Facility Policies

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Space Guidelines

Proper footwear is required in all activity areas of the Rec Center. No bare feet, open-toed shoes, sandals, etc. See youth policies for age restrictions.

 Cardio Room

• Please limit your use to 30 minutes per machine when others are waiting.
• Shirts and shoes are required at all times.
• Do not monopolize or rest on machines.

Game Room

• Please limit your play to 30 minutes when others are waiting.
• Approved game wall equipment can be checked out at the Front Counter. Staff can also assist with a brief tutorial.
• Personal belongings must be kept away from the playing area.
• If you have a confirmed reservation, please check in at the Front Counter at the start of your reservation. Priority is given to group reservations; all other use is on a first-come, first served basis.

Gymnasium

• Permitted activities include basketball,volleyball, badminton, pickleball, tennis, futsal/indoor soccer, indoor cricket. See the drop-in recreation section below for more details.
• Use of hard objects like baseballs, softballs, lacrosse balls, bats, etc. are prohibited.
• Priority is given to group reservations; all other use is on a first-come, first served basis.

Saunas

• A dry-heat sauna is in both the men’s and women’s pool locker rooms.
• Do not apply water, oil, or any other substance to the sauna’s heating element or rocks.
• For their safety and well-being, children 12 and younger are not allowed to use the saunas.

Strength Training Area

• Be Safe
  • Collars must be used at all times.
  • Use bumper plates for all power and olympic lifts.
  • Do not drop bars, weight plates or dumbbells.
  • Spotters are highly recommended for heavy lifts. 
• Be Clean
  • Disinfect and put away all equipment when finished.
  • No food allowed; beverages must be in a non-glass, sealable container.
  • No chalk.
• Be Respectful
  • Always return equipment to its proper location.
  • Re-rack your weights.
  • Allow others to work in with you while doing multiple sets.

Track

• Observe the directional arrow
• Runners use the inside lane; walkers use the outside lane
• No more than two people side by side
• Keep moving at all times
• No running spikes, skates, bikes or strollers allowed

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Drop-In Recreation

Unless spaces are reserved for events or programs, patrons may drop in to use spaces for the following activities. Guaranteed drop-in times are listed on our portal, Recreational Services. Equipment can be checked out for free at the front counter, first-come, first-served.

• Badminton – Center gym court 
• Dance – Fitness Studio, first floor
• Indoor Cricket – West gym court
• Pickleball – Center gym court
• Racquetball – Racquetball courts
• Table Tennis – Room 120, first floor
• Wallyball – Racquetball courts
• Peer Led Group Fitness:
  • Ben & Friends – Room 011, lower level
  • Focuses on light strength training and flexibility in a fun environment.
  • Senior & Friends – Fitness Studio, first floor
  • Focuses on light strength training, cardiorespiratory endurance and pool workouts.

Looking for a different activity?  Please let our staff know at the front counter!  We are happy to explore other possibilities.

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Safety

The Recreation Center’s primary safety resources are from the American College of Sports Medicine Health and the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association resources and best practices. University policies, as well as the Departments of Environmental Health & Safety, Public Safety, and General Counsel, also provide crucial guidance to our work.

Emergency Procedures

Recreation Center employees are trained to respond to emergencies in a manner appropriate to their position and certifications. Emergency action plans are available at staff workstations and are regularly reviewed with staff.

Automatic External Defibrillators

AEDs are located near the Rec Center front counter, in the strength area, and on the lower level near the locker rooms.

Proper Footwear

Proper footwear is required in all activity areas of the Rec Center. No bare feet, open-toed shoes, sandals, etc.

Weapons

Possessing, wearing, carrying or using firearms or any other dangerous weapons is prohibited on any property owned, leased or controlled by the University of Michigan, except by properly authorized law enforcement officers.

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Regardless of age, alcohol is not permitted in the Rec Center at any time. Students, members and guests should not possess, transport, consume, or be in the presence of alcohol in any area of the Rec Center. The possession, use, sale, distribution, or manufacture of any illegal substance and the possession of drug/smoking paraphernalia is prohibited in the Rec Center. Possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs may lead to a referral to the appropriate local, state, and/or federal authorities for prosecution for a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the nature of the offense.

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Children and Youth Policies

Guest passes and memberships for children (17 and under) are discounted and limited to designated areas in the Recreation Center. All children must be sponsored by an adult aged 18 or older with a valid ID form. Children 12 and under must be directly supervised by an adult in the same space at all times. Please refer to the chart below for designated areas of use.

Space/Activity	Age 12 & Under	Ages 13–17
Gymnasium	Requires direct adult supervision	Requires a parent or adult to remain in the facility
Racquetball Courts	Requires direct adult supervision	Requires a parent or adult to remain in the facility
Room 120 (Game Room)	Requires direct adult supervision	Requires a parent or adult to remain in the facility
Saunas	Not permitted	Requires a parent or adult to remain in the facility
Fitness Classes	Not permitted	Requires direct adult supervision
Track	Not permitted	Requires direct adult supervision
Weight Room / Strength Area	Not permitted	Requires direct adult supervision
Cardio Room	Not permitted	Requires direct adult supervision
Locker Rooms	See locker room notes below	See locker room notes below

Locker Room Notes:

• Children 5 & under may use any locker room with adult supervision.
• Children 6 & over must use either:
  • Their gender-specific locker room, or
  • The inclusive locker room (lower level) includes a private shower, restroom, and day-use lockers.

Other General Policies

Special Accommodations

The University of Michigan-Flint Rec Center strives to meet the needs of all users. To discuss special accommodations, please contact us at reccenter@umich.edu or call the main office at 810-762-3441.

Animals

Animals of any kind are not allowed in the Rec Center except registered ADA service animals.

Food & Drinks

Water and other drinks in non-glass containers securely closed are acceptable in all spaces. Food is permitted in the lobby, locker room spaces, and designated spaces with a group reservation.

Lost and Found

Items found in the Rec Center are retained in the Business Office for 30 days. At that time, all articles became the property of the Rec Center and were donated to a local charity or given to the Department of Public Safety. Please inquire during Business Office hours if you believe you may have lost belongings at the Rec Center.

Unclaimed Locker Property

Items not picked up after the rental period has concluded will be stored in the office for 30 days. At that time, they are donated to a local charity or given to the UM-Flint Department of Public Safety.

Checking Out Equipment

Equipment checked out at the Front Counter must be checked back in before you leave the Rec Center. When you check out an item, a record is created on the computer, and you must inform the attendant when you return items so that your account record is cleared for each daily visit. Fees are assessed based on the value of non-returned items.

Personal Trainers & Coaches

The University of Michigan-Flint is a state-funded institution; our buildings and resources may not be used for private/individual monetary benefit. Individuals who want to provide personal training or coaching service must make contractual arrangements to rent space at the Recreation Center in accordance with University of Michigan policies and procedures.

Videos & Photography

Approval must be obtained from the Rec Center professional staff before recording or photographing participants. During recorded events and activities, please inform staff if you do not want your photo used in print or social media.

Preemption of Space

During camps, sports games, and other special events, various activity spaces may become unavailable for open recreational usage for a set period of time. Schedules will be posted notifying patrons.

Conduct

It is the philosophy of the department of Recreational Services to provide a safe, comfortable atmosphere and to strive to protect and respect the rights of all patrons and participants. The conduct policy is implemented to serve as a basis for governing the use of all facilities and programs overseen by the department. Incidents not covered by a given policy will be addressed upon occurrence.

Patrons observing inappropriate behavior should report such behavior to a Recreational Services staff member immediately.

Prohibited Conduct

1. General use of obscene, profane, vulgar, derogatory, or demeaning language and/or gestures, or verbal abuse of patrons, students, staff members or others
2. Spitting
3. Disregarding facility usage policies & procedures, including signage
4. Entering the facility by means other than proper check-in procedures, including using a false I.D. or another person’s I.D. for admission into the building
5. Damage to UM-Flint facilities or property (whether restitution is made may mitigate the severity of the sanction imposed)
6. Attempted or actual theft of UM-Flint property, services, or other personal property.
7. Harassment of patrons, students, staff members or others
8. Attempting, causing or threatening violence and/or physical harm
9. Threats, verbal or otherwise, directed at patrons, staff members or others
10. Sexual misconduct, including but not limited to exhibitionistic & obscene behavior
11. Violation of Rec Center policies or procedures
12. Violation of UM-Flint policy or local, state or federal regulations or laws

Sanctions

Engaging in any prohibited conduct outlined above may result in sanction(s) as determined by the Recreational Services administration or the Office of the Dean of Students. Some of the factors influencing the nature of the sanction(s) include the severity of the prohibited conduct at issue and whether the person is a repeat offender of the conduct policy. Sanctions for engaging in prohibited conduct may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Verbal warning by Recreational Services staff
• Restitution
• Expulsion from Recreation facilities for the remainder of the day
• Expulsion from Recreation facilities/programs for a specified period of time, e.g. one day, ninety days, one year, five years, etc.
• Permanent expulsion from Recreation facilities/programs
• Actions from DPS in response to criminal conduct

Appeal Process

Those wishing to appeal a sanction made by Recreational Services should send a written request for appeal (letter or email) to the appropriate office below within thirty days of the date on the communication issuing sanctions.  

Your appeal must include your name, current address, and phone number. The director of the respective office will review your appeal and issue a final decision regarding the sanction(s). 

Students

Dean of Students
359 University Center
303 E. Kearsley Street
Flint, Michigan 48502
Flint.DeanofStudents@umich.edu

Non-Students

Assistant Vice Chancellor, Health & Wellness
264 University Center
303 E. Kearsley Street
Flint, Michigan 48502
sancrant@umich.edu

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