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Admissions Policy

The following policy operates for your safety and enjoyment in our venues. The policy is based on national guidance ensuring best practice, whilst also adhering to Health and Safety requirements and legislation.

Our aim is to ensure that all customers visiting Sport and Health Improvement ' and facilities have an enjoyable experience. To do this you are required to respect our staff, property and buildings, as well as other customers and their belongings.

We will provide suitable and sufficient number of qualified staff to supervise sessions and provide statutory and best practice ratios of lifeguards to oversee pool safety.

We will ensure that there is a qualified first aider on site at all times, however our staff do not supervise behaviour in communal areas and cannot leave site to deal with emergencies that happen outside our facilities.

Content

1.0 Access to sites by Children

All children under the age of 11 years must be accompanied on all sites at all times. Please note, it is the parent / carer’s / responsible person (16 years and over) responsibility to judge whether it is appropriate to allow their unaccompanied child(ren) 11 years and older to visit a leisure facility, as our staff are not available to supervise in general areas such as changing rooms and toilets. (Please see the Clubs and Organisations Section for further information)

Children 8 years and over that are competent swimmers may enter the swimming pool without a parent/ carer or a responsible person (16 years and over), however parents, carers or a responsible person must be available to supervise in changing areas and also remain in the building for the duration of their water time. For further information on swimming pool access and ratios please see Section 6.

Children over the age of 8 should get changed within their “same sex” changing area. Children aged under 8 years may enter an ‘’opposite sex’’ changing room where there is no other responsible person (16 years and over) to take the child into a ‘’same sex’’ changing room. Individual cubicles (where possible) should be used. Please ' our reception teams regarding Family Changing Room access.

1.1 Junior Gym and Fitness Classes

Children 11 to 15 years who have received an induction can access the Gym if accompanied and supervised by a responsible person 16 years and over (maximum ratio 1:3), who has also completed a relevant gym induction.
‘Supervised’ requires the responsible person to be training within the same environment as the junior: example, the responsible person may not attend a class whilst the junior is in the gym, both must be in the gym. The responsible person must also be near enough to the junior to ensure their safety and to assist them if required.

Children 11 to 15 years are able to use all aspects of the Gym facilities (cardio, free weights, fixed resistance and functional training equipment) as long as they are able to accept and follow directions. Use of fixed resistance equipment is dependent on height. Where height restrictions apply an alternative exercise can be prescribed by a Fitness Consultant.

Programmed Junior Gym sessions are specifically for children aged 11 to 15 years. Children are not required to have a responsible person (16 years and over) to supervise them as the session is overseen by a qualified member of staff. All children attending their first session will be required to undertake an induction.

Children 11 to 15 years can only access the recommended mainstream fitness classes if accompanied and supervised in the class by a responsible person 16 years or over.

Programmed junior fitness classes are fully supervised by a trained member of staff and can be accessed by children 11 to 15 years without the requirement of a responsible adult.

No child under the age of 11 is permitted to use the Gym equipment or attend a fitness class, unless the class has been specifically designed and advertised as suitable for this age group. Children's muscles and bones are still developing at this age, and it is not recommended for them to take part in this type of physical activity.

The majority of equipment provided within Aspire Gyms is designed for an adult body and may put undue stresses and strains on a child's frame. Further advice and suitable activities for young children can be obtained from individual sites Fitness Consultants and Activator teams.

2.0 General Site Rules and Information

Sport and Health Improvement facilities must not be used for coaching / instructing (whether paid or unpaid) without prior approval from the Management Team. Where approved, the use will be subject to the club booking form terms and conditions.

The use of any equipment capable of recording still or moving images is strictly prohibited without prior permission of the site Management Team. This includes taking photographs of your own children.

Any person’s behaviour that is deemed inappropriate by a member of staff may result in a user being asked to leave a centre immediately.

Any incidents of inappropriate conduct should be reported to a member of staff immediately, with serious incidents being reported to the police.

Inappropriate behaviour may result in being permanently excluded from all Sport and Health Improvement sites. This includes all forms of physical and mental abuse, bullying, harassment or discriminatory behaviour towards the team or other centre users. Malicious damage, to the centre or equipment and thefts will all be reported to the police.

Foul and abusive language will not be tolerated in Sport and Health Improvement sites.

Serious incidents or allegations will be investigated and addressed by the sites General Manager or an appropriate management team member.

In the event of an incident requiring further investigation, a user maybe excluded from all Sport and Health Improvement sites whilst an investigation is undertaken. The aim is always to do this in a timely manner. If an incident is being investigated by the police, the same process would apply, and a temporary suspension would be put in place until the matter is fully resolved.

Any user under investigation will be required to comply with reasonable requests such as a meeting with Management, in order to assist with enquires. Failure to do so may result in suspension.

The outcome of the investigation may result in a user being suspended from all Sport and Health Improvement facilities for 12 months, 24 months or indefinitely. This decision will be made by management in a balanced and transparent way. The safety and welfare of our teams and other site users will always be considered.

In the case of a user receiving a suspension, they will be informed by letter from a member of the management team. The user will have the right of appealing the decision, to the services Operations Manager. This process may take the form of a face-to-face meeting, where the user will have to provide clear reasons for their appeal. At the meeting all evidence will be considered.

Our aim is to promote healthy lifestyles, so persons who appear to be under the influence of drink or drugs will not be allowed into our venues and smoking is not permitted in any Sport and Health Improvement Facilities

2.1 Disability Access

Guide, hearing, and assistant dogs are welcome in dry side areas of Sport and Health Improvement facilities.

A Personal Emergency Egress Plan (PEEP) should be written for Service Users with a disability before accessing Sport and Health Improvement sites.

The PEEP should also be accompanied by an individual Risk Assessment highlighting the needs of the Service User, with reference being made to their individual Care Plan.

On accessing a facility for the first time please contact the sites Assistant Manager who will consider the PEEPs form and individual Care Plan requirements.

This plan will be vital for the safety of users, Carers and other customers, should an emergency evacuation have to take place of all or part of the facility.

A range of equipment is provided across our sites (note: not all equipment is available at all sites), to support people with a range of disabilities to change and also access the swimming pool areas. This equipment is safety checked; however, it is the responsibility of the Carer to understand how to support and aid the individual: (example, within a hoist etc), whilst also ensuring equipment is used safely.

Where electronic pool pods or lifts are provided for water access the Carer or individual should advise reception that this will be required, so a responsible staff member can be on hand to operate the equipment.

Carers who are required to supervise and support a Service User(s) are not charged any admission fee but are required to be logged in at reception via the till system.

Carers will also be required to provide proof of their ‘'care status’’ on their first visit to a site.

Carers must stay close to the Service User through the duration of a visit, and similarly can exercise alongside the Service User as a method of support. Please note Carers must have received a gym induction if using that facility.

Whilst visiting a Sport and Health Improvement site Carers should not leave a client unattended at any time.

Any Carer who is only required to assist a client in changing rooms and not supervising an activity will be required to pay an admission fee, if they are taking part in an activity (gym, swim etc)

Note: Close means a Carer is near enough to notice if something is wrong. Equally, if something goes wrong, the Carer is the first person to assist.

Should you require specialist changing rooms please speak to our reception teams regarding Family Changing access, and/or information on what facilities are available at any of the services sites, which will differ due to the age of certain buildings.

2.2 Changing Areas

Any customer wishing to use changing rooms and showers must have left these areas at the latest 5 minutes before the site’s official closing time.

No valuables should be left unattended or in site lockers, with the Service not accepting any liability for loss or damage to property.

All lockers are emptied at the close of play daily, with any remaining property being held in Lost Property. Any customer consistently leaving items in lockers at the close of play may have their access to a site suspended.

2.3 Special Events / Charity Events

Any organisation wishing to deliver a charity event must be registered as a charity, and will also be required to provide relevant Public Liability Insurance, event Risk Assessments etc.

For larger events, applicants may also need to go through the Council’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG).

Please '' management team for further details and individual site hire costs.

2.4 Promotions

Selling, conversing, leafletting and demonstrations are not permitted at Sport and Health Improvement facilities, without the prior permission from the sites General Manager.

2.5 Health and Safety

Any customers attending Sport and Health Improvement sites must report any accidents immediately, where our teams will make every effort to assist with First Aid if required.

This will also apply to any incidents you may witness. You will also be asked to provide your full details (name, address, contact number etc) as part of the Council’s accident / incident reporting process.

2.6 Parking Arrangements

Vehicles parked in site car parks or elsewhere on the premises, and all contents in them are left at the owner’s risk, with the Service not accepting any liability for loss or damage.

2.7 General

The last customer admission into all Sport and Health Improvement site’s is 30 minutes before reception closes. (see individual site websites for information)

3.0 Clothing

For your own safety, it is your responsibility to ensure you wear the correct clothing and footwear for certain activities. Please ask at reception for further details as you may be unable to participate if you fail to observe this requirement.

When accessing the fitness and class studios, sports clothing and training shoes must be worn at all times. Jeans, work clothes, boots and shoes are not permitted.

All swimmers are required to wear acceptable swimwear designed for use in a particular activity. Cut-off jeans or other clothing, baggy shorts beyond knee length or transparent costumes are not permitted.

When swimming, T- Shirts may only be worn for medical reasons or at the discretion of the site's Management Team and should be close fitting so as not to hinder movements and cause undue drag, as this may hamper rescue. T- Shirts must not be the same colour as lifeguards.

For religions which do not allow the wearer to reveal any of their body, then specifically designed swimming costumes covering most of the body, arms, legs and head are permitted

Loose fitting jewellery such as necklaces and bracelets should be removed before entering Swimming Pools.

Standard nappies are not suitable or appropriate for wearing in a Swimming Pool; however, swim nappies may be purchased at reception areas.

All outdoor shoes should be removed when entering Swimming Pool changing areas.

Please speak to the reception team at Aspire at the Park for further details on requirements for the Climbing Wall.

4.0 Aspire Gym and Class Studios

All customers are required to complete a Fitness Gym induction before they can use the facility unsupervised.

All customers are issued with a swipe card after completing their induction. The card must be presented at reception on each visit.

All Gym and Class Studio users must have a photograph taken to ensure the cardholder is entitled to access the facility.

Customers are asked to wipe down machines after use with spray and paper towels provided

Customers are not permitted to leave personal items such as bags and coats on the gym floors, studio floors, or around the studio or gym whilst the class is ongoing. These must be stored in the lockers provided at site.

Personal Training is not permitted in the Gyms or Studios. Anyone suspected of delivering Personal Training in sites will face an immediate temporary suspension from all Sport and Health improvement facilities, whilst further action is determined, which may result in a permanent ban.

Customers requiring advice around health and fitness are encouraged to speak to the sites' Fitness Consultants who are happy to provide appropriate assistance and guidance.

Any drinks taken into the Gym and class areas should be in plastic bottles only. Water fountains are available at all facilities.

Entry to an Aspire class (over 5 minutes), once the warmup has commenced is prohibited, as an inadequate warmup can lead to serious injury.

In exceptional circumstances, such as a long que at reception, the sites Assistant Manager will have some discretion, however this will be dependent on the type of class, time elapsed and a discussion with the instructor.

Once a class has been accessed, customers are asked to fully participate and not distract other attendees. Similarly, we would also ask that customers do not use mobile phones etc, throughout the duration of the class, whilst respecting the class instructor.

No refunds can be issued for customers unable to access classes due to late arrival.

All class programmes are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Sessions that are poorly attended will be removed from the programme, with new sessions being introduced. This ensures that an up-to-date offer is available for customers attending Sport and Health Improvement sites.

5.0 Booking Information

All fitness class participants must visit reception to pay or swipe their membership card prior to a class commencing.

Class bookings can be made 7 days in advance from a release time of 1pm. 7 Days = 7 x 24-hour periods from 1pm.

All Pay and Play Fitness Class bookings must be paid for in advance when making a reservation.

Cancellations can be made by phone or in person. We ask that you inform us with as much notice as possible prior to the class (see ‘’no show’’ information set out below), so we can make the space available. No refunds will be provided for classes cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice.

Once a class is full a reserve list is established. No payment is required to be placed on the reserve list. Should a place become available our staff will make every effort to contact you, at which time full payment will be necessary to secure the booking.

Please be aware that due to limited availability, non-attendance on a confirmed booking will be managed through the ‘No Show’ procedure

  • each non-attendance to a booked class (without prior cancellation by at least 1 hour prior to class start time) will incur 1 strike
  • a total of 3 strikes within a 60-day period will incur a booking penalty
  • if 3 strikes are accrued, advanced booking privileges will be suspended for a period of 14 days
  • persistent offenders may have their membership suspended or revoked

Please ensure that when accessing Sports Halls and Astro Turf’s, that you adhere to the time of the booking and that the group leader ensures that the group are registered and booked in at reception.

Customers and groups should also ensure they respect other groups using adjacent facilities and clear areas immediately on conclusion of a session.

Unfortunately, no refunds will be provided if customers have to be evacuated from buildings due to fire alarms or an actual emergency.

6.0 Swimming Pool Admissions

Our policy is informed using extracts of guidance from the Chartered Institute of Management of Sport and Physical Activity and the services own risk assessment.

The purpose of this policy is to help safeguard all children using swimming pools and is not intended to stop children and their family’s having fun and enjoying their swimming session.

Main Pool: (where part of or all the water is more than 1.2m deep)

  • 1 responsible person (16 years and over) can supervise 2 children from age 4-8 who are swimmers or non-swimmers wearing floatation aids, or;
  • 1 responsible person (16 years and over) can supervise 1 child under the age of 4 who is either a swimmer or wearing suitable floatation aids

Pools where the depth is 1.2 meters or less.

1 responsible person (16 years and over) can supervise 2 children under the age of 4 who are either swimmers or non-swimmers wearing suitable floatation aids

Suitable floatation aids are those that support the wearer’s full weight and remain secure in the water, example: arm bands or float suits. For further information regarding suitability please speak to our staff teams.

7.0 General Swimming Pool Information

All non-swimmers must wear armbands or suitable floatation aids, unless closely supervised on a one-to-one basis by a responsible person 16 years and over who can swim.

Those wearing armbands are restricted to designated shallow areas at all times (except when undertaking instructor led sessions). Discretion may be applied by the site's Management Team regarding disability / carer led length swimming.

The definition of ability to swim is defined as the capacity to swim a recognised stroke confidently and unaided for a minimum of 25 metres and perform a safe self-rescue. Where a lifeguard has reason to suspect that any person is not able to attain this standard, they have the right to request that person to demonstrate their ability. Failure to meet the standard will result in the person being classed as a non-swimmer and the above guidance on supervision and water depth will apply. This requirement is necessary to safeguard all of the customers in the pool, so that a lifeguard does not have to pay undue attention to one customer and risk losing sight of another in real difficulties.

All swimmers should shower and are encouraged to use the toilet prior to entering the pool.

Customers who have current or recent illness including respiratory problems, infection, digestive upset, and rashes should not swim. Any person with a recent history of diarrhoea (i.e., within the last 48 hours) should also not swim.

Any swimmers using medication such as inhalers or GTN spray should ensure lifeguards are made aware of conditions prior to their swim.

Wetsuits, Masks, Flippers, Fins and Snorkels are not allowed into the pool during public swimming sessions. Hand Paddles are also prohibited unless under the instruction of a Swimming Teacher / Coach.

We would recommend that babies attending swimming pools have received their first set of inoculations and should respect Health Visitor guidance. Please speak to the sites Duty Manager for further advice. Babies’ body’s lose heat more quickly than an adult and therefore a shorter period of time in the pool should be adhered to. Certain sessions are held in water, which has been heated to above the normal swimming temperature to facilitate very young children. Customers are advised to utilise these sessions if a longer water experience is required.

Swimmers, parents or guardians are advised to communicate to the pool staff on arrival of any disability that may affect them.

Swimmers may be subject to a band-controlled admissions system when pools are busy, to ensure correct bather loads can be adhered to.

All our swimming pools adhere to industry guidance regarding maximum bather loads, which may differ for different activities.

No private swimming coaching / teaching is permitted at any Sport and Health Improvement facilities. Anyone found attempting to deliver unsanctioned lessons for commercial gain within our pools will be challenged by the management and suspended from all facilities.

Children attending swimming lessons should be changed in changing areas provided. Please do not change young children in reception and public non changing areas.

All users are required to use changing room lockers as required, whilst ensuring the locker is locked. Please do not leave items unattended.

Antisocial behaviour from children entering our pools without a responsible person supervising them (16 years and over), and to ensure we support our staff and customers may result in an immediate ban from the facility for a set duration, example, the school holidays.

No child should be in the water over 1.30hrs, unless otherwise agreed with a member of the sites' management team.

For Health and Safety reasons we are unable to admit entry into a centre until 5 minutes before start of an unprogrammed session, without authorisation from a member of site management team.

Changeovers are included within your admission. Once your session ends, you must vacate the pool so that staff can set up the pool for the next session.

Do not distract lifeguards unnecessary and unless in an emergency.

Swimmers are required to exit the pool as quickly as possible, when requested by lifeguards and or site Management Team. This can be for emergencies, accidents, customer dignity or the end of a session time.

No hot drinks or breakable cups / bottles should be taken on poolside or in changing areas at any time.

7.1 Lane Swimming

Lanes are available for all speeds. Swimmers must be able to swim continuously in a lane without the use of aids, with the exception of Sun Lane Leisure, which due to a movable floor allows weaker swimmers with swimming aids the opportunity to access the shallow lane to gain confidence.

Young people under the age of 16 years who are competent swimmers and can swim continuously may enter a lane swimming session, however, please note these sessions are not family swimming sessions and should only be used for lane swimming.

Lane swimmers are required to swim up one side of the lane and down the other side, whilst respecting other users.

Please always leave enough room for other users to pass.

Be aware of other swimmers in your lane, be courteous and respect their right for an uninterrupted swim.

Strictly no physical contact is permitted.

8.0 Clubs and Organisations general information

All clubs and organisations using Sport and Health Improvement sites are required to follow terms and conditions of bookings/Service level agreements, which highlight rules regarding accessing facilities. Please see reception for further details.

Children and young people attending clubs and groups that are resident at Sport and Health Improvement sites must be signed in and out of a facility when attending sessions. This process may be organised by the group or through site receptions. For further information please check with individual organisations

Clubs and organisations must have the appropriate number of qualified adults undertaking overall supervision of individual sessions, which must be referenced in the club’s operational risk assessment and be approved by the sites General Manager.

Any persons attending clubs and organisations who breach Sport and Health Improvement admission rules may be excluded from facilities and may jeopardise future bookings by the club.

Clubs must have permission from site Management Team to move any Wakefield MDC equipment, furniture or make adjustments to any fabric of the building. No responsibility will be accepted for club members not following these rules and suffering injury. At busy times, clubs may have to wait for support from site staff.

9.0 Wakefield Golf Course

All children under 11 years old are required to be accompanied by a responsible person 16 years or over at all times.

Customers attending the site have a duty of care to themselves and all others on the course and adjacent areas.

Please ensure you are courteous at all times to other players.

Suitable clothing and footwear should be worn when out on the course. Vests and flip flops are not permitted, and tops should not be removed at any time. For further information please speak to the site's management team.
All players must report to reception prior to Tee Off.

The site runs a 7 days in advance booking system for members / season ticket holders via phone or in person, with Pay and Play customers being able to book 6 days in advance.

The gap between tee times is 10 minutes.

Players are required to replace divots and repair pitch marks during play.

In the event of lightening or the risk of lightening, golfers are required to cease playing immediately, and must leave the course. Lightening is a severe hazard that must be viewed seriously.

In the event of heavy fog, the decision to suspend play will be taken by the sites' management team.

When heavy rain is expected, holes are reconfigured where possible to keep the course open, however this may also result in the course being closed. Please contact reception in advance for further information.

When frost conditions are evident, a suspension to play will be considered by the sites' management team.

Customers must be 17 years and over to hire Golf Buggies. Please speak to the sites Reception team for full booking terms and conditions.

In the case of adverse ground conditions Buggies will not be permitted on the course.

Winter greens should be used as directed by the management team.

Routine maintenance is required to take place throughout the year. The management team will advise customers in advance of any potential closures.

If play is suspended by the management team and customers are unable to complete their round, a refund will be provided, however please note this will not apply in the case of inclement weather.

Normal licensing laws apply for the sites Clubhouse. Children can access this area accompanied by an adult up until 7pm.

Note: the first-floor clubhouse is operated by The City of Wakefield Golf Club and not Wakefield Council’s Sport and Health Improvement Service. Other rules and policies may apply. Please contact the Club Steward for further information.

10.0 Pugneys Country Park (on the water activities)

No private launches are permitted on the lake at any time as no safety cover is available.

Pedalos and Rowing Boats are available to hire, with all users required to report to reception.

All users must wear a Buoyancy Aid or Life jacket when entering the fenced off area along the slipways, and when using craft on the water.

Customers must demonstrate competence by being able to row the boat correctly and under control.

Rowing Boats and Pedalos have space for a family / group of four to five (size dependant). Please stay in the buoyed area when using these craft.

Users must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible person 16 years and over, however the sites' management team will have discretion regarding school and youth groups, which must be pre-booked.

All young children are the responsibility of an appropriate supervising adult and are required to remain seated when using craft on the water, with under 3 years of age going free.

Inappropriate behaviour / miss use of the Rowing Boats / Pedalos will result in being excluded from the activity and removed from the lake permanently.
Craft can be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions (strong winds, heavy rain, lightening etc

11.0 Thornes Park Stadium (Athletics Track - outdoor)

All Track users must report to reception first before accessing the track.
All users must have an Aspire membership, a season ticket or be issued with pay and play ticket.

Anyone using the Track under the age of 16 must have an appropriate person 16 years or over present on the track with them.
Lanes 1 – 3 are to be used for distance running. Lanes 4 – 10 can be used for sprint training.

Always run counterclockwise when using the track.

Always be mindful of other track users and be aware of track etiquette.

Use of any apparatus including track and/or throwing equipment (hurdles, shot - puts, hammers and Javelins etc) must be undertaken under the close supervision of a UKA qualified coach.

All licences must be in date and shown to centre management before any actives can take place.

Throwing equipment can only be used if the infield is free of any other occupants. Please check with reception regarding health and safety operational requirements.

Under no circumstance should other track users cross the infield whilst throwing is taken place.

Suitable footwear i.e., running trainers/spikes etc must be always worn when using the outdoor area.

12.0 Aspire at the Park, (Climbing Wall)

Anyone attending the climbing wall under the age of 16 must have an appropriate person 16 years or over present in the climbing hall.
In a structured session, where a member of staff is present, an appropriate person 16 years or over must be present in the main building (but not the climbing hall)

For full climbing etiquette and further details please contact the sites' reception.

13.0 Other Information

Any person attempting to access any Sport and Health Improvement site that it is believed is a danger to children or adults alike, will immediately be excluded from all sites, with the service then following guidance listed in the General Rules section.

For individual site opening and closing times, please refer to our main Sports and Leisure webpage or ring 01924 307820.

Contact Us

Sport and Active Lifestyles Wakefield One PO Box 700 Burton Street Wakefield WF1 2EB

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