Membership in the Boston College Campus Recreation community is both a privilege and an opportunity to engage in health and wellness activities within a supportive and respectful environment. As part of this community, members are expected to adhere to the following guidelines to ensure a safe, inclusive, and productive environment for all:

The Division of Student Affairs website contains an exhaustive list of policies, documents, and guides that all Boston College community members must follow.

Visit Division of Student Affairs

General Rules

  1. Members must present their Eagle ID card every time they enter our facilities.
  2. Any member caught lending their ID to another person so they may gain access to the building is subject to ID confiscation and name(s) being sent to the Office of Student Conduct. Owner of ID must meet with Asst. Director of Member Services.
  3. Groups of 5 or more people who want to work out in an area together must book the space through the Space Request Form. 
  4. Any minor, who is a paid member (Boston College undergraduate students excluded), but is under the age of eighteen and wishes to enter and use the Recreation Center, must be accompanied by another Recreation Center paid member aged eighteen or over. The member must remain in the building with their guests at all times. For guests under the age of fourteen, the member responsible for them must stay in the same area of the building with them at all times.
  5. Appropriate athletic attire is required. Tops and bottoms must be worn at all times in the gym and fitness areas. Please be modest with your tops and bottoms. Jeans or pants with buttons/hardware are not permitted. If exposed skin would touch bench/equipment, towel must be placed between equipment and patron. No opened toed shoes or Crocs are permitted. Bare feet only allowed in locker rooms and on pool deck.
  6. Tennis sneakers are the only form of footwear allowed on the tennis surfaces. Sneakers are the only form of footwear permitted on the basketball courts. Black soles are not allowed on any courts.
  7. Eating is only allowed in designated areas of the Recreation Center. Gum chewing is prohibited in all campus recreation areas and activities.
  8. Glass containers are not allowed anywhere inside the Recreation Center.
  9. Smoking, vaping, marijuana use in any form, alcohol consumption, and chewing tobacco are prohibited in all campus recreation facilities and during any campus recreation programming.
  10. Members and guests assume all risks for personal injury and damage. If medical assistance is warranted, appropriate medical personnel will be contacted at the individual’s expense.
  11. Recreation Center members age eighteen and over, and/or a Boston College undergraduate student, may sign in a guest. The member and his or her guest must fill out a guest card and the guest must pay the appropriate fee per visit. The member must remain in the Recreation Center with the guest at all times. Each member is allowed to sign in a maximum of three guests per day. If a member wishes to bring in more than three guests, he or she must make arrangements through the Asst. Director of Member Services at least three business days in advance. All guests of students will be charged a Daily Guest Fee. Any child under the age of 5 will not be charged.
  12. Tour Passes are available at the Member Services desk. Tour Passes are for touring the building and are not for exercising, recreating, or using any type of equipment in the building.
  13. Pets, bicycles, and scooters are not allowed anywhere in the Recreation Center. The only exception will be if a scooter can be folded and stored in locker. No scooter riding allowed in the Recreation Center.
  14. Rollerblading, in-line skating, and skate boarding are not allowed anywhere in the Recreation Center or on the outdoor courts.
  15. Balloons are not allowed in the Recreation Center.
  16. All lost or stolen BC ID cards of faculty, staff or students must be replaced through the University Student Services Office located in Lyons Hall. All other ID’s, lost or stolen, must be replaced through Member Services for $5.00. ID cards which have been altered or used by anyone other than the Boston College member will be confiscated at the Control Desk.
  17. Profanity, fighting, lewd, and any other inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Patrons should treat each other and the staff with courtesy and respect.
  18. Any Equipment Desk rental equipment that is lost or damaged will be charged to the member who signed out for it.
  19. Non-BC Campus Recreation issued locks will be cut off of any locker.
  20. Please lock up all items and personal belongings. The Recreation Center is not responsible for any member’s possessions that are not locked up or are left unattended.
  21. Cell phone calls and photography are prohibited in locker rooms and fitness areas. 
  22. Photography and videography at both the Recreation Center and the Hut are prohibited unless you receive prior approval from BC Campus Recreation professional staff.
  23. Patrons may not teach any private instruction of any type or bring in a private teacher with them without prior authorization from BC Campus Recreation professional staff.
  24. Designated areas are to be used for their intended purpose unless prior authorization is given by the Recreation Center administrative staff. For example, only tennis may be played on tennis courts, only squash on squash courts, etc.
  25. The track is to be used for walking or jogging only. No sprints are allowed on the track unless prior authorization is given by the BC Campus Recreation professional staff.
  26. In the event of a fire alarm, everyone must vacate the building at the nearest exit, as directed by BC Campus Recreation staff.
  27. Please keep music and audio to personal use. The use of speakers is prohibited.
  28. Reservations for the tennis courts, squash courts, and racquetball courts will be forfeited if reserving party does not arrive after 15 minutes of start. At that point, the court will become first-come, first served.
  29. All animals are prohibited in BC Campus Recreation facilities with the exception of Service Animals. Emotional Support Animals and Comfort Animals are not considered Service Animals and are not allowed in BC Campus Recreation facilities.

Recreation Center Policies

Fitness Area Policies

  1. Only BC Campus Recreation staff members may provide exercise instruction and private training.
  2. No sparring is allowed in Fitness Areas.
  3. Food and gum are not permitted.
  4. If chalk is used, it must be cleaned after use is completed.
  5. Personal belongings must be stowed in a designated space (locker or cubby). BC Campus Recreation is not responsible for personal belongings being lost, stolen, or damaged.
  6. Patrons must be at least 14 years old to enter the fitness area.
  7. Athletic shoes must be worn in the fitness area, including spaces for stretching. Appropriate footwear does not include: sandals, bare feet, socks, steel-toed boots, or aqua socks.
  8. Appropriate athletic attire is required. Jeans or pants with buttons/hardware are not permitted.
  9. All drinks must be kept in spill-proof plastic containers.
  10. Do not stack, bang, throw, or drop weights.
  11. Re-rack all weights and return exercise accessories to their proper places. Bars should remain in or near the squat racks and bench racks. Bars should not be used in random places around the fitness area and should be re-racked.
  12. When necessary, use a spotter. Fitness Attendants are available to provide this service at their own discretion.
  13. When performing multiple sets, allow other members to use the equipment during rest periods.
  14. Clean equipment after use.
  15. All equipment should be used only in the manner for which it is designed. Do not attempt to modify equipment or use it in a non-standard manner.
  16. Patrons are encouraged to bring a towel to dry their bodies, which protects the equipment from excess perspiration.
  17. Users of this facility must comply with all instructions given by the facility staff. Failure to comply with instructions or regulations may result in suspension of center privileges.
  18. All equipment must remain in the building. Outside equipment may not be brought in.
  19. Report all injuries, concerns, and equipment maintenance needs to the Fitness Attendant immediately.
  20. Individuals are responsible for checking equipment prior to each use. Broken or damaged equipment and/or equipment malfunctions should be reported to the Fitness Attendant immediately.
  21. Using safety clips is recommended for all barbell and plate lifts and is required for barbell overhead lifts, squat, and bench.

General Group Fitness Policies

  1. Please arrive on time for class and avoid leaving early if possible. Late arrivals are not allowed in the room 5 minutes after the start of class. If you must leave early, please let your instructor know at the beginning of class.
  2. Entering a class in progress is prohibited. Please refrain from entering the room before the current class has finished completely.
  3. Please follow the instructor’s routine and keep conversations to a minimum.
  4. Appropriate athletic attire is required. Jeans or pants with buttons/hardware are not permitted.
  5. All personal items should be kept in a locker or cubby. Staff is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.
  6. Mobile phone use is not allowed during class. Phones must be left in a locker or cubby during class.
  7. Personal music devices may not be used during class.
  8. No food or drink except water in a closed, unbreakable container is permitted.
  9. Profanity, excessively loud, or offensive language will not be tolerated.
  10. Only BC Campus Recreation approved staff are permitted to teach in facilities during scheduled class times.
  11. Individual use of the facility stereo equipment is prohibited.

MPR Policies

  1. Class participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please understand and respect the instructor’s directions regarding the allowed maximum number for participation.
  2. Close-toe athletic footwear is required for most classes, unless otherwise specified by the instructor.
  3. Equipment must be cleaned and returned after class use.
  4. Slamming, dropping, or throwing equipment is not allowed.
  5. Equipment may not be removed from the studio/court areas.
  6. Yoga mats and general fitness mats are provided in group fitness classes; however, all members are encouraged to bring their own yoga mats for sanitary reasons. Yoga mats will be on sale at the Equipment Desk.
  7. Approval is required for use of studios during unscheduled times.

Spin Room Policies

  1. You can reserve a spot in class up to 7 days in advance via recconnect.bc.edu. If you do not arrive 5 minutes prior to class, your space may be released.
  2. Free hand towels are available for use and also recommended. Please make sure to return the towel when you leave the room.
  3. Participants may not adjust the cycles other than handlebar height, seat height, and adding a gel pad (no bringing your own pedals, seats, etc.).
  4. Certain stretches on the bike are not allowed to increase the longevity of the bike and for your safety. Please follow the instructor’s directions.
  5. Please clean your bike after use.

Warning: Special-effect lighting may be used at the discretion of the instructor. If you have a health concern related to the lighting, please inform the instructor prior to the start of class.

Aquatics Center, Spa, and Sauna Policies

Aquatics Center Policies

  1. All persons are required to take a cleansing shower bath before entering the pool.
  2. No person with a communicable disease is allowed to use the pool.
  3. No person suffering from a fever, cough, cold, inflammation of the eyes, nasal or ear discharges, or any communicable disease shall be allowed to use the pool.
  4. No person with sores or other evidence of skin disease, or who is wearing a bandage or medical covering of any kind, shall be allowed to use the pool.
  5. No person shall spit in or in any other way contaminate the pool, or its floors, walkways, aisles, or dressing rooms.
  6. No bather shall wear a bathing suit that is unclean. No cut-offs, gym shorts, undergarments, or cotton clothing of any kind are allowed.
  7. No glass, with the exception of shatterproof light shields, shall be permitted in the pool or on walkways within eight feet of the pool.
  8. No person shall bring or throw into the pool any object that may in any way carry contamination or endanger the safety of bathers.
  9. Swimming is not permitted without a lifeguard on duty.
  10. Shoes and sneakers must be taken off before walking on the pool deck. In addition, baby carriages are not permitted on the pool deck.
  11. Diving boards are for the sole use of the Varsity swim teams and other approved groups with a coach or instructor on deck.
  12. Starting blocks are for the sole use of the Varsity swim teams and other approved groups with a coach or instructor on deck.
  13. If there are more than two lap swimmers sharing a lap lane, then laps should be swum in a counter-clockwise circle.
  14. Kickboards are for kicking laps in the designated lap lanes only.
  15. Swimming under water for more than 3/4 of a length is not permitted.
  16. Children under 14 must be supervised by an adult aged 18 or older.
  17. Swim diapers must be worn by children 5 and under.
  18. Flotation devices of all kinds are not permitted in the pool (including water wings, bubbles, inner-tubes, noodles, inflatable bathing suits).
  19. Running and jumping into the water is not allowed.
  20. No food or drinks are allowed on the pool deck (except for a closed water bottle).

Spa Policies

  1. Do not use the spa when alone.
  2. Pregnant women and persons suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, circulatory or respiratory problems, seizures, or epilepsy should not enter the spa without prior medical consultation.
  3. Do not use the spa while under the influence of any type of alcohol, drugs, anticoagulants, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, stimulants, hypnotics, narcotics, or tranquilizers.
  4. Do not use the spa when the water temperature is greater than 104°F.
  5. Observe a reasonable time limit (e.g., ten minutes), then shower, cool down, and, if you wish, return for another brief stay. Long exposure may result in nausea, dizziness, or fainting.
  6. The use of oils and body lotion by bathers is prohibited.
  7. The use of cell phones by bathers is prohibited.
  8. Maximum bather load at one time in the spa is 17 persons.
  9. No children under the age of 14 are allowed to use the spa.
  10. Bathers must follow all other applicable Aquatics Center Rules & Regulations as posted.

Sauna Policies

  1. Children under 16 years are not permitted in the sauna.
  2. Pregnant women and persons suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, circulatory or respiratory problems, seizures, or epilepsy should not enter the sauna without prior medical consultation.
  3. Do not use the sauna while under the influence of any type of alcohol, drugs, anticoagulants, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, stimulants, hypnotics, narcotics, or tranquilizers.
  4. Clean swim attire must be worn and participants are required to bring a towel to sit on when using the sauna.
  5. Remove all metal jewelry prior to entering the sauna.
  6. The surface of the rocks, heater, and surrounding area can be extremely hot. Exercise caution.
  7. Prolonged use of the sauna is not recommended due to fatiguing effects. Limit yourself to a maximum of 15 minutes.
  8. Do not smoke, exercise, eat, or drink beverages in the sauna room.
  9. Leave the sauna immediately if you experience any nausea, dizziness, hot flashes, cold chills, headaches, or other discomfort.
  10. This sauna is a dry sauna. Please do not pour water on the rocks. Fire or injury may result.
  11. Do not use the sauna to dry clothes, swimsuits, or towels, or place materials near the heater or guard fence.
  12. Newspapers, magazines, or other reading materials are prohibited.
  13. After using the sauna, participants must shower prior to entering the pool or whirlpool.
  14. Cell phone calls, photography, and videography are not permitted in the sauna.
  15. Patrons are expected to take responsibility for their own actions and comply with the policies and safety instructions given by staff. Non-compliance may result in suspension or termination of Campus Rec access and privileges.

Youth Policies

Youth Policies

Our youth policies exist to ensure that all minors are provided a safe and enjoyable environment when visiting BC Campus Recreation facilities. BC Campus Recreation is not a day care provider and does not offer babysitting services, although the department does offer a variety of youth programming.

When children are enrolled in BC Campus Recreation youth programs, direct supervision by a legal guardian is not required since a properly trained BC employee is supervising the minor. Minors that are not enrolled in a BC Campus Recreation program but are visiting one of the facilities are asked to follow these rules and regulations.

If you have any questions, please contact Member Services at 617-552-0797 or campusrec@bc.edu.

General Rules

  1. A parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 is required to sign an entry waiver each time the minor enters any BC Campus Recreation facility. Minors may enter the facility with a sponsoring adult that is not a parent or legal guardian, but a guest waiver must be fully completed and signed prior to the arrival of the visiting minor. The waiver is available for download or copies may be picked up in the Member Services Office. Completed forms may be emailed (campusrec@bc.edu), faxed, or hand-delivered to the Member Services Office. Minors that are enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student are exempted from this rule.
  2. Children under the age of 14 must be directly supervised by a sponsoring adult at all times while in the facility. Direct supervision is defined as the sponsoring adult being physically in the same immediate area as the child at all times.
  3. Patrons must be at least 18 (or a current Boston College student) to participate in any group fitness or small group training classes.
  4. Children ages 14 to 17 must be adequately supervised by a sponsoring adult at all times while in the facility. Adequate supervision is defined as the sponsoring adult being in the same facility as the child at all times.
  5. Children under the age of five may enter a locker room of the opposite sex if accompanied by the sponsoring adult. Children over the age of five may not use locker rooms of the opposite sex and are directed to use the Family Changing Room.
  6. Campus Recreation members over the age of 18 may sign in up to three guests that are not members. The member and his or her guest(s) must check in at the Member Services office and pay the appropriate day fee. Members are required to provide direct supervision to all guests from entry to exit. Members that would like to bring in more than three guests at once must submit a written request to campusrec@bc.edu. All guests of members will be charged a daily guest fee. Children under the age of five may enter with a sponsoring adult free of charge.
  7. Strollers are not allowed in Fitness areas, the Aquatics Center deck, or any other area that may obstruct members while recreating in the facility.

Program Rules

  1. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult to and from the program area where the lesson is being held. Children 14-17 must be accompanied into and out of the building by an adult.

Fitness Center Rules

  1. Patrons must be at least 14 years old to enter the fitness area.

Pool Rules

  1. Adults take priority over children in the designated lap lanes.
  2. All children that are not toilet trained must wear a plastic diaper with a bathing suit worn over the diaper.
  3. Children who cannot swim must be accompanied in the pool by an adult at all times.

Spa Rules

  1. All persons using the spa must be at least 16 years old. No child under the age of 16 should be in the spa room.

Sauna Rules

  1. All persons using the sauna must be at least 16 years old.
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