VII. Recreational Facilities Usage & Equipment

A. Basic Policies:

1. Recreational facilities exist because of and primarily for the Winthrop University community. Given the high demand for these facilities, these policies and general regulations are provided to insure the fair and consistent use of them within the mission of the university.

Priorities for non-academic use:

•  First: Students
•  Second: Employees/Special Guest
•  Third: Roddey Apartment residents
•  Fourth: Employees’ spouses and employees’ minor children

2. Regularly scheduled academic classes take precedence over other activities. However, coordination of all programs is necessary in order to allow optimum use of facilities.

3. Approved functions by campus and off-campus groups take precedence over “open recreational” activities. Such approved functions will typically be allowed only when the impact on the availability of open recreational use of these facilities is minimal or judged to be in the best long-term interest of the university. 

4. Participants engage in recreational activities at their own risk.

5. There are special arrangements for use of the golf course and the tennis complex by certain members of the Winthrop Eagle Club and guests from the Inn at Winthrop.
 
B. General Regulations:

1. During the regular academic year, students are eligible to use recreational facilities during the sessions in which they are enrolled. In periods between regular sessions and summer, students who have ID cards for the previous sessions may use the facilities.

2. During regular sessions facilities may be reserved at certain times for varsity teams.

3. Off-campus group requests to use recreational facilities must be approved by the Space Use Manager. 

4. Identification cards and guest passes must be shown at the request of University representatives in charge of facilities, campus police, or administrative officials.

5. Lower priority groups (open recreation) will yield to higher priority groups (scheduled intramural event ) if conditions warrant, e.g. lower priority groups already using facilities may complete playing time before yielding.

6. Failure to comply with policies and regulations for use of any facility may result in loss of the privilege of using the respective facility or equipment and/or in a charge of violating the Student Conduct Code or appropriate University rules and regulations.

7. Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted at any recreational facility.

C. Guest Policy:

Winthrop University’s guest policy is designed to provide members of the university community maximum use of recreational facilities. Where guests are allowed, generally one guest per Winthrop host is permitted.

Recreational guest passes are available at the West Center Information Desk during normal hours of operation.

Residence Life guest passes for those visiting the residence halls are available from hall offices and can be used in place of recreational guest passes.

There is a $5 daily charge for guests at the West Center and they must be accompanied by a member or by a current student. Unaccompanied walk-up admission to the facility will be denied.

Each host is responsible for the actions of their guest. Violations of this Guest Policy are subject to disciplinary action and a host can be charged with a violation of the Student Conduct Code if their guest violates this or other University policies.

D. Facilities:

1. DiGiorgio Campus Center

Winthrop students, employees and their guests, and Roddey Apartment residents may use these facilities which include ping-pong and billiards.  Detailed regulations, including rules concerning guests and use by employees on a space-approved basis, are available at the Information Desk of the DiGiorgio Campus Center.  DiGiorgio Campus Center hours are posted.

2. Disc Golf Course

Winthrop students, employees and their guest, and members of the Charlotte Area Disc Golf Association (donor of the course and equipment) may use these facilities located around the Winthrop Lake.  Additional information is available at the Office of Recreational Sports and the Dinkins Information Desk.


3. Winthrop University Golf Course

A.  Who May Play

• Winthrop University students with a current ID card
• Spouses of students and minor children who live with their parents in Winthrop   University housing are eligible to play on presentation of current identification card.
• Winthrop University employees, their spouses, and their minor children on presentation of current identification card. 
• Students, employees, and spouses may accompany guests on a one-to-one basis.  A guest must be accompanied by the host/hostess while playing.
• Winthrop Retirees
• Guests at The Inn at Winthrop University
• Members of the general public for a $10 per day fee

B. Conditions of Play

•  The University Golf Course is open daily from 8:00am until 6:30pm. During the period of daylight savings time, the golf course will remain open until 8:00pm. Persons who are playing at closing time will be permitted to finish.
• Scheduled golf classes of Winthrop students will have priority on the golf course for both play and practice.
• The course is closed during inclement weather. The entire course or individual holes may be closed for repairs at any time.
• Children under 13 years of age may play only when accompanied by a responsible adult.
• The course is also closed when events are held at the Winthrop Coliseum.

4. Tennis Complex

• Courts will remain locked except during Winthrop use times or during supervised use times.
• During the academic year, course use during the day, Monday - Friday, is restricted to Physical Education classes, intramural events and varsity athletics.
• After 6:00pm during the academic year weekday, a court supervisor will be hired by the athletics department.  Courts will be open from 6:00pm - 10:00pm for use by students, faculty, staff, retirees, guests at The Inn at Winthrop, and members of the Eagle Club at the $300 level or above.
• During the academic year on weekends, supervised use will be available during the approximate hours of 10:00am - 10:00pm for students, faculty, staff, retirees, guests at The Inn at Winthrop, and members of the Eagle Club at the $300 level or above.  These hours may be reduced during winter months based on demand.
• During the summer, the courts will be open on a supervised basis from 10:00am - 10:00pm, seven (7) days a week, except during camps or other special use events.

 5. West Center

General policies of the West Center can be found at www.winthrop.edu/westcenter/policies

Aerobics

1. Participation in activities in these rooms is at your own risk.
2. Food and drink (except in re-sealable plastic water bottles) are prohibited.
3. Appropriate athletic footwear must be worn and hard-sole shoes are prohibited.
4. Personal items may not be taken onto the floor.
5. Academic use of the facility by Health and Physical Education and events scheduled through the Office of Recreational Services take precedence over other uses of the facility.

Aquatics

1. Patrons under the age of 15 must be accompanied and directly supervised by their parent or guardian dressed in appropriate swim attire and present on the swim deck who holds a current West Center membership.
2. The pool shall be used only when a lifeguard is present and on duty.
3. A shower is required before entering the pool.
4. It is recommended that jewelry be removed before entering the pool deck to prevent loss while in the water.
5. The pool may close due to inclement weather while the rest of the facility remains open.
6. Appropriate swimwear is required.
7. Diving, unnecessary roughness, pushing, horseplay, backward jumping, running in the pool area or visiting with the lifeguard/pool monitor on duty are prohibited.
8. For your health and safety, any person suffering from a skin infection or open wound is prohibited from entering the pool.   Individuals may not use the pool if they have bandages or adhesive tape on their body.
9. Children under the age of three are not permitted to swim in the pool (even if wearing swim diapers).
10. Shoulder length hair or longer must be tied back or put in a swim cap.
11. The lifeguard/pool monitor on duty must approve the use of swimming aids.
12. When more than one person is using a lane please stay on the right side of the lane.
13. In case of an emergency, patrons shall follow directions given by the lifeguard/pool monitor.   Three quick whistles by the lifeguard/pool monitor indicates an emergency and is the signal for all patrons to clear the pool area.
14. Academic use of the facility by Health and Physical Education and events scheduled through the office of Recreational Services take precedence over other uses of the facility.

Cardio

1. Individuals must take part in an orientation session offered by West Center Staff before using or operating any cardio equipment.
2. Patrons must be at least 15 years of age to use cardio equipment.
3. Individuals are limited to 30 minutes per machine when other patrons are waiting.
4. Appropriate exercise attire is required when using cardio equipment. T-shirts, shorts, warm-up suits, sweat suits, tennis clothing, aerobics attire and athletic shoes are acceptable when using cardio machines.   Sandals, open-toe shoes, hard-soled shoes, string tank tops, cut-off tank tops, mesh tank tops, jeans, street clothing and anything which compromises the safety and professionalism of the cardio areas are prohibited.
5. For sanitary purposes, you must wipe down equipment after each use.  
6. All equipment must remain in designated areas.
7. Report all equipment problems to West Center staff, including jammed, frayed, loose or worn parts. Do not use any equipment if you are in doubt of your safety.
8. Inappropriate behavior is prohibited and subject to disciplinary actions. Patrons violating any policy may be asked to leave the facility immediately and/or be subject to having their membership and/or use privileges suspended for a particular length of time.

Climbing Wall

1. No unauthorized climbing.
2. All climbers must complete belay school conducted by Climbing Wall Staff before being allowed to use the climbing wall.
3. Never climb alone!  Harnesses are required and a staff member must be present.  Climbers must be roped and on belay at all times, except when bouldering.
4. Never boulder on an occupied route or above designated line.
5. Climbing shoes are recommended.  Boot or dress shoes are prohibited. Barefoot climbing is not allowed.   Tennis shoes are allowed if approved by Climbing Wall Staff.
6. West Center Staff reserves the right to reject equipment deemed unsafe (items not under the direct care of Climbing Wall Staff).
7. No items are to be placed on the climbing wall floor. Eating or drinking in the climbing wall area is prohibited.
8. Spectators must stay clear of the belay and climbing areas.
9. Rings and jewelry must be removed prior to climbing.
10. Please report anything hazardous or any problems to the attention of Climbing Wall Staff.
11. West Center Staff reserves the right to suspend the privileges of anyone who refuses to climb in a safe and responsible manner concurrent with the procedures and policies stated above.
12. Academic use of the facility by Health and Physical Education and events scheduled through the Office of Recreational Services take precedence over other uses of the climbing wall.

Peabody Gymnasium

1. Participation in activities in the gymnasium area is at your own risk.
2. Proper athletic clothing including shorts, t-shirt or tank top and shoes with non-marking soles are to be worn.
3. Bare feet or stocking feet are not permitted.
4. The true nature of good sportsmanship must be observed at all times. Spitting and the use of foul language are prohibited.
5. Hanging on the rim is not permitted.
6. No food is allowed and only re-sealable beverage containers are permitted.
7. Violation of any gymnasium rule may result in immediate removal from the West Center.
8. Academic use of the facility by Health and Physical Education and events scheduled through the Office of Recreational Services take precedence over other uses of the facility.

Racquetball Courts

1. Participation is at your own risk.
2. Protective eyewear is mandatory.
3. Use of a racquet with a wrist cord is strongly recommended.
4. Shirts and appropriate athletic footwear must be worn at all times.   Any shoe that marks or damages the floor is not permitted.
5. Striking the court walls with a racquet is not permitted.   Deliberately striking the walls, floors etc. will result in loss of court privileges.
6. Court reservations can be made at the Information Desk during West Center hours for one hour segments starting on the hour or half-hour.   There is a limit of one reservation per day.
7. Court reservations will be canceled if the court is not claimed within 10 minutes of the scheduled reservation time.  
8. Individuals may sign-up in person at the Information Desk to be placed on a waiting list.  You must be present to be able to claim the next available court.
9. Academic use of the facility by Health and Physical Education and events scheduled through the Office of Recreational Services take precedence over other uses of the facility.

Indoor Track

1. The track is for runners, joggers and walkers only.
2. Track direction changes daily as indicated by the track direction sign. Even numbered days are clockwise and odd number days are counter-clockwise.
3. Runners and joggers should use the inside of the track and walkers are to use to the outside lanes.
4. Appropriate athletic shoes must be worn. Spikes, turf shoes and cleats are strictly prohibited.
5. Do not use the railings around the track as stretching aids.
6. Personal items are not to be left on the track.
7. Stopping or standing on the track is prohibited.
8. Academic use of the facility by Health and Physical Education and events scheduled through the Office of Recreational Services take precedence over other uses of the facility.

Weight Room

1. Individuals must take part in an orientation session offered by West Center staff before using or operating any equipment in the West Center weight room.
2. Patrons must be at least 15 years of age to use any weight room equipment.
3. All weight training should be performed in a controlled and safe manner. Slamming, dropping, or bouncing weights (machines or free weights) is prohibited.  
4. Use of equipment other than for its designed function is prohibited.
5. Sandals, open-toed shoes, hard soled shoes, string tank tops, cut-off tank tops, mesh tank tops, jeans, jean shorts, street clothing, pants with visible zippers, damaging buttons, or any other clothing which compromises the safety of patrons or damages equipment is prohibited.
6. Appropriate athletic attire is required in the weight room. Full-backed unaltered t-shirts, shorts, warm-up suits and closed toe athletic footwear are acceptable work-out attire.
7. Spotters are required on all free weight and heavy machine exercises. Please provide your own spotter or ask for assistance from the West Center staff member on duty.
8. Dumbbell use is limited to one set of dumbbells at any one time.
9. All free weights and dumbbells must be replaced to appropriate racks when finished.
10. For safety reasons, use of personal headphones is strongly discouraged in free weight areas. Any personal music device is not allowed without the use of headphones in other areas of the weight room.
11. Equipment must be wiped down after each use.
12. All personal items must be placed in day use lockers.
13. The West Center facility and/or staff are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
14. Do not move benches or other equipment.
15. Weight gloves and wrist straps are allowed. The use of chalk in prohibited.
16. A limit of 3 people may use any single station at one time. Please be courteous to others by limiting the length of stay at a single station to acceptable limits. Do not loiter on the equipment while resting so that others may also use the equipment.
17. Weight collars are required in the free weight area.
18. Weight belts may damage equipment. Please remove or cover appropriately during use on padded equipment.
19. Intermittent clean-up may occur at any time during operation of the weight room for safety and sanitation reasons.
20. Patrons should immediately report any injury or facility equipment damage to the Strength and Conditioning staff member on duty.
21. Inappropriate behavior is prohibited and subject to disciplinary actions. Patrons violating any policy may be asked to leave the facility immediately and/or be subject to having their membership and/or use privileges suspended for a particular length of time.
22. Academic use of the facility by Health and Physical Education and events scheduled through the Office of Recreational Services take precedence over other uses of the facility.