Membership

Assumption of Risk & Patron Conduct
Participation in activities at the Recreation Center is voluntary, and participants assume all risk of injury. It is recommended that participants consult with a healthcare provider before starting any exercise program. Inappropriate behavior, such as verbal or physical abuse, harassment, or failure to follow policies, can result in removal from the facility and potential suspension from programs. Misconduct may be reported to the UMass Police Department or Dean of Students.

Photography/Videography
Photography and videography require prior approval, and are not allowed in locker rooms or restrooms.

General Expectations
Participants must follow all rules and staff instructions. Failure to comply may result in loss of access or membership privileges. Recreation & Wellbeing may call the UMass Police if necessary. Participants are responsible for any damage caused to equipment or facilities. The use of informal activity spaces is on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise reserved.

Attire
Appropriate athletic apparel and non-marking footwear are required. Clothing that could damage equipment, such as jeans or attire with metal, is prohibited. Jewelry is discouraged, and clothing with offensive language or images is not allowed.

Personal Belongings & Locker Rooms
Recreation & Wellbeing is not responsible for lost or damaged items. Personal locks are allowed only on day-use lockers. Unattended items may be considered abandoned and sent to lost and found. Locker rooms should be used for storing personal items, changing, and showering. Personal items must be removed from lockers at closing.

Lost & Found
Lost items should be turned in to Equipment Checkout. Items with significant value are stored securely and unclaimed items may be donated or discarded.

Food & Beverages
Water in sealable, unbreakable containers is allowed; food, gum, and toothpicks are not permitted beyond the entry turnstiles.

Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco & Nicotine
The Recreation Center is substance-free. Alcohol, drugs, nicotine, and tobacco products are not allowed. The use of the center under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.

Cell Phones & Spitting
Cell phone use is allowed only in the main lobby and Courtside Café area. Spitting is prohibited in activity and common areas, and is allowed only in cuspidors.

Patron Access

• Valid UCard: Required for entry; applicable to full-time undergraduate students (12+ credits), faculty/staff, graduate/continuing education students, alumni, and associate members. No UCard = No entry.
• ID Requirements: UCard must have a legible photo, name, and SPIRE number. Photocopies are not accepted.
• Controlled Access: Only authorized users (current UMass students and members) can enter. Non-members or expired members cannot access the facility.
• Guest Access: Members can bring up to two guests per day for $10 each ($5 with discount coupon). Guests must be at least 18 years old and present a valid photo ID. The sponsoring member must accompany their guest at all times.
• Misuse of UCard: Using someone else’s UCard is prohibited and subject to disciplinary action, including suspension from the Recreation Center.

Hotel UMass Guests

• Hotel guests can purchase guest passes with a completed referral form and valid ID. They may also check out equipment with proper ID as security.

Recreation & Wellbeing reserves the right to deny access to any guest.

Participant Information

• Lifeguards' instructions must be followed at all times.
• A swim test may be required before entering deep water.
• Valid ID (UCard or guest pass) is required for entry. Guests must have a sponsor with a recreation membership.
• Minimum age for pool use is 6. Children (6-17) must be supervised by an adult with a valid membership or guest pass.
• Shower before entering. Patrons with certain health conditions or diseases are prohibited from entering.
• Proper swimwear required; no shorts, cutoffs, or yoga pants.
• Only bare feet or slip-resistant shoes allowed on the pool deck.
• Store personal belongings in lockers and keep the pool deck clear.
• Lanes are designated by speed: Lanes 1-2 for slow swimmers, 3-4 for medium, and 5-6 for fast. Swim in the appropriate lane.
• Enter occupied lanes only after the swimmer acknowledges you.
• Two swimmers in a lane can split or use circle swimming. Three or more should use counter-clockwise circle swimming.
• Rough play, diving in shallow water, and breath-holding contests are prohibited.
• No spitting, nose-blowing, or discharging bodily fluids in the pool.
• Use only goggles, fins, and hand paddles. No face masks or snorkels.
• Return equipment like kickboards and pull buoys to proper storage.
• No food, drink, or gum. Water is allowed in non-breakable containers.
• Substance-free facilities: No alcohol, drugs, or tobacco.
• Unauthorized photography/videography is prohibited.
• Non-compliance with rules may result in removal from the facility.
• Lightning/Thunder Policy: Pools close for 30 minutes after lightning or thunder; re-open after 30 minutes of no strikes.

Pool Use Categories

• Lap Swim: Swimmers must adhere to lane designations and rules. Children (6-17) are not allowed.
• Open Swim: No diving in the shallow end. Family swim allowed for minors with an adult sponsor.
• Family Swim: Each family member must have valid membership or guest pass. Children must be supervised by an adult sponsor.
• Disabled Swim: PAL lift is available for disabled swimmers at Boyden.

Activity Areas

• Use equipment properly and for its intended purpose. Follow safety procedures including warming up and cooling down.
• Jewelry should be removed before using equipment.
• Wipe down equipment with disinfectant after use.
• Report malfunctioning equipment to staff.
• Personal music devices are allowed with headphones.
• Activity Rooms: Used for group fitness classes and RSOs. Equipment should stay within the room.
• Boxing Area: Wear gloves or hand wraps when using speed and heavy bags.
• Cardiovascular Areas: Limit use during peak times and ensure no personal items obstruct equipment.
• Gymnasium: No dunking except during games. No shooting while full games are in progress. Challenge court for pick-up games only.

General Building Rules

• Motorized transportation (hoverboards, scooters, etc.) is prohibited inside the facility.
• Bikes, scooters, and skateboards should be stored outside or in designated lockers.
• Closing Procedures: Activity areas close 15 minutes before the facility closes. Equipment should be returned and areas vacated by closing time.
• Emergency or weather-related closures will be announced via the website and phone.

Equipment Checkout

• UCard required for checking out sports equipment.
• You are responsible for all items checked out.
• Lost or damaged equipment must be reimbursed.

Facility Guidelines

• No unattended children in the lobby or Café area.
• Music volume will be regulated and personal speakers are prohibited.
• Photography/videography is prohibited without approval.
• Only service animals allowed in the facility.
• Facility areas are under 24-hour video surveillance.