Students and members must present a proper Mcard, Recreational Sports Member Card or Recreational Sports App Barcode to obtain access to all facilities. If our membership system does not accept the Mcard, Recreational Sports Member Card or barcode then access will be denied.
Students and members are allowed to enter a facility without a valid Mcard, Recreational Sports Member Card or Recreational Sports App Barcode up to a maximum of three times per semester. In order to enter a Recreational Sports facility without a valid Mcard, Recreational Sports Member Card or Recreational Sports App Barcode, members must provide another official form of ID with a physical photo. Acceptable forms of identification include: driver’s license, passport, non-UM school ID with photo or another foreign/government-issued ID with photo and identification. Pictures of IDs or photos displayed on an electronic device (phone, tablet, computer, etc) are not acceptable forms of identification. Members will not be allowed to enter a facility if they do not have another official form of ID with a physical photo or if they have exceeded the maximum limit of three times per semester.
Recreational Sports staff must take possession of a misused, expired or invalid Mcard or Recreational Sports Member Card and may ask the holder to leave the facility. An Mcard or Recreational Sports Member Card that is confiscated due to fraudulent use is turned over to the Department of Public Safety and Security. An individual must contact the Department of Public Safety and Security if they wish to recover their card. Fraudulent use of a Mcard or Recreational Sports Member Card to gain facility access may result in loss of membership privileges and entrance of an unauthorized person may result in trespassing charges being filed.
We accept checks and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express).
U‑M employees with at least a 50% appointment may also use payroll deductions. (If you are paid bi-weekly, the deduction will be taken from the second check of the month.)
For Faculty and Staff, Retirees and Alumni
You will receive an email reminder two weeks before your membership expires. You can renew online.
Monthly installment memberships offer the best value, and your membership is renewed automatically each year until you tell us otherwise.
For Spouses, Partners, Family Members and Friends
Spouses, partners, family and friends can renew online.
Monthly recurring payments options are non-refundable/non-transferable. All cancellations must be submitted using the online membership Cancellation Form.
Cancellations received by the 5th of the month: membership(s) will expire on the 12th of that same month, and automatic charges will stop with that month’s payment.
Cancellations received after the 5th of the month: membership(s) will expire on the 12th of the following month, and automatic charges will stop after the next month’s deduction.
Refund Policy
Memberships are non-refundable, except for medical and health conditions, deployment, or extraneous circumstances. Money is refunded by the same method that payment was made (for instance, if you paid with a Visa card, your refund will be posted to the same Visa card). Please note: there is a six- to eight-week processing period for check refunds. Please contact recsportsmemberservices@umich.edu for further questions.
To request a refund, please fill out our Refund Request Form
We ask you to join us in the commitment to creating a positive, safe and inclusive environment for our members. This includes being courteous to other facility users and following stated policies and instructions from Recreational Sports staff.
Animals
Only service animals, as defined and covered by the American with Disabilities Act, are permitted in Recreational Sports facilities. Individuals are required to clean up after their animals at all facilities. Use of Emotional Support Animals is not covered under the American with Disabilities Act and therefore not allowed in Recreational Sports facilities. Emotional Support Animals or other animals may be allowed to enter facilities for specific programs or special events with proper approval from Recreational Sports staff.
Cell Phones
Members are required to be respectful by limiting cell phone use in Recreational Sports facilities. For privacy reasons, use of cell phones for pictures or video, including FaceTime, Google Hangout, etc; is not allowed in locker rooms. Only personal headphone audio systems are allowed to be used in Recreational Sports facilities or fields when using any electronic device (cell phone, laptop, etc).
Firearms and Weapons
- Per University policy (SPG) 201.94, possession of firearms, dangerous weapons and knives (longer than four inches) is not permitted on property owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the University of Michigan, even if you have a concealed weapons permit.
- Participants in regularly scheduled and authorized University educational, recreational or training programs may be granted permission to use appropriate weapons (nunchucks, swords, etc.) with prior approval from Recreational Sports.
Members who witness someone in possession of a weapon within a Recreational Sports facility should contact a Recreational Sports staff member immediately or the Department of Public Safety and Security at (734)763-1131.
Guest Guidelines
- The charge is $15 per guest, per visit. Valid photo ID is required from the guest and sponsor.
- Each member is entitled to four guests per day.
- All guests are considered members for the duration of their active guest pass.
- Guests can rent day lockers and check out equipment to use in the facility.
- Guests are responsible for any damage to equipment and/or facilities that is caused by negligent use or behavior.
- Failure to comply with the guidelines for guests may result in revocation of the guest and/or member’s privileges, a guest’s access to recreational sports facilities and/or disciplinary action.
Illegal Access
The following are prohibited:
- Attempting to gain access into any Recreational Sports facility with an ID other than your own.
- Allowing another person to use your ID to gain access into Recreational Sports facilities.
- Attempting to sneak someone inside emergency exit doors or other points of access not designated as a main entry.
- Exiting through emergency exit doors during a non-emergency.
Inclement Weather and Tornadoes
A tornado warning is indicated by the sounding of emergency sirens for three minutes followed by seven minutes of silence. The warning siren signals that a tornado has been sighted or has appeared on radar in Washtenaw County. When the alarm is sounded, all members will be directed to take shelter immediately in a designated weather safety zone. The tornado shelters for each facility are listed below.
Palmer Field Temporary Recreation Facility: Palmer Commons.
IMSB: Inside the locker rooms.
NCRB: Inside the locker rooms.
Members will be asked to stay inside and be alert to falling objects, while staying away from exterior windows and doors. Members have the right to leave under their own free will if they so choose.
Personal Safety
- Passing through any door where security alarms have been set is prohibited except during emergency evacuations.
- Unauthorized propping open of any door is prohibited.
- Members are not permitted in restricted or closed areas within Recreational Sports facilities.
- Unauthorized people in Recreational Sports facilities should be reported to Recreational Sports staff immediately or the Department of Public Safety and Security (734-763-1131). Anytime you believe a crime is about to be committed or has been committed, immediately call the Department of Public Safety and Security and then report the incident to Recreational Sports staff.
Photography/Video Recording and Audio
Taking pictures or recording video of individuals is not allowed in Recreational Sports facilities or fields. Photography, filming or video recording for academic, commercial or other distribution purposes is not allowed without authorization from the University’s Film Office and Recreational Sports. Once authorization is received, permission to be photographed or video recorded must also be obtained from any participants. Only personal headphone audio systems are allowed to be used in Recreational Sports facilities or fields. The use of musical instruments and/or amplified sound is prohibited unless previously approved by Recreational Sports.
Private Instruction and Coaching
Facilities are for recreational use only. Coaching, instruction and organized activities, other than those approved by Recreational Sports, are prohibited. Private instruction and/or coaching, whether paid or unpaid, is not allowed in any of our facilities.
Prohibited Wheeled Items
Use of bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, hoverboards, Heely shoes and all like equipment are prohibited in all indoor facilities. Strollers are allowed for use on the track in the walking lane only and must be able to fit in one lane to prohibit interfering with another person’s exercise. Use of Segway Human Transporters is prohibited unless required due to a disability. Bicycles are not permitted inside facilities.
Security
We encourage our members to leave any valuables at home and to bring only what is necessary to our facilities. Recreational Sports is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Personal items not being used should be kept in provided cubbies or day use lockers.
Recreational Sports will stop any activity on our premises (indoor or outdoor) that staff members consider unsafe or in violation of our policies.
Student/Member Conduct and Discipline
- Upon request, members must show valid identification to any Recreational Sports staff member. Failure to do so may result in removal from the facility.
- Alcohol and drugs are prohibited at any Recreation Sports facility. Anyone demonstrating signs of intoxication or impairment due to drug use will be denied access to Recreational Sports facilities and programs.
- Boxing, sparring or any other activity that encourages direct physical contact with another individual is prohibited unless scheduled and approved in advance by Recreational Sports.
- Physical fighting and/or excessive rough play, as determined by Recreational Sports staff, is prohibited. Failure to abide by this guideline may result in loss of privileges.
- Gambling in any form is prohibited within Recreational Sports facilities.
- Per University policy (SPG) 601.04, the sale or use of tobacco products, including electronic or battery powered devices to smoke or vape, is prohibited in all University facilities.
- All members are expected to use proper conduct. Infliction or threat of bodily or emotional harm, whether done intentionally or with reckless disregard, including threat or action in retaliation for making allegations of misconduct, is prohibited. Use of abusive language and/or sexual misconduct is prohibited.
Violation of Facility Policies
All members are expected to abide by these policies and decisions of the Recreational Sports Staff. Anyone who violates our policies may be asked to leave. Students involved in serious incidents or repeat offenders will be subjected to sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct. Non-student offenders or repeat offenders will be subject to sanctions by Recreational Sports staff. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, suspension from facilities, suspension/termination of membership privileges or civil prosecution.
Recreational Sports reserves the right to interpret, apply and enforce any of these policies and to refuse service to any participant who violates any policy or procedure, or engages in any verbal and/or physical abuse of any Recreational Sport Staff, student or member. Recreational Sports reserves the right to add or modify policies as needed and to make immediate decisions related to the safety of members and staff for any situation that may not be specifically outlined in our policies. Decisions by Recreational Sports staff are final.
Open Recreation/Group Use
Recreational Sports offers a variety of spaces available for open recreation use. Open recreation is defined as use of existing equipment and facility spaces for self-directed activities by individuals or small groups of no more than 4 individuals at any given time. Open recreation participants must adhere to all facility policies and procedures which includes allowing other participants to join in the activity or use of the space. Participation in open recreation is not structured, organized or teams/groups of 5 or more. Events or activities for groups of 5 or more which require use of a space must be scheduled and approved in advance by Recreational Sports staff. Any activity (by individuals or groups) which includes coaching/instruction or music/amplified sound must also be scheduled and approved in advance by Recreational Sports staff. Please see our Facility Rental page for more information.
Children/Minors
- Children under the age of 18 years (who are not currently enrolled University of Michigan students) are required to have a valid membership or guest pass to access a facility. Children ages 5 and under are allowed access at no charge.
- Children under the age of 18 years (who are not currently enrolled University of Michigan students) must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, who has a valid Recreational Sports membership or guest pass and is at least 18 years of age, at all times in all facilities. Accompanying a child is defined as being in the same activity area and under supervision of a parent/guardian at all times.
- Children ages 6 and over will not be admitted to enter the opposite gender locker rooms. This policy ensures the privacy of others. Please use our gender inclusive locker rooms.
Clothing
- Athletic tops and shorts/pants are required to be worn at all times.
- Tops must cover the chest and shorts must cover the entire buttocks.
- Closed-toed footwear is required in all areas of a facility except for the pool, heavy bag areas and barefoot group fitness classes. Shoes must have a heel or heel strap.
- Clothing deemed potentially damaging to the equipment, as determined by Recreational Sports Staff, is prohibited.
- Clothing with profane language or inappropriate subjects, as determined by Recreational Sports Staff, is prohibited.
- Recreational Sports reserves the right in determining appropriate clothing on a case-by-case basis.
Aquatic Area
- Children under the age of 18 years may only use the pool with direct supervision of a parent/guardian.
- All swimmers must wear appropriate swimming apparel. Bermuda shorts, cutoffs, etc., are prohibited. Recreational Sports reserves the right in determining appropriate swimming apparel on a case-by-case basis.
- Showers are recommended prior to pool use.
- Any person suffering from an infection of the skin, eye, nose, mouth or ear cannot enter the pool.
- Swimming aids such as eye goggles, kickboards, pull buoys, swim fins and hand paddles are allowed.
- Lane splitting and circle swimming policies are posted at all Recreational Sports pool areas. Please read and follow the posted policies.
- No diving allowed.
Cardio/Strength Area
- Individuals must be 13 years of age to utilize these areas. Children 13-17 may only use cardio/strength areas with direct supervision of a parent/guardian.
- Please clean equipment, after it has been used, with provided disinfectant supplies.
- Please limit your time on cardio machines to 30 minutes during peak hours or when others are waiting.
- Always return equipment to its proper location and always re-rack your weights.
- Equipment is not to be removed from rooms to be used in other rooms.
- Equipment must be used for its designed purpose.
- Allow others who are waiting for a machine to work into your rotation when doing multiple sets.
- Multiple machines may not be exclusively used at the same time and may not be saved for any purpose.
- All weights must be returned to the ground in a controlled manner. Please do not slam or drop your weights.
- Collars must be used at all times.
- Spotters are strongly recommended when using the free weights.
- Olympic lifts and releases must be done on platforms.
- No overhead releases.
- No powder chalk. Liquid chalk is allowed.
- Keep all walkways and areas clear of personal belongings.
- Drinks are allowed in non-glass sealed containers. Food is prohibited.
- Bumper plates must be used while on the platforms at all times.
- Spitting is prohibited.
- Any activity that may damage the facility/equipment or is deemed unsafe by Recreational Sports staff must be stopped immediately.
Gym Court
- Athletic tops and shorts/pants are required to be worn at all times.
- Shoes should be non-marking and free of mud and debris.
- Recreational Sports staff will be responsible for setting up and taking down volleyball/badminton equipment. Only authorized personnel will be permitted to access this equipment.
- Recreational Sports staff will be responsible for raising and/or lowering basketball backboards.
- Dunking is permitted; however, excessive hanging on rims or nets is prohibited.
- Drinks are allowed in sealed non-glass containers. Food is prohibited.
- Only personal headphone audio systems are allowed to be used in Recreational Sports facilities or fields. The use of musical instruments and/or amplified sound is prohibited unless previously approved by Recreational Sports.
Game Play Policies:
- Priority is based on a first-come, first served order.
- Determine who has priority ahead of you.
- Full court games always have a priority over half court games and/or individual use when no other courts are available. Full court games consist of two 5 player teams in basketball and two 6 player teams in volleyball.
- Stay by the court. Person or team must remain courtside and be ready to play. If you are not present you will lose your priority.
- After one game, the losing player/team must vacate the court.
- In the event of two consecutive wins, the winning player/team must also vacate the court if other players are waiting.
- Persons waiting to play have priority over persons already playing.
- For a court designated for a particular sport, the designated sport has priority over any other sport.
Basketball games will be played to 11 points by 1’s and 2’s.
Badminton games will be played to 21 points.
Pickleball games will be played to 11 points.
Volleyball games will be played to 25 points using rally scoring.
Racquetball/Squash Court Use and Reservations
- Recreational Sports staff will be responsible for moving any wall to convert racquetball and squash courts.
- Court reservations are accepted for racquetball, squash, paddleball, handball and wallyball. Reservations can be made anytime for play later that day. Next day reservations are also accepted no more than 72 hours in advance.
- Court reservations can be made online through our webstore/app, in person or by phone.
- Court reservations are intended for any of the above sports. The above sports take priority over other non-intended uses in these courts regardless if a reservation has been made. Individuals or groups that use these courts for any other activity will be asked to leave the court if others wish to use the court for the above sports. If courts are unused, then they are allowed to be used for other activities that are deemed safe by Recreational Sports.
- Any person or group may only reserve a court for a maximum of 1 hour per day.
- Members must secure a reserved court no later than ten (10) minutes after the reservation time. Unclaimed courts become open courts.
- Tournaments are not allowed unless scheduled in advance with Recreational Sports. Please visit our Facility Rentals page for more information.
Handball, Paddleball, Racquetball, Squash, Wallyball games will be played to 21 points.
Sauna
- Children under the age of 18 years may only use the saunas with direct supervision of a parent/ guardian.
- The temperature is between 160°F and 190°F.
- Persons suffering from heart disease, or high or low blood pressure, should not enter the saunas.
- Parents should be advised that there are additional risks and hazards related to children’s use of saunas.
- No sweatpants, sweatshirts, shoes or socks are allowed inside the saunas.
- Members are advised to use a towel when sitting on sauna benches.
- Water and wet towels should never be put on the rocks or the heating element; this will only cause it to shut down.
Track
- Members must use the track in the designated direction. The track daily direction is indicated at the entrance to the track.
- Be cautious of oncoming traffic when entering or crossing the track.
- Inside lanes are designated for walking; outside lanes are designated for running/jogging.
- Running or walking side-by-side is permitted only when the track is not busy.
- Gym bags, backpacks, jackets, etc are not allowed to be stored on the track lanes.
- Fitness floor equipment is prohibited to be used on the track (e.g. medicine balls, dumbbells, etc.).
- Standing, horseplay, racing, spectating, and/or stretching are not permitted on the track lanes.
- Throwing or dropping items to or from the track is prohibited.
- Spitting on the track is prohibited.
- Strollers are allowed for use on the track in the walking lane only and must be able to fit in one lane to prohibit interfering with another person’s exercise.