Welcome to the AB Forum

I am a assistant manager at a 24 hour facility. Every night there is a group of people that come in to use our back room for sparing, there is also a weight bag in there. It seems like they take up the room for almost two hours. Is the best policy to put a time limit on how long they can be in there? I haven't heard any complaints from members, just something I noticed.

Personally, as long as you haven't had any members complain about the situation I would leave well enough alone. This way you don't upset the members that are utilizing the space especially since you don't have any members complaining you wouldn't really have any backing as to why you are now enforcing a time limit. If any members start to mention anything about it then you can put a time limit on the usage of the room and if those individuals ask why there is now a time limit you can let them know that other members have expressed that they would like to utilize that space as well and this makes it fair for all members. In my facility we have racquetball courts in which we do the same thing. We have a max time limit of 1 hour to allow all members the same priviledge of using the space so that not 1 person or group of people are monopolizing it.

I would suggest that since it has not become an issue with other members there is no reason to limit their activity. And so long as there isn't an existing club policy that limits the use of open space. If there comes a time when you have groups 'competing' for the space you may want to create a policy (time limits, reservations, etc). But if everyone is happy/no complaints, and equipment/facilities are not being damaged why create a policy that will require someone to supervise and enforce?

Seeing that you're open 24 hours, if no one is complaining or waiting to use the room, I'd let them go as long as they like. In fact I'd probably treat them a little better by offering other alternatives or getting them involved in some kind of group activity.

If the individuals are rude and disrespectful yes. If they are not holding anyone else up from doing their routine and are under control let them play. I have boxing available also but I keep strict control over it because it could cause you to lose members. boxing can be very intimidating to the average member. Muscle heads only bring in small amounts of revenue. You must keep them under control. Barry L. Erb.

If there isn't a line of people to get into that space, I wouldn't worry about it. If there are individuals wanting to use the room, then I would post a sign stating that there is a limit of x minutes to use this room while others are waiting, and make everyone aware of the new policy when they come in.

Hi Susan, Is the room open to others while this group in in there--can they share? If so, then there might not be a problem. If not, then a time limit may be in order. And you will need a staff person who can handle these "difficult" situations as this group may push back. Our group fitness room (with a speed bag and heavy bag) is available to everyone as long as there is no class in session. And everyone has to share. We have used sign up sheets for our cardio equipment for years. Most of the time it works just fine. But sometimes we have members who "forget" to sign up or who stay on after their limit. In these cases a staff member sometimes has to be involved. Otherwise tempers can flare. Sometimes it's hard to believe they are adults.