Please follow these basic rules while using the Athletic & Recreation Centre. Other A&R rules applicable to a specific area are posted throughout the building and must be followed.

1) All visitors should report to the Joan Buddle Service Desk. Service Staff may ask you to present proper ID. You may be asked to leave the building if you fail to provide the proper identification or proof of membership.

2) Recreation Members may keep articles locked in temporary day lockers only during period of facility use (rental lockers excepted). Lockers left overnight with locks attached will have their locks removed and contents will be secured by staff. There is a fee to retrieve secured articles. Management is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen personal property. We strongly recommend you secure all your belongings at all times in the facility. Personal belongings left behind or lost in the facility are included in this policy. 

3) Guests are welcome to use the Athletics & Recreation Centre but must be sponsored by a current member to purchase guest passes. Guest fee payments are made at the Service Desk.

4) Facility use privileges are non-transferable. Recreation/Pulse memberships are for use by purchasing member only. If a non-member is found fraudulently using a membership, both member and non-member will lose current and future membership privileges and the Student Code of Conduct protocols will be followed.

5) All personal belongings must be removed from rented lockers by the expiry date of your service. Any and all articles left behind are assumed unwanted by their owner and will be disposed of after two months in accordance with University policy regarding lost and found articles.  Management is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen personal property. We strongly recommend you secure all your belongings at all times in the facility.

6) It is important that participants wear appropriate foot wear when participating in the activity areas within the ARC. “Street Wear” shoes are not allowed in indoor play areas.

7) Inappropriate behaviour such as swearing and physical or verbal abuse will result in the immediate loss of all current and future membership privileges.

8) For your safety please do not move equipment. Should you require any assistance with equipment (basketball hoops, soccer nets etc) please see the Customer Service Staff at the Joan Buddle Service Desk.

9) Please read all posted signage. Signs are posted to inform all users of rules, proper etiquette and upcoming events/closures etc,  in and around the facilities.

THE PULSE FITNESS CENTRE RULES AND REGULATIONS
These rules and regulations have been designed to keep the centre clean, organized and safe. Please observe and follow all established rules. Disregarding these rules and regulations may result in the loss of membership privileges.

1) A fitness centre membership must be presented upon each entry to the facility. You will not be permitted in the Pulse without a membership. Your Pulse membership is not transferable. If you have forgotten your membership, a temporary day pass MUST be purchased at the Joan Buddle Customer Service or DBAC WG101.

2) All exercisers are responsible for ensuring they have a spotter during free weight exercises. Pulse Personal Trainers are available for spotting when it is requested.

3) All lifting must be done in a controlled manner. All drops must be controlled.

4) Proper athletic footwear must be worn. Bare feet, sandals, crocs, slippers, work boots or dress shoes are not acceptable. Shoes worn outside must be cleaned before entering the Pulse.

5) A shirt that covers the chest area must be worn at all times. 

6) Shorts, short or long track pants, wind pants or tights are permitted. Trousers, jeans, and cutoffs and pants with zippers are not acceptable.

7) Gym bags, knapsacks, jackets, keys and other personal belongings are not allowed in the Pulse and cannot be stored at the front desk area. Lockers are available for day use or long-term rental.

8) No food, cans or glass bottles in the fitness facility. Only plastic or metal water bottles are permitted.

9) Pictures and filming of others is prohibited inside the Pulse. For special events and projects, contact the Fitness Coordinator for permission of cameras.

10) Under McMaster University regulations, smoking is not permitted in any of the university’s buildings or rooms.

11) Towel service can be purchased for your convenience at the Joan Buddle Service Desk or you may bring your own towel. A towel should be placed between you and the upholstery of the equipment while being used. You are required to clean off each piece of equipment after use with a towel and disinfectant sprayer, which is provided.

12) Bars are to be stripped of weight after each use. Return all weights and dumbbells to their proper places. Keep all weights in their designated areas, and do not take them into the fitness studio.

13) Please refrain from having extensive 'rest' sessions while occupying equipment. Allow others to work in. 

14) Fitness classes are on a first come first serve basis. For safety purposes we have a cutoff based on the class type. Cutoffs will be at the discretion of the instructor.

15) Day/guest passes are available at the Joan Buddle Service Desk or DBAC WG 101. Members are responsible for their guest’s actions. Guests must be made aware of the Pulse’s rules and regulations and must sign a waiver upon entrance to the facility.

16) Treadmill usage is restricted to 30-minutes when all other treadmills are occupied

17) Equipment can be signed out for use at the Pulse front desk. If the equipment is not returned the member’s account will be automatically charged. Please be sure to scan the equipment out and to have it scanned back in by our desk staff.

18) Conduction and/or the solicitation of personal business is prohibited in the Pulse. Only the Department of Athletics and Recreation staff may conduct personal training sessions in the Pulse.

19) The Department of Athletics and Recreation is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

20) Any members with special requests and/or needs are asked to please see the Fitness Coordinator prior to their first visit to the Pulse to make the necessary
arrangements.

PLAY SAFE
We want your experience in the Athletics and Recreation Complex and Stadium to be fun, enjoyable and good stress relief from the pressures of studying! There are many inherent risks of sport and activity. By following some simple safety rules you can help prevent injuries and play safe.

1) Have you eaten today? Make sure you eat a healthy meal and hydrate well before any kind of work out or activity (usually an hour or more prior to exercise)

2) Drink water while working out to prevent dehydration.

3) Warm up adequately for the sport or activity you are playing. If you need some ideas, speak to the personal trainers in the Pulse.

4) Wear all mandatory and recommended safety equipment for your sport – eye goggles are mandatory for playing squash, wear a helmet while skate boarding, cycling or in-line skating. Use safety harnesses during climbing activities.

5) In the locker rooms, wear flip flops in the shower and dry off after showering before entering the locker area.

6) In the Pulse, remember to put your equipment away after use and take extra precautions when putting dumbbells back onto the rack to avoid pinched fingers. Ask a trainer if you are unfamiliar with the use of a particular piece of equipment. They are there to help!

7) Moving soccer, basketball and volleyball nets can be dangerous if you are not trained. Please do not move them, just ask for assistance from the Service Desk.

8) Know your limit! Everyone has good days and bad days. Listen to your body and only push yourself when it is appropriate and take days off of activity when it makes sense for you.

ENJOY THE FACILITIES, BUT REMEMBER TO PLAY SAFE!