Policies

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.

Discounts, refunds, or make up classes will not be issued for missed classes.  If a Fitness & Recreation Program 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.

Please register early so we know you're interested and to avoid cancelling Activities you want.  All activities require a minimum number to run and many activities fill up very quickly.  Therefore, registering early helps us gauge interest and make programming decisions.  Activities will run with sufficient registration.

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, programming cancelled due to such a closure is not re-scheduled or credited. 

Bad Weather Ahead?  Be prepared and sign up for U of G Alert to receive alerts by email, phone or text message from our Emergency Notification System.

Click here to find info on University of Guelph Closures https://news.uoguelph.ca/2018/11/bad-weather-ahead-know-where-to-get-info-on-university-closures/

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  https://news.uoguelph.ca/ or call 519-824-4120 and listen to the general update or sign up for the U of G Alert.

Please be sure that your account information is accurate, especially your email address.  This information is used to contact registrants if Wait List spots open or if there are changes to a program.

Space permitting, you can transfer into another activity.  Transfers can be requested at Client Services or online up to 7 days prior to start date (10 days prior for Gryphon Camps).

Withdrawals/Refunds can be made prior to 2nd class (other than Certifications) by visiting Client Services or calling 519-824-4120 Ext. 56253. Refund amounts will be prorated for the classes that have already taken place and the $15 Withdrawal Fee will apply. Withdrawal/Refund requests after 2nd class require approval from Program Supervisor. No refunds after the 3rd class.

* Withdrawals/Refunds for Certification courses must be requested no later than 7 business days prior to start date by visiting Client Services or calling 519-824-4120 Ext. 56253. The $15 Withdrawal Fee will apply. No refunds after this date.  Refunds placed back onto accounts will remain there for 365 days.

*Refunds for NRG Memberships & Personal Training Sessions can be requested at Client Services but must be done so no later than 10 days from the time of purchase to receive a full refund. After the 10-day cooling off period, requests can be made by contacting the Fitness Supervisor and will be approved on a case by case basis. You will be required to provide documentation. Refunds prior to the 10-day cooling off period with be prorated for any sessions that have already taken place.

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.

If the Department of Athletics is required to close due to changing circumstances:  Individuals will be contacted and automatically withdrawn from Fitness & Recreation Activities. Refunds will be prorated for classes that have already taken place and the credit will be placed back to the original payment method. For original payments made by cash or debit, refunds will be placed onto accounts and once the facility can safely re-open to the public, individuals will be able to contact Client Services in order to process the refund from their account.  NRG  Members will be contacted and will receive a coupon for the pro-rated value of the membership. This coupon code can be used for the following memberships: Student NRG Membership, Student NRG Plus, NRG Plus upgrade, Student Towel Membership, and Locker Rentals. Each code is only good for a one-time use, does not expire, and can be used when registering online or in person (lockers must be done in person). When registering online, simply look for the 'Enter coupon code' box during registration. It will typically be on the 'Membership Detail' page during the registration process under 'fees/discounts'.

All gym bags and knapsacks must be stored prior to any activity.  Day Lockers are available free of charge.  Locker & Towel Memberships are now on sale at Client Services (not available online).  View Locker & Towel details.  PLEASE REMOVE ALL CONTENTS FROM DAY LOCKERS AT THE END OF YOUR ACTIVITY.  Daily locker contents will be removed at the end of the 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!  

For those who already hold a towel membership, but would like to sign out more than one towel at a time, you have the option to purchase the Extra Towel Membership.  The fee varies depending on if you are a student (therefore paying semesterly) or a Non-Student (therefore paying monthly).  Please be aware that towels can only be signed out by the member.

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. 

Fees do not included tax, HST will be applied at checkout.  Taxes not applicable to Kids Programming.

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

Please note that hours are subject to change.

Building hours and facility availability will be altered due to special events. These events include, but are not limited to: Convocation, Conference Bookings, Varsity Games, Gryphon Camps, Campus Days, College Royal and the Athletic Banquet. 

Please refer to About Us>Hours of Operation for current hours.
 
Pool and Ice Rentals - A limited number of hours are available to rent.
Contact the Facilities Office: athfacility.booking@uoguelph.ca or 519-824-4120 ext. 53790.

Click here to view details about how to access Programs & Facilities.

Please assist us by adhering to the following Facility Guidelines

There is NO Access to Athletics facilities & programs without a registered program, membership, Day Pass, Ticket or Rental Permit, otherwise you will be trespassing, and the Campus Safety Office will be contacted. 

Valuable items such as wallets, iPods, 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 and Found Bin.  Items not claimed are donated to charity.

For the protection of all guests, photos, videos, or use of any recording devices are prohibited in change rooms, washrooms, Fitness Centre, Climbing Wall and studio/program areas. 

All gym bags and knapsacks must be stored prior to entering any activity. Activity lockers are for use while you are participating in your activity. Bring your own lock or rent a lock from Client Services. PLEASE REMOVE ALL CONTENTS FROM DAY LOCKERS AT THE END OF YOUR ACTIVITY.  View Locker & Towel Rental details here.

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

Please report any injuries to Client Services. First Aid Kits and AED units are located at Client Services, on the pool deck, Fitness Centre, Field House, West Gym, and Football Stadium and in the Arena.

• Demonstrate respect for all individuals.
• Respect the facility in which you participate.
• Share equipment, space, and facilities willingly.
• Maintain self-control at all times.
• Condemn violence and harassment in all forms.
• Always attempt to contribute to the betterment of your experience at Guelph’s Athletics Centre.

Failure to abide by our Fair Play Code of Conduct will result in expulsion and / or loss of membership and access privileges.

When using our facilities and registering for a program, you accept the following statement of risk:
I agree on behalf of myself, my assignee, executors and heirs, to release, indemnify, and hold harmless the University of Guelph and their trustees, officers, agents and employees from any and all liability, damage, claim of any nature brought by me, my assignee, executors and heirs arising out of and in any way related to my participation in these indicated activities.

I hereby acknowledge and accept the risks inherent in my physical activity and assume responsibility for my personal health, medical and accident coverage.

Each participant is responsible for his or her own personal health, medical, dental and accident insurance coverage. Medical coverage and a recent medical are strongly recommended.

If you have feedback on Memberships, or Fitness and Recreation programming, please contact us at 519-824-4120 ext. 54297.

• For a Visual Explanation of Pool Admission Standards Click here
• All recreation swim participants must enter the facility through the front doors of the Athletics Centre and will be expected to swipe a student/membership card or purchase a Daily Access Pass at Client Services.
• Universal Change Rooms are available to individuals looking for a non-gender specific space.  Children 7 years of age or older are required to use the change room designated for their gender.
• 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.
• 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 Hot Tub unless accompanied by an adult.

Drop-in Recreation is open to Athletics Members (you are a Member if you are a registered full or part-time undergraduate or a full-time graduate student of the University of Guelph OR have purchased the Recreation Membership).  Non-Members must purchase the monthly Recreation Membership or Day Pass. Click here for full details and age requirements. 

To view Drop-in Rec times, go to gryphons.ca, then click Fitness & Recreation. On the Fitness & Recreation home page, you will see "Drop-in Rec Happening Today" red banner (see image below). You can narrow your search by using the Calendar Filter - can choose a date, can choose type by selecting from the drop down menu: e.g. Swimming, then click 'Filter' button. Drop-in Recreation is posted for the current week only (updated every Tuesday afternoon).

You can also view a monthly calendar by going to Sports & Clubs, then click on the Recreation Calendar heading 
The calendar can be filtered by type of Recreation, by morning, afternoon, evening, or ALL day (by default it will filter to include ALL types of recreation and to the current week and time of day). Specific Sport Recreation details listed below calendar. View Daily Access Pass details on the Membership page.

Rec Hockey runs as a shinny game, with no referee or time clock. Players will self-organize and play based on numbers. 

• All users must wear CSA Approved safety equipment at all times including helmet, face mask and required hockey equipment 
• Dangerous play including body checking and slap shots not permitted
• Users must recognize and accept the risks inherent in this activity
• Users are responsible for their own personal health and safety
• Users must recognize and respect the participation of others and obey directions from Department of Athletics staff
• Users must respect the safety of attendants.  No one is permitted on the ice surface until the Zamboni gate is fully closed
• Sunflower seeds, tobacco or smokeless tobacco products are not permitted in dressing rooms or facility
• Please report any unusual, suspicious or inappropriate behavior to Facility Staff
• In case of emergency, contact EMERGENCY SERVICES (519) 840-5000

Rec Skating is open for skaters of all ability levels.  Use of proper Learn to Skate Aids/Stabilizers/Walkers are permitted. 

• CSA approved hockey helmets are strongly recommended for all participants on the ice
• CSA approved hockey helmets are MANDATORY for children 7yrs & younger 
• All children and youth must always be accompanied by an adult while in the building for recreation activities.  A member guardian/parent needs to be visible and accessible to their child/youth member within program space.
• Sticks, pucks, strollers, chairs, etc. not permitted
• Excessive speed, dangerous skating or games not permitted
• Users must recognize and accept the risks inherent in this activity
• Users are responsible for their own personal health and safety
• Users must recognize and respect the participation of others and obey directions from Department of Athletics staff
• Users must respect the safety of attendants.  No one is permitted on the ice surface until the Zamboni gate is fully closed
• Sunflower seeds, tobacco or smokeless tobacco products are not permitted in dressing rooms or facility
• Please report any unusual, suspicious or inappropriate behavior to Facility Staff
• In case of emergency, contact EMERGENCY SERVICES (519) 840-5000

In CONNECT, the Wish list function allows you to 'bookmark' certain activities specifically of interest to you prior to when registration is open.
*Please ensure you are Signed in to CONNECT to use this tool for quick and easy access & do not mistake this function for Wait list or registration. You must Sign-in once registration is open to complete your transaction.

The University of Guelph is now a tobacco- and smoke-free environment, helping the Guelph campus meet their commitment to supporting the well-being of the whole person and creating a healthy campus for everyone. The Tobacco- and Smoke-free Campus policy helps protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke, keep people from starting the habit, and support those who have decided to quit smoking.

This Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Campus policy applies to everyone on campus, including visitors, conference delegates, sports teams, camp families and the entire Guelph campus and Arboretum. A map of campus boundaries is available online.  The policy includes smoking, vaping, and the use of smokeless tobacco (e.g., chewing tobacco).  You can learn more about the new policy at www.uoguelph.ca/smokefree.

Pre-Booking is ONLY required for Climbing Wall & Rec Squash Courts. 

Enforced Booking Policies

• Bookings can only be made for yourself.  Booking for others is NOT Permitted.
• Bookings available to reserve 7 days in advance, on the hour.
• Time slots will be available to reserve up until 1 hour before the desired start time.
• Clients should cancel reservations on their own and can do so without penalty up to 1 hour before the booked time.
• Reservations can be managed through the app, your email confirmation or by calling Client Services (519 824 4120 Ext. 56253).
• Non-members will be denied access to reserved time slots.
• All Clients must check in when they arrive prior to any booking.
• Clients who register for a time and continuously do not show will have their memberships temporarily suspended. 

book now

NRG Class Protocols

• If you are sick or do not feel well, please stay home.
• All users will enter through the Larry Pearson entrance.
• Everyone must check-in at Client Services upon arrival.
• Entrances and exits are clearly defined in each studio space.
• Individuals may choose to wear face masks while working out.
• All equipment must be cleaned/disinfected at end of the class.  

Fitness Centre Gym Protocols 

• If you are sick or do not feel well, please stay home.
• Everyone must check-in at Client Services upon arrival.
• Fitness Centre users will be required to swipe in again at the Fitness Centre desk.
• Individuals may choose to wear face masks while working out.
• Everyone is expected to wipe all equipment after each use.

Please assist us by adhering to the following Facility Guidelines:

• All users must enter via the front entrance. University of Guelph Students/Members are required to swipe in with their Student/Membership card.  Fitness Centre Gym users will be required to swipe again at the Fitness Centre Desk
• Non-Members can purchase a Day Pass or Monthly Recreation Membership online or in-person at Client Services
• DO NOT SHARE your membership card.  This will result in loss of privileges
• All children (individuals 12 years of age or younger) must always be accompanied by an adult while in the building
• 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
• Athletic clothing appropriate to the activity must be worn
• Clean athletic footwear with non-marking soles must be worn on all surfaces
• Programming space is to be shared appropriately with all participants
• Food or glass bottles are not permitted in the gymnasiums or program rooms
• Bicycles are not to be brought inside University buildings and stored in corridors, stairwells, or personal offices as tires track in dirt and the fabric of the structures inevitably gets damaged (scratched or punctured walls, oil and grease on floors and carpets etc.). Outside bicycle racks are provided. Unobstructed egress from University buildings is essential for safe emergency evacuations
• 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
• Users must recognize and accept the risks inherent in any Activity
• Users are responsible for their own personal health and safety
• All programming ends 30-60 minutes prior to the building closing.  All equipment must be returned at this time
• 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.

There is NO Access to Athletics facilities & programs without a registered program, membership, Day Pass, Ticket or Rental Permit, otherwise you will be trespassing, and the Campus Safety Office will be contacted. 

• No personal coaching or organized practices are permitted during any drop-in recreation time.