Customer Attire

Appropriate clothing must be worn to maintain a proper image in a military and family fitness facility.  Attire should be conservative, modest in nature, and without obscene and offensive language or graphics. Athletic attire and athletic-type shoes will be worn in all activity and equipment areas.  Military utility uniforms are authorized to be worn during workouts and members may remove their utility uniform coat (shirt); however, t-shirts are worn. Only court shoes with non-marking soles will be worn on hardwood floors; boots are not authorized on treadmills or hardwood floors. Casual slacks, shorts and jeans are considered non-exercise attire. Due to safety concerns (including an increased risk of dehydration and heat illness), garments made of plastic, rubber, nylon, etc., that are specifically designed to increase the amount of perspiration, are not authorized in any fitness facility, to include outdoor running tracks and fields. Posters are located throughout the facility with the dress code policy.

Locker Rooms

Children aged six and over must not be allowed in the opposite gender locker room or dressing areas and this policy should be clearly posted in the facility. (T-3) To protect all individuals’ privacy, taking photos in the locker rooms while in use by customers is not authorized.

Minimum Age Limit

Age limitations must be displayed in each facility to ensure a safe environment for all customers.  The DAF age guidelines in Table 3.1 of this DAFI are consistent with guidelines established by medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Sports Medicine, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Youth typically need more gradual, carefully organized, and structured training programs than adults. Youth along with their parent(s) should attend an equipment orientation class prior to beginning their initial workout. Caution is required while supervising youth in these areas. Structured family programs encourage parent and child interaction and develop healthy lifestyle habits. All deviations from the standard must be documented in a written installation commander-approved supplement to this instruction.  Children of any age may be spectators during sports competitions or special events if immediately supervised by an adult.

Age Policy During Staffed Hours of Operation

Youth 16 years of age and over

During staffed hours of operation, permitted in all areas of the Fitness and Sports Center without a qualified adult.*

Youth 13-15 years of age

During staffed hours of operation, permitted in cardiovascular, weight equipment, group exercise rooms, locker rooms, saunas, etc., only under qualified adult interactive supervision. Interactive supervision requires qualified adult and child to participate in/perform activity together at all times. Permitted in other activity areas (i.e., basketball court, racquetball court, running track) only when a qualified adult is present in the facility at all times. Permitted to be a participant (participating in age appropriate programming) or spectator in a sport or special event when a qualified adult is present in the facility at all times. For Fitness and Sports Center pools, use is permitted during instructional programs, or when a qualified adult is present in the facility at all times.

Youth 6 – 12 years of age

Not permitted in cardiovascular, sauna, weight equipment rooms, or group exercise rooms during scheduled adult exercise classes. During staffed hours of operation, permitted in other activity areas (i.e., basketball court, racquetball courts, running track, locker room, parent and youth area) only under qualified adult interactive supervision. Interactive supervision requires qualified adult and child to participate in or perform activity together at all times. Permitted to be a participant (participating in age-appropriate programming) or spectator in a sport or special event only under qualified adult interactive supervision. For Fitness and Sports Center pools, use is permitted during instructional programs, or when under qualified adult interactive supervision.

Children under 6 years of age

Not permitted in Fitness and Sports Centers except as follows: Permitted in Fitness and Sports Center parent (legal guardian) and child areas for supervised play**. Permitted to be a participant (participating in age-appropriate programming) or spectator in a sports activity or special event under qualified adult interactive supervision. Interactive supervision requires qualified adult and child to participate in/perform activity together at all times. For Fitness and Sports Center pools, use is permitted during instructional programs, or when under qualified adult interactive supervision.

Notes:

* “Qualified adult” is a parent, legal guardian, qualified family member program (FMP) staff member, qualified child and youth program personnel, Fitness and Sports Center personnel conducting a program, or coach. DAFI 34-144, Child and Youth Programs, provides further guidance.

** “Supervised play” is a parent or legal guardian supervising the child within their direct line of sight while in the Parent Child Area during staffed hours only.