FAQ Sections
***See here for Student-Athlete Return to Train FAQ's***
Health and Safety Protocol FAQ's
What new measures have you introduced to help improve safety?
Athletics and Recreation is putting the health and safety of all our participants and staff at the absolute forefront. We have implemented several measures, including directional arrows, signage, and placement markers to ensure physical distancing can be achieved. Participants are still expected to use best judgement when determining if a workout area can be used safely while maintaining the recommended 2 meters (6 ft) of physical distancing. All equipment has been spaced to allow for distancing which means some equipment is being limited.
What cleaning protocols do you have in place?
We have new protocols in place to ensure robust cleaning measures in the CIF and PAC. Staff will be performing a deep clean each night with new Electrostatic sprayers with a quaternary based cleaner in all high touch areas. Members will be asked to clean before and after each individual use using cleaner and rags supplied. And staff will clean after every booking, prior to the next block of bookings. The facilities have been equipped with a new cleaner to spray down hard-surfaces. Custodial staff will be cleaning high touch surfaces and washrooms during the day in addition to existing cleaning processes nightly.
What cleaning products are you using?
Athletics and Recreation uses a quaternary based cleaner which is available for all hard surfaces. The product is called Select Broad Spectrum Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner and is registered with Health Canada (DIN #02459493). The product is safe (No WHIMS requirements) once in the bottles.
Towel rags are washed after every use with a bleach-based product in our laundry machines.
Hand Sanitizer available in the CIF building is Deb InstantFOAM Alcohol Hand Sanitizer and contains 72% Alcohol.
Hand Sanitizer available in the PAC building is Purell Advanced Hand Rub Gel which contains 70% Alcohol.
Will everyone receive their own bottle and rag to clean during the workouts?
*NEW* Users will have access to communal cleaning spray bottles as well as rags for use in each activity area.
Will participants be asked to apply hand sanitizer immediately upon entry to the building?
Yes. We will be asking members to apply hand sanitizer upon entry to the facility, and we will have an increased number of hand sanitizer stations available throughout our buildings.
What will the Customer Service Desk Look Like?
Our Facility staff will be behind plexiglass barriers at our desks once we open the building for our members. We ask that all members observe physical distancing. New signage and way finding information will be posted throughout the CIF and for accessing the PAC.
Do not enter the facilities, if:
- You have travelled outside Canada during the previous 14 days.
- You have symptoms of COVID-19 or are feeling unwell.
- Someone in your household has COVID-19 symptoms in the past 14 days.
- Anyone in your household has been exposed to someone who has or is recovering from COVID-19.
Are facemasks required within the facilities?
*NEW* Yes facemasks are required for all communal areas of the facility (entry/exit, hallways, changerooms, bathrooms, etc.) but can be removed for rigorous physical activity.
Will face masks be provided or are they available onsite? Will masks be available for purchase?
No. Masks are not available from Athletics and Recreation. Please plan to bring one with you. Warrior branded masks are available through the W Store.
*NEW* Are sleeve styles masks (cotton pull up from aroudn the neck) permitted?
No these type of masks are not permitted within our spaces. We encourage multi-layer cloth masks with filters, N95/KN95 or masks that fully cover a persons mouth and nose.
To ensure physical distancing, what is the capacity in each facility?
We will be adhering to the provincial guidelines and will be limiting the number of participants depending on the square footage and social distancing capabilities of each space. The max number of participants will be displayed during the reservation process and will be strictly enforced by staff.
Facility Reservation Process
How do I register for an activity?
- Navigate to the Warriors Member Portal at https://warrior.uwaterloo.ca/
- If you are a member of the University community (student, alumni, staff), click “Log In” in the top right corner and login using your WatIAM credentials.
- After logging, click on the “Facility Reservation” icon on the main page:
- Select the facility/activity you are interested in reserving a spot in:
5. Select the date and time slot you are wanting to attend (note: please select only one time slot per day)
6. You will be required to accept a waiver and answer questions regarding COVID-19:
7. Proceed to check out
8. When you arrive at the facility (designated entrances based on activity), you will need to show the staff your WatCard, tap your WatCard to check-in and let the staff know what activity you are registered for.
9. *NEW Attestation of health will be done on checkin.uwaterloo.ca for all internal programming (you will receive an email automatically if you're on eduroam otherwise you can login from that web page). A Green check will be required to be presented as you tap your WatCard upon entry.
Advance Reservation FAQ's
How do I reserve my spot within the facility?
Reservations will be done through our Online Registration Program. Be sure you are logged in with your WatIAM credentials and follow the prompts to reserve your spot. Reservations can be made 5 days in advance up to 12 hours prior to the booking. Each booking is for a 45-minute time period within our facility.
*NEW* What if I am late for my reservation?
Check in closes 10 minutes after your reservation start time. Once it is 10 minutes past the start time, users will be not allowed to participate in the session. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule.
What entrance do I go into for my reservation?
Each facility will have designated entrances and exits, as detailed in your confirmation receipt (sent to you after making your reservation). Details for all entrances below for reference:
- CIF Arena – Arena single glass doors off of roundabout off of Hagey
- CIF Fitness Centre, Gyms 1,2,3 – Double glass doors off of roundabout off of Hagey
- CIF Field House – Doors between Warrior Field and Field House facing south (next to large Warrior logo on gold wall)
- PAC – PAC North corner door
Why are reservations 45 minutes in length?
Because we are operating on limited hours and with reduced capacities we are trying to provide opportunities for as many members as possible. After 45 minutes we will be clearing the activity spaces in order to prepare for the next reservations.
Can I sign up for more than one spot per day?
Because there are restrictions on the number of people we can have in our facilities at one time, which limits our overall capacity, we ask that you only reserve one-time slot, per facility/activity, per day. Misuse of this will result in a temporary suspension from making any reservations.
What happens if I do not show up for my reserved time?
There are very few spots available in our facilities during this time. We ask that you respect that others will also be interested in using the space and give as much notice as possible if you cannot make your reserved time slot.
If you do not show up to 2 bookings you will be temporarily suspended for 5 days. If you no show for 4 bookings, you will subsequently be suspended for 10 days.
When can I arrive for my reservation?
You are allowed to arrive no more than 5 minutes before your reservation begins. At that time, you will be required to check-in before entering the space.
Are reservations just for students?
Only registered students and Athletic and Recreation members that have a valid tap WatCard may reserve and use the facilities. WatCards can be upgraded to tap technology by booking an appointment with the WarCard office.
Can I cancel my reserved spot?
Yes, on the member portal (https://warrior.uwaterloo.ca/), click on your profile in the top right corner:
- Select "Registrations" from the menu on the left which will show your reservations:
- Click "Cancel" on the reservations you want to cancel (you can do this up until a half hour before start time).
What happens if I hurt myself while in the facility?
Staff are first aid certified and can support individuals. Staff are equipped with PPE to support our guests within a 2m environment for a short period of time. Ice and bandaids are still available.
Access within the Facility
Will I be able to use the changerooms/lockers?
*NEW Yes general change rooms will be open for quick use but locker service and showers are not available (except the PAC Pool showers)
Will day use lockers still be available that are in the hallway or where should I put my personal items?
No. Lockers are not available within the space. Please leave valuable items at home.
Can I use the water fountains?
You are encouraged to bring a pre-filled water bottle for their workouts. Some of our water fountains are equipped with bottle fillers, but members are not permitted to drink directly from the water fountains.
Will there be drinks available for purchase at the Customer Service desk or in the vending machines?
Unfortunately, there will be no access to vending machines due to building flow. The desks will also not be selling any drinks and for CIF, the new Jugo Juice will not be opening immediately. Bring a water bottle for the fountains.
Are you offering equipment rentals?
No. Equipment rentals are not available at this time. Members are encouraged to bring their own small equipment.
Are you offering towel service?
No. Personal towel services are not available at this time. Members are encouraged to bring their own towels.
What equipment is available in our Fitness Centre?
We now have brand new equipment in the CIF Fitness Centre. More Details.
How can I retrieve my locker contents?
Please email warriorsinfo@uwaterloo.ca to be connected with our staff who will retrieve contents for you and deliver to the door. Access to lockers is not permitted at this stage.
What is happening with locker contents that have expired?
No contents are being removed/disposed of even if their contract term has expired. Please email warriorsinfo@uwaterloo.ca to be connected with our staff who will retrieve contents for you and deliver to the door. Access to lockers is not permitted at this stage.
Recreation Programming FAQ's
Will my friends and I be able to come to the CIF or PAC for Open Rec Basketball? Badminton? Volleyball?
Open recreation opportunities will be available in CIF and PAC daily including Badminton (singles 1v1 in two courts) in Gym 1, Basketball (three nets with one person at each) in Gym 2. Volleyball is not available at this time.
Will there be Fitness Classes offered?
Yes. There are Fitness Classes offered in CIF Gym 3 for $4/class. See the schedule here.
Will there be Rec Skating?
No. We hope to be able to offer it again in the Fall.
Will there be Rec Swim?
Yes, Lane swims will take place at a variety of times throughout the day. Users are expected to arrive showered and in a bathing suit as there is no locker room access upon entry. There is a public deck shower (with cold water) available for those who haven't showered prior to arrival. After swimming, users can shower/change in the locker rooms in designated locations. Book a swim today!
Will the Squash Courts be open?
*NEW Yes we are now offering squash court bookings as of Thursday, July 22. Book a court today!
When will Intramurals start again?
We are currently offering Intramural Tournaments. Sign-up for one today!
Will there be free online programming available still?
Yes, we will continue to offer a library of archived fitness classes, health webinars, nutrition consultation and at home workout plans.
Will I be able to take Swim lessons in the spring term?
No at this time we are ony offering lane swims.
Facility FAQ's
What are the hours of operation?
We are working on determining regular hours of operation. Please visit our Facility Hours for more detials.
What is available at the PAC?
Currently we only have lane swims and squash courts available for booing within the PAC.
How can i find out more information about renting a facility?
Please fill out the form online and we will be in touch about options for availability and clarify any policies and protocols. 45 minute timelines mentioned for our reservations do not apply for rental contracts.
Membership FAQ's
Do I have to buy a membership as a UW student?
No, if you have paid your tuition or fees are arranged for the Spring 2021 term, then you are eligible to use the facilities and participate in Warrior Recreation programming for this term.
If I don't feel comfortable with using the facilities, can I opt out of the athletics and rec fee?
The Athletics and Recreation fees are mandatory for the Spring 2021 term. This fee directly supports the ongoing maintenance and operating costs to keep these facilities open.
Since reopening, we have seen considerable use of facilities, including more than 33,000 visits. With this demand and the importance of physical activity and recreation to student wellbeing, we will continue to operate our Athletics and Recreation facilities and programs following public health guidelines.
If I am a co-op student, do I need to purchase a membership still?
No not for the Spring 2021 term.
If I do not have a tap WatCard (or I've lost it), how do I get one?
The WatCard office is running on an appointment-based system. Book a WatCard appointment to get a new card.
What is happening to my staff/faculty/alumni membership?
More information will be emailed to our staff/faculty/alumni members whether on payroll deduction or paid by term. We will not re-initiate payroll deductions without advising our membership base and providing options.
Can I purchase a membership as a community member?
Membership are only available to those who are affiliated with the university eg. staff, faculty, alumni
What methods of payment may I use?
In order to limit exposure to our staff, Athletics and Recreation is going to remove cash as an option for general transactions. Debit, Credit (Visa, Mastercard and American Express) and WatCard are all available. Cash is not an option at our desks, but accommodations can be made if needed.
