Recreational Sports

The following policies and procedures may not cover every situation that may occur within the facility.

Membership Fees and Card

1. Rec Sports strives to conduct all activities in the most prudent manner possible. However, due to inherent risk of injury in any activity, it is the responsibility of each participant to be aware that there are some assumed risks involved in participation. All participants are strongly urged to have a yearly medical examination and to carry medical insurance coverage. TAMIU and its staff are not responsible for injuries, including death.
2. Participants must enter through the main entrance. The use of any other exterior door is prohibited and will activate an alarm system. Individuals having special entry needs may request assistance from Rec Sports staff.
3. Use of TAMIU OneCard constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions in effect at the time of use. Presence of a TAMIU OneCard does not guarantee current enrollment or Rec Center membership.
4. Current TAMIU enrolled students may participate in Rec Sports programs and facilities by presenting their valid TAMIU OneCard (fees are covered through paid tuition).
5. Faculty, staff, alumni, university affiliates, and general community interested in gaining facility access may purchase a membership; ID cards will be activated upon completion of membership process.
6. A valid TAMIU OneCard must be presented by the card holder to gain facility access. Rec Sports staff reserves the right to ask for additional photo ID or presentation of photo ID at any time.
7. Individuals may not use someone else's OneCard to gain facility access. Unauthorized use of someone’s OneCard is fraud. A TAMIU OneCard not belonging to the bearer will be immediately confiscated. An incident report will be completed. The bearer will be asked to leave. The bearer and the owner will be reported to appropriate channels and may face disciplinary action.
8. Memberships are non-transferable.
9. Membership is a privilege which may be modified or revoked for cause.
10. Junior dependents must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times NO EXCEPTIONS.
11. Visitors must purchase a $10 daily guest pass upon visit and must complete a “Waiver of Liability”.

Behavior

1. Recreational Sports reserves the right to remove anyone from the facilities or programs if they are acting in a manner that puts themselves or others in danger, or in any way may cause damage to equipment and/or facilities.
2. Facilities and equipment should be used for their designated purpose.
3. The Rec Center is a place for exercise, fun and relaxation. Abusive, vulgar or degrading language or paraphernalia will not be tolerated.
4. Individuals or groups using the Rec Center facilities and/or equipment are responsible for any damage to the Rec Center property as a result of negligence or vandalism. Repair costs will be charged to the individual (or in-charge individual for a group) as soon as these costs can be determined. Individuals will be charged the replacement value for the equipment.
5. Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and in-line skates are not allowed in the Rec Center. Bicycle racks are located outside of the facility for bicycle parking.
6. Failure to adhere to Rec Center policies may result in loss of Rec Center privileges.
7. Staff members have the authority to request that any patron who violates any of the facility policies, including but not limited to, those documented above, leave the facility if the staff member deems it necessary. This may also result in flagging of the patron’s account and consequently the patron being banned from utilizing our facilities for a period of time to be determined based on the severity of the infraction.

Clothing

1. Appropriate athletic attire, such as T-shirts, shorts, warm-up suits, or aerobic clothing, is required at all times during recreation. (Street clothing is not generally advised during activities as it can be dangerous and confining).
2. Patrons must wear shoes in the facility and are required to wear closed toe, athletic rubber-soled shoes in activity areas (footwear which marks floor surfaces or is worn inappropriately is not allowed).
3. Shirts and shoes are required except in the locker rooms.
4. Shorts/pants must be worn at the waist.
5. To prevent loss, damage or personal injury, it is recommended you do not wear jewelry during workouts.

Photography and Video

1. Customers and guests of the Department of Recreational Sports acknowledge that photographs and video tapes may be taken during activities within our programs and facilities. By participating in our programs or entering our facilities, you allow that reproductions of these photographic materials may be used in promotional activities initiated by the Department of Rec Sports and Texas A&M University. Persons wishing to take pictures within the Rec Center will need to see rec sports administration.

Facility and Lockers

1. Beverages in containers with completely re-sealable caps are allowed. (Tumblers, YETI’s, or other containers without spill resistant lids are not permitted).
2. Tobacco, drugs and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the premises. (Intoxication or the appearance/smell of intoxication, will result in immediate removal from the Rec Center and will be reported to appropriate channels).
3. Food is not allowed in any activity area unless approved for a special function.
4. Glass items and gum are prohibited.
5. Please keep your area clean; place trash in proper place.
6. Personal belongings must be place in a safe and secure location and not left unattended on the floor. (Day lockers are located outside the Functional Cardio room and shelves in other various locations around the Rec Center for your convenience).
7. For the privacy of our patrons, the use of cell phones as recording devices/cameras is prohibited in the locker rooms.
8. Do not stand on the benches.
9. Please return all Rec Sports equipment after use.
10. Dunking is not permitted.
11. Anyone found defacing or damaging gym court or equipment is subject to disciplinary action and will be held financially responsible.
12. Facility equipment and furnishings should not to be taken from the facility without the approval of administration.
13. Lost items and injuries must be reported to the Customer Service desk.
14. If any room is in need of custodial services, please advise the Rec Sports staff.
15. Scheduled events have priority in the Rec Center.

Equipment check-out

1. Users must show their TAMIU OneCard to check out equipment.
2. Users are responsible for the equipment they check out. An individual who fails to return equipment or who returns damaged equipment must pay cost of replacement value to replace lost, stolen or damaged equipment.
3. Payment for lost, stolen or damaged equipment may be made at the Customer Service desk.
4. If a patron plans to transfer equipment to another member, both patrons must be present to record the switch.
5. Lost items must be reported to the Customer Service desk.
6. Intramural and fitness equipment is not available for check-out. (Exception: Special events approved by Rec Sports administration).

Lost and Found

1. TAMIU, Rec Sports and its staff will not be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged articles.
2. Participants are asked to secure personal belongings. Daily lockers are available for $0.25 outside the Functional cardio room.
3. Staff members are not permitted to hold equipment, valuables or bags for members.
4. Found items should be turned in to the Customer Service desk.
5. Items that are found in the facilities are recorded on our Lost & Found Form and placed in the Lost and Found box in the equipment room or at the Rec Sports Office.
6. Those claiming an item will be asked to describe and sign for it.
7. For items of value, such as a wallet, purse or electronic device, University Police will retrieve.
8. Each week, items will be transported to University Police, the central location for lost and found items on campus.
9. Participants may not place their own lock in the locker rooms and daily lockers.

Weight Room/ Cardio Room/ Functional Cardio

1. Persons under the age of 14 years may not use the Weight, Cardio, Functional Cardio, and Fitness Rooms. A parent or guardian must accompany and supervise dependents from the ages of 14 to 17 at all times. (Exception: Entities hosting approved special events may be exempt. However, special events must be approved by university administration and/or risk management).
2. No backpacks, gym bags, purses, helmets, rackets, skateboards, long boards, etc. are allowed in the Weight, Functional Cardio and Cardio Room. Day lockers are located outside the Functional Cardio room and shelves in other various locations around the Rec Center for your convenience.
3. To avoid potential injury to themselves or others, patrons should use extreme caution and utilize equipment and exercise machines for their intended use.
4. Spotters are strongly recommended for all weight lifting exercises.
5. Standing on the benches is prohibited.
6. Collars/safety clips must be used on all bars when loaded with weight plates regardless of the total weight amount loaded onto the bar.
7. Ground-based Olympic style lifting (i.e. power clean, snatch, and derivatives) can only be done on the designated platform.
8. Dumbbells, weight plates, and other equipment cannot be dropped to the floor. Staff members have the right to determine what is considered “dropping”. (Exception platform with proper weight plates).
9. All equipment must be returned to its proper location after use. All weight plates, dumbbells, handles, etc. must be re-racked in their appropriate location by patrons after they complete the exercise they are performing.
10. Weights and bars cannot be leaned against equipment: mirrors, walls or pillars.
11. Functional Cardio room equipment can be transported to the weight room; however, Weight Room equipment must remain in Weight Room at all times.
12. No chalk/talc allowed.
13. No audible or amplified music through personal devices is allowed in Weight and Fitness room.
14. To avoid congestion and waiting lines, patrons should allow others to “work in” between sets while using strength training equipment.
15. The use of valet towels and spray bottles are required before and after use to minimize the transmission of infections.
16. To prevent bacteria & disease transmission, such as, the spread of MRSA, ringworm, etc., it is recommended patrons utilize a work out towel (available for check-out at the equipment desk).
17. Appropriate athletic attire must be worn to work out in the Weight, Cardio, Functional Cardio and Fitness Rooms: i.e no jeans, khakis, or cargo type shorts may be worn. Due to potential injury and/or damage to equipment, shorts and pants cannot have metal buttons or rivets.
18. Closed toe athletic shoes are required to work out in the Weight, Functional, Cardio, & Fitness Room. Sperry type shoes, Vans, Loafers, slip-ons, slides, sandals, boots or other hard-soled shoes are not allowed.
19. Weight belts that may damage equipment upholstery must be removed or covered appropriately.
20. Beverages in containers with completely re-sealable caps are allowed. (Tumblers, YETI’s, or other containers without spill resistant lids are not permitted).
21. Lost items and injuries must be reported to the Customer Service desk.
22. Please direct all concerns and maintenance needs to a member of the Rec Sports staff.
23. Only Department of Recreational Sports Personal Trainers/Fitness Instructors are allowed to train clients in the Recreation Center. Individuals, who are not Rec Sports Personal Trainers/Fitness Instructors, who are found to be personal training in any of the Department of Recreational Sports’ facilities will be banned from utilizing our facilities for a period of time to be determined based on the severity of the infraction.

Group Fitness/ Fitness Programming

1. Persons under the age of 14 years may not use the Weight, Cardio, Functional Cardio, and Fitness Rooms. A parent or guardian must accompany and supervise dependents from the ages of 14 to 17 at all times. (Exception: Entities hosting approved special events may be exempt. However, special events must be approved by university administration and/or risk management).
2. Junior Dependents may register for Specialty classes with a participating parent/guardian and must be supervised at all times.
3. If you are in the studio at the time class is in session, you must be participating or have administrative authorization to observe.
4. Please take all classes at your own pace and work at your own fitness level.
5. To prevent injuries, it is recommended that participants arrive on time for the warmup. If unable to arrive on time, it is recommended that participants warm up independently for 5-10 minutes prior to joining the on-going session. (Fitness Instructors reserve the right to disallow entry to participants who are late depending on fitness class format).
6. For your safety and courtesy to others, please refrain from using your phone during fitness classes.
7. The use of valet towels and spray bottles are required before and after use to minimize the transmission of infections.
8. Neatly return and arrange all equipment to its proper storage after use. (Place bikes carefully in rows, weights stacked by lbs. properly and neatly, bands placed in order of color, etc.).
9. Reset Keiser bikes to normal settings and return to proper storage place after use. (Keiser bikes are for Fitness/Academic classes only. Please wipe down seat and handle bars with disinfectant and towel. Wipe mini computers on bikes with a dry towel only).
10. Rec Center reserves the right to adjust the schedule when deemed necessary. (Please check online and facility postings for current schedules).
11. Maximum occupancy for specific Aerobic room will be subject to class structure and activity; maximum occupancy may not be exceeded, thus classes will be limited in participation to reduce risk of injuries.
12. Only Department of Recreational Sports Personal Trainers/Fitness Instructors are allowed to train clients in the Recreation Center. Individuals, who are not Rec Sports Personal Trainers/Fitness Instructors, who are found to be personal training in any of the Department of Recreational Sports’ facilities will be banned from utilizing our facilities for a period of time to be determined based on the severity of the infraction.

Failure to adhere to Rec Center Guidelines may result in loss of Rec Center privileges.