Phone: (207) 834-7571
Email: umfk.athletics@maine.edu
Posted: Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Dear UMFK Community,
I hope this email finds you well! As we head into the Academic Year 20/21, the Athletics Department will be modifying the opening procedures for the Sports Center. The health and wellness of our students, faculty, staff, and community members remain at the top of our priority list. However, you will see many changes in our approach for a safe reopening.
The UMFK Sports Center will be available to only students in a limited fashion beginning Friday, August 21st, 2020. Opening hours will be Monday-Friday from 9:00 am–7:00 pm, and Saturday-Sunday from 1:00 pm-7:00 pm. Students are required to make an appointment by calling the Sports Center Front Desk at 207-834-7829 before traveling to the Sports Center. Doing so will prevent any group gatherings at the door and the possibility of students leaving home/classes to find out they cannot get in due to capacity restrictions. Access will be limited to only active and enrolled UMFK students by scanning their Bengal Badge at the front desk. Due to the high demand of the Sports Center, it will not permit access to faculty, staff, and community members for exercising purposes until we have explored more secure and safe measures to accommodate everyone.
We will closely monitor the situation throughout the upcoming weeks as we phase back into normality. As you know, we cannot return to pre-pandemic operations immediately. However, there will be many modifications in our approach, such as hours of operation, policies aligning with state regulations, implementing UMS guidelines and expectations, student-workers availability, classes, etc. Thus, we will continue to consider and execute actions that will ensure the richness of UMFK. The following safety measures and protocols will be in place, along with more:
- All students entering the Sports Center will be required to wear face masks at all times, even during workouts.
- Utilization of the Sports Center will be on a first-come, first-serve basis for students by calling the front desk.
- When classes are not in session, only two students will be allowed to utilize the cardio room at the same time, 10 ft apart (the cardio room will be closed when classes are in session).
- Only six students will be allowed to use the gymnasium at the same time.
- Only five students will be allowed to use the weight room at the same time.
- Sports Center staff will post the following list of questions on the plexiglass at the front desk. Before entry, students must verbally confirm to the student worker that the answer to each question is no to be allowed in. Students will need to exit if the answer to any question is yes. The list is as follows:
- Have you had a cough or a sore throat?
- Have you had a fever or currently feel feverish?
- Have you experienced shortness of breath in the last 14 days?
- Have you experienced a loss of taste or smell?
- Have you been around anyone exhibiting these symptoms within the past 14 days?
- Are you living with anyone who is sick or quarantined?
- Have you been out of the county in the last 14 days?
- The locker rooms will be closed, so students must arrive dressed to exercise.
- Students are encouraged to limit their use to an hour per visit to give more students the ability to utilize the space.
- Make sure to bring your Bengal Badge. Students attending class will be required to show their badge upon entrance. Students coming to work out will be required to swipe in at the front desk upon entry. Students must log-in to their MaineStreet Account and complete the to-do list item Sports Center Waiver before your first visit so that our new card reader has you ready to go!
- Students must carry their own bottled water as our fountains are marked closed.
- At certain times of the day, staff will lower the gymnasium curtain, and half of the gymnasium will serve as an athletic training clinic for athletes. During these times, only three individuals will be allowed in the "open gym" section of the gymnasium. The Athletic Training Section of the gymnasium will be limited to 3 student-athletes, plus the athletic trainer and one student worker.
- Students will not be permitted to engage in exercise that doesn't allow social distancing (e.g. pick-up/one-on-one or heavy lifts which require a spotter)
- No super setting or circuit form workouts
- Students are required to clean all equipment before and after usage with a paper towel and sanitizer.
- No lingering or group gatherings
- Maintain social distancing of 10ft with a mask on at all times
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 15 seconds after using the restroom.
- Students with respiratory or cardiovascular issues should not use the Sports Center.
- Minimize traffic in enclosed areas, utilize one-way travel patterns
The Sports Center means a lot to many of us, but we have to make it as safe as possible. All of these procedures will help guide us back to normality. Please do your part in keeping our campus and community safe. I attached a layout of the Sports Center so students can see how it will look when exercising in the gymnasium, cardio room, or weight room.
Conveying the right actions begin with you!
Don't Forget- BENGAL ROAR!
- Remember to wash your hands
- One Benny apart (6ft. or 2 meters)
- Always wear a face covering
- Remain at home if feeling ill
Let's Stay COVID Free!