CODE OF CONDUCT

The purpose of this policy is to promote safety and comfort for all when in a YMCA facility or participating in a YMCA program by outlining the member, program participants, guest, and visitor Code of Conduct, and its impact on access and membership.

The YMCA expects all persons using the YMCA to behave in a mature and responsible way and to respect the rights and dignity of others in line with the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

The St. Cloud Area Family YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all members, guests and participants. To promote safety and comfort for all, we ask individuals to act appropriately at all times when they are in our facility or participating in our programs. 

We expect persons using the YMCA to behave in a mature and responsible way and to respect the rights and dignity of others. Our Code of Conduct does not permit language or any action that can hurt or frighten another person or that falls below a generally accepted standard of conduct. Specifically, this includes:

  • Not checking into membership desk.
  • Inappropriate attire: Appropriate attire must be worn at all times for the activity. Offensive wording on shirts or accessories falls under this area. 
  • Angry or vulgar language including swearing, name-calling or shouting. 
  • Physical contact with another person in any angry or threatening way. 
  • Any demonstration of sexual contact or activity.
  • Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language or any other menacing behavior.
  • Theft or behavior which results in the destruction of property.
  • Carrying or concealing any weapons or devices or objects which may be used as weapons. 
  • Using or possessing illegal chemicals or alcohol in or on YMCA property or at YMCA sponsored programs. 
  • Any other conduct of an inappropriate, threatening, or offensive nature i.e. interrupting fitness classes or other structured workouts by non-participants.
  • Any use of cell phones or any electronic device with the ability to take pictures or record individual(s) or activities within the YMCA or on YMCA property without specific authorization and consent of the YMCA
  • Loitering is not permitted in or outside of the YMCA. 

The YMCA and its property is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is not permitted on YMCA property.

Members and guests are encouraged to be responsible for their personal comfort and safety and ask any person whose behavior threatens their comfort to refrain. If a member or guest feels uncomfortable in confronting the person directly, he or she should report the behavior to a staff person. 

Members and guests should not hesitate to notify a staff person if assistance is needed. 

All reported incidents will be reviewed by Executive Management. The decision to suspend or terminate YMCA membership privileges will be made at the discretion of Executive Management if a violation of the Code of Conduct has occurred. 

Access and Membership Rights

In addition, YMCA reserves the right to do background checks on its members as well as screening for sex offenders. Moreover, The YMCA reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person who:

  • violates the Code of Conduct,
  • has been accused or convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse,
  • is a registered sex offender,

Reporting and Investigation

Members and guests are encouraged to be responsible for their personal comfort and safety, and to ask any person whose behavior threatens their comfort to refrain. If a member or guest feels uncomfortable in confronting the person directly, they should report the behavior to a staff person or the Building Supervisor on duty.

The Associate Director will investigate all reported incidents. Suspension or termination of YMCA membership privileges may result from a determination by the Associate Director if in his/her discretion a violation of this policy has occurred.  All suspension and termination of YMCA membership privileges will be communicated via phone/email/mail.