Forms & Policies

Appropriate Swim Attire

• Goggles
• must wear appropriate swim attire
• can NOT be see through
• NO JEANS
• No t-shirts (rash guards are accepted)
• No athletic attire such as running shorts, sports bras, or compression shorts
• No shoes or socks
• Restricted Areas
  • Dive Tower, Dive Blocks, Infinity Pool, Dive Team Dryland Workout Room, Athletics Locker Rooms and Ron Orr Pavilion, The swim with Mike room, the athletics storage room, and the mechanical room

Jacuzzi Rules

• Shower required before entering
• Appropriate swim attire must be worn at all times.
• All patrons should consult a physician before entering the Jacuzzi.
• Long exposure may result in dizziness and fainting.
• Must be 16 years or older to use.

Lap Swim Rules

• Proper pool etiquette is expected. You must share lanes and circle swim (i.e., remain in the right half of the lane).  Slower swimmers should stop at the wall and allow faster swimmers to pass.
• Swimmers must enter the lap pool from the ends of the lanes only.
• When choosing a lane, please choose a lane with swimmers who swim at your pace.

PED Indoor Pool

• USC students, faculty, and staff must show USC ID or USC Recreational Sports guest ID upon request with confirmation of purchase. Inquire and register with lifeguard on duty.
• Hours are subject to change without notice.
• PED locker rooms will be open 15 minutes before and after swim time.
• No food or drinks besides water or beverages with sealed lids are allowed in the pool, deck area, or locker rooms.
• Facility will be closed on home football game days and special event days.
• PED Locker Room and Lockers
  • Locker rooms, showers, and restroom facilities are available in the PED locker room during restricted hours.
  • Rental of PED lockers is operated through the PHED Department (PED 108).
  • Contact Amber Harris at phed@usc.edu or (213) 740-2488 with further questions

PED Indoor Pool Etiquette

• Please see Lap Swim Rules.
• Return all borrowed or rented equipment (boards, paddles, etc.) after use. Appropriate swimming attire is required.

Pool Rules

• Swimming is only permitted when an authorized USC lifeguard is on duty
• All patrons, athletes, and faculty must swim during the appropriate times.
• may result in suspension of membership
• A “down” guard may not supervise a patron in the other pool than that which is open for recreational swimming
• Because of the depth of the shallow end, a person must show swimming proficiency (2 lengths or 50 yards without stopping). This is a training pool (not a teaching pool). Lifeguards may check swimming proficiency.
• Please shower before entering pool.
• No unsupervised swimming, includes varsity athletes/coaches.
• Swimmers are permitted to swim underwater for no more than 25 yards within 5 minutes.
• Hanging on lane lines is prohibited.
• The pool is for lap swim only:
  • No Horseplay
  • No Water polo balls
  • No Swimming Lessons
  • No Personal Training
  • No Running on Deck
• Water polo equipment is for water polo team use only.
• Kickboards, fins, paddles, pull buoys, and water jogging belts are available for use at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center, subject to availability.
• Please return equipment after use.  Please stack lawn chairs after use.
• Please do not enter lifeguard office without permission from a lifeguard.
• All persons using the pool, do so at own risk—we are not responsible for accidents or injuries.
• Glass containers are prohibited on the pool deck or within the pool.
• No drinks or food in pool area.
• No running , pushing, or horseplay of any kind.
• Do not swim if you have infectious or communicable diseases
• Recreational Sports Staff reserves the right to deny use of pool to anyone at any time.
• The maximum number of swimmers in each lane is six.

Swim Etiquette

• Circle Swim
• Sharing a lane

Uytengsu Aquatic Center

• Access is limited to enrolled USC students, faculty, staff, and guest members of USC Recreational Sports.
• Access to starting blocks is limited to athletes and coaches during official practice hours only.
• Diving boards are for the dive team only. No exceptions. The south side of the dive pool is off limits when the dive team is practicing.
• In the event of inclement weather (thunder, lighting, heavy rain, earthquake), the pools, pool decks, and Jacuzzis will be CLOSED and remain closed until it has been determined that the facility is safe to reopen. Any opening/closing will be at the discretion of USC Recreational Sports Staff.
• Members must comply with directions from lifeguards and USC Recreational Sports Staff.

Outdoor Basketball Courts

• Courts are first come first serve
• Appropriate footwear is expected
• No dunking or hanging on the rims
• Please report maintenance requests to the Lyon Center

Tennis & Pickleball Courts

• Courts are first come first serve
• Play is limited to one hour when players are waiting
• No food or drinks on the courts
• Do not hit balls against the windscreens
• No bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, etc. allowed
• No private lessons unless sanctioned by USC Recreational Sports
• Appropriate attire is expected and tennis shoes are required

Dress Code Policy

The following dress code is in effect for all users of USC Recreational Sports. Appropriate workout attire and athletic footwear are required at all times. Sandals, flip-flops, boots, black-soled shoes, jeans, scrubs or any pants with buttons or hardware (zippers/rivets) are prohibited. Metal cleats are not allowed on playing fields.

The following rules are not intended to cover all instances or be all-inclusive. Other rules (specific to programs) may apply and shall be considered binding to all participants. Recreational Sports reserves the right to change or amend these policies as deemed necessary for the safety and functionality of the facility, program or activity. Compliance with Recreational Sports staff is expected at all times. Failure to comply with staff and interpreted policies may result in suspension or termination of membership.

General Fitness Center Rules

• Bags are not permitted on the fitness floor and will be confiscated and returned for a fee
• Exercise attire is required at all times
• Closed toed/heeled athletic shoes are required in all general fitness areas. Shoes that can damage or mark any flooring, dark soled shoes, leather soled shoes, bedroom slippers, sandals, flip flops and work boots are prohibited.
• Metal cleats are prohibited on all playing fields
• Pants with belts, rivets or hardware are prohibited
• A shirt must be worn at all times
• Scrubs or work uniforms are prohibited in all general fitness areas
• Use of chalk is not permitted in any facility
• External coaching/training is not permitted. Only Recreational Sports personal trainers are authorized to provide personal training services within Recreational Sports facilities.
• Film and photography is not allowed unless sanctioned by USC and Recreational Sports
• No personal amplified sound devices or speakers
• Members may not bring any outside or personal weight equipment into the facility
• Equipment should be used for its intended purpose only
• Do not drop free weights, Olympic bars, or plate weights
• Do not throw medicine balls or any equipment against the walls of the facility
• Do not move large equipment or machines into hallways or other areas of the facility
• Please wipe down equipment after use. Wipes are available throughout the facility.
• Return miscellaneous equipment to its proper location and re-rack weights after use
• Please use designated locations for floor or body weight workouts. Do not block hallways or walking paths on the fitness floor or pool/sun deck
• Please practice gym etiquette by allowing others to work-in when feasible and do not monopolize equipment for long periods of time
• All Recreational Sports members are expected to maintain good hygiene. Personal lockers should be kept clean and free of debris or trash.
• Prior approval must be granted for all marketing materials, brochures, posters, flyers, banners or promotional activities of any kind
• Glass water bottles are prohibited in all general fitness areas

Group Exercise Rooms

• The fitness studios are available for individual use when the room is not reserved for sanctioned activity
• Organized group activities are not permitted without a confirmed reservation.  A group is defined as five or more members engaging in an activity that resembles a practice, group workout, or similar. To reserve or rent space please fill out the appropriate form online here.
• Group exercise classes, physical education courses, special events, and rentals take priority over all other activities
• Fitness rooms will be cleared for setup 10-30 minutes prior to group exercise classes
• Mats, balls, and small weights may be brought into the fitness studios but must be returned after use
• Equipment located in any storage room is for use during fitness classes only
• Use of the sound system rack is reserved for fitness instructors and staff only
• Gloves must be worn when using the punching bags
• Please do not enter the fitness rooms when a class is in session
• Please wipe down mats after use and return miscellaneous equipment to its proper location
• Failure to adhere to policies or direction from staff can result in immediate removal from the facility, suspension, and/or revocation of membership privileges

Locker Rooms

• No selfies, photos, video chatting, or face-timing at any time
• Please wring out wet clothing and towels before hanging on the inside/outside of lockers. Please use the Suitmate to wring out swim suits.
• Return all rental towels to the Pro Shop after use
• Be sure to follow signage differentiating rental lockers from day use lockers
• The lactation room located in the women's locker room at the Lyon Center is available for nursing mothers. Please do not use this room for other purposes.
• A gender neutral locker room and private shower is located at the Village Fitness Center

LRC Trojan Cross Training Room

• The fitness rooms are available for individual use when class is not in session
• Group activities [3+] are prohibited unless the room has been reserved through Recreational Sports at recsports.usc.edu
• Group exercise classes, physical education courses, and rentals take priority over all other activities
• Fitness rooms will be cleared for setup 10-30 minutes prior to group exercise classes
• Rings and climbing ropes are prohibited unless supervised by fitness professional
• Don't remove or bring any equipment in this area
• Equipment located in any storage room is for use during fitness classes ONLY
• Use of the sound system is reserved for fitness instructors and staff ONLY
• Gloves must be worn when using the punching bags
• PLEASE do not enter when a class is in session
• PLEASE wipe equipment and re-rack weights after use
• Failure to adhere to policies or direction from staff can result in immediate removal from the facility, suspension, and/or revocation of membership privileges

Lyon Center Gymnasium

• Shoes that could damage or mark up the courts are not permitted
• Please do not bring in furniture or equipment from other areas of the recreation center
• Bags, wallets, phones, and personal items are not allowed to be left unattended. Please utilize a day use locker for all personal property.
• Volleyball and badminton nets may only be set-up during designated open recreation time slots
• Do not hang on the basketball rims
• Do not prop open any doors leading to the aquatics stadium or exterior of the building
• Please dispose of garbage and/or empty water bottles prior to exiting the gymnasium
• Members are expected to return all rental equipment to the Pro Shop prior to closing

Lyon Center Racquetball Court

• Court reservations are required for usage and can be reserved for one hour time slots, a maximum of one slot per member, per day. Reservations can be made two days in advance and can be cancelled any time prior to the start of the reservation without penalty. Members should check-in for court bookings at the Pro Shop upon arrival. There is a 10 minute grace period before courts are given to walk-ups.

Mothers Room

• USC Recreational Sports recognizes the importance and benefits of breastfeeding, and understands that many women will return to work or study while they continue to breastfeed. The Mother’s Room is available to students and all members during the regular hours of operation.
• ROOM USAGE:
  • The Mother’s Room is available for 30 minute increments. After 30 minutes the room will need to be made available for others who may be waiting to use it. If you need extra time, please notify the front desk.
  • Remove all belongings before leaving the Mother’s Room. Please leave the room tidy.
  • A washroom is conveniently located steps away from the Mother’s Room.
  • Anyone who uses the Mother’s Room for other than its intended purpose or in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action and/or may lose the privilege of using the facility.

Allyson Felix Field

• No metal cleats on the field
• No spikes on the track
• Do NOT move, use, or sit on the track equipment
• Do NOT move the soccer goals

Brittingham Field

• The field is available on a first come first serve basis outside of scheduled programming
• Please share field space with other patrons when possible
• No metal cleats - appropriate footwear is expected
• If goals are moved please return to proper location
• Pets and service animals are not allowed on the field

ADA Accommodation

To request accommodation prior to participation in a USC Recreational Sports program or service please contact USC Recreational Sports 10 days prior to the activity at recsports@usc.edu. To access the Lyon Center elevator please ask the front desk staff for assistance.

Assistance Animals

University policies related to animals on campus can be found here.

Hours of Operation

USC Recreational Sports hosts multiple events and programs, as well as outside rentals. We reserve the right to modify hours of operation or access to spaces based on events, university programming, or holidays. Spaces shared with USC Athletics and Physical Education are subject to closures due to reservations, practice, and competition.

Maintenance Closures

USC Recreational Sports reserves the right to periodically close all or some portion of facilities for necessary maintenance and repairs. Refunds/credits will not be provided during these closures.

Parking

All parking on campus requires a permit. All visitors are required to abide by all university parking signs and directions. Information on USC Transportation options can be found here.

Personal Property

Personal belongings should be stored in a rental or day use locker. Members and guests are responsible for the security of their personal property. Day use lockers are available at no charge but must be cleared out by closing. Any items left in a day use locker overnight will be confiscated and returned for a retrieval fee. Locks are available for purchase at our Pro Shop or you can bring your own.

Personal Transportation

Bicycles and motorized modes of transportation must be locked outside of all Recreational Sports facilities.  Skateboards, roller skates and non-motorized scooters may be locked on the designated racks inside of Recreational Sports facilities.

Service

USC Recreational Sports reserves the right to refuse service to any participant who violates any policy or procedure, engages in verbal and/or physical abuse of other patrons, and/or any individual whose behavior is inappropriate or in violation of USC rules and regulations.

Activity that is destructive or appears to be unsafe is prohibited and may result in suspension or termination and retribution of repair costs and expenses relating to the destructive or dangerous act. Dangerous activity will be determined by the staff on duty. 

Alcohol and Drugs

• All Recreational Sports facilities and programs are alcohol, drugs and narcotics free. Anyone possessing or suspected of being under the influence will be asked to leave the facility and may be subject to suspension or termination of membership privileges.

Emergencies

• In the event of an emergency please follow directives from staff.

Fighting

• Any member or guest that engages in a fight, attempts to fight or instigates a fight shall have their membership privileges suspended or revoked.

Smoking

• USC is a smoke free campus. Smoking is not permitted in or outside any buildings, parking structures/lots or outdoor playing spaces.

Weapons

• Recreational Sports facilities are weapons free. This includes, but is not limited to, firearms, replicas, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, knives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals.

Lost and Found

USC Recreational Sports is not responsible for lost or stolen items. All patrons are encouraged to protect their personal property by using lockers and limiting valuable items brought to the Lyon Center and/or any of our other recreational facilities.

Patrons who find lost items are asked to turn them over to a Facility Manager or Full time staff at any time. Lost and found items will be held at the Lyon Center offices for a period of 10 business days. After that period, the items will be sent to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). You may inquire about lost and found items during the following times: Monday- Friday from 8am-6pm.

Club Sport Athletes & Coaches

Students entering in order to attend a practice or to see the ATC must follow the access policies listed above. Coaches who are not members will be placed on a special access list and must show identification for entry.

Eligibility

Facility use is restricted to authorized USC students, faculty, staff, and guest members.

Entry for Physical Education Courses

Students entering Recreational Sports facilities in order to attend a class must still follow the access policies listed above.

Enrolled Students

In order to access the Recreational Sports facilities, registered students are required to complete a liability waiver and policy agreement online prior to usage. The liability waiver will remain active for one calendar year.

Identification

Possession of a USC ID or Recreational Sports membership card is required for entry at all facilities. Membership is not transferrable and is only valid for the purchasing member.

Inclusion

In keeping with the University’s policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression, Recreational Sports values an individual’s right to access and utilize recreation facilities, restrooms, locker rooms, programs, and services in accordance with an individual’s gender identity and gender expression.

Look-Up Policy & Lost ID Cards

Members who have lost or forgotten their ID are allowed two free look-ups per semester. Subsequent look-ups are available upon request for a nominal fee. USC students, faculty, and staff who lose their ID must get it replaced at USCard Services. Guest members may purchase replacement membership cards at the Lyon Center during operational hours.

Member in Good Standing

In order to maintain eligibility for all benefits of membership, members must remain in good standing. A member in good standing has a current membership and abides by all Recreational Sports policies and rules.

Minors

Guests must be at least 18 years of age. USC students 16 years and older may be granted access to the facility with parental permission.

Staff/Faculty/Alumni/Guests

All non-students must purchase a membership and complete a liability waiver / policy agreement online prior to using any of the Recreational Sports facilities

Unauthorized Access

Unauthorized, counterfeit, or expired ID cards will be confiscated and privileges will be revoked. Any patron who has their ID card confiscated for misuse will be required to pay a retrieval fine. They may also be referred to the Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards Office for additional discipline and/or the USC Department of Public Safety.

Unauthorized Entry

Patrons found entering through an unauthorized access point will be removed from the facility. Members who are found assisting others through an unauthorized entrance will be subject to loss of facility privileges.

USC Band Members

Band members must have their USC ID to access the pavilion through the lobby stairwell or elevator.

Varsity Athletes & Coaches

Students and Athletics Staff entering through the Lyon Center lobby, in order to attend a practice or competition must follow the access policies listed above.

Membership

USC Recreational Sports reserves the right to refuse service to any participant who violates any policy or procedure, engages in any verbal and/or physical abuse of any other patron and/or any individual whose behavior is inappropriate or in violation of the University rules and regulations.

Facility use is restricted to authorized USC students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guest memberships. Possession of a USC ID and/or a USC Recreational Sports Guest Membership card is required at all times. Unauthorized, counterfeit, or expired ID’s will be confiscated and privileges may be revoked. Any student or participant who has his/her card confiscated for misuse of their ID must pay a $20 retrieval fine and may be referred to the Office of Community Expectations.

Facility Rentals & Reservations

• All requests must be submitted at least 5 weeks before your event date.
• The Rental Request Form serves as a request for the space only.
• Reservations are not confirmed until you have received an email confirmation from the Recreational Sports scheduling team.
• For more information regarding facility rentals and special events please visit our Facility Rentals & Reservations Page.

Racquetball Court Reservations

• If you fail to show up to your reservation time it will be counted as a no-show.
• Cancellations must be completed at least 2 hours prior to the start of your reservation time.  Cancellation instructions can be found here.
• After 3 instances of no-shows, showing up late to your scheduled time or showing up without all of the requirements completed your reservation privileges will be revoked for a period of time.

Club Sports

• All Club Sports participants must review and adhere to all Recreational Sports facilities policies
• For more information regarding Club Sports please visit our Club Sports Page.

Group Fitness

• Members interested in group fitness classes must purchase USC Workout separately or as part of a membership package. The majority of classes are first come first serve, but our limited participation classes require pre-registration. A USC ID or membership card is required for access to all classes.
• For more information please visit our Group Exercise Page.

Intramural Sports

• Intramural programs are available to USC students, staff, and faculty only.
• Arrive at the facility close to your assigned start time, ready to play, and depart immediately after your assigned match/game is finished.
• Bring your own water bottles and towels.
• No glass containers.
• Noise ordinance enforced.
• No motorized equipment, skateboards, or bicycles.
• No food allowed.
• For more information regarding specific sport guidelines please visit our Intramural Sports IMleagues Page.
• For more information please visit our Intramural Sports Page.

Open Recreation

• Informal recreation and pick-up games are available to all members when the gymnasium is not already reserved for intramural sports, programming, rentals, or events. Please refer to the Hours of Operation Page to view specific times for volleyball and badminton. Pick-up basketball takes priority over other general recreational activities.

Personal Training / Private Instruction / Massage

• These services are available to current members for purchase. For more information please visit our Private Instruction Page.

Pro Shop

• Pro Shop services, rentals, and products are available to all members. A USC ID or membership card is required for all services and rentals. For more information please see visit our Pro Shop Page.