Facility Policy Manual

Prior to your visit, please visit the Campus Recreation website at  www.campusrec.unh.edu to become aware of the most up-to-date Campus Recreation programs and offerings. The following procedures must be adhered to in every Campus Recreation facility. Participants who do not comply with the requirements listed below will be asked to leave the facility. Failure to comply with staff requests may also result in suspension of facility privileges. 

A. Entry

• The Hamel Recreation Center is an 18+ use facility. Those under age 18 must be affiliated with a Campus Recreation program or authorized external facility rental.
• Please check in with staff prior to entering any Campus Recreation-managed facility.
• No food or drink can be taken in by participants unless otherwise permitted.
• Participants are required to follow CDC guidelines.

B. Beyond Entry 

• All members must sanitize equipment before and after each use.
• All members must wash their hands frequently per posted CDC guidelines.
• Please take advantage of the hand sanitizing stations available in each facility.

UNH ID’s that are used by anyone other than the owner will be confiscated and sent to the UNH ID office. Using a false ID may result in suspension or restricted access to Campus Rec locations. In addition, misuse of ID cards may be reported to UNH PD. ID lending is prohibited. 

If a student or CREC pass holder forgets their ID, the Welcome Center staff will look up their eligibility for entry in the computer access system. Patrons are strongly encouraged to download the UNH Campus Recreation app. The access system allows a limit of two look ups per semester before a guest pass must be purchased.

Campus Recreation facilities may be exclusively rented for special events and meetings. A facility rental reservation should be completed online at https://crec.unh.edu/Facility/ReservationRequest at least two weeks in advance of the event. 

Rentals are subject to availability.  Once the request is approved, a signed Use Agreement, Certificate of Insurance and State of NH background check (if applicable) must be provided. The sponsoring organization will be responsible for restoring the facility to its pre-reservation condition unless prior arrangements have been made. The sponsoring organization will be billed for the repair of any damages or purchase of lost equipment.

Tabling at Campus Recreation facilities offers a unique opportunity to engage with the UNH community in a vibrant, wellness-focused environment. This space is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles, safe and inclusive communities, and student-centered engagement—core values that guide Campus Recreation’s mission to enhance lives through innovative and accessible recreation.

To ensure all tabling activity aligns with the purpose and energy of the department, Campus Recreation prioritizes organizations and partners whose efforts support active living, well-being, sustainability, and educational enrichment. 

All tabling requests must be submitted in writing to Campus.Recreation@unh.edu two weeks in advance. Additional parameters regarding designated locations, scheduling, etc. will be communicated.

Any group activity facilitated in any Campus Recreation facility (Hamel Recreation Center (HRC), Bremner Field, Student Rec Field, UNH Outdoor Pool, Swasey Indoor Pool, Mendums Pond) requires an approved facility use agreement. 

A UNH Campus Recreation managed facility refers to any recreational or athletic space operated by the University of New Hampshire’s Campus Recreation Department. These facilities are often equipped with resources for both individual and group activities, including academic classes, organized sports leagues, fitness classes, and special events.
Organized group activities are characterized by any of the following elements:

• Participants are doing the same activity (i.e., varsity groups, sport teams, student organizations, etc.)
• Use of space that restricts the public’s access.
• A leader facilitates the activity.
• Activity is facilitated (personal training, swim lessons, group exercise, etc.) by anyone other than an on-duty Campus Recreation staff member.
• Participants arrive and/or depart at the same time.
• Participants wearing similar attire and/or offer food.
• Activity takes place at a set schedule or regular time.

• Proper attire is required when using Campus Recreation managed facilities.
• Clothing must be without rivets, metal, or exposed zippers (no denim or khaki material) to protect participants and equipment from damage.
• For health/sanitation reasons, bare feet are not allowed anywhere in Campus Rec facilities except the locker rooms and pools. Please strongly consider wearing sandals in the locker room/pool areas anytime you are not in water.
• Only non-marking soles are permitted on the playing surfaces. 
• Clothing or towel must be used between any exposed skin and a matted surface. This minimizes the transmission of disease.

• Use of studios and other designated spaces without a facility reservation
• Instruction (personal training, swim lessons, group exercise, etc.) by anyone other than an on-duty Campus Recreation staff member.
• Gum & beverages in open containers. Exceptions can be made for special events and classes. 
• Glass containers
• Bicycles, scooters, e-bicycles, e-scooters, hoverboards, one-wheel devices, electric skateboards, mopeds, skateboards, longboards, roller skates, inline skates, and other personal transportation devices. Storage, charging, or use of these devices is not permitted unless authorized by Campus Recreation.
• Amplified Music – Using a device or resource to increase volume (except by Campus Recreation staff member)
• Sparring (except during approved Sport Club activities)
• Posting announcements, flyers, posters, etc. on walls, windows, lockers, fences doors and/or facilities (unless prior permission is granted by Campus Recreation professional staff)
• Sales of private goods and services 
• Placing personal belongings in areas other than in lockers, cubbies, or designated areas
• Spitting or emission of other bodily fluids 
• Movement of equipment into bathrooms, office spaces, or other non-designated fitness spaces. All equipment must remain in designated fitness space(s).

• Mobile device use is prohibited in locker rooms, saunas, and restrooms.
• Cell phones and other mobile devices may be used for listening to non-amplified audio, accessing fitness applications, and personal communication.
• Photography, videography, audio recording, commercial filming, and other multimedia activities may not interfere with facility operations, patron safety, or the privacy of others.
• Recording, photography, videography, interviews, commercial filming, or media production conducted on behalf of an organization, business, media outlet, or third party requires prior approval from Campus Recreation administration.
• Individuals may not photograph, record, or otherwise capture the image or likeness of another participant without that participant's consent.
• Campus Recreation staff reserve the right to restrict, suspend, or prohibit any recording, photography, or multimedia activity that impacts safety, operations, participant privacy, or the intended use of the facility.
• Violations of this policy may result in corrective action, including removal from the facility.

• Rental equipment is available at the Welcome Center. Equipment may be checked out using a UNH ID card or Campus Recreation membership card. Any equipment not returned or returned in damaged condition may result in a replacement fee. Continued misuse of equipment may result in the loss of rental privileges.
• Day-use locks are available at the Welcome Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Only locks issued by UNH Campus Recreation may be used on lockers. Personal locks may be removed.
• A limited number of lockers are available for semester-long rental. Members renting a locker will be issued a lock by UNH Campus Recreation.
• Outdoor Adventures equipment rentals are managed separately from Welcome Center equipment checkout. Camping, paddling, climbing, and other outdoor recreation gear may be rented through Outdoor Adventures. Information on available equipment, rates, and reservation procedures can be found at: https://campusrec.unh.edu/programs/outdoor-adventures/gear-rentals

• The Hamel Recreation Center is an 18+ use facility. Those under age 18 must be affiliated with a Campus Recreation program or authorized external facility rental. (Proof of age, such as a driver’s license, may be required by a Campus Recreation staff member)
• All activities are at your own risk. Participants should be attentive to hazards such as exercise and sports equipment, balls, etc. 
• Closed-toed and closed-heeled shoes are required for use in all fitness center areas (except approved Group Exercise programming). 
• Any equipment malfunctions or medical emergencies must be reported immediately to the staff.
• Barbells can only be used in Power Racks, Deadlift Platforms, and Olympic Benches.
• Bar collars must be used at all times.
• The running track is for runners, walkers, and wheelchair users, etc. Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and inline skates are prohibited.
• Slower-paced users should position themselves to the inside of the track, and runners to the outside.
• Signs above the track indicate the daily directional flow of traffic.
• Outside/personal fitness equipment is not permitted to be brought into the facility, exception: yoga mats and exercise bands.
• Do not lean weights or equipment against walls, pillars, or mirrors.
• Only the designated Slam Wall area can be used to throw appropriate equipment against the wall.
• Slamming or dropping weight stacks, plates, or dumbbells in fitness spaces is prohibited.
• In fitnesss spaces, liquid chalk only is permitted.
• Rerack weights in their proper location when not in use.
• Utilize cleaning spray and towels to clean any machines and matted surfaces after use.
• Olympic Lifting Platforms:
  • Bumper plates can only be used on the Olympic Lifting Platforms
  • Only one person is permitted at any time on an Olympic Lifting Platform
• Protective eyewear is strongly encouraged when participating in court or racket sports.
• Please see the rule/policy signage in each fitness and equipment area for space-specific policies.

Racquetball & Squash Courts
Racquetball & Squash courts are reserved by the hour by going to https://crec.unh.edu/courtreservation to pass holding HRC members. Court time may be reserved up to 24 hours in advance. Individuals may reserve only one hour of play per individual per day. 

• The reserved court must be claimed within 10 minutes of reservation time. A reserved court that appears to be vacant may be used until the person who reserved it arrives. To ensure a court is vacant, users should check at the Welcome Center or by checking online schedule. 
• Activities in racquetball & squash courts are limited to approved Campus Recreation activities. 

Bouldering Wall 

• The use of liquid climbing chalk and loose chalk is permitted. 
• Shoes must be worn. Climbing shoes are recommended and are available for checkout from the Welcome Center.
• It is strongly recommended that you have a spotter.
• Be aware of those around you when climbing. Do not climb under anyone else.
• Mats are for climbers only. No other workouts can take place on the mats. Keep personal belongings off the mats.
• Climb within your ability.
• Any equipment malfunctions or medical emergencies MUST be reported immediately to the Welcome Center -or- Bouldering Wall staff on duty.

Saunas 

• Pregnant persons or people with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or low blood pressure should not enter the sauna without medical consultation.
• Do not place items or pour any liquids onto the electric heaters.
• Proper attire:
  • Clothing is required. Excessive or constrictive clothing should not be worn. Proper swimwear is permissible. Using only a towel is not permissible. Additional lightweight/athletic attire that will not be damaged or cause an aroma under high temperatures can also be worn. If you do not wish to wear swimwear, we recommend a cotton T-shirt and athletic shorts.
  • Jewelry in the sauna is not advised

Prohibited Items & Activities include: shoes, electronic devices, exercising, breathing training devices, glass containers, food items (including gum), backpacks, handbags, purses, and/or any personal bags.
 

Campus Recreation Aquatics Facilities Operating Procedures 

• UNH Aquatics staff reserves the right to close areas of either aquatic facility for programs, staff training, meetings, or for safety purposes. 
• All aquatics facility rentals require an approved Facility Rental Agreement and on-station Campus Recreation lifeguard(s).
• All participants who enter the water must wear clean swim attire that is specifically designed for swimming.
• All flotation devices must be labeled “USCG” or United States Coast Guard Approved, to be used.

Swasey Indoor Pool Rules 

1. All patrons are required to take a cleansing shower before entering the pool.
2. No person with a communicable disease, symptoms of an infectious or contagious illness, or an open wound may enter the pool. 
3. Proper swim attire must be worn. Non-toilet trained children must wear swim diapers. Changing attire and/or diapers must take place in designated locker rooms. 
4. Participants 14 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a supervising adult while in the facility. 
5. Participants 14 years of age and younger are required to complete a swim test. The swim test consists of a feet-first entry into the water, resurfacing unassisted, swimming 25 yards continuously, and treading water for 20 seconds. Upon successful completion of the swim test, participants will receive a green wristband, which must be worn while in the pool. Participants choosing not to take the swim test are considered non-swimmers.
6. Non-swimmers must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket and remain in designated lane(s) at all times. Life jackets may be removed during designated times when supervised by an adult within arm’s reach. One adult may supervise a maximum of three such non-swimmers. Lifeguards may require non-swimmers to wear a life jacket at any time.
7. Non-swimmers aged 15 and older may use the pool facility without adult supervision. They may enter water up to armpit depth without a life jacket, provided they can maintain footing and keep their head above water at all times.
8. A minimum depth of 9 feet is required for diving. Front facing, feet first jumps allowed in water 5 feet or deeper.
9. Diving from starting blocks and the 1-meter and 3-meter diving boards is prohibited except as authorized below:

Use of the 3-meter diving board is limited to the UNH Varsity Swim and Dive Team and sanctioned NCAA diving events.

Use of the 1-meter diving board is limited to the UNH Varsity Swim and Dive Team, sanctioned NCAA diving events, and approved UNH Campus Recreation rentals.

10. 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.), misuse of pool equipment and/or facility areas (lane lines, ropes, railings, etc.).
11. Prohibited items include: floats, rafts, boogie boards, glass, unapproved toys (beach balls, footballs, squirt cannons, etc.), unapproved radio-controlled vehicles, or similar. 
12. Only animals permitted under the University Policy on Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Service Animals in Training may be present.

Lifeguard instructions must be followed at all times.

UNH Outdoor Pool Rules 

1. All patrons are required to take a cleansing shower before entering the pool.
   1. No person with a communicable disease, exhibiting symptoms of any infectious or contagious diseases, or wound is permitted in the pool. 
      1. Proper swim attire must be worn. Non-toilet trained children must wear swim diapers. Changing attire and/or diapers must take place in designated locker rooms. 
      2. Participants 14 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a supervising adult while in the facility. 
      3. Participants 14 years of age and younger are required to complete a swim test. The swim test consists of a feet-first entry into the water, resurfacing unassisted, swimming 25 yards continuously, and treading water for 20 seconds. Upon successful completion of the swim test, participants will receive a green wristband, which must be worn while in the pool. Participants choosing not to take the swim test are considered non-swimmers.
      4. Non-swimmers must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket and remain in designated lane(s) at all times. Life jackets may be removed during designated times when supervised by an adult within arm’s reach. One adult may supervise a maximum of three such non-swimmers. Lifeguards may require non-swimmers to wear a life jacket at any time.
      5. Non-swimmers aged 15 and older may use the pool facility without adult supervision. They may enter water up to armpit depth without a life jacket, provided they can maintain footing and keep their head above water at all times.
      6. The lap pool is for continuous lap swimming only. No rec swimming is permitted in lap pool lanes. 
      7. A minimum depth of 9 feet is required for diving. Front facing, feet first jumps allowed in water 5 feet or deeper.
      8. 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.), misuse of pool equipment and/or facility areas (lane lines, ropes, railings, etc.).
      9. Prohibited items include: floats, rafts, boogie boards, glass, unapproved toys (beach balls, footballs, squirt cannons, etc.), unapproved radio-controlled vehicles, or similar. 
      10. Only animals permitted under the University Policy on Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Service Animals in Training may be present.
          Lifeguard instructions must be followed at all times.

The following policies are enforced at Campus Recreation Managed Outdoor Fields.

Memorial Field, Bremner Field & Student Rec Fields

• UNH staff reserves the right to close areas of the outdoor fields for programs, rentals, academic classes, staff training, meetings, and/or for safety purposes.
• Use of vehicles, bikes, skis, or any unauthorized equipment is prohibited on turf fields. 
• UNH Campus Recreation managed Outdoor Fields are ‘Carry In, Carry Out’ – All trash must be removed. 
• All goals and equipment must be returned to designated areas
• All field rentals require an approved Facility Rental Agreement. This includes but is not limited to private practices, private/semi-private lessons, events, and games. 
• Only animals permitted under the University Policy on Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Service Animals in Training may be present in the pool facility.
• The following are prohibited on UNH Outdoor Fields:
  • Gum, sunflower seeds, cigarettes or chewing tobacco
  • Food or drink (water is allowed)
  • Metal tipped spikes

• UNH staff reserves the right to close areas of Mendums Pond Recreation Area and Sailing Centre for approved programs, rentals, academic classes, staff training, meetings, and/or for safety purposes.
• Mendums Pond is a ‘Carry In, Carry Out’ facility – All trash must be removed. 
• All equipment must be returned to designated areas
• All rentals require an approved Facility Rental Agreement and on-station Campus Recreation attendant(s).
• Only animals permitted under the University Policy on Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Service Animals in Training may be present.
• The following activities are prohibited:
  • Unauthorized use of watercraft, bikes, skis, and/or other motorized vehicles. 
  • Tobacco, smoke, and nicotine products, including electronic cigarettes and electronic aerosol delivery devices, alcohol, or drug use.
  • Tenting 
  • Unauthorized use of challenge course elements 
  • Construction and/or installation of campfire rings

Mendums Pond Recreation Area Rules

1. All visitors are required to check in with an on-duty attendant at the front gate.
2. Parking is first come, first serve. Event parking and ADA-accessible use parking is located near the pavilion.  Attendants will direct users to the upper parking area when appropriate; this parking should not be used unless you are directed to do so by an attendant.  
3. Tobacco, smoke, and nicotine products, including electronic cigarettes and electronic aerosol delivery devices, alcohol or drug use is strictly prohibited. 
4. Participants 16 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a supervising adult. 
5. Watercraft must be cleaned of mud and debris and dried completely before use in Mendums Pond to prevent the spread of invasive plant species.
6. Grills, campfire rings, and picnic benches are for the use of Mendums guests. Please do not build new campfire rings. Pavilions, while open to the public, may be reserved for use by visiting summer camps. Staff will inform guests of pavilion rentals for the day upon arrival.
7. Hiking is permitted only on marked trails.  Ask an attendant for maps and information about trail difficulty. Please hike within your ability.
8. Orienteering is permitted. Please ask an attendant for information about our orienteering course and for orienteering maps. 
9. Challenge course elements are not to be used without trained staff facilitators.  Please ask on-duty staff about making a reservation for using the challenge course.
10. Canoe, kayak, and Stand-Up Paddleboard rentals can be obtained at the boathouse rental station.  Waivers must be signed, and rental fees paid prior to using any watercraft.  Life jackets and paddles are included in rental fees.  Life jackets are required while using Mendums rental watercraft and when using personal watercraft as well.  
11. Report emergencies to on-duty staff immediately.  Staff will provide first aid and use of AEDs if appropriate.  Staff will contact the Mendums Program Assistant and Outdoor Adventures Coordinator if necessary.
12. There is no lifeguard on-duty for normal hours of operation.  Swim at your own risk.  Diving, rough play, and jumping are discouraged.   
13. In the event of inclement storm weather, or storm forecasts, Mendums may close for either a half or full day.  Information on closings can be found on the UNH Mendums Pond webpage.  
14. All water-based activities will cease at the first sign of thunder, lightning and/or signs of inclement weather. Water activities can resume 30 minutes after the last visible lightning or associated thunder. Postponement and continuation of water activities will be indicated by air horn.  Guests will be directed to their vehicles in the event of a storm postponement.
15. Only animals permitted under the University Policy on Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Service Animals in Training may be present.

Mendums Attendant and Supervisor instructions must be followed at all times.  

• Free daily lockers are located throughout the HRC. Do NOT leave valuables unattended! Thefts have occurred. 
• Lockers are cleaned out daily for lost and found, any unattended items in lockers will be removed.
• All medications, cell phones, wallets, and credit cards found in Campus Recreation managed facilities will be sent to UNH PD.
• All UNH ID cards will be sent immediately to the UNH ID office.
• All lost and found items left unclaimed after 30 days will be donated to charity.

1. ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act
2. AED – Automated External Defibrillator
3. CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
4. CREC – UNH Campus Recreation
5. CREO – Civil Rights and Equity Office
6. ESA – Emotional Support Animal
7. FHA – Fair Housing Act
8. HRC – Hamel Recreation Center
9. ID – Identification
10. NCAA – National Collegiate Athletic Association
11. PD – Police Department
12. SAIT – Service Animal in Training
13. UNH – University of New Hampshire
14. USCG – United States Coast Guard
15. USNH – University System of New Hampshire
16. Campus Recreation Facility – Any indoor or outdoor space managed and operated by UNH Campus Recreation, including recreation centers, pools, outdoor fields, and outdoor recreation areas.
17. Non-Swimmer – A participant who has not successfully completed the Campus Recreation swim test or who elects not to take the swim test.
18. Service Animal – An animal recognized under the UNH Policy on Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Service Animals in Training.
19. Facility Rental Agreement – An approved agreement authorizing the use of a Campus Recreation facility by an individual or organization.