WASHINGTON WEATHER

Y Etiquette

MEMBER HANDBOOK version a

YMCA of Washington County Membership Agreement Policy

YMCA MEMBER HANDBOOK

The YMCA offers shared experiences for everyone to enjoy. Our core values: honesty, caring, respect and responsibility have been incorporated into everything we do. As such, we ask for your support in respecting the right of all members to have an enjoyable experience.

Access to all YMCA facilities and programs is limited to registered participants and active members. All members are required to present a current, valid membership card when using the Y's facilities and programs. Membership cards are not transferable.

As a member of the Y, you're part of an organization committed to helping everyone in our community have the opportunities they need to learn, grow and thrive. Our membership policies are designed to ensure we can continue to provide a safe, positive and nurturing environment where individuals and families feel welcome and at home. Please be aware that your actions have an effect on others. We ask that you respect one another and respect YMCA staff and volunteers.

MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT

All members must act in accordance with the values of the YMCA to maintain an atmosphere that's free of offensive and unlawful conduct.

We show no tolerance for:

  • Fighting
  • Use of abusive language
  • Disrespect for property rights of the Y or others
  • Conduct or actions of a sexual nature
  • Derogatory or unwelcome comments based on individuals' sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation or any legally protected status

As a private organization, the Y reserves the right to cancel the membership of any member who does not follow the Member Code of Conduct and Enforcement Policy at any time—while on site at a Y center or during participation of any YMCA-affiliated event, regardless of location.

YMCA staff members may define what is considered inappropriate behavior in determination of a member's suspension or termination. Y members or guests who observe conduct not fitting the Member Code of Conduct should promptly report concerns to Y staff so that we can make every effort to investigate and resolve issues promptly, confidentially and effectively.

Y ETIQUETTE

  • We ask that you obey all posted signs and requests from YMCA staff.
  • Please be courteous and practice good hygiene in the showers and locker rooms.
  • Please shower thoroughly before using the pools, steam room, sauna, or whirlpool and refrain from washing, shaving or using oils in these areas.
  • For safety reasons, please leave jackets and bags in the locker room rather than bringing them to the gym, studios, strength and conditioning areas or pool deck.
  • Padlocks for use in the general use locker room may be checked out at the front desk with your membership card. This is recommended to keep possessions safe while working out or swimming.
  • You must change your shoes prior to entering the fitness floor or gym area.
  • Members are responsible for returning all gym equipment to its proper place after usage and leave the gym the way you found it. This could mean replacement cost for lost or damaged equipment will be the responsibility of the member.
  • Head phones are to be used at all times when listening to music in the gym.
  • Appropriate gym attire should be worn and clean shoes must be worn at all times.
  • Members are required to wipe down all equipment when finished with a machine.
  • Food and glass containers are not permitted in any activity areas or the pool deck.
  • We ask parents to enforce appropriate behavior to ensure their children's safety.
  • Unsafe, disrespectful or inappropriate behavior could result in removal of membership/program privileges.

SEX OFFENDER POLICY

To ensure the safety of our members the YMCA of Washington County conducts regular sex offender screenings on all members, participants, and guests. Persons on the registry will not be eligible for membership, guest access or program participation with the YMCA of Washington County Iowa. In addition, if it comes to our attention that a member has been convicted of a crime against a minor the YMCA of Washington County reserves the right to cancel membership, end program participation, and remove visitation access.

SECURITY

We do everything we can to ensure your security and safety while on any Y premises. That's why we place so much emphasis on the use of membership IDs for check-ins. However, we cannot be responsible for any theft or damage to your personal property, either in our buildings or parking lots. Please remember, you are responsible for securing any items you bring on site.

If you do have one of your possessions stolen or damaged, please complete an incident report at the Main Front Desk. Be assured that we do track such incidents and take any steps we can to prevent them from happening again. We seek to apprehend perpetrators whenever possible. The Y will prosecute those engaging in criminal activity on its premises.

Leave valuables at home, and protect the property you do choose to bring by securing it in a locker in a locker room. (a lock may be checked out at the front desk). YMCA staff are not permitted to hold or watch your valuables for you. Also note that we do not recommend leaving valuables in a locked car.

WEAPONS POLICY

In short, our policy is this: no weapons of any kind at any time on YMCA property. Regardless of any valid license to possess, YMCA members are prohibited from carrying onto YMCA property any firearms, Tasers, large knives or other objects YMCA staff determine to be dangerous to the safety of their members.

LOST AND FOUND

If you lose something on site, promptly check your center's Lost and Found area to see if the item has been retrieved. We hold items found within the facility in Lost and Found for just one month, and unclaimed items are donated to charity.

HEALTH ISSUES

Please get a medical exam prior to beginning any exercise program. This is a wise first step to engaging in any wellness-related activity. Some programs may require a written and signed physician's approval prior to participation.

Also, be sure to keep your contact information up-to-date with the YMCA offices. It's essential that we have your current address, phone number and emergency contact information in case of an emergency.