Facility Guidelines & Rules

General Guidelines

• Report all incidents, accidents, and injuries to a Campus Recreation staff member

• Restrooms are not to be used as changing areas

• Facility hours are subject to change by Campus Recreation. This website lists general operational hours per semester

• Campus Recreation is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. Patrons are encouraged to leave valuables at home

• Patrons are expected to follow the direction of Campus Recreation staff at all times.  Refusal to obey guidelines may result in removal from the facility. If necessary, the department reserves the right to revoke access

• Food & Drink

  • Food and non-water drinks are only permitted at tables located outside of activity spaces unless otherwise approved by Campus Recreation

  • Only water in a non-spill, shatter-proof container is permitted in activity areas

• Use of tobacco products is prohibited inside any building and directly outside all buildings in accordance with University Policy (AD32). Smoking includes the burning of any type of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any other smoking equipment, whether filled with tobacco or any other type of material (e.g., vapor).
• Personal belongings, backpacks, and bags must be stored and locked in a locker (available for free); Campus Recreation staff may not hold personal items of any kind for patrons

• Patrons should be considerate of others who are looking to participate and share the space

• Certified service animals are permitted

• Photography and videography are permitted only with prior written approval. This includes but is not limited to media outlets, student classroom assignments/projects, student org events, social media for personal gain, approved vendors, etc.

• Athletic footwear is required; boots, street shoes, open-toed shoes, or shoes that mark the floor are prohibited

• Outside fitness equipment is not permitted within the facility with the exception of lifting belts, straps, and gloves

Accessing Facilities

• Use of Campus Recreation facilities is voluntary and considered at your own risk

• Patrons must show a valid PSU ID+ or Campus Recreation Membership card. Invalid IDs will be confiscated and turned over to the PSU ID office

• Patrons must be 18 years of age or older unless specified by event guidelines

• Guests must present a valid photo ID (Driver's License, Passport, Military ID, etc), be accompanied by a member at all times, pay a daily fee of $10.00, and must be 18 years or older

• Entry to the facility must be made through the main access station

  • Side and rear exits are alarmed and to be used only in emergency situations when directed by staff and/or fire alarms are activated

Prohibited Actions

• Use of tobacco products is prohibited inside any building and directly outside all buildings in accordance with University Policy (AD32). Smoking includes the burning of any type of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any other smoking equipment, whether filled with tobacco or any other type of material (e.g. vapor)

• Spitting is prohibited

• Use of steroids and/or other illegal substances is prohibited

• Obscene, derogatory, or hostile actions (verbal or non-verbal) will not be tolerated within Campus Recreation facilities

• Sexual behavior and/or sexual misconduct is prohibited

• Patrons may not provide training to, conduct business activities with, or solicit funds from other members, guests, or staff

Photography & Videography

Photography and videography are permitted only with prior written approval. This includes but is not limited to media outlets, classroom assignments/projects, student org events, social media for personal gain, etc. Those interested in obtaining approval must fill out this form. Approval is not guaranteed. Those approved must follow strict guidelines and cannot film patrons without their written consent. Photography and Videography is not allowed in locker rooms or restrooms for any reason.

Photography & Videography Zone

• Campus Recreation facilities, programming, and events are included as a photography and videography zone for Penn State and Campus Recreation's use.
  • Be aware that by entering any Campus Recreation Facility, Programming, or Event, you voluntarily agree to your image and likeness being used and published, without compensation, for Penn State University's advertisements and promotional materials, and you release Penn State University from any liability regarding any such publication or use of your image and likeness. 

Bouldering & Climbing Wall Guidelines

• Bouldering Wall orientation must be completed at Equipment Room or Climbing Wall Suite Desk

• Climbing wristband must be obtained from Equipment Room or Climbing Wall Suite Desk and worn while climbing

• Proper climbing shoes must be worn at all times

  • Climbing shoes are available at the Equipment Room or Climbing Wall Suite Desk

  • Personal climbing shoes are permitted

• Liquid Chalk is permitted and can be found free for use in the climbing areas

  • Loose chalk is not permitted

• Bags must be kept in a locker or cubby at all times

• Electronic devices are not allowed while actively climbing or belaying

• Sitting or congregating near or around a potential landing zone or walkway is prohibited

• The climbing area must be clear of foreign objects (water bottles, shoes, etc.)

• Long hair must be tied back and secured

• Jewelry that presents a hazard to the user or to the facility equipment may not be worn. Campus Recreation staff reserves the right to ask anyone to remove jewelry if potential hazards exist

Active Climbers Guidelines

• Climbers on the wall have the right of way

• The following activities are prohibited:

  • Climbing on top of the bouldering wall

  • Belaying without certification

  • Walking under an active climber

  • Spotting for other climbers

  • Lead climbing outside of Acess Pass only times

Functional Training Area Guidelines

• All equipment (weights, kettlebells, bands, ropes, TRX straps, medicine balls, and bars) must remain in the Functional Training area

• Keep all weights away from railings, mirrors, and windows

• Be aware of the proximity to others

• Ensure proper spacing when using kettlebells

• Plyo jump platform hooks cannot be placed higher than the white tape labels

• The yellow taped area is designated for floor/mat work; mats must stay within the yellow taped area.

• A full body must remain under the monkey bar

• The following activities are NOT PERMITTED in the Functional Training area:

  • Gymnastics moves

  • Inverted movements and positioning

  • Plates above 10 pounds

  • Dumbbells above 27.5 pounds

  • Plyo jumps with weights

  • TRX Straps on rock chin holds

  • Muscle-ups

  • Battle ropes looped on monkey bars

  • Throwing medicine balls off walls, pillars or near the railing is prohibited

  • No medicine balls over 8 pounds on the rebounder (White Building only)

Gymnasiums Guidelines

• Only non-marking shoes should be worn on all wood floors

• The following activities are NOT PERMITTED in the Gymnasiums:

  • Hanging from the basketball rims and backboards

  • Football, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, frisbee, softball, or twirling activities

  • Floor taping

Indoor Track Guidelines

• Patrons should follow posted directional signage

• Be aware of other patrons while entering and exiting the track and while passing and changing lanes

• Walkers must keep to the inside lanes; Joggers must keep to the outside lanes

• Sprinting is permitted on the straightaways

• Patrons may not walk or run more than two abreast

• Stretching, hand weights, and mat work are allowed in designated areas only (cutouts off the track)

• The following activities are NOT PERMITTED in the Indoor Track:

  • Spikes or cleats

  • Weights, slam balls, and bands

  • Starting blocks or hurdles

  • Spectators of court activities, except in the seating balcony

General Guidelines

• All bags and personal items must be kept in a locker 

• All patrons must take a shower before entering the water

• Chair lifts are available with staff assistance   

• Individuals with open wounds and/or band-aids are not permitted in the pool

• Admission to the outdoor pool does not include admission to any of the indoor facilities 

• Organized groups must follow our group use policies and must be directly supervised at poolside by an adult.  All groups must schedule their visits in advance  

• Patrons and/or guests may not provide training to, conduct business activities with, or solicit funds from other patrons, guests, or staff

• Food and drink (other than water in a sealable, non-glass container) are not permitted on the pool decks

• Semi-Private/Private Lessons and Swim School

  • Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult supervisor (age 18+)

  • Swim diapers must be worn by children who are not toilet trained

• The following behaviors will not be permitted: 

  • Abusive or profane language or gestures. 

  • Running or Horseplay 

  • Hyperventilation or prolonged underwater breath holding for time and/or distance

• The following are not permitted: 

  • Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vaping devices, or other drugs

  • Pets (service animals are permitted in the pool area but not in the pool itself)  

  • Personal life jackets/floatation devices 

  • Swim toys

Recreational & Lap Swimming Rules

• Follow all posted No Diving signs.  

• If an individual needs to swim in a lane undisturbed due to an injury or specific medical condition, accommodations can be made to set a lane aside for their use.

• Lap Swim Etiquette: 

  • Lap lanes are intended for multiple swimmers and should arrange themselves by speed in the lanes.  

  • Speed markers are available for your use to designate Slow, Medium, and Fast lanes.  

  • For effective use, lap swimmers should swim counterclockwise near the lane markers and pass in the middle when more than 2 swimmers are in a lane. 

  • Stop only at turning walls.  Move to the side to allow others to turn and continue.  Lifeguards may ask to move you to another lane to more closely match your swimming pace.  

Diving Boards, Diving Wells & Platforms

• Diving Boards, Diving Wells & Platforms are closed to all patrons

  • NCAA/PIAA meets and practices may only use with prior permission under supervision

• General swimming is not permitted in the diving area or diving well

General Guidelines

• All bags and personal items must be kept in a locker 

• All patrons must take a shower before entering the water

• Chair lifts are available with staff assistance   

• Individuals with open wounds and/or band-aids are not permitted in the pool

• Admission to the outdoor pool does not include admission to any of the indoor facilities 

• Organized groups must follow our group use policies and must be directly supervised at poolside by an adult.  All groups must schedule their visits in advance  

• Patrons and/or guests may not provide training to, conduct business activities with, or solicit funds from other patrons, guests, or staff

• Picnic baskets/coolers are permitted in the grass area.  All bags, baskets and coolers are subject to inspection

• Semi-Private/Private Lessons and Swim School

  • Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult supervisor (age 18+)

  • Swim diapers must be worn by children who are not toilet trained

• The following behaviors will not be permitted: 

  • Abusive or profane language or gestures

  • Running or Horseplay 

  • Hyperventilation or prolonged underwater breath holding for time and/or distance 

• The following are not permitted: 

  • Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vaping devices, or other drugs

  • Pets (service animals are permitted in the pool area but not in the pool itself)

  • Personal life jackets/floatation devices 

  • Swim toys

  • Grills, gas, or electric cooking devices 

Recreational & Lap Swimming Rules

• Those under 4 feet tall and under 12 years of age must wear a lifejacket or pass the swim-test. 

• Persons who cannot pass the swim test will be restricted to shallow areas of the pools.  

• Follow all posted No Diving signs.  

• If an individual needs to swim in a lane undisturbed due to an injury or specific medical condition, accommodations can be made to set a lane aside for their use.

• Lap Swim Etiquette: 

  • Lap lanes are intended for multiple swimmers and should arrange themselves by speed in the lanes.  

  • Speed markers are available for your use to designate Slow, Medium, and Fast lanes.  

  • For effective use, lap swimmers should swim counterclockwise near the lane markers and pass in the middle when more than 2 swimmers are in a lane. 

  • Stop only at turning walls.  Move to the side to allow others to turn and continue.  Lifeguards may ask to move you to another lane to more closely match your swimming pace.  

Diving Boards, Diving Wells & Platforms

• Diving Boards, Diving Wells & Platforms are closed to all patrons

  • NCAA/PIAA meets and practices may only use with prior permission under supervision

• General swimming is not permitted in the diving area or diving well

Weather & Environmental Conditions

• During rainstorms, the outdoor pool will be closed, and the entire area cleared of patrons at the discretion of the supervisor on duty.

  • If lightning or thunder is detected within a 10-mile radius, the pool and deck will be cleared. Please grab all personal items.  

• During thunderstorms, patrons must evacuate the outdoor pool and seek shelter inside a substantial building.   

  • The McCoy Natatorium exterior hallway outside of the locker rooms may be used for temporary shelter.   

  • The pools will reopen at the discretion of Campus Recreation staff.   

• During periods of cool weather, the outdoor pool will not open when the air temperature is below 60˚F. Operations will move indoors for the entire timeframe the pool is open. Operations will resume outdoors at the next timeframe the pool is open once the air temperature is above 60˚F.

General Guidelines

• White-soled athletic footwear is required; boots, open-toed shoes, or shoes that mark the floor are prohibited.
• Campus Recreation is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. Patrons are encouraged to leave valuables at home.
• Personal belongings, backpacks, and bags must be stored and locked in a locker during play (available for free); Campus Recreation staff may not hold personal items of any kind for patrons. Lockers are for day use only and items should not be left overnight.
• Certified service animals are permitted and must follow university policies regarding service animals.
• Patrons may not provide training to conduct business activities with, or solicit funds from other members, guests, or staff.
• The following actions are NOT PERMITTED in the Tennis Center:
  • Use of ball carts is prohibited
  • Hitting balls into walls, curtains or ceiling is prohibited
  • Spitting is prohibited
  • Chewing gum on court is prohibited

Facility Access

• Use of Campus Recreation facilities is voluntary and considered at your own risk
• Patrons must show a valid PSU ID+ or Campus Recreation Membership card. Invalid IDs will be confiscated and turned over to the PSU ID office
• Guests must present a valid photo ID (Driver's License, Passport, Military ID, etc.), be accompanied by a member at all times, and pay a daily fee of $10.00 in addition to any court fees
• Entry to the facility must be made through the main access station
  • Side and rear exits are alarmed and to be used only in emergency situations when directed by staff and/or fire alarms are activated

Facility Use Expectations

• All users must swipe in at the Tennis Center Customer Services desk prior to beginning play
• Membership or court fees must be paid in advance of taking the court
• When taking your assigned courts, do not walk across adjacent courts when possible. Patrons can access their courts through the outside path for the clay courts or hallway behind the indoor courts so as not to interrupt play
• All patrons must clean debris and remove personal items from their court at the conclusion of play
• The facility is to be used only for tennis and pickleball activities unless permitted by Campus Recreational professional staff
• Be mindful of others playing:
  • Do not go behind another court to retrieve balls, ask that the ball be returned.
  • Limit the number of balls used.
  • Keep noise to a minimum so others can enjoy the facility.
  • No more than 4 players on a court.
  • Do not enter the court area before your reserved time, and allow patrons to finish the point in progress.
  • Leave your court when the time expires to allow the next patrons to begin play.
• Patrons under the age of 18 must abide by the following policies and procedures:
  • Always be supervised by their parent/guardian or an authorized Campus Recreation staff member
  • Arrive to the Tennis Center dressed and ready to participate. The men’s and women’s locker rooms at Campus Recreation facilities do not allow youth to use them for changing or showering purposes
  • Will be escorted to the restrooms by two authorized staff members in accordance with Penn State Policy AD39
• The Tennis Center is the home venue for the Men’s and Women’s Varsity Tennis Teams. The Varsity Tennis Teams receive priority scheduling while in season and use the Tennis Center as a rain location practice site during the off-season. Patron court reservations and lessons maybe get canceled due to Varsity Tennis usage with short or little notice

Equipment Use

• Equipment is intended for tennis/pickleball use only
• Equipment should be used in the manner it was intended
• Damage to equipment may result in replacement cost and suspension of use

Weather & Environmental Conditions

• During rainstorms and adverse weather, the outdoor clay tennis courts will be closed, and the entire area cleared of patrons at the discretion of the Campus Recreation staff on duty
• If lightning or thunder is detected within a 10-mile radius, the outdoor clay tennis courts will be cleared. Please collect all personal items and seek shelter indoors
• The outdoor clay tennis courts close annually from early November to mid to late April depending on the weather
• The Tennis Center, at its discretion, may close or cancel scheduled programs, court reservations, lessons, and clinics for inclement weather, player safety, maintenance, Varsity Tennis practice, special events, and tournaments