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University of Wyoming

Policy & Procedure Guide


Note: Download the complete PDF version of the Policy & Procedure Handbook here. This version is printable.

I. Mission Statement


Our mission is to provide quality recreational opportunities to a diverse campus community that enhance the learning and workplace environment and promote mental and physical health through quality facilities, equipment and programs. Our programs, which include open recreation, intramural sports, club sports and outdoor adventure, offer a broad range of coordinated activities for individuals and groups that promote health awareness, a sense of community and a lifelong appreciation for wellness and recreational activities. Supporting the value of student development, our programs strive to offer opportunities to students that develop leadership skills and promote responsibility while maintaining a balance between personal, professional and academic pursuits.

II. Membership


Membership is required to use UW’s recreational facilities. Membership privileges include use of all activity areas in Half Acre and use of the Corbett pool and gym during scheduled hours. Individuals must present a valid WyoOne ID card to purchase membership and to enter the facility.

Membership Eligibility

  • Currently enrolled full-time UW students have automatic membership to recreation facilities. They must show their WyoOne ID card to enter the facility and to participate in programs offered by Campus Recreation.
  • University of Wyoming part-time students, employees and cooperating agency employees may purchase a membership by presenting their WyoOne ID card. Student and employee spouses are eligible to purchase access with a current WyoOne ID card.
  • Students and employees may register dependents five years and older for a dependent membership by presenting their WyoOne ID card and the dependent’s WyoOne ID card.
  • University of Wyoming Board retired employees may obtain membership by presenting their WyoOne ID card. There is no charge for access for board retired employees, but lockers have additional fees. Board retired spouses are eligible to purchase access with a current WyoOne ID card.
  • Guests with a photo ID may use Half Acre for $5 per day when sponsored by a UW community member with a valid WyoOne ID card. UW students, faculty, staff, and cooperating agency employees and spouses may sponsor themselves for a daily guest pass.

III. Campus Recreation Services


Towel Service


Towel service is available at Half Acre Gym during building hours and Corbett gym during scheduled swim hours. In order to be issued towels, you must present your WyoOne ID card or other active campus recreation pass.

Equipment Checkout


Available recreation equipment may be checked out with a WyoOne ID card or other active campus recreation pass. Users are responsible for all equipment and must reimburse UW for any lost or damaged equipment.

Lost and Found


Lost and found items, if returned to the Half Acre Service Window, are kept for one month. Campus Recreation is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Lockers


  • Personal locks are for daily use only on designated lockers. Personal locks left on lockers overnight will be cut off.
  • Locks checked out for daily use from the equipment room that are not returned will result in a $10.00 replacement fee assessed to the user.
  • Lockers are assigned in either Half Acre or Corbett facilities on a first come, first served basis during building hours.
  • Additional lockers can be obtained in both Corbett and Half Acre. It is permissible to transfer a locker assignment from Corbett to Half Acre (or vice versa) if space is available.
  • Lockers are not transferable from one person to another.
  • The locker/lock is the responsibility of the individual to whom it is checked out, or in the case of dependents, the parent’s responsibility. Users are financially responsible for locks if lost or stolen. Locks issued by campus recreation that are not on the locker at the end of the rental term will result in a $6.00 replacement fee assessed to the user.
  • Locker contents removed by Campus Recreation employees will be held for forty-five (45) days following fall semesters and summer sessions, or until September 30th for lockers cleared following spring semesters. After these time periods, items will be disposed of according to University policy. To retrieve your personal contents from lockers cleared by campus recreation personnel, go to the service window with a WyoOne ID card or other photo identification.

IV. Campus Recreation Policies & Procedures


General Facility Procedures


  • Campus recreation facilities are controlled access facilities. No one will be permitted into activity areas without a valid WyoOne ID card or other active campus recreation pass.
  • Acceptable rules of conduct must be observed at all times.
  • Users of the facilities are subject to the immediate removal from the facility for interfering with employee duties or engaging in disorderly conduct, including the use of foul language, verbal abuse, and threatened or actual physical abuse of an employee(s) and/or other user(s).
  • Clothing and shoes appropriate to the activity are required for health and safety reasons. Street clothes or shoes are not permitted in any activity area; cut-offs are not permitted in the pool. Clothing should not be abrasive or contain fasteners or other mechanisms that might cut, scrape, bruise, etc. oneself or others.
  • Spectators view activities in the main gym from the inside lane of the running track on the 3rd floor or on the far north and south ends of the gym.
  • Food is allowed only in the main lobby. Beverages in closed containers are permitted in activity areas.
  • Pets are not permitted in university buildings or on city playing fields, unless utilized as a guide or assistant for people with disabilities.

Alcohol, Drug, and Tobacco Policy


  • No alcohol, drugs or tobacco products are allowed in university buildings or at intramural/city fields.
  • The campus recreation staff reserves the right to eject participants or spectators suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Infield Policies


  • Coats, street clothing, backpacks and/or equipment bags should be placed in the northwest coatroom or in a locker.
  • Appropriate dress is required for personal safety and equipment maintenance reasons. Appropriate dress includes:
    • Closed toed, rubber soled athletic shoes
    • Clothes free of buttons, rivets, or metal zippers
    • T-shirt or tank top that covers torso is required; jog bra can be worn on treadmill and cross trainer only.
  • Please return equipment to appropriate location after use
  • Please do not stand on padded benches.
  • Collars are to be utilized with all free weight bars.
  • As a courtesy to other patrons, please limit workouts to 30 minutes when others are waiting.
  • Overhead lifting is only permitted in the Cybex power rack or while seated.
  • Please report any maintenance or repair needs to the infield attendant or the service window assistant in the main lobby.

Indoor Climbing Wall Rules and Guidelines


  • All climbing will be done under the supervision of trained and qualified climbing wall staff employed by the Outdoor Adventure Program.
  • A complete first aid kit, and staff person certified in standard first aid and CPR, will be in the building during climbing activities.
  • A set of “Standard Operating Procedures” and a description of “Required Skills for Climber Certification” will be posted on site at all times.
  • All climbers must successfully complete the “Introduction to Indoor Climbing Class” or a “Climbing Wall Skills Check” prior to using the climbing wall facilities. Climbing wall check-off procedures will address top roped climbing and bouldering safety and acceptable practices. Additional classes or skill demonstrations and check-offs are required to lead climb or to belay a lead climber.
  • In addition to having successfully completed an instructional session or skills check off, all climbers will be required to present a Campus Express ID card, and have a signed release of liability/assumption of risk waiver on file. All climbers are expected to carefully and thoroughly read this document.
  • Climbers must check in with a climbing wall staff person prior to each and every use of the climbing wall.
  • The Outdoor Adventure Program Coordinator, or his or her designee must approve any visitors to the climbing wall. Visitors and observers (i.e., other University students, faculty, or staff who are using the adjacent gymnasium facilities) must remain outside the designated climbing wall activity area. Permission to enter the climbing wall’s activity area must be approved by the climbing wall staff person(s) on hand
  • Climbers and boulderers should engage in some warm-up and stretching activities prior to using the climbing wall. Climbers may be encouraged by staff to begin climbing on easier routes within their range of abilities prior to progressing to more difficult routes. Climbers should be aware of the dangers of insufficient warm-up and over-exertion which may lead to injuries.
  • Bouldering may occur under the following conditions: bouldering takes place in either designated areas, or without interfering in or crossing over/under roped climbers; and that only the boulderer’s arms and head may break the horizontal plane created by the first level of lead climbing bolts anchored across the wall. Boulderers are encouraged to climb with the support of a spotter.
  • Climbers will tie directly into their harness with a figure-eight follow-through knot backed up with a double-fisherman’s safety knot. Before each climb, the climber and belayer will double check each other to ensure that the climber’s knot is tied correctly, and that the climber’s and belayer’s harnesses are correctly fastened (assumes the belayer will be belaying off their harness).
  • Climber and belayer will double check to assure that all components in the belay system (e.g., tie-in knots, harness buckles & closures, belay device set-up, belayer positioning, and floor anchors) are correctly in place prior to climbing.
  • Use of fixed floor anchors is recommended when the climber weighs significantly more than the belayer.
  • Use of fixed floor anchors is recommended when the climber weighs significantly more than the belayer.
  • Climbers will not climb at a speed faster than their belayer can safely maintain the rope with minimum slack.
  • Climbers may down climb or be lowered from a route, and should maintain a downward speed that does not pose a threat to climber or belayer.
  • No part of the climber’s body may come in contact with belay bars, building support beams, or other surfaces not affixed to the climbing wall and intended for use as hand or foot holds.
  • Climbers and belayers will use UIAA approved harnesses, locking carabiners, and belay devices provided and maintained by the Outdoor Adventure Program. Only UIAA approved personal harnesses, belay devices, and carabiners used to affix the belay device to the harness may be used if climbers have signed a waiver and release form. Figure-eight belay devices are not to be used at the climbing wall.
  • Only climbing shoes or clean athletic shoes may be used on the climbing wall. Hard-soled shoes or boots, and bare feet, are not permitted on the climbing wall surfaces. Shirts and shoes must be worn by climbers and belayers at all times.Climbing shoes are available for rental.
  • Use of climbing helmets is not required, but is recommended. Helmets are available for use free of charge at the climbing wall.
  • No powdered or block chalk allowed on the wall. Only chalk balls are allowed. Chalk bags are available for rental.
  • Any and all jewelry, objects in one’s pockets or affixed to their body, that may either interfere with climbing, or potentially pose a threat to climber or belayer, must be removed prior to climbing. This includes, but is not limited to, scarves, rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces, keys in one’s pocket, or knives.
  • Backpacks, book bags, and other personal items, including food, are not allowed at the climbing wall. Climbers are permitted to have a water bottle and towel on hand, but are to keep these items off the climbing wall floor mats and out of the way of other gymnasium activities or patrons.
  • Climbing is not permitted while under the influence of intoxicating substances. Violations of this rule will lead to a loss of climbing wall privileges with no revocation of access or use fees.
  • Climbers and belayers are required to immediately report any accidents or conditions that may pose a risk to the physical or psychological well-being of others to staff (e.g., cuts or other injuries, loose holds, behavior detrimental to the well-being of self or others, improper belay techniques in use by others, equipment malfunctions).
  • Lessons or staff-led instructional activities have priority on routes. If an instructor needs the route you are on, you may be asked to move to another route. Please finish the climb and allow the lesson to continue.
  • An adult must accompany and supervise children under the age of 18. Parents, or legal guardians, must sign the waiver for anyone under the age of 18 years. Children under the age of 13 must wear a full-body harness and when belaying must have an adult back them up.
  • The Introduction to Indoor Climbing Class or the Climbing Skills Check are good for one year and must be retaken every twelve months.
  • All climbers will comply with the judgments of staff on duty at the climbing wall.
  • Staff will follow daily equipment and site inspections before any climbing activity takes place.
  • Any infractions of the above policies, or other behavior deemed unsafe, inappropriate, or threatening to the well being of self or others, may lead to loss of climbing privileges.

Indoor Track Etiquette


  • Practice common courtesy to other runners and walkers using the indoor track.
  • For safety purposes, run or walk only in the direction the arrow indicates. Running and walking direction will change every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:00 am.
  • Running or walking side by side is permitted only when the track is not busy.
  • The innermost lane is for walking only, the second innermost lane is for walking or running and the outer two lanes are for running only.

Pool Etiquette


  • Practice common courtesy to other swimmers using the pool.
  • All lane swim patterns are counter clockwise.
  • Swim to the outside of the lane to allow for passing in the middle.
  • To pass, tap the foot of the swimmer in front of you, then proceed.
  • If a swimmer is directly behind you when nearing the wall, pause and allow them to pass.

Pool Policies (Corbett and Half Acre)


  • Children who are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers.
  • Please walk on deck and in the showers. The tile may be slippery when wet.
  • Shower in the locker rooms before entering the pool.
  • Use of the showers under the diving boards is restricted.
  • Play safely. Dunking, shoving and other horseplay may cause accidents.
  • Diving in the shallow end is dangerous and prohibited.
  • An adult must be in the water with children using flotation devices.
  • Anyone under 4 feet tall must be accompanied in the water by an adult or be determined a competent swimmer by a lifeguard.
  • Anyone entering the deep end may be asked to swim 2 widths of the pool to prove swimming ability.
  • Lane lines are dividers and should only be used as floatation devices in an emergency.

Diving Policies (Corbett Only)


  • Diving is allowed on the outer 1-meter board and the 3-meter only. Use of the platform is not allowed.
  • Only one person on the diving board at a time.
  • Diving area is hazardous for swimmers. Swim to the side of the pool immediately after diving.
  • Jump off the board only after the person before reaches the wall. Swimming under the board is hazardous.
  • Only one bounce on the board.
  • Jump straight off the diving board.
  • Catching children jumping off the board is prohibited.
  • Handstands and sailor dives (head first, hands at side) are dangerous and prohibited.
  • Diving in which the head rotates back towards the board (such as inwards and gainers or reverses) are strictly prohibited.
  • Children using diving boards must be able to swim two widths of the pool without assistance.
  • Children wearing floatation devices are not allowed to jump off the diving boards.
  • Diving blocks are not available for use during recreational swim times.

Guest Pass Policies


  • Campus Recreation staff and student employees are not eligible to sponsor non-university individuals for daily or multi-guest passes while on duty.
  • UW students, UW employees, UW appointed employees, cooperating agency employees and spouses sponsoring individuals for a daily or multi-guest pass should be aware as a sponsoring individual they are responsible for guest’s actions/behaviors while in recreation facilities. Responsibilities include litigation as a result of accident or injury incurred in recreational facilities and/or loss of facility privileges in the event of behavior problems violation of established facility policy.
  • Guest passes must be purchased for each visitor accessing the recreation facilities. Daily Guest passes may be purchased at the service window in Half Acre and Corbett. The multi-guest card is purchased at the Half Acre Service Window. Guests must:
    • Be with sponsor when purchasing a guest pass.
    • The sponsor must present his/her WyoOne ID.
    • The guest must show a picture ID with age.
  • Guests under 19 years of age who have not graduated from high school will be admitted only during designated family recreation times with a sponsor.
  • Guest pass holders are not eligible to sponsor guests.
  • Valid WyoOne ID card holders without facility access privileges may sponsor themselves for an unlimited number of daily or multi-guest passes.
  • Valid WyoOne ID card holders may sponsor an unlimited number of adult guests, but are limited to four (4) guest passes for children 19 years or younger per adult per visit.
  • Guest pass holders using Half Acre or Corbett may check out equipment with approved ID. They must present the daily guest pass receipt or multi-guest pass card to check out equipment.

Intramural Sports Guest Policies


  • All spectators must stay on the north and south ends of the gym, or watch from the running track.
  • Children under the age of 18 will be allowed to watch an intramural event in the main gym under the following conditions:
  • An adult who is not participating in the event must stay with the child.
  • Children under the age of 5 must stay in the gym only; they are not allowed on the track.

Basketball Challenge Court


  • If a group of at least 8 women wishes to play basketball, the north court will be made available to them.
  • If men are currently playing a game, they will be allowed to finish their game to a maximum score of 11 before the women have priority.
  • Women will have priority on the court until they drop below the minimum number of players (8).
  • If a group of at least 10 volleyball players wishes to play, and there are not enough basketball players to occupy three courts, an open court will be made available to them.
  • Once volleyball gains the court, they will have 1 hour to play. At that time, if there are enough basketball players to occupy all three courts basketball will be allowed to regain priority on the court. If no one is waiting, volleyball will be allowed to continue.

Photo Policies


  • Prior approval by the director or acting director must be granted for any type of photography to be conducted in Campus Recreation facilities.
  • The following will be needed for approval:
    • Models willing to pose for the photo shoot.
    • A suitable location for the photo shoot.
    • An appropriate time for the photo shoot.

Survey Policies


Prior approval by the director or acting director must be granted for any type of survey to be conducted in Campus Recreation facilities.

V. UW Family & Dependent Recreation


Dependents who are accompanied by a parent or adult sponsor are eligible to access recreational facilities during family recreation hours.


General guidelines for dependents at Corbett and Half Acre


  • Dependents 5 years of age and older are required to have a WyoOne ID card. This card can be obtained at the WyoOne Office located in room 28 in the basement of Knight Hall for $15.00
  • Dependents 5 years of age and older are required to have a WyoOne ID card. This card can be obtained at the WyoOne Office located in room 28 in the basement of Knight Hall for $15.00
  • Children under four feet tall that are non-swimmers must be accompanied in the water and closely attended by an adult.
  • Any child who is not toilet trained is required to wear a swim diaper or plastic pants with elastic around the legs in both pools.
  • Children 5 to 12 years of age are not allowed in the infield and must be directly supervised in all other activity areas and locker rooms at all times with a ratio of one adult sponsor for every 4 children.
  • Dependents cannot sponsor individuals wishing to purchase a daily or multi-guest pass guest card.
  • Dependents who are registered for UW classes or who are non-benefited UW employees may utilize recreation facilities during the semester in which they are enrolled or employed. They must pay the appropriate fees.

Half Acre Dependent Guidelines


  • An adult sponsor must be accessible in the facility to supervise and advise on medical treatment.
  • Children under 5 years of age are only allowed in the pool and main gym area with direct supervision.
  • Children under 5 years of age are not permitted on the running track or in the infield area.
  • Children 13 years through high school may recreate without direct supervision, if the adult sponsor is present in the building, except in the infield area where they must be directly supervised at all times.

Corbett Dependent Guidelines


  • Teen dependents can swim at Corbett without adult supervision if they present a photo ID or WyoOne ID with a teen sticker to verify their age.
  • Teenagers may obtain a “teen” sticker for their Campus ID at the Campus Recreation Office in Half Acre Lobby. A parent/guardian must accompany the teen when requesting a “teen” sticker to verify age.