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Policies

RecSports Code of Conduct

All RecSports participants are expected to be responsible, courteous, and safety conscious at all times. RecSports prides itself on being a safe place for everyone, and we expect our Notre Dame family to be kind, understanding, and open-minded in our spaces and while participating in our programs. Disorderly conduct, abuse, or misuse of the facility, (its equipment, its staff, and other participants) or disregard for policies will not be tolerated. RecSports staff members on duty have the final authority on all safety-related issues, all policy enforcement, and other related incidents.

All policies outlined in duLac will be enforced. Failure to follow or adhere to the code of conduct and/or the direction of University staff may result in dismissal from the facility, revocation of facility/program access, or referral to University conduct.

General Policies

  • All facility-eligible participants must present a valid Irish1Card upon entry. RecSports reserves the right to refuse admittance.
  • All participants must sign the Adult Facility Access Waiver on RecRegister.nd.edu prior to entrance.
  • Entry to and exit from the facility must be through controlled access points only. Other exits should be used for emergencies only.
  • No one may enter RecSports facilities unless supervised by RecSports staff members. If staff members are not present, access is prohibited.
  • Formal instruction (i.e., personal training, swimming instruction, etc.) of participants, either individually or in a group, is only allowed under the supervision and permission of RecSports staff members.
  • RecSports may not be used for solicitation, private classes, personal training, or any other activity associated with personal gain.
  • Food and drinks are not permitted in the activity areas. All beverages must be in an unbreakable, spill-proof container.
  • Hallways, walkways, elevator bays, doorways, and staircases must remain clear and unobstructed.
  • Personal items should be stored in lockers; RecSports is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Proper attire is required at all times. Shoes are required at all times except in the locker rooms, the pool deck, or during specific fitness classes.
  • Clothing with profanity and offensive language may not be worn during participation in programs or services offered by RecSports.
  • Any event hosted in RecSports facilities must be approved by the Student Activities Office (student groups and organizations) and by RecSports (student groups and organizations, University departments, and all other University entities). Events that have not been approved are not permitted at any time.

Lightning and Severe Weather

The Rockne Memorial Pools will close and outdoor activity will cease for 30 minutes if there is a reported lightning strike within 10 miles, lightning is seen, or thunder is heard. RecSports staff members reserve the right to close the pool or stop outdoor activity due to weather or other safety concerns at any time.

Photography & Videography

By entering a RecSports facility, you may be the subject of ND Creative or RecSports photography, audio, or video recordings, which often take place during RecSports programming, informal recreation, and events. Such photography and recordings may be used for Notre Dame publications, webcasts, telecasts, advertising, and any other promotional or marketing purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed, please kindly inform our photographer or videographer.

For the safety of RecSports participants, staff, and spaces, RecSports reserves the right to withhold permission to photograph or film in facilities, at special events, and during programs.

Personal Use

  • Photography or video of any individual without their consent is prohibited in all RecSports facilities and programs. Violations may result in immediate removal and the required deletion of content.
  • Personal use is defined as photos/videos of yourself/family/friends and people who have explicitly agreed to be recorded for private, non-promotional, non-academic, and non-commercial purposes.
  • All identifiable individuals must permit being photographed or recorded. Anyone may decline or withdraw consent at any time.
  • Professional equipment is not allowed (e.g., DSLR cameras, tripods, lighting setups). Staff may require you to stop recording if the equipment is deemed professional-grade. Information for academic and promotional purposes is available below.
  • Photography is never permitted in locker rooms, restrooms, or aquatic facilities.
  • RecSports staff reserve the right to ask you to stop filming and taking photos at any time.

Student Academic & Promotional Use

  • Academic & promotional use includes photography or videography for class projects or the promotion of any University-recognized student group or organization.
  • RecSports does not approve professional-grade media projects for personal use, including individual creative endeavors, personal branding, or self-promotion.
  • Once approved by the Assistant Director for Communication and Engagement, all persons seeking to obtain photos, videos, or other media within RecSports facilities or at RecSports programming will be issued a media pass. This pass must be worn and plainly displayed throughout the photo/video shoot. Persons without an approved media pass will be asked to stop filming/photographing and leave the building.
  • All identifiable individuals must permit being photographed or recorded. Anyone may decline or withdraw consent at any time.
  • Photography is never permitted in locker rooms, restrooms, or aquatic facilities.
  • RecSports staff reserve the right to ask you to stop filming and taking photos at any time.

University Campus-Partners

  • Any University Department seeking to film or photograph in RecSports facilities or during RecSports programming (including club sports) must email Veronica Ballinger (vballinger@nd.edu), Assistant Director for Communication and Engagement, at least 10 business days before the requested date.
  • Persons who photograph or film in RecSports spaces without prior approval will be asked to stop filming/photographing and leave the building.
  • RecSports staff reserve the right to ask you to stop filming and taking photos at any time.

Prohibited Items

  • Gum, tobacco (including vapes), alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, and pets, other than certified service animals, are not allowed in RecSports facilities or during RecSports programming.
  • Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and/or any other items deemed unsafe and/or that can damage the facility are prohibited.
  • When bringing/playing music, please use headphones and be courteous to other participants. Playing music on a speaker that includes lyrics/themes that are explicit and/or exclusive is not permitted.

Facility and Program-Specific Policies and Notes

Children Under 18

  • Children under 18 years of age are not permitted in RecSports facilities outside of designated family hours. Dependents of Faculty/Staff/Students (18+) are permitted with the purchase of a guest pass outside of family hours.
  • Parents/guardians of children under 18 must sign a paper waiver for each child participating in family hours. Waivers are required for each visit.
  • Parents/guardians are responsible for their children. Children must be accompanied by their host at all times.
  • There are no family hours in the Climbing & Bouldering Wall or the Smith Center for Recreational Sports. Children are not permitted in these spaces at any time.

Fitness and Personal Training

  • All equipment in RecSports facilities should be used as directed and per its intended purpose, including, but not limited to: dumbbells, yoga mats, selectorized machines, squat racks, medicine balls, treadmills, ellipticals, resistance bands, smith machines, and battle ropes. RecSports staff will ask participants to stop any activity deemed unsafe.
  • Dropping weights, throwing weights, and Olympic-style lifts are only permitted in the Rockne Memorial Father Lange Weight Room.
  • Personal Training performed by non-RecSports staff is not permitted in any RecSports facility.
  • No equipment should be thrown against any walls in any facility.
  • Fitness instruction of any kind is not permitted in RecSports facilities unless by a certified RecSports staff member.
  • Equipment should be cleaned between each use. Red towels and cleaning solution are available for participants.
  • RecSports participants are encouraged to "work in", or complete sets during another's rest time, with others during busy hours. 
  • For safety reasons, machines and equipment are to be used by one individual at a time. Multiple individuals using the same equipment simultaneously (e.g., sitting or standing on the same machine for the same reps) is not allowed.

Outdoor RecSports Facilities

  • No littering. All trash should be properly disposed of in trash cans or other designated areas.
  • Unauthorized vehicles are prohibited. 
  • Climbing on or over sport goals, nets, fences, or towers is not permitted.
  • Animals and pets, other than certified service animals and Notre Dame police animals, are not permitted at any RecSports facility, including outdoor facilities.
  • An adult must accompany children under the age of 18 at all times.
  • RecSports reserves the right to clear any outdoor RecSports facility for reservations, programming, and/or safety-related concerns. This includes, but is not limited to: West Quad Fields, Ricci Family Fields, Ricci Sand Volleyball Courts, and the Stinson Rugby Fields.
  • RecSports facilities, including outdoor facilities, may be reserved only by recognized Notre Dame student groups/organizations and University departments. RecSports does not reserve space for individual persons, regardless of University affiliation or status, nor for any organizations or entities outside of the University of Notre Dame community.

Rockne Memorial Pools

  • Showers are required before entering the pool area.
  • Swimsuits and/or swim diapers must be worn by all participants. Deck-changing is not permitted. Locker rooms and restrooms are available for changing purposes.
  • All participants requiring diapers are required to wear designated swim diapers with an elastic-plastic lining.
  • Participants may not hang on lane lines.
  • All participants or guardians must remain within reaching distance of a minor if a child is under 3 foot 6 inches tall or if a child requires a personal flotation device.
  • No running, diving, pushing, pulling, or "horseplay." Playing on ladders, railings, and bulkheads is not permitted. Use of diving boards is not permitted.
  • Hyperventilation, underwater breath-holding games, and swimming underwater for more than 3/4 of the length of the pool are not permitted.
  • U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifesaving devices are permitted for use in our facility. Not all floatation devices are considered "lifesaving devices".
  • Lifeguards reserve the right to swim test participants for access to water activities.
  • The use of starting blocks is prohibited, except for competitive programming approved by RecSports.
  • Anyone who has or has had diarrhea in the last two (2) weeks shall not use the pool.
  • Participants are not permitted in the pool area with open sores, ear, eye, or nose infections, or with bandages or adhesive tape. RecSports reserves the right to refuse admittance for health concerns.

Climbing & Bouldering Wall

  • Bare feet are not permitted in the facility or on the wall surfaces. Climbing shoes and closed-toe shoes with backs are allowed. Shoes must be worn even while spectating and belaying. No sandals, Crocs, winter boots, etc. Please consult with RecSports staff for appropriate shoes.
  • Climbers are allowed to use their own personal shoes or harnesses after being approved by a RecSports staff member. The use of personal ropes, hardware, or belay devices is not permitted. Personal gear must be either CE or UIAA certified.
  • participants may not move or tighten loose holds. Please inform a RecSports staff member of any issues with the wall.
  • The figure eight follow-through is the only acceptable tie-in knot. Tie-ins should be directly into both hard points of the harness per the manufacturer's specification.
  • Only the GriGri belay device provided by the facility is permitted for belaying. No personal gear or tube-style belay devices are permitted outside of the instructional clinics.
  • The PBUS (Pull, Brake, Under, Slide) style of belaying is required while belaying in the facility. Practice falling on a loose top rope is not permitted.
  • Climbing is not permitted in the overhanging cave adjacent to the glass door. Access to the ledge on the far left of the vertical wall is strictly prohibited.

St. Joseph Beach

  • Fires and grills are not permitted at St. Joseph Beach.
  • There must be at least one adult (18+) present per 5 children for all group activities and family hours.
  • No littering. All trash should be properly disposed of in trash cans or other designated areas.
  • All participants or guardians must remain within reaching distance of a minor if a child is under 3 foot 6 inches tall or if a child requires a personal flotation device.
  • Lifeguards reserve the right to swim test participants for access to water activities.
  • Participants may not swim outside of the designated areas.
  • All participants requiring diapers are required to wear designated swim diapers with an elastic-plastic lining.

Faculty and Staff Locker & Fitness Room

  • The Faculty and Staff Locker Room & Fitness Room is restricted to Faculty and Staff only. All participants must request access using RecRegister.
  • The Faculty and Staff Locker Room & Fitness Room keep the same hours as the Smith Center for Recreational Sports. It is subject to closure at any time due to University events, Joyce Center scheduling conflicts, and/or Athletic competitions and practices.
  • There is no towel service and the Faculty and Staff Locker Room & Fitness Room is not staffed. Please recreate safely and in accordance with guidance from a healthcare professional. In the event of an emergency, please call NDPD.