Policies

Policies for Recreation Center & Satellite Facilities

The following policies apply to the Recreation Center, Rec Cen Fields, Rec Cen Tennis Courts, Rob Gym, Storke Field, Pauley Track, Outdoor Basketball Courts, Stadium Tennis Courts, Harder Stadium, SB Harbor, and The Pit.

1. A government issued picture ID is required to enter the facility, buy a day pass, or purchase a Rec Cen membership. 

2. Patrons must sign a waiver of liability to enter the facility or purchase a day pass or membership. 

3. Rec Cen memberships are intended for individual use of fitness spaces, pools, equipment check-out, and locker rooms.

4. All minors (under 18 years of age) must present a waiver of liability completed and signed by their parent or legal guardian. 

5. Community members will receive a membership card upon joining. The same card will be used for subsequent renewals. There is a fee to replace a lost or damaged card. 

6. Smoking (including e-cigarettes), alcohol, drugs, gum, and glass containers are prohibited in all areas of the Rec Cen complex and all Department of Recreation facilities.  

7. Trespassing, access card fraud, verbal or physical threats or acts of violence, violation of Department of Recreation policies, and any conduct related issues will result in loss of membership privileges.  

8. Roller-skating, roller-blading, biking, skateboarding, riding a scooter (including electric scooters) within the Rec Cen complex and all Department of Recreation facilities is prohibited.  

9. Athletic shoes (non-marking soles) are required in the fitness centers, outside fitness areas, all cardio machines, and all of our Department of Recreation spaces at all times: no open-toe shoes, boots, open-heel shoes, sandals, dress shoes or cleats. Soft shoes are allowed but discouraged in the fitness centers.  

10. Athletic attire, including a top, is required in both fitness centers and on all cardio machines at all times. No denim jeans, jean shorts, pants with metal rivets, medical scrubs, belts, or other objects which can tear upholstery.   

11. It is strongly recommended that all racquetball and squash players wear protective eyewear. Goggles are available free of charge.  

12. Bicycles, mopeds, unicycles, segways, hoverboards, shopping carts, scooters, or other wheeled mobile devices are not allowed in the Rec Cen and all Department of Recreation facilities and must be parked in racks or designated areas. Exceptions are the wheelchairs and knee scooters.  

13. Bicycle shoes or cleats of any sort must be removed at the front desk area before entering the Rec Cen complex and all Department of Recreation facilities.  

14. Fitness Center shelves are provided for personal gear only. Do not store valuables in these areas. For valuables, day locks may be rented. Personal day locks are allowed but if left overnight will be cut off.  

15. Lockers, including lock & towel service, may be rented on an annual or quarterly basis. Food storage is prohibited to prevent spoilage, odors, and pests. No filming, taking photos, video conferencing, and amplified sounds are allowed in locker rooms. All Recreation Center towels must be returned to the Recreation Center Equipment Room 1 and not left in the locker rooms.

16. Do not hang swimsuits on the outside of the lockers.

17. No posting of signage on lockers or bulletin boards without approval of the Recreation Center management.

18. The Department of Recreation is not liable for lost or stolen items.  

19. No food, sodas, coffee, alcoholic beverages are allowed in any of the Department of Recreation facilities.  

20. Only UCSB Recreation instructors may conduct individual or group lessons or personal training sessions.  

21. Animals, including those on leash or carriers, are prohibited. Exception: service animals. Service animals means any animal trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. All patrons/members wishing to come into the facility with a claimed service animal will be asked the following questions.

    1. Is this a service animal?

    2. What job/task has your dog been trained to perform? (This cannot be a trick-based task. i.e. My dog sits, rolls over, stands, etc. which comforts me.)

    3. Is your dog required for a disability? 

*Emotional Support animals are NOT service animals.* Pets providing emotional support, wellbeing, comfort or companionship are not recognized as service animals under ADA regulations. 

20. Photography or filming requires a university permit, obtainable from https://bfs.ucsb.edu/procurement/buying-goods-and-services/contract-considerations/film-photography-permits

21. Individual amplified sound is not permitted. This policy helps maintain a comfortable and peaceful environment for all users. Amplified music can be disruptive to others using the facility and may interfere with their enjoyment of recreational activities. Exceptions apply to Department of Recreation hosted classes or approved events. 

22. Posting flyers or newsletters anywhere in the Rec Cen complex and all Department of Recreation Facilities is prohibited without prior permission from the Assistant Director, Marketing & Creative Services.  

23. Advertising an unapproved event that includes a location within the Department of Recreation facilities and a specified time on social media platforms is strictly prohibited. All events hosted within the Department of Recreation facilities must first be approved by the department. To get approval, email scheduling@recreation.ucsb.edu.

24. Student events must be booked one month in advance. External events must be booked minimum two weeks in advance. Student events require approval by the Department of Recreation administration. All events held within the Rec Cen must receive approval by the Rec Cen Governance Board.  

25. Children 6 years & above are required to use locker rooms designated for their respected genders accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Universal locker rooms are also available. 

26. Fitness Center etiquette requires wiping down machines & mats after use and re-racking weights. 

27. Visitors touring the facility may not participate in activities and must comply with all Department of Recreation policies.  

28. Rec Cen members are covered by UC and UCSB policies and procedures regarding Sexual Harassment. It is important that all people feel comfortable using the facilities and do not encounter sexual harassment at any time. For information on university and campus sexual harassment policies & procedures, see https://titleix.ucsb.edu/about. 

29. Solicitation of any kind is not permitted at the Student Recreation Center and all Department of Recreation facilities. Prospective sponsors must be approved by the administration. 

30. Use of the heavy bag is prohibited to ensure the safety of individuals using the bag. Holding the bag for someone who is striking can lead to injuries, as the force exerted by the striker may be unpredictable and could cause strain or injury to the person holding the bag.

31. No sparring and no combative sports allowed to prevent injuries that could occur during sparring or other combative sports activities. These activities often involve physical contact and can pose a significant risk of injury to participants.

32. No unauthorized group use. This policy helps manage the facility's resources effectively and ensures fair access for all users. Defining a group as unauthorized helps prevent overcrowding and ensures that individual and small group users have access to the facility without being disrupted by large, unauthorized gatherings. A small group is defined as at least two individuals with common identities as athletes, goals, and objectives; sharing sport-based fates; repeatedly demonstrating structured patterns of communication; perceiving that they are a group with a defined structure; and their actions are interdependent and reciprocal. 

33. Court space policies: Limit your time used for open recreation to no more than 1 hour. Time limits and challenge processes for the next space reservation help maintain fairness and equitable access to court space. Priority is granted to groups with confirmed reservations. If you do not have a current reservation for our court spaces, be advised that our staff may request you to vacate the area. 

34. Disposing of trash: This policy is essential for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene within our facilities. Proper disposal of trash helps prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, reduces odors, and creates a more pleasant environment for all users.

35. Recreation Center and all Department of Recreation areas may not be used for prolonged sleeping or as living quarters. UCSB offers assistance for students in need of housing and shelter through its Basic Needs Resources.

36. Running bleachers on the southwest section above the offices of Harder Stadium is not permitted.

37. Students requiring accommodations are encouraged to contact the Disabled Students Program at https://dsp.sa.ucsb.edu/. Faculty/Staff and community members requiring accommodations are encouraged to contact their medical provider and submit a note detailing needed accommodations to the Assistant Director for Operations. 

38. Anything deemed inappropriate by staff will be prohibited.

Policies Specific to Outdoor Spaces

1. Access Restrictions: Rec Cen Tennis Courts, Stadium Tennis Courts, Rec Cen Fields, Storke Fields, Outdoor Basketball Courts, the Pit, Pauley Track & Field, Sand Volleyball Court, and Santa Barbara Harbor are designated for use by UCSB students, faculty/staff, and Recreation Center members only. Unauthorized individuals are considered trespassers.

2. Membership Requirement: Participants must possess a current UCSB access card or a Rec Cen membership card during use of these outdoor spaces.

3. Reservations: Priority for usage reservations is given to university classes, Intercollegiate Athletics, and Recreational sports activities. To make a reservation, please contact scheduling@recreation.ucsb.edu.

4. Time Restriction: Usage of all outdoor spaces is limited to one hour per session.

5. Footwear Policy: Non-marking shoes are required on our tennis courts.

6. Prohibited Activities: Private lessons, private classes, and non-university sponsored events are not permitted. Activities involving bicycles, mopeds, rollerblades, unicycles, segways, hoverboards, shopping carts, scooters, or other wheeled mobile devices, as well as hockey-related activities, are prohibited.

7. Cleanliness: Dispose of all cans, tops, and litter in designated receptacles.

8. Beverage Policy: Only sports drinks or water are allowed; alcohol, coffee, juices, or other beverages are not permitted.

9. Pet Policy: With the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed in these outdoor spaces.

10. Additional Restrictions: Sunflower seeds, chewing gum, and food are prohibited.

11. Enforcement: Rules and procedures for outdoor spaces will be enforced by the Department of Recreation staff and the UCSB Police Department (UCPD).

Click here for our Fitness Center policies.

Pool Rules

1. Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty.
2. No alcoholic beverages and no smoking anywhere in the pool area.
3. No food, tobacco, nicotine patches, or drinks allowed in the pool. 
4. No running, pushing or horseplay.
5. No swimming under the bulkhead.
6. No diving in shallow water.
7. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian.
8. Children that are not fully potty-trained may not use the pools. No Swim Diapers Allowed
9. Animals are prohibited.
10. Persons with colds, coughs, sores, etc. or wearing bandages may not use the pool.
11. Large floatation devices, such as rafts, are not allowed in the pools.
12. Children 12 and under must take a swim test in order to use the large pool and/or diving boards.  Swim Test: 25 yard crawl + one minute treading water.
13. During the summer children will be called out of the pools for 10 minutes of every hour, beginning approximately 2pm for Adult swim only.
14. Non-Swimmers and weak swimmers must be accompanied by an adult within arms reach at all times.  This includes children using floatation devices.
15. Proper swim attire must be worn in the pool. No loose clothing.

Keep your pool clean and safe: please shower and use toilets before entering the pool.

These facilities are for University students, staff, faculty, and authorized guests.  All others are trespassing.  Section 602 Penal Code.

Diving Rules

1. Divers must jump straight out from boards.
2. No spinning, backflips or reverse dives off the boards.
3. No double bouncing (one bounce only).
4. No diving until the previous diver reaches the wall.
5. Divers must swim to the appropriate ladder for each board.
6. Do not crawl, walk, or loiter underneath diving boards.
7. Dive blocks are off-limits at all times except for use by approved classes. 

Spa Rules

1. No one under 16 years old may enter the spa.
2. Spa may only be used when a lifeguard is on duty.
3. Elderly persons, pregnant women, infants and those with health conditions requiring medical care should consult a physician before entering the spa.
4. Hot water immersion while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, drugs or medicines may lead to serious consequences and is prohibited.
5. Long exposure may result in nausea, dizziness, or fainting.
6. Persons with colds, coughs, sores, etc. or wearing bandages may not use the spa.
7. No eating, drinking or smoking. No alcohol, tobacco or nicotine products of any kind.
8. No jumping or diving.

*Lifeguards maintain the right to ask any patron to leave the facility as deemed necessary.

** Pools may be closed at any time due to chemical or mechanical issues.