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<title>Athletic Business - Health Clubs/For-Profits - Cell phones and locker rooms - Messages</title>
<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-cell-phones-and-locker-rooms.aspx</link>
<description>Athletic Business - Health Clubs/For-Profits - Cell phones and locker rooms - Messages</description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 27 Mar 2011 02:26:31 GMT</pubDate>
<lastBuildDate>Sun, 27 Mar 2011 02:26:31 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[You are flirting with danger if you allow cell phones in the locker rooms - period!  Just because you haven't had any complaints or problems (yet) doesn't hold water because all it takes is one of your members showing up on youtube in his/her birthday suit posted by another member (or guest) with a cell phone camera, and whom do you think they will sue?  Think your members are above such behavior?  Think again. It has already happened to some clubs around the country.  Plan for the exception because it can happen to anyone anytime in any club or recreational facility, and all it takes is once and you will wish you had a policy in effect (and enforce it).  DON'T wait until it becomes a "bigger issue."  It doesn't get any bigger than this if it happens to one of YOUR members.  We don't allow cell phones in the locker rooms - period!<br><br><div class='signature'>Jim Evans, Vice President<br>Bay Area Family Fitness, California</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 27 Mar 2011 02:26:31 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[Since most cell phones have cameras, I'd say cell phones across the board.  I would tell people that the mission is to protect the privacy of the individuals in the locker room. <br><br><div class='signature'>Kevin Hatcher, Director of Athletics<br>Cal State San Bernardino , </div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:35:08 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[Per our insurance company, we posted signs, as well as enforce the no cell phone policy. We allow one exception where members can use their cell phones in our lobby. It was not a poluar move, as first, but now many members enjoy the policy and actually help us enforce the rule.<br><br><div class='signature'>Tija (Tia) Petrovich, Owner<br>Seattle Fitness, WA</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:39:22 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We do not alow cell phones in our locker rooms, swimming pool, fitness center, gymnasium and group exercise studios<br><br><div class='signature'>Robert Darling, Personal Trainer<br>Embarcadero YMCA, CA</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:01:08 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[Members are encouraged to take cell phone use to the lobby.  <br><br><div class='signature'>Mark Feakes, Operations Manager<br>Akron General LifeStyles, OH</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:25:30 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We do not allow cell phones in the workout area and ask that they are shut them off during their session.  If someone is waiting for an important call, they will leave their phone at the front desk.<br><br><div class='signature'>Sue Steinke, Manager<br>Poise Pilates, MI</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:14:59 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We do not allow cell phones anywhere inside our facility due to respect for the "de-stressing" time exercise is supposed to provide, privacy issues, and other obvious reasons.  We go over this and other policies during the orientation that every prospective trial member receives, so they are aware of it before they join.<br><br><div class='signature'>Michelle Streif, Director<br>WellBound Health & Fitness, NE</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:12:01 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We opened in 2005 and had the cell phone policy ready for the opening. Cell phones are only allowed in the lobby and vending area of this facility.<br><br><div class='signature'>Tim Stubbs, Facilities Coordinator<br>Bowling Green Training and Community Center, Ohio</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:25:39 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We began in 2004 in our newly renovated facility to not allow any cell phone use in our locker rooms in order to properly ensure the safety of our members. When we deal with a conflict we let people know it is a rule and that signs are clearly posted at entry ways as well as throughout locker room, but also explain to them our reasoning of attempting to protect all members of the irresponsible use cell phones can have especially in a very vulnerable place.<br><br><div class='signature'>Eddie Papis, CSCS, Director of Fitness<br>Greater Peoria Family YMCA, IL</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:32:36 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We ban all cell phone use in the locker rooms.  When people ask why, I take my phone out and take a picture of them and ask if they were naked would they have minded if I took that picture - they usually get it after that.<br><br><div class='signature'>Adam Uscicki, Manager <br>Cheetah Gym, Il</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:22:12 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We do not have a policy on banning cell phones at this facility.  We are aware of this issue and have not experienced any problems to date.   <br><br><div class='signature'>David Lewis, Pool Manager<br>City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:19:08 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We do not allow the use of cell phones in our facility except in specifically designated "cell phone zones."  We currently have six such "zones" throughout the club located in convenient areas easily accessible from any area of the club if members feel they absoutely must use their cell phones while on the premises.  I agree that it is impossible to manage who has a camera phone and who does not, and all it takes is one inappropriate photo on the Internet from someone's locker room, and you will wish you had a policy in place.  <br><br><div class='signature'>Jim Evans, General Manager<br>The Big C Athletic Club, California</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:00:51 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We have had no need to ban any electronic devices at our facility nor do we have plans to do so.     As adults we have to deal with many things, including the person next to you talking on their cell phone to get them through their tedious hour of cardio.  The fact that it is annoying is just life....that person paid the same membership fees you did & should have the right to talk on their phone if they choose.  It is not my activity preference, but who am I to say no one else can do so.  Aside from that, a cell phone is imperative if you have children.  I go nowhere without my phone just for that reason, a courtesy phone will not help your children or a sitter find you if there is an urgent problem.  It is the way of the world now, and I do not leave home without it--nor will I leave it in my car while I workout.         <br><br><div class='signature'>Nicole Parker, Manager<br>Saddle Rock Fitness, CO</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:42:26 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We ban cell phones in all areas except for some common spaces like the restaurant, lobby, and waiting areas. You can't tell if a phone has a camera or not. Any club who does not at least have a stated policy, and signage indicating so, is taking a big risk that someone's teenage daughter or son, or a local politician or businesman will find their nude photo,taken while changing in the locker room, is suddenly the next big hit on Youtube. We had a situation at one club where a member had been photoed by a disgruntled employee. Fortunately, this was brought to our attention as it was happening and we prevented a very messy scenario.  If people complain we explain the reason for the rule and we've had no problems.<br><br><div class='signature'>Richard Synnott, Executive Director<br>Weymouth Club, MA</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:33:04 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We ban the use of all cell phones in our locker room facilities.  Differentiating between phones that do or don't have camera capabilities is not manageble. When enforcing our policy, most people never considered that people might use them to take pictures, and then, after the explanation, understand the policy.  Patrons tend to enforce the policy more than staff, and they refer to the posted signs.     We also have a policy that prohibits any picture taking in our facilties without prior approval.<br><br><div class='signature'>Ed Morford, Assistant Director - Risk Management<br>University of Illinois - Campus Recreation, Illinois</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:30:19 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[When this issue rose to prominence, we decided to rely on a pre-existant policy which prohibited photography within our complex without the express permission of the management/administration (with some exceptions, e.g. intercollegiate games/tournaments). We conducted a poster campaign to raise awareness of this policy among our membership. We have had to deal with very few incidents of violations of this policy. <br><br><div class='signature'>Paul Dutchak, Facility Manager<br>University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:26:18 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We do not have a ban on cell phones. And to this day I have only had once complaint about someone talking too loudly. And that is over the last two years.<br><br><div class='signature'>Lou, owner<br>Fitness Plus, MA</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:09:49 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[For obvious reasons, camera usage has always been banned in our locker rooms.  We do not ban cell phones.  We made it part of our club rules.  We have had absolutely no problems, as the members understand the policy.<br><br><div class='signature'>Bill, owner<br>Fitness Inc. Health Club, Idaho</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:56:50 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[Ban all cell phones in locker rooms. After explaining the reasoning behind this decision to parents and athletes at preseason meetings we have had no complaints or even any questions.<br><br><div class='signature'>Dave Schroeder, Athletic Director<br>Maple Lake Schools, MN</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:50:48 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[For reasons of privacy atmosphere and interfering with waves of some of our equipment, we don't allow cell phone use in any part of our facility. We feel that people come to our facility to escape their world, so the last thing they need to do or want to listen to is talking on a cell. We also cannot be sure which phones have cameras and we know that working out, use of locker rooms, being in a bathing suit, are personal/private times that should not be subject to photos. <br><br><div class='signature'>Alec Southall, Manager of Recreational Facilities<br>Boston University - FitRec Center, MA</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:42:18 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We have had a no cell phone policy for the entire facility since we opened 4 years ago. However, it continues to be an issue, and especially in the locker rooms. We do have a sign, however, it is not large due to the risk of being obnoxious. It is just something that our team knows we have to constantly educate our members about.<br><br><div class='signature'>Carlye Fabrikant, Fitness Coordinator<br>Carillon Wellness Center, FL</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:36:06 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We do not have a cell phone ban in our locker rooms or in other parts of our facility.     As technology continues to expand more all-in-one gadgets appear and now a cell phone is also a camera, day planner, web browser, and media player. A blanket ban on cell phones takes away increasingly more than just a camera.   <br><br><div class='signature'>Ryan Hansen, Assistant Director of Intramurals & Sport Clubs<br>Western Illinois University , IL</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:29:08 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[Our approach has been to not ban cell phones. However, we do have a policy of "The use of photographic equipment to take pictures of any person in CRS facilities without that person's permission is prohibited. This prohibition includes cell phones with built-in camera devices." This policy applies to all areas of our facilities, not just the locker rooms.<br><br><div class='signature'>Wallace Eddy, Associate Director<br>University of Maryland, MD</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:22:23 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>http://www.athleticbusiness.com/forum/topic169-.aspx</link>
<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We banned all cell phones from the locker rooms.  It is just too hard to try to differentiate camera phones from non-camera phones.    We allow cell phone use only in the lobby area of the club.  It became a disturbance and members complained.  It can be annoying if someone is talking on the phone while walking next to you on the treadmill or if a phone starts to ring in the middle of a yoga class.      Members may carry their phones with them but we ask that they set them to vibrate and step outside of the locker rooms or any workout area if they are going to talk on the phone.    <br><br><div class='signature'>Rob Bishop, Owner<br>Elevations Health Club, PA</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:53:11 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We've implemented a policy that "to ensure patrons’ safe and confidential use of the locker rooms, use of Cell Phone, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), Camera and Camcorder is prohibited in the locker rooms." We do provide a courtesy phone at the Service Desk. The policy has been in place over two years, and we have not rceived any compaints.  <br><br><div class='signature'>Gansheng Xu, Director of Campus Recreation <br>University of New Brunswick, New Brunswick, Canada</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:52:40 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[Have you tried to purchase a cell phone w/o a camera?  They are very hard to find.  I wouldn't manage to that exception.  We haven't banned them yet as it hasn't been a problem.<br><br><div class='signature'>D. KopasHomewood-Flossmoor Park District, </div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:44:01 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[Ensure that the facility locker rooms have courtesy phones, and explain the need for privacy in locker room areas.<br><br><div class='signature'>Gord Bullock , Athletic Centre Coordinator<br>Havergal College, </div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:18:59 GMT</pubDate>
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<description><![CDATA[I think that it is difficult to enforce picture cell phones only.  I would simply have a blanket policy of no cell phones in the locker rooms. <br><br><div class='signature'>Ken Ballard, Principal<br>Ballard*King & Associates, CO</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:18:27 GMT</pubDate>
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<description><![CDATA[The cell-phone policy has become a central issue. One has to be consistent, regardless of camera or non-camera status. We have not had any pushback on banning cell phones in the locker room, as we view it as a team spirit policy.<br><br><div class='signature'>Lee McElroy, Athletic Director<br>University of Albany, </div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:17:52 GMT</pubDate>
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<description><![CDATA[Cell-phone use in public spaces to respond to private and personal needs is not appropriate. Develop well-worded signage requesting respect for personal and audio privacy in sensitive places. It is a great teachable-etiquette moment for your guests.<br><br><div class='signature'>Diane Guse Dahlmann, Director of Recreation, Services & Facilities<br>University of Missouri, </div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:17:26 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We allow cell-phone use, but no camera use. We have not had complaints or reports of pictures.<br><br><div class='signature'>Susan Trautman, Director of Parks and Recreation<br>City of Des Peres, Mo., </div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:16:53 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We have decided (for now) to hold off on implementing a no-cell-phone policy. We have had very few issues, and 99 percent of people use their phones for the right reasons. We don't like to "manage to the exception," so to speak; therefore, we are letting this one go until it becomes a bigger issue. <br><br><div class='signature'>Jan Van der Sanden, Recreation Program and Facility Supervisor<br>Margaret W. Carpenter Recreation Center, CO</div>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:16:11 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Message from QandA</title>
<description><![CDATA[We recently implemented a no-cell-phone policy in our locker rooms, and it’s not popular — especially among users whose cell phones don’t have a camera feature. Do you ban all cell phones in your facility’s locker rooms, or just ones with cameras? And how do you respond to people who complain about the policy?]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:54:01 GMT</pubDate>
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