>

Staff Athletics Program (Staff-Letics)

The Staff-Letics Program is a dynamic and inclusive initiative that aims to foster a sense of belonging, promote physical and mental well-being, and strengthen camaraderie among Vanderbilt University employees. By encouraging regular participation in these organized events, we hope to create a workplace culture that values the holistic development, reduces burnout, and promotes the overall health and happiness of our employees.

Staff Athletics Basketball

Program Overview

At Vanderbilt University, we strive to create an environment where individuals feel valued, understood, and integral to our collective success. We are committed to promoting the holistic well-being of our team members and fostering a sense of belonging within our workplace community. Recognizing the profound impact of physical activity on physical health and mental well-being, the Staff-Letics Program seeks to encourage and support regular engagement in athletic pursuits. By providing opportunities for staff to participate in organized events and pursue individual fitness goals, we aim to create a workplace culture that values and prioritizes the health and happiness of our team. Through genuine connections and a shared commitment to a healthier lifestyle, we hope to contribute to an environment where every member of the Vanderbilt community feels supported in their journey to live a healthier lifestyle.

Staff-Letics Leagues

The Staff-Letics Program utilizes various athletic events as a platform, offering three leagues that take place throughout the year, allowing Vanderbilt employees (staff, faculty, and postdocs) to engage in various sports and activities. These leagues not only promote physical fitness but also foster a sense of community, camaraderie, and belonging among our team members.

Registration is open for both team sign-up and individual sign-up. If you are signing up individually as a free agent, please be assured that we will ensure you are placed on a team where you can fully engage in the league’s activities. Teams can be formed for each league; however, if you don’t have enough players to create a team, you can sign up as a free agent. By registering as a free agent, you will be placed on a team where you can compete and connect with other participants.

Basketball League

The Basketball League is a 3-on-3 tournament-style event that occurs twice a year—once in the winter and once in the summer. Teams comprised of 5 Vanderbilt staff members, including 2 alternates, compete in a double-elimination format over 7 weeks. This league provides an opportunity for our employees to step away from their desks, engage in a healthy activity, and build connections with their colleagues. The average number of games played during the tournament is 3 to 4, depending on the team's skill level and competitiveness. The tournament culminates in a final match, with the winning team earning bragging rights and a sense of accomplishment.

Kickball League

Kickball on Campus is our spring event, which takes place once a year, typically after the commencement activities. This event runs for two to three weeks, depending on the number of participants and teams. Vanderbilt employees from any department or division can form teams of at least 8 players to take the field, with up to 12 players on the roster (alternates and substitutions) to compete in this fun and engaging activity. The team with the best record at the end of the season wins the Kickball League.

Cornhole League

The Cornhole League is a year-round event, with competitions taking place once every quarter at various locations on campus, both indoors and outdoors. Teams of 2 compete against each other, with a leaderboard tracking the overall point totals. The team with the most points at the end of the season emerges victorious.

Policies and Procedures

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Staff-Letics Program is open to all Vanderbilt staff (exempt and nonexempt), faculty, and postdocs. All employees are encouraged to participate in the program's activities and leagues.

Activities

The program's activities and their associated details are as follows:

Basketball League

  • Occurring twice a year, typically in the winter and summer months
  • Games held on Wednesdays at 12:00 pm and 12:30 pm at the VU Recreational Center
  • Teams comprise 5 staff members, including 2 alternates/substitutes
  • Participants can register their teams or sign up individually to be placed on a team
  • The registration period will open 2 to 3 weeks before the event and close a few days before the tournament starts: Click to Register

Kickball League

  • Held annually after commencement activities, typically in May or June
  • Games played on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays
  • Teams must have a minimum of 8 players to play, but up to 12 players on the roster
  • Employees can sign up as a team or individually and be placed on a team
  • The registration period will open 2 to 3 weeks before the event and close a few days before the tournament starts: Click to Register

Cornhole League

  • The cornhole circuit is held year-round, with events scheduled once a quarter
  • Teams of 2 compete against each other. To secure the most wins at each event
  • Registration is limited to 8 teams per event due to equipment and space constraints
  • The registration period will open year-round. It will be on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Participant can sign up at any time to reserve to spot in the tournament: Click to Register

Cancellations and Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances that require the cancellation of a scheduled game or activity, the Program Manager will make the necessary decisions to postpone any scheduled activities. Any games that need to be canceled due to inclement weather will be rescheduled to a later date, if possible, to ensure all teams have the opportunity to compete. 

The Program Manager will send notifications and updates on the program's communication channels and directly contact team captains or individuals as needed. The goal is to ensure that all staff members are informed in a timely manner and can adjust their schedules if needed accordingly. 

In the case of a cancellation, the Program Manager will work to reschedule the affected games or activities as soon as feasible, considering the availability of facilities, officials, and participant schedules. The rescheduled events will be communicated to all teams, and every effort will be made to accommodate the new schedule to minimize any disruptions to the overall program. 

Additional Information

For any additional questions or inquiries about the Staff-Letics Program, participants are encouraged to contact the Program Manager, Lydell Francis, via email at wellbeing@vanderbilt.edu. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Who is eligible to participate in the Staff-Letics Program?
    • All Vanderbilt employees (exempt and nonexempt), faculty, and postdocs are eligible to participate in the program. 
  • How do I register for the different leagues and activities?

    Registration opens weeks prior to the start of each event. Employees can register for the events using the following link: Click to Register. Please visit the Health, Wellbeing, and Belonging website to review the current scheduled activities.

  • What are the schedules for the leagues and activities?
    • The Basketball League takes place twice a year, in the winter and summer, with games held once a week at the VU Recreational Center. 
    • The Kickball League is held annually after commencement activities, with games held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. The tournament runs for 2 to 3 weeks, with teams playing 1 or 2 games a week.   
    • The Cornhole League is a year-round event with competitions held once every quarter. The circuit will travel to various locations within the university.  
  • What happens if a game or activity is canceled due to inclement weather?
    • Any games or activities that need to be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances will be rescheduled to a later date, if possible. All participants will be notified of the cancellation and rescheduling information through program communication channels and direct contact with team captains. 
  • What safety measures are in place for the program events?
    • All sporting events will have first aid and CPR-certified personnel on hand to provide immediate medical attention if needed. Participants are instructed to report any injuries or medical emergencies to the on-site first aid staff or event organizers immediately. 
  • How are the winning teams recognized and awarded?
    • The winning teams in each league will be recognized and awarded for their accomplishments. Trophies and plaques will be presented to the champions at the end of the respective seasons. 
  • Who should I contact if I have additional questions or concerns?
    • For any additional questions or inquiries, participants can contact the Program Manager, Lydell Francis, via email at lydell.francis@vanderbilt.edu. Alternatively, employees can send an email to the Health, Wellbeing, and Belonging Center of Excellence at wellbeing@vanderbilt.edu.  

Injuries and Safety

Safety protocols and procedures are to be followed in the event of an injury or medical emergency during Staff-Letics program events and are outlined in accordance with Vanderbilt University's work injury policies, prioritizing the well-being of all participants. Please review the  Standard Operating Procedures section for additional details.

The university encourages reporting risk concerns or incidents regardless of the perceived impact at the time of the event. Reports can be made in the following ways listed below. Please click on the link below to review Vanderbilt’s policies on workplace injury polices or to file a report.

  • Submitting an incident report
  • Informing the staff member's supervisor 
  • Calling VUPS in the case of an emergency.

All sporting events will have first aid and CPR-certified personnel.