The National Collegiate Athletic Association has 90 championships across 24 different sports; however, if your sport is not governed by the NCAA you still probably have the ability to play your sport. For instance, there are many sports at colleges and universities that are considered non-varsity sports. These sports are commonly referred to as club sports, intramurals, or recreational sports. Some common club sports are ultimate frisbee, sailing, bowling, and flag football. It is possible that a college has a varsity basketball team and maybe a recreational or intramural league that is open to all students. These sports provide a way for students to stay active while also not committing to the demanding schedule of a varsity sport. 

Some sports are not recognized by the NCAA because there are not enough teams for the NCAA to govern them. One example is squash. The small number of schools in America means that the NCAA will not regulate the sport despite squash being a popular sport outside of North America. Of course, just because the NCAA does not govern squash, there are still a number of squash programs throughout the country. The main governing body of squash is the College Squash Association (CSA). Other sports that have leagues outside of the NCAA and are regulated by another governing body include:

1. Intercollegiate Sailing Association (ICSA)
2. National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
3. National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA)
4. National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
5. National Collegiate Paintball Association (NCPA)
6. National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA)
7. United States Association of Collegiate Fencing Clubs (USACFC)
8. National Association of Intercollegiate Gymnastics Clubs (NAIGC)
9. American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA)

Many of these governing bodies govern intercollegiate club sports. Additionally, some of these governing bodies govern sports that are sponsored by the NCAA. The NJCAA governs many of the same sports as the NCAA but at the junior college level. Also, schools that are not governed by the NCAA may join the NAIA, a different governing body that sponsors many of the same sports as the NCAA. It is important to select a school that has the right athletic and academic opportunities. Just because a school does not have an NCAA varsity sport, it doesn't mean that that school is the wrong place for you. Examine all of their clubs and recreational leagues to find a hobby that keeps you active.