Dress Code Policy

Mason Recreation requires that all of our patrons adhere to a dress code policy for personal hygiene, health, and safety. The dress code policy is included in policy signs within all of our facilities. It is important for patrons and Mason Recreation staff to have policies that are uniformly enforceable.

 

The dress code is as follows:

  • Full-length shirt
  • Athletic pants/shorts
  • Athletic, non-marking shoes

 

The shirt policy rationale is as follows:

  • Shirts should cover full chest and back to prevent MRSA, ringworm, etc. from being passed from skin to pad/mat contact (even though you should clean your machines after use, unfortunately not everyone does).
  • Research and surveys indicate that people are reluctant to begin an exercise program if they are intimidated within the environment. Mason Recreation operates under a philosophy of creating a comfortable environment for all its members.
  • Altered shirts contribute to excessive sweat and moisture which can damage equipment.
  • Modest dress prevents anyone from being offended by what others are wearing (or not wearing)

 

The athletic pants/shorts rationale is as follows:

  • Pants or shorts with belts, studs, rivets, or zippers can tear the vinyl on the equipment. Once the vinyl is torn, germs and bacteria can grow within the padding, posing a potential health risk to patrons. It is also costly to frequently replace torn pads and sleeves.
  • Jeans and khakis are not permitted. Jeans often have studs or rivets as well as zippers which tear the vinyl. Jeans also do not allow the body to properly ventilate while exercising. Khakis are not permitted because they often have studs, rivets, or zippers as well.

 

The athletic, non marking shoes policy rationale is as follows:

  • Shoes protect the feet from equipment that may be dropped accidentally.
  • Wearing athletic shoes prevents slipping.
  • Shoes contain injury and prevent contamination if a heavy object is dropped on the foot.
  • Backless shoes can easily slip off and shoes that do not cover the forefoot do not protect the entire foot from injury.