Policies

General Policies

The University Recreation Center is a controlled access facility. Only authorized members, with proper identification, are allowed entry. Please see Membership section below for more information. One must enter and exit through one of the Member Services desks.
Participation is at your own risk.
Responsibility for general supervision of the building, gymnasium courts and other activity areas rests with the staff members and supervisors directly in charge of the activity or area. Students provide primary supervision for the facility and act with the full authority of a full time Campus Recreation and Wellness Promotion staff member. Harassment or disregard of the directions provided by the staff will result in immediate removal from the facility and may result in additional disciplinary action.
Profane or indecent language is prohibited. Such language that is directed at employees or deemed offensive to other members will not be tolerated.
The possession or use of alcohol, tobacco products or illegal drugs is not permitted in the TCU Recreation Center
Beverages are permitted in activity areas if contained in a re-sealable non-glass container.
The use of skateboards, roller skates or inline skates in the facility is prohibited. Bicycles are not permitted in the building.
No animals, except those official service animals assisting the disabled, are permitted in the TCU Recreation Center.
Day use lockers, wallet lockers and rentable lockers are available for securing belongings. Recreation Center and Wellness Promotion cannot guarantee the security of valuables, book bags or other personal articles.
Spitting in the common areas or activity areas such as courts, track, etc. is not permitted.
Sparring or like activities are not permitted.
The use of the University Recreation Center or other property managed by the Department of Campus Recreation and Wellness Promotion for personal financial gain is prohibited. TCU employees note: “Outside Employment” section of Faculty/Staff Handbook.

Membership Eligibility
Primary Memberships

Student Membership: All currently enrolled credited students
Faculty/Staff Membership: Any currently employed Faculty/Staff member (Purchase applies)
Alumni Membership: Any former student who has received a degree from TCU (Purchase applies)
Community Membership: Any community member aged 18 and older. (Purchase applies)
Spouse/Partner Membership: Any legal spouse/partner as defined by TCU policy. (Purchase applies)
Dependent Member: Any individual that is between the ages of 18-26 and residing at primary member residence and under financial responsibility of legal parent or guardian. (Purchase applies)
Child Member: Any biological or adopted individual that is between the ages of 3-17. (Purchase applies)
There is no charge for children under the age of 3.

Locker Rental/Renewal
Full size and half lockers are available to secure belongings. Locker rental and payment must be completed in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Promotion office, Suite 124.

Lockers are available for rental on a monthly or annual basis. When a member chooses to rent a locker, one will be assigned in the appropriate locker room area. The member will be given the combination for that locker. Lockers that are not renewed by the renewal date are cleaned out and the combination changed. Any personal belongings left in the locker when it is cleaned out will be stored for one semester after the locker rental expires. Personal belongings that are not claimed by the end of this time period will be donated to charity.

A limited number of “day use only” lockers are available in each locker room at no charge. Patrons must bring their own lock to secure the locker and must empty the locker when they leave the Recreation Center. No personal belongings may remain in the “day use only” locker overnight. Any lock left on a “day use only” locker at the end of the day, will be cut off and the personal belongings removed from the locker and disposed of.

Campus Recreation cannot guarantee the security of valuables, backpacks or other personal articles.

Entrance Control
The University Recreation Center is a controlled access facility. Individuals with a current, valid membership and their guests will be allowed access to use the Recreation Center.

Each time a member chooses to enter the University Recreation Center, the member is requested to produce their valid Membership Identification Card. Guests aged 18 and over will be required to show a photo ID to be allowed access with a current member.

The following are exceptions that are allowed to use the facilities: Individuals or groups with a facility reservation and prior approval and visitors with Campus Recreation and Wellness Promotion staff approval.

Conditions of Membership
Membership in the University Recreation Center is a privilege. Participation is at your own risk. Anyone not abiding by the rules and regulations of the University Recreation Center may be removed and membership revoked.

There is a $10 replacement fee for a lost University Recreation Center issued membership card. TCU Campus Recreation and Wellness Promotion reserves the right to require that a student, patron or user of facilities or services provide written documentation of a physician’s approval/release to exercise or otherwise participate in Campus Recreation and Wellness Promotion activities in the following situations: (1) when in the judgment of Campus Recreation and Wellness Promotion staff, a screening process reveals or identifies risk factors that could be incompatible with the requirements of the personal fitness training program and/or, (2) when a single incident of a serious health problem, issue or concern or repeated incidences of lesser problems or concern requires emergency medical response by the staff.

Guests
All guest passes are purchased at the Member Services desk (All day access). Members may sponsor up to five guests per visit. Child guests must remain with sponsoring member at all times. Only adult members (18 and over) may bring guests. Members are responsible for the conduct of their guests at all times. All guests 18 and above must have proper identification.

Cost: $10 per guest ages 3 and older. There is no charge for guests under age 3. Verification of age may be required at the request of a Campus Recreation staff member.

Visitors
Because the University Recreation Center is such a visible part of the TCU Campus, many potential students, former students, and community members visit the URC. Visitors are welcome to tour or look around the facility. Visitors who are dressed in athletic or workout attire may be required to be accompanied on a tour given by an Operation Supervisor.

Child Membership Policy
Primary members may purchase a child membership for any related child (biological or adopted) between the ages of 3-17 years. There is no charge for child members under age 3. Child memberships are only valid during family hours. See below for family hours details. All other children will be treated as a guest under the guest policy.

Family Hours
Family hours are those hours in which children under the age of 18 are permitted in the facility. During the Fall & Spring academic semesters, family hours begin at 4:00pm on Fridays and extend through closing on Sunday. Family hours are also in effect during all operating hours in the summer and during official TCU observed holidays and academic break periods. (Spring Break, Thanksgiving, etc)

Supervision of Children
During family hours, the following policies are in effect:

Children are defined as individuals under the age of 18.
Only Rec Center Members 18 and over may bring children into the facility. Children must be in direct proximity at all times to the member who brought them. (Within sight & sound)
Children must be 13 years of age or older to use the weight or cardio equipment. Children under 13 are not allowed in the weight room or on any cardio equipment.
Children must be under the age of 5 to use the opposite gender locker room/bath room.
Children under the age of 5 may not enter the saunas at any time.

Special Operating Hours
Periodically the University Recreation Center will have special operating hours due to the academic/University schedule. Members will be notified of special operating hours prior to their implementation.

Home Football Games
The Recreation Center is closed on Saturdays of home football games and will have special hours for weekday football games.

Parking
Community and Alumni, Faculty/Staff spouses and dependents and Student spouses & dependent members are given a parking tag with the purchase of a membership. This hang tag will permit parking in the Admissions Center lot on Bellaire Street and the Visitor Lot on Bellaire Street, except in spots marked “Reserved” (weekdays only). Members are allowed to park in “Reserved” spots on weekends. Members may never park in spots marked “Reserved 24 hrs.”

Attire
Appropriate attire is required in all areas of the URC. This includes:

Tops and pants/shorts or swimsuit cover-ups must be worn in the facility with the exception of aquatic areas, informal basketball games and the sand volleyball courts.
Footwear required in facility. Non-marking closed-toe athletic shoes required in gymnasiums, multipurpose rooms, weight room, track and racquetball courts. Climbing shoes required and provided at the Climbing Wall.
Swim wear in aquatic areas.
Protective eyewear strongly recommended in racquetball courts.

Food, Beverage and Tobacco Use
In order to maintain the cleanliness of the University Recreation Center the following guidelines will be enforced:

Food is allowed in designated lounge areas only.
Beverages are permitted in the activity areas only if contained in a re-sealable non-glass container.
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the facilities.
Consumption of illegal drugs, alcohol, intoxication, or the appearance/smell of intoxication will be reason for immediate removal from the facility.
Smoking or tobacco use in any form is prohibited in any area of the facility including the outdoor patio/pool area.

Cell Phone Usage
Due to privacy issues and video concerns, Members are asked not to use cell phones in the locker rooms or bathrooms. Misuse of cell phones in any other areas of the facility (especially for video use) will result in removal from the facility and revocation of privileges.

Photography/Videography
The intent of this policy is to maintain respect for the rights and privacy of our members and guests by preventing video imaging of members and guests without their consent.

The following must be completed in order to film or photograph in the University Recreation Center:

Individuals wishing to take pictures or use a video recorder in the University Recreation Center must have prior approval by the Department of Campus Recreation staff.
Permission will be granted for video/audio recording of the general facility only; no TCU logo may be included in any picture/footage.
This approval will be relayed to the Operation Supervisor.
Members and/or guests involved in individual workouts such as weight lifting, cardiovascular exercise, dance, swimming, and/or climbing cannot be videotaped except as they appear in the background of a facility area. No member may be singled out for video recording purposes without their consent.
Complaints from members regarding any aspect related to the production of videotape in the University Recreation Center will result in termination of the video process and forfeiture of the actual film.

The Department of Campus Recreation and Wellness Promotion reserves the right to have this video recording removed from all viewing formats should a representative of Campus Recreation and Wellness Promotion determine that the standards of this agreement have not been met.

Music Selection
The department subscribes to a satellite music service. This allows for continuous uninterrupted music throughout the facility. The music is controlled via music racks located in the Member Services desk.

Personal music selections are not permitted to be audible to other members in any area of the facility. No personal speakers may be used in the University Rec Center or outdoor pool area.

Inclement Weather
In the event of a publicly announced closure of the University prior to 10:30p.m. for the following day, the URC will open at 10:00am on that following day. If no announcement is made by 10:30 p.m., the URC will open at the regularly scheduled time.

In the event of a publicly announced delayed opening for the University prior to 10:30p.m. for the following day, the URC will open at the announced time or no later than 10:00 a.m. on that following day.

In the event of a publicly advertised/announced early closing the Rec Center will adjust operating hours based on weather.

*In the event of university closure all programs will be canceled and all facility hours will be family hours.

Lightning policy for Aquatic areas
The TCU Natatorium and Outdoor Pool will be closed for swimming when staff is alerted by the Perry Weather System. Pools will remain closed until staff receives the all clear signal at which point activities may resume. Additionally the outdoor pool will be closed at the sound of thunder and will remain closed until a thirty minute time period has passed without additional instances of thunder or lightning.

Specific Recreational Area Policies
Informal Recreation Equipment Rental

A variety of informal recreation equipment is available at the Member Services Desk for use in the facility including basketballs, volleyballs, game room equipment and racquetball and squash equipment free of charge.
Large shower towels are available for use only in locker rooms and aquatic facilities. Participants are limited to one towel at a time. A new towel may be checked out when previous towel is returned.
Small workout towels are available for purchase at the Member Services Desk.
Participants are required to leave their TCU or University Recreation ID card when checking out equipment from the Member Services Desk. ID’s will be returned when items are checked back in.

Weight Room & Cardio Bridge

Closed-toe athletic shoes are required.
Cell phone use is prohibited while using equipment.
Taking photos in the weight room is prohibited unless permission is given.
Please wipe down equipment after use.
No food allowed. Resealable beverage containers only.
All equipment must remain in the weight room.
Please do not leave personal items unattended. Store appropriately.
Placing a towel between equipment pads and patrons is recommended when using weight room equipment and machines.
Any unsafe conditions or damaged equipment should be reported to the weight room staff.
Spotters are strongly recommended for potentially dangerous lifts (i.e. squat, bench press, etc.).
Do not lean weights or bars of any kind against the walls, pillars, equipment, or mirrors.
Collars should be used with all bars in the free weight area.
All equipment must be safely used in the manner for which it was intended.
Personal training to be conducted by Campus Recreation Staff only.

Indoor Track

The indoor track may be used by runners, joggers, walkers and those pushing a stroller.
Appropriate athletic shoes must be worn. Spikes, turf shoes and cleats are prohibited. Shirts must be worn at all times.
Walkers must use the inside lanes. Faster members must use outside lanes.
Counter-clockwise use only.

Multi-Purpose Rooms

No food is allowed. Re-sealable non-glass beverage containers only.
All equipment must remain in the room/location for which it was intended, and must be stored in the proper location after use.
Appropriate non-marking athletic footwear must be worn at all times.
Personal belongings must be kept in cubicles or stored in the locker rooms.
Multi-Purpose Room 1 is available for open recreation when not in use by any scheduled program or official reservation.
To reserve Multi-Purpose Room 2, there must be 2 or more individuals present.
Multi-Purpose Room 3 is used only for instructed classes.

Gymnasium

Appropriate non-marking athletic footwear required.
No spitting.
Do not hang on the rim.
No food allowed. Re-sealable non-glass beverage containers only.
Disassembling or moving equipment that has been set up, (i.e. a volleyball net) is not allowed. Contact the Member Services desk to request a staff member to move or disassemble equipment.
Individuals not involved in a game will not be allowed to shoot on a court during open recreation, or intramural games.
No indoor soccer, kickball or like activity is permitted.

Racquetball/Squash Courts

Protective eyewear is strongly recommended.
Appropriate non-marking athletic footwear must be worn at all times. If a shoe marks or damages the floor the member wearing them may be asked to leave the court.

Racquetball Court Reservations

Reservations may be made on the MyCampusRec.tcu.edu portal
Reservations may be for same day or one day in advance during facility hours.
Court reservations may be made for racquetball, wallyball, and squash. If a reservation for squash or wallyball is made, allow time for transition is included in your reserved time.
An individual may make up to two reservations per day.
If there is another individual or group on a reserved court, members may ask the staff on duty to aid in requesting those individuals to leave.
Reservations may be made for a maximum of 60 minutes. Court reservations will be available on the hour & half hour.
Reserved courts must be claimed within five minutes. Courts not claimed within the five minute time period become open courts.

Game Room

Shoes must be worn. No bare feet are allowed in the area.
Television programming is on a first come, first served basis. Programs that may display offensive material will not be permitted to be shown on the television.
Do not sit on any game tables.
No food or drink allowed on gaming surfaces. All food and/or drinks must be on one of the dining tables in the area.
Game room equipment may be checked out at the Member Services Desk.

Climbing Wall

Climbing is dangerous! Please be alert and attentive. Play it safe!

No climbing of any kind is permitted when the Climbing Wall is closed.
Footwear must be worn at all times – no bare feet!
While climbing, only climbing shoes may be used (no street shoes, sandals or bare feet).
Loose chalk is not permitted.
All climbers must complete a liability waiver each academic year. Waivers are valid from June 1 to May 31.
All climbers must swipe in. This helps us keep track of our daily usage.
Personal harnesses and shoes may be used at the discretion of the Climbing Wall Staff. Climbers must demonstrate proper use of their equipment.
Please report to the Climbing Wall Staff any injuries, loose holds, or damage to the Climbing Wall or equipment.
Jewelry should be removed before climbing, especially rings, watches, and large earrings.
The Climbing Wall Staff have final say on safety issues. Climbers disregarding these rules may lose climbing privileges.
Children younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Bouldering

Bouldering is allowed only while the Climbing Wall is open.
Bouldering is allowed only on unoccupied routes (no roped climbers above you).
Boulderers must have a partner spotting them while climbing.
Feet may not exceed the 6’ mark.

Top-Rope Climbing

Good communication between the climber and belayer is key! Use the proper climbing commands when climbing!
All climbers must be tied in to the appropriate harness point(s) with a Figure 8 follow-through knot. No clipping into the rope with a carabiner!
We provide climbing harnesses. Harness straps must be doubled-back through buckles in order to properly function. Ask for assistance if you are unsure how to fit and operate a climbing harness.
To prevent injuries to self and others, climbers must climb only under the anchor to which they are connected.
All belayers must have passed the Belay Skills Verification Check. Belay privileges are valid for 12 months; after which, belayers must re-verify by passing a new Belay Skills Verification Check.
The Climbing Wall Staff have the obligation to address any and all safety issues, including incorrect belay technique. Be open to feedback. Dependent upon the degree of variance from our standards, your belay privileges may be revoked and you may be required to complete a new Belay Skills Verification Check and/or Belay Class before regaining belay privileges.

Lead Climbing

All lead climbers and belayers must have completed the Lead Safety Test at least every 6 months.
Lead climb only on designated lead climbing ropes (provided by the Climbing Wall).
Lead climbers must wear a helmet (provided by the Climbing Wall).
Skipping quick draws will not be tolerated and will result in revocation of privileges.
Lead climbing classes must be made by appointment. Contact the Climbing Wall Student Manager.

Outdoor Equipment Rental Center
Rental and Reservation Policies

All equipment is available to current TCU students, faculty, and staff upon presentation of a current student or faculty/staff ID card.
Reservations may be made in person up to 2 weeks in advance at the Campus Recreation Office. The full fee must be paid upon making a reservation. Equipment not reserved is available on a first-come, first-served basis during operating hours and must be paid for in full at the time of rental pick-up.
Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to check out time or rental fees paid will not be refunded.
No credit or refund will be issued for items rented but not used or for early return.
The user assumes all risk and responsibility for any and all claims for damages and injury suffered while using the equipment.
Please return equipment to the Outdoor Center during normal operating hours. Equipment returned to other areas in the University Recreation Center will not be accepted.

Late, Damage, & Replacement Fees

Equipment returned late will be charged a $10 per day late fee.
Individuals abusing equipment or not following procedures may be ineligible to rent equipment in the future.
Equipment must be returned clean, dry and in good order or a fee will be assessed for the item. Any gear that is excessively dirty will be assessed a cleaning fee. Excessively wet gear will not be accepted until dried.
Damaged or lost equipment will be assessed at current retail prices for repair or replacement.
Tents are flammable! No candles, lanterns, heaters, or any other heat sources should be brought inside tents or near sleeping bags. Do not smoke inside tents. Keep tents away from campfires.

Natatorium – Lap Pool & Dive Well

Participants may not enter the pool until a lifeguard is present.
Lifeguards will make final decisions concerning the safety of all participants in the pool area.
Starting blocks are not for recreational use.
Diving Boards and Diving platform are not for recreational use.
In the event of an injury, an accident, or you are not feeling well, please notify a Lifeguard immediately.
Swimsuits are required. No cut-offs, gym shorts or other attire is allowed. Changing clothes on deck is prohibited.
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 4’0” must have an adult in the water, within arm’s reach, of them.
No glass of any kind permitted.
Running, rough play, intoxication, and profanity is prohibited.
Changing rooms or locker rooms must be utilized to change into pool attire.
Food and drink only in approved areas.
Flotation devices such as rafts or other inflatable toys are allowed when the pool is not crowded.
Lane lines will be used as a safety line only in case of emergency. Please do not hang on the lane lines at any other time.
No diving, stunts, slips or back dives in pool.
No diaper changing on the deck. Family bathrooms are provided.
Children who are not potty trained must wear a swim diaper in the water.
Kickboards, pull buoys and Aqua Joggers are training aids and may not be used as floatation devices.

Outdoor Pool

Participants may not enter the pool until a lifeguard is present.
Lifeguards will make final decisions concerning the safety of all participants in the pool area.
In the event of an injury, an accident, or you are not feeling well, please notify a Lifeguard immediately.
Swimsuits are required. No cut-offs, gym shorts or other attire is allowed. Changing clothes on deck is prohibited.
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 4’0” must have an adult in the water, within arm’s reach of them.
No glass of any kind is permitted in the natatorium area.
Running, rough play, intoxication, and profanity is prohibited.
Changing rooms or locker rooms must be utilized to change into swim attire.
Food and drink only in approved areas
Flotation devices such as rafts or other inflatable toys are only allowed when the pool is not crowded.
Lane lines will be used as a safety line only in case of emergency. Please do not hang on the lane lines at any other time.
No diving, stunts, slips or back dives in the pools.
No diaper changing on the deck. Family bathrooms are provided.

Locker Rooms/Rest Rooms

TCU is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Locker rooms close at the scheduled building closing times. Participants should plan showering and locker room use accordingly.
Please do not bring valuables into locker room.
Please close all lockers when finished.
For the safety and consideration of others, please dry off in the shower area of the locker room.
Individuals age 5 and above must use gender appropriate locker room or rest room. Children age 4 and under will be allowed in either gender locker room or rest room. A family changing area is available on the indoor pool deck for families with children older than 5 years.

Sauna

Caution: The following individuals should not use the sauna: those with heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, circulatory or respiratory problems, seizures, epilepsy, pregnant women, those who are using prescribed or illegal drugs or under the influence of alcohol.
Shower before entering the sauna.
Swim wear/towel must be worn in the sauna.
Please observe the 30 minute time limit.
Allow yourself at least 5 minutes after exercising to cool down before entering the sauna.
Strenuous exercise is prohibited in the sauna.
Children between the ages of 6 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult in the sauna at all times. Children age 5 and under are not permitted in the sauna.

For policies on Reserving facilities in the Campus Recreation Building, please refer to the page on Reservations.

Revised 05/10/2021