Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ's

University Staff and Associate Membership

Q: What different levels of memberships do you offer?

A: There is a choice of 2 different levels of memberships, which expire 12 months from date of application:

Newcastle University Staff
Silver membership (£90.00) – This entitles you to use:-
The University Sports Centre & booking activities e.g. squash, badminton, football, basketball etc.
Take part in the Intra Mural/Campus Sport programme.
Take part in exercise classes (an additional charge of £2.00 per class).

Gold membership (£275.00) –
All the benefits of Silver membership plus
Unlimited use of the Health and Fitness facilities.
FREE entry in to exercise classes (Gold members who book a class and fail to show up or withdraw from a class without giving at least 3 hours notice of cancellation, will be charged a £2 no show or late cancellation fee).
All Gold members will be required to complete an induction course before you can use the Health and Fitness facilities. The initial induction is FREE and can either be done in person at the Sports Centre with one of our qualified instructors or you can access the e-induction online at www.ncl.ac.uk/sport/campus/indoor/e-induction for you to complete prior to visiting the gym. All inductions can be booked in person at the Sports Centre or by telephone on 0191 222 7225 (£6.00 charge is applicable if no prior notice of cancellation is given).

A: Associate Members
(Newcastle University Graduates, NHS employees, Staff not on University payroll, spouse/partner of student/staff Sports Centre member) membership categories are:
Silver membership (£95.00) and Gold membership (£280.00).
Please see above for details

A: Retired University Staff Members
Membership categories are:
Silver membership (£67.50) and Gold membership (£206.00)
Please see above for details.

Q: When will my membership expire?

A: Staff, Associate and Retired memberships expire 12 months from date of application.

Q: Do you have any exercise classes and if so do I need to take out membership to attend them?

A: Yes, to both questions! Every term we run a comprehensive exercise class programme which includes a wide range of classes for all tastes and abilities. To attend these classes you would need to have at least the Silver membership which costs £90.00 for Newcastle University Staff, £67.50 for retired staff and £95.00 for Associate members. These classes can be booked at an additional cost of £2.00 for Silver members but are FREE to Gold members.
Classes are bookable up to 14 days in advance.

Booking: In person at Sports Centre reception with your SMART Card, telephone 0191 222 7225 or via our online booking system http://sportsbookings.ncl.ac.uk

To obtain your Login ID and Password which will allow you access to the online booking system you will need to e-mail sport@ncl.ac.uk with your full name and SMART Card number and a member of staff will e-mail you your details.

Q: I work at the University, but I am not on the payroll – is it still possible for me to take out membership?

A: Yes, as long as you have some proof that you are working for the University e.g. an original letter from your employer then you are eligible to take out Associate membership.

Q: How do I make a booking to use the courts, multi-purpose rooms, studio and outdoor pitches?

A: Indoor usage: In person at Sport Centre reception with your SMART Card, by telephone 0191 222 7225 or via our online booking system at http://sportsbookings.ncl.ac.uk (PLEASE NOTE: Volleyball, Multi Purpose rooms, Studio and Special Bookings are not available on the online booking system). To obtain your Login ID and Password which will allow you access to the online booking system you will need to e-mail sport@ncl.ac.uk with your full name and SMART Card number and a member of staff will e-mail you your details.

A: Outdoor usage: Please contact either Nick Beall, Facilities Service Manager by e-mail nick.beall@ncl.ac.uk or by telephone 0191 222 5159 or Denis Murphy, Participation and Events Manager by e-mail denis.murphy@ncl.ac.uk or by telephone 0191 222 5349.

Q: If I forget my SMART Card will I still be allowed entry?

A: You have the following options:

Pay a £2.00 entry fee once your membership details are verified (non refundable).

Go and collect your SMART Card.

PLEASE NOTE: We will not verify your membership and then allow access FREE of charge as all members are required to carry their SMART Card. This is their means of access to other parts of the Centre.

Q: I forgot my card – can I just use my friend’s card to swipe in?

A: No, using someone else’s card to gain entry to any of the facilities is classed as a fraudulent use and is a University disciplinary offence. SMART Cards are NOT transferable.. You must have the required level of membership to access the relevant activity area. Fraudulent use of SMART Cards and/or unauthorised access to an activity area will incur a fine and suspension of membership.

(Fine: = £20.00) The person whose SMART Card is fraudulently used is liable for the fine.

Q: As a member can I ‘sign in’ guests?

A: Yes, members can ‘sign in’ guests at the guest fee rate (£5.00 per guest, per session). Please note Guests are excluded from using the Health and Fitness facilities or taking part in AU Club sessions, Exercise Classes and Intra Mural Leagues. Guest fees are not an alternative to membership and are for ‘bona fide’ guests only.

Q: Can I cancel my membership?

A: Yes, there is a 14 day cooling off period. Refunds less a £20 administration fee will only be given up to 14 days after taking out membership. Refunds can only be given once within the membership year.

Cancellation forms are available online at www.ncl.ac.uk/sport/membership/cancellation

Q: Is the Centre able to offer any 'One to One' training to help me reach a specific goal?

A: Yes, our team of qualified staff are able to carry out a wide range of Health and Fitness services to suit the needs of all customers. Please contact the Sports Centre reception for further details or e-mail: sport@ncl.ac.uk

Updated June 2011