Recreation Policies & Rules

Discrimination and harassment of any patron or employee will not be tolerated. Suspension or revocation of RecWell membership may be applied immediately to all suspected violators. Additionally, further action through the Butler University disciplinary system as well as necessary federal, state and municipal law may be taken.

• Proper identification (valid Butler Student ID, Faculty/Staff ID, Alumni HRC ID, and Additional Household HRC ID) must be shown when entering through the control desk area. The Recreation staff reserve the right to ask for additional forms of identification at any time. Members who have forgotten their ID have the option of purchasing a guest pass.
• Food and drink (other than water) are not permitted in any of the recreational areas of the building. Glass containers are not permitted in the recreation areas of the building.
• Smoking and smokeless tobacco are not permitted anywhere in the facility, including within 20 ft outside of the facility.
• Alcohol and drug use is strictly prohibited in the HRC or its programs. Violators will be subject to Butler University disciplinary procedures.
• No pets other than service animals and those approved by the Department of Recreation for special programming are allowed inside the HRC.
• It is encouraged to cover the entire torso including abdomen and back in order to prevent the spread of skin-transmitted diseases.
• It is required that shirts and bottoms must be worn that cover the buttocks and breasts at all times. Sports bras are not considered shirts.
• Profanity and abusive language will not be tolerated.
• Headphones must be used with personal radios and electronic listening devices.
• Abuse of property will not be tolerated.
• Sexual, ethnic, or any other kind of harassment of patrons and/or employees will result from immediate removal from the facility, and will be handled through the Butler University disciplinary and legal systems.
• Any sort of weapon, including, but not limited to Martial Arts weapons, guns, knives, or any other sharp device that could be used as a weapon, is strictly prohibited in the HRC. Contact sparring may only occur during approved activities.
• Use of the HRC for personal or monetary gain is not permitted.
• The Department of Recreation and the University are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please leave valuables at home or be sure to lock them securely.
• Use of the HRC is considered a privilege. Individuals not complying with the established departmental policies and procedures may be asked to leave the facility and/or are subject to departmental and/or university disciplinary procedures.
• Any group that wants to use a specific area of the HRC that consists of five or more people must request to be scheduled through the Recreation Office. This policy is in place to protect the mission and philosophy of the HRC, which is to remain an open recreation facility.
• Personal training (individual or group) is only allowed with a designated recreation employee.
• Use of the HRC is considered a privilege. Individuals not complying with the established departmental policies and procedures may be asked to leave the facility and/or subject to departmental and/or university disciplinary procedures.

During permitted posted family times (Fridays from 5:00 PM to Sundays at 5:00 PM), or specific program times, a parent or legal guardian must enter the HRC with their children under 16 years old and accompany them at all times in the HRC.

• Children under 16 years old may not use the spa, sauna, weight room, cardio areas, or take fitness classes.
• Children under 8 years old should be within an arm’s length of their parent or guardian in the same area of the facility.
• Children 8–15 years old must be supervised by a parent or guardian in the same activity area.
• Parents or guardians are expected to be in a position to provide adequate supervision at all times.
• Unsafe or inappropriate behavior will result in the child being asked to leave the activity area.
• Children 5 and under may enter opposite sex locker rooms with their parent. Children 6 and over are allowed in same sex locker rooms. We encourage parents with children to utilize our family locker rooms adjacent to the Aquatic Center.

• Personal training (individual or group) is only allowed with a designated recreation employee.
• Patrons are required to wear closed-toe athletic footwear at all times (unless attending a mind/body class or stretching in core and cool down designated spaces in the facility).
• It is encouraged to cover the entire torso including abdomen and back in order to prevent the spread of skin-transmitted diseases.It is required that shirts and bottoms must be worn that cover the buttocks and breasts at all times. Sports bras are not considered shirts.
• Appropriate length pants/shorts/spandex shorts that cover the buttocks must also be worn at all times.
• Headphones must be used with personal radios and electronic listening devices.
• Wipe down and clean equipment after use with a disinfectant spray and towels (provided in exercise area).
• No dropping weight plates or dumbbells in the facility, unless dropping on the Olympic lifting platforms.
• Re-rack all weights, dumbbells, and bars after usage.
• Place all weights, belts, bands, handles, or any other fitness equipment back to their proper storage location.
• Allow people to use dumbbells and weight machines in between sets.
• No usage of weight plates or bars in the Zone or gymnasium.
• Walkways should remain clear at all times. Stretching is permitted in mat areas only.
• Throwing of medicine balls against walls or floor is prohibited unless on the Zone Dynamax wall.
• Any group consisting of five or more persons, wanting to use the fitness area, must request to be scheduled via a Facility Request Form for either Multi-purpose room usage or weight training and cardio areas. This policy is in place to protect the philosophy and mission of the HRC, which is to remain as an open recreation facility to its users.
• Patrons of the fitness area are expected to comply with any instructions given by fitness staff. Failure to comply with instructions or regulations may result in disciplinary actions.
• Individuals not complying with the established departmental policies and procedures may be asked to leave the facility and/or subject to departmental and/or university disciplinary procedures.

• The policies listed below are in addition to the General and Fitness Area policies.
• Patrons are required to wear closed-toe athletic footwear at all times (unless attending a mind/body class or stretching in core and cool down designated spaces in the facility).
• It is encouraged to cover the entire torso including abdomen and back in order to prevent the spread of skin-transmitted diseases.It is required that shirts and bottoms must be worn that cover the buttocks and breasts at all times. Sports bras are not considered shirts.
• Appropriate length pants/shorts/spandex shorts that cover the buttocks must also be worn at all times.
• Headphones must be used with personal radios and electronic listening devices.
• Wipe down and clean equipment after use with a disinfectant spray and towels (provided in exercise area).
• Collars are required when using equipment on the squat rack, the bench press, or any other machine that requires plates to be added (with the exception of the Olympic lifting platforms).
• It is highly recommended that patrons use a spotter for all overhead presses and squats.
• Powdered chalk is strictly prohibited.
• Olympic lifts must be performed in the platform area with rubber bumper plates.
• No dropping weight plates or dumbbells in the facility, unless dropping on the Olympic lifting platforms.
• No black/metal plates may be used on the Olympic lifting platforms.
• No usage of weight plates or bars in the Zone or gymnasium.
• Re-rack all weights, dumbbells, and bars after usage.
• Place all weights, belts, bands, handles, or any other fitness equipment back to their proper storage location.
• Allow people to use equipment in between sets.
• Walkways should remain clear at all times. Stretching is permitted in mat areas only.
• Patrons of the fitness area are expected to comply with any instructions given by fitness staff. Failure to comply with instructions or regulations may result in disciplinary actions.
• Individuals not complying with the established departmental policies and procedures may be asked to leave the facility.

Violators of the below policies will be subject to disciplinary procedures and asked to leave the facility immediately. Violators who cause any damage to the facility will be billed.

• Dunking, grabbing, hanging on rims or nets, or hand in the “cylinder” is not permitted.
• Kicking or throwing of a basketball and/or other equipment towards the ceiling and/or track is not permitted.
• Abuse of property will not be tolerated.
• Clothing and equipment must be stored in the cubbies or locked up. They are not to be placed under the basketball goals. Items placed on the floors will be taken to the Control Desk lost and found for reclaiming. The Department of Recreation is not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items.
• Do not spit on the floor.
• Only non-marking gym shoes will be allowed unless you are a spectator.
• The following sports are not allowed in the HRC as informal activities: Indoor Soccer, Lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee, Baseball, Softball, Ultimate Fighting, any Martial Art that allows unsupervised use of implements, Floor Hockey, or other activities that require specific on-site supervisors.
• Personal speakers are prohibited to maintain a comfortable environment for all guests. Please use headphones or earbuds when listening to music or other audio.

• The track direction changes daily. Follow the signs for the appropriate direction.
• Inside lane is for walking. Middle lane is for jogging. Outside lane is for running.
• The courtesy rule of passing is recommended. Joggers/runners should alert others before making a pass.
• Stretching and warm-up exercises are to occur in the stretching area.
• Due to potential safety hazards, do not stand on the track to watch other recreational activities. No one is allowed to stand or block any lanes of the track.
• Children under 16 years of age are not permitted on the track level even if accompanied by an adult. Exception: During permitted posted family times or specific program times, children under 16 years of age can be on the track if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Strollers are not permitted.

• No one may enter the Aquatic Center unless supervised by a Department of Recreation Lifeguard.
• Showers are required before entering the pool area. If a patron is using the sauna, they must shower before entering the pool or spa.
• Appropriate swimsuits are required for all swimmers. Street clothes, street shoes, thongs and see-through swimwear, and diapers are prohibited.
• Religious garments may be worn in the pool.
• Participants are not permitted in the pool area with open sores, ear, eye, or nose infections; with bandages; or adhesive tape. Lifeguards reserve the right to inspect and refuse admittance for health concerns.
• Individuals who have had diarrhea in the last two weeks are asked not to use the pool.
• Dispose of gum, food, or drink before entering the Aquatic Center.
• No running, diving, dunking, pushing, pulling, or horseplay. Also, playing on or around ladders, railings, and drains are prohibited.
• The use of starting blocks is prohibited, except for competitive programs.
• Sitting or swimming over and through the lane lines is not permitted.
• The use of radios, tape, or CD players is restricted to devices with headphones only.
• Personal items are to be stored safely in the locker rooms. Personal items and strollers will not be permitted on the pool deck.
• Lifeguards have the responsibility to enforce rules and regulations and have the authority to remove anyone for unsafe or inappropriate behavior.

Lap Swim Policies

• Swimmers must enter the lap pool from the ends only.
• Maximum number of swimmers in each lane is six.
• All swimmers must “circle swim” if there are two or more swimmers in a lane. Slower swimmers should stop at the wall and allow faster swimmers to pass.
• Please select the appropriate lane for your ability. Lifeguards reserve the right to ask swimmers to move to another lane if their speed is not similar to those in the lap lane.
• Sitting, hanging, and swimming through lap lanes is prohibited.

Policies for Swimmers Under 16 Years of Age

• All children 7 years old and younger, or children considered to be a non-swimmer, must be accompanied by a parent/guardian 18 years or older. Adults must stay within arm’s distance at all times.
• All children between the ages of 8-15 years old must have a parent/guardian 18 years or older on the pool deck at all times.
• Infants and toddlers are required to wear leak-proof pants or swim diapers.

• Youth under the age of 16 are prohibited from using the spa.
• Swimmers are required to shower before entering the spa.
• Spa usage is not recommended immediately after intense physical activity or after sauna use. Before using the spa, cool down for at least five minutes after exercising.
• Exercising in the spa is prohibited.
• Enter and exit the spa slowly and cautiously.
• People who are pregnant, patrons suffering from heart disease, diabetes, seizures, epilepsy, circulatory, or respiratory problems, or high or low blood pressure should not enter the spa without their doctor’s permission.
• Food and drink are not allowed in the spa.
• Underwater submersion is prohibited.
• Limit use to 10 minutes.
• Do not use the spa if the temperature is greater than 104 degrees.

• Youth under the age of 16 are prohibited from using the sauna.
• Out of courtesy to others and for your own protection, users are required to wear appropriate swimsuits and/or clothing.
• The sauna is an electrical appliance; therefore, do not pour liquid on the rocks or place newspapers, towels, or any combustible materials on the heater or guard surface.
• Do not use oils, scented oils, or aromatherapy in the sauna.
• Exercising is prohibited while in the sauna.
• People who are pregnant should not enter the sauna without prior medical consultation. Use of sauna is not recommended for persons with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disorders, or pulmonary diseases.
• Users who feel faint or dizzy should exit the sauna immediately.
• Do not use the sauna while under the influence of any types of alcohol, drugs, anticoagulants, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, stimulants, hypnotics, narcotics, or tranquilizers.
• All metal jewelry should be removed prior to entering the sauna.
• Limit use to 15 minutes per sitting. Maximum use per day is 30 minutes.

• Anyone who wishes to take photos or videos in the HRC must receive permission and written approval from the Assistant Director of Operations. Please contact at hrc@butler.edu.