Although soccer is not one of the three major sports, it’s gaining in popularity at LSU — at least in intramurals.Sixty-three soccer teams began intramural competition Sunday at the University Student Recreational Complex — 11 more than last season.Seventy-five basketball teams also opened play — a 19 team decrease.Matt Boyer, assistant director of leagues and tournaments, said the basketball numbers are down because some of the games are going to be played outdoors.”Some people don’t want to play outside,” Boyer said. “If someone takes a tumble, it’s going to hurt.”A portion of the basketball games will be played outside because the indoor courts are still under construction after damages from Hurricane Gustav.”It’s not the ideal situation, but, given the circumstances, it’s probably the best we have to offer,” Boyer said. “It’s better than nothing at all.”Basketball games will be played in University High School’s gymnasium four nights a week, and the other games will be played in the area that was previously used as the UREC tennis courts.There has been mixed reaction about some of the games being played outside.”I think it’s kind of cool,” said Ryan Loya, political science junior. “It gives it more of a streetball feel.”Sierra Stewart, nursing freshman, understands the changes were necessary.Some students are looking forward to playing on outdoor courts.”If the weather is nice there is no reason why you shouldn’t play outside,” said John Sharemet, internal trade and finance sophomore.If the weather is cold, Loya would rather play indoors. UREC intramurals feature men’s, women’s and co-rec leagues. There are also fraternity, sorority and 6-feet and under divisions. The games are played Sunday through Thursday evenings.Teams must have a .500 winning percentage and a 2.0 sportsmanship rating to make the playoffs, a single elimination tournament lasting two weeks.After every game, the officials and supervisors e-mail the team and issue them a sportsmanship rating. Ejections and unsportsmanlike behavior will influence the rating, Boyer said.This year the UREC is making the schedule, roster and standings accessible to everyone on the UREC’s Web site.Basketball and soccer are the first two intramurals in the spring. Ultimate frisbee registration begins Wednesday.Softball and sand volleyball start in February, while flag football, tennis and racquetball begin in March. ——Contact Michael Lambert at [email protected]