Weight Room Use Policy
Guidelines for Youth (13-14 years)
Unrestricted use of the North Vancouver Recreation Commission's weight rooms is limited to persons 15 years and older.
While strength training can be beneficial in developing muscular strength and endurance in youth, there are specific concerns related to the growth and development of bone and joint tissue. The recommendation from most authorities on this topic (that is, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Physician and Sports Medicine) are that strength training (with weights) for youth be conducted under appropriate supervision only.
Regular Hours
A person 13 or 14 years old may be permitted to use the northvanrec weight rooms during regular hours, if they can demonstrate a reasonable need for using the weight training equipment and if they have been prescribed a specific training program. This must be a therapeutic, rehabilitative, or provincial level athletic requirement. Supervision must be provided by an adult at all times.
Supervised Weight Training
Youth 13 years and older may attend "Supervised Teen Time" at the North Vancouver Recreation Commission without parental or guardian supervision. Before participating in the program, youth must:
- Have a current fitness membership
- For teens 15 and older, complete the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
- For 13 and 14-year-olds, provide a note from a physician indicating the physical development of the youth is sufficient for use of weight training equipment. Please note that this is mandatory as the (PAR-Q) does not cover this age group.
- Complete a Teen Consultation with a northvanrec Health & Lifestyle Consultant (accompanied by a parent) to ensure both the guardian and the youth understand lifting technique, general safety concerns, weight room etiquette and the risks involved in weight training.
- Complete and submit the Consent and Release Form
- Register their name in the Supervised Teen Time class list for each season.
