Member Code of Conduct

BUCKEYE VALLEY FAMILY YMCA MEMBERS AND GUESTS

The Buckeye Valley Family YMCA is committed to the principles of caring, respect for others, personal responsibility, integrity and honesty. All members and guests are expected to reflect these values in their personal conduct toward staff and other members and guests. The Buckeye Valley Family YMCA retains the right to deny facility access, or suspend or terminate a membership when a member’s conduct is determined to endanger the safety of others or interfere with another member’s enjoyment and reasonable use of YMCA facilities. No refund will be issued.

GROUNDS FOR DENYING ACCESS OR MEMBERSHIP

The Buckeye Valley Family YMCA is committed to protecting children, YMCA members, volunteers, program participants and staff and reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person who:

  •        Has been convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse or other sexual offense
  •         Is or has been a registered sex offender
  •         Any person charged with the above pending the outcome of any charges or court proceedings
  •         Exhibits signs of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  •         Is currently suspended or terminated per the ‘Grounds for Suspension or Termination’ listed below

The YMCA conducts regular sex offender screenings on all members, participants, and guests. If a sex offender match occurs, the YMCA reserves the right to cancel membership, end program participation, and remove visitation access.

GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL, SUSPENSION, OR TERMINATION

The Buckeye Valley Family YMCA’s Code of Conduct does not permit any language or action that can hurt or frighten another person, or that falls below a generally accepted standard of conduct. Such behaviors include but are not limited to:

  •         Taking pictures or video of another person without their knowledge and permission, or use of such devices in locker rooms or restrooms.
  •         Selling or promoting products and/or services without prior written consent of the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA.
  •         Angry or vulgar language, including swearing, name calling, or shouting.
  •         Being in possession or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  •         Sharing of membership card(s).
  •         Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any other menacing behavior.
  •         Physical conduct with another person in an angry or threatening way.
  •         Any demonstration of sexual activity or sexual contact with another person, or sexual misconduct.
  •         Theft or behavior that results in the destruction of property.
  •         Possession of firearms or weapons on the premises with the exception of sworn law enforcement officers while on duty, with proper identification.
  •         Any behavior that is determined to be unacceptable by the YMCA, and detrimental to those we serve.

Violation of these policies may result in:

  •         Immediate removal from the building and/or suspension of an individual's membership until the incident is reviewed. 
  •        Suspension or termination of Y membership privileges if the YMCA determines that a violation of the Code of Conduct has occurred.
  •         Permanent expulsion for situations where suspension will not adequately protect YMCA members, volunteers, program participants and staff.

Members and guests should not hesitate to notify a staff person with any concerns or questions. Contact a Y staff person immediately if there is an accident, injury, or unusual incident. We are here to assist you.

Should membership or facility access be denied or revoked, individuals may submit an appeal in writing to the Membership Director, 470 W Church St, Newark, OH 43055. Requests will be review by the Appeals Committee to determine whether a sufficient basis to hear the appeal exists and when the meeting to hear the appeal will convene.

LOCKER ROOM ETIQUETTE AND GUIDLINES

  • We encourage youth and families to use the accessible shower and changing rooms when available.
  • If the accessible shower and changing rooms are not available, youth ages 6 and under may use the opposite gender locker room when accompanied by an adult. Youth locker rooms are to be used where available.
  • In facilities with youth and adult locker rooms, the use of adult locker rooms is limited to those 18 years of age or older.
  • Individual private spaces are provided for changing.
  • Public nudity is prohibited in shared spaces to ensure a respectful area for all. We ask members, participants, and guests to be clothed, discreet and minimize exposure as much as possible.
  • After showering, please dry and put clothing on prior to utilizing other locker room amenities.
  • The swimsuit spinner is for swimsuits only.
  • Loitering is prohibited.
  • Use of electronic devices, such as but not limited to cell phones, tablets, or mp3 players, especially for the purpose of taking pictures or videos, is strictly prohibited.
  • Please do your part in keeping our locker rooms clean and tidy.
  • Use provided lock or bring a personal lock to secure your items in a locker during your visit. Refrain from bringing valuables to the facility. Contents are left at owner’s risk.
  • Please do not leave your belongings overnight in the day-use lockers as they will be removed at the end of each day.

These guidelines are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of behaviors. If at any time the locker room facility is not clean or well-maintained, or if you see any suspicious behavior, please notify our front desk staff for assistance.

SERVICE ANIMALS

Service Animals may be used by individuals with diverse abilities (commonly called “disabilities” or “special needs”) for a variety of reasons, and are therefore welcome within and around YMCA facilities. According to the ADA:

  •         Services animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
  •         The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability.
  •         The handler is responsible for the care and supervision of his or her service animal.
  •         The animal must be under control at all times, be housebroken, and be vaccinated in accordance with state and local laws.

Pets, emotional support animals, comfort animals, therapy dogs and other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not considered service animals under the ADA and therefore should not be brought into YMCA facilities. Exceptions for services animals in training may be allowed with prior written consent of the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA. Requests should be submitted in writing to the branch Executive Director.