Recreation Policies and Procedures

To enter the Fitness Centers, Pool, and Climbing Wall, a valid membership card (Cadet Card) is required to be shown at the Welcome Desk. No exceptions!

• Photocopies of identification will not be accepted.
• Membership cards are non-transferable, and any attempt to use another person’s membership card will result in confiscation of the card and possible member/guest suspension.
• The Recreation Staff is not responsible for any user’s personal belongings.
• The Cadet Card issued IDs are used to access the Recreation Center during normal business hours and to swipe into our membership validating system.
• All minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has a membership while using the facility.
• Video or photography is not permitted without prior approval from the Recreation Professional Staff.

• For the comfort of other members, all gym users must wear shirts. 
• Bare feet, open-toed shoes, or slip-on shoes without a heel strap are not permitted. Members must wear shoes in all areas of the facility except for the pool, martial arts room, stretch areas, and barefoot group fitness classes.
• For the care of our equipment, denim shorts/pants and cargo shorts/pants (and any other clothing with hardware such as zippers, buttons, key rings, rivets, etc.) may not be worn.
• The Recreation Staff reserves the right to make decisions on specific attire on a case-by-case basis.

• Use of equipment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Be courteous to others and vacate equipment and benches between sets. Be willing to allow others to work in between sets.
• No food is allowed in the Fitness Center. All drinks must be in a closed container.
• Glass containers are not permitted. 
• Moving machines are not permitted.
• Wipe down all machines, mats, and equipment after use.
• Return all free weights, plates, and other equipment to racks or storage areas.
• All weight training should be performed in a controlled, safe manner. Dropping, slamming, or banging weights is not permitted.
• Weights and bars should not lean against any equipment, mirrors, or walls.
• The use of collars is required for all plate-loaded free weight lifts or on any free bar lifts with plates.
• If there are any issues with the equipment or machines, please report them to the Staff. Do not try to fix it yourself.
• The University reserves the right to close the Fitness Center due to operational or safety concerns.
• Do not leave bags or personal belongings on the gym floor.
• Norwich University is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• Personal training and classes are not permitted in the Fitness Center.

• Swimming and entering the water are permitted only when NU Lifeguards are present.
• Patrons failing to obey the NU Lifeguards or any of the pool rules will be subject to immediate removal from the facility and may result in loss of membership and/or facility access. Additionally, Recreation Staff may refer the patron to the Commandant and/or the Dean of Students.
• Swimsuits are required. Other apparel for training purposes must be approved by pool management; this may include, but is not limited to, Physical Training gear (tee shirt, shorts), OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern), shoes, etc.
• No running on the pool deck, in changing rooms, or in hallways.
• No diving; you must enter feet first.
• No gum or tobacco.
• No outside shoes allowed on the pool deck.
• Only approved, proper use of photography or video taking is permitted.
• Any person with a known communicable disease may not use the pool.
• Any person with an open wound may not use the pools. Adhesive bandages are not sufficient for wound coverage.
• Glass containers are not permitted in the natatorium or changing rooms.
• Pool patrons are not permitted to access storage closets or other areas restricted to staff.
• Only U.S. Coast Guard–approved flotation devices are allowed. Kick boards, pull buoys, and flippers must be used properly.
• Patrons will not hang on or play on float lines (lane lines) or dividers.
• Starting blocks and the 1-meter diving board are off limits to all pool patrons except trained swim/dive team members under the supervision of a coach approved by the University.
• Prohibited activities include breath holding, unapproved use of diving masks, snorkels, scuba equipment, use of glass, running, rough play (throwing, tossing, flipping, shoulder rides, climbing, hanging, swinging, etc.), and misuse of pool equipment and/or facility areas (lane lines, ropes, railings, etc.).
• During lap swim busy times, sharing lanes is required.

• The indoor track is located on the second floor of Plumley Armory overlooking the Plumley Gymnasium.
• The track is 1/10th of a mile long (10 times around is equivalent to one mile).
• Please check the direction of the track (located on a sign at the entrance to the track) before beginning your workout.
• No food or drink is permitted on the court area.
• Appropriate non-marking footwear is required. No dress shoes, boots, or bare feet. Shirts are always required.
• Dunking or rim hanging is not permitted.
• During scheduled activities, those activities have priority for the court space. All other times when there are no scheduled activities or groups, activities are based on a first-come, first-served basis.

• All climbers must have a NU climbing wall waiver on file and must check in at the climbing wall front desk.
• Everyone top rope climbing/belaying must take and pass a belay test.
• Figure 8 with a stopper knot and an ATC belay device is required for the test.
• Waivers and belay tests are valid for one academic year.
• No climbing under another climber.
• No food or drink allowed in the climbing area. Water is acceptable.
• Shoes must be worn at all times at the climbing wall and while climbing.
• Maximum occupancy is 15 people.
• Report all unsafe or damaged equipment to the climbing wall staff.
• All persons using NU climbing facilities are expected to respect other individuals and conduct themselves in good order.
• No headphones while belaying or climbing.
• Climbing Wall Staff reserve the right to check harnesses, knots, safety systems, etc., at any time.
• Climbing Wall Staff reserve the right to ask a patron to leave if they are deemed unsafe or in violation of these policies.

Lead Climbing

• Climbing Wall policies apply.
• Everyone lead climbing must have a current lead belay and lead climbing certification.
• No skipping clips.
• No taking “whippers” for fun.
• Spotting the climber for the first clip is required.
• The use of a movable pad for the first clip is highly recommended.
• Assisted braking devices, such as a GriGri or Cinch, must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions; however, you must test with an ATC.

Bouldering

• All climbers must have a NU climbing wall waiver on file and must check in.
• The use of a spotter and moveable pads is highly encouraged, and their use is the responsibility of the climber.
• No climbing under another climber.
• No climbing above the marked line.

All patrons using NU climbing facilities are expected to respect other individuals and conduct themselves in good order.

Climbing Wall Staff reserve the right to ask a patron to leave if they are deemed unsafe or in violation of these policies.

• Reservations: Equipment is rented on a first-come, first-served basis. NU organization/group rentals must be requested 2 weeks in advance by emailing shawoc@norwich.edu. There is no cost for current NU students to rent equipment.
• Required Identification: Proper identification (Student ID or Driver's License) must be presented to rent equipment.
• Equipment Returns: All equipment is due back 30 minutes before closing. No equipment will be considered returned until it is inspected. Please plan accordingly and allow time for inspection.
• Late Fee: Equipment returned past due will be subject to a daily late fee. For each day late, the renter will be charged the daily rate(s) for the item(s) rented.
• Cleaning: Rental items must be clean when returned. A minimum $10 per item cleaning fee will be charged for equipment that must be cleaned.
• Damage/Loss: The renter is responsible for all costs of repair or replacement. 
• Helmets: Helmets are included with bicycle and sled rentals, and their use is strongly recommended.
• Responsibility: It is the responsibility of the renter to know how to use the requested equipment. The renter may ask a staff member for clarification about proper use; however, such an explanation is not a substitute for professional training by a certified instructor. Renters must check all equipment before leaving the Shaw Outdoor Center and agree to accept the equipment “as is.”

• No Hunting or Trapping
• No Cutting of Live Trees and Plants
• No Unauthorized: Motorized vehicles, camping, or fires

Norwich University Trail Etiquette

• Leave No Trace. Carry out what you carry in.
• Stay on designated trails.
• Keep bikes under control and at a safe speed.
• Bikes must yield the right-of-way to other trail users.
• Dogs must be on a leash or under the owner’s immediate control.
• All trails are multidirectional except the Orange Trail, which is downhill biking only.

Emergencies: Call Norwich University Security at 802-485-2525 or dial 911.

Allowable Uses

• Hiking
• Biking
• Class 1 eMTB (pedal-assisted and limited to 20 mph)
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Backcountry Skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Sledding
• Snowmobiling on designated VAST trail only

Access

Norwich University trails are open to the public. Please respect private, Norwich University, and Northfield Town property.