Rec Center

General Facility Access Policies

• All members and guests should enter and exit The Rec Center through the designated entrance.
• An active membership, guest pass, day pass, or a promotional “free preview” period is required for all participants to access The Rec Center.
• All patrons and guests accessing The Rec Center must complete all required waivers and forms. The completed waivers are valid from September 1 through August 31 of the following year.
• All patrons and guests accessing The Rec Center must have a photo ID (UHV ID Card, Rec Center Membership card, or government-issued photo ID) to enter the facility or must have photo verification on file in our Fusion Member Management System.
• Lending or using another individual’s ID is strictly prohibited, and will result in the following actions:
  • The ID will be confiscated and given to University Police.
  • The person using the ID card will not be permitted access to The Rec Center.
  • The person whose ID was improperly used will be suspended from accessing The Rec Center until a meeting is conducted with UHV Rec Center administration.

Minor Policies

Minors are defined as anyone under the age of 18. The following policies will be enforced strictly:

• A parent or legal guardian must have and maintain an active Rec Center membership.
• A parent or legal guardian must accompany the minor during membership purchase. Photo ID verification and proof of relationship may be requested. Examples include: insurance, tax forms, ID, or other legal documents.
• A parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form in addition to a waiver on behalf of the minor.
• Parents, legal guardians, or minors found in violation of these policies are subject to suspension or loss of membership privileges.

Minors Ages 16-17

Minors ages 16-17 with Rec Center memberships:

• May access the facility during all normal operating hours.
• May utilize all spaces within The Rec Center.

Minors Ages 5-15

Minors ages 5-15 have restricted access to The Rec Center. The following restrictions apply:

• A parent or legal guardian must remain with and supervise the minor at all times while in The Rec Center.
• Use of the facility is restricted to Family Hours (opening – 6:00pm daily).
• Minors ages 5-15 may only utilize the track and court spaces. Minors may not use fitness equipment, per guidance from the University of Houston System.
• Minors are welcome to events specifically marked as family programs and are not permitted to attend Group Fitness programs, Rec Sports events, or programs and special events for adults.

Minors 4 & Under

Minors age 4 or younger do not require a membership. They may be present with a parent or legal guardian with a valid Rec Center membership at no charge, but the following restrictions apply:

• A parent or legal guardian must remain within an arm’s reach of their child at all times.
• Facility access is restricted to Family Hours (opening – 6:00pm daily).
• Parent or legal guardian may only use the track or court spaces with minors age 4 or younger.
• Strollers are only allowed on the track between the hours of opening – 5:00pm.

General Facility Policies

• In accordance with the University's tobacco-free policy, the use of any tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, vape units, etc.) is prohibited on the campus of UHV.

• Patrons may not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Patrons should do their part in maintaining the cleanliness of the Rec Center and outdoor spaces. Please place all trash in trash bins, wipe down equipment before and after use, and report any spills to the staff in a timely manner.

• Food and Drink

  • Food, gum, and other similar items are not allowed beyond the Rec Center lobby without prior approval.

  • Drinks allowed within the Rec Center include water, sports drinks, and/or a protein drink. All drinks should be in spill-proof, break-resistant containers with a re-sealable lid.

  • Groups that host approved events through rentals, reservations, or during special events may request food and drinks to be allowed during their event. This request is made through the facility request process.

Appropriate Athletic Apparel

• Upper Body

  • Patrons must wear either a shirt or sports bra while using the Rec Center. This includes use of the outdoor fitness zone.

• Lower Body

  • To use fitness equipment, apparel must be made of athletic material so as to not scratch or damage padding or equipment or become snagged or catch on equipment.

    • Once the padding is scratched or torn, bacteria can grow within the padding, posing a potential health risk to patrons. It is also costly to frequently replace padding and sleeves on fitness equipment.

    • Clothing must cover the entire buttocks and groin when exercising or moving.

• Shoes

  • Athletic, non-marking, close-toed shoes are required throughout the facility (both indoor and outdoor spaces).

  • Shoes must be worn at all times within the Rec Center, unless a specific Rec Center approved program allows for no shoes (example: Yoga or Pilates group fitness class).

• Exceptions:

  • Track and Court

    • Materials like denim, jeans, slacks/business casual pants, khaki shorts/pants, work skirts, and work dresses are allowed on court spaces and the track areas, but are restricted from fitness zone areas and fitness equipment.

    • Business casual shoes that are non-marking and closed-toed may be worn for walking on the track and court spaces provided they are not playing in a game.

  • Sand Volleyball Court

    • Shoes are not required on the sand volleyball court.

  • Specialty Shoes

    • Bike shoes with clips – allowed to be worn during group fitness classes and on the Technogym road bikes on the fitness floor. These shoes should be put on at the bike and minimize any walking or movement where the shoes could potentially damage the floor.

    • Dance shoes – Some recreational activities are performed with special shoes. Those are allowed in specific spaces for specific activities.

    • Olympic lifting shoes - Shoes designed for Olympic lifting can be worn throughout the facility whether using the Olympic platforms or other equipment.

Restricted Footwear

• Cleats, Crocs, sandals, flip-flops, sticking feet, high heels, and hard-soled shoes are not allowed.

• Removing shoes on Olympic platforms (indoor or outdoor) is not allowed.

• Rationale

  • Wearing athletic shoes prevents slipping, tripping, and other injuries.

  • Shoes protect the feet from equipment that may be dropped.

  • Shoes can help contain an injury and prevent contamination if a heavy object is dropped on the foot or if you sprain a part of your foot.

  • Backless shoes can easily slip off and shoes that do not cover the forefoot do not protect the entire foot from injury.

  • Shoes that mark the flooring diminish the aesthetics of the facility and can lead to additional costs for cleaning, resurfacing, or replacing the flooring.

Use of Mobility Devices

• We recommend that users get clearance by their doctor to exercise and request that they participate cautiously.

• Crutches, canes, walkers, and other mobility devices must be kept in a location that is within reach and not hazardous to other users (i.e., not in walking paths).

• Members using mobility devices in the weight room must have the ability to re-rack weights and move equipment as needed. If unable to do this safely on their own, the Rec Center reserves the right to require a workout partner or aid (at the expense of the member) to help with these tasks.