Rules and Regulations
Read our Rules and Regulations for using facilities owned or hired by Newcastle University.
All persons making use of the University Sports Facilities are required to comply with the following rules and regulations. Entry and use of the Sports Facilities is granted on condition that the following conditions shall be deemed to be incorporated into the contract of entry to the Sports Facilities.
Interpretation 'Sports Facilities' shall mean and include all buildings, grounds or other facilities at the University Sport and Fitness Centre, Cochrane Park Sports Ground, Heaton Sports Ground, Longbenton Sports Ground, Redhall Drive Sports Ground, and Newburn Water Sports Centre.
'The Director' means the Director of Sports Services and includes any employee of the University exercising the functions of the Director.
'User' means any person using any of the Sports Facilities whether as a participant or spectator and whether or not a charge has been paid for entry to the Sports Facilities or for their use.
'The Hirer' means the persons or organisation hiring any part of the Sports Facilities.
'Booked Period' means the period or periods of any day reserved for the Hirer.
'Club' includes any group or organisation approved by the Director for the booking of the Sports Facilities.
'Period of Hire' means the period during which Booked Periods have been reserved for the Hirer.
'University' shall mean Newcastle University.
Any person using the Sports Facilities shall:
Comply with all the reasonable instructions and requests of the Director or other employees of Sports Services.
Refrain from any conduct which is unseemly or unsporting or which might cause annoyance or danger to other users of the Sports Facilities.
Pay to Sports Services on demand the amount of any damage (except damage from fair wear and tear) done or occasioned to the Sports Facilities or the fixtures, fittings, apparatus, equipment, furniture or other contents thereof, by them or by any other person participating jointly with them in the use of the facilities premises or by any person under their control; the amount of such damage shall be certified by the Director whose decision shall be final.
Consume refreshments in the designated areas only. Alcohol is not permitted to be consumed at any of the Sports Facilities unless it has been purchased from the Sports Facilities themselves and is consumed in the designated areas.
While participating in activities, wear dress appropriate to that activity as specified by the Director.
Indemnify the University against all claims, demands, actions or proceedings in respect of the death of, or injury of, any person or damage to property belonging to any person arising out of the use by that person of the Sports Facilities otherwise than as a result of defective condition of the Sports Facilities of the equipment or the negligence of the University, its agents, officers or servants.
Ensure that the part of the Sports Facilities used by that person and any equipment is left in a tidy and orderly condition by the end of the period of use.
Carry out and observe all instructions relating to the use of the Sports Facilities and conduct therein which may from time to time be published by notice on the premises or otherwise.
Any person using the Centre shall not (unless expressly authorised by the Director):
Bring any dangerous or obnoxious thing in or out of the Sports Facilities.
Bring or Permit to remain in or on the Sports Facilities any dogs or other animals.
Sell or attempt to sell in the Centre to other users any goods, articles, or equipment of whatsoever kind.
Put up any notices or decorations (internal or external).
Take photographs at the Sports Facilities, or arrange for any filming, or televising of any activity therein.
Alter or interfere with any equipment or the fittings of the Sports Facilities or the structure thereof.
Smoke in any area of the Sports Facilities.
Admission
The Director reserves the right to refuse admission to the Centre to any person whether or not a fee has previously been paid in respect of entry and/or the use of the facilities of the Centre.
The Director reserves the right to require any person to leave the Centre at any time without refunding any fee paid for entry or for the use of any facilities.
Charges
The University, through the Director, reserves the right to:
- vary all charges
- vary or discontinue the availability of any or all of the Sports Facilities
- cancel bookings of any or all of the Sports Facilities at any time.
- keep any money deposited for hire of equipment if this equipment is returned in an unsatisfactory condition. The Directors decision on this matter shall be final
Injury
The University shall not be liable for any personal injury and/or consequential loss, including fatal injury and consequential loss sustained by any User of the Sports Facilities, however such injury or loss is sustained, except where such injury or loss is directly caused by the negligence of the University or its employees.
Lack or inadequacy of supervision of the use of any equipment, amenity or any part of the Sports Facilities shall be deemed not to be negligence on the part of the University or its employees unless such supervision has previously been expressly arranged with the Director of Sports Services.
Breach of Condition
In the event of any breach of these conditions the User may be required by the Director to leave the Sports Facilities and will forfeit the charge paid by such User for entry to or use of the Sports Facilities. Such action shall be without prejudice to any rights which the University may have against such User by virtue of these.
Local rules of use
Data Protection Act
We will only use your information for administration purposes, such as maintaining your Sports membership, communicating with you as a Sports member and monitoring health and safety issues.
We don't retain your data once you cease to be a Sports member.
Pre-exercise Health Information
If you are currently suffering from, or have suffered from in the past, any physical condition that you think may affect your ability to exercise (e.g. heart disease, cardiovascular problem, high/low blood pressure, dizziness, asthma, pain or limited movement in any joints, recent operation or illness) then you need to let us know prior to undertaking any physical exercise.
If you have any other concerns about exercising then please contact us so we can talk to you about these concerns.
Should your health or medical circumstances change sufficiently during your period of membership, which may affect your ability to exercise, then you should immediately inform a member of Sports Services staff prior to undertaking any further physical activity. The member of staff will then discuss it with you.
Entry Fees
Members must bring with them their smartcard incorporating their membership on each visit. Members forgetting their smartcard will only be allowed entry upon payment of the appropriate entry fee.
Guest Fees
Sports members may introduce non-members as guests. The guest must pay the appropriate guest fee in operation. Guests are not entitled to use the health and fitness suites, attend club sessions, play Intra Mural sport and/or participate in an exercise class.
Guest fees are not an alternative to membership they are for bona fide guests only.
Fraudulent Use
Smartcards are not transferable.
You must have the required level of membership to access the relevant activity area. Fraudulent use of smartcards and/or unauthorised access to an activity area will incur a fine and suspension of membership. The person whose smartcards is fraudulently used is liable for any fines incurred.
All Sports members will be subject to University Disciplinary Procedures.
Facilities
Court Reservations and Equipment
The setup and take down of equipment associated with a booking will take place within that bookings 'letting' period. Any bookings not taken up by 10 minutes past the allotted start time may be reallocated.
Hire of Equipment
Sports members are able to hire equipment from reception upon payment of the appropriate hire charge. In the case of damage or breakage to the equipment, the hirer must pay the relevant replacement fee. The hirer's Sports membership will be suspended until the appropriate fee has been paid.
No-shows and Late Cancellations
Sports members who make exercise class or facility bookings but fail to attend their reserved session will be subject to a charge unless 3 hours' prior notice of cancellation is given. Attendance is measured by the timing of the member's smartcard being swiped on the entrance barrier in reception.
Facility Maintenance
The Sports Facilities have a continuous programme of facility maintenance that normally occurs during University vacation periods. Some of our activity areas may not be available for use during periods of maintenance. In exceptional circumstances this may be for a significant period of time.
Mobile Telephones and Filming
Mobile Telephones are not allowed to be used in the changing areas. All mobiles must be switched off before entering these areas. You may be asked to leave the facilities and suspension of membership may follow if you use a mobile in the changing areas.
You should also note that filming is not permitted anywhere in the building without the express prior permission of one of the Sports Services staff. Some photography and filming will take place periodically at our indoor and outdoor facilities for use in Newcastle University printed and digital publicity.
Please let the photographer or a member of staff know if you do not want to have your photo taken or be filmed.
Lockers
Lockers are for use by Sport members who are using the Sport and Fitness Centre. Lockers are secured by a padlock. Members can either bring their own padlock or purchase one from reception.
Lockers must not be occupied overnight. Any lockers occupied at the close of business will have their padlocks physically removed (bolt cropped) and their contents emptied, unless you hire a locker.
Lockers can be hired for 3, 6, or 12-month periods. These rental lockers are specifically allocated and available on a first-come first-served basis.
Facility Restrictions
The Sport and Fitness Centre hosts examinations as well as other non-timetabled events. During these periods some of the Sports Facilities may not be available for use. In addition there are a number of Athletic Union Clubs who have block bookings in the facilities.
Young Persons
Young Persons are excluded at all times from the Centre unless spectating, participating or officiating in a scheduled competitive fixture involving a representative University team or in a special booking that has been authorised in advance.
Young Persons are defined as being under 18 years of age.
Fire Evacuation Procedure
The fire alarm is a continuous bell and, if activated, all users are required to immediately leave the building via the nearest emergency exit.
Users should then congregate at the designated fire assembly point which is located to the west of the main entrance to the building at the end of the ramp leading to the boiler house/squash courts.
Closing Time
Last admission to the Centre is 30 minutes before the Centre's stated closing time.
Customer Feedback
Please use the feedback form available on our Contact Us pages.