participating in research and development of equipment, techniques, and activities relating to freefall or static line parachuting.

(d) Parent units of soldiers selected for the tryout program are provided fund cite data to place soldiers in TDY and return status. Soldiers will be attached to the USAPT for the duration of the tryout program.

(e) The USAPT conducts periodic tryouts for selected qualified volunteers. Normally, tryout periods last 4 to 6 weeks. Final selections are made during this time.

(f) The Commander, USAPT, will submit a message request for reassignment of those candidates accepted for assignment to the team. Direct coordination between the Commander of USAPT, appropriate branches of PERSCOM, and the Commander, PERSCOM is authorized. The Commander, PERSCOM, will issue instructions directing assignment to the USAPT if a requirement in the appropriate grade and MOS exists and the individual is not on PCS orders to an overseas area.

(i) The Commander, USAREC, maintains a priority list of requests for demonstrations to support recruiting sponsored events and funds for the USAPT.

1. CONUS and OCONUS requests for demonstrations are submitted annually for evaluation by the USAPF. Requests are submitted through command channels to OASD(PA) by 30 September. A scheduling conference, attended by representatives from OCPA, USAREC, and OASD(PA) is conducted each November to establish the following year's schedule.

2. Commands will assist non-DOD sponsors in preparing and submitting requests. Sponsors are advised of their responsibility to pay for the USAPT meals, lodging, local transportation, communications facilities, and a flat rate fee for the USAPT organic aircraft. Sponsors will pay the U.S. Government at standard per diem rates.

3. Commander, U.S. Army Recruiting Support Center, in coordination with the USAPT and OCPA, will reply to all USAREC sponsored USAPT requests. The Commander, U.S. Army Recruiting Support Center, will provide necessary information about approvals to the Commander, USAPT.

(j) The Commander, USAPT informs USACFSC of all international competition/sporting events in which the team participates. USAPT will submit country clearance requests for international travel to Commander, USACFSC.

(9) Presidential Sports Award Program. An incentive for maintaining high standards of individual fitness, the program recognizes those having made a commitment to fitness through regular participation in sports. Participation may include unit, intramural, MACOM, and departmental sports programs.

(b) As this program is self-supporting, a fee for emblems, pins, and certificates must accompany each application. Fees are paid by the participating individual or the local MWR fund for active duty military personnel, if approved by responsible commanders.

(10) U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU). The mission of the USAMU is to select, equip, and train soldiers to compete and win in interservice, national, international, and olympic marksmanship competitions; promote the U.S. Army by fostering public confidence in Army marksmanship through an active public information and public relations program that focuses on the accomplishments and capabilities of the USAMU competitive shooters; and enhance Army combat readiness by providing lessons learned from competitive shooting to the various small arms proponents.