Harvard’s club sport organizations are placed into five distinct tiers based on points accumulated over the course of the academic year. Operating on the principle of proportional responsibility, this tiered structure balances institutional backing with organizational accountability. Under this framework, a club’s access to resources and grant funding thresholds scales directly with its administrative, competitive, and financial expectations. Organizations are assigned annually to one of four operational Quadrants or designated as Developmental, ensuring their classification aligns with their operational needs and goals.

For complete details on the Tier System, point accumulation, and maintenance requirements, review the [Club Sport Tier System Guide 2026–27 (PDF)]

Every recognized club sport in good standing receives a foundational suite of privileges, regardless of quadrant placement:

• Official recognition as a Harvard Athletics & Recreation Club Sport organization.
• Authorized use of the Harvard name and DHA logo (e.g., Harvard [Sport] Club).
• Facility reservation access for practices, competitions, and home events.
• Free equipment storage access.
• Access to baseline club sport grants and administrative support resources.

The Tier System operates on an objective point-tracking model, allowing club sport organizations to directly control their operational classification. Clubs earn points systematically throughout the academic year across five primary tracking categories:

• Club Sport Compliance: Awarded for turning in required administrative forms on time and ensuring officers complete all mandatory training sessions.
  • Example: Completing the End of Semester Report on time through SOCO.
• Community Building: Earned by being a Super Fan and attending and supporting events hosted by other recognized Harvard club sports.
  • Example: Having your team members attend another club’s home game as fans and submitting the Super Fan Form on SOCO.
• Performance-Based Success: Allocated for high-level athletic achievements and competitive milestones.
  • Example: Qualifying for or placing in an Ivy club championship event.
• Growth: Rewards year-over-year development in your club's roster size, competitive record, or outreach.
  • Example: Increasing active club membership from 12 members last year to 20 members this year.
• Fundraising: Points are calculated and awarded relative to the amount of successful approved fundraising campaigns that a club completes.
  • Example:  Successfully executing a two week fundraising campaign that was submitted to and approved by the CSO.

• Quadrant I (3,500+): Earned by clubs accumulating 3,500 cumulative points or more. These organizations maintain extensive reporting schedules, governing body association, and high-level regional or national competition.
• Quadrant II (2,200 – 3,499 Points): Earned by clubs accumulating 2,200 to 3,499 points. These organizations demonstrate regular administrative compliance and consistent competitive operations.
• Quadrant III (1,200 – 2,199 Points): Earned by clubs accumulating 1,200 to 2,199 points. These organizations focus on standard administrative benchmarks and baseline independent operations.
• Quadrant IV (0 - 1,199 Points): Earned by clubs accumulating 1,199 points or fewer. These organizations focus primarily on core administrative compliance and localized activities.
• Developmental Tier: Dedicated space for prospective or newly established clubs to earn points toward future quadrant placement while completing foundational onboarding.

To maintain quadrant status, organizations must fulfill specific administrative, financial, and reporting milestones:

• Continuous Tracking: Point standings are tracked throughout the academic year based on operational milestones and activity. Club officers may formally request current point totals from the CSO at the end of each semester.
• Annual Timeline: Official quadrant placements for the upcoming academic year are announced every May.
• Appeals Process: Organizations finishing within one place of moving to the next consecutive tier may submit a formal appeal to the CSO and Club Sport Advisory Board by October 1st..