Policies

Aquatics

MANDATE STATEMENT

The primary mandate of TPASC Aquatic’s is to provide a setting for individuals to have a safe, enjoyable, and free of discrimination experience while accessing various aquatic programs bring offered. The Aquatics department is a shared spaced that transitions based on the needs of each individual program. Aquatics emphasizes enforcement of all Ontario Health Regulations keeping our pools clean, safe and inviting for all. This mandate is to be upheld by all staff, patrons, and partners of the facility Aquatics department at all times.

ENTERING/ACCESSING THE FIELD OF PLAY

Check-in Policy

Upon arrival all patrons participating in any aquatic program (e.g. Lane Swim, Swimming Lessons, Rentals etc.)  must check-in at the Public Relations desk where an Aquatic staff member will assist.

• Lane Swim – All patrons must present their lane swim card for proof of payment for the program.
• Leisure Swim – All patrons must have their coloured wrist bands securely on and visible for the Aquatic Staff to reference.
• Aquafit – All aquafit participants must register for the program in advance in accordance with Fitness Centre Group fitness policy
• Rentals – All rentals must check-in with the Deck Supervisor to confirm their lane locations – athletes must have a coach present to access the field of play.

Patron Bathing Attire / Dress Code

In order to accommodate all visitors and maintain safe programs, the term “proper bathing attire” must be defined. At TPASC, traditional swim wear is preferred where possible; however the following criteria will be used when determining the appropriateness of attire for swimming:

• Clothing is clean and brought to the pool for the sole purpose of swimming (one cannot wear their street clothes into the pool).
•  The clothing must permit the individual to participate safely in the program. Every effort must be made to eliminate risk of strangulation or being weighed down to the point of incapacitation.
• Aquatic staff are directed to be accommodating of the needs of all patrons.
• Swimmers, who are not toilet trained, must wear suitable disposable swim pants or re-useable pool pant

Prohibited Items

The following items are not permitted on the pool deck, patrons will be asked to leave these items in a locker or on the provided shoe racks in the hallway.

• Outdoor street shoes/ boots
• Outdoor coats/ jackets
• Strollers & Wagons
• Bikes
• Glass of any kind (water bottles, containers etc.)
• Food & Drink (including gum) *with the exception of water in an appropriate container 
• Drones, Go Pros/ Underwater Cameras 
• Regular Diapers *waterproof diapers are available for purchase and must be used to enter the water.
• Weighted belts/ ankle weights
• Monofins, Freediving/Scuba diving fins
• Mermaid Tails
• Noodles

Enter/Exit Points

Patrons must use the designated entrances/ exits. It is not permitted to use emergency exits or prop open doors leading to the pool deck.

PROGRAM ADMITTANCE POLICIES

Admittance Policy

The admittance policy addresses age and swimming ability to determine whether individuals may be admitted to the aquatic facility and whether they require accompaniment.

• Children 9 years of age or younger must be accompanied by parent, guardian or designate who is at least 14 years of age and is responsible for their direct supervision
• Children 10 years of age or older may enter the pool unaccompanied

Caregiver Supervision Requirements

The Caregiver Supervision policy complements the admittance policy, the requirements for the supervision ratio, the supervision proximity and the access to designated pool areas (i.e. deep end).

Non-Swimmers must be directly supervised by their caregiver who must remain within arms’ reach and able to render immediate assistance. Non swimmers and those who have not passed the swim test must remain in shallow water.

Facility Swim Test

All patrons that are 13 years or younger that would like to swim in lane swim or leisure swim unaccompanied must complete a facility swim test in order to participate. Aquatic staff have the sole discretion to ask anyone to complete a facility swim test if they are concerned from a safety standpoint of an individual’s capability to participate in a program.

To successfully pass the facility swim test individuals must:

• Demonstrate comfort in the water
• Swim a minimum of 50m continuously in shallow water
• Distance must be completed on their front
• Tread water for 30 Seconds in deep water

Swim test – Must See’s:

• Complete the entire distance (50m)
• Swim continuously
• Show ability to take breaths
• Only touch and push off the wall at the end of the width – may not stop or touch the bottom

A participant can be limited to the number of attempts of the swim test, based on the discretion of TPASC staff evaluating.
Successful swim tests will be recorded and kept on file for the session, participants may be asked to re-do the swim test when the records are refreshed.

Wristband Policy – wristbands are distributed at the customer service desk on Level 2

To assist in ensuring that a safe environment is maintained in all of our pools, TPASC has implemented a three-colour wristband procedure. This system allows staff to ensure that children at risk are identified and that all children are supervised adequately when in the facility. Children 9 years of age and under will be given an identifying wristband by staff upon entry to the facility. Wristbands are also given are the successful completion of a facility swim test. Additional wristbands are available for day passes, some drop-in programs etc.

Showering before Swimming

Patrons are encouraged to shower before entering the water. Showers are available in the Aquatic’s Changerooms & Universal Changeroom. 

Serious Medical Conditions

Those with serious medical conditions should be accompanied by an individual knowledgeable of their condition and responsible for their direct supervision. Patrons are encouraged to connect with the Deck Supervisor working if there are any concerns regarding participating in a program.

ETIQUETTE AND EXPECTATIONS

Prohibited Patron Behaviour

• Socializing with or distracting pool staff, including lifeguards, is prohibited.
• No person within the pool area shall behave in such a manner as to jeopardize the safety and health of himself/herself and others. Such behavior, including abusive or profane language, may be asked to leave. 
• Running, boisterous or rough play, pushing, acrobatics, dunking, wrestling, offensive or disruptive splashing or yelling, diving or jumping without care and caution, snapping of towels, improper conduct causing undue disturbances on or about the pool area or any acts which would endanger any patron are prohibited.
• An individual putting another individual on their shoulders is prohibited.
• Spitting, spouting water, blowing nose, urinating or defecating in the pool is prohibited.
• No prolonged underwater swimming for time and/or distance. Competitive or repetitive breath holding can be deadly and is not permitted.
• No coaching during lane and leisure swim. All spectators must view from the designated viewing areas to ensure their safety at all times.
• No private or group swimming lessons during lane and leisure swim.
• The City of Toronto offers swimming lessons. No activity for private gain is permitted at any time
• Monopolizing lanes for personal gain will not be tolerated, all patrons must be welcoming and accepting of all swimmers in the program.

NEXT STEPS…

• All minor rule infractions warrant a verbal warning along with a brief explanation of why the rule is enforced.
• If a swimmer repeatedly breaks rules or regulations, making it absolutely necessary for discipline purposes to send the individual home for a period of time, TPASC staff will document the incident on an Incident Report Form.
• Should there be any instances where longer suspensions the incident will be escalated for a decision on the appropriate course of action.
• Please refer back to the Building Policies for the Suspension/ Ban policy for further details.

Lane Selection & Sharing Lane Space

Lane Selection is based on the following items when coming to participate in Lane Swim. During Lane Swim there will be speed signs posted at the end of each lane as well as a directional sign to follow. It is the responsibility of each patron to enter the lane speed most appropriate to their ability at the time they are swimming.

• Circle Swimming – All patrons are to swim in a circle (as indicated at the end of each lane) to ensure multiple swimmers can safely swim in a single lane. Circle swimming maintains a welcoming environment for all. 
   
• Directional Signs – our directional signs have arrows which indicate the direction of circle swimming that must be followed by all participants.
   
• Speed Signs – Signs include Fast, Medium Fast, Medium, Slow. Patrons are encouraged to choose a lane based on their comfort in the water and speed that they swim. Typically, Slow/Medium lanes will be situated closer to the wall, while medium fast/fast lanes will be situated in the middle of the pool.
  • The location of speed signs will change based on the number of available lanes.

A Place for Everyone

• Swimmers of all different abilities will utilize our pools on a daily basis, it is important to recognize not all swimmers are the same speed or have the comfort level as others.
• Patrons are asked to communicate and be compassionate with one another while sharing space.
• Patrons are to notify the TPASC lifeguards if there are immediate safety concerns.

Spectators

• Spectators must remain on the on-deck bleachers or in the gallery located on level 2.
• Spectators cannot pass the blue dotted line while wearing street clothing.
• All outdoor attire (coats, boots, shoes etc.) must be removed before entering the pool deck area.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC POLCIES

Women’s Only Swims

• Women’s only swim times are offered where the Training Pool area is exclusively used. All windows are covered by curtains for the duration of the swim.  
• Children of the opposite sex under the age of 6 may participate with women’s only swim times, children must be accompanied by a guardian and swim ratios remain in effect.

Leisure Swim 

• Patrons must stay within the designated space allocated to leisure swim
• When going from Shallow water to Mid Depth water, patrons must exit the water and enter from the walls
  • Swimming under lane ropes between depths is not permitted.
• TPASC staff reserve the right to prohibit equipment brought into leisure swim including but not limited to: inflatable floating devices, noodles, water guns, balls, diving toys, etc.

Lane Swim Equipment 

• Lane swim patrons are not permitted to use the diving blocks
• Patrons are not permitted to wear lifejackets during lane swimming in deep water – if a lifejacket is required, please connect with the TPASC staff to find out times where shallow water is available or alternatively for leisure swim times.
• Flutter boards, pull buoys & water belts are available for use – equipment must be returned after use
• Prohibited Equipment: weighted belts/ ankle weights, monofins, Freediving/Scuba diving fins, mermaid tails.

Aquafit Equipment

• Water belts are available, first-come, first-serve
• Deep water & Shallow Water Aquafit offered – patrons are encouraged to evaluate their comfort in the water before attending deep water classes.
• Additional equipment will be provided at the discretion of the Aquafit Instructor (e.g. water dumbbells, noodles, etc.)  

Field House

MANDATE STATEMENT

The primary mandate of the TPASC Fieldhouse is to provide a setting for individuals to play and compete in sport that is safe, enjoyable and free of discrimination.  The TPASC Fieldhouse emphasizes good sportsmanship and safety during play and expect teams, coaches, parents and players to be respectful of other individuals, as well as the facility, both on and off the court. The essence of this mandate is to be upheld by all Fieldhouse patrons and staff, at all times. 

ETIQUETTE AND EXPECTATIONS 

Conduct

Physical or verbal abuse of any form will not be tolerated and will result in immediate ejection from the Fieldhouse. The user may be ejected from any program without refund. 
TPASC reserves the right to suspend and expel users who have acted in a manner that may be deemed dangerous to the facility users and/or facility staff.  Any patrons, including teams, coaches, parents, and players instigating and/or participating in physical altercations will be immediately suspended and/or expelled from further play with no refund of programming fees. 

PROGRAM ADMITTANCE POLICIES 

Registration For Programs

All participants should pre-register for All-Access Drop-in programs. Hybrid access, pre-registration and drop-in, may be in place for certain Drop-in programs. If you are not registered and the program is at capacity, you should not be in the Field House for that particular program. Any costs associated with a program must be paid at the time of registration or at the Customer Service desk on Level 2, prior to participation. 

Drop-In Programs/Wrist Band Policy

Drop-in Programs

• Drop-in programs are offered subject to court availability. 
• Space and equipment will be provided on a first-come-first-served basis and may have an associated drop-in fee to play. 
• Patrons attending drop-in programs must recognize that they are sharing the space with others and shall not claim exclusive use. 
• The daily schedule of activities may be subject to change without notice. 
• Patrons accessing City of Toronto and UTSC drop-in programs must refer to City and University policies and procedures. 

Wristbands 

• Wristbands are required for access to All-Access drop-ins will be checked prior to entering the Filed House 
• Wristbands can be obtained at the Customer Service desk on Level 2. 
• Patrons are required to keep their wristband on, intact and visible for the duration of the program. 

Equipment 

• Equipment will be provided to user groups at the Sport and Recreation Desk on Level 1. 
• A photo ID will be required to rent any equipment. 
• Users will treat all TPASC equipment and property with care and respect.  
• Should TPASC property be damaged, the User may be responsible for costs. Users will use only the equipment assigned to their group for the dedicated rental time. 

Rental Contract Agreements 

The Field House offers a wide range of possibilities and various configurations to accommodate rental requests, based on availability. A signed Rental contract will be required for all rentals inside the Field House, Climbing Wall or Track. A Rental Contract Agreement has set policies and procedures for each rental based on the requirements of each rental. Payment, time of usage, and all specific needs for that rental are clearly stated in all Rental Contract Agreements. 

ENTERING/ACCESSING FIELDS OF PLAY

Sport and Recreation Desk 

The Sport and Recreation Desk is staffed and located on Level 1. Information related to programming is available at the desk on a daily basis. 

• Lock Rentals 
  • If you are renting a towel or a lock for the day, you will need to pay the fee at the Customer Service Desk on Level 2 and bring the receipt to the Sport and Recreation Desk, along with a piece of ID. 
• Monthly Towel Service
  • Members can receive their monthly rental towel service at the Sport and Recreation Desk on Level 1. A maximum of 2 towels will be given out at any one time, for a towel rental service. 
  • For patrons needing a towel between 5am-8am towels are available at the Customer Service Desk on Level 2
• Lost & Found 
  • Lost and Found items are located at the Sport and Recreation Desk, all items will be kept for a maximum of 2 weeks. For lost valuables (e.g. cellphone, wallet, etc.) those items may be retrieved at the Customer Service Desk on Level 2.   

Fieldhouse 

The Field House entrances are located on Level 1, at the 1st and 3rd set of doors on the left side, down the north hallway. There are 4 separate courts used for programming. The Field House has many different sports programs, including high level sporting events throughout the year. 
No food or beverage is allowed inside the courts of play, only when allowed in the seating areas.   

• Athlete/ Patron Dress Code: 
  • All athletes/patrons must wear a shirt, athletic bottoms, and indoor running shoes.
  • Dark sole shoes are prohibited. 
  • Jewelry should be removed or taped down for safety reasons.
• Changing 
  • Changing within the field of play is not permitted, athletes/patrons are asked to use the change rooms available.
• Food & Drink 
  • Food & Drink is prohibited inside the courts- water in an appropriate container is allowed on-court
  • Spectators, patrons, & athletes are permitted to eat in the stands- please use waste receptacles placed in the field exit for all garbage. 
• Sharing Space 
  • When using the Fieldhouse, please be always respectful of other groups in the other areas of the courts.   

Climbing Wall

The entrance to the Climbing Wall is located on Level 1 across from the Sport and Recreation desk. Climbers are expected to arrive on time for bookings and will not be compensated for late arrival. Waivers for new climbers must be completed before entering the climbing area, including for all rentals. Proof of payment must be presented upon entry to the climbing wall space. 

• Learn to Climb 
  • sessions are held at specific time slots during the weekday drop-in hours and must be booked in advance through the online booking portal. 
• UTSC Students
  • new climbers must take a Learn-to-Climb lesson or pass a tie-in/belay test before being allowed to climb.  

Track

The entrance to the Track area is on Level 2, immediately to the right inside the turnstiles. During special events or for specific classes, the Track area maybe closed to other patrons. Signage will be posted during these times. 

• Patron Dress Code
  • No jackets, outdoor shoes, or boots are allowed inside the Track area.
• Direction
  • Patrons are asked to follow the signage posted for the direction the track is moving each day. 
• Community Walking Times
  • Patrons are welcome to walk the track during the designated walking track hours posted. 
• Sharing Space
  • Please be respectful of all users moving around the Track and use the appropriate lanes for walking and running.   

Fitness Centre & Studios

MANDATE STATEMENT

The primary mandate of the TPASC Fitness Centre is to provide an inclusive environment for all to workout in a safe and enjoyable manner, free of discrimination and harassment. 

ENTERING/ACCESSING THE FIELD OF PLAY – Fitness Centre and Studios

Check-in Policy 

• Fitness Centre 
  • When entering the fitness centre all patrons must enter through Level 1 and scan their membership/student card at the welcome desk. Patrons needing accommodations can speak with staff at the Customer Service Desk located on Level 2.
  • Day passes may be purchased at the Customer Service Desk on level 2, patrons will be supplied a wristband that will need to be presented to the fitness centre staff at the welcome desk. 
• Group Fitness Classes 
  • Registration is mandatory to attend group fitness classes. If spots remain at the start of the class, patrons may drop in on a first come, first serve basis. 
  • When entering the Group Fitness classes all patrons must be able to provide their membership/student card or wristband.
• Minimum Age Requirement/ Supervision Requirements 
  • Children must be at least 10 years old to access the Fitness Centre. 
  • Those between 10 and 14 years of age must be directly supervised by a parent or guardian 16 years of age or older and are only permitted to use cardio equipment under direct supervision. 
  • Those 14 years of age or older can use the facilities on their own and attend group fitness classes. 
• Accessibility
  • In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Fitness Centre and Studios are designed to improve access and opportunities for people with disabilities by identifying, removing and preventing barriers that might interfere with their ability to make full use of our facility. 

Patron Fitness centre Attire / Dress Code 

• Proper gym attire is to be always worn throughout the Fitness Centre and studios. 
• Clothing should be clean and should not be ripped. 
• Jeans or street wear are not allowed.   
• Athletic indoor footwear is to be worn at all times (with the option of removing shoes when stretching on the mats). 
  • Shoes must cover the entire foot, to help prevent injury. 
  • Outdoor shoes, crocs, boots, dress shoes, bare feet or sandals are prohibited. 

Prohibited Items/Behaviours 

• Misuse of fitness equipment
• Photography/Video/Voice Recordings of others without their permission                                                                            
• Outdoor street shoes/ boots /Crocs / sandals / flipflops 
• Outdoor coats/ jackets 
• Bags, knapsacks etc. 
• Sports equipment (including but not limited to basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, etc.)
• Laptops
• Glass of any kind (water bottles, containers etc.) 
• Food
• Powdered chalk
• Sparring 
• Using personal speaker systems or loud timers
• Children under the age of 14 years are not permitted to use any weight equipment.
• Children under the age of 14 years are not permitted to be unsupervised at any time in the fitness centre.
• Children under the age of 14 years are not permitted to attend group fitness classes.

Enter/Exit Points 

Every patron must use the designated entrances/ exits. It is prohibited for patrons to prop open doors. Emergency exits are to be used only in an emergency and are not prohibited for regular use. 

ETIQUETTE AND EXPECTATIONS 

• All patrons are to follow the dress code and be mindful of other patrons utilizing the fitness centre. 
• Please return all weights and fitness equipment to their proper designated place after use and leave your workout area accessible for the next user. 
• Use care with all exercise equipment. 
• Please do not drop or bang weights. Always train with safety in mind, both your safety and the safety of others.  
• Use control when lifting your free weights by not banging or dropping the weights. 
• Always use safety clips or collars (provided) appropriately on all free weight bars and cable machines- do not switch clips or attachments between machines. 
• Please do not remove equipment from any of the program areas or designated program spaces. 
• Patrons are to refrain from prolonged used of equipment while others are waiting. 
• Please use the disinfectant wipes that are provided in locations throughout the Fitness Centre and studios to wipe away excess perspiration as a courtesy to the next member. 
• Small pieces of fitness equipment (ex. Mini bands, massage balls, ankle cable attachments) may be brought into the fitness centre for personal use. 
  • TPASC reserves the right to deny personal equipment into the fitness centre that poses a potential risk to our equipment or the safety of patrons. 
• The Fitness Centre and studios are supervised on a regular basis. We encourage you to consult one of our Fitness staff regarding any questions you have to using equipment safely or any training needs you may have. 

Prohibited Patron Behaviour 

• No person within the fitness centre or studios shall behave in such a manner as to jeopardize the enjoyment, safety and health of himself/herself and others. Such behavior, including abusive or profane language, harassment of any kind, may be asked to leave.  
• No personal training sessions other the TPASC personal training is prohibited in the fitness centre or studios.

Sharing space 

• Please be prepared to share equipment and space. Be always courteous to fellow patrons. 
• Please be courteous to others and limit your time at any specific piece of equipment to 30 minutes. 
• As a courtesy to other participants, cell phone conversations are not permitted in program areas including the fitness centre and studios. Please have your conversations outside any program area at reasonable volumes. 
• Please silence your notifications and ring tone on your phone when attending any group fitness classes.