Athletic and Recreation Facilities Polices & Guidelines

Athletic and Recreation Facilities Management and Recreation Wellness are committed to providing a healthy environment that engages the Laker community.  The following policies and procedures have been established to ensure quality, safe, and inclusive recreational experiences.  Violations of these rules and regulations can results in suspension or termination of athletic and recreation facilities privileges.  These rules and regulations may be modified or amended at any time without prior notice.


Fieldhouse & Recreation Center

Recreation Center

Athletic and Recreation Facilities Management and Recreation and Wellness are committed to providing a healthy environment that engages the Laker community. The following policies and procedures have been established to ensure quality, safe, and inclusive recreational experiences.

  • The rec center is a controlled facility.  To gain entry, please present a valid student ID, Faculty/Staff ID, membership card, or day pass.  Users are expected to read and adhere to all posted rules and instructions for each specific activity area.
  • Parents, legal guardians, or a responsible person must accompany youths under 14 years of age at all times.  
  • Participants under 14 years of age are permitted to utilize the Cardiovascular Fitness Areas and Rec Center Courts only. 
  • Participants under 14 years of age are prohibited from using any Selectorized or Weight Lifting equipment in all areas of the facility.
  • Consult a physician prior to engaging in physical activity.  Participation is at your own risk. 
  • The GVSU Recreation Center is not responsible for accidents or injuries that occur due to the nature of the activity.
  • Report injuries, accidents, or equipment failures immediately to Recreation Center Staff.
  • Athletic apparel including shirts, athletic shorts or pants, and closed toed/closed heel athletic shoes are required to be worn. See specific Rec Center Attire tab below. 
  • For safety reasons, all personal belongings must be placed in storage cubbies or lockers.  GVSU is not responsible for any personal belongings lost or stolen.
  • Equipment is not to be removed from activity areas and must be used for its intended purpose.
  • Tobacco, food, glass bottles, cans, alcohol, drugs, or weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited.
  • Use of bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, hover boards and drones are prohibited inside the Recreation Center.
  • Only registered service animals are allowed in the facility.
  • Headphones must be used while listening to personal music.
  • Use of cameras and video equipment are not allowed.
  • Advertising or promotional materials must be pre-approved by Athletic and Recreation Facilities Department and placed in authorized locations only.
  • Only qualified Recreation/Wellness staff may provide exercise instruction and/or private training.
  • Any scheduled group activity must be pre-approved and scheduled in advance by Athletic & Recreation Facilities Management.
  • Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated in the Recreation Center.  Participants must abide by the GVSU Student Code in addition to all other county, state and federal laws.
  • The on-duty supervisors have authority over all activity area conduct and may ask the user to leave the facility for failure to follow instructions.

These rules and regulations are designed to make the Recreation Center a safe and enjoyable place for all participants. Violations of these rules and regulations can result in suspension or termination of your Recreation Center privileges. These rules and regulations may be modified or amended at any time without prior notice.

Rec Center Area Specific Rules

  • Tops must be worn at all times and cover the pectoral area.
  • Shorts or pants should be free of belts, studs, rivets and zippers while utilizing upholstered equipment.
  • Indoor athletic footwear must be worn at all times. Boots, open-toed shoes (including crocs and slides) and sandals are not permitted.

The following guidelines apply to this specific area in addition to the fieldhouse and rec center general facility rules.

  • Participation is “at your own risk.” In the event of an emergency please contact recreation staff or dial 911.
  • If there is damaged equipment, please contact recreation staff.
  • Parents, legal guardians, or a responsible person must accompany youths under 14 years of age at all times.
  • Please closely adhere to the directional arrows for the particular day, and all running/walking should be in one direction.
  • Walkers should take the inside two lanes only, passing should be done on the outside lanes. Patrons with strollers abide by this same rule.
  • While on the track lanes, all users must be moving and not stopping or watching play below.
  • Use caution when changing lanes & entering or leaving the track from the stretching area.
  • Plastic, non-glass, or reusable water bottles are acceptable.

The following guidelines apply to this specific area in addition to the fieldhouse and rec center   general facility rules.

  • Participation is “at your own risk.” In the event of an emergency please contact recreation staff or dial 911.
  • If there is damaged equipment, please contact recreation staff.
  • Participants must be at least 14 years old.
  • No jeans, slacks, or studded clothing on upholstered equipment.
  • Plastic, non-glass, or reusable water bottles are acceptable.
  • Please read and abide by instructions and precautions posted on each piece of equipment.
  • No slamming of weight stacks. Lifting should be a controlled motion.
  • If you are unsure on how to use a piece of equipment, please ask a recreation staff member.
  • Wipe down all pads and equipment with sanitizing wipes that you come in contact with following use of machine.
  • Do not take equipment out of the room.
  • if you have questions regarding your workout please consult our fitness and wellness services located within the Recreation and Wellness office.

The following guidelines apply to this specific area in addition to the fieldhouse and rec center general facility rules.

General Rules:

  • Participation is “at your own risk.” In the event of an emergency please contact recreation staff or dial 911.
  • If there is damaged equipment, please contact recreation staff.
  • Participants must be at least 14 years old.
  • Athletic apparel including shirts, athletic shorts or pants, and closed toed/closed heel athletic shoes are required.
  • No jeans, slacks, or studded clothing on upholstered seats.
  • For safety reasons, all personal belongings need to be placed in cubbies or lockers. Bags and jackets are not allowed in the weight room. GVSU is not responsible for any personal belongings lost or stolen.
  • Plastic, non-glass, or reusable water bottles are acceptable.

Weight Lifting Rules:

  • Use locks and collars on all bars.
  • Return all equipment and weight plates to proper location after each use. Do not take equipment out of the area.
  • Use a spotter when necessary.
  • Use of chalk and powder is prohibited.
  •  Always wipe down equipment after use.
  • Maintain control of your weights at all times. No dropping of weights!
  • Always workout at your own fitness level and ask recreation staff for assistance if necessary.
  • Weight lifting instruction is available through Recreation and Wellness services.

Olympic Platform Rules:

  • No dropping of weights from higher than your knees.
  • Weights must be controlled at all times.
  • Olympic lifting only allowed within the platforms.
  • Only one person allowed on the platforms at a time.
  •  No other plates or dumbbells aside from bumper plates allowed on the platforms.
  • No spotting on Olympic lifts.
  • Please leave the area cleaner than you found it.

The following guidelines apply to this specific area in addition to the fieldhouse and rec center general facility rules.

  • Participation is “at your own risk.” In the event of an emergency please contact recreation staff or dial 911.  If there is damaged equipment, please contact recreation staff.
  • Parents, legal guardians, or a responsible person must accompany youths under 14 years of age at all times.
  • Athletic apparel including shirts, athletic shorts or pants, and closed toed/closed heel athletic shoes are required to be worn. Non marking shoes are required.
  • For safety reasons, all personal belongings need to be placed in cubbies or lockers. GVSU is not responsible for any belongings lost or stolen.
  • Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated in the facility.  User may be asked to leave the facility. 
  • Plastic or reusable water bottles are acceptable.
  • Hanging on rim is not permitted.
  • Please see what sports are allowed in the Recreation Center that use sporting balls/pucks and which courts these sports are held:
    • Courts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5: Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Pickleball
    • Courts 6, 7: Basketball, Volleyball, Pickleball
    • Court 8: Basketball, Soccer, Floor Hockey
  • All activities not included above will require written approval from the GVSU professional staff.
  • Please return all of your equipment to the equipment issue room.

The following guidelines apply to this specific area in addition to the fieldhouse and rec center general facility rules.

  • Participation is “at your own risk.” In the event of an emergency please contact recreation staff or dial 911.
  • If there is damaged equipment, please contact recreation staff.
  • Parents, legal guardians, or a responsible person must accompany youths under 14 years of age at all times. 
  • Plastic, non-glass, or reusable water bottles are acceptable.
  • Athletic apparel including shirts, athletic shorts or pants, and closed toed/closed heel athletic shoes are required to be worn.
  • No jeans, slacks, or studded clothing on upholstered equipment or on any cardio seats.
  • Wipe down all pads and equipment with sanitizing wipes that you come in contact with following use of machine.
  • Excessive or intense exercise can become unsafe if overdone. Listen to your body, and if you have questions regarding your workout please consult our fitness and wellness services located within the Recreation and Wellness office.

The following guidelines apply to this specific area in addition to the fieldhouse and rec center general facility rules.

  1. Participation is “at your own risk.” In the event of an emergency please contact recreation staff or dial 911.  If there is damaged equipment, please contact recreation staff.
  2. Participants must be at least 14 years old.
  3. Athletic apparel including shirts, athletic shorts or pants, and closed toed/closed heel athletic shoes are required. Please tuck shoelaces in if you are spinning.
  4. For safety reasons, all personal belongings need to be placed in cubbies or lockers. GVSU is not responsible for any personal belongings lost or stolen.
  5. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated in the facility.  User may be asked to leave the facility. 
  6. Plastic or reusable water bottles are acceptable.
  7. If you are unsure on how to use a piece of equipment, please ask a staff member.
  8. All activities and classes require prior approval and reservation from Athletic & Recreation Facilities Management to use this space.
  9. Instructor or supervisor with approved credentials must be present at all times.
  10. Use of this area and the sound system require approval from Athletic and Recreation Facilities Management, Recreation and Wellness, or Movement Science.
  11. Wipe down all pads and equipment with sanitizing wipes that you come in contact with following use of machine.
  12. Do not take equipment out of the room.
  13. Any use of outside equipment requires prior approval from Athletic and Recreation Facilities Management.

The following guidelines apply to this specific area in addition to the fieldhouse and rec center general facility rules.

  • In the event of an emergency please contact recreation staff or dial 911.
  • If there is damaged equipment, please contact recreation staff.
  • For the privacy of our patrons, absolutely no cell phone or photographic equipment use allowed in locker rooms.
  • Please report suspicious activity to the GVSU Recreation Center Staff, or call 911.
  • Please dry in the drying area, near the showers.
  • CAUTION: Locker room floors may be slippery.
  • All personal belongings should be in a locked locker. GVSU is not responsible for any belongings lost or stolen.
  • All of these lockers are Day Use Only Lockers on a first come first serve basis.
  • All lockers are the property of GVSU. A fee will be assessed for locker damage caused by negligence or abuse.
  • Children 4 years of age and older may not enter the locker room of the opposite sex. Family changing area is available.
  • If items are left in a locker overnight, there will be a $5.00 charge to retrieve your personal belongings. Any items not picked up will be added to our Lost and Found collection and then sent for disposal.
  • Please respect other and clean up after yourself.
  • All users must scan in to verify eligibility of use at the check-in station.
  • All participants must shower before entering the pool.
  • All participants under the age of 12 must be supervised by an adult.
  •  All participants using the 3m diving board must be at least 16 years old.
  • No running, rough play, or excessive noise in the pool, on the pool deck, or in the locker rooms.
  • No food or drink allowed on the pool deck (bottled water is allowed).
  • No SCUBA or snorkeling equipment allowed without prior approval by management.
  • Do not distract on-duty lifeguards from responsibilities to the patrons of the pool.
  • Do not participate in any "breath holding" games.
  • Do not swim if you have communicable or infectious diseases.
  • Do not hang from the rim or net of the basketball hoop.
  • Do not hang from the lane lines.
  • Obey the lifeguards at all times.
  • Lifeguards have the right to limit or regulate: a) activities b) equipment use and c) facility use.
  • Diving is allowed only in designated areas.
  • Floatation devices must attach to the child and be approved by a lifeguard.
  • Swimming equipment must stay in the shallow end of the pool.
  • There must be two lifeguards present at all times for the facility to be in use by the public.
  • Individuals with a disability requiring an accommodation are asked to please see a lifeguard prior to swimming so they are aware of the current situation.
  • Guests are responsible for their own towels. If needed, please visit the recreation center welcome desk to rent one.
  • Swim diapers or plastic pants are required of all children who wear diapers.
  • Starting blocks are for the varsity swimming and diving teams only.
  • GVSU takes no responsibility of personal injury sustained while swimming in the pool.
  • Proper swimming attire is encouraged.
  • The use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco is prohibited prior or during swimming.
POOL

Kelly Family Sports Center

Kelly Family Sports Center
Kelly Family Sports Center Track & Turf
  • All users must check in at the front desk.
  • Student ID, faculty ID, or membership ID is required for entrance.
  • Alcohol, tobacco, smoking or control substances are prohibited.
  • Participants utilize this facility "at their own risk".
  • Minors under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.
  • Food and beverages are permitted only on the main upper level and seating areas.
  • Any posting of materials must be approved by the facility and displayed in designated areas.
  • Bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, hover boards and drones are prohibited inside the building.
  • The Grand Valley State University student code will be adhered to at all times.

The following guidelines apply to this specific area in addition to the Kelly Family Sports Center guidelines.

  • No food including gum and sunflower seeds.
  • Water in a sealed container is the only beverage allowed.
  • Metal track spikes must be 1/4 inch or less (no other metal spikes/ cleats allowed).
  • Field paint/ chalk is to be used by management only.
  • No spitting on any surface.
  • Perimeter doors are for emergency exit only.
  • Use of abusive or profane language is prohibited and is grounds for removal.
  • No using walls as a rebound or backstop.
  • Store and secure all equipment after use.
  • Report all damage and injuries to the building staff.

Outdoor Fields & Courts

Outdoor Fields
  • Use of all courts, as participants or spectators is "at your own risk". All facility users/ spectators should proceed with care and use courts with caution.
  • Only GVSU individuals and scheduled groups are allowed use of fields. Contact 331-3313 or visit: www.gvsu.edu/sportsfacilities
  • Courts can be reserved to registered student organizations by contacting 331-3313 or at www.gvsu.edu/sportsfacilities
  • Open Recreation for activities such as touch football, frisbee, soccer are permitted on the multi -purpose field when no other activities are scheduled if such usage does not damage the turf.
  • Do not enter fenced varsity soccer field or track stadium without a confirmed reservation.
  • Use of courts must be in compliance with GVSU's student code at all times. Inappropriate or unsportsmanlike behavior and language may result in immediate and/ or long term denial of access to the outdoor courts.
  • No alcohol, smoking, or tobacco/ controlled substances allowed.
  • No beverage other than water or food allowed on the artificial turf surface including gum, candy, and sunflower seeds.
  • No spitting on the artificial turf surface.
  • No pets or animals are allowed on the courts, fields or spectator areas.
  • No vehicles permitted on the field. Golf carts are permitted to serve the needs on the perimeter of each field.
  • Parking or unloading is not permitted on or near fields. Park and unload in paved lots only.
  • Cease activity during bad weather, and/ or in conjunction with GVSU officials and staff.
  • Report all damages to the Kelly Family Sports Center front desk.
  • Appropriate attire is required at all times.
  • Tennis shoes are required on the tennis and basketball courts.
  • Plastic cleats are allowed, no metal cleats on the artificial turf surface.
  • Track spikes must be pyramid spikes no longer than 1/4 inch on the track surface.
  • Tennis racquets can be checked out with a GVSU ID at the Kelly Family Sports Center front desk.
  •  Do not adjust tennis net heights.
  • Do not climb on soccer goals or netting.
  • No skateboarding allowed on tennis courts.
  • Hitting of golf balls is not permitted on fields.
  • Rollerblading on WEST roller hockey court only.
  • No hoverboarding on any of the courts or fields.
  • Use of drones is not permitted on any GVSU outdoor fields or courts.
  • Return all equipment to original condition/ location after each use.
  • Please place all litter in a trash receptacle.
  • Outside accessible restrooms are located on the south side of the Kelly Family Sports Center.
  • GVSU is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
  • In case of emergency call 911 or 331-3255 to contact campus police.


Page last modified October 5, 2023