Some of our policies have changed to promote safety reflect COVID-19 restrictions.  Please visit our Reopening Recreation page for more information.

Facility policies and rules are not limited to what is displayed and may be amended or altered at any time without notice. DAPER staff has the final say on all matters concerning the safety and security of the facility, staff and its members.

Our community practices fair play, respectful language without profanity, mutual respect, no fighting or spitting and no abuse to other patrons, staff, facilities, or equipment. Patrons are expected to take responsibility for their own actions and comply with the policies and safety instructions given by staff.

Furthermore, we enforce the MIT Non-discrimination Policy throughout all of our facilities.

Additional Rules include:

• No hardball play allowed in Rockwell Cage with exception of Varsity Athletics.
• Non-playing participants must remain clear of the activity area. For safety reasons, players may not warm-up in an activity area while activity is underway. Clothing, bags, balls, and other equipment must be stored off the playing floor and away from the activity zone.
• Patrons who demonstrate symptoms that suggest alcohol or drug use will be asked to leave the premises and may have their membership suspended without refund. Symptoms of alcohol/drug use include (but are not limited to) slurred speech, impaired movement or slowed motor skills, odor of alcohol/chemical substances, erratic behavior, etc. Staff decisions to enforce the alcohol/drug use policy are final.
• Tobacco use is not permitted in DAPER facilities.
• Report damaged equipment or unsafe conditions immediately to staff. Discontinue use of any unsafe area until appropriate repairs/replacements have been made. Personal equipment must be in good, usable condition. Borrowed equipment must be returned the same day to the place where it was originally obtained.
• Food, gum, and beverages are allowed in spectator and lounge areas only; these items are not permitted in any activity area. Glass containers are not permitted anywhere in activity areas or locker rooms. Non-alcoholic beverages in resealable containers are permitted. Please dispose of trash and recyclables in the appropriate containers.
• Emergency equipment including telephones, intercoms, and exits are for emergency use only. Unauthorized use will result in disciplinary action. Blocking, propping, or restriction of emergency or other exits/entrances is prohibited.
• Pets, with the exception of service dogs, are only permitted to be walked through the common corridor of the Center but may not be taken into the athletic facilities. Pet owners are required to clean up after their pets.
• In-line skates, skateboards and hover-boards are permitted to be used inside the Center in the Multi-Activity Court (MAC) only.
• Lawn chairs are not permitted in the facility.
• Helium balloons are not permitted in the facility.
• Facility hours are subject to change seasonally, during holidays or other MIT closures or events.

For all research inquires, learn more here.

Members

• Patrons are responsible for bringing photo identification in order to access the facility. Non-members will not be permitted to enter the facility without photo identification.
• If a membership ID is forgotten, lost, or stolen members can obtain a temporary pass through the main desk with proper photo ID. A forgotten ID will have athletic access removed until the owner returns with it to restore access. Memberships will not be credited for time lost due to deactivation.
• Members must always use their DAPER membership card through the access points, or present appropriate ID to obtain access to the facilities.
• Guests must purchase a day pass and surrender a photo ID at the main desk located at the main entrance across from the Kresge Auditorium. Any purchased or borrowed day pass must be returned the same day or a fee will be assessed.

Non-Members

• The purchase of a non-member group or private instruction package only permits the lesson participant access to the facility for their scheduled lesson and does not include the use of the facility outside of the scheduled lesson times. Parents or Guardians of non-member participants under 18 years of age are allowed facility entry, but not facility usage. Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian in the activity area at all times.
• Student day passes and memberships are available at a discounted rate. Students must bring a valid school ID with expiration date to the main desk.
• Closing announcements will be made sixty (60), thirty (30) and fifteen (15) minutes prior to closing and again at the time of closing. Patrons must exit the building no later than 15 minutes after closing.

During the MIT Academic Year, youth access hours are put in place. These access hours are as follows:

Zesiger Center:  Monday – Friday: 6:ooam – 5:00pm ; 7:00pm – 11:00pm

Alumni/Wang Center:  All Operating Hours

*There are no restrictions during summer, winter and holiday schedules.

Fitness

No one under the age of 18 is allowed on the 2^nd floor of the Zesiger Fitness Center or the Alumni/Wang Fitness Center at any time. Youth under the age of 13 are not allowed in the third floor fitness center.

Teens age 13-17, and a parent or guardian who wishes to use the fitness facilities must be evaluated and instructed by a DAPER personal trainer on lifting technique and safety in a gym environment.  After completion of this program, the teen will be given a pass indicating successful completion of the program.  Qualified teens may use the third floor fitness facilities when in possession of their pass and accompanied by a parent or guardian.  For more information regarding youth fitness center access, please contact fitness@mit.edu.

All Gender Locker Room, Restrooms, & Changing Rooms

Parents with children of a different gender from their own, age 5 or older and anyone looking for All-Gender accommodations are welcome to use these additional spaces:

• All-Gender & Family Locker Room (shower, restroom, and lockers)
  • Pool Office Corridor | W35-166
• All-Gender Restrooms (no shower or lockers)
  • 2nd Floor Fitness | W35-271 & W35-269
• All-Gender & Family Changing Rooms (no restroom, shower, or lockers)
  • Johnson Ice Rink | W34-105 & W34-106

We ask that when using these facilities that you please respect the dignity of all users. Please be considerate and moderate your time. If locking the door during peak times, please limit time to be respectful of other users. A lockable interior restroom is located inside for additional privacy.

MIT has a nondiscrimination policy which reads “The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. The Institute prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other Institute administered programs and activities; the Institute may, however, favor US citizens or residents in admissions and financial aid.” This policy covers all activities on campus including all Recreation Facilities, Programs and Classes.

Appropriate athletic attire is required at all times throughout the facility.

• Appropriate athletic attire for the fitness floors and courts includes T-shirts, shorts, warm-up suits, sweat suits, and aerobic clothing. Jeans, swimsuits and cargo pants are not permitted on equipment. When using the fitness center, patrons wearing tank tops, sports bras, or full mesh shirts must place towels between themselves and the equipment pads.
• Appropriate attire for the aquatic center for females is swimwear that covers the breast, buttocks, genitals and pubic region. For males, appropriate swimwear covers the buttocks, genitals and pubic region. Specifically, street clothes, thongs, and see-through swimwear are prohibited. Only clean footwear is permitted on deck.
• Hats, necklaces, and other jewelry, especially jewelry that dangles or could get caught in clothing or machinery, should not be worn during any activity.
• Street clothing cannot be worn  during exercise—it can be dangerous, confining, and can damage equipment. Street clothing includes jeans, cargo pants, skirts, non-athletic shoes, hats, wet bathing suits etc. Staff decisions regarding attire policy enforcements are final.
• Male Patrons using the DAPER courts may remove shirts during activity only. Female patrons must keep their chest region covered.
• Adults, young children, and infants not in control of bodily functions must wear elastic rubber pants with snug-fitting elastic legs and waist. Diapers may be worn under rubber pants.
• Muddy or dirty shoes are not permitted. Patrons are asked to wear clean, soft-soled shoes while in the Center. Patron must wear appropriate foot wear for each activity space. Full-toed shoes (no sandals) are required in all areas except where noted below.
• Only scuff-resistant, non-marking soled shoes are allowed in the facility activity areas. Black-soled shoes and other shoes with marking soles are NOT permitted on the Muckley Multipurpose Activity Court (MAC), basketball courts, squash courts or group exercise room. Patrons may wear white or gum-soled shoes only. Cleated turf or track shoes of any kind are not allowed in the DAPER facilities.
• Athletic shoes are required on the fitness floor. Running shoes may be worn for all jogging, passive recreational areas, and weight training.
• Bare feet are permitted in the Muckley Multipurpose Activity Court (MAC) (for certain DAPER-approved activities) and on the pool deck ONLY. For your safety, shoes must be worn at all times in the rest of the DAPER complex including walking to the MAC or pool deck.
• Attire that implies, or contains; inappropriate, offensive, or vulgar themes, language, images, or symbols, is not permitted within DAPER facilities.  At any time, individuals found with inappropriate attire can be denied participation in DAPER sponsored programs and events.  Staff decisions regarding attire policy enforcement are final. Refer to MIT’s Mind and Hand Book’s section on Harassment, Freedom of Expression, and Institute Expectations of Student Behavior and Integrity for further elaboration of standards and expectations.

The Director or Assistant Director of Marketing must approve all temporary signs, flyers, facility or program announcements. Signs/fliers should be brought to the Zesiger Main Desk to be submitted for approval to be hung in either the Z Center or A/W Center. All unauthorized signs will be removed.

For additional inquiries, please contact the marketing department

• Use of devices for video or photography (including cameras and cell phones) is prohibited in the DAPER Complex without prior written consent.
• To obtain permission for video/photography, patrons must visit the main desk at the center in which video/photography will be taking place. Written consent from management is required.
• Cell phones should not be used in locker rooms, restrooms and other areas that could be considered sensitive or private in nature. Video/Photography is always prohibited in these areas. Management reserves the right to prohibit the use of electronic devices in any area for the comfort or safety of patrons.
• Patrons not affiliated with the photographer/videographer may not be photographed or filmed without prior written consent.

The DAPER facilities may not be used for private gain, such as giving private instruction or sale of merchandise or nutritional supplements, unless approved by the General Manager.

Card sharing, or using another member’s identification card to enter secure locations in the DAPER facilities FOR ANY REASON, is theft. Visitors wishing to enter the building for non-recreational activities (i.e., meetings, office visits, sporting events) should check in with the member services desk at the appropriate point of entry and sign the business admittance log. DAPER administrators and MIT Recreational Sports staff have the right to conduct routine identification card checks and to administer the following penalties for card sharing:

• First offense – Written warning and counseling.
• Second offense – Second written warning, card deactivated for two weeks after a fine equal to double the non-student day pass fee is paid.
• Third offense – Card deactivated for remainder of the current academic period. The card will not be reactivated in subsequent academic periods until a fine equal to double the non-student day pass fee is paid.

The DAPER staff reserve the right to immediately eject anyone who:

• Fails to follow policies and/or procedures
• Trespasses or gains entry into the facility through other illegal means
• Engages in actions that pose a threat to the emotional or physical safety
  of the individual, staff members, patrons or others
• Engages in actions which destroy property
• Engages in actions which disrupt the activities within the DAPER facilities
• Appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
• Engages in actions which violate any federal, state, or local law
• It is the sole determination of the DAPER facilities staff whether an individual may first be warned of unacceptable actions. The supervisor on duty will have the right to immediately eject any person engaging in actions described above. If an individual refuses to leave the premises, MIT Police will be called.

DAPER staff have the right to suspend or terminate the membership of anyone who is ejected or terminated by the Institute for any reason. Anyone who violates DAPER or Institute policies, rules, or engages in other actions which violate federal, state, or local laws will be ejected and/or terminated.

Written notice will be given to notify an individual of their suspension or termination.

The decision of DAPER is final. MIT has the right to pursue disciplinary action in accordance with the policies and procedures of MIT. An individual whose membership has been terminated in not be eligible to reapply for membership until a minimum of one year past the imposed termination date.

Full refunds will be given to participants registered for a class that is cancelled and to those who withdraw from a class eight or more days before the scheduled start date. Participants who withdraw within one week of the scheduled start date will be eligible for a 50 percent refund. No refund will be given to persons who withdraw from courses within one day of or after the scheduled start date.

Group Exercise Passes: Month Pass – Full refunds will be given to participants who register for the group ex month pass up until the first day of the month. No refund after the month begins. 12 Month Pass & Month recurring billing – 30 day cancellation notice required. Single class pass – full refund for unused passes.

Full refunds are available if cancellation occurs 24 hours prior to the first scheduled session. Failure to give 24 hours notice will result in the participant being charged the full amount of the first session. Persons who wish to cancel after the first completed session will be eligible for a 50 percent refund on the remaining balance of the sessions purchased.

Youth, ARC and adult classes are evaluated for minimum enrollment 72 hours prior to the first day of class. If minimum enrollment is not met at this time, the class will be cancelled. Classes that have met minimum enrollment will continue to accept registrants until the maximum has been met or the first day of class, whichever comes first.

If you are canceling a membership within 60 days of purchasing, a $50 cancellation fee plus prorated pass fee will be applied. Annual and 6-Month memberships are non-refundable after the first 60 days. All other passes are non-refundable and non-transferable.

To request a cancellation please complete our Membership Change Form.

Members that are moving their residence 25 miles or more away from MIT can cancel without penalty with proper documentation (change of address form, utility bill) showing a new address is provided.

Full refunds are available if a cancellation occurs within 24 hours of the scheduled reservation. Any cancellation made within less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full reservation fee.

• Patrons are required to take a cleansing shower/bath before entering the pool.
• Patrons will not be permitted to swim in bathing suits that are unclean.
• Any patron suffering from fever, cough, cold, inflammation of the eyes, nasal or ear discharges, or any communicable disease may not use the pool.
• Any patron with sores or other evidence of skin disease, or who is wearing a bandage or medical covering of any kind, may not use the pool.
• No patron shall spit in or in any other way contaminate the pool, or its floors, walkways, aisles or dressing rooms.
• No glass containers shall be permitted anywhere in the aquatic center.
• No patron shall bring or throw any object into the pool that may in any way carry contamination or endanger the safety of swimmers.

Lifeguards have final authority on all matters concerning safety management and emergency situations in the DAPER facilities until relieved by proper authorities. All patrons should adhere to the following rules:

• Upon hearing the Emergency Alert System (two, long whistle blasts) all patrons must exit the pool immediately.
• The use of any aquatic facility is prohibited unless supervised by an MIT lifeguard or deck manager.
• Underwater swimming beyond 20 yards and or breath holding for more than 10 seconds (hyperventilation) is prohibited.
• No binding/tying of hands or feet.
• No swimming under the bulkhead at any time.
• Swim masks with glass lenses are prohibited. Shatter-proof, tempered plastic masks or competitive swim goggles are allowed.
• Only eyeglasses with plastic or safety glass lenses and a safety strap may be worn in the pool. This regulation also applies to water polo practice and games.
• Use of non-Coast Guard-approved flotation equipment by non-swimmers is prohibited. This includes life jackets, water wings, baby floats, inner tubes, and noodles. (See aquatics staff for questions and possible exception such as persons who possess proficient swimming ability engaged in exercise or training programs, and persons with disabling conditions, if appropriate.)
• Starting blocks are for the sole use of the swim teams and other approved groups with a coach or instructors on deck.
• Sinking aids such as rubber bricks, rings, and pucks are acceptable with proper use during open swim, as determined by the lifeguard or lifeguards on duty. Throwing hard objects is prohibited. (Rocks, coins or metal objects that disintegrate, corrode, or rust are not permitted).
• Water polo or other water games which use a ball shall not be permitted in any of the pools without prior authorization. Exceptions can be made for no more than two people practicing skills in areas large enough as to not conflict with recreational swimmers, upon approval from deck manager.
• Hanging on to lane lines is prohibited.
• Demonstration of swimming ability must be performed at the request of the lifeguard. Participant may be required to take a deep water swim test, which requires swimming 25 yards on the participant’s front using any stroke.
• Common practice is for multiple swimmers to share a lane during recreational swim. (e.g., 25 yard lanes: 3 plus swimmers, 50 meter lanes: 4 plus swimmers)
• Circle swimming, or swimming counter-clockwise around the black lines at the bottom of the pool, is required at all times. For more information please see the circle swim diagram on the pool deck.
• Individuals should check pool depth before entering pool.
• Adult supervision is required for children 17 and younger in same pool area at all times.
• Lane designations are assigned/defined by management according to participation and administrative constraints. In other words, the number of lanes designated to informal swimming and/or other groups will be designated by participation levels and usage agreements and can be changed without notification.

• No diving
• Feet first entry only

Diving boards are open to recreation use when posted on the pool schedule. Use of the diving boards are prohibited during all other times.

• Patron may use outside one-meter springboards only.
• Only one person is allowed on the diving board at a time.
• Inward dives, reverse dives and back flips are allowed only with approved instructional supervision and a certificate of insurance provided by a swim coach.
• Only one bounce is allowed on the diving board during open diving.
• Fulcrum must be set to the forward position (#1).
• Individuals must attempt to go straight off the boards.
• Sit down, sailor dives (head first, arms at side), or swan dives are prohibited.
• Divers must exit the pool using the nearest ladder/stairs.
• Diving deemed unsafe, in the judgment of the lifeguard, is prohibited.
• Goggles may not be worn while diving.

Swim and Boat tests are offered all year round on Tues, Wed, or Thursday at 8am and 8pm. Late arrivals will not be allowed to join test in progress. For more info on the PE Swim and Boat test click here.

• No personal belongings are allowed on fitness floor. Please use lockers provided. Staff members are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• When performing Olympic lifts, bumper plates are required, weights should not be dumped and all Olympic lifts should be performed on the platforms.
• The use of safety stop clips is strongly encouraged while using treadmills.
• Towels must be placed between the equipment pads and the person using equipment if/when a person is not wearing full-backed shirts or pants.
• When performing power lifts, steel plates are to be used and hands should remain on the bar at all times.
• Patrons should use extreme caution when lifting weights to avoid potential injury to themselves or others. Top loading additional weights onto weight stack machines is unsafe and is prohibited.
• Patrons are encouraged to ask fitness staff for help adjusting equipment, for a spot or for general questions.
• Spring collars should be used with all bars in free weight lifting.
• Weight-lifting hand chalk is not permitted in the Fitness Center.
• Patrons must sign-up at the fitness desk when using any piece of cardiovascular equipment. Maximum sign-up time is 30 minutes.
• To avoid congestion and waiting lines, patrons should allow others to “work in” while using weight equipment. Please use courtesy and consideration for others when using weight equipment and refrain from occupying machines while not in use.
• No alcoholic beverages or food allowed. Liquids must be in a closed, non-glass, no leak container.
• Machines and mats should be wiped down after use. Cleaning supplies are available on the fitness floor and should be returned to bins after use.
• Patrons with excessive body odor will be asked to correct the problem immediately.  If this condition persists, the patron will be asked to leave the facility.
• Patrons are required to re-rack weights, plates, and dumbells in appropriate racks.  Please do not over stack racks. Weights should not be leaned against walls, pillars, equipment or mirror.

General Golf Range Policies

• No food or drink allowed in the golf room. Water is permitted in a closed, non-glass container.
• Please maintain proper golf etiquette during your play
• Only use balls provided; clubs are available to borrow
• Please no metal spikes, but golf shoes are permitted
• Please keep your clubs clean and free of debris
• For safety and comfort, please use plastic tees only. Be aware of flying tees.

Golf Simulator Participant Policies

• Arrive 10 minutes prior to start of tee time
• Check in at the Vassar desk

Download the MIT Recreation Mobile App for easy class reservations.

• Guarantee your spot in class by registering through the MIT recreation website or mobile app, and arriving to class on time.
• Reservations can also be made by contacting the Vassar Desk at the Zesiger Center or the Fitness Desk at Alumni Wang, based on remaining class capacity.
• Group Exercise reservations open 48 hours prior to the class start time.
• Reservations remain open until the class reaches maximum enrollment or 1 minute before the class start time.

• There is no standby option at this time.
• If a class is full, participants can add themselves to the waitlist on the MIT Recreation website or mobile app.
• When a spot opens up, the first waitlisted participant will be emailed. They have 1 hour to confirm attendance before their waitlisted spot is forfeited.
• For participants who have preregistered, class check-in will begin 5 minutes before the class start time.
• Participants can be added to the class right before it begins if there is space on the class roster.
• Participants attending class at the Alumni Wang Facility will need to check in with the Fitness Desk Attendant. Participants in all other spaced will need to check in with the Group Exercise Instructor assigned to teach the class.
• Participants must be dressed and ready for class at check-in.
• Please present photo ID at check-in.
• No one will be permitted into class after 5 minutes into class start time.

• Participants who cannot attend a class must cancel their reservation at least 1 hour prior to the class start time. Cancelling in less than 1 hour before the class start time will accrue a $2.50 late unregistration fee.
• Participants who do not show up to class without cancelling will receive the no-show charge of $5.
• Late arrivals within 5 minutes of the class start time may still check in and attend the class.
• Those who arrive more than 5 minutes after the class start time, which is after the warm up, will not be permitted to attend class for their own safety.
• As a reminder, instructors have the option of wearing a facemask when teaching. All participants must wear a facemask indoors throughout the facility.

*Schedule- refers to January – May (Winter/Spring), June – August (Summer), and September – December (Fall) 

The MIT Recreational Sports staffs are here to assist you and in most cases improve the response time for first responders. In an emergency please send someone or go to any staff member located throughout the building. In addition to program instructors, the membership services desks, 2^nd floor fitness area and aquatic center are staffed during all operational hours.

Emergency Buttons

43 Buttons located in the Zesiger Center. When pushed, MIT Police are directly notified and respond to the site. please be aware that the MIT Recreational Sports staffs are here to assist you and in most cases improve the response time for first-responders.

AED’s

Main Lobby

du Pont Lobby

2^nd Floor Fitness

2^nd Floor du Pont (T-Club Lounge)

Zesiger Pool Deck and Alumni Wang Fitness Center

*Please notify staff who are trained in the proper use of the AEDs

*AED’s are Alarmed and will initiate a response from MIT Police to the location of the AED.

(From MIT Public Safety Manual)

Never leave personal backpacks, laptops, or MP3 players unattended, whether you are in an office, lab, dorm room, or library. Regardless of how long you will be gone, even a couple of minutes, unwatched articles invite thieves — especially if you fall asleep in an area such as the Student Center.

Remember that wallets, backpacks, laptops, and purses are prime targets for the “hit and run” thief. Keep them with you at all times.

Thieves also are attracted to valuables left unattended in a car. If you must leave your belongings in your car, lock them out of sight in your trunk before you arrive at your final destination.

LOCK your doors and windows when you leave your office, laboratory, or residence. Most of the thefts in the Institute occur when areas are left unlocked or are not securely locked.

The doors and windows at MIT have locks. USE THEM!! Some dorm windows have “vent” locks to prevent the window from opening wide — but allowing for air circulation.

DO immediately report defective locks.

DO lock your doors when you go to bed. When some students did not lock their doors, they awakened to find strangers going through their belongings.

DO NOT prop open self-locking doors.

DO NOT leave notes on your door advertising your absence or when you will return.

DO NOT leave keys in your robe or clothing when you take a shower.

Athletics facilities are not immune to thieves. Do not bring valuables — such as expensive watches, jewelry, and wallets with cash or credit cards — with you when you exercise. If you must, lock clothing in your locker and check valuables at the equipment desk. This is especially true of backpacks left on the fields while you are playing.

Any department or person considering the purchase of computer equipment, computer components, digital cameras, or other expensive office equipment is strongly urged to consider purchasing an anti-theft system for the equipment. Consult the MIT Police Crime Prevention Unit for anti-theft system information.

If you have expensive portable office equipment that cannot be locked down, keep it in a locked cabinet when not in use.

(From MIT Public Safety Manual)

Bicycle theft is a lucrative campus crime. You should safeguard your bicycle by using a heavy-duty locking device and securing your bicycle through both wheels and around the frame to an immovable object. Cables and chains are easily defeated.

The MIT Police Crime Prevention Unit recommends you take the following steps to prevent the loss of your bicycle:

Use a high-security U-lock. Place the key end as close to the ground as possible or secure the lock cover with your bicycle helmet, and/or both. You should spend 10 percent of the value of your bicycle on a lock.

Anchor BOTH wheels and frame to a stationary object.

If you use a chain or cable, remember, they are easily cut.

Register your bike. Members of the MIT Community can now register their bicycles with the MIT Parking and Transportation Office. Bike registration must be done online using the form on their site. After you complete this form, a bicycle registration sticker will be mailed to your campus address. There is no fee for this service. Online registration.

Use the bicycle compound at the rear of Building 13. This compound operates on a card-key system (cards are available at MIT Police headquarters for a small fee), and is available to any member of the MIT community.

Secure your bicycle in a well-traveled area, and lock it at ALL times.

For Emergency Information and Closures, please become familiar with MIT Alert.