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General Participant Policies

Guest Policies

Photo/Video Policies

Locker Policies

Lost & Found Policies

Sports Equipment Rental Policies

Group Exercise Studio Policies

Group Exercise Program Policies

Personal Training Policies

Bender Arena Open Gym Policies

Reeves Aquatic Center Policies

American University Facility Rules & Regulations

General Participant Policies

In accordance with American University's Code of Conduct and standards of care for the fitness industry, the following policies are to be understood and followed by EVERYONE who uses the Fitness Center:

• Before using the facility, all participants must complete the registration packet and pay appropriate fees. No refunds of fees will be made. Staff led tours and orientations are available upon request.

• For both security and utilization tracking, all participants using the facility must present their valid AU ID card at the Front Desk upon entering the Fitness Center.

• Individuals age 14 to 18 will not be permitted to use the Fitness Center without a signed parental consent. No one under the age of 14 is permitted to use the facility. Children are not allowed to accompany parents or other adults into the Fitness Center.

• No food or drinks other than water in a closed container are permitted in the Fitness Center.

• The locker rooms are to be used to store shoes, clothes, school bags, valuables etc. They are not for overnight use. Bringing a lock for the lockers is strongly encouraged. The Fitness Center is not responsible for lost or stolen articles from either the locker rooms or Fitness Center storage bins. No bags or backpacks are permitted in the Fitness Center.

• Locks are available for sale and annual or semester lockers are available for rent.

• Participants are expected to be courteous of each other and staff. Courteous behavior includes, but is not limited to appropriate language and gestures.

• Appropriate exercise clothing and shoes are required for use of the Fitness Center. Shirts are to be worn at all times. Inappropriate clothing includes, but is not limited to sandals, flip-flops, jeans, suggestive clothing and clothing with offensive language and/or graphics. To protect the floor in the Aerobics Room, only appropriate athletic shoes are permitted. High heels, dress shoes, and other hard-soled footwear or shoes leaving black marks are not permitted.

• Abuse of the equipment will not be tolerated. This includes dropping of dumbbells, weight plates, and allowing weights stacks to fall in an uncontrolled manner. Collars should be used on bars at all times and weight plates returned to proper rack when finished.

• Olympic weight lifting (cleans, jerks, snatches and their variations) are not permitted in the Jacobs and Cassell Fitness Centers.

• The Fitness Center is a multi-use facility. Use of the Fitness Center as well as the pools and basketball courts are at times limited because of athletic team workouts, academic activity classes and special events. Please check the posted schedules and the web page for specific times of these restrictions.

• There are no refunds, partial payments or partial year memberships available. Memberships terminate upon leaving the employment of AU and/or the status of an enrolled student (for faculty, staff and student memberships).

• Personal Training or Group Fitness Training is restricted to only those individuals that have been specifically employed by American University for the purpose of being a Personal Trainer or Group Exercise Instructor. Any participant observed or even assumed to be receiving or providing individual or group training by someone that is not employed by American University for the specific purpose of being a personal trainer or group exercise instructor will be asked to cease the activity and may have their membership privileges suspended or revoked. An individual may be approached and questioned regarding unauthorized personal or group fitness training if he/she appears to be exhibiting any of the following (but not limited to), or related, behaviors:

  • Writing and/or designing a fitness or workout program for a patron.

Fitness center membership carries with it the responsibility of appropriate conduct. Violation of any rules or abusive or irresponsible behavior may results in a suspension of Fitness Center privileges. As needed, AU Police can be called to help enforce these policies.

Guest Policy

• Members may bring up to two guests per day for $15 per guest. All guests must adhere to the rules and regulations of the facility. The member must accompany the guest at all times during his or her stay in the building. An adult member must accompany children under the age of 18 at all times. Facility users assume all liability and responsibility for infants and children under the age of five years old.

Photo/Video Policy

• Anyone that has obtained permission to film/photograph must wear a media pass while in the facilities.

• Individuals must respect patron privacy and cannot solicit members to participant in film/photo shoot.

• Participants being filmed/photographed must sign a media release waiver.

• Film/Photo shoot must stay in pre-approved area only. No one is allowed to film/photograph in the locker rooms.

• During the photo/video shoot, all participants must adhere to all Recreational Sports and Fitness policies.

Lockers Policy

• Lockers may be rented from the front desk on a semester (fall, spring and summer semesters) or yearly basis (beginning the day of payment until that day the following year). Stop by our front desk for a list of available lockers and fees. Lockers will not be prorated for mid-semester rental.

• Day-use lockers may be used daily. Nothing may be stored in these lockers overnight. Locks are cut off nightly. Members have the ability to purchase a lock for daily use lockers for $10.

Lost and Found Policy

• All Recreational Sports and Fitness facilities (Jacobs Fitness Center and Cassell Fitness Center) have a lost and found located at the front desk. Items are only kept for one week. After one week:

  • Towels, water bottles, lunchboxes, notebooks, and swim goggles will be discarded.

  • AU IDs will be given over to the One Card Office, valuables (items of monetary value or with identifying characteristics) will be turned into Public Safety and clothing will be donated.

Sports Equipment Rental Policy

• The JFC front desk offers a variety of sports equipment for members to use to complement their workouts. Resistance bands, weight belts, and jump ropes can be checked out during operating hours. In addition, basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, and footballs can be rented out for indoor or outdoor use during open recreation hours. A valid AU ID is required for all ball rentals and all equipment must be returned no later than 30 minutes prior to the facilities' closing. If equipment is not returned, fees will be charged to member or their AU accounts will be frozen until payment is received.

Group Exercise Studio Use Policies

When our studios are not in use by a scheduled class they are open for individuals to exercise in or groups to reserve for events, rehearsals, etc. Any individual or group using any of our group exercise studios must adhere to these policies:

• No bags or other large personal belongings are permitted in the studios or on the fitness floor. Students and group members must secure all bags in lockers. If there are questions about locker usage please see our front desk. Instructors may secure belongings in the Group Exercise Closet.

• Equipment in the closets, as well as the stereo system, is off limits unless partaking in a supervised class. For those groups approved to utilize the fitness equipment and stereo, please speak with the Manager on Duty to unlock the closets and stereo system. When you are finished, please let the Manager on Duty know so that they can lock the closets and stereo back up. If you have any questions about available equipment or stereo usage please ask the Manager on Duty.

• Personal Equipment (not owned by American University) being used in this room or facility must be inspected by the Manager on Duty before use. This includes equipment that students or members of the group bring in for class, exercise or rehearsal purposes and equipment brought in by the group leader or the instructor.

• Please wipe down all borrowed equipment using our spray bottles and reusable cloths and ensure that all equipment back in its place before exiting the rooms.

• Do NOT BOUNCE of medicine balls on the floors or the walls of the aerobics studios

• Weight Room Equipment, including but not limited to benches, heavy dumbbells, plates or bars, may NOT be used in this room

• DO NOT lean or exercise on the center divider wall or mirrors.

• Proper attire must be worn at all times. This includes, but is not limited to - shirts covering the mid-section, shorts appropriately covering the bottom, no jeans and appropriate athletic footwear. Clean sneakers must be worn at all times for athletic activity. High heels, dirtyshoes, and black soled shoes are not permitted in the studios or fitness centers.

• Shoes must be worn at all times unless partaking in a prior approved Martial Arts, Yoga, Pilates or Academic Dance Program.

• No food or drink, other than water in a closed container, are permitted in the Fitness Center and Studios.

• Please put all equipment back in its place before exiting the rooms.

• Please avoid stepping on mats with sneakers

• Organized groups of 5 or more must reserve the studio at least two weeks in advance.

We reserve the right to modify these policies at any time without notice to maintain the safety and well-being of the facility and patrons.

Group Exercise Program Policies

Our group exercise program offers a great way to stay in shape while having fun. With a variety of classes including Zumba, Spinning, Yoga, Pilates, and aquatics classes, there's sure to be something that meets your needs. All classes are taught by nationally certified instructors and are designed to meet the wide variety of needs and interests for those of all ages, fitness levels and abilities. Come as often as you'd like to learn new techniques and stay motivated! We offer an unlimited class pass option as well as single class pass sales.

• Pick up your pass at the front desk prior to entering class.

• If you have a semester pass you may pick up your pass 30 minutes prior to the start of class.

• If you purchase a single class pass you may pick up your pass 15 minutes prior to the start of class.

• Class sizes are limited by space and equipment used for each class. We reserve the right to cap any class at any number.

• No admittance is permitted into classes more than 5 minutes after the class begins.

• We reserve the right to substitute and/or cancel classes if attendance is consistently low.

• No bags or other large personal belongings are permitted in the studios. If you have questions about locker usage please see our front desk.

• Water bottles only. No outside food or drink.

• Shoes must be worn for all classes with the exception of Yoga, Pilates and Martial Arts classes. Clean sneakers only. No heels, black soled shoes, street shoes or dirty shoes.

Personal Training Policies

• All new clients must fill out the Personal Training Client Registration form prior to starting any sessions for Personal training. In order to ensure that you achieve your goals and your trainer knows as much as possible about you, please complete the registration for completely.

• Returning clients purchasing additional sessions must complete the Additional Sessions Registration form.

• All monetary transactions must take place at the Jacobs Fitness Center or Cassell Fitness Center Front Desk. No money should ever be given directly to your trainer.

• The personal training sessions are non-refundable once they are purchased. Please make sure you can use your sessions before you make your purchase. The expiration dates of the personal training sessions are as follows:

  • Personal Training Packages expire 6 months from date of purchase.

These expiration dates are designed to help you achieve your fitness goals in a timely manner.

• Appropriate athletic attire, including closed toed footwear (no five-finger shoes allowed), must be worn to all sessions.

• Please arrive in a timely fashion to all schedule appointments.

• All sessions are 1 hour or 30 minutes in length, depending on package purchased.

• If you need to cancel your appointment you must cancel at least 24 hours in advance. PLEASE call or e-mail your trainer directly. Canceling less than 24 hours in advance will result in forfeiting of your session.

• Your first initial session must be a Fitness Assessment. The Fitness Assessment will be purchased separately from your Personal Training session/package. The Fitness Assessment will provide you with the opportunity to get to know your trainer and to voice any questions or concerns you may have. Your Fitness Assessment may include resting heart rate and blood pressure measurements, body composition analysis, cardiovascular, muscular endurance, muscular strength and flexibility assessments. Your exercise program will be designed based on your current fitness level and will take your personal, long-term goals into consideration. Your trainer will be focused on developing an individualized program that incorporates your preferences, abilities and skills. All subsequent sessions will be devoted to exercise instruction and program progression.

Bender Arena Recreational Open Gym Guidelines and Policies

Bender Arena is home to American University's Basketball and Volleyball athletic teams. It also is host to various special events including university commencement, rock concerts, and speakers. When not in use by varsity teams and events, the arena is available for intramurals, club sports and open gym time available to all members. Open Courts hours vary. A monthly calendar can be found both on our website and posted in the Jacobs Fitness Center Lobby.

• Appropriate shoes and attire are required in activity areas. Non-marking athletic shoes are required on wood floors.

• No alcohol, smoking, or tobacco products are permitted.

• Recreational Open Gym facilities may not be used for private instruction or to provide services not approved in writing by the Department of Athletics & Recreation.

• Spirited competition is encouraged, but the use of profanity or inappropriate behavior is prohibited, and the Department of Athletics & Recreation staff reserves the right to remove anyone from the facility without notice.

• Recreational Open Gym facilities are open during the hours of the Jacobs Fitness Center, and are posted on-line at .

• All games, full court and half court, end at 10 points, straight; one basket/goal equals one point, winning is by one point.

• Spectators are not permitted to interfere in the game in progress in any way, such as shooting at the opposite basket/goal.

• The next game is determined by calling "winners" or "next." The person calling "winners" or "next" must remain at the court and cannot shoot or play at another basket/goal.

• Players on the losing team may not play in the following game if there are five or more people waiting in the gym to play.

• If the number of players in the gym amounts to 10 people per basket/goal, the JFC staff reserves the right to stop full court play in favor of half court games.

• Inappropriate behavior or abusive language may result in teams or individuals being asked to leave the court.

• The above rules are suggested guidelines. However these rules will be enforced upon request. If you need assistance please contact the Manager on Duty at the Front Desk.

• Any player who is cut or bleeding must stop playing. Please contact the Manager on Duty at the Front Desk of the Jacobs Fitness Center to seek assistance.

• Winning team must relinquish the court after 3 consecutive wins.

• If people are waiting to play another activity/sport, members must cycle through sports every 30 minutes during the allotted Recreational Open Gym time.

Reeves Aquatic Center Policies

• The pool is open only when a lifeguard is on duty

• All swimmers must take a shower before entering the pool

• No swimmers with open sores, open cuts, or with band aids are allowed in the pool at any time

• No balls, rafts, inner tubes, or other flotation devices are allowed in the pool without prior written notice. Only children under the age of 10 are permitted to have flotation devices.

• All swimmers must wear a swimsuit. No shorts, cut-offs, t-shirts, etc...

• No shoes are allowed on the pool deck except by coaches and staff

• Swimmers age 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times

• No running is allowed on the pool deck

• No spitting in the pool or on the pool deck

• No foul play or horse play is allowed in the pool or on the pool deck

• No food or glass bottles are allowed on the pool deck

• Do not hang on to the lane lines.

• The kickboards and pull buoys are provided as a courtesy by the Men's & Women's Swimming Teams. Please return them to their rightful place after use.

• Patrons may be asked by the lifeguards to share lanes and "circle swim" with other patrons during heavy use of the pool. Please understand and respect their request to allow more patrons to use the pool at the same time.

• The wall clock on the pool deck is the correct time of day, and the pool will open and close according to that clock

• The Department of Athletics & Recreation staff has the final say on all approved activities on the pool deck and in the pool.

American University Facility Rules & Regulations

• These facilities are for the use by American University students, faculty, staff, and Rec Sports & Fitness members.

• Any scheduled and reserved activities take priority. Other individuals wishing to reserve and utilize these spaces may do so by contacting the American University Athletics Department.

• Violators of these rules & regulations or reports of improper conduct may result in dismissal from the facilities and the suspension of all privileges.

• The outdoor facilities are open from sunrise to sunset.

• The facilities will close a minimum of one-hour prior to all schedule athletic events, and will remain closed until one-hour after the event has ended.

• The use of roller blades, skate boards, bicycles, and any motorized vehicle is prohibited.

• Pets, tobacco products, or any amplified sound devices are prohibited.

• Please dispose of all trash and chewing gum properly in the appropriate trash containers.

• To avoid theft, please do not leave gym bags, back packs, or other valuables unattended.

• American University will not be held responsible for injuries that occur while participating in any recreational activities within the facilities.

• American University will not be held responsible for any items that are stolen, misplaced, or lost.

• Please report any injuries or thefts to the American University Office of Public Safety by utilizing the Blue Light phones placed across campus.