SOP_NUMBER: 502.01
TITLE: Recreation Services - Recreation Administration
REFERENCE_CODE: VE01-0001
DIVISION: Inmate Services Division (Office of Reentry Services)
TOPIC_AREA: 502 Policy-Recreation Services
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2022-04-07
WORD_COUNT: 2965
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/122607
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/502.01/

SUMMARY:
This policy establishes the requirements for Georgia Department of Corrections facilities to provide comprehensive recreation programs for all offenders, including athletic, leisure, and cultural activities. The policy mandates a minimum of seven hours per week of organized recreation (at least one hour daily), ensures equal access for disabled offenders with reasonable accommodations, and requires recreation programs to be conducted throughout the week and weekends. The policy applies to all GDC-operated facilities and covers recreation director roles, program activities, equipment maintenance, community participation, and facility space requirements.

KEY_TOPICS: recreation program, exercise yard, offender recreation, sports activities, fitness, leisure activities, athletic programs, disabled offender accommodations, ADA compliance, recreation director, recreation supervisor, prison recreation, cultural activities, sports tournaments, at-risk offenders, recreation aide, indoor recreation, outdoor exercise, community participation

ATTACHMENTS:
  1. Georgia Department of Corrections Recreation Equipment Master Inventory Sheet
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/502.01-att-1/
  2. Recreation Aide Job Description & Responsibilities
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/502.01-att-2/
  3. Attachment 3 - Monthly Recreation Report
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/502.01-att-3/
  4. Recreation Aide Work Sign-In Sheet
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/502.01-att-4/
  5. Recreation Services - Orientation Presentation Template
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/502.01-att-5/
  6. Leisure Activity Survey
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/502.01-att-6/
  7. Weekly Safety and Sanitation Inspection Form
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/502.01-att-7/
  8. Recreation Maintenance Work Request
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/502.01-att-8/
  9. Georgia Department of Corrections Recreation Program Visiting Volunteer Waiver of Liability
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/502.01-att-9/

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FULL TEXT:
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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|
|**Policy Number:** 502.01|**Effective Date:** 4/7/2022|**Page Number:** 1 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner <br>|**Originating Division:**<br>Inmate Services Division<br>(Office of Reentry Services)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|


**I.** **Introduction and Summary:**

All Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) facilities shall provide a
comprehensive Recreation Program that includes leisure time activities and outside
exercise. It is the policy of GDC to provide written procedures governing the
implementation and operation of a Recreation Program for offenders assigned to all
facilities that GDC oversees. GDC facilities will provide recreation activities
appropriate to the needs of the offenders, juveniles, and residents of all custody levels.

**II.** **Authority:**

A. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 125-4-6-.01 and 125-4-6.02; and

B. ACA Standards: 2CO-5C-01, 5ACI-4A-2, 5ACI-2E-01, 5ACI-4A-27, 5ACI-7C
02, 5ACI-7C-01, 5ACI-7C-04, 5ACI-7C-03, 5ACI-7C-05, 5ACI-7C-06, 4-ALDF5A-01, 4-ALDF-5C-02, 4-ALDF-7F-03, and 4-ACRS-5A-21.

**III.** **Definitions:**

A. **Recreation Director**    - Full-time employee who oversees and operates institutional

Recreation Programs.

B. **Recreation Supervisor**    - A full-time employee who works under the leadership

of a Recreation Director.

C. **Recreation Program**    - A program designed to meet the physical, emotional,

leisure, and therapeutic needs of the offender population. These programs will also
be designed to decrease idleness and promote pro-social behaviors through
activities which are organized year-round.

D. **At-Risk Offender**    - An offender who has been referred by institutional staff

because he or she is reluctant to participate in the Recreational Program activities
because he or she is overweight, has a negative attitude towards physical fitness or
exercise programs, or who is mentally, physically, or emotionally disabled.






|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|
|**Policy Number:** 502.01|**Effective Date:** 4/7/2022|**Page Number:** 2 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner <br>|**Originating Division:**<br>Inmate Services Division<br>(Office of Reentry Services)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



**Recreation Aide**      - Selected offenders who are permitted to assist GDC staff in the
delivery of the Recreation Programs.

**IV.** **Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:**

A. Recreation Program:


1. The Recreation Program will include athletic, leisure, and cultural activities.

The program will stimulate a wide range of interests for the athletic, nonathletic, and special needs population through such activities as music, drama,
art, writing, handcrafts, movies, and sports.

2. Any facility or center that houses disabled offenders will offer equal access to

programs for these offenders. Reasonable accommodation must be made to
include them in all recreational opportunities. Examples of modifications that
might need to be made to accomplish equal opportunity are:


a. Providing a sign language interpreter for the hearing impaired;


b. Providing accessible paths to recreation yards;


c. Installing ramps where steps or elevations must be negotiated;


d. Installing off-set hinges to widen doorways; and


e. Repositioning shelves, etc.

Accommodations requiring physical modifications to facilities should be
coordinated through the Engineering and Construction Services (ECS) and
Statewide ADA Coordinator.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|
|**Policy Number:** 502.01|**Effective Date:** 4/7/2022|**Page Number:** 3 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner <br>|**Originating Division:**<br>Inmate Services Division<br>(Office of Reentry Services)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



3. Recreation must be conducted throughout the week and on weekends. A

minimum of seven (7) hours per week, one (1) hour per day, will be
programmed for the general offender population for exercise, preferably
outdoors. Indoor activities may be substituted during periods of inclement
weather.

4.  The Recreation Director will ensure that a plan is in place to include activities

initiated by offenders in the Recreation Program. (i.e., leisure interest survey,
offender advisory council).

5.  Examples of Recreation Program activities are:


a. Facility-sponsored exercise, weight-loss competitions;

b. Educational seminars, tobacco-cessation programs, health screenings;


c. Individual/ team sports, tournaments;


d. Art classes, reading, puzzles;


e. Softball, soccer, basketball;


f. Ping pong;


g. Movies; and


h. Card games and table games, etc.


6.  Activities will be designed to attract offender participation regardless of

culture, race, gender or disability.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|
|**Policy Number:** 502.01|**Effective Date:** 4/7/2022|**Page Number:** 4 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner <br>|**Originating Division:**<br>Inmate Services Division<br>(Office of Reentry Services)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



7. The Recreation Program and equipment will be suitable for all activities that

the Recreation Program implements for the population it serves and be
maintained in good working condition.

8. Sports are played in season, with emphasis on abiding by the rules of various

organizations, slightly modified for purposes of offender safety and prison
security. Flag football is an approved football activity for the offender
population.

9.  The Recreation Program will encourage community interaction through various

activities. Community leaders, athletes, etc. are invited to speak and participate
in various activities. The appropriate waiver of liability (Attachment 9) will be
obtained prior to a community team participating in a sport with GDC
offenders.

10. Recreation Program activities will be scheduled to allow maximum offender

participation.

11. The Recreation Program schedule of current activities and events will be

posted in the recreation office, kitchen, library and on offender bulletin boards
in each housing unit.

12. Hours will be extended if possible, during daylight savings time. The

Recreation Director will notify the offender population of changes in hours
during off duty hours, weekends, and holidays.

13. Offenders will be required to provide their offender ID badge to the Recreation

Director or designee to use recreation equipment.

[14. The minimum space requirements for exercise areas are as follows:](javascript:standardsMaster.SelectTreeNode(3505413);)


a. [Outdoor exercise areas in facilities where 100 or more offenders utilize one](javascript:standardsMaster.SelectTreeNode(3507074);)

[recreation area: 15 square feet per offender for the maximum number of](javascript:standardsMaster.SelectTreeNode(3504972);)


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|
|**Policy Number:** 502.01|**Effective Date:** 4/7/2022|**Page Number:** 5 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner <br>|**Originating Division:**<br>Inmate Services Division<br>(Office of Reentry Services)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



offenders expected to use the space at one time, but not less than 1,500
[square feet of unencumbered space;](javascript:standardsMaster.SelectTreeNode(3505188);)

b. [Outdoor exercise areas in facilities where less than 100 offenders utilize](javascript:standardsMaster.SelectTreeNode(3507074);)

[one recreation area: 15 square feet per offender for the maximum number](javascript:standardsMaster.SelectTreeNode(3504972);)
of offenders expected to use the space at one time, but not less than 750
[square feet of unencumbered space;](javascript:standardsMaster.SelectTreeNode(3505188);)

c. [Covered/enclosed exercise areas in facilities where 100 or more offenders](javascript:standardsMaster.SelectTreeNode(3507074);)

[utilize one recreation area: 15 square feet per offender for the maximum](javascript:standardsMaster.SelectTreeNode(3504972);)
number of offenders expected to use the space at one time, with a minimum
ceiling height of 18 feet, but not less than 1,000 square feet
[of unencumbered space; and](javascript:standardsMaster.SelectTreeNode(3505188);)

d. [Covered/enclosed exercise areas in facilities where less than 100 offenders](javascript:standardsMaster.SelectTreeNode(3507074);)

[utilize one recreation area: 15 square feet per offender for the maximum](javascript:standardsMaster.SelectTreeNode(3504972);)
number of offenders expected to use the space at one time, with a minimum
[ceiling height of 18 feet, but not less than 500 square feet of unencumbered](javascript:standardsMaster.SelectTreeNode(3505188);)
space.

B. Recreation Director Duties are outlined as follows:


1. The Recreation Director is a full-time employee who is responsible for overall

supervision of the Recreation Program.

2. Each state facility, excluding TCs, ITFs and PDCs will employ a full-time,

qualified Recreation Director to supervise the Recreation Program and will
assign enough offender Recreation Aides to implement a comprehensive
Recreation Program. Recreation Aides will sign Attachment 4, Recreation
Aide Sign-In Sheet anytime they assist with the recreation program.

3. The Recreation Director will make appropriate offender recreational supply

and equipment requests, create start-up supply and equipment requests for new


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|
|**Policy Number:** 502.01|**Effective Date:** 4/7/2022|**Page Number:** 6 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner <br>|**Originating Division:**<br>Inmate Services Division<br>(Office of Reentry Services)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



facilities, process requests, and manage expenditures by completing and
[submitting the offender benefit request form through their chain of command.](javascript:standardsMaster.SelectTreeNode(3504972);)

4. The Recreation Director will be responsible for developing and updating a

recreation schedule; to include recreation for juvenile offenders and offenders
of all custody levels. The schedule will be approved by the Deputy Warden of
Care and Treatment (DWCT) and the Warden.

5. The Recreation Director will maintain regular contact with the offender

population to assess their interests and changing recreational needs, in response
to which he/she shall formulate or revise the Recreational Program.


a. Proposals for program changes or development shall be submitted to the

DWCT who is responsible for review, evaluation, and recommendation.

b. Prior to implementation, recommendations from the DWCT must be sent

to the Warden for final approval.

6. The Recreation Director will maximize appropriate offender involvement in

the following Recreation Programs:


a. Team or Individual Sports and Activities;

b. Quiet games; and

c. Spectator Opportunities.


7. The Recreation Director will ensure that equipment used in the Recreation

Program is suitable and available in proportion to the offender population and
maintained in good condition. He or she also will maintain Attachment 1,
Equipment Inventory Sheet to document the inspection of recreation
equipment, jogging areas, and hobby-craft equipment (grinders, saws, lathes,
etc.). Such forms will include:


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|
|**Policy Number:** 502.01|**Effective Date:** 4/7/2022|**Page Number:** 7 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner <br>|**Originating Division:**<br>Inmate Services Division<br>(Office of Reentry Services)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



a. A list of equipment;


b. Date inspected;


c. Findings; and


d. Any corrective action taken.


8. The Recreation Director will provide appropriate activities for all offender

custody levels.

9. Along with medical personnel, the Recreation Director will ensure offenders

have proper medical clearance to participate in the recreational programs.

10. Along with existing Admission and Orientation program and classification

chair, the Recreation Director will coordinate the Recreation Program portion
of orientation (Attachment 5, Orientation Presentation Template).


a. The orientation will outline the Recreation Program, to include program

offerings, times and locations, and directions on how to access the services.

b. The Recreation Director will develop and provide a presentation for the

Admission and Orientation program that encourages participation in
physical and/or leisure activities and explains consequences such as
suspensions from programs that can result from offender behavior that
violates established rules.

c. Staff will ensure offenders are aware of program rules before beginning the

program.

d. When applicable, suspensions will be made in progressive increments for

repeated violations.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|
|**Policy Number:** 502.01|**Effective Date:** 4/7/2022|**Page Number:** 8 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner <br>|**Originating Division:**<br>Inmate Services Division<br>(Office of Reentry Services)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



11. The Recreation Director will recruit, select, train, and utilize offenders as

Recreation Aides in the capacity of assistant coaches, administrative clerks,
equipment clerks, equipment maintenance and grounds maintenance
personnel, and as officials in games and contests. Written job descriptions for
Recreation Aides are to be on file and available to offenders assigned to these
positions. (Attachment 2, Recreation Aide Job Description and
Responsibilities)

12. The Recreation Director will conduct a survey of the offender population on

an annual basis to assess interest level for various sports activities (Attachment
6, Leisure Activity Survey).

13. The Recreation Director will provide for activities that are initiated by

offenders and carried out under staff supervision. Whenever possible, this
survey will be utilized to develop the program for the following year.

14. The Recreation Director will create and maintain the following program

records:

a. Post a monthly Recreation Program activity schedule in recreation

departments and housing units. The Recreation Director is to retain these
activity schedules for three years. This is to include activities for juvenile
offenders and residents of all custody levels (Attachment 3, Monthly
Recreation Report).

b. Complete a quarterly narrative report to include:


i. Summary of any innovative programs;

ii. An explanation of any deviations from the monthly activity schedule;

and

iii. Any areas of concern.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|
|**Policy Number:** 502.01|**Effective Date:** 4/7/2022|**Page Number:** 9 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner <br>|**Originating Division:**<br>Inmate Services Division<br>(Office of Reentry Services)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



c. The narrative report will be completed by the tenth (10 [th] ) of the month

following the previous quarter and copies will be sent to the following:

i. Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment; and

ii. Warden;


d. The Recreation Director will ensure that the Recreational Program

activities are entered into SCRIBE data system accurately. Fiscal Year
totals and other relevant information are to be included in the annual
programs report. Recreation Program activities must include the following
and be entered in SCRIBE:


i. The program or course curriculum;

ii. Attendance records must be maintained;

iii. The program or course must have completion criteria; and

iv. The program is instructional in nature.

15. The Recreation Director will participate in monthly staff meetings with

Counseling and Care and Treatment staff to provide updates and concerns that
arise in the Recreation Program.

16. The Recreation Director will coordinate housing unit Recreation Program

activities with Unit Managers.

17. The Recreation Director will develop a written plan for meeting the needs of

At-Risk Offenders to ensure that all those who are referred to recreation are
interviewed, counseled, and recommended to participate in the appropriate
structured or unstructured Recreation Program.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|
|**Policy Number:** 502.01|**Effective Date:** 4/7/2022|**Page Number:** 10 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner <br>|**Originating Division:**<br>Inmate Services Division<br>(Office of Reentry Services)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



18. The Recreation Director will assign staff members to inspect recreation

equipment and jogging areas weekly, and hobby-craft equipment daily and
complete Attachment 7, Weekly Safety & Sanitation Inspection Form. Refer
to the Occupational Safety and Environmental Health Manual for safety
requirements concerning recreation. The manual will be maintained in the
Recreation Director and/or Supervisor office for reference.

20. The Recreation Director shall supervise all activities staff, contract staff, and

volunteers assigned to assist with the recreational program. This will include
meeting regularly with the staff and volunteers to review and discuss any
procedures, needs, or problems that may arise.

21. The Recreation Director will assist in the maintenance of recreational areas and

repairs needed to improve the condition of equipment related to recreational
areas.

22. The Recreation Director will provide adequate facilities for training and for

storage of equipment.

23. If adequate facilities and storage room is not available, it is their responsibility

to let site leadership know through their chain of command.

24. The Recreation Director will maintain cleanliness of recreation areas.

25. The Recreation Director will work with Classification Committee to screen

offender participants for events, considering security issues, etc.

26. The Recreation Director will explain the program, training requirements and

expectations required for involvement in the athletic program to the offenders.

C. The Recreation Supervisor’s responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to:


1. Supervise recreational program activities in the yard areas, gymnasium, and


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|
|**Policy Number:** 502.01|**Effective Date:** 4/7/2022|**Page Number:** 11 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner <br>|**Originating Division:**<br>Inmate Services Division<br>(Office of Reentry Services)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



designated activity areas;

2. Supervise recreation when no structured activities are available;

3. Oversee the storage, inventory, and maintenance of all athletic equipment;

4. Maintain a list of all offenders in their recreational program;

5. Provide necessary maintenance of equipment. This includes repairs and setting

up and dismantling of equipment as needed;

6. Supervise offenders to maintain cleanliness of recreation areas. Plan, organize,

and conduct a variety of offender activities appropriate to the designated
program;

7. Provide leadership for groups of offenders in recreational programs provided

at the facility;

9. Provide individual and group instruction, coaching, and direction for

offenders;

10. Repair and maintain athletic facilities with cooperation of the facility

administration and maintenance personnel utilizing Attachment 8,
Maintenance Work Request for Recreation;

11. Conduct annual assessment of programming needs and interests of the offender

population by surveys and committee input;

12. Evaluate activities programs annually to access effectiveness in achieving the

goals and objectives;

13. Conduct weekly inventory of equipment and all essential areas of the

Recreation Program operations;


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|**Policy Name:**Recreation Services|
|**Policy Number:** 502.01|**Effective Date:** 4/7/2022|**Page Number:** 12 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner <br>|**Originating Division:**<br>Inmate Services Division<br>(Office of Reentry Services)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



14. Conduct skill classes and instruction in officiating, health, physical education,

community resource knowledge, etc. and perform related duties as required;
and

15. Maintain administrative records, requesting supplies and equipment.

D. Exercise for Offenders in Special Management Unit and Administrative

Segregation:

1. Offenders housed in the Special Management Unit (SMU) and Administrative

Segregation will receive a minimum of one (1) hour of exercise outside their
cells, five (5) days per week, unless security or safety considerations dictate
otherwise.

2. Some examples of exercise utilized can include stretching, squats, pull-ups,

pushups, running in place, sit ups, lunges, walking in place, etc.

**V:** **Attachments:**

Attachment 1: Equipment Inventory Sheet
Attachment 2: Recreation Aide Job Description and Responsibilities
Attachment 3: Monthly Recreation Report
Attachment 4: Recreation Aide Work Sign-In Sheet
Attachment 5: Orientation Presentation Template
Attachment 6: Leisure Activity Survey
Attachment 7: Weekly Safety & Sanitation Inspection Form
Attachment 8: Maintenance Work Request (Recreation)
Attachment 9: Waiver of Liability


**VI.** **Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:**

Upon completion, Attachments 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 shall be maintained for three
(3) years and then destroyed. Attachment 2 shall be maintained until revised and
replaced.