For many students, the joint university sports program at the Hochschule für den öffentlichen Dienst in Bayern (HföD) and Hof University of Applied Sciences is much more than just a balance to their studies – it is a meeting place, health program and fun factor all in one. We spoke to coordinator Gerhard Ried. In the interview, he reveals which activities are on the program for the coming semester, what rules apply to participation and what role sport plays in campus life.
Mr. Ried, around 500 students from HfÖD and Hof University of Applied Sciences take part in the university sports activities each semester. What exactly is your role as coordinator?
“I’ve been responsible for this area since 2017. I am responsible for the organization of campus sports – from the range of offers to registration and coordinating the use of the sports facilities by students from both universities. I still really enjoy doing this.”
What sports can students and staff expect to see in the coming semester? Are there any new offers?
“We offer a wide range: On the one hand, there are team sports such as volleyball, soccer, table tennis, field hockey, badminton, basketball or even dodge ball. There are also fitness courses such as Crossfit, STEP aerobics, abdominal-leg-buttocks, ZUMBA, jumping fitness and more.
Part of our hall is dedicated to the fitness area. We have 12 pieces of equipment, including spinning bikes, ergometers, treadmills, rowing machines and more. You can also book a lesson on the respective machine. Outside the sports hall – in the corridor to be precise – we also have a weight room with dumbbells, barbells and cable machines. Tuesday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. are reserved for women only.
A special feature of our program is historical fencing. This involves self-defense with wooden swords or forged weapons. This is currently practiced by around 20 people.”
What criteria do you use to decide what to include?
“This is based on the available opportunities, the possible course instructors or the specific demand. We strive for a balance between trend sports and classic offers – with a focus on accessibility and variety. Ultimately, there should be something suitable for everyone.”
In your experience, which courses and sports are particularly popular?
“Team sports such as volleyball are particularly popular, but the fitness courses also regularly attract many participants. Badminton and cricket are particularly popular with our Indian students. Yoga is also very popular. We therefore recommend registering quickly.”
Who can register and how does it work?
“Anyone with a university ID can take part. The first step is a one-off registration with a university email address – this is mandatory. For students of Hof University of Applied Sciences, there is then a rental fee of 20 euros for the transponder with which you can enter the hall. HfÖD students already have this automatically. You can pick up the transponder at the entrance to the HfÖD (opening hours are Mon-Thu 07:30-17:00, Fri 07:30-13:00). Then, of course, it is a matter of registering for the respective courses, which we have to plan in advance in view of the respective resources: The necessary registration for this takes place weekly via the online booking system. The courses and bookings are then activated for the following week on Sunday evening from 10 p.m. and can be viewed from then on.”
What are the times of use for the hall?
“The sports hall and facilities such as the gym, fitness equipment and outdoor areas are available to use free of charge – Monday to Thursday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Friday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.”
What would you say is the overall importance of university sport for campus life?
“Campus sport offers an important balance to everyday student life and is ideal for making new contacts – participating with us is uncomplicated, varied and simply offers a great alternative for personal leisure activities.”
What are your personal favorites when it comes to university sports?
“On the one hand, the contact with people. From a purely sporting point of view, I always enjoy the tournaments that we organize together with the students. I particularly remember a so-called “pillow fight tournament” that we held in 2019 according to the rules of dodgeball. It was really funny and I’m sure many of the participants will remember it. But our beach volleyball tournaments are also often the salt in the soup.”
