Code of Conduct

Members join the Y in an intentional step toward seeking new opportunities to learn, grow and thrive.  Members come together with men, women, and children from the community in a commitment to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  With the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, the Y works with each member every day to help them realize their potential.  We promote and expect the same from our members to create a safe, fun, inclusive and nurturing place for all.  Our Code of Conduct outlines these expectations:

We encourage the following:

• Engaging in Healthy Lifestyles
• Respecting Differences and Celebrating Diversity
• Modeling Empathy
• Learning New Skills
• Meeting Other People
• Supporting Relationships
• Volunteering
• Being a Role Model
• Behaving in a Safe Way

The following are not permitted on YMCA premises, in YMCA vehicles or at YMCA sponsored functions:

• Inappropriate sexual, physical or verbal contact
• Posturing, bullying or intimidation
• Using or possessing alcohol (unless express permission is granted for special events) or illegal chemicals
• Smoking– the YMCA and its property is a smoke-free environment
• Carrying or concealing a weapon or any device or object that may be used as a weapon
• Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any type of menacing behavior
• Physical contact with another person in an angry, aggressive, inappropriate or threatening way
• Verbally abusive behavior, including angry or vulgar language, swearing, name-calling or shouting
• Discriminatory speech or actions
• Sexually explicit conversation or behavior; any sexual contact with another person
• Theft or behavior that results in the destruction or loss of property
• Loitering within or on the grounds of the YMCA
• Any other behavior deemed in conflict with the YMCA Mission by the CEO or Branch Executive Director

If members are in violation of the Y’s policies and procedures, or for any other improper and/or inappropriate conduct, they may be disciplined.  Disciplinary action taken is at the sole discretion of the Y and it reserves the right to take whatever action is appropriate based on the nature of the violation.  Discipline may result in a verbal, written or final warning, suspension, or immediate termination of membership if deemed appropriate.

In addition, the YMCA reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person who has been accused or convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse, is or has been a registered sex offender, has a history of violent offenses, has ever been convicted of any offense relating to the use, sale, possession, or transportation of narcotics or habit forming and/or dangerous drugs, or is presently or habitually under the influence of dangerous drugs or chemicals, narcotics or intoxicating beverages. (NOTE:  The YMCA conducts periodic sexual offender scans on the National Sex Offender Registry Database)

Members and guests are encouraged to take responsibility for their personal comfort and safety by asking any person whose behavior threatens their comfort to refrain from such behavior, and/or should immediately report the behavior to a staff person or the Building Supervisor on duty. Members and guests should not hesitate to notify a staff member if aid is needed.

Discontinuance/Suspension of Membership:

Voluntary

Paid in Full: A member who has paid his/her membership fee in full is considered a member for the duration of the paid membership.   If the member does not renew his/her membership, it will terminate automatically as of the renewal date.  The member will have a 30 day grace period to renew without being charged a joiners fee.  A member may also request to terminate his/her membership at any time and may request a refund for the unused portion of the membership.

Monthly Payment Plan: A member who has paid his/her membership fee using the monthly payment plan remains a member until he/she notifies the YMCA in writing or in person.  The draft will terminate as of the next draft date.  The member can request a refund for the unused portion of the current month.

Involuntary

Inappropriate behavior – any member may be disciplined, as outlined in the Code of Conduct, by restriction, suspension or expulsion from membership whenever such action shall be necessary or appropriate.  This action will occur at the discretion of the Branch Executive Director.  If a member wishes, he/she can appeal the decision to the CEO.  The member will be suspended until the final decision by the CEO has been made. 

Failure to meet financial responsibility:  Any draft member who misses a payment and does not make payment within 10 days of notification shall have his/her membership terminated.  If you are having difficulty paying for your membership for any reason please contact us.  

A person whose membership in another branch that has been suspended or terminated shall not be eligible for membership in any other branch of the association.