Distinguishing Participants and Non-Participants in Campus Recreation: The Roles of Knowledge and Motivations

The purpose of this study was to explore how students’ knowledge of campus recreation opportunities and their general physical activity (PA) motivations were associated with participation or non-participation in intramural sports, drop-in sports, and the fitness center. Data were collected using a questionnaire from undergraduate students (N = 348) at a large university in Ontario, Canada. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. Knowledge of opportunities was positively associated with participation in all three campus recreation activities. A desire to enhance the university experience was positively associated with intramurals and drop-in sports. Additionally, a desire to be fit through PA was negatively associated with drop-in sports. In addition to increasing students’ knowledge of opportunities, recreation professionals are encouraged to identify and promote the unique aspects of the campus recreation experience, such as its ability to enhance the university experience, in order to stimulate participation through differentiation from off-campus recreation experiences.