CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

WEIGHT LIFTING REGULATIONS

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Note- The passage of SBX1 22 in 1994 brought about the changes in Section 5010 of the California Penal Code. Among these changes were the requirement that the California Department of Corrections and the California Youth Authority develop regulations governing weight lifting in their institutions by July 1, 1995 considering several specific factors. The three resulting California Department of Corrections Regulations that most specifically address weight lifting (Participation, Safety, Weight Lifting) are below .




Subchapter 3. Inmate Activities

Article 2. Athletics and Recreational Programs

#3220. Athletic and Recreational Program Participation.

(a) Interested inmates shall be provided an equal opportunity to participate in constructive athletic and recreational programs under safe and secure conditions, consistent with the inmate's custodial classification, work/training assignment, privilege group and security requirements.

(b) The recreation program may operate seven days a week with specific program, gymnasium and/or yard schedules established by the institution head. Notices of tournaments and special events shall be posted in locations accessible to all inmates.

(c) Employees shall not participate in inmate contests except as a coach, instructor or official, unless authorized to do so by the institution head.

(d) Prizes and trophies may be purchased using inmate welfare funds and awarded to inmates participating in activities and contests.

(e) Competition between outside public teams and inmate teams may be permitted only within the facility and under the direct supervision of staff.

(f) Inmates may voluntarily participate only in those contests, games, and/or athletic activities which have been specifically authorized by the institution head or the institution head's designee.

Note: Authority cited: Section 5058, Penal Code. Reference Section 5010 and 5054, Penal Code.




#3220.1. Athletic Program Safety.

(a) Grudge fights, games, or other contests which involve unusual danger or potential for injury are prohibited.

(b) Inmates shall not be allowed to participate in the boxing program without written medical clearance.

(c) Martial arts may be practiced only with specific approval from the institution head and under the direct supervision of staff.

(d) Each facility that offers weight lifting shall utilize the departmentally approved safety orientation program utilizing various media (video, text, lecture) which encompasses techniques for the inmate's safe participation in the program and emphasizes the inmate's general health as a goal.

(e) Each institution will utilize the departmentally approved weight training competency exam designed to cover warm-up, flexibility training, weight lifting techniques, and cool-down. The test will be administered at least once every quarter to qualified inmates. A score of 70 percent or better will be required to participate in the weight lifting program.

Note: Authority cited: Section 5058, Penal Code. Reference Section 5010 and 5054, Penal Code.




#3220.2 Weight Lifting Programs.

(a) Participation in the recreation weight lifting program is both voluntary and a privilege. Only those qualified inmates in Privilege Groups A and B will be allowed to utilize weights and related equipment. Only inmates who are classified as being medically fit for full duty with no restrictions precluding them from lifting weights and who do not have a medical lay-in may participate. Exceptions are permitted only for therapeutic or rehabilitative reasons as specifically prescribed by a physician.

(b) Prior to the use of any weights, each inmate shall be responsible for completing the departmentally approved safety orientation program and weight training competency exam in the proper and safe use of weight equipment administered by the facility's recreation coordinator.

(c) The recreation coordinator shall document on a CDC Form 128-B, General Chrono, for placement in the inmate's central-file that the inmate has received the required orientation, was informed of the possibility of injury associated with weight lifting, and is participating at their own risk.

(d) An inmate's failure to comply with any regulations or safety instructions shall result in appropriate disciplinary action which may result in suspension and/or forfeiture of the privilege to participate in the program.

(e) No single barbell weight or individual weight lifting apparatus shall exceed 165 pounds, bar included. No single dumbbell weight shall exceed 75 pounds, bar included.

(f) The weight lifting yard may be open even days per week under normal programming conditions, with posted operating hours.

(g) Inmates are limited to one weight training session per day not to exceed one hour in duration.

Note: Authority cited: Section 5058, Penal Code. Reference Section 5010 and 5054, Penal Code.


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