THIEL ATHLETICS
FITNESS CENTER POLICIES
The Thiel College Athletics Fitness Center is a shared campus resource dedicated to promoting health, wellness, athletic performance and personal development.
Fitness Center Policies & Building Manager Training
Our Standard
Respect the People. Respect the Equipment. Respect the Facility.
Every user is expected to demonstrate respect for fellow users, staff, equipment and the facility. By entering the Fitness Center, all individuals agree to comply with the following policies. Users must be prepared to present a valid Thiel College ID upon request. Visitors must have documented authorization from the appropriate College office to use the Fitness Center.
Official Document View Full Fitness Center Policy ›
Access & Facility Use
01 / Access Authorized Users Regular access is limited to currently enrolled Thiel College students and current Thiel College employees with Thiel College ID. Other individuals may use or enter the Fitness Center only when specifically authorized through a College-approved activity, program, visit, camp, event, or other approved arrangement with Thiel College ID. Approved/authorized users may include prospective students and recruits, alumni, visiting teams, camp or clinic participants, invited guests, and family members when their access is part of an approved College activity or has been specifically authorized by the appropriate College office.
Minors Supervision Required Minors may not use the Fitness Center independently. A minor may enter or participate only as part of a College-approved visit, camp, clinic, team activity, program, or other authorized circumstance and must remain under the supervision required for that activity. Young children accompanying visitors are not permitted to use Fitness Center equipment. Minor: For purposes of this policy, a minor is any individual under 18 years of age. Enrolled Student Exception: Currently enrolled Thiel College students who are under 18 may use the Fitness Center under the same access rules as other enrolled students, subject to any additional College requirements applicable to minors.
02 / Facility Use Shared Facility The Fitness Center is a shared facility available on a first-come, first-use basis. Be courteous by sharing equipment and allowing others to work in between sets when appropriate. No individual, team, or group may monopolize equipment or training areas.
03 / Attire Proper Athletic Attire All Fitness Center users must wear athletic attire that is safe and functional for exercise, training, or physical activity. Attire must include closed-toe athletic footwear appropriate for the activity; must not create a safety hazard or interfere with the safe use of equipment; and must not contain language, images, or messaging that violates Thiel College conduct standards. Sport-specific athletic apparel commonly worn for training or competition is permitted when it meets these safety, functionality, and conduct expectations. This standard applies consistently to all users regardless of gender, team, sport, or affiliation. Building Managers should intervene only when attire presents a legitimate safety concern or clearly violates an established College conduct standard. Questions or disagreements regarding attire must be referred to Thiel College Athletics professional staff.
Equipment & Facility Care
04 / Return EquipmentReturn all weights, dumbbells, barbells, plates, and accessories to their designated storage areas immediately after each use.
05 / Equipment ProtectionDo not place barbells or weights on benches or against walls. Use equipment only for its intended purpose and help maintain the condition of the facility.
06 / Equipment RemovalEquipment may not be removed from the Fitness Center without prior authorization from Thiel College Athletics professional staff.
07 / Clean EquipmentWipe down benches, strength equipment, and cardio equipment after every use using the provided cleaning supplies.
Safety
10 / Emergency Procedures
Know Who To Call
For an on-campus emergency, contact Thiel College Public Safety at ext. 2222 from a campus phone or 724-589-2222 from an off-campus or personal phone, and notify the nearest Building Manager or Thiel College Athletics staff member. For an immediate life-threatening emergency when using a cell phone, 911 may be called directly. Building Managers must follow the College Emergency Action Plan and provide responders with the exact location and nature of the emergency.
08 / TrainingSafe TrainingTrain in a safe and controlled manner at all times. Use proper lifting techniques and exercise within your level of experience.
09 / ReportingReport HazardsImmediately report injuries, damaged equipment, spills, or unsafe conditions to a Building Manager or Thiel College Athletics staff member.
Conduct Expectations
11 / Respect OthersTreat fellow users, coaches, staff, and Building Managers with respect.
12 / HorseplayHorseplay, dangerous behavior, intimidation, harassment, or misuse of equipment is strictly prohibited.
13 / Performance & WellnessThe Fitness Center is intended for training and wellness. Do not occupy equipment for extended socializing or gather in ways that interfere with another user's reasonable access to the facility.
14 / Language & ConductAbusive, discriminatory, threatening, or disruptive language or behavior will not be tolerated.
15 / Music Policy
Personal audio must be used through headphones or other personal listening devices. Personal speakers or amplified music are not permitted unless specifically authorized for a College-approved activity.
Personal Conduct
16Cell PhonesCell phone use should be limited. Texting, phone conversations, or other distractions while actively lifting or operating equipment are prohibited.
17Food & BeverageOnly water or sports drinks in sealed, non-glass containers are permitted. Food, alcohol, tobacco products, vaping devices, and chewing tobacco are prohibited.
18Personal BelongingsStore backpacks and personal belongings in designated areas so they do not block walkways or equipment. Thiel College is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
19 / Photography & Video
Respect Privacy & Training Space
Photography or video recording may not interfere with facility operations, another person's privacy, or another user's reasonable access to equipment or training space. No user may require another person to move, stop training, or avoid an area because filming is taking place. Recording another individual without permission is prohibited. Institutional photography or recording must follow applicable Thiel College authorization procedures.
Facility Staff & Policy Enforcement
20 / Building Manager AuthoritySafety Supervisors & Facility RepresentativesBuilding Managers and Fitness Center student workers are safety supervisors and facility representatives—not personal trainers. They may address immediate safety concerns, enforce established Fitness Center rules, stop unsafe equipment use, document incidents, and direct an individual to leave the facility when continued presence creates a safety concern or the individual refuses to comply with an established facility rule. Building Managers are not expected to interpret ambiguous College policy, adjudicate disputes, or engage in extended arguments.
21 / Escalation PathwayDocument. Disengage. Escalate.When a concern cannot be resolved through a clear reminder of an established rule, the Building Manager should disengage from debate, document the concern, and escalate it. Routine facility and policy matters go to the designated Thiel College Athletics professional staff member. Immediate safety, threatening behavior, refusal to leave, or emergency concerns go to Public Safety. Student conduct concerns may be referred to Student Life; employee-related concerns may be referred to Human Resources. Building Managers should never place themselves at unnecessary personal risk.
22Alcohol & DrugsIndividuals under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any substance that impairs judgment or safe operation of equipment are prohibited from using the facility.
23Policy ViolationsFailure to comply with these policies may result in a verbal reminder or warning, removal from the facility, suspension or revocation of Fitness Center privileges, and/or referral to Thiel College Athletics, Student Life, Human Resources, or Public Safety, as appropriate.
The Thiel College Athletics Standard
24 / Leave It Better Than You Found It
Lead By Example
Every member of the Thiel College community shares responsibility for creating a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment. Demonstrate integrity, respect others, care for the equipment, and leave the Fitness Center better than you found it.
Fitness Center Core Values
Safety First
Respect Everyone
Share the Facility
Take Care of the Equipment
Train with Purpose
Lead by Example
Leave It Better Than You Found It
Policy Ownership & Administration
Policy Owner: Thiel College Athletics. Day-to-day administration is assigned to the professional staff member designated by the Director of Athletics. Interpretation of ambiguous policy questions rests with Thiel College Athletics in consultation with the appropriate College office. Student Building Managers and student workers are not responsible for making institutional policy interpretations.
This policy is intended to establish consistent operating expectations for the current Fitness Center and to provide a foundation for future recreation and fitness operations, including transition planning for the Olympus Athletic & Recreation Building.
Thiel College Athletics Fitness Center Policy • Annual Review Required
