This document discusses important factors to consider when establishing policies and procedures for a recreation center. It recommends determining who can use the facility, rules for behavior and discipline, fees, hours of operation, and guidelines for equipment usage. Policies should be tailored specifically for each facility rather than borrowing from others. They help create order, professionalism, and protection for staff while managing the recreation ministry. All staff must be trained to consistently enforce well-written policies.

1. For Recreation Centers

2.  Who Can Use The Facility?
 Are There Age Restrictions?
 Will There Be A Dress Code?
 How Will We Handle Discipline Problems?
 Is There A Fee Schedule?
 What Are Hours Of Operation?
 How Will We Handle “Walk-ins”?

3.  Who Can Check Out Equipment?
 What Type of Shoes Are Allowed?
 Is Food/Drink Permitted In The Facility?
 May Outside Groups Rent the Facility?
 How Do Ministries Inside the Church Reserve
the Facility?

4.  Fact #1- The process of creating policies and
procedures can be frustrating and
overwhelming. Consult other recreators.
 Fact #2- Avoid borrowing another church’s
policies. Consider the constitution of your
church, the location. Your policies must fit
your philosophy, ministry, and facility.

5.  Fact #3- Policies help establish the
atmosphere for ministry in the facility.
Guidelines are designed to eliminate
confusion and chaos. Write guidelines for
specific areas. Try to think of everything.
 Fact #4- Policies help manage ministry and
instill a feeling of professionalism. They
provide a way for all who work in the facility
to be a team. A well-written set of policies
also enables the center to run in the
absence of a director.

6.  Fact #5- Policies place the responsibility
(burden of proof) on the participant
 Fact #6- Policies are the recreators
protection. Well-written guidelines will
enable the sports minister to have success
in interpretation and enforcement. The
recreator should never be in a position
where it is his/her opinion over someone
else’s opinion

7.  Fact #7- Policies are only as good as their
enforcement. Your entire staff, professional
and volunteer must know how to interpret
and enforce the policies. (Extra training?)
 Fact #8- Policies must “flow” smoothly in two
areas:
◦ Order of Importance
◦ Wording

8.  Which is more important?
◦ Who uses the facility?
◦ What type of shoes are allowed in the gym?
 Establish a priority list for your policies and
guidelines

9.  Purpose of the  Fee structure
recreation facility  Who interprets the
 Who may use the rules?
facility?  Reservations
 Behavior, discipline,
dress  Lost and Found
 What is allowed in
the facility?
 Liability

10.  Fact #9- Policies should be written in detail
and should be easy to find
 Fact #10- Policies should be printed and
available
◦ Policy Manual
◦ Posted Guidelines For Specific Areas
◦ Handouts to participants