Welcoming you back safely

To keep you safe, KAL will:

• Introduce one-way systems, change exit routes and have no-stopping zones to reduce congestion where needed
• Keep Spa area's closed 
• Keep Changing rooms closed (until our pools open).
• Lower the capacity in all activity areas to ensure social distancing can be maintained 
• Move some activities to different spaces to allow more room
• Reduce the amount of available equipment to ensure social distancing can be maintained and equipment effectively cleaned 
• Put up screens at reception
• Increase the frequency of cleaning generally and for touch points, such as door handles, in particular
• Require customers to clean equipment before and after use 
• Encourage customers to wash/sanitise their hands at our cleaning stations 
• Put up signage throughout our sites to remind everyone of the new rules 
• Ensure staff are trained to help reduce risks and help customers to follow the new rules
• Only provide a limited number of valuables lockers, so please come changed, ready to exercise and without a bag

Customer's must not attend any of our centres if:

• You are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 – i.e. you have a new continuous cough OR fever OR loss of/change in smell or taste
• You are in self-isolation or in the “shielded” category

Please can all customers:-

• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Dispose of the tissue in a bin and wash your hands
• Maintain social distancing at all times.
• Follow directional and instructional signage and one-way systems 
• Respect our staff and any decisions they make; anyone not doing so will be asked to leave the site and could have their membership removed/be asked not to return

Accessibility

Should you have any additional needs and need support accessing our facilities and / or are unsure how this guidance affects your ability to access our facilities, please contact our Customer Service Team on contact.centre@kal.org.uk where a member of our team will assist you further.

GYM - bookings will open 7 days before we reopen

• You must pre-book your entry time  to use our gyms via our app or via https://kalbookings.kirklees.gov.uk/Connect. If you are not sure how to do this, watch this short video. These will be in half hour slots and you can only enter during that half hour slot. KAL will not, initially, be enforcing a set length of stay and you can leave at any point
• You cannot use our gyms or classes without pre-booking your entry slot online or via our app prior to attending site – no walk in’s or bookings at site will be allowed
• If you arrive more than 10 minutes before the start time of your pre-booked activity, please wait outside, maintaining a safe distance from other customers, or in your car, as you will not be permitted early entry
• You can only book one activity per day – you cannot book to go from the gym to a class or attend back to back classes during our initial opening period
• We have placed certain pieces of equipment out of use to facilitate social distancing. Please do not attempt to use any equipment marked as being out of use
• Individual workout boxes have been marked out within our gyms and group exercise areas – please workout in your own box and keep strictly to one person per box
• Please clean all machines and items of equipment before and after you use them
• Water fountains will only be available to fill your own drinks bottle, please bring a bottle with you.
• Sweat towels will not be permitted for hygiene purposes – we will provide blue roll for customers. Please dispose of all blue roll used in the nearest bin.

Group Fitness Classes - bookings will open 7 days before we reopen

• You cannot use our classes without pre-booking your entry slot online at  https://kalbookings.kirklees.gov.uk/Connect or via our app.  No walk in’s or bookings at site will be allowed. Here is a short video demonstrating how to book via our app
• If you arrive more than 10 minutes before the start time of your pre-booked activity, please wait outside, maintaining a safe distance from other customers, or in your car, as you will not be permitted early entry
• You can only book one activity – you cannot book to go from the gym to a class or attend back to back classes during our initial opening period
• Sweat towels will not be permitted for hygiene purposes – we will provide blue roll for customers. Please dispose of all blue roll used in the nearest bin
• Class sizes will be reduced to allow for social distancing
• Our class schedule will be reduced to allow time to clean the area after each class 
• Some classes may be moved e.g. to our sports halls to allow for greater social distancing
• Mats will not be provided for classes; you must bring your own. Mats are available to purchase at www.vikingsports.co.uk/kal with a 10% discount to all KAL customers 
• Water fountains will only be available to fill your own drinks bottle, please bring a bottle with you.
• Please clean all items of equipment before and after you use them.

Please find our Group Fitness Timetables which start from 27th July 2020. We will continue to monitor customer demand and seek to add additional classes as and when we are able to do so. 

Swimming Lessons

We are currently working on when our swimming lesson program will resume and we will update you via email once we have finalised these details. However, please ensure you have an active Direct Debit to retain your place when we are back up and running.

By cancelling your Direct Debit, this removes your child from their swimming program and opens this place up to our waiting list. 

Pools

Please refer to our table on the main screen of which pools are available.

Swimming Guidance

• In line with government and Swim England guidance, KAL have introduced a number of measures to make sure your experience of using our swimming pools is a safe and a positive one
• Alongside introducing these measures we will initially be operating a limited swimming pool program with reduced capacities for session
• Please, therefore, be considerate about use of your local KAL site and only book the activity sessions that you will be able to attend. Please also be patient with KAL and our staff as the measures we have introduced are new and are subject to change as government guidance evolves
• To use our swimming pools for length or public swimming, you must please pre-book your swimming time via our app or online at https://kalbookings.kirklees.gov.uk/Connect 
• Your slot will last one hour from the start time and you should leave the pool area at the end of this time
• Our timetables will be available soon.
• You can book 7 days in advance for length swimming or public swimming. However, we kindly request that you only book for sessions that you can attend to try to ensure all customers have an opportunity to book a session. Please also remember to cancel any sessions you can’t then attend, giving 24 hours notice wherever possible to enable another customer to take your place
• You cannot use our swimming pools without pre-booking via our app or online – no walk in’s or bookings at site will be allowed
• If you arrive more than 10 minutes before the start time of your pre-booked activity, please wait outside, maintaining a safe distance from other customers, or in your car, as you will not be permitted early entry
• We request that all customers remove their outdoor footwear at the designated point in the changing rooms
• Our aim is to minimise the time customers spend in the changing areas. Changing rooms will be available but you should arrive “ready to swim” - with your swimwear under your outdoor clothing. This allows us to manage the number of customers in changing rooms and maintain social distancing
• We have placed directional signage around the changing and pool areas to help encourage customers maintain social distancing.
• Our staff will be cleaning the changing areas on a regular basis, however we ask that you clean your changing cubicle and locker before and after use. We have located sanitiser stations throughout that changing areas for you to make use of.
• The number of showers available will be limited - customers are asked to shower pre and post swimming pool usage at home wherever possible - you are able to use changing areas to dry after swimming.
• Please bring a £1 coin with you for lockers as our centres will be operating as cash less operations when we reopen so change will not be available.
• If you have any additional access requirements in relation to our swimming pools or changing rooms - please email our contact centre who will assist you further.
• KAL Swimming admissions policy applies.
• Anyone under 16yrs must be accompanied in the session by an adult or be the parent/guardian.

Length Swimming Etiquette

• Always attempt to maintain an appropriate social distance between yourself and another swimmer.
• Please follow the pool and lane directional signage at all times
• People of different standards and abilities will use the pool. Please respect their right to enjoy their swim
• If you change to a slower stroke as part of your session, please think about moving lanes
• Choose your lane using the fast, medium and slow signs and by watching those already swimming
• Please do not overtake whilst swimming
• Before pushing off at each turn, check to see if anyone faster is approaching
• Whether stopping for a rest or catching your breath after completing your swim, please be mindful that others using the lane will want to keep on swimming without stopping; so please keep to the edge of the lane allowing others to turn at the wall, turning your head away
• Lifeguards may request that you move lanes to maintain the capacity in each lane; please be respectful to the lifeguards throughout the session.
• Stay hydrated by bringing your own ‘pre-filled’ water bottle on to poolside during your swim
• Initially we will be operating a ‘double lane’ arrangement in all pools to provide more space between swimmers – with fast, medium and slow lanes and with a maximum of 10 swimmers per double lane. The number and speed of lanes will be dependent on the pool size and our local teams will make the best decision for our users. If you are asked to move lanes by a member of staff, please do so without conflict as this is only for everyone’s safety and enjoyment
• Customers are permitted to bring a kick board to the sessions; no other equipment will be permitted
• Please leave the sessions promptly at the end of your allocated time (1hr).

Public Swimming

• Please ensure you adhere to social distancing at all times – please keep your distance from those outside your household
• Pool toys / inflatables will not be permitted.

Sports -  currently remain closed.

(This includes Badminton, Tennis, Football Pitches, Gymnastics, Squash and the Running Track)

KAL will keep all areas and activities under review and, in line with available government and national governing body of sport (NGB) guidance, seek to add additional activities and products to our reopening plans when it is safe and we have the capacity to do so. We will keep customers updated as and when we have further details.

Spenborough Running Track 

Spenbrough Athletic Club are running club nights as from Monday 27th July 2020 but only for pre booked adult members by invitation only. For further information please refer to their website:- https://www.spenac.co.uk/

Clubs - currently remain closed

If any clubs require further support or guidance about ‘return to play’ or making sure their activity is able to comply with the latest guidance the following support is available.

We have a number of sources of support available:

Visit www.yorkshiresport.org/sector-support to find advice for organisations, clubs and individuals.  Call their hotline on 0330 20 20 280.

We have been working with London Sport to collate a summary of the sport specific guidance published by NGBs regarding covid-19, specifically in relation to the re-introduction and return to sport and physical activity in England. https://londonsport.org/covid-19/return-to-sport-and-physical-activity-guidance/ This page is currently updated weekly.

Family Attractions

All our Family Attractions including Splash Park, Dare 2 Air, TAG X, The Reef and Stompers will remain closed for now.

We will continue to review these products and will communicate with customers as soon as we have further updates.

CENTRE INFORMATION

Do I need to wear a mask?

Wearing a mask is not mandatory. However, if you feel more comfortable then that is your choice.

What areas in centres are remaining closed and when will they reopen?

If you refer to the front page of our website we have produced a table detailing which of our products are open, part open or closed.

We will continue to keep all products under review and update this table as soon as we have further updates.

Why is my Home centre not reopening at the moment?

We understand some customers may be disappointed that their local site is not opening in our first phases. However we have carefully reviewed our sites and our initial reopening plans are based on those sites where we can safely accommodate the largest number of customers whilst achieving social distancing.  We have also taken into account where alternative spaces such as sports halls are available to allow us deliver classes in larger areas to assist with social distancing.

We will continue to keep all of our facilities under review in line with guidance and seek to open additional facilities when it is safe and practical to do so.

I have realised that my email or mobile phone number is not correct – how can I update it?

Please email our Customer Service Team on  contact.centre@kal.org.uk with your new details and we will update your record. It is very important that you keep your details up to date as we will always communicate with you via email

I am not a plus member but can I use The Stadium whilst some of your sites are closed ?

Only members with a KAL Plus membership are able to use the Stadium Health and Fitness Club, however you can use Huddersfield Leisure centre, Dewsbury Sport Centre & Batley Sports and Tennis Centre. Additionally on 17th August we will also be opening Lockwood Fitness Centre, Colne Valley Leisure Centre and Scissett Baths. However if you would like to permanently upgrade to our Plus membership please email our Customer Service Team on contact.centre@kal.org.uk

Are the Spa areas open ?

At the moment our Spa areas will remain closed until we feel it is safe to open them.

GYM

How do I book to use the gym?

All customers must pre-book an entry slot to use the gym.  Entry slots are 30 minutes long and you must enter the gym during your designated slot, you can then stay in the gym for as long as you wish.

You can book your slot either by clicking on the gym bookings icon on our app or via https://kalbookings.kirklees.gov.uk/Connect.

Can I book my class or gym session at the centre or over the phone?

During the initial reopening phase, you will not be able to book your entry slot over the phone or in site.

However,  should you have any additional needs and need support accessing our facilities please contact our Customer Service Team on contact.centre@kal.org.uk where a member of our team will assist you further.

How many days in advance can I book ?

You can book 7 days in advance. However , we kindly request that you only book for sessions that you can attend to ensure all customer's have an opportunity to book a session. Please also remember to try to cancel any sessions giving 24 hours where possible to enable another customer to take your place. 

Why can't I book  a back to back class or Gym & Class ?

During our initial opening phases, we are not permitting back to back classes or back to back gym / class.  This is to assist with managing access routes, capacities and ensuring we can offer activity to as many individual members as possible.

All users should exit the building promptly via the designated exit route after their initial activity, any users attempt to avoid this and access another class should be encouraged to leave after their initial activity.

Has the way I previously booked a class changed

All classes must be pre-booked and you can book your class online at https://kalbookings.kirklees.gov.uk/Connect or via our app as normal.  During our initial reopening phases we will not be accepting bookings over the phone or at site.

I cant remember my pin/password for the app or have never logged on before?

No problem, you just need to go onto my bookings in the app, it will then take you to a log in page, once there you will see, forgotten my password. Click that and it will ask for your ID number. Once submitted you will receive an email with a link in to reset your password. Your ID is not your card no, if you dont have your  member ID number please email us. You create and reset your PIN in the same way, here is a short video showing you how to do that.

Why is a certain piece of equipment, accessory or floor mat out of use / not in the gym ?

To ensure social distancing is maintained and to assist in keeping equipment clean, we have placed a number of pieces of equipment out of use as well as removing some accessories and floor mats.  We will continue to review guidance and our equipment layouts and amend equipment availability when it is safe to do so.

When can I resume my Personal Training sessions?

Personal training sessions will not be available initially.  We are currently reviewing our procedures around personal training and will update customers as soon as we are able.

I have paid up front for my Personal Training sessions what should I do?

Please don't worry we will extend the expiry date on all unused sessions. However, If you have any further queries, please email our Customer Service Team on contact.centre@kal.org.uk

GROUP EXERCISE

Why is Spinning not available at all sites ?

Unfortunately the size of our cycle studios make achieving social distancing for a reasonable size class difficult. At Huddersfield Leisure Centre, we have been able to move the studio cycle classes to a larger location to enable us to keep the class on the timetable. At present we have not been able to move studio cycle classes at Dewsbury Sports Centre and Stadium Fitness Complex, however we aiming exploring virtual solutions so we are able to provide some studio cycling provision at these sites - and will update customer on this as soon as we can.

Why is my favourite class not on the initial reopening timetable?

Due to reduced capacity we have created timetables that are both varied & cover our most popular classes. We know that means some people's favorites won't be on there yet, but these will be reviewed regularly

Why is Aqua-fit not on the timetable?

Unfortunately Aqua-fit will not be part of our initial limited swimming program.  Social distancing guidelines and changing capacities, make it difficult for us to currently include aqua-fit practically.  We are continually reviewing guidelines and will seek to add aqua-fit to the program when we are able

MEMBERSHIP

Can I leave my membership frozen if I don’t feel ready to come back yet?

We appreciate that not everyone will want to return straight away so all members will have the option of extending their membership freeze by up to 3 months. 

Direct Debit members need to log into https://www.debitfinance.co.uk/payments/login.php ,by 24th July selecting if they wish to extend their freeze period by 1,2 or 3 months ( This portal will be open from Tuesday 14th July)

Annual members need to email contact.centre@kal.org.uk by 24th July stating if they wish to extend their freeze period by 1,2 or 3 months. 

Please do not email us if you wish for your membership to be reinstated on our opening date, we will do this automatically. 

If you wish to remain frozen, please remember one of the most important things we can all do to look after ourselves is to carry on exercising. Therefore, KAL will continue to provide daily workouts and Wellbeing advice via our Facebook pages

I have an annual membership paid for in advance what is happening with that?

Your annual date will automatically be extended from our closure date of 21st March (11 days for March) to 27th July (our re-opening date). However,  if you choose to extend your freeze period your membership will be additionally extended by either 1 or 2 or 3 months (depending how many months you choose to extend your freeze period by)  

I would like to extend my freeze date by a date not specified in your re-opening plan.

Unfortunately, due to the number of member requests, we are unable to deal with individual requirements at this time – we have aimed to provide a selection of dates to give members as much flexibility as we can.

I owe money for my membership - how do I make that payment?

Please contact DFC on 01908 422007 to make this payment as soon as possible.

Can I cancel my annual membership now and get a refund on the balance?

All annual memberships will be extended by the period we are closed and you also have the option to freeze for up to a further 3 months.  Should you wish to discuss your membership further please email our Customer Service Team on contact.centre@kal.org.uk

I have a contract membership will my contract date be automatically extended?

All contract memberships require members to make a minimum of 12 payments. Any period of non-payment or freeze does not count towards your number of contracted payments. If you have cancelled your Direct Debit in error, please email our Customer Service Team on contact.centre@kal.og.uk requesting that your Direct Debit is reinstated.

I don’t want to continue with my membership how do I cancel?

We are sorry to hear that you have decided you no longer wish to remain a member with KAL. Providing you are still not in your contracted period you just need to email us on contact.centre@kal.org.uk. However please bear in mind you have the option to freeze your membership for up to an additional 3 months free of charge. All we ask is that you leave an active Direct Debit on your account.

I am a Deighton solo member and the site is closed - what happens ?

We have amended your access so you can use HLC until we are able to open Deighton.

SWIMMING

What swimming will be available in phase 2? 

Initially we will be operating a limited swimming program. We will provide further details of this program to customers as soon as we are able.

Will the changing rooms be open when Swimming resumes?

During phase 1 the changing rooms will remain closed, however as we move into Phase 2 and our swimming pools open we will clarity how the changing facility will work in our Swimming Guidance document (this should be issued w/c 20th July).

Will my children still be enrolled in their usual swimming, same day and time, when the site reopens?

We are currently working on when our swimming program will resume, however, please ensure you keep an active Direct Debit to retain your child’s place on our swimming program.  By cancelling your Direct Debit, this removes your child from their swimming program and opens this place up to our waiting list

We will provide an update on how our swimming program will re-start as soon as we can.

GENERAL

I paid for products and services before the centres closed how are you going to reimburse me?

For all prepaid products and services that haven’t been used,  KAL will extend the expiry date of your sessions/prepaid products depending on the date your “home” facility reopens.

Are guests or Flexi Card holders allowed to pay and use the facilities?

Yes, they are but they must pre book via our app and prepay. Customers will not be able to book and pay at site or on the phone.

I have another question

Please email our Customer Service Team on contact.centre@kal.org.uk who will be happy to assist you.

Finally ....Can we do anything as Customers

Yes, our staff can’t wait to welcome you back, but things are also very different for them too. So we please ask that you are patient and respect that these procedures are also new to our staff. They may make some mistakes or take a little longer than normal but they are trying their best in difficult circumstances.

Accessibility

Should you have any additional needs and need support accessing our facilities and / or are unsure how this guidance affects your ability to access our facilities, please contact our Customer Service Team on contact.centre@kal.org.uk where a member of our team will assist you further.

A+1 Scheme

If you are a holder of a Kirkless Passport with the  A +1 benefit then you will able to bring your registered carer with you. You should book your session as normal and your carer may then accompany you on your visit. Please ensure you bring your passport with your A+1 benefit with you when you visit. 

If you need any help booking a session, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team on contact.centre@kal.org.uk