Please select from the following for information regarding YMCA Policy:

• Financial Assistance Policy
• Membership Policies
• Credits
• Inclement Weather Policy
• Guest Policy
• YMCA Child Safety
• Children in the Locker Room
• Volunteer Program
• YMCA Courts
• Lockers
• Cell Phones
• Health Policy
• Childcare

Financial Assistance Policy: [Back to Policy Menu]

The YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County's financial assistance policy states that no person will be denied membership or program participation by reason of inability to pay fees. Funds made available for use in Financial Assistance by the YMCA are provided through the United Way of Ithaca and the YMCA's annual special events and contribution programs. It is our intent that all individuals contribute toward their membership and/or program fee. Our financial assistance request form is available for download here.

Membership Policies: [Back to Policy Menu]

YMCA memberships are not transferable or refundable. 

Credits: [Back to Policy Menu]

If a program is canceled by the YMCA, every attempt will be made to place you in another convenient class. Should rescheduling be impossible, a YMCA credit will be given. If a participant withdraws from a program or class due to medical reasons, YMCA credit for the missed class will be issued upon timely, proper notification.

Inclement Weather Policy: [Back to Policy Menu]

The YMCA makes every effort possible to keep the Y and its programs running during periods of inclement weather. Closing decisions are based on weather alerts, road and school closings, and the ability of YMCA staff to get to and from the Y and operate the facility safely. In case of closing or early closing, the YMCA will contact area radio stations with the status. On the rare occasion that the Y closes due to the weather, we are unable to offer a refund, credit, or make-up classes. If the Ithaca City and Lansing Schools do not open or are closed midday due to weather conditions, there will be no on-site School's Out after school program.  Groton and Cassavant School's Out before and after school programs may also close due to local weather conditions or school district closings.

Guest Policy: [Back to Policy Menu]

Members are encouraged to bring in guests. A local non-member can be a guest two times as an introduction to the YMCA. Members may bring in one guest at a time and all guests must be checked in at the Front Desk upon arrival. After the two visits, a membership option should be chosen. For those people visiting the area, the Y offers daily activity rates of $9.00 for adults (18+yrs.), $5.00 for juniors (13-17yrs.), and $3.00 for youth (0-12yrs.).

Youth and Junior Safety Policy: [Back to Policy Menu]

The YMCA is dedicated to the safety of all children in our facility and on our grounds. For this reason, we ask that the following guidelines be followed:

1. Members must be 13 or over (Juniors) to enter the Y without an adult present.  Youth 10-12 years old do not need direct supervision, but must have an adult present in the building.  Youth 9 years old and younger must be directly supervised by and adult, unless registered in a Y staff supervised program.
2. Adolescent members 13 and over must present their membership cards to enter the Y.  If they do not, they must have identification with them.  Juniors may not bring non-paying guests; accompanying non-members under 18 may enter the facility with $3.00 (0-12yrs.) or $5.00 (13-17yrs.) and identification.  Juniors must be trained to use cardio and strength training machines; non-member junior visitors may not utilize equipment without instruction after becoming a member.

Children in the Locker Rooms: [Back to Policy Menu]

Adult locker rooms are restricted to the appropriate gender, ages 13 and up.  Youth locker rooms in the youth activity area are ideally suited to children toddler age through 12 years old, accompanied (age-appropriate) by an adult.  For those parents who have a child under the age of 5 of the opposite gender, the youth may be taken into the youth locker room appropriate to the gender of the adult; ie. a 4-year old girl with her father may be taken into the boys locker room.  If this is not a suitable choice, the special needs locker room is available to mixed-gender families; please ask for the key at the front desk.

YMCA Volunteer Program [Back to Policy Menu]

The YMCA is pleased to have an extensive Volunteer Program, utilizing volunteers of all ages from the membership, the community, and area colleges. Volunteers participate on a daily basis in all aspects of the Y's operation, including child care, office work, gardening, and maintenance. Volunteerism enriches the YMCA, its programs, and the lives of the volunteers! If you have an hour or two to spare, we have a place for you.

YMCA Courts [Back to Policy Menu]

All YMCA memberships include the use of the racquetball courts for racquetball, handball, wallyball, and youth activities.  Racquetball and wallyball courts can be reserved by members in advance by calling or stopping by the front desk.

The Y reserves courts in advance for league and other preregistered programs.  Racquetball racquets, racquetballs, goggles, wallyballs, and nets are available at the Front Desk.  Open courts are available for an hour on the half-hour daily (other than league hours).  Players may only reserve courts in one-hour blocks.  Reserved courts will be held for 10 minutes, and then will be opened for walk-on players.  Walk-ons are welcome on non-reserved courts at any time.

Eyeguards - The YMCA recommend that all racquetball players wear eyeguards. The YMCA has a limited number of eyeguards available at the Front Desk.

YMCA Lockers [Back to Policy Menu]

Lockers are available for rental to members who have purchased annual memberships or are on the bank draft plan.  Lockers are restricted to half-size units, and are available in both the adult and youth locker rooms.

Cell Phones [Back to Policy Menu]

Usage of cell phones is permitted only in the front lobby areas.   Please be conscious of others and restrict usage to this area.

Health Policy [Back to Policy Menu]

Due to the many illnesses that naturally occur with children of all ages, parents are asked to observe health policies posted in all childcare areas.  Please note that Y staff will also enforce them.

Childcare [Back to Policy Menu]

Youth must be signed into and out of the many childcare sites within the facility, including the after-school program.  Each child must have a green emergency card completed and filed within the childcare areas.  Those indicated to pick up children should be prepared to present identification upon collection of their children for the optimum in safety.