McElwain Baptist Church

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Recreation Center is …
… to undergird, supplement, strengthen and complement the organizations of the church.
… to seek to lead the lost to Christ.
… to reach and develop people for the glory of God.
… to provide quality leisure-time activities in a Christian setting.

PARTICIPATION

Participation in the Recreation Center is open to all McElwain members and anyone enrolled in an organization at McElwain who is in the fourth grade or above. (NOTE: Throughout this list of policies and procedures, many references are made to children in the third grade or below. This age group will be referred to as “underage children.”)

Participation is also open to all in the community who pay the monthly fee.

$20.00 for single (monthly)
$30.00 for family (monthly)

Eligibility to participate will depend on an individual’s willingness to abide by all policies and procedures.

Members will check in at the registration desk each time they enter the Recreation Center, no matter the activity.

Underage children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. (NOTE: Throughout this list of policies and procedures, many references are made to “responsible adults.” These are individuals in the twelfth grade or above.) Underage children must remain with their responsible adult at all times in the Recreation Center.

Exception No. 1: If prior arrangements are made with the Recreation Director, underage children may enter with a responsible youth.

Exception No. 2: Special programs for underage children where supervision is provided.

McElwain college-away students who move their membership for the school year will keep their Recreation Center enrollment.

GUESTS

McElwain members are urged to bring guests.

Guests are individuals who are not enrolled in the Recreation Center but are hosted by a McElwain member.

A Fitness Center member may not bring a guest, but is encouraged to bring them to an orientation time.

Any McElwain member desiring to bring more than two guests at a time is asked to obtain prior approval from the Recreation Staff.

McElwain members are responsible for the conduct of their guests. When the McElwain member leaves, the guest must leave also.

If the guest(s) arrives before their sponsoring member, the guest(s) must wait in the hall for their host.

GROUP VISITORS

Visitors are individuals who are with outside groups, such as teams from other churches or spectators with other teams, etc.

Visitors are the responsibility of the church or group with which they come.

Visitors are to stay in the particular area where their group is participating and are not allowed free access to the entire building. Visitors will not be permitted to use the Fitness Center.

Visitors must comply with all policies and procedures. Those who fail to comply will be asked to leave.

ENTERING AND EXITING

There are several doors in the Recreation Center. The hall doors (east, north and west), the main entrance door, and the bathroom doors are considered the main doors.

When entering the Recreation Center to use facilities, always check in at the recreation desk.

Participants are asked to remain in the Recreation Center. Loitering in the hall and/or parking lot is not allowed.
Doors in the gym are only to be opened in the case of an emergency.

DRESS AND BEHAVIOR

The Recreation Center is used to glorify God. Each person involved should “In all thy ways acknowledge Him.” Proverbs 3:6.

The Recreation Center is a ministry of McElwain Baptist Church. In the interest of influencing others for Christ, the speech, the dress and conduct of all members, guests and visitors will be in accordance with the highest Christian standards.

Shirts and shoes, along with other appropriate apparel, must be worn in the game room at all times.

Clothing with alcohol or tobacco advertisements, obscene or suggestive language, will not be permitted.

DISCIPLINE

Willful violation of any policies, rules or regulations could lead to loss of eligibility to participate.

The Recreation Center is operated by a trained staff. They have the right to say “no” and/or “stop.” Participants are expected to follow their directions.

Infractions will be handled as follows:

First infraction: Warning, explanation of the rules and/or suspension.
Second infraction: Reminder, notification of parents (high school and below) and suspension.
Third infraction: Parents conference (high school and below) and suspension.
Major infractions will be turned in on written reports to the Recreation Director.
Serious discipline problems will be dealt with by the Recreation Director.

ITEMS PROHIBITED

These items are not allowed in or on the property of McElwain Recreation Center: tobacco in any form, anything considered a weapon, any alcoholic beverage, controlled substances, pets, gum, or anything that would detract from the Christian atmosphere.

With prior approval and permission from the Minister of Recreation, refreshments will be allowed in the Crafts Room.

At times, there will be banquets/parties in areas where food, drink or gum is allowed. In these instances, the policy is waived and special precautions and procedures will be employed to assure proper food handling.

RECREATION CENTER HOURS

Hours include use of The Fitness Center, Recreational Facility and Track and Field.
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays:
6 a.m. – noon & 4 – 9 p.m.
Wednesdays:
6 a.m. – noon, 4 – 6:15 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturdays:
8 a.m. – noon
Sundays: Closed
Holiday Closings:
New Year’s Day, Memorial Day,
July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving,
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day,
Good Friday, and days that the
Church Office is closed as well.

EQUIPMENT

Equipment will be checked out at the control desk by members and must be used for its intended purpose.

Individuals or groups who check out equipment or property will be financially responsible for equipment that is damaged, lost, destroyed or stolen.

Equipment may be checked out for activities away from McElwain after being cleared with the Recreation Staff and filling out the proper forms.

Equipment will be returned to the same place from which it was checked out.

The following are available at the front desk:
● Bath and workout towels
● Locks for lockers
● General recreation equipment for game room and gym
● First-aid

LIABILITY

The use of the Recreation Center and all equipment will be at the risk of the participant.

McElwain Baptist does not assume liability or responsibility for any participant.

McElwain Baptist does not make any expressed or implied warranty of the premises, machinery, fixtures or furniture.

Notice of this fact will be provided to participants, guests and visitors.

LOST AND FOUND

The Lost and Found is located at the Control Desk. Lost items will be returned to the owner when requested and properly identified.

Participants are encouraged to put their names on all personal items such as warm-ups, shoes, equipment bags, shirts, etc.

Items left in the Recreation Center will be placed in the Lost and Found.

Lost and Found items which are not claimed within two months will be donated for distribution to benevolence.

INTERPRETATION OF RULES, REGULATIONS AND POLICIES

The Recreation Staff and Recreation Director will be responsible for interpretation and enforcement of all rules.

Policies and procedures are reviewed periodically by the Recreation Staff and Recreation Director and may be added to or altered.

Any situations not specifically covered in this list of policies will be acted upon if and when the need arises, at the discretion of the Recreation Staff and/or Recreation Director.

Area Regulations

RECREATION DESK

The Control Center is the “hub” of the entire Recreation Center.

Only authorized persons are permitted in this area. NO EXCEPTIONS. STAFF ONLY.

HALLWAY

These things are not allowed in the hallway: frisbees, skateboards, equipment, bicycles, or anything that might detract from the atmosphere and purpose of this area.

Proper attire is required, as in all other areas of the Recreation Center.

No food, drink, or gum is allowed in the hallway.

GAME ROOM

Every game has proper rules. Players are expected to respect them.

Game tables are placed so that each game can be played without interfering with others. Do not move, rearrange, or sit on tables.

No game room equipment may be taken out of the game room area.

If the person who has checked out equipment leaves the game, he must check in the equipment.

No food, drink, or gum is allowed in the game room area.

No running or rough play is allowed in the game room.

GYMNASIUM

Shoes are required, but no street shoes or black-soled shoes are allowed. Any questionable shoes must be cleared by the Recreation Staff.

No personal basketballs, volleyballs, etc., may be used.

Gym equipment such as volleyball standards, badminton standards, score-clock consoles, etc., will be set up and operated by qualified recreation personnel only.

No softballs or baseballs will be allowed in the gym. (Nerf balls are allowed.)

No throwing basketballs or volleyballs against the wall.

There shall be no hanging from basketball goals or supports.

Programmed activity has priority over free play.

No food, drink, or gum is allowed in the gym.

FITNESS CENTER

All Fitness Center participants must have had a Fitness Center orientation and completed a Participant Form.

Only McElwain church members, their guests and paying members are allowed to use the Fitness Center.

When using the equipment, do not bang the weights.

Report any damaged or malfunctioning equipment to the Front Desk.

Fitness equipment is to remain in the Fitness Room at all times.

A McElwain church member may bring up to two (2) guests to the Fitness Center for a one-time, free visit.

Children under the age of 14 are not allowed in the Fitness Center.

Everyone must check-in at the Front Desk before they use the Fitness Center.

Modesty Policy: T-shirts and shorts (must not be too short) must be worn (no spandex, unless underneath clothing).

Only water bottles with closing lids are allowed in the Fitness Center. NO OTHER FOOD OR DRINK.

“First come, first serve” on the equipment.

NO OPEN-TOED SHOES.

If one is past due on membership fee, he/she is not allowed to use the Facility.

SNACK AREA

No food and drink may be taken out of the food area into other areas of the Recreation Center.

Each participant is responsible for cleaning table(s) after use, placing trash in containers and cleaning up any spills made.

Groups using this area are responsible for its cleaning. This includes removal of trash to the outside dumpster.

Furniture is not to be moved. Shoes or feet should not be placed upon tables or chairs. Tables should not be sat upon.

CRAFTS ROOM

Only registered participants and instructors are permitted in the Crafts Room. All others should obtain permission from the Recreation Staff or instructor before entering.

All tools, tables, materials, supplies, etc., will be cleaned up and put in their proper place after use.

Fees are collected individually through each class by the instructor.

Only authorized personnel may fire the kiln.

No gum is allowed in the Crafts Room

SOFTBALL FIELD

Reservations to use the softball field must be made through the Recreation Director to ensure use of it.

Groups and teams using the field are responsible for leaving it clean and in good condition. Receptacles are conveniently placed for trash and debris.

There will be no activities (organized or unorganized) on the softball field thirty minutes (30) prior to or during Sunday services or special church-wide events.

Programmed activity has priority over free play.

RESERVATIONS

McElwain Baptist Church Groups:
McElwain groups may reserve specific areas of the Recreation Center through the Recreation Center office. All reservations will be coordinated with the existing schedule.

Only organizations approved by the Recreation Director may make reservations.

All reservations must be made through the Recreation Center two weeks in advance. There is a form that must be filled out with the assistance of the Recreation Staff. The form is available in the Recreation Center.

All groups must have one adult who is in charge of the entire reservation. This person is called the sponsor.
All groups must have adequate adult supervision. The proper ratio of adults to children must be maintained as follows:

Grades K-3……………….1 to 5
Grades 4-5………………..1 to 8
Grades 6-8………………..1 to 10
Grades 9-12………………1 to 15

All groups will be responsible for leaving the Recreation Center clean. This includes trash taken to the outside dumpster.

Outside groups (Groups other than McElwain organizations; private parties):
All requests for reservations by outside groups are reviewed by the Recreation Director (or professional staff) and then approved or denied.

Requests for reservations must be made through the Recreation Director at least thirty (30) days in advance during normal working hours of the professional staff in the Recreation Center.

Building usage fees will be charged. The fees are set by the Recreation Director.

Advance payment is required.

Refunds will be issued for cancellations made two weeks prior to the scheduled activity. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Recreation Director.

Other special rules may apply.