POLICIES, ETIQUETTE AND RULES

Bancroft Fitness – General Policies & Facility Rules

At Bancroft Fitness, we are committed to providing a safe, clean, welcoming, and respectful environment for all members, staff, and visitors.

As a not-for-profit, community-focused fitness facility, we strive to make fitness accessible and enjoyable for individuals of all ages and abilities. We ask everyone to do their part in maintaining a positive environment by following our facility rules and treating others with courtesy and respect.

Member Conduct & Respect

All members, guests, staff, instructors, and visitors are expected to conduct themselves respectfully, both within our facility and when interacting with Bancroft Fitness through social media or other communication channels.

Bancroft Fitness has zero tolerance for:

  • Bullying, harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.

  • Threatening, aggressive, abusive, or violent behaviour.

  • Inappropriate or offensive language directed at others.

  • Behaviour that creates an unsafe, hostile, or uncomfortable environment.

  • Disrespectful conduct toward staff, members, or visitors.

  • Deliberate misuse or damage of gym equipment or property.

Members are expected to follow all facility policies, posted signage, staff instructions, and the terms of their membership agreement.

Membership Suspension & Termination

Bancroft Fitness reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership privileges when facility policies or membership agreement terms are violated.

Violations may include, but are not limited to:

  • Failure to follow gym policies, rules, or staff instructions.

  • Creating disturbances or interfering with other members’ use of the facility.

  • Smoking or vaping anywhere inside the facility.

  • Engaging in illegal activities or conduct that threatens the safety of others.

  • Using the facility while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in a manner that compromises safety.

  • Intentionally damaging, misusing, or vandalizing gym property.

  • Allowing unauthorized individuals to enter the facility, including during after-hours access.

  • Engaging in inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour toward others, in person or online.

Depending on the severity of the violation, disciplinary action may include a warning, temporary suspension, loss of after-hours access, or permanent termination of membership.

Serious violations may result in immediate termination without a prior warning. Membership fees may be non-refundable in accordance with the membership agreement and applicable law.

Bancroft Fitness also reserves the right to restrict or block individuals from its official social media platforms for abusive, threatening, or inappropriate conduct.

General Facility Rules

To ensure a safe, clean, and enjoyable experience for everyone, all members must follow these guidelines.

1. Appropriate Attire & Footwear

  • Proper athletic attire and clean, closed-toe athletic footwear are required.

  • Sandals, bare feet, and footwear that marks or damages flooring are not permitted in workout areas.

  • Clothing and footwear must be appropriate for safe exercise and respectful of the shared environment.

2. Equipment Use & Cleanliness

  • Wipe down equipment after each use using the cleaning supplies provided.

  • Return all weights, mats, and equipment to their designated locations.

  • Use equipment safely and for its intended purpose.

  • Do not drop, throw, or misuse weights or other equipment.

  • Report damaged, malfunctioning, or unsafe equipment to staff immediately.

  • Be considerate of others waiting to use equipment.

3. Food & Beverages

  • Food and chewing gum are not permitted in workout areas.

  • Water and other beverages are permitted in secure, spill-resistant containers.

  • Glass bottles and containers are strictly prohibited.

4. Personal Belongings & Lockers

  • Members are encouraged to leave valuables at home or secure them in the lockers provided.

  • Daily-use lockers are available and must be emptied after each visit unless otherwise authorized.

  • Bancroft Fitness is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings, subject to applicable law.

  • For safety reasons, members are encouraged to remove loose or dangling jewellery before exercising.

5. Safety & Emergency Procedures

Member safety is a priority at Bancroft Fitness.

  • First aid supplies and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) are available on-site.

  • Staff are trained in First Aid and CPR.

  • Members must exercise within their abilities and use equipment safely.

  • All injuries, accidents, safety concerns, or equipment malfunctions must be reported to staff as soon as possible.

  • Members must follow posted emergency procedures and staff directions.

  • In the event of a serious medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

Members using the facility during after-hours access are responsible for following all safety and emergency procedures when staff are not present.

6. Respect for Others

  • Be courteous and respectful of other members’ personal space and workout routines.

  • Harassment, intimidation, bullying, and inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.

  • Personal music must be listened to through headphones or earbuds.

  • Personal speakers and playing music aloud are not permitted.

  • Phone conversations should be kept brief and respectful of others.

  • Photography and video recording must comply with the Bancroft Fitness Photography & Video Recording Policy.

7. Facility Care & Maintenance

  • Help keep workout areas, change rooms, and common spaces clean and tidy.

  • Dispose of garbage in the designated receptacles.

  • Notify staff if an area requires cleaning or maintenance.

  • Members who intentionally damage or vandalize gym property may be held financially responsible for repair or replacement costs, where permitted by law.

  • Equipment or facility concerns should be reported promptly.

Compliance With Facility Policies

All members are responsible for familiarizing themselves with Bancroft Fitness policies and following the rules established to protect the safety and enjoyment of everyone using our facility.

Bancroft Fitness management reserves the right to enforce facility policies, address inappropriate behaviour, and take reasonable action to maintain a safe and respectful environment.

Our Commitment

Bancroft Fitness is proud to serve our community as a not-for-profit fitness facility. By working together and respecting one another, we can continue to provide an affordable, inclusive, and positive fitness experience for everyone.

Harassment & Respectful Environment Policy

At Bancroft Fitness, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable and respected.

Harassment, discrimination, bullying, intimidation, and inappropriate behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.

All members, staff, instructors, personal trainers, visitors, and contractors are expected to treat one another with courtesy, dignity, and respect at all times, including during after-hours access.

What Is Harassment?

Harassment includes unwelcome comments, actions, or behaviours that a person knows, or reasonably ought to know, are offensive, intimidating, humiliating, or threatening.

Harassment may be verbal, physical, written, or electronic and can occur in person or through social media.

Examples include:

  • Threatening, aggressive, abusive, or intimidating language or behaviour.

  • Offensive comments, jokes, or gestures directed at another person.

  • Discrimination or negative remarks based on race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

  • Unwanted attention, repeated personal comments, or violations of personal boundaries.

  • Body shaming or negative comments about another person’s appearance, weight, fitness level, or physical abilities.

  • Bullying, deliberately excluding, humiliating, or targeting another individual.

  • Physical aggression, threats, or unwanted physical contact.

Harassment may be directed at an individual or group and can also affect those who witness it.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is strictly prohibited at Bancroft Fitness.

Examples include:

  • Unwanted touching, hugging, or other physical contact.

  • Unwelcome sexual comments, jokes, gestures, or suggestive remarks.

  • Repeated unwanted flirting, advances, or requests for personal contact.

  • Inappropriate comments about someone’s body, appearance, or clothing.

  • Staring, leering, or other behaviour that makes someone feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

  • Sharing inappropriate or sexually suggestive photos, videos, or messages.

  • Sexual threats, intimidation, or assault.

Respectful Behaviour in the Gym

We recognize that everyone comes to Bancroft Fitness with different goals, abilities, and comfort levels. All members deserve to exercise without feeling judged, watched, intimidated, or uncomfortable.

The following behaviours are not acceptable:

  • Offering repeated or unwanted advice or corrections about another member’s exercise technique.

  • Photographing or recording others without their consent.

  • Excessively staring at or watching another member, including through mirrors.

  • Following someone around the gym or repeatedly positioning yourself near them in a way that causes discomfort.

  • Making unwanted comments about another person’s body, clothing, appearance, or fitness abilities.

  • Engaging in unwanted flirting, personal advances, or intrusive conversations.

  • Making fun of, criticizing, or intimidating others based on their experience or fitness level.

  • Using social media to mock, embarrass, harass, or target other members or staff.

Reporting Harassment

If you experience or witness harassment, bullying, discrimination, or inappropriate behaviour at Bancroft Fitness, we encourage you to report your concerns to gym management.

Concerns can be reported in person or by email at fitnessbancroft@gmail.com.

All reports will be taken seriously and reviewed promptly, fairly, and as confidentially as reasonably possible. Information will only be shared as necessary to review and address the concern.

Members are encouraged to report concerning behaviour even if they are unsure whether it meets the definition of harassment.

Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith or participates in a review is strictly prohibited.

Policy Violations & Enforcement

Bancroft Fitness reserves the right to take appropriate action when this policy is violated.

Depending on the nature and severity of the incident, consequences may include:

  • A verbal or written warning.

  • Temporary suspension of membership or after-hours access privileges.

  • Termination of membership without refund.

  • Removal from the facility.

  • Contacting law enforcement when appropriate.

Serious violations may result in immediate suspension or termination of membership without a prior warning.

All incidents will be assessed individually, taking into consideration the circumstances and severity of the behaviour.

Our Commitment

Bancroft Fitness is a not-for-profit, community-focused facility dedicated to making fitness accessible to everyone.

We believe that every individual, regardless of age, ability, background, or fitness experience, deserves to feel safe, supported, and respected.

Respect is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we can maintain a positive and welcoming fitness environment for our entire community.

Photography & Video Recording Policy

At Bancroft Fitness, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all members. We understand that members may wish to take photos or videos to track their fitness progress or share their achievements. However, the privacy and comfort of all members must be respected.

Photography & Filming Guidelines

  • Personal photos and videos are permitted, provided they do not interfere with other members or their workouts.

  • Other members or staff must not be photographed or recorded without their consent.

  • Photography and video recording are strictly prohibited in change rooms and washrooms.

  • Inappropriate, offensive, disruptive, or disrespectful social media content, including pranks and challenges, is not permitted.

  • Recording equipment must not obstruct walkways, exercise areas, or access to equipment.

  • Commercial or promotional filming requires prior approval from management.

  • Members must stop recording immediately if requested by Bancroft Fitness staff.

Social Media & Member Privacy

Members are welcome to share their fitness journeys on social media, but must ensure their content respects the privacy and dignity of others. Filming or posting content that embarrasses, mocks, harasses, or otherwise negatively impacts other members or staff is strictly prohibited.

Policy Enforcement

These rules apply during all operating hours, including after-hours access.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in a warning, suspension of gym privileges, or termination of membership, depending on the severity of the violation.

Bancroft Fitness reserves the right to restrict or prohibit photography and video recording at management’s discretion.

Our goal is simple: to ensure everyone feels comfortable, respected, and welcome while using our facility.