Policies

The Lois Rhame West Health, Physical Education and Wellness Center is designed for use as an academic and wellness facility. Please help our faculty and staff provide a safe and clean environment by assisting us in taking care of the facility and leaving it cleaner than when you arrived.

Policy Quick Links

Area Specific Policies

 

Conduct Policy  

All students, guests and individuals included under all membership categories are expected to conduct themselves properly and respect staff directives while using the West Center. All users must follow West Center and Recreational Services policies and abide by the Student Conduct Code and all local, state and federal laws. All users of the West Center are responsible for the conduct of their spouse/partner, dependent(s), and/or guests. Individuals involved in any behavior in violation of the West Center Policies and Procedures, for example, fighting and destruction of property, will automatically forfeit their privileges to use the facility. Destruction of property may include individual paying for repair or replacement of damaged equipment. Any suspended individual must meet with the Director of Recreational Services and West Center Operations to be considered for reinstatement.

General Use Policies  

The following polices are to assist in providing a safe, well maintained and comfortable environment in the West Center for the Winthrop University community. All general policies apply throughout the West Center. All users of the facility are responsible for following these policies:

  1. Members or Winthrop students attempting to help non-members illegally enter the West Center will risk forfeiture of their membership.
  2. A valid Winthrop University identification card is always required to use the West Center.
  3. The West Center, including all exterior areas adjacent to the facility, is an alcohol and tobacco free area. Patrons who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be asked to leave the facility.
  4. No area of the facility shall be used for private lessons or training of individuals or groups. This includes, but not limited to, personal training, coaching and other services not approved through the Office of Recreational Services. 
  5. The following are prohibited:
    1. Turf and spiked shoes
    2. Eating and/or drinking (except in designated areas)
    3. Bicycles and Scooters
    4. Skateboards, roller blades and roller skates
    5. Hoverboards
    6. Animals (except for service animals)
    7. Weapons as defined in the Student Conduct Code
    8. Amplified sound without the use of earphones
     
  6. Personal belongings such as duffel bags and purses are prohibited in the "workout" spaces of the West Center. Storage areas and daily lockers are available.
  7. West Center staff are not able to guarantee the security of valuables, book bags or other personal articles left unattended.   Please report any incidents of theft or loss of property to staff located at the information desk.
  8. Personal locks are prohibited in locker rooms and will be removed immediately. Locks and combinations are provided after purchase of locker in any locker room. Daily Lockers are also available for use in the Commuter Lounge. Patrons may check out a Daily Locker from the front desk.
  9. Appropriate attire is required throughout the West Center as specified in various locations.
  10. Videotaping and photography, including camera phones, are unauthorized in the West Center without prior approval from the West Center Director.
  11. All weight room and cardio equipment must remain in designated areas.
  12. Please report any equipment maintenance or safety problems to West Center Staff immediately. Please do not use equipment if there is any doubt of your safety.
  13. Language and behavior should be appropriate for a family oriented University setting.
  14. Food and beverages, except water bottles, are not allowed in "workout" areas of the West Center.
  15. Dependents under the age of 15 must enter and remain with a parent or guardian at all times; however, no one under the age of 15 may enter/use the weight room, cardio areas, or attend fitness classes. 
  16. The West Center, or a portion of, may be closed to students, members and guests upon occasion with prior notice, for academic classes, maintenance and select University-related events. Memberships will not be credited or extended for any such closures.
  17. West Center staff members may intervene in any situation when necessary.
  18. All policies, procedures or rules are subject to change by the office of the Director of Rereational Services and West Center Operations.

Inclement Weather Policy
 The staff of the West Center realizes that when classes are cancelled or delayed because of inclement weather, the facility can play a role to fill positively students' and members' suddenly available hours for recreation. If inclement weather presents itself, every effort will be made to adhere to the normal operating schedule. If any changes are made to the hours of operation due to inclement weather, it will be posted on the West Center's Hours of Operation webpage and the WU Recreational Services social media pages. However, until this update is posted, please assume the West Center will operate on regular hours. Due to the number of staff that is required to fully operate the facility, some services may not be available if inclement weather develops. Please note that the implementation of this policy is subject to the circumstances surrounding specific weather conditions and the overall impact a storm may have. 

Area Specific Policies

Group Fitness

  1. Patrons must be at least 15 years of age to participate in group fitness.
  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 the Department of Physical Education, Sport, and Human Performance 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. 
    Inclement Weather Policy (pdf - 201 KB)
  6. Appropriate swimwear is required.
  7. Diving in 'No Diving Zones', unnecessary roughness, pushing, horseplay, backward jumping, running in the pool area or visiting with the lifeguard 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 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. Three quick whistles by the lifeguard indicates an emergency and is the signal for all patrons to clear the pool area.
  14. Academic use of the facility by the Department of Physical Education, Sport, and Human Performance and events scheduled through the office of Recreational Services take precedence over other uses of the facility.

Cardio

  1. Patrons must be at least 15 years of age to use cardio equipment.
  2. Individuals are limited to 30 minutes per machine when other patrons are waiting.
  3. Appropriate athletic attire is required when using cardio equipment. Full-backed unaltered t-shirts, shorts, and closed toe athletic footwear are required attire.
  4. For sanitary purposes, you must wipe down equipment after each use.  
  5. All equipment must remain in designated areas.
  6. 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.
  7. 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 belay climbers at the 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. Only equipment issued by the Climbing Wall staff may be used.
  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 the Department of Physical Education, Sport, and Human Performance 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 the Department of Physical Education, Sport, and Human Performance 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. Academic use of the facility by the Department of Physical Education, Sport, and Human Performance 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. 
  3. Runners and joggers should use the outside of the track and walkers should use the inside 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 the Department of Physical Education, Sport, and Human Performance and events scheduled through the Office of Recreational Services take precedence over other uses of the facility.

Weight Room 

  1. Patrons must be at least 15 years of age to use any weight room equipment.
  2. All weight training should be performed in a controlled and safe manner. Slamming, dropping, or bouncing weights (machines or free weights) is prohibited.  
  3. Use of equipment other than for its designed function is prohibited.
  4. Sandals, open-toed shoes, pants with visible zippers, damaging buttons, or any other clothing which compromises the safety of patrons or damages equipment is prohibited.
  5. Appropriate athletic attire is required in the weight room. Full-backed unaltered t-shirts, shorts, and closed toe athletic footwear are required work-out attire.
  6. All free weights and dumbbells must be replaced to appropriate racks when finished.
  7. Equipment must be wiped down after each use.
  8. Personal items may not be left on the weight room floor. All personal items must be stored in the locker room, a daily locker in the Commuter Lounge, or a storage cube in the weight room.
  9. The West Center facility and/or staff are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  10. Do not move benches or other equipment.
  11. Weight gloves and wrist straps are allowed. The use of chalk in prohibited.
  12. 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.
  13. Weight collars are required in the free weight area.
  14. Weight belts may damage equipment. Please remove or cover appropriately during use on padded equipment.
  15. Intermittent clean-up may occur at any time during operation of the weight room for safety and sanitation reasons.
  16. Patrons should immediately report any injury or facility equipment damage to the Weight Room Attendant or Facility Supervisor on duty.
  17. 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.
  18. Academic use of the facility by the Department of Physical Education, Sport, and Human Performance and events scheduled through the Office of Recreational Services take precedence over other uses of the facility.