ZeroW Geelong is a community first. We're a place where people of all backgrounds and experience levels train hard, push their limits, and lift each other up — literally and figuratively. This Code of Conduct exists to keep that culture intact. By using our facility, attending our events, or signing up for our coaching, you agree to follow it.
1. Our purpose
We're here to help people get strong in a safe, supportive, and well-equipped environment. Everyone in the building — members, guests, staff, and coaches — is expected to contribute to that environment.
2. Respect & inclusivity
- Treat every person in the gym with respect, regardless of age, gender, ability, body type, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, or experience level.
- Harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or unwanted contact will not be tolerated. This includes verbal abuse, slurs, persistent unwanted attention, and inappropriate comments about anyone's body or training.
- Don't offer unsolicited coaching or critique to other members. If someone asks for a spot or feedback, that's different — be helpful and respectful.
- If you see something that's not okay, say something — to staff, to the person involved if you feel safe, or via the channels listed in Section 11.
3. Equipment & safety
- Use equipment as it's designed to be used. If you're unsure, ask a coach or staff member.
- Always use clips/collars on barbells.
- Use a spotter or safety bars/pins for heavy bench, squat, and overhead work.
- Don't drop dumbbells or unloaded barbells. If you're maxing on deadlifts, controlled descents are encouraged.
- Return weights, bars, and accessories to their proper place after use. The next person shouldn't have to hunt for plates.
- Report damaged or unsafe equipment to staff immediately. Don't try to fix it yourself.
- Don't train through obvious injury without consulting a coach or qualified health professional. Modify or rest as needed.
4. Hygiene & cleanliness
- Wipe down equipment after use — benches, racks, machines, mats, anything you've touched or sweated on.
- Wear clean training gear and closed-toe athletic shoes (or appropriate lifting shoes/socks for deadlifts).
- Use deodorant. Manage the basics.
- Pick up your chalk and don't leave a cloud behind.
- Bathrooms and change rooms are shared spaces — leave them how you'd want to find them.
- If you're feeling unwell, train another day. Stay home if you have anything contagious.
5. Photography & filming
- Filming your own sets is fine. Be mindful of who else is in the frame.
- Do not photograph or film other members without their explicit consent.
- Do not post videos or photos of staff or other members on social media without their permission.
- No filming in change rooms, bathrooms, or any private area — ever.
6. 24/7 access etiquette
- Use your own access credentials. Do not share, lend, or duplicate access for non-members.
- Do not let anyone tailgate in behind you. If someone you don't recognise asks to come in, direct them to contact us directly.
- Make sure the door is fully closed and secured when you leave.
- If you notice anyone in the gym who shouldn't be there, contact us immediately.
- CCTV operates 24/7 for safety and security purposes.
7. Music, phones & noise
- Use headphones if you want to listen to your own music. The communal sound system stays as it is.
- Take phone calls outside the training floor. Quick replies and texts are fine.
- Big lifts get loud — that's powerlifting. Excessive theatrics, slamming weights for show, or yelling in a way that intimidates other members isn't.
8. Under-18s & guests
- Our gym memberships are for adults aged 18 and over.
- Minors may participate in coached sessions or sanctioned/novice events with a parent or guardian present and an appropriate waiver signed.
- Members may not bring guests in to train without prior arrangement with staff.
9. Drugs, alcohol & smoking
- No alcohol consumption inside the facility.
- No smoking or vaping inside or in the immediate doorway area.
- Do not train under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs — it's unsafe for you and everyone around you.
- Performance-enhancing drugs are a personal decision, but they are not permitted under tested federations (e.g. APL Tested). If you compete tested and we discover otherwise, we may decline to coach or sponsor your entry.
10. Coaching & staff
- Follow direction from staff and coaches at all times.
- Be on time for booked sessions. Late cancellations and no-shows may incur a fee or count as a missed session.
- If you have a concern about a coach or staff member, raise it directly or through the channels in Section 11.
11. Reporting concerns
If you experience or witness behaviour that violates this Code, or anything that feels unsafe or unwelcoming, please tell us. You can speak to any staff member in person, or email geelong@zerow.com.au. Reports are taken seriously and handled with discretion.
12. Breach & consequences
Where someone breaches this Code, we may, depending on the seriousness:
- Have a quiet conversation and ask them to adjust their behaviour;
- Issue a formal written warning;
- Suspend their access to the facility temporarily;
- Terminate their membership and revoke access permanently, with no refund;
- Refer the matter to law enforcement if a criminal act has occurred.
Decisions about consequences are made at the discretion of ZeroW Geelong management.