Member Policies & Facility Rules

For the protection, safety and enjoyment of all users, we ask that the following rules are followed:

• In using Dalhousie University’s Dalplex facility, members and guests are subject to all university policies, including the Code of Student Conduct and the University’s harassment policies. Should you experience uncooperative or disrespectful behaviour, please let our staff know and we will do our best to rectify the situation.
• No food or drink other than non-breakable water bottles is permitted in activity areas, pool or locker rooms.
• Open toe footwear, bare feet and swimwear are permitted in the pool area only.
• Children under 14 are not permitted in the fitness hall.
• All personal trainers or coaches providing services in Dalhousie’s athletic facilities must be employed by and/or be official volunteers of the Dalhousie’s Department of Athletics and Recreation, with the exception of private rentals or when the Department determines there to be extenuating circumstances. The supply of services within Dalplex and other Dalhousie athletic facilities remains proprietary to Dalhousie’s Department of Athletics and Recreation.
  
• Children over school age may not use locker rooms of the opposite sex. Please use one of our Universal Change rooms if you would like to change together.
  
• Gym bags are not permitted in fitness hall unless placed in the storage racks provided.
  
• Dalplex is a smoke-free and scent-free facility. Dalhousie University asks people to avoid wearing scented personal care products, as fragrances can trigger asthma attacks, allergies and other medical conditions. For more information on Dalhousie’s scent free policy please visit www.dal.ca/scent-free. Smoking is not permitted on the Dalhousie campus.
• Dalplex does not condone profanity or insulting slogans on members’ attire. Dalplex reserves the right to govern appropriate apparel while using the athletic facilities. Proper athletic wear is required for exercise including appropriate shirts, shorts/athletic pants and athletic footwear in all areas.
• We request that members please report violations of the rules or damaged equipment to the building supervisor on duty or to the Client Experience Centre staff.
• Dalplex staff have the right to revoke membership privileges based on non-compliance to established policies and procedures.

• Dalplex memberships can quickly and easily be renewed in person at the Client Experience Centre. If you have purchased an annual membership and pay with pre-authorized monthly payments or payroll deduction, your membership will automatically renew after one year

• Photo ID must be presented for all membership purchases, day pass purchases, and guest pass use. All purchases must be completed in person; online purchasing is not available.

• Memberships are non-transferable and membership card sharing will result in suspension of membership privileges.
  
  
• All prices are subject to HST.
  
  
• Payment options include cash, debit, DALCARD, Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
  
  
• Family passes: consists of 1 adult and their common-law partner and their children under the age of 19. Family members must be related by blood, marriage, common-law or legal guardianship to be eligible.
  
  
• Children under 12 years of age must be supervised by an adult 18 years or older at all times while in the facility.

• Members are required to carry their membership ID cards to access the building. Staff reserve the right to ask for Dalplex ID at any time.
• Children under 12 are not eligible to receive Dalplex ID cards and MUST be accompanied and supervised by a parent/guardian 18 years of age and over, with a valid Dalplex membership.
• Spouses/partners and children 12 years and over must have their own Dalplex ID cards, even if on a family membership.
• The sharing of ID cards is forbidden; membership cards are not transferable. Sharing cards will result in suspension for both the cardholder and the Dalplex member involved.
• Members and students who forget their card will be given 15 grace entries per year (January 1-December 31). Once these are used, members/students must produce a valid membership card or purchase a replacement to gain access. Lost Dalplex membership cards will be replaced for a fee. Students must contact the DalCard office to acquire a new student card.
• At Dalplex, a family is defined as a member, their common-law partner/spouse and their children. Dependent children are those under 19 years of age and living at the same address as the parents/guardians.
• Members are not permitted to employ or use personal trainers or coaches who are not employed by and/or are not official volunteers of the Department of Athletics and Recreational Services while using Dalhousie athletic facilities.

• Cancellation requests must be submitted in person at the Dalplex Client Experience Center or in writing to dalplexinfo@dal.ca.
• Cancellations require a minimum of 30 days’ written notice.
• Cancellations requests cannot be accepted over the phone.
• Non-use of the facility does not void the membership agreement.
• All membership fees are non-refundable.
• Cancellation requests received before the completion of the initial 12-month term will be subject to a $50+tax cancellation fee.

Auto-Renewal Details

• The initial term of an annual Dalplex membership is 12 months.
• Memberships paid through monthly pre-authorized payments will automatically renew for an additional 12-month term on the anniversary date, unless a cancellation request is received in writing before renewal.
• Members who request cancellation after completing their initial 12-month term will have the $50+tax cancellation fee waived.
• Dalplex will provide written notice of upcoming auto-renewals; however, it is the member’s responsibility to ensure contact information is current.
• Membership fees are non-refundable if a member fails to cancel prior to auto-renewal.

Our membership Freeze Request Policy is as follows:

Personal Reasons

• Members may submit a Freeze Request for 1–4 months.
• A $25 + tax Freeze Admin Fee must be paid when the Freeze Request is submitted.
• Additional Freeze Requests of 1–4 months may be submitted and will be subject to an additional Freeze Admin Fee.
• The Freeze Request must include a start and end date of the freeze period. Freeze Requests without dates cannot be accepted or processed.
• Freeze Requests are subject to review and may be denied.
• If approved, the freeze will take effect 7 days from the date the Freeze Admin Fee is paid.
• A Freeze Request is not confirmed until it has been reviewed, approved and a confirmation email has been provided to the member by the Client Experience Team.
• Once a Freeze Request has been processed and applied to the membership, the approved freeze dates cannot be changed or adjusted.

Medical Reasons

• Medical freezes may be requested at any time for a minimum of one month with valid medical documentation.
• Freeze Admin Fee does not apply to approved medical freezes.

Payments and Membership Expiry

• Monthly membership payments will continue during the approved freeze period.
• The membership expiry date will be extended by the approved freeze period.
• Once a Freeze Request has been approved, processed and applied to the membership, the freeze period cannot be changed, transferred, refunded, or adjusted.

Family and Add-On Memberships

• Members may request to freeze one or all memberships on their account.
• If only one membership is frozen, the approved Freeze Credit will be shared across associated memberships so that expiry dates remain aligned.
• If all memberships are frozen, they must be unfrozen together.

Freeze Credit

• The approved freeze time is added as a Freeze Credit at the end of the membership year.
• Freeze Credits cannot be frozen, backdated, transferred or adjusted.
• Membership payments will not be assessed during the Freeze Credit period.

Important Information

• Freeze Requests must be submitted in writing at least 7 days before the requested freeze start date, either in person or by email to Dalplexinfo@dal.ca.
• Do not assume your Freeze Request has been approved until you receive confirmation in writing from the Client Experience Team
• This $25+tax Freeze Admin Fee is non-refundable.
• Access to Dalplex or Sexton Gym is not permitted while the membership is frozen.
• Parking permits must be returned before a freeze can be authorized.
• Freeze Requests will not be applied retroactively.
• No refunds are provided for unused freeze time or Freeze Credits. Any unused freeze time or Freeze Credit is forfeited if the membership is cancelled.
• All full-year memberships are eligible for Freeze Requests; however, approval is not guaranteed.

The privacy of all members, guests and our staff is of the utmost importance to us. The use of camera/video enabled devices is strictly prohibited in the fitness hall, any locker rooms/change room areas, restrooms, showers or saunas.

If you are interested in capturing photos or videos for professional purposes, or if you have a media request, please contact sports@dal.ca

• In using Dalhousie University’s athletics facilities, members and guests are subject to all university policies, including the Code of Student Conduct, the University’s harassment policy and our User Code of Conduct. Should you experience uncooperative or disrespectful behaviour, please let our staff know and we will do our best to rectify the situation. 
• No soliciting 
• No food or drink (other than non-breakable water bottles) is permitted in activity areas, pool or locker rooms. 
• Open toe footwear, bare feet and swimwear are permitted in the pool area and locker rooms only. 
• Children under 14 are not permitted in the fitness hall or high performance training area. 
• All personal trainers or coaches providing services in Dalhousie’s athletic facilities must be employed by and/or be official volunteers of the Dalhousie’s Department of Athletics and Recreation, with the exception of private rentals. The supply of services within Dalplex and other Dalhousie athletic facilities remains proprietary to Dalhousie’s Department of Athletics and Recreation. 
• Dalplex is a smoke-free and scent-free facility. Dalhousie University asks people to avoid wearing scented personal care products, as fragrances can trigger asthma attacks, allergies and other medical conditions. For more information on Dalhousie’s scent free policy please visit www.dal.ca/scent-free. Smoking is not permitted on the Dalhousie campus. 
• Dalplex does not condone profanity or insulting slogans on members’ attire. Dalplex reserves the right to govern appropriate apparel while using the athletic facilities. Proper athletic wear is required for exercise including appropriate shirts, shorts/athletic pants and athletic footwear in all areas. 
• We request that members please report violations of the rules or damaged equipment to the Client Experience Centre staff. 
• Dalplex staff have the right to revoke membership privileges based on non-compliance to established rules and regulations.

The User Code of Conduct was created to promote appropriate and respectful behaviour, and good sportsmanship within Dalhousie’s athletic facilities. It applies to all students, members/users, guests,participants, rental groups, parents and spectators within said facilities. Anyone displaying unacceptable behaviour may be asked to leave the premises, and suspension or termination of the day pass, rental, facility access or membership agreement may occur.

Unaccetable behaviour shall include, but not be limited to:

• Physical violence or threats of physical violence; 
• Use of obscene, vulgar, or threatening language or gestures in any manner to anyone at any time; 
• Taunting of students, members, players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, or the use of abusive or demeaning language; 
• Willfully damaging property and/or equipment; 
• Using equipment or facilities with malicious intent; 
• Any other behaviour which a Dalhousie University employee finds to be inappropriate, disruptive or abusive in the circumstances.

Badminton, pickleball, racquetball, squash and table tennis must be booked prior to use (courts are reserved for 60 minute time slots).

• Dalplex members can book the court up to 72 hours in advance.
• Multi-visit or day pass users can only book a court in-person, the day of. 
• Due to high demand, only one (1) court per sport can be reserved per member, per day. 
• Members must check in at the Client Experience Desk before using the court. 
• Court bookings are 60 minutes (1 hour) in length. 

How to book a court:

Only one member of the playing party is required to book a court. 

• Visit dalsports.dal.ca and select Racquet Court Bookings to book a court online. 
• Call 902-494-6818 and have your membership/ B00 number ready. 
• In-person bookings are also available at the Client Experience Desk. 
• Day pass holders can only book in person, for the same day. 

No Shows/Cancellations:

Please cancel at least 30 minutes prior to the start of your booking.

• Visit dalsports.ca or call 902-494-6818 to cancel your court. 

Repeated cancellations and/or no-shows may result in the loss of booking privileges.

Dalplex rents various pieces of sporting equipment from the Client Experience Centre for a small fee. Your Dalplex membership card is exchanged for the rental equipment and will be returned once all items signed out are returned.

You will be held financially responsible to Dalplex for the replacement cost of rental equipment lost, stolen or damaged while in your possession. Unreturned equipment will have a daily rental charge applied for each day the item is overdue. The rental fee is good for day of purchase only. 

Dalplex offers a variety of group fitness classes every week, led by a team of top quality, energetic instructors. Most classes are included in your membership, however additional programs like boot camps and self defence are available for an additional fee.

Space is limited per class and pre-registration is required. Classes can be booked up to three (3) days in advance.

How to book/register:

• Visit dalsports.dal.ca and select Fitness Classes to register for a class. 
• Call 902-494-6818 and have your membership/ B00 number ready. 
• In-person bookings are also available at the Client Experience Desk. 
• Day pass holders can only book in person, for the same day. 

No shows/cancellations:

Please cancel at least 30 minutes prior to the start of your class. Visit dalsports.ca or call 902-494-6818 to cancel your spot.

Repeated cancellations and/or no-shows may result in the loss of booking privileges.

• Minimum age for use of strength training or cardio equipment is 14 years old.
• Fully enclosed shoes or sneakers must be worn.
• Gym bags must be stored in lockers downstairs. Dalplex is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• Taking photographs or video recordings is not permitted.
• Gym chalk is not permitted.
• Equipment is for use in the Fitness Hall only and is not permitted on the stairs or corridors.
• Wipe down all equipment after use with a cloth and cleaning spray supplied by Dalplex. Spray cloth first (not machine) and wipe down machines/mats/benches, etc.
• As a courtesy to other members, please limit time on your phone between sets.
• Food is not permitted.
• Do not drop the weights on the floor.
• The use of a spotter is recommended while using strength-training equipment.
• Weight collars (clips) must be used on all plate-loaded bars.
• Please return equipment to the storage racks provided.
• Please be courteous to other users at all times.
• Members must follow the direction of Fitness Hall monitors and facility staff at all times.
• Please report suspicious behaviour or facility/equipment problems to staff immediately.

Holiday Hours

Dalplex is closed on New Years Day, Canada Day, Good Friday and Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Reduced building hours are in effect on other holidays. Visit our website for holiday hours and closure information.

Facility Closures and Space Restrictions

Dalplex hosts a number of annual events and programs which result in temporary fieldhouse and/or pool closures or space restrictions. Use of the track is usually only affected by exams however, and all other activities/programs are temporarily relocated to Studley Gym or Sexton Gym whenever possible. Be sure to check our website for information on any activity location changes, area closures or reduced hours or cancellations for holidays and special events.

Events affecting fieldhouse availability:

• Dalhousie exams in December and April
• Dalhousie varsity athletics, clubs and intramural events throughout the academic year
• Dalplex & Dal Tigers day camps in the summer, Christmas/March breaks and PD School Days.

Memberships will not be adjusted due to the scheduling of these special events and programs.

Maintenance Periods

For maintenance purposes, certain areas of our buildings need to be closed as required to accommodate necessary repairs. Notice will be posted in advance. These actions are taken to ensure the integrity of the facility and the safety of our members and every effort will be made to schedule this work during non-peak usage periods and to complete it as quickly as possible.

Memberships will not be adjusted to account for loss of access to certain areas or amenities during repairs or maintenance.

Dalplex offers small, medium and large lockers for rent and sells combination locks. Please inquire at the Client Experience Centre for rental rates and availability. We strongly advise you not to bring valuables into the locker room even if you plan to leave them in a locked locker. Dalplex rents wallet-sized, key-activated security units to allow for storage of small valuables while in the facility.

There are a large number of day use lockers available. Members may use these lockers at no charge but must remove their items by the end of the day.

To be fair to all users, locks left overnight on day use lockers or expired rental lockers will be removed, as will the locker’s contents. Contents will be held for a period of 14 days, after which unclaimed items will be donated to charity. 

Lost and found items will be held for 7 days at the Client Experience Centre (902-494-3372) and then donated to charity. Dalplex is not responsible for lost, stolen or missing items.

Dalplex has six locker rooms for member use – three on the main level of the fitness centre and three on the lower level of Dalplex with access to the pool/ fieldhouse. There are women’s, men’s and universal locker rooms in each area. Universal locker rooms are available for adults with young children (under 12) or anyone who prefers a locker room with more privacy or a space that welcomes all genders. All locker rooms have washroom facilities, day-use and rental lockers, showers, private changing cubicles, a baby change table, and wall-mounted hand/hair dryers. 

Locker Room Rules

Reminder: Dalhousie University is a scent-free environment. Avoid wearing/ using scented personal care items when using Dalplex.

• Dalplex is not responsible for lost or stolen items. We recommend you do not bring valuables into the locker rooms and that you keep your locker locked at all times. 
• No loitering in the locker rooms. 
• School-age children may not use locker rooms of the opposite gender – please use one of the two universal locker rooms to change together.
• Locks left on day-use lockers at closing time will be cut and contents will be removed and stored at the Client Experience Centre. Unclaimed items are donated to charity after two weeks. 
• Please report suspicious behaviour or facility/ equipment problems to Dalplex staff immediately

Universal Locker Room Rules (in addition to rules listed above)

• These are locker rooms for everyone. 
• Clothing must be worn at all times while in the common areas. 
• Cubicles must be used for changing. 
• Swimwear must be worn when showering in the lower level universal locker room, as shower cubicles are not private.

Dalplex Parking Permit

• One (1) Dalplex Parking Permit is included with an annual Dalplex membership.
• A maximum of one (1) additional parking permit may be requested for a second family member with a Family or Add-On membership. Proof of vehicle registration is required.

Faculty, Staff and Student Members:

• Dalhousie faculty, staff and student members, including their spouses and dependent children, are not eligible for a Dalplex Parking Permit.
• They must purchase a Dalhousie University Parking Permit through Dalhousie Parking Services.

Short-Term Memberships

• Multi-Visit Passes, Day Passes and Term Memberships are not eligible for a Dalplex Parking Permit.

Parking Without a Dalplex Parking Permit

Members without a Dalplex Parking Permit may use:

• HotSpot parking, at the posted rate
• Side-street parking where permitted
• Non-HotSpot parking in the Dalplex lot Monday-Friday, 4:30pm-1am and weekends, 7am-1am

Dalplex Parking Lot

• Due to limited parking on campus and at Dalplex, a parking permit does not guarantee a parking space.
• The Dalplex parking lot is monitored by Dalhousie Parking Services. Parking tickets, immobilization and towing are the responsibility of the vehicle owner/member.
• Overnight parking is not permitted
• Any parking inquiries or disputes can be submitted in writing to parking@dal.ca

Parking Rules

• Dalplex Parking Permits are valid for a maximum of 3 hours in designated Dalplex Member Parking spaces.
• These designated spaces require a valid Dalplex Parking Permit Monday-Friday, 7am-4:30pm
• Outside these hours, Dalplex members may park in other non-HotSpot spaces in the Dalplex lot, subject to posted restrictions.
• Dalplex Parking Permits are not valid in HotSpot spaces. The applicable fees must be paid.
• Dalplex Parking Permits are valid for a maximum of one year and must be renewed annually by exchanging the expired pass at the Dalplex Client Experience Centre.
• Any Dalplex Parking Permit that is lost, not returned or renewed will be subject to a $50 + tax fee.
• Parking permits are non-transferable and may not be used by another person or on another vehicle.
• The vehicle registration must be in the member's name before a parking permit can be issued.
• The Dalplex Parking Permit, including the permit number and expiry date, must be clearly displayed and facing outward from the vehicle's rear-view mirror.
• Vehicles parked illegally in university-designated spaces, at expired HotSpot spaces, in fire lanes, loading zones, or in other areas not designated for parking may be ticketed, immobilized and/or towed at any time.

Accessible Parking

• There are five (5) accessible parking spaces in the Dalplex parking lot.
• A valid Dalplex or Dalhousie University Parking Permit and accessible parking permit are required to use these spaces.

Electric Vehicle Charging

• There are six (6) EV charging stations in the Dalplex parking lot.
• EV charging spaces are available only to eligible plug-in electric or hybrid vehicles with a current Dalplex or Dalhousie University Parking Permit. Vehicles must be plugged in and actively charging while parked in these spaces.

Vehicle Safety

• Please keep your vehicle locked and do not leave valuables inside.
• Dalplex is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles or their contents.

General Pool Rules

• Children 12 years and under MUST be supervised by an adult (18+ years) at all times in all areas of the facility.
• Children aged 7 years and under MUST remain within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian (18+ years) at a ratio of 1 adult to 2 children.
• Children 7 years and under are not permitted in the deep end without a properly fitted PFD.
• Children 7 years and under who wish to swim in the water without an adult who is within arm’s reach or swim in the deep end without a PFD must achieve “special swimmer status.”  Please see a Lifeguard for more details.
• It is important to note that a foam noodle is not a replacement for a PFD. It is unsafe and a liability issue.
• Children over school age may not use locker rooms of the opposite sex. Please use our Family Change Room if you would like to change together.
• Please walk with caution on the pool deck as it is wet and slippery. No running!
• Outdoor footwear are not permitted on the pool deck.
• Spitting, spouting or nose-blowing in the pool is strictly prohibited.
• Food, beverages or breakable items are not permitted on the pool deck.
• Dispose of gum in a garbage can before entering the pool.
• All patrons must take a shower before entering the pool.
• Anyone with open cuts, sores, bandages, colds, coughs or infected eyes are not permitted in the pool.
• Proper swim attire is required.  Cut-off shorts, underwear, sports bras and loose-fitting clothing are not permitted.
• Diving is only permitted in the deep end.
• Starting blocks are reserved for competitive training only.
• Do not walk on or swim under the bulkhead.
• Do not sit or hang on the lane lines.
• Please exit the water at the end of the lanes (indicated by lane lines). Do not swim through them.
• No rough-housing in the pool at any time.
• Foul language is not acceptable anywhere in the building.
• Patrons are not permitted to sit on each other’s shoulders.
• Do not stand on the mats.
• Pool toys must remain in the shallow end.
• Do not throw any equipment or toys or hit others with them.
• Fitness belts are not flotation devices. They are only available for fitness classes.