Rules & Regulations – Arlington Forest Club

Arlington Forest Club, Inc. Rules & Regulations as amended March 19, 2022.

The Board of Directors authorizes the following rules for the protection of the club, its members, and guests, and to assure the safe, sanitary operation of the club facilities. The rules comply with the Arlington County Water Recreation Facilities Ordinance and regulations. The current Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety Manual is an additional part of these rules.

Applicability

All Certificate holders, rental members, emeritus members, August members (all further referenced as “Members”) and their dependents, babysitters, and guests will comply with the club rules as well as with applicable local, state and federal laws and ordinances.

Members are responsible for reading the rules and ensuring that they and their dependents, babysitters, and guests are aware of all rules. Members are responsible for their own behavior as well as the behavior of their dependents, babysitters, and guests (when allowed). Failure to comply with the Arlington Forest Club (AFC) Rules shall be considered cause for the immediate suspension of club privileges for the offending member and/or other members and dependents in the same member household.

The Board of Directors delegates authority to the pool manager and lifeguards to be in complete charge and have final authority to interpret and enforce all rules.

The pool may be closed during regular operating hours for inclement weather, special events or special circumstances arranged for in advance between the management and the Board of Directors. The pool calendar will reflect dates and times of special events and activities that may close all or part of the pool during the summer.

Club Admittance

Certificate holders, rental members, and their dependents are admitted into the club, subject to the rules (e.g., minimum age requirements) provided herein.

Emeritus members are admitted to the club without fee for the duration of Sunday Adult Swim and Tennis and all fee-based events where the fee has been paid by the Emeritus member. Emeritus members are admitted to the club during other times when the club is open upon payment of the fee ($5.50) per Emeritus member per visit.

August members (including dependents) are admitted to the club, subject to the rules (e.g., minimum age requirements) provided herein, from August 1 through the end of the season in September.

Registered babysitters are admitted to the club only when caring for dependent children of the registering Club member.

Each member, dependent, babysitter and guest must check in at the guard check-in desk prior to using the club facilities (including the tennis courts). All members, babysitters, and dependents of middle school age and above may be requested to show identification.

Representing a person who is actually a guest, as a member or a dependent is prohibited and could result in loss of membership privileges.

Members who are delinquent in payments owed to the club will have their membership suspended until such time as payment is received.

General Rules

Use at Your Own Risk

Members, dependents, babysitters, and guests shall use the club facilities at their own risk. The club will not be responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal property, for articles left in automobiles or articles checked with the pool staff or for exposure to illness, including COVD-19.

Liability

Each member shall be liable for any damage to club property incurred or caused by members, dependents, babysitters, and guests. Costs of repairing or replacing the damaged property shall be assessed against the member. Failure to pay assessment shall result in suspension of club privileges.

Food and Drink

Food and drinks are allowed in designated areas only. Designated areas are the snack bar area, the shelter outside the pool enclosure, and the picnic table near the guard room inside the pool enclosure. Only water is allowed on the pool deck. All trash must be placed in appropriate containers.

Glass

Glass containers or breakable objects are not permitted anywhere on club premises at any time and will be confiscated by Pool Management.

Supervising Children

Members, dependents, and babysitters are responsible for the supervision of children under their care at all times while the children are on club premises. The supervision of children includes ensuring they follow appropriate COVID-19 protocols.

Smoking

Smoking or vaping including the smoking of eCigarettes, is not permitted anywhere on the property, including in the parking lot.

Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards, Rollerblades, Roller Skates

Bicycles must be parked in the rack provided or chained to the exterior fence. Members are encouraged to lock their bicycle. No bike, scooter, rollerblade, roller skate, or skateboard riding inside the property fence, including the tennis courts, or on the wooden decks and walkways. No rollerblade, roller skate, or skateboard riding in the parking lot. Scooters, rollerblades, roller skates, and skateboards may be carried from the property fence to the guard table and checked with the guards at the member’s risk. Scooters, rollerblades, roller skates, and skateboards are not permitted in the bathhouse or on the pool deck.

Radios

The volume on radios and portable audio/video equipment or devices should be kept low so as not to disturb other members.

Parking Lot Safety

Members, dependents, babysitters, and guests must drive cautiously and watch for children in the parking lot.

Loitering

Loitering is not permitted around the guard check-in desk area or guard house.

Adult Swim and Tennis

The pool and tennis courts will be open for adults ages 18 and over and their guests, ages 18 and older, from 10 am until 1 pm each Sunday during the season unless preempted by a prearranged event. No persons under age 18 are permitted on club premises during adult swim and tennis.

Trespassing

Any person, including a member, who shall use or attempt to use the pool when it is not officially open shall be prosecuted and their club membership may be revoked.

Complaints

Members may not argue or interrogate the staff. Any member having a complaint concerning club operations or policy should submit the complaint in writing to the Board of Directors for action via email at manager@arlingtonforestclub.org or Postal Mail to: AFC Board of Directors, c/o Rules Committee, PO Box 3059, Arlington, VA 22203.

Thunder/Lightning

The pool will be closed for at least 30 minutes following thunder and/or lightning or sleet. Patrons must clear the pool enclosure and overhangs if lightning is spotted. The lifeguards and staff should stay clear of the pool area including the metal awnings and all overhangs during all closings.

Grills

The large grill is not open to the general membership unless approved by the Board.

Health Rules

Showering

Showering is required before patrons enter the pool. The outdoor showers or the showers in the bathhouse may be used.

Diapers

Non-toilet trained children must wear both swimpants and tight-fitting rubber pants under their swim suits. The swimpants must be of the type made expressly for swimming pools, such as Huggies Lil Swimmers or similar products. Regular disposable diapers or cloth diapers are not permitted. Parents should take necessary precautions to prevent contamination of the pools including checking their children’s swimpants often. This rule applies to both the large pool and the wading pool.

Contamination

The pool will be closed for a minimum of one hour after chemicals are used due to contamination. This may be extended as necessary by the management. The AFC Board reserves the right to close the pool, as necessary, for reasons related to COVID-19.

Swimming Dress Code

Swimsuits only, no shorts, cut-offs, etc. are permitted in the pools.

Illness

Members must review COVID-19 Symptoms prior to visiting AFC, via Virginia Department of Health website

What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19)? – Coronavirus (virginia.gov)

and they are required to self-certify their health, complying with all published protocols.

Admission will be refused to anyone with fevers, colds, coughs, inflamed eyes, infection or bandages.

Spitting/Blowing of the Nose

Spitting/blowing of the nose into the pool or on the pool deck is prohibited.

Pets

Pets are not permitted anywhere on the club grounds except during the end of season dog swim.

Diaper Changing

The changing of diapers/swimpants is limited to the bath house (both the men’s and women’s bathhouse facilities have a changing table). The changing of diapers/swim pants on the pool deck, in the snack bar area, or in any of the outside sheltered areas is expressly forbidden.

Pool Rules

Final Word

The pool manager and the lifeguards are in complete charge and have the final authority to interpret and enforce all pool rules. Members who fail to comply with the rules will have their membership suspended until such time as they can assure the Board of their ability to comply with the rules in the future.

1A. COVID-19 Protocols

AFC Board reserves the right to promulgate, publish, and enforce health and safety rules related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Members are required to comply with all published protocols.

Age Requirements

Any child under the age of eleven (11) must always be accompanied and supervised by a responsible member at least fifteen (15) years old at all times.

Large Pool Requirements

Children will not be allowed in water over their shoulders unless they are accompanied by a responsible person on a one-to-one basis or unless they can demonstrate to the lifeguards their ability to swim 25 meters and tread water for 30 seconds. Children may not swim in deep water unless they are qualified swimmers.

Wading Pool

Use of the wading pool will be limited to children six years of age and under, appropriately attired. A responsible person must attend children in the wading pool at all times.

Flotation Devices

Flotation devices may only be used in the wading pool. Baby flotation rings with seats attached will not be permitted in either pool. Other personal floatation devices (e.g., “floaties” or “swimmies”) are permitted, whether or not Coast Guard approved, but may not be used as a substitute for the supervision requirements of rule #3, above.

Float Hours

The Board will designate “Float Hours” or “Family Float Nights” at various points throughout the summer (see calendar). During these Float hours, only inflatable floats may be used. Floats can be no larger than a two-person size. Noodles will be permitted in the pool during float events, breaks, and light periods of pool use at the guard’s discretion.

Swim Masks

Swim Masks, goggles (covering the nose) and snorkels are prohibited in the water.

Flippers

Flippers may be used for serious lap swimming in the lap lanes only.

Lap Lanes

During regular pool hours, at least one lane for swimmers who wish to swim laps will be maintained. The lifeguard in charge may open an additional lap lane based on his/her discretion on the needs of swimmers using the pool at the time.

Breaks

Ten-minute rest periods will be called every hour, typically on the hour. During weekday operations, all children 12 and under must clear the pool and remain a safe distance from the pool’s edge. On holidays and weekends, the age increases to 15 and under. After 7 pm, the rest periods may be eliminated at the discretion of the manager on duty. At the discretion of the guards, the rest periods may be extended to 15 minutes

Baby Carriages & Strollers

Baby carriages and strollers are only allowed in the wading pool enclosure and the grassy areas adjacent to the playground. No other wheeled vehicles (except wheelchairs) are allowed within the pool enclosure except as in transit to/from the wading pool enclosure.

Running

Running and boisterous or rough play on the pool deck is prohibited.

Dangerous Activities in the Pool

Dangerous activities in the pool are prohibited. Dangerous activities include but are not limited to: sitting on another person’s shoulders, dunking, grabbing of another person around the neck, and playing in the diving area when the diving area is open.

Ball Playing

Playing basketball or throwing soft balls in the pool enclosure is permitted at the discretion of the manager on duty. It is prohibited to hang on the basketball net, play basketball from the side of the pool, or jump into the pool within close proximity to the basketball net during times basketball is being played.

Dive Rules

Number on Board

Only one person shall be permitted on the diving board at a time. A person must not ascend the ladder to the board until the previous diver has left it.

Closing the Boards

Diving boards may be closed at the discretion of the pool manager.

Sailor Dives

Diving headfirst without hands is not permitted.

Courtesy

Dives and jumps shall be executed in such a manner to not disturb or interfere with lane swimmers. Divers should not dive until the previous diver has left the diving area or reached the ladder.

Dangerous Dives

No back dives, “can openers” or “cannonballs” from the pool edge will be permitted.

Tennis Rules

All regular club rules apply to the tennis courts.

Final Word

The AFC Board may determine when a member’s use of the tennis courts is not in the best interest of the club according to the letter and spirit of club rules, and it may curtail such usage. Arlington Forest Club tennis courts are only to be used for the sport of tennis and other approved tennis-type racquet sports (e.g., pickleball).

Admittance

Only club members and their guests may use the tennis courts. During the pool season a Guest Pass must be utilized for each guest using the tennis facilities. Failure to pay guest fees may result in suspension of club privileges. Prior to playing, the member should email Jan Skelton (membership@arlingtonforestclub.org) with their membership number, and they will be charged one guest pass.

Emeritus members may use the tennis courts during Sunday Adult Swim and Tennis, and during the season at other times upon the payment of the $5.50 fee for each Emeritus member per visit. Emeritus members may not use the tennis courts during after-hours or off-season periods.

Reservations

All courts are available on a reservation basis at all times.

Reservation – Sign Up

The tennis courts may be reserved in one and a half hour units per member up to one week in advance. Tennis courts are reserved using an online web-based service. The reservation system is linked through the AFC website on the Tennis page. If no reservation has been made for a tennis court, a member may check-in, as provided in Section 8 Check-in below, and use the unreserved court.

Reservations – Maximum Number

A member may have no more than three reservations.

Reservations – Cancellation

Reservations that cannot be used should be cancelled as soon as possible and preferably at least 24 hours in advance.

Reservations – Leaving the Courts

You must give up your tennis court promptly to those who are waiting on subsequent reservations.

Reservations – Check-In

During the pool season, a member who has made a reservation must check in at the guard check-in desk when coming to play, to confirm that the tennis court reservation is actually being used. If the member has not signed in by ten minutes past the hour, the reservation is lost, and the time until the next reservation is available to any other member.

Reservations – Prime Time

Reservations for tennis courts during “prime time” (Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and after 5 pm weekdays) may be made only by members 16 years of age or older.

Tennis Courts Access

During pool hours, tennis players are to enter the tennis courts through the main club grounds gate (near the parking lot). A cypher or combination code is equipped to use these gates. Members can get the cypher code from the guard check-in desk. The Harrison Street gates are to be used only during the “off season” and non-pool hours. A key for these gates may be obtained from the Membership Manager upon receipt of a $20 deposit made via the AFC website, of which the club will refund $10 when the key is returned. Non-tennis players should not use the tennis courts for club entrance/exit purposes.

Footwear

Only tennis-type shoes may be worn on the tennis courts. Hard-soled shoes are not permitted.

Wheeled Items

Non-tennis related wheeled items are not permitted on the tennis courts. This includes roller blades, razor scooters, skates, skateboards, bicycles, and mini-bikes.

Non-Players in the Fenced Area

As a courtesy to players occupying the tennis courts, those who have just finished playing, those who are waiting to play, and non-tennis-playing persons must remain outside the fenced area. Only those actually playing are allowed on the tennis courts.

Trash Disposal

Please put used disposable water cups and other trash, such as tennis cans and lids, in the trash containers or recycling bins located on or around the tennis courts.

Northern Virginia League Play

During the summer, tennis courts will be reserved at the following times for Northern Virginia Tennis League (NVTL) team play:

Wednesdays:

9 am – 1 pm

AFC Junior Teams

Saturdays:

9 am – 1 pm

AFC Adult Teams

In the event a team match must be rescheduled due to inclement weather, members holding reservations should be contacted by team captains and advised of the rescheduling. Members having to relinquish reservations should do so willingly.

Team Play

Only AFC teams may play or practice on AFC tennis courts. In addition, no group composed primarily of non-members may use more than one tennis court at a time.

Lessons and Classes

Availability

Morning group swim and dive lessons are for the dependents of certificate holders, rental members, and those on the waitlist (including August members). Those on the waitlist must email membership@arlingtonforestclub.org to obtain an authorization number to register for morning group lessons. Those on the waitlist must exit the club premises immediately after the lessons conclude (August members are not subject to this rule after July 31).

During the 2022 season, afternoon group lessons may not be offered. Afternoon group swim lessons through July 31 are for the dependents of certificate holders and rental members only. Beginning on August 1st, afternoon group lessons are for the dependents of certificate holders, rental members, and August members.

Certificate holders and rental members and their adult dependents may register for Water Aerobics classes. Emeritus members may register for Water Aerobics classes and will receive complimentary access to the club for the duration of the class. If drop-in Water Aerobics classes are held in August, August members may pay the drop-in fee and attend such classes.

Only certificate holders and rental members and their dependents may arrange for private swim and dive lessons held on or before July 31. Beginning on August 1, August members may also arrange for private lessons.

Tennis Lessons/Clinics

Group tennis lessons and clinics are for certificate holders and their dependents, rental members, and on a space available basis, for non-members on the waitlist (including August members) and members’ guests. Registration for tennis lessons and clinics must be completed on the Tennis Director’s website: https://www.citytennisacademy.com/arlington-forest Please Note, those on the waitlist must sign-up as “Guests” on the Tennis Director’s website.

Certificate holders and rental members and their dependents may arrange for private tennis lessons held before July 31. Beginning August 1, August members may also arrange for private tennis lessons. In addition, Non-members may arrange for private lessons with our Onsite Tennis Pro during non-peak hours. Non-peak hours will be defined by the AFC Board Tennis Representative and will be based on court usage during that month. In all cases, the Onsite Tennis Pro should give priority to Certificate holders and rental members and their dependents over non-members.

Non-members participating in a tennis clinic or lesson are allowed access to the tennis court and restroom for the duration of the clinic or lesson. These non-members must exit the club premises within 10 minutes after the lesson and/or clinic concludes (August members are not subject to this rule after July 31). If a non-member is found to have violated this rule, the family will no longer be eligible to take lessons or clinics.

Group Swim Lessons

Group swim lessons are only available to children who have turned three (3) years of age prior to the first day of class. Group swim lessons are only available to children who are comfortable in the water without a parent. If a child is registered for group swim lessons and it is determined on the first day the child is not comfortable in the water without a parent, or is otherwise unready for group swim lessons, the child will be asked to leave the group lesson and a full refund of the class fee will be made.

Registration for group swim lessons closes the Wednesday prior to the first scheduled day of class. A parent or other responsible adult is required to stay on the premises during the duration of the group swim lesson.

A child with a skill level above or below the level of the lesson in which they are registered will, on the first day, be moved up or down to another level lesson offered at the same time. If the other lesson offered at the same time is at capacity, the parent will be offered a refund or placement in a lesson at another time, if available.

Group swim lessons are generally scheduled Monday through Thursday, with Friday available as a make-up day, in the event the pool is unexpectedly closed due to a weather or a club event. If a make-up lesson is not held, the lesson fee will be pro-rated and a refund issued. Make-ups are not permitted, and refunds are not provided, if a child fails to attend a scheduled group swim lesson.

Group swim lessons must be paid in full prior to the start of the lesson’s start date. Registrations or payments will not be accepted at the Club. All payments must be made, electronically, in advance using the AFC Member Database available via the AFC website.

Guests and Babysitters

Final Word

The pool manager has the right to refuse admission to any guest.

Guest Registration

Subject to the other provisions of these rules, a (a) certificate holder, rental member, or Emeritus member, (b) dependent of a certificate holder or rental member of age to be at the pool unaccompanied, or (c) registered babysitter may bring guests to the club. The member, dependent, or babysitter escorting the guest(s) must declare the presence of the guest(s) upon entering club grounds and the guest(s) must sign in at the guard check-in desk. Upon use of a Guest Pass by the member, dependent, or babysitter, the guest(s) shall have access, subject to the other provisions of these rules, to the pool and tennis courts for the remainder of the day. The member, dependent, or babysitter escorting the guest(s) must remain on the premises until the guest(s) leave(s).

Maximum Number of Guests During Peak Season

No member household may escort more than five guests at a time on Saturdays or Sundays during Peak Season. Peak Season starts on the second Saturday in June (inclusive) and ends on the last Sunday of July (inclusive). Requests for large events on Saturdays or Sundays during Peak Season will not be granted.

Large Groups of Guests

Outside of Peak Season, or on weekdays during Peak Season, no more than ten guests may be signed in under one membership without prior approval of the AFC president or the Special Events Chair. Large groups of 20 or more non-members will be considered only at the discretion of the Board. Request forms for events with more than ten guests should be completed and submitted to the Special Events Chair at least 10 days prior to the event. The forms are available on the AFC website. The Special Events Chair is responsible for notifying the pool manager of approved events

Guest Passes

Members that wish to bring guests must purchase Guest Passes using the AFC Member Website. Guest Passes are electronic and are stored on the member’s electronic account. Guest Passes do not expire and are non-transferable. Members should purchase Guest Passes along with the preseason payment of dues using the AFC Member Database. If a need for extra Guest Passes should arise during the season, members may use the AFC Member Database to purchase more Guest Passes. Member Guest Pass balances may be checked during the season using the AFC Member Database. Guest Pass balances may not display on the system prior to the beginning of the season. Members may ask the guard at the check-in desk to advise them of their Guest Pass balance. It is not possible to purchase Guest Passes from the guards at the club or to pay cash for a guest visit at the club.

Guest Passes for Households with Two or Fewer Members

A certificate holder or a rental membership with two or fewer members and/or dependents residing in the household will receive 20 complimentary guest admittances at the time of paying dues. The Guest Passes will be automatically uploaded to the member’s electronic account. Membership with two or fewer members and/or dependents includes, for example, a membership of two members with no dependents, or a membership of one member and one dependent. Emeritus and August members do not receive complimentary Guest Passes.

In-House Summer Resident

Members may pay a $75 fee for an “in-house summer resident” to have club access for a period of 30 days. This pass may be extended for an additional 30 days with an additional payment of $75. The “in-house summer resident” pass is only available to an individual residing with the Club member during a period of time over the summer (e.g., family member on extended visit, etc.). For a link to purchase in-house summer passes, please email membership@arlingtonforestclub.org.

Babysitter Pass

Members may purchase a babysitter pass for someone hired to care for the member’s children on a regular basis. The babysitter can use the pool, tennis courts and facilities only while caring for a member’s child. If a member has more than one babysitter, a separate fee must be paid for each babysitter

Members should purchase babysitter passes along with the preseason payment of dues using the AFC Member Database. If a need for a babysitter pass should arise during the season, members may use the AFC Member Database to purchase a babysitter pass. Babysitter passes may require up to several days for processing and should be purchased at least several days in advance of the first anticipated use.

The Club offers two babysitter pass options: a full season babysitter pass and/or an Aug/Sept babysitter pass – valid from 8/1 through the last day of the season, or any fraction thereof. Babysitter passes can be purchased on the Member Website.

Non-member Escort of Dependent to Scheduled Lessons and Practices.

On a very occasional basis a dependent of a member may be escorted to a scheduled lesson or practice by a non-member escort who remains on the premises during the lesson or practice. Advance notification that a non-member escort will be escorting a dependent that does not meet the age requirements to a lesson or practice must be sent to membership@arlingtonforestclub.org. Non-member escorts will not be admitted to the club if advance notice is not provided. The member is responsible for ensuring that the non-member escort reviews and complies with the Arlington Forest Club Rules. The non-member escort will not be required to utilize an Guest Pass for their visit. The dependent and non-member escort may only remain on the premises for the duration of the scheduled lesson or practice. The non-member escort of a dependent provision should only be invoked in emergency or unusual situations (e.g., grandparent escorting a member’s child to a swim lesson when members are out of town for a brief time). If dependents are to be regularly escorted to the club by a non-member, the member must follow the procedure outlined in the babysitter provision.

Guests of Emeritus Members.

Emeritus members may use their accumulated guest visits and may purchase additional Guest Passes. Emeritus members may bring guests to the club subject to the same rules and procedures outlined above.

Communications

Registrations and Payments

Certificate holders, summer rental members, and emeritus members, must register for the season using the AFC Member Database. Payment of dues for 2021 using the AFC Member Database is due on or before May 1; after which a late fee of $50 will be charged. Summer rental members must pay dues by May 1.

Babysitter passes, tennis keys, team fees, lesson and event registration and fees are also handled using the AFC Member Database. All registrations are electronic, and all payments must be made electronically using a credit or debit card. Cash and paper checks are not accepted for any other AFC purchase.