Recreation and Wellness Center Policies and Procedures

Mission Statement:

“To encourage, educate, and equip the OBU community towards Christ-like wellness.”

A. General Center Policies

  1. All members must show their OBU ID card to gain admission to the center, guests must have a picture ID.
  2. The Recreation and Wellness Center is designed to encourage safe participation in all activities. All participants are required to complete a PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire) before using the center. Due to the strenuous nature of some activities, the participant is advised to consult his/her physician concerning their ability to participate in any type of workout regimen.
  3. All activities in the Recreation and Wellness Center can present certain inherent risks and hazards which the participant assumes. The Recreation and Wellness Center assumes no liability for injuries arising from the results of participation unless due to willful or gross negligence by the Recreation and Wellness Center staff.
  4. All users are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with OBU policy. Behavior should not disrupt or distract from the recreational pursuits of other participants. Abusive behavior, vulgar language, or fighting will not be tolerated. Individuals not following policies may be asked to leave. If the user does not cooperate, OBU University Police will be contacted and the individual may be referred for disciplinary action.
  5. Any accident, injury, or broken equipment must be reported to a staff member immediately.
  6. The use of cameras or video cameras is prohibited in all locker rooms and restrooms.
  7. Bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, or roller shoes are not allowed to be used inside the Recreation and Wellness Center.
  8. Weapons are prohibited in the Recreation and Wellness Center.
  9. Only guide animals or service animals are allowed in the Recreation and Wellness Center.
  10. If special accommodations or assistance is needed, please contact a Wellness Services staff member.
  11. Groups shall not monopolize any particular area of the Recreation and Wellness Center limiting its use or intimidating other patrons. Scheduled reservations must be made for student user groups.

B. Food, Beverage and Tobacco Use

  1. Only bottled water is permitted beyond the front desk.
  2. Please help keep the facility neat and appealing to all users by properly disposing of all trash.
  3. Chewing gum is not permitted in the Recreation and Wellness Center activity areas for health and safety reasons.
  4. According to OBU policy, the campus is Tobacco Free. Use of tobacco in any form is prohibited.
  5. Alcohol products are not permitted on campus. Persons under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs will not be permitted into the Recreation and Wellness Center.

C. Dress Code

OBU expects users of the Recreation and Wellness Center to accept individual responsibility for suitable dress. Appropriateness of all dress is at the discretion of the facility supervisor.

  1. As members of a Christian academic community, center users should wear clothing covering the torso and back. Sports bras, spaghetti strap tank tops, and racerbacks are not permitted.
  2. For safety reasons, exercise shoes covering the entire foot must be worn in all activity areas except the pool.

The Recreation and Wellness Center staff promotes this policy for the following reasons:

  1. To create a comfortable exercise experience for all center users.
  2. To increase the safety of all participants.
  3. To increase the life of the equipment by keeping it clean and dry.

Thank you for selecting attire that aligns with the mission of OBU.

D. Family Use Policies and Age of Users

Members age 16 and older have access to all facility areas and programs. Family members under the age of 16 will need to be with an adult member to enter the RAWC, must be properly supervised, and are not permitted in the Fitness Studios or the Cardio and Strength Area.

E. Guests and Day-Use Passes

The Recreation and Wellness Center welcome’s guest users, but the following policies are designed to preserve the safety of all participants and the continued purpose of the center serving primarily the OBU community.

  1. All guests must sign a PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire) and an Assumption of Risk/Liability Waiver Form.
  2. Guests under the age of 18 must have a Minor Waiver (or “Ward” Waiver) signed for the day of the visit. These waivers can be picked up from the center beforehand or downloaded from the RAWC’s web page.
  3. Guests of current center members will pay a day-use fee of $5.00 (limit 2 guests per member per visit). Guests of members will be allowed a maximum of 10 visits per year. (Exceptions to the 2 guests per member limit may be requested at least 1 week prior.)
  4. Guests to the university that do not come with a hosting center member will pay a day-use fee of $10.00 , and will be allowed a maximum of 10 visits per year.
  5. Guests who are attending OBU scheduled group activities (camps, special events, group or party rentals, etc.) will abide by activity policies and fee requirements for the activity, and these visits are not subject to the 10 maximum visits per year.

F. Personal Items

  1. Backpacks, book bags, and/or other personal items are not allowed on the floor in any activity area.
  2. Please use lockers located in the locker rooms (locks are available to check-out), or place your belongings within your direct sight:
  • on a window sill
  • on or under a bench
  • in a cubby hole
  1. OBU is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  2. Contact the staff at the Front Desk to inquire about lost items.
  3. If user finds a lost item, please take the item to the Front Desk.

G. Lockers and Locks

Locker Rooms are located on each end of the center. The Pool Locker Room has showers available, while the West Locker Rooms have changing rooms and restrooms only.

  1. Lockers are available on a day-use basis for free, or long-term lockers may be rented for a small fee:
  • Full lockers = $25.00 per year or $15 for 6-months
  • Half lockers = $10.00 per year or $5.00 for 6-months
  • Locks are provided, or you may use your own
  • Day-use lockers are not for overnight storage

H. Bulletin Board/Advertisement

  1. The posting of any sign, notice, or flyer is prohibited in the OBU Recreation and Wellness Center.
  2. Bulletin boards are for Wellness Services professional staff only.
  3. Please see a staff member if you have questions about any bulletin board.

I. Courts

  1. Shoes that mark the floor are prohibited.
  2. Dunking or hanging on the rims/nets is strictly prohibited because of the risk of injury and potential damage to the equipment.
  3. Setting up and removal of equipment is under the direction of the professional facility staff. Please ask for assistance if the court equipment is in need of adjustment.
  4. Shirts must be worn at all times. Target jerseys to designate teams are available for use.
  5. Do not place personal items on the floor near courts. Personal property should be placed on or under the benches, on the window sills, or in lockers
  6. To rent a court please call the secretary, Debbie Jack, at 405-585-5221 before 4:00 p.m. on the day of rental.

J. Fitness Studio

  1. Any OBU scheduled activity has priority usage.
  2. The fitness studio is available for individual workouts during open time slots.
  3. Personal property shall be placed in cubby holes or lockers.
  4. Shoes that mark the floor are prohibited.

K. Indoor Track

  1. 10 laps = 1 mile
  2. Slower traffic please use inside lanes.
  3. Running direction is patterned to help reduce leg stress associated with running tight turns in the same direction. Users help promote safe running conditions by cooperating and running the designated direction for that day.
  4. Track direction alternates on even or odd numbered days. The daily direction is indicated on the signs located at the top of the stairs.
  5. Please be courteous of others on the track.

L. Cardio and Strength Area

  1. Users not familiar with the operation of the exercise machines should seek assistance from staff attendants.
  2. After exercising, please wipe equipment down with provided hand towels. Anti- bacterial wet wipes are available to clean machines if needed.
  3. Please do NOT wipe the TV screens, as this could cause scratching.
  4. Users are encouraged to bring personal headphones to enjoy the cardio machines in-screen TV’s.
  5. Do not place any items on floor. Personal property shall be placed on or under bench, on the window sills, in a cubby hole, or secured in lockers.
  6. Users should be courteous to others by limiting the length of their workout at a single station. Cardio machines have a 30-minute maximum.
  7. Please do not rest on weight machines in between sets.
  8. If weights, pulleys, or other parts become jammed or unstable, users should not attempt to free them without staff assistance. Please report the problem to a fitness attendant.
  9. The machines and weights should be used with care. Dropping dumbbells and weight stacks can cause injury to user or damage to equipment or facility.
  10. Please return weights and equipment to appropriate storage locations to help prevent injury to self or to others.
  11. At no time are persons under the age of 16 permitted in the Cardio and Strength Areas. Children may sit on side benches to wait for their parents or guardians.

M. Racquetball/Wallyball Courts

  1. Safety eye goggles are strongly recommended!
  2. Safety eye goggles, racquet, and racquetballs are available for checkout at the Equipment Checkout Window.
  3. Shoes that mark the floor are prohibited.
  4. Do not enter court until play has stopped.
  5. Courts may be reserved in one hour time slots. A person may reserve 1 court for 1 hour at a time.
  6. Reservations may be made up to five days beforehand.
  7. A reserved court will be held for only 10 minutes .
  8. Two courts are available on the top of the hour, one court is available at the bottom of the hour.

N. Pool

  1. No one will be allowed in the swimming area unless a lifeguard is on duty. Disciplinary action will be taken if a member enters the pool premises when no lifeguard is on duty.
  2. If shoes are worn on the pool deck, please be sure the shoes are clean.
  3. Children under 16 entering the pool complex must be accompanied with parent or guardian within close proximity.
  4. No member within the pool complex should behave in such a manner to jeopardize the safety and health of others and themselves.
  5. Any injury occurring in the pool complex must be reported to lifeguard on duty.
  6. The pool telephone maybe only used in emergency or by staff for center business.
  7. No food or drinks in the pool area, except bottled water in non glass containers.
  8. Employees are the only persons allowed in mechanical or storage rooms.
  9. If the overhead lights go off, pool will be emptied immediately. Pool will not open until light is fully restored.
  10. OBU expects users of the Recreation and Wellness Center Pool to accept individual responsibility for suitable dress. Appropriateness of all swimwear is at the discretion of the lifeguard and the Facility Supervisor.
  • As members of a Christian academic community, pool users should choose swimwear of a modest cut
  • Thank you for selecting attire that aligns with the mission of OBU

11. Pool users must wear swimsuits. Clean T-shirts and/or gym shorts may be worn in addition to swimwear for modesty or medical reasons. Clothing such as cut-offs, street clothes, or underwear is not permitted in the pool.

12. Swimwear should not be worn into the Recreation and Wellness Center.

O. Swimmers

  1. Lifeguards have authority to enforce all pool rules.
  2. Pool users must shower with warm water and soap before entering the water.
  3. Excess body lotions should be removed prior to entering the water.
  4. Any person having a skin disease, sore or enflamed eyes, cold nasal or ear discharge, communicable disease, or is wearing any bandage or band aid will not be permitted in the pool.
  5. Persons having any considerable area of exposed sub-skin tissues, open blisters, cuts, are warned that these are advised that the area may become infected, will not be permitted in the pool.
  6. Behavior such as running, boisterous or rough play, pushing, acrobatics, dunking, wrestling, splashing, yelling, diving or jumping haphazardly, snapping of towels, improper conduct or behavior.
  7. Spitting or spouting of water, blowing nose, or urinating in the pool is prohibited.

P. Divers

  1. Only one person is allowed on the diving apparatus at one time. (Including ladder)
  2. Divers must dive straight from the front end of the board.
  3. Divers may not spring more than once on the board.
  4. Upon surfacing, swim to the nearest ladder; do not swim under the board at any time.
  5. The next user in line must wait until proceeding user has surfaced and is at a safe distance.
  6. Diving board users must be able to swim to the ladder unassisted.
  7. No diving in water less than 6 feet.

Q. Lap Swimming

  1. At least one lane will be roped off for those persons waiting to swim laps or water jog undisturbed.
  2. Please be considerate when sharing lanes. For effective use, swimmers must swim counter-clockwise and pass in the middle when more than two swimmers are in one lane.
  3. If no one is utilizing the lane for lap swimming or water jogging, it may be used for other purposes. Please ask the lifeguard to move the lane marker. However, once any user expresses the desire to utilize the lane for swimming or water jogging, the lane will be set back up for them.

R. Climbing Wall

Climbing is an assumed risk. Climbers must agree to follow all policies and procedures of the facility, including those outlined below and any communication by the OBU Recreation and Wellness Center Climbing Wall Attendants. Failure to follow all of the required policies and procedures may result in losing rock climbing privileges.

  1. All RAWC policies and procedures must be followed.
  2. All climbers must register at the Equipment Check-Out Window.
  3. The climbing wall is to be used only during scheduled open hours with Climbing Wall staff on site.
  4. All climbers (both youth and adult) must have a signed liability waiver form on file to use the climbing wall.
  5. Climbers are expected to follow recommendations and requests of Climbing Wall managers and staff.
  6. A parent or guardian must accompany children under the age of 16.
  7. Minimum age to top rope climb is 10. (The size and weight of the child is also a factor; for safety reasons, Climbing Wall Attendants reserve the right to use their judgment.) Children may be required to wear a chest harness based on size and weight.
  8. Children aged 10-14 must wear safety helmets. (Helmets may be checked out at the equipment window)
  9. No one with an active (bleeding/discharging) wound may use the climbing wall. The wound must be covered and then approved by the climbing wall staff.
  10. Climbers must remove all jewelry and loose fitting clothing before climbing.
  11. All accidents or equipment damage should be immediately reported to RAWC staff.
  12. Climbers may use personal harnesses, belay devices and chalk balls. Harnesses and belay devices must be visually checked by Climbing Wall Attendants before use. Loose chalk is not allowed at or around the climbing wall. Climbers are required to use chalk balls to reduce build up on holds and spills on the carpet.
  13. Unsafe climbing practices must be brought to the immediate attention of RAWC staff.

BELAY CERTIFICATION

  1. All climbers must complete a Belay Certification Course and be approved by the appropriate RAWC staff. Only children 16 and over may be approved to belay.
  2. All climbers must be belayed by an individual who has a current belay certification card (adults or children 16 and older) or by the climbing wall staff.
  3. All belays must display a Belay Certification Tag issued by the Climbing Wall staff.
  4. Climbers must provide a certified belayer. Solo climbing is not permitted.

CLIMBING AREA RULES

  1. Climbing on any element of the RAWC facility other than the Climbing Wall, will result in immediate suspension of Wellness Center privileges.
  2. Unsafe climbing practices must be brought to the immediate attention of RAWC staff. All climbers are asked to assist and encourage less experienced climbers.
  3. Shoes must be worn for all climbing activities, including walking and belaying on the crash pad. Only shoes with clean soles will be allowed on the wall. Shoes designed for technical rock climbing or clean, soft-soled tennis shoes are highly recommended.
  4. An ATC and locking carabiner will be used for all belays. Belays must be from the belayer's harness. The use of anchors while belaying is strongly recommended.
  5. It is both the climber and belayer’s responsibility to check, double check, and triple check the climber knot, and belay system before climbing.
  6. Some form of belayer/climber communication must take place before each and every climb to ensure safety. Details will be covered in the belay certification process, but the recommended commands between the belayer and climber are as follows:

    Climber : Belayer :

    On Belay? Belay On!

    Climbing? Climb On!

  7. Changes of orientation of holds, climbing routes and overall wall configuration are made by the RAWC Climbing Wall Staff at designated times only.
  8. Setting or adjusting of “top rope” or boulder routes is only performed by the Climbing Wall Staff.

BOULDERING

  1. It is required that all participants bouldering have at least one person spotting them with a crash pad as they boulder. Minimum age for spotters is 16.
  2. Bouldering is not allowed to occur below roped climbers.
  3. Minimum age to boulder is 6. Parents are encouraged to spot their own children, but are required to be in the area even if another spotter aged 16 or older is helping.

The OBU Recreation and Wellness Center staff reserves the right to restrict or deny use of the climbing wall for violation of climbing wall policies or intentional unsafe acts. OBU reserves the right to grant exceptions to any of the policies on a case by case basis during special events where additional supervision and/or instruction will be provided.