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Policies

RecSports Code of Conduct

All RecSports patrons 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 users must present a valid Irish1Card upon entry. RecSports reserves the right to refuse admittance.
  • All users 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 patrons, 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.
  • No equipment should be thrown against any walls in any facility.
  • Lifts must be controlled from start to finish. Dropping weights, throwing weights, and Olympic-style lifts are not permitted in any RecSports facility.
  • 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 in specific fitness classes.
  • Clothing with profanity and offensive language may not be worn during participation in programs or services offered by RecSports.
  • Any events 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.

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 for any other additional promotional or marketing purpose. If you do not wish to be photographed, please kindly inform our photographer or videographer. 

  • As a participant, consent is always required to take photos or videos of other participants. Filming, interviewing, or photographing for University projects, research, and/or academic classes requires advance approval. Please review all media guidelines on our Media Requests and Bulletin Boards page.
  • The taking, capturing, or recording of any and all photography, audio, or video of any kind in the pool, men’s and women’s locker rooms, and restrooms is strictly prohibited.
  • Please be courteous, cognizant, and kind when taking photos or videos for personal use in RecSports spaces. 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-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.

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".
  • 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.
  • Patrons 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.
  • 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. 
  • 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 users 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.