Facility Policies

Eligibility

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Entry for Physical Education Courses

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

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.

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.

USC Band Members

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

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

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

Mothers Room

USC Rec 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.

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

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.

Reservation Instructions

• Login to your account at myrecsports.usc.edu
• Select the Courts option at the bottom of the page
• Click Racquetball Court on the left side of the schedule
• Click Reserve to choose a time slot and click Reserve Now to complete

Cancellation Instructions

• Login to your account at myrecsports.usc.edu
• Click on your username in the top right corner and select Profile
• Click on Court Bookings on the left side of the page
• Click Cancel next to the reservation and click Remove Booking to complete

Reservation Policies

• If you 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.

If you show up to your reserved time and have not completed the below requirements to be eligible to utilize the space it will be counted as a no-show:

• Student or Staff/Faculty Trojan Check guidelines must be completed prior to your reservation time. This includes On-Site Covid-19 Test, Flu Shot Verification, Online Healthy/Hygiene & Safety Test and a Daily Symptom Check. Login with your NetID to verify what you need to complete: usc.edu/login. You must complete the full Trojan Check Process by logging in with your NetID, completing the Trojan Check guest pass will not be accepted.
• Complete Facility Access Waiver on myrecsports.usc.edu by clicking on the bell icon on the top right of you myrecsports page.
• Provide USC ID Verification to Staff for Check-in

Tennis 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

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

Cromwell 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 first come first serve 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

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.

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.

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.

Swim Etiquette

• Circle Swim
• Sharing a lane

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Emergencies

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

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.

Personal Training / Private Instruction / Massage

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

Intramurals

Intramural programs are available to USC students, staff, and faculty only. For more information please visit our Intramural Sports Page.

Club Sports

For more information regarding Club Sports please visit our Club 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 to view specific times for volleyball and badminton. Pick-up basketball takes priority over other general recreational activities.

Reservations & Rentals

For more information regarding facility rentals and special events please visit our Facility Rentals & Reservations Page.

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.

Covid-19 Policies

Individuals must check-in with Recreational Sports Staff to confirm valid Trojan Check upon arrival. Some facilities still require reservations which can be made at myrecsports.usc.edu.

Safety Guidelines

USC Village Fitness Center: The USC Village Fitness Center has been opened for socially-distanced activities and select group exercise classes. Please enter through the interior of the village and exit the facility on Jefferson Street.

• Stay home if you are not feeling well.
• Stay home if you have come in close contact with someone who has been infected with Covid-19, and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
• Check with the host facility ahead of time for any protocols that may apply in your area and at that facility.
• Arrive at the facility close to assigned start time, ready to exercise, and depart immediately after you finish your workout.
• No lingering in the facility.
• Bring your own water bottles, towels, or personal yoga mat.
• Do not share equipment.
• Patron is encouraged to clean equipment before and after use. Cleaning wipes will be provided.
• Use headbands, hats, towels or wristbands to avoid touching your face during workout.
• Wash hands often (before / after workout) or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Except as may be otherwise required by your facility or by local guidelines, wear a mask over your nose and mouth at all times except when drinking fluids. Starting on Tuesday, January 18th 2022, all individuals entering our indoor recreation facilities will be required to wear medical grade masks, which at minimum are surgical masks and may also include higher grade respirator masks (N95, KN95, or KF94). This policy includes any campus location where masking is currently required.
• Stalled showers are fully open and open shower bays are operating at 50% capacity.
• Bags are not permitted on the fitness floor – they will be confiscated and retuned for a fee of $10 if not secured with a lock in a locker.

Tennis Courts: Because playing outdoor tennis does not require direct person-to-person contact, tennis players can enjoy the many physical and mental benefits that tennis offers while maintaining over six feet physical distancing. All participants using tennis courts will need to follow the below guidelines,

• Stay home if you are not feeling well.
• Stay home if you have come in close contact with someone who has been infected with Covid-19, and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
• Check with the host facility ahead of time for any protocols that may apply in your area and at that facility.
• Arrive at the facility close to assigned start time, ready to play, and depart immediately after you finish playing.
• Bring your own water bottles, towels, or any other personal equipment and store items inside your tennis bag when not in use.
• No doubles permitted, only two participants per court.
• Noise ordinance enforced.
• No motorized equipment, skateboard, or bicycles.
• Do not share equipment.
• Bring your own chairs (if feasible) and avoid sharing a bench.
• Use headbands, hats, towels or wristbands to avoid touching your face during play.
• Wash hands often (before / after matches) or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Note: While there is no evidence that Covid-19 can be transmitted by touching tennis balls, potential droplet precautions can be taken to minimize risk while playing tennis, such as washing your hands thoroughly or using hand sanitizer before arriving at and after leaving the court, as well as avoiding touching your face.
• Patrons must wear a face covering if not fully vaccinated.
• No food allowed.
• Clearly verbalize score at the start of each point and use technology to report scores (text and email).
• Maintain safe physical distance between players during the racquet spin at the start of a match.
• Maintain physical distancing if changing ends of the court and when taking a break.
• Offer an acknowledgment such as a nod, a thumbs up or a “good match” or a racquet tap instead of shaking players’ hands.

Brittingham Field, Allyson Felix Field, and Village Turf: According to CDC, trails and open spaces can provide opportunities for physical activity while also providing opportunities for a break, health, and wellness. People are encouraged to use parks, trails, and open spaces safely while following current guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Stay home if you are not feeling well.
• Stay home if you have come in close contact with someone who has been infected with Covid-19, and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
• Check with the host facility ahead of time for any protocols that may apply in your area and at that facility.
• No organized sporting activity allowed, only individual workouts are permitted.
• Arrive at the facility close to assigned start time, ready to exercise, and depart immediately after you are done with your workout.
• Bring your own water bottles and towels. No glass containers.
• Noise ordinance enforced.
• No motorized equipment, skateboard, or bicycles.
• Do not share equipment.
• Avoid sharing a bench or sitting next to someone.
• Use headbands, hats, towels or wristbands to avoid touching your face during workout.
• Wash hands often (before / after working out) or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Patrons must wear a face covering if not fully vaccinated.
• No food allowed.
• Maintain safe physical distance when visiting our Recreational facilities.

While masks are not required for outdoor venues, we ask that attendees, vaccinated or unvaccinated, consider wearing them for their own protection and the protection of others. Access to indoor venues for locker rooms and restrooms will require a mask be worn. Individuals must wear a mask whenever they cannot maintain a 6’ physical distance from those outside of their household. Anyone refusing to comply with health and safety protocols are subject to removal from the event. To notify the university of a positive case of COVID-19, please call 213-740-6291 or email covid19@usc.edu."

Rec. Swimming: According to the CDC, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can spread to people through recreational water.

• Stay home if you are not feeling well.
• Stay home if you have come in close contact with someone who has been infected with Covid-19, and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
• Check with the host facility ahead of time for any protocols that may apply in your area and at that facility.
• Arrive at the facility close to assigned start time, ready to exercise, and depart immediately after you are done with your workout.
• Bring your own water bottles and towels. No glass containers.
• Noise ordinance enforced.
• No motorized equipment, skateboard, or bicycles.
• Do not share equipment.
• Avoid sharing a bench or sitting next to someone.
• Use towels to avoid touching your face during workout.
• Wash hands often (before / after working out) or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Patrons must wear a face covering if not fully vaccinated.
• No food allowed.
• Maintain safe physical distance when visiting our Recreational facilities.

HSC Fitness Center

• Stay home if you are not feeling well.
• Stay home if you have come in close contact with someone who has been infected with Covid-19, and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
• Check with the host facility ahead of time for any protocols that may apply in your area and at that facility.
• Arrive at the facility close to assigned start time, ready to exercise, and depart immediately after you finish your workout.
• No lingering in the facility.
• Bring your own water bottles, towels, or any other personal equipment.
• Do not share equipment.
• Patron is encouraged to clean equipment before and after use. Cleaning wipes will be provided.
• Use headbands, hats, towels or wristbands to avoid touching your face during workout.
• Showers are available but we have not yet resume towel service.
• Patrons must wear a face covering if not fully vaccinated.
• Wash hands often (before / after workout) or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• Except as may be otherwise required by your facility or by local guidelines, wear a mask over your nose and mouth at all times except when drinking fluids. Starting on Tuesday, January 18th 2022, all individuals entering our indoor recreation facilities will be required to wear medical grade masks, which at minimum are surgical masks and may also include higher grade respirator masks (N95, KN95, or KF94). This policy includes any campus location where masking is currently required.
• No food allowed.