Frequently Asked Questions

1. As a student, do I need to purchase an Athletics membership to use the Athletics and Recreation Centre?
2. Can my parents, brother(s) and/or sister(s) sign up as members to the Athletics and Recreation Centre? What are the membership categories for the Athletics and Recreation Centre?
3. How do I join a sports team(s)? Are there different skill levels in each sport & what may be the time commitment required to participate on these teams?
4. How and when can I register for your instructional classes? Who is allowed to participate?
5. Can I play Varsity and how do I get involved in the Varsity Blues Program(s)?
6. Do we have a pool?
7. Why do I need to have a towel and wear an appropriate T-shirt in "THE KEY"?
8. Do I need to sign up for Fitness Classes?
9. How do I book a squash court? How many courts are there?
10. How can I learn how to use the equipment in "THE KEY" or sign up for Personal Training sessions?

• 1. As a student, do I need to purchase an Athletics membership to use the Athletics and Recreation Centre?

  No. As a student of U of T, you are entitled to use all of the Athletics facilities within U of T (Scarborough, Mississauga and the St. George Campus). Your membership for these facilities is paid for through your incidental fees. However, during the summer term, students not taking courses need to purchase a membership in order to use the Athletics facilities. Remember your T-card IS your membership card, so carry it with you whenever you are visiting any of the Athletics facilities.

• 2. Can my parents, brother(s) and/or sister(s) sign up as members to the Athletics and Recreation Centre? What are the membership categories for the Athletics and Recreation Centre?

  Yes. We do offer Athletics and Recreation Centre memberships for non-U of T students. The membership categories available are Community, Alumni, Staff/Faculty and High School. With the exception of our High School membership (16 years +), participants have the option of purchasing either a term or annual membership. For more information on our memberships or for prices, call the Athletics Service Counter @416-287-7099 or click here.

• 3. How do I join a sports team(s)? Are there different skill levels in each sport & what may be the time commitment required to participate on these teams?

  Joining a sports team is easy! Students should check the Intramural Board outside office R-247 for a complete list of all sports. Tryout dates and locations for all Intramural teams will be posted there. Most Intramural sports do offer more than one division, but players of all skill levels should attend tryouts. The time commitment for teams is approximately 5 hours/week per sport (which is equal to one game and one practice). For more information about the UTSC Intramural Program, click here.

  Interhouse programs are also available to students and members, and provide an opportunity to play in a recreational league with friends. Each Interhouse league plays once a week, so it only takes one hour of your time. Interhouse programs are for all levels, from novice to advance. For more information and a complete list of all Interhouse sport, click here.

> Back to top

• 4. How and when can I register for your Instructional Classes? Who is allowed to participate?

  Registration for instructional classes starts at the beginning of each term. Registration is done in person only, on a first-come first-serve basis, at the Athletic Service counter. All current members and U of T students are eligible to register. Unless otherwise listed, all classes are taught at the Beginner level. There is a minimal fee for each activity. These classes tend to fill up, so please register early. For a complete list and description of all our instructional classes, click here.

• 5. Can I play Varsity and how do I get involved in the Varsity Blues Program(s)?

  All students at U of T are eligible to play Varsity sports, which are organized by the St. George campus. For information on Varsity programs or to receive contact information for a Varsity Blues coach, come to the Athletic Service counter For a complete list of all Varsity sports visit: www.varsityblues.ca

• 6. Do we have a pool?

  No. The Athletics and Recreation Centre at UTSC does not have a pool. In 1972 during the initial phases of the construction of the new Athletics and Recreation Centre, the government announced its first ever educational budget cut backs. This quickly resulted in the need to reassess the scope of the Athletics and Recreation Centre construction plans. Thus, the pool, the elevator and the air-conditioner system were deleted from the original Athletics and Recreation Centre plans.

• 7. Why do I need to have a towel and wear an appropriate T-shirt in "THE KEY"?

  When "THE KEY" was constructed, a user committee (predominantly made up of students) wanted to make sure that "THE KEY" would remain clean, welcoming and friendly. The towel rule is for hygienic purposes, and also to help in preserving the life span of the upholstery on our machines. The T-shirt rule is to enhance the welcoming atmosphere and to provide all users with an environment that they can feel comfortable in. Muscle shirts and spandex tops are a form of intimidation, which we are trying to deter.

  For complete Rules of "The Key" and the Cardio Theatre, click here.

> Back to top

• 8. Do I need to sign up for Group Fitness Classes?

  No. All group Fitness Classes are on a drop-in basis. All classes are free to U of T students and current Athletics and Recreation Centre members, so there is no need to register at the Athletics Service Counter. We offer a variety of classes to all levels. For a complete list and description of our classes pick up an issue of our Active-ity Guide or click here.

• 9. How do I book a squash court? How many courts are there?

  We have 7 North American squash courts. Squash courts can be booked in person or over the phone (416-287-7099), up to 3 days in advance. The reservation sheets for our squash courts are located at the Athletics Service Counter. Membership or T-cards must be submitted to the Customer Service Representative when checking in at the counter prior to playing. For more information about Squash, click here.

• 10. How can I learn how to use the equipment in "THE KEY" or sign up for Personal Training sessions?

  We have FREE orientations to "The Key", along with a qualified Strength Training staff that are always eager to answer questions on proper strength training techniques or show you how to use the machines. Our Strength Training staff is available Monday - Thursday from 12 - 2 pm and 5:30 - 8:30 pm, Friday 4 -6 pm and Saturday - Sunday from 2 - 4 pm.
  Orientations of "THE KEY", take place on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6:10 - 6:55 pm, Wednesdays & Fridays from 12:10 - 12:55 pm, and Saturdays & Sundays from 2:15 - 3 pm.

  For facilities information, click here.

  For a more personalized program, check out the various Personal Training packages offered in the Active-ity Guide or click here.

> Back to top