Policies
Assisted Stretching
At The Steadward Centre, some of our participants will request something called “Assisted Stretching” as a service.
Assisted Stretching is when the stretch (and stretching force) is applied by someone other than the participant themselves.
Assisted Stretching is only available to participants who participate in 1:1 sessions directly with a TSC staff member. It IS NOT available in any other kinds of programming.
Balloon-Free
FES Bike Usage
FES bikes are to be used according to manufacturer directions only. This includes keeping the bike clear of debris and weighted objects such as dumbbells and weight plates.
FES Electrodes
For the safety of our FES participants, FES electrodes will expire within 4 months of being opened. TSC Staff reserve the right to pull electrodes out of service before this if they feel that the electrodes need to be changed out. Signs to change out electrodes include, but are not limited to, yellow discoloration of the sticky side, loss of ability to stick to the skin, and “clumping” of the sticky side material. These are signs an electrode is expired and skin burns are more likely while using FES.
Helmet Use
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Bikes
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Standing Scooters
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Skateboards
Helmet use is encouraged in other situations at the discretion of the TSC staff member or at the request of a parent or guardian. We have several helmets available for use onsite. Participants are welcome to bring their own helmets as well.
Nut-Free
The Steadward Centre has a nut-free policy for our main gym (1-645 VVC), fitness studio (1-635H VVC), gymnasium (1-620 VVC), and activity space (1-630 VVC).
This policy includes all tree nuts, all other varieties of nuts and any food products containing the before-mentioned types of nuts. To help us maintain a nut-free environment in our main gym space, we have the following controls in place:
- Clear signage at entrance of TSC controlled spaces (1-645 VVC, 1-635H VVC, 1-620 VVC, 1-630 VVC) that requests people assist with keeping the space nut-free
- Training of staff around policy, specifically in onboarding materials
- Staff instructed to engage with and educate anyone observed to be bringing nuts or products containing nuts into the main gym space or any other programming spaces
- A sub-policy around external food in main gym area or any other programming spaces, that directs external food to be made available to TSC community members in common gathering areas (e.g., hallway), but outside of TSC programming spaces (please refer to sub-policy at the end of this section)
Note: Through these measures, we encourage everyone to support a nut-free space but we cannot guarantee the space is nut-free at all times.
External Food
The external food policy is designed to keep external food out of the main gym space or any other programming spaces. The rationale is if external food is kept outside the space, it removes the scenario of someone bringing in food to the main gym area or any other programming spaces they may not know contains nuts. To facilitate this policy, there is a folding table in the storage room that can be taken out and set up in the hallway common area. Please ask TSC staff for assistance.
Personal Care at TSC
A TSC staff member or volunteer DOES NOT ASSIST with washroom use, changing, feeding, or other personal care tasks. A TSC staff member or volunteer may assist with routine tasks, such as help with a jacket or a bag/backpack.
TSC encourages individuals who may require personal care assistance during their visit to TSC to bring an aide, caregiver, or similar to provide assistance as needed.
For summer camp experiences (half day or full day), summer camp counselors DO NOT ASSIST with washroom use, changing, feeding, or other personal care tasks. An aide, caregiver, or similar is required if these are support needs for the participating child. If an aide, caregiver, or similar is not available to support the child’s attendance at summer camp, please contact infotsc@ualberta.ca for information on potential summer camp aide support from local charitable agencies.
Safe Sport
The Steadward Centre believes that everyone in sport has the right to enjoy sport at whatever level or position they participate. Athletes, coaches, officials, classifiers and volunteers have the right to participate in a safe and inclusive training and competitive environment that is free of abuse, harassment or discrimination.
The Steadward Centre believes the welfare of everyone involved in sport is a foremost consideration and, in particular, the protection of children/athletes in the sport is the responsibility of each individual and member in the Para sport community.
The Steadward Centre is developing a Safe Sport framework that will put into place processes, procedures and policies to help create a safe environment for all participants.
Resources
U of A Incident Report Form
Abuse-Free Sport Helpline
Provides free, anonymous, and confidential support to all Canadians, regardless of participation in a signatory organization, and remains a critical resource for addressing maltreatment in sport. To make a report, call 1-866-971-2777
Sport Integrity Canada
Formerly the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) Sport Integrity Canada is an independent, national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting and promoting integrity in Canadian sport.
Respect in Sport
Respect Group’s passion is to create a global culture of respect and the prevention of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination.
Safe Sport Training
The Safe Sport Training module developed by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) will help anyone involved in sport identify and prevent situations of maltreatment.
Scent-Free
We encourage everyone in our TSC spaces to avoid the use of perfume, cologne, and other heavy scents. This is done in consideration of allergies and scent sensitivities of others.
Sick Policy for TSC Participants
If participants are feeling unwell, we strongly encourage them to stay home and away from the centre until their symptoms decrease back to their typical baseline. Feeling unwell may include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
By staying at home, participants not only protect the collective health of our TSC Community of Participants, Volunteers, Students, and Staff but they will also promote a quicker recovery for themselves.
Registration Policies
Payment
Payment Policy
Payment or an official payment plan is due when registration is processed. Please note that for 1:1 sessions, fitness assessments and FES assessments, these must be paid for prior to finalizing a booking day/time.
Payment Plans
Payment plans are available upon request. These must be officially set up with Customer Service and must include a payment method on file (card or EFT). For further information, please connect with the Customer Service team at activityreg@ualberta.ca or 780-492-2231.
Cancellation, Refunds and Withdrawal
Program Cancellation Policy
Participants have the flexibility to cancel a program at any time. To cancel a registration, please contact infotsc@ualberta.ca or 780-492-8339.
Program Withdrawal Policy
- Participants may withdraw from a program at any time.
- If participants withdraw prior to the start date of a program a full credit or refund can be issued.
*Refunds or credits will not be issued for parking passes.
**Please note that it may take up to 10 weeks to process refunds.
Subsidized Funding
At The Steadward Centre (TSC), accessibility is a core value. To enhance access to our programs, participants can automatically qualify for reduced program registration rates in the Access program and the Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) program.
To qualify, one of the following must be true for a participant:
- AISH recipient
OR
b. You must have an annual income of $22,000 or less.
Please note that to take advantage of these reduced rates, participants must declare this to TSC so we can make a note in our registration software. If participants do not contact us before registering, they will be charged the regular rate. If their situation changes and they no longer fit the criteria for the subsidized rate, we ask them to inform us so we can update their file.
Please note that 1:1 sessions and PALS programming are not eligible for subsidized rates.
If participants are involved in other programs at TSC and would like to inquire about subsidized rates, please email infotsc@ualberta.ca or phone 780-492-8339. They may be eligible for a subsidized rate if they meet the above criteria.
Tensor Wrap
At The Steadward Centre, some of our participants require the use of tensor wraps to assist with exercises (e.g., a hand wrap, etc.).
Participants that use tensor wraps within their typical programming, are required to provide their own tensor wrap. We DO NOT have communal tensor wraps available for use.
Tensor wraps can be purchased at Facility Services (VVC 1-241) in the Van Vliet Complex.
Transfers
Staff and volunteers of The Steadward Centre do not provide transfers to and/or from equipment. TSC encourages individuals who may require transfers during their visit to TSC to bring an aide, caregiver, or similar to provide assistance as needed.
At The Steadward Centre, we have prioritized purchasing pieces of equipment that are adaptable to accommodate the needs of our broad population. These adaptable pieces of equipment are noticeable with their yellow knobs, that allow for adjustment (typically seat placement). This equipment reduces the need for transfers, as participants can complete exercises from their mobility devices.
Verbal Bullying
With our commitment to safe and respectful spaces, The Steadward Centre has zero tolerance for verbal bullying.
Verbal bullying by participants, staff, volunteers, and caregivers may result in consequences; this could include suspension from participation in TSC programs.
This policy aligns with the TSC Code of Conduct that is agreed upon by all staff, volunteers, and participants (beginning in September, 2025).
Please email Scott Forrester at tscmanager@ualberta.ca if you have questions about our policies.