Frequently Asked Questions

Note: Children 7 years of age or older are required to use the change room designated for their gender. If this is not suitable, please take advantage of our Gender Neutral/Universal Change rooms.  

Universal Change Rooms are available for anyone looking for a non-gender specific space.

We want you to be our eyes & ears and share your feedback so we can improve your experience with us.Email us @ feedbackgryphons@uoguelph.ca

All gym bags and knapsacks must be stored prior to any activity. Locker & Towel Memberships and Daily Locker Rentals are available to purchase at Client Services (not available online). View details & fees @ gryphons.ca/Membership Services. PLEASE REMOVE ALL CONTENTS FROM DAY LOCKERS AT THE END OF YOUR ACTIVITY. Daily locker contents will be removed at the end of each day. Failure to do so results in a $10 fee. Bring your own lock or rent a lock from Client Services. Please note that you are responsible for the security of your personal items. Leave valuables at home or lock them up!

Each semester Lockers must be renewed or cleaned out. Items that are not removed by the deadline will be stored for one month; a $10 fee will be applied to retrieve your items from Client Services.

Please note that towels CANNOT be kept out overnight.  Towels must be returned prior to closing time of the building. 

A $10 fee applies to all withdrawals and refunds. Withdrawal and refund requests for registered Fitness/Wellness Specialty Fitness (Cardio Shred, Fit in 30, Special Aqua) and Skill Development Activities (such as Aquatics, Dance, Martial Arts & Sports programs) must be requested prior to the 2nd class.* After this date, refunds may be issued for unique situations (injury, accident, relocation outside of the Guelph area), at the discretion of the program supervisor. Written documentation will be requested. Refunds placed back on your account will remain there for 365 days.
*Refunds for certification courses must be requested at least three days prior to the start of the course.
**Refunds for Yoga Teaching Certification must be requested two weeks prior to the start date of the course.
***Refunds for NRG Passes must be requested no later than 10 days from the time of purchase to receive a full refund. After this 10 day cooling off period, any requested refunds must be accompanied by a medical note and are approved on a case by case basis.

We reserve the right to cancel any activity that does not have sufficient registration. In this case, participants will receive a full refund and notification prior to the start of the activity. It is your responsibility to ensure that your contact information (phone, email, mailing address) is current.

The purchase of the Athletics Base Membership is required prior to purchasing the Gryphon NRG Pass and/or registering for Personal Training, Group Personal Training & Skill Development Activities as well as Intramurals and Clubs. The Athletics Base Membership is not a pre-requisite for Daily Drop-in Recreation (fee applies for daily access pass), Personal Training, Certification Courses, the Special Aqua Program, or Kids Programming/Camps. Individuals must be 12 years or older to participate in NRG Classes and 16 years or older to use the Fitness Centre.

You already have an Athletics Base Membership if you are a registered full or part-time undergraduate or a full-time graduate student. To purchase your Athletics Base Membership and/or Gryphon NRG Pass, visit gryphons.ca/Fitness & Recreation, Membership Services for details. To register for Activities visit gryphons.ca/Fitness & Recreation to view details by hovering over the Activity name. Click on the Activity name to be directed to Connect (our registration system) to complete your registration & payment process. Fees include taxes.

1. Drop-in classes (pay as you go) are available for any of the classes that sit within the NRG Pass Class Schedule. Purchase your class drop-in pass at Client Services prior to attending the class and you must keep your receipt to show proof of purchase to the instructor.
2. Registration is required for the whole session for all Fitness/Wellness Specialty Fitness Activities (Cardio Shred, Fit in 30, Special Aqua) and Skill Development Activities (Aquatics, Aquatic/Safety Certifications, Fitness/Yoga Certifications, Dance, Martial Arts, Sports). We often open drop-in classes about one month after the session start dates if space permits for Dance classes.
3. Drop-in Recreation is free to Members. Drop-in Recreation activities include: Rec Badminton, Rec Baseball, Rec Beach Volleyball, Rec Boxing (Heavy Bag), Disc Golf, Hot Tub, Steam Room, Rec Skates, Rec Soccer, Rec Squash, Rec/Lane Swimming, Rec Table Tennis, Rec Ultimate Frisbee & Rec Volleyball.

Click here for Membership fee details

We have several recreation swims each day for users. Visit the Recreation page for details.

Please note that hours are subject to change.
Building hours and facility availability will be altered due to special events and holidays. These events include, but are not limited to: Convocation, Conference Bookings, Varsity Games, Gryphon Camps, Campus Days, College Royal, the Athletic Banquet, Winter Break and Holidays. The NRG Pass Class Schedule is reduced during holidays/Winter Break/In-between semesters, view the NRG Schedule @ gryphons.ca.
Please refer to the About Us, Hours of Operation page for detailed information on revised hours.

The hot tub is open during recreation swims only.
Note: Hot Tub will be closed every Wednesday afternoon until Thursday mid-morning for cleaning.
Hot tub will also close during competitive swim meets for safety purposes.

1. Gryphon NRG Pass (includes access to the Fitness Centre and any class, any time within the NRG Pass Class Schedule
2. Locker & Towel Memberships are available to purchase at Client Services (not available to purchase online). Visit gryphons.ca/Memberships for details.

Athletics is committed to providing a safe, inviting recreation experience for the University of Guelph community. Please assist us by adhering to the following guidelines.

1. Individuals must be 12 years or older to participate in NRG Classes and 16 years or older to use the Fitness Centre.
2. Persons 15 years of age* and under participating in Drop-in Recreational activities must be accompanied by a paying parent or guardian at all times.
3. Athletic clothing appropriate to the activity must be worn.
4. Clean athletic footwear with non-marking soles must be worn on all surfaces.
5. Programming space is to be shared appropriately with all participants.
6. Food or glass bottles are not permitted in the gymnasiums or program rooms.
7. Inappropriate behavior such as swearing, physical or verbal abuse will not be tolerated and may result in loss of building access privileges and/or immediate removal from facility.
8. All programming ends 30 minutes prior to the building closing.  All equipment must be returned at this time. 
9. Change rooms will be inspected by a Client Services Representative upon building closure.

Failure to follow these guidelines may result in removal from facility and/or loss of access privileges.

* Children 5 years of age and under must be directly supervised (within arm’s reach), regardless of swimming ability, by a guardian 16 years of age or older. Maximum of 2 children per guardian.
* Children 6-9 years of age, who cannot swim 2 uninterrupted widths of the Red Pool, must be supervised by a guardian 16 years of age or older. Guardian must be present at the time of the swim test. Maximum of 4 children per guardian.
* The ratio of guardians to swimmers 6-9 years of age, who cannot complete the facility swim test, may be increased to a maximum of 8 bathers to one guardian if approved personal flotation devices are worn by all non-swimmers in their care.
* Those with serious medical conditions should be accompanied by an individual knowledgeable of their condition and responsible for their direct supervision.

* All recreation swim participants must enter the facility through the turnstiles at the front of the Athletics Centre.
* Children 7 years of age or older are required to use the change room designated for their gender. Universal/Non-Gender change rooms available for families and individuals looking for a non-gender specific space.
* Please refrain from entering the pools and remain in the change room area until a lifeguard is on duty.
* Street shoes are not permitted on the deck
* Children 15 years of age and under are not permitted in the Steam Room or Hot Tub unless accompanied by an adult.

All registered full and part-time undergraduate students and full-time graduate students have paid their Athletics Base Membership within their academic registration fees.Your Athletics Base Membership includes access to the facilities for: all Drop-in Recreation and the option to register and pay the applicable fee for the Gryphon NRG Pass, Personal Training, Group Personal Training (Cardio Shred, Fit in 30, Special Aqua Program) and Skill Development Activities (such as Aquatics, Aquatic & Safety Certifications, Fitness & Yoga Certifications, Dance, Martial Arts & Sports programs), Intramurals & Clubs as well as the option to purchase any Add-on Memberships such as Locker & Towel Memberships. Go to gryphons.ca/Fitness & Recreation to view full details.

There are TWO steps when registering an Intramural Team.

FIRST – Team captains must pay for the Intramural team on uoguelph.ca/connect or in person at Client Services in the Athletics Centre. Team captains pay the bond for the team ($250 for Ice Hockey and $75 for all other sports). The bond is returned in full if no fines are applied to the account. A team can be fined if they default a game, forget to submit their roster on time, player misconduct, or lost or damaged jersey/equipment.

SECOND – Team captains must register their team roster at IM Leagues (opens in new tab). View FAQ “How do I create a roster and apply players to my roster?” for instructions.

There are TWO steps when registering as an Individual/Free Agent.
FIRST – You must pay to register on connect (uoguelph.ca/connect) or in person at Client Services in the Athletics Centre. The fee to play as a free agent is $20 for Ice Hockey and $10 for all other sports.
SECOND – You must log on to IM Leagues (imleagues.com/Guelph) and create an account. The Intramural Office can then add you to the X’s/Free Agent team you signed up for in Connect. All free agent teams are made up of individual players and the teams have an X in front of the team name (e.g. X-Lightning).

All registered full and part-time undergraduate students and full-time graduate students have paid their Athletics Base Membership within their academic registration fees. Your Athletics Base Membership includes access to the facilities for: all Drop-in Recreation and the option to register and pay the applicable fee for Personal Training, Group Personal Training, (Cardio Shred, Fit in 30, Special Aqua Program), Skill Development Activities (such as Aquatics, Aquatic & Safety Certifications, Fitness & Yoga Certifications, Dance, Martial Arts & Sports programs) as well as the option to purchase any Add-on Memberships such as the Gryphon NRG Pass which includes access to both the Fitness Centre and unlimited classes within the NRG Class Schedule (you do not need to register for specific classes within the NRG Class Schedule) Visit gryphons.ca/Fitness & Recreation for details.

For the protection of all guests, the use of photographic equipment such as cameras and video equipment is prohibited in change rooms, washrooms, and program areas. This includes cell phones and iPods with photographic capabilities.

If I am not already a member, what Programs/Activities require me to purchase the Athletics Base Membership?

• Gryphon NRG Pass (includes both the Fitness Centre and unlimited classes within the NRG Class Schedule)
• Group Personal Training (Cardio Shred, Fit in 30)
• Skill Development Activities (Aquatics, Dance, Martial Arts, Sports)
• Intramurals
• Clubs

Which Programs/Activities do not require the purchase of the Athletics Base Membership?

• Daily Drop-in Recreation (fee applies for daily access pass)
• Personal Training
• Pilates & Yoga Certifications
• Aquatic & Safety Certifications
• Special Aqua Program
• Kids Programming/Camps

The NRG Pass includes access to the Fitness Centre and all classes included within the NRG Pass Class Schedule.  Attend unlimited classes, any time within the NRG Pass Class Schedule.

When the University of Guelph is closed during inclement weather, the Department of Athletics will be closed and all programming will be cancelled. As with academic programming, Athletics programming cancelled due to such a closure is not re-scheduled or credited. To check if the University is closed during inclement weather, visit www.uoguelph.ca or call 519-824-4120 and listen to the general update

A limited number of hours are available for pool and ice rentals.
Contact the Facilities Office: athfacility.booking@uoguelph.ca or 519-824-4120 ext. 53790.

Once your captains has created a team on IM leagues, you can sign in and join the team. Our online video slideshow explains how to create your IM Leagues account and how you join a roster on IM Leagues.
To join a Roster on IM Leagues:

• You must go to imleagues.com/Guelph
• Once on IM Leagues click “Create Account”
• Once logged in click on “University of Guelph” at the top left corner
• On the homepage, select your sport from the list (e.g. click on “Dodgeball Competitive League”)
• When you get to the league page you will click “Register/Signup” and then click “Join a Team”
• You will have to sign your waiver and request to be added to the team
• If your captain has chosen to make the team “CLOSED” they will have to verify your name prior to you being added to the team roster

First Game Default - Ice Hockey ($250.00), Other Sports ($75.00) *and removal from league
Regular Season/Playoff Game Default - Ice Hockey ($125.00), Other Sports ($37.50)

These are some other fines that may occur:

• Failure to submit roster on time to IM leagues ($15.00)
• Misconduct and/or Fighting ($50.00)
• Lost and/or Damaged Equipment and/or Jersey ($50.00)

Unfortunately this happens from time to time. It is best to contact the Intramural Office as soon as you notice an error. The Intramural Office can be contacted by email at iplayim@uoguelph.ca or by phone at 519-824-4120 ex. 56137. The Intramural Office will look into the error and make amendments online when necessary.

When you register or join a team on IM Leagues, you will have accepted the waiver.

Every division in our competitive brackets have playoffs.

Teams - Every team in the league makes playoffs REGARDLESS of standing in the regular season.

Individual Players - Players must participate in at least ONE THIRD (2 OF 6) of their team's regular season games to be eligible to compete in the playoffs (special eligibility rules apply for Ice Hockey leagues).

Varsity players may NOT take part in Intramural competition in the sport they play intercollegiate, players who quit or have left the intercollegiate team are not allowed in their respective sports until the FOLLOWING ACADEMIC YEAR after they have quit or their eligibility expires.

EACH PARTICIPANT MUST HAVE PAID THE ATHLETIC'S FEE by being either a full-time student, or part-time undergraduate student, or purchasing an Athletics Membership Card or an Intramural Membership Card for the current semester (Athletic Membership Cards are only available to the following people: students, faculty and staff of the University, out- of-course students, or spouses of the above, or adult (over 18) children of any of the above.

3-Pitch / Lobball - 12
Basketball - 8
Dodgeball - 10
Badminton - 1 or 2
Flag Football/Snow Flag Football - 10
Hockey - 10
Floor Hockey - 8
Indoor Soccer - 8
Outdoor Soccer - 14
Ultimate Frisbee - 10
Volleyball - 8
Beach Volleyball - 2 or 4
Innertube Waterpolo - 4

To remain consistent and to be fair to all participants, other forms of photo ID are NOT accepted. It is the only way we can truly know that you are a valid University of Guelph or Department of Athletics member paying membership fees. Requiring valid IDs is consistent to gain access to the Athletics Centre, Library and Guelph Transit. We are trying to stay CONSISTENT by enforcing the same procedures in all areas.

Yes! A valid University of Guelph ID or Department of Athletics Membership card is required during all Intramural sports activities. Your class schedule, driver's license, or birth certificate will NOT suffice.

Come to the IM Office and we will sort out the reason why you are not appearing on the scorecard. If you are eligible to play for the team, you will be given an OK TO PLAY slip.

You can purchase a grace pass - $5.00 FOR YOUR FIRST TIME, $10.00 FOR YOUR SECOND TIME. After your second time, you will NOT be allowed to play. Grace passes are not valid during playoffs. Grace passes can be purchased at Client Services. Players then bring the receipt to the Intramural Office to receive their wristband. The money we collect from the grace passes is donated to CHARITY at the end of each semester!

Team schedules will be posted on the IMLeagues website. These schedules will be posted shortly after late registration closes in the Fall and Winter semester. These schedules will tell you where your games will be played, who you will be playing, and the time of your game.

• Find your league schedule by going to the University of Guelph homepage (Go to the Homepage by clicking “University of Guelph” in the top left hand corner of the screen)
• Click on your league from the list (e.g. (M) Competitive A Basketball).
• Once on the League page you will be able to view upcoming games, schedules, and statistics

The Protests and Appeals (P&A) committee deals with suspensions, ineligible players and any other misconducts or incidents that occur during intramural games. Meetings are held EVERY TUESDAY AT 6:30pm IN THE IM OFFICE. You MUST attend a P&A before you are allowed to play again.

Yes, you can play on more than one intramural team if your teams are playing in a variety of sports. You can play on more than one team in the same sport, however, only on one co-ed team and one male or female team. You cannot play for 2 co-ed, 2 male, or 2 female teams of different divisions (A,B,C). Ice hockey is the exception. You can only play on ONE Ice Hockey Team, regardless of division or gender.

3-Pitch - 8 Players (4 Males and 4 Females)
Lobball - 7
Dodgeball - 6 Players (3 Males and 3 Females)
Badminton - 1 (Singles) or 2 (1 Male/Female for Mixed Doubles)
Flag Football/Snow Flag Football - 5 (Minimum 2 of each gender)
Hockey - 6 (for coed 3 Males and 3 Females).
Floor Hockey - 4 (for coed 2 Males and 2 Females)/ 3 (for Men’s League)
Indoor Soccer - 4 (for coed 2 Males and 2 Females)
Outdoor Soccer - 7 (Equal M/F ration on field – does not include the goalie)
Ultimate Frisbee - 5 (Equal M/F ratio at all times, odd player of either sex)
Volleyball - 4 (for coed 2 Males and 2 Females)
Beach Volleyball 2s – 2
Beach Volleyball 4s – 4 (at least 2 Males and 2 Females)
Innertube Waterpolo - 4 (2 Males and 2 Females)

You MUST provide 48 hours’ notice to cancel, 7 days’ notice to reschedule (rescheduling requests are NOT guaranteed). You can request a cancellation or reschedule by contacting the Intramural Office. The Intramural Office can be contacted by email at iplayim@uoguelph.ca
Please note, if you are cancelling a Sunday game, you must notify the Intramural office by Friday at noon.
Teams cannot reschedule their first games of the season but they may cancel their first games without penalty to their bond. If you cannot attend your first game and you do not cancel your first game, you will lose your ENTIRE bond and you will be REMOVED from the league.
RESCHEDULE REQUEST PROCEDURE:
The following steps need to be completed at least 7 DAYS prior to the scheduled game:

1. The team with a rescheduling request MUST email cahills@uoguelph.ca with the request.
2. The IM office will contact the team captains affected and inform them of alternate game times. The availability of alternate game times is subject to the availability of facilities and personnel.
3. Both teams will need to AGREE on the change. The opponent is NOT obligated to change the playing date or time.
4. If both teams do not confirm the change, the game WILL be played as originally scheduled.
5. If a mutually rescheduled date cannot be arranged the team will need to CANCEL the game. If the game is NOT canceled 48 HOURS in advance of the original game time, the team will incur a DEFAULT.
6. RESCHEDULE REQUESTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED.
7. First games of the season CANNOT be rescheduled.

CANCELLATION PROCEDURE:
The following steps need to be completed at least 48 HOURS prior to the scheduled game:
1. The team with the cancellation request MUST e-mail iplayim@uoguelph.ca with the request.
2. The IM will confirm the cancellation with BOTH teams.
3. SUNDAY games must be cancelled by FRIDAY at 2:00 pm.

Once your team is paid in Connect, each player will need to create an account in IM Leagues. If players already have an account from a previous year they need to login and join the team. Our online video slideshow explains how to create your roster on IM Leagues and how your teammates can join your roster on IM Leagues.
To create a new Roster on IM Leagues:

• You must go to imleagues.com/Guelph
• Once on IM Leagues click “Create Account”
• Once logged in click on “University of Guelph” at the top left corner
• On the homepage, select your sport from the list (e.g. click on “Dodgeball Competitive League”)
• Then select the Register/Signup button and click “Create a Team”
• You will have to watch the captain’s video, pass the captain’s quiz, and sign the waiver before you are able to sign up for your team

There are TWO steps when registering an Intramural Team.
FIRST – Team captains must pay for the Intramural team on uoguelph.ca/connect or in person at Client Services in the Athletics Centre. Team captains pay the bond for the team ($250 for Ice Hockey and $75 for all other sports). The bond is returned in full if no fines are applied to the account. A team can be fined if they default a game, forget to submit their roster on time, player misconduct, or lost or damaged jersey/equipment.
second – team captains must register their team roster at im leagues (imleagues.com/guelph). view FAQ “how do I create a roster and apply players to my roster?” for instructions.

When you register or join a team on IM Leagues, you will have accepted the waiver.

Every division in our competitive brackets have playoffs.
Teams - Every team in the league makes playoffs REGARDLESS of standing in the regular season.
Individual Players - Players must participate in at least ONE THIRD (2 OF 6) of their team's regular season games to be eligible to compete in the playoffs (special eligibility rules apply for Ice Hockey leagues).

Varsity players may NOT take part in Intramural competition in the sport they play intercollegiate, players who quit or have left the intercollegiate team are not allowed in their respective sports until the FOLLOWING ACADEMIC YEAR after they have quit or their eligibility expires.

EACH PARTICIPANT MUST HAVE PAID THE ATHLETIC'S FEE by being either a full-time student, or part-time undergraduate student, or purchasing an Athletics Membership Card or an Intramural Membership Card for the current semester (Athletic Membership Cards are only available to the following people: students, faculty and staff of the University, out- of-course students, or spouses of the above, or adult (over 18) children of any of the above.

Use of proper Learn to Skate Aids/Stabilizers/Walkers are permitted. Please note that strollers, chairs, etc. are not permitted.

Please ensure your child wears warm clothing and approved skates and a skate or multi-purpose helmet are mandatory. Skates should fit well & be properly tied. Clothing should allow for movement and also provide some protection from falls.

1:9 ratio for the highest skill level. As the skill level decreases, the ratio gets smaller.

Participants within the ages of 8-15 years should be comfortable in deep water and able to complete the Lifesaving Society’s Swim to Survive Standard (roll into deep water, tread water for one minute and swim at least 50m.).

Participants should be at about a Swim Kids level 4 or higher as they will be expected to tread water and swim throughout the duration of the class, taking breaks periodically.

As a parent/caregiver of a Starfish, Duck participant, you will be expected to join your child in the pool. Parents do not join the class for all other swim lessons.

Fees vary depending on the length of the class, number of classes, and instructor/child ratios.

Goggles and swim caps are available for purchase at Client Services.

Pool equipment located on the deck is available for use by swimmers (i.e.- flutter boards, pull buoys, lifejackets, noodles, mats, etc.).

Specialty equipment is only available for use during specific programs or rentals (i.e. – Inner Tubes, Water polo Balls, etc.).

Conducting or soliciting for any form of business within the facility (i.e. private lessons, personal training, and sales) is strictly prohibited.

Centre lanes are for faster, continuous swimming.
*Please circle swim unless agreed upon with lane-mates to swim side by side. Slower, lap swimming on each side of fast lanes. Outer lanes for slow/beginner swimmers, and water workouts.

Gold Pool – 25 metre lap pool
Red Pool - 25 yard Recreation pool with diving board
Hot Tub – Located on Gold Pool deck.

How to Create an Account Tutorial, click here
How to Register for Activities Tutorial, click here

Valuable items such as wallets, iPod, keys, etc. are taken to Campus Police.  Student Cards are returned to the Registrar.  All other items such as clothing, books, etc. are placed in the Lost & Found Bin.  Items not claimed are donated to charity.

Courts must be booked in person at Client Services.

• Court times can be reserved 7 days in advance of the current day. Individuals may book a maximum of 3 slots for the week on Tuesdays.
• Individuals may only book 1 court per day.
• If you are more than 10 minutes late for a reserved court, you will forfeit your reservation.
• Squash safety glasses are strongly recommended and are available at no charge from Client Services.
• Clean athletic footwear is required.

$10 fee will be applied for anyone requiring a new membership card.

* All users must enter via the turnstiles at the front entrance. University of Guelph students and Members swipe in with their Membership cards.
Non-Members can purchase a daily access pass at Client Services. You must keep your receipt to show proof of purchase to the instructor or facility staff.
* DO NOT SHARE your membership card. This will result in loss of privileges.
* Mats are available to sign out for stretching after your recreational workout. Feel free to stretch in the perimeter of the gymnasiums during recreational time.

Please ensure you print your confirmation/receipt once you’ve completed your online registration and keep for your records and income tax purposes.  Read all Activity and Membership confirmations!  Confirmations contain important information regarding Activity dates, proper attire, required equipment, and date cancellations due to holidays or special events.  

It is strongly recommended to register for all activities you are interested in, even those that are full. Your name will be added to a waiting list and if a space becomes available you will be contacted by email to confirm your registration.  Waiting lists are carefully monitored and activities are often added if there is sufficient demand.

Space permitting, you can transfer into another activity.  Transfers can be requested at Client Services. *Transfers are now available online up to 7 days prior to start date.

Discounts, refunds, or make up classes will not be issued for missed classes. If a Fitness/Wellness or Skill Development Activity class is cancelled due to an unforeseen circumstance such as instructor illness, the class will be re-scheduled if possible. If this is not possible, participants will be credited for the cancelled class.
We reserve the right to cancel any activity that does not have sufficient registration. In this case, participants will receive a full refund and notification prior to the start of the activity. It is your responsibility to ensure that your contact information (phone, email, mailing address) is current.

Fees include 13% tax.  Taxes are not applicable to Kids programming.