Arlen Specter US Squash Center
These terms and conditions apply to members, guests, program and event participants, and all users of the Arlen Specter US Squash Center (“Specter Center”). They exist to protect the well-being of all users and spectators at the Center, our staff, and are also in place to ensure our organization is positioned to support our mission, goals, and operation of the Specter Center.
The Arlen Specter US Squash Center reserves the right to and may amend its Terms & Conditions at any time at its discretion to address the safety, welfare, and needs of its members, guests, community, staff, and organization. All users and guests of the Specter Center assume any and all risks and liability associated with participating in and/or spectating on- and off-court activities and completely hold harmless and indemnify the Specter Center and US Squash should incidents, injury and accidents occur while at the Specter Center. Both liability and photo/video waivers are included in this document – please review carefully.
Terms & Conditions
1.0 General Policies
The Arlen Specter US Squash Center (“Specter Center” or “the Center”) adheres to US Squash policies at all times. The United States Squash Racquets Association (“US Squash”) is committed to providing a safe environment for its members, participants, coaches, officials, and volunteers, and has also made the commitment to uphold the values proposed by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s SafeSport Initiative. Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, harassment, bullying, or hazing in any form by any US Squash members, participants, coaches, officials, and volunteers is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. When any members, participants, coaches, officials, staff, and volunteers are subjected to sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, harassment, bullying, or hazing in any form, it undermines the mission and values of US Squash. US Squash advocates build strong self-images among the youth participants, strive to promote good sportsmanship throughout the organization and encourage qualities of mutual respect, courtesy, and tolerance.
All members of the organization, as well as parents, spectators and other invitees are expected to observe and adhere to the principles referenced in the US Squash Policies
2.0 Facility Policies and Procedural Expectations
2.1 Hours of Operation
Though subject to change at any time, the facility hours of operation follow:
Monday – Friday: 6:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 6:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The Specter Center may modify its hours of operation at its discretion. Management will communicate any modified hours of operation to members and guests once defined as early as possible.
2.1.1 Inclement Weather
In case of severe weather, the Specter Center will make every attempt to open on-time and keep the facility open during regularly published hours. Where extraordinary circumstances warrant, due to weather or other unforeseen business interruptions, management reserves the right to close the facility for the safety or our employees, members and guests. Should this occur, management will communicate with the members and employees as quickly as possible. We will also post closures on the homepage of the website and social media pages. If you have a court booking secured outside of modified hours, a member of staff will make every effort to contact you directly to inform you of the closure, to reschedule the reservation, and/or to cancel the court booking. For most up to date information, please make sure you are signed up for our email distribution list or follow our social media pages.
2.1.2 Tournaments and Events
Hours of operation may be adjusted to accommodate needs for tournaments and events. These circumstances may also impact court availability (see below “US Squash Events”).
2.2 Treatment of Employees
Members and guests are prohibited from reprimanding or criticizing the conduct of employees. Any concerns or complaints regarding attitudes and behavior of employees shall be directed to the General Manager or a senior staff member, as soon after the incident as possible, and may be requested to follow-up in writing.
2.3 Squash Courts Usage
2.3.1 Reservations and Reservation Cancellations
Members must reserve squash courts using the Club Locker system. If you are a guest in the Center and wish to book a court, you are required to talk to the front desk attendant and complete the registration process. Open courts are available for drop-in use. Community play is welcomed and available for a nominal fee. Should you wish to book a court and do not have access to Club Locker, please call the front desk so that a waiver and acknowledgement of our policies and procedures can be signed before the time of the reservation.
Cancellation of a court booking must be made at least four hours before court time. If you cancel a court within the four-hour period of the reservation, the Specter Center reserves the right to charge a $20 fee for non-cancellation. The goal of our cancellation policy is to ensure that as many courts are available for members and guests as possible.
2.3.2 Foot and Eyewear Policies
Shoes – Squash approved footwear is always required when on the squash courts, this exclusively includes non-marking squash shoes. Players will not be permitted to be on court unless they are wearing the appropriate footwear, and staff will monitor all courts and always enforce this rule. Members and guests acknowledge that they are individually responsible for covering the cost of repairs for damaged or marked courts in the event they do not adhere to this policy.
Eyewear – The risk of eye injury in racquet sports such as squash is “high” according to the American Academies of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics, the American Optometric Association, and eye care professionals who have studied sports eye injuries. Fortunately, these injuries are almost totally preventable with appropriate protective equipment.
- All players and coaches must wear protective eyewear whether playing singles or doubles, hardball or softball squash, during all activities that take place on the court involving racquets and balls at the Specter Center.
- The eyewear must meet or exceed the current American Society for Testing and Materials standard (ASTM-F803). To be used in competition, protective eyewear must appear on the ASTM reference listing.
- The eyewear must be unaltered and worn over the eyes as designed, at all times.
Selecting protective eyewear that meets or exceeds the ASTM-F803 standard is the responsibility of individual participants. Streetwear spectacles and un-lensed eye protection do not meet the standard. In some cases, eyewear manufacturers may assert their products are compliant with the standard or the products may carry the seal of an independent certifier such as the Protective Eyewear Certification Council. However, US Squash recommends seeking advice from an eyewear professional before buying to ensure that the eyewear meets or exceeds the ASTM-F803 standard.
2.3.3 Squash Balls
If a squash ball is hit over the net above the court front-wall causing the ball to go behind the court, players will need to source a new / different ball. Members, guests, and staff are not permitted to retrieve the ball for safety reasons.
2.4 Locker Rooms
A locker room is a central feature in most sports facilities, offering members a convenient place to shower, dress, and store belongings during their activity. Though subject to change, lockers are available for day-use only. We have a limited inventory for day-use, and this is based on a first-come, first-served basis. Lockers may be used at one’s own risk and the Specter Center and its agents are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
All items will be removed from guest lockers and the locker rooms at the end of each day. Any items retrieved will be placed in the lost and found for up to one week – please see lost and found section for more details. If a member or guest cannot access their locker, the front desk will verify ownership and use a master key to reopen the locker to retrieve personal items.
The Specter Center has plans to install bag storage around the courts and common spaces, which members and guests may use at their discretion. Specter Center agents are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
2.4.1 Camera Phones
Camera phones, if used improperly, can threaten the privacy of members, guests, and employees. To protect the privacy of anyone using our facility due to the high risk, cell phone and camera phone usage is banned in locker rooms and restrooms. Should you witness a violation of this policy, please report it immediately to management.
2.4.2 Children in Opposite-Gender Locker Rooms
Children over the age of four-years old are not permitted in opposite-gender locker rooms, to avoid the invasion of member and guest’s privacy. There are a number of family assist rooms located in the facility that are accessible to all families.
2.5 Instruction and Programming Policies
Only Specter Center / US Squash employees are allowed to provide instruction on the Specter Center courts. Members are prohibited from bringing in an outside coach to provide on-court instruction. Note, outside coaches may only provide individual assistance to their players during US Squash sanctioned tournaments on designated practice and competition dates.
If you have a reservation for a lesson, clinic or are enrolled in a program provided by the Specter Center instructors, there is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Should you cancel within the 24-hour period, you are responsible for satisfying the full amount of the program. This includes but is not limited to lessons, clinics and any other form of service provided.
A clinic must have three (3) or more participants, a fitness class must have four (4) or more participants. If there are less than three players, the Specter Center reserves the right to change the program structure and associated costs based on the number of attendants. The Specter Center will make every effort to notify registered participants prior to the time of service to confirm final pricing and participation.
General pricing for clinics that are restructured based on participation will be as follows:
One participant = private lesson rate
Two participants = semi-private lesson rate
Three or more = regular clinic fee.
2.5.1 Tipping
You are not required to tip nor are employees permitted to accept tips for their services.
2.6 Bag Storage/Personal Property
The Specter Center will not be responsible for members and guests’ personal belongings. We discourage bringing valuable personal property into the facility. We will not be held responsible for any lost or stolen item that goes missing within the facility. The Specter Center staff reserve the right to relocate squash bags and personal items from hallways and walkways to bag storage area or another area, as a safety precaution, if deemed necessary. If a player is on court and wishes to have their bag next to the court, the bag must be placed on the outside of the back wall up against the glass on the wooded section next to the court fin.
2.7 Lost and Found
Lost and found items will be kept at the lost and found area for a period of up to one week. Items left after one week will be discarded or donated to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
2.8 Event Policies
2.8.1 US Squash Events
As the national squash center and headquarters of US Squash, the Specter Center will be the primary host site of many national tournaments, community activities and programs, and smaller events. During tournaments and events hosted at the Center, minimal to no courts may be available. We reserve the right to block-off courts for these events and will do our best to communicate the court availability or access restriction as early as possible. The Specter Center reserves the right to close the facility to members and guests for large squash and “squash affiliated” events.
2.8.2 Group Bookings and Parties
All participants and spectators must adhere to facility check-in processes and general facility policies and procedures. Failure to do so may result in an individual being escorted off the premises or affect a groups potential usage for future events.
2.9 Food and Beverage
Alcohol – no outside alcohol is allowed in the Specter Center. If you are caught with alcohol that was not provided to you from an on-site catering staff, you will be asked to dispose of it, and/or to leave the premises.
Apart from sports drinks and light energy snacks, bringing food and beverage purchased or brought from outside of the Arlen Specter US Squash Center is prohibited and may not be brought into the Center. The Specter Center has on-site vending machines, provided through a third-party partner, Canteen Compass Group, which offer a wide variety of drink and snack options. These vending machines are located in the concessions area (in the Center of the facility under the mezzanine). Vending machines are used at the patron’s own risk and the Specter Center is not responsible for its contents or malfunction of the vending machines. Our preferred catering partner is 12th Street Catering, who are available to organize and coordinate any food and beverage needs/requests for events, tournaments, etc., when provided with sufficient notice. 12th Street contract these services directly with our members, guests and customers. Outside of these arrangements, the Specter Center/US Squash does not directly offer food and beverages to its members and guests.
Please note, there are a variety of food and beverage establishments in University City and the Philadelphia area, many within walking distance of the Specter Center.
2.10 Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage is allowed in the common spaces of the facility such as the reception, Champions’ Deck, and office spaces. Usage of cell phones on the mezzanine floor must be limited during regular hours. There is to be no voice use of cell phones on the mezzanine floor during events, so as to not distract participants and referees. Anyone needing to use their cell phone should remove themselves to a private area (such as outside the building or the Champions’ Deck area) and handle their call quickly and unobtrusively.
Cell phone usage is prohibited at all times within the locker room spaces. This is to protect the privacy of all our members and guests.
2.11 Reciprocity
At this time, the Specter Center does not have any reciprocal relationships with other clubs or facilities. Should this change, the policies for use of facilities and services will be created.
2.12 Parking
Parking is at the sole discretion of the member or guest. US Squash and the Specter Center are not responsible for parking violations, towed or damaged vehicles while members and guests utilize our facility or are in attendance at an event held at the Specter Center.
2.13 Equipment Loaners and Rentals
Members and guests can use a valid identification card, such as a driver’s license, to check-out equipment from the Front Desk or Pro Shop. All equipment must be returned before the player exits the building. In the event of damage, theft, or loss of equipment, the responsible party will be billed.
2.14 Pro Shop
2.14.1 Returns and Purchases
The Specter Center Pro Shop will accept returns and exchanges within seven days of your purchase given the merchandise has remained unmarked or undamaged. When you return an item, you need the receipt, and it needs to be unworn or unused.
2.14.2 Stringing Machine
The stringing machine located in the Pro Shop is only to be used by Specter Center employees/Team USA members. Members/Guests who want their racquets restrung must drop off their racquets at the Front Desk and fill out a restringing form. Payment will be processed at the time you drop-off your racquet(s). We will not re-string racquets with signs of damage to the frame or racquets we believe are in need of repair, as they are likely to break under the pressure of new strings. If you choose to bring your own string, the Specter Center will not be responsible or liable if the strings break.
There is no warranty on our restring service.
If you request your racquet to be restrung outside of the tension range recommended by the manufacturer, the Specter Center will not be responsible or liable for any damage caused to the racquet by restringing.
All racquets are inspected before being accepted or at the time of restringing. The Specter Center reserves the right to reject any racquet at any time. If payment has been taken before the racquet is rejected, a refund will be issued.
2.15 Smoking
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/programs/CIAA/Pages/Guidance.aspx#specific
Smoking is prohibited in the Specter Center facility and immediately outside of its doors. Act 27 of 2008, The Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA) regulates smoking in public places and workplaces across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The CIAA does not permit smoking in a sports or recreational facility. Should you wish to smoke outside of the facility we require that you are at least 20 feet from any doorways around the facility.
2.16 Pets
The Specter Center is responsible for assuring the health and safety of all employees, members, and guests. In keeping with this objective, the Specter Center does not permit household pets to be brought into the facility. Animals may pose a threat of infection and may cause allergic reactions to people around them. Some employees, members, and guests may feel threatened or distracted by the presence of animals, particularly dogs.
An employee, member, or guest who requires the help of a service animal (defined by 28 CFR 36.104 as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability”) will be permitted to bring a service animal into the facility, provided that the animal’s presence does not create a danger to others and does not impose an undue hardship upon the company. An animal may be excluded from the facility if it: causes any person to experience allergic reactions, fear, or any other physical or psychological discomfort. Any individual with a grievance regarding an animal at the facility should bring the matter to the attention of management immediately.
2.17 Solicitation and Outside Materials
Our solicitation policy outlines restrictions for distributing materials and soliciting funds, donations, and signatures in activities or groups to its members and guests.
We do not allow solicitation in any form of requesting money, support or participation for products, groups, organizations or causes which are not explicitly approved by the Specter Center. These include but are not limited to:
- Promotions for other squash facilities or programs
- Seeking funds or donations
- Asking for signatures for a petition
- Selling merchandise or services
- Requesting support for a political candidate
- Engaging in religious proselytism
Distribution refers to verbal requests, disseminating literature or material for commercial or political purposes.
2.18 Weapons
Members, guests, and employees may not, at any time while on the premises, possess or use any weapon. Weapons include, but are not limited to, guns, knives, or blades over four inches in length, explosives, and any chemical whose purpose is to cause harm to another person.
Regardless of whether a member, guest, or employee possesses a concealed weapons permit or is allowed by law to possess a weapon, weapons are prohibited on the company property.
Possession of a weapon can be authorized by the company’s president to allow security personnel or a trained employee to have a weapon on company property when this possession is determined necessary to secure the safety and security of company employees. Only the president & CEO, or the designee of the president & CEO, may authorize the carrying of or use of a weapon.
2.19 TEAM USA Usages/Facilities
Team USA facilities are for the exclusive use of the professional athletes only. If you see any persons using specific rooms designated to the Team USA, please inform the front desk or a member of management immediately.
2.20 Wi-Fi and Internet Use Terms and Conditions
By using Arlen Specter US Squash Center (“Specter Center”) internet service (“the Service”), including wired or wireless connections, all users of this Service must agree to the terms of this policy. Use of Specter Center networks indicates agreement and acceptance with all elements of the policy.
Use of the Service is subject to the user’s own risk, and the user hereby expressly acknowledges and agrees that there are significant security, privacy and confidentiality risks inherent in accessing or transmitting information through the internet, whether the connection is facilitated through wired or wireless technology. Security issues include, without limitation, interception of transmissions, loss of data, and the introduction of viruses and other programs that can corrupt or damage your computer. Accordingly, you agree that the owner and/or provider of this network is NOT liable for any interception or transmissions, computer worms or viruses, loss of data, file corruption, hacking, or damage to your computer or other devices that result from the transmission or download of information or materials through the Service provided.
Use of the wireless network is subject to the general restrictions outlined below. If abnormal, illegal, or unauthorized behavior is detected, including heavy consumption of bandwidth, the network provider reserves the right to permanently disconnect the offending device from the wireless network. We reserve the right to remove, block, filter, or restrict by any other means any material that, in our sole discretion, may be illegal, may subject us to liability, or may violate this policy. We may cooperate with legal authorities and/or third parties in the investigation of any suspected or alleged crime or civil wrongdoing.
Responsibilities of Service Users:
All users of the Specter Center network agree to uphold the US Squash Abuse, Harassment, Bullying and Hazing Policy. The United States Squash Racquets Association (“US Squash”) is committed to providing a safe environment for its members, participants, coaches, officials and volunteers, and has also made the commitment to uphold the values proposed by the U.S. Olympic Committee’s SafeSport Initiative. Sexual, physical or emotional abuse, harassment, bullying, or hazing in any form by any US Squash members, participants, coaches, officials and volunteers is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. When any members, participants, coaches, officials, staff and volunteers are subjected to sexual, physical or emotional abuse, harassment, bullying, or hazing in any form, it undermines the mission and values of US Squash. US Squash advocates build strong self-images among the youth participants, strive to promote good sportsmanship throughout the organization and encourage qualities of mutual respect, courtesy and tolerance. Read the full policy here: https://ussquash.org/policies/.
3.0 Membership Information and Expectations
3.1 Membership
Members are responsible for adhering to the terms and conditions of the Specter Center and only acting and utilizing the benefits specified under the category of their memberships. This includes, but is not limited to, access to facilities, advanced court reservation policies, allowance of playing days (per week, if applicable), and program reservations and participation, and the ability to add designees. Members assume all costs associated when benefits are exceeded, which will be automatically charged to the credit card on-file. Members may lose member benefits, up to and including membership termination, if terms and conditions and policies associated with member benefits are not followed.
3.1.1 Privacy – Personal information
We respect and are committed to protecting your privacy. We may collect personally identifiable information when you visit our site. As a member, you will be opted into our email lists for club updates. Should you wish to opt out, please let the Membership Director know directly. We will not sell your personally identifiable information to anyone.
3.1.2 Payments
Payments for all memberships, and services such as lessons, clinics, events, activities, programs, and program packages, are due at the time the program is reserved or initiated. Specter Center members are required to maintain a valid, active credit card on-file in their Club Locker profile throughout their membership. The on-file credit card will be charged automatically. Should there be an issue with card payment, the accounting department will contact the owner of the account and will require a new payment immediately. We reserve the right to turn away members and guests who maintain an outstanding balance from a service should payment not be resolved by the time of its date. Specter Center members must remain in good financial standing to utilize its facilities, programs, and services.
3.1.3 Leave of Absence Policies
Members must submit a Leave of Absence / Resignation Request Form to the Membership Director. A medical Leave of Absence may be granted if the following conditions are met: There exists or will exist a medical condition that will prevent the member from playing squash for at least three (3) continuous months or more. Continuous requests for a leave of absence may result in termination of membership and/or the member will be required to pay back-dues to the time of their prior resignation. It is at the manager’s discretion to revise, alter, or otherwise terminate this policy at any time.
3.1.4 Upgrades and Down-Grades
Members may upgrade their membership to a higher level at any time if there are additional positions available in that membership category. Members in good standing may downgrade their membership to a desired level with thirty (30) days’ notice of their draft date, pending additional positions being available in the downgraded category.
3.1.5 Resignations
Any member in good standing must submit their resignation in writing to the Membership Director thirty (30) days prior to their draft date. Members who resign shall lose all member benefits at the Specter Center.
3.1.6 Minors
Members under the age of 18 years old must have a guardian listed on their membership account, along with the guardian’s contact information and an active credit card. Unless enrolled in a specific program hosted and supervised by Specter Center staff, minors under the age of 14 must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardian. Parents dropping off minors under the age of 14 who are participating in programs or for general court reservations must be checked-in and checked-out by their parent or legal guardian. Parents and guardians of minors who are brought to the Specter Center are solely responsible for their supervision, actions, and behavior. The Specter Center and its agents are not responsible for minors or the acts of minors who are left unsupervised.
In consideration of a child being allowed to participate in Specter Center programs and related activities, the parent or guardian of the minor:
- Acknowledges and fully understands that the child will be engaging in sports activities where he/she could be injured. Further that there may be other risks not known to the parent or guardian or not reasonably foreseeable.
- Parents and guardians assume all foregoing risks and accept personal responsibility for the damages following such injury to themselves or their dependents.
- RELEASES AND WAIVES, DISCHARGES AND COVENANTS NOT TO SUE US SQUASH AND/OR ARLEN SPECTER US SQUASH CENTER’S ADMINISTRATORS, DIRECTORS, AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES FROM DEMANDS LOSSES OR DAMAGES ON ACCOUNT OF INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, CAUSED OR ALLEGED TO BE CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER ACTIONS OR IN ACTIONS OF THE RELEASES OR OTHERWISE.
The undersigned and/or acknowledgement of the above indicates that above waiver and release has been read and is understood, and that they have given up substantial rights with this acknowledgement.
3.1.7 Guests
Members are responsible at all times for any guest that they have present with them in the Specter Center. There is a $9 guest fee per visit, which will be billed to the member. Fees are subject to change at the discretion of Specter Center management.
3.1.8 Sportsmanship and etiquette
The Specter Center upholds all standards written and followed by US Squash. Therefore, sportsmanship and etiquette are an important requirement within the facility. As a member or guest at the facility, you are expected to follow the US Squash code of conduct regulations and sportsmanship guidelines set out by US Squash policies.
3.2 Donations
US Squash is a 501c3 nonprofit membership organization which relies on the support of the squash community to fulfill our mission.
We are proud of the services we deliver from our support of our Community Initiative Programs, accredited tournaments, and leagues to hosting national championships, and fielding National Teams and providing the Club Locker technology that powers it all. These are just a few of the many services we provide, however we could not provide it without your support.
We welcome donations toward the Specter Center Community Fund, which supports sponsored memberships and Community Initiative programs at the Specter Center.
4.0 Guest and Visitor Conduct
As a guest in the Specter Center, we require you to uphold the standards of a member while visiting the facility and follow Specter Center and US Squash policies at all times. All membership information and expectations listed above are important to abide by and follow. Should you choose not to follow these policies the Specter Center staff and management reserve the right to escort you off the premises and potentially ban you from further facility access or use.