Policies

Code of Conduct at the Y

The YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all members and guests. That’s why we ask everyone to act responsibly and to respect the rights and dignity of others at all times when in our facility or participating in our programs. The following actions are prohibited in our facilities and while participating in or attending our programs. This list is not all-inclusive.

• Using or possessing alcohol or non-prescription drugs
• Using marijuana or tobacco products in any form (including vaping)
• Being under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol while on YMCA property
• 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, or threatening way
• Verbally abusive behavior, including angry or vulgar language, swearing, name-calling, shouting, or use of any language that demeans a person on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, etc.
• Sexually explicit conversation or behavior; any sexual contact with another person
• Inappropriate, immodest, or overly revealing attire
• Theft or behavior that results in the destruction or loss of property
• Loitering
• Solicitation of members and guests within the YMCA facility or grounds without authorization by YMCA management
• Offering and/or performing individual or group training services to members while not employed by the YMCA
• Illegal entry; entering or allowing entry of other individuals into the YMCA facility or grounds without proper permission and/or payment

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. Anyone who feels uncomfortable confronting a person directly should report the behavior to a staff member, the Welcome Center, or the Building Supervisor on duty. YMCA staff members are eager to be of assistance. In order to be able to carry out these policies, we ask that members and guests identify themselves to staff when asked.

Non-discrimination / Anti-racism Policy
​The YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County makes an active effort to respect and affirm all people who we serve, advancing equity for all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, age, ability, socio-economic level, military or veteran status, or other protected identity. We take steps to promote a culture free of bias by recognizing the uniqueness of every individual.

​Our staff and membership policies are grounded in principles of diversity and inclusion, and we denounce any form of racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, misogyny, and ageism, and all explicit and implicit forms of hate or oppression.

Code of Conduct Enforcement & Zero-Tolerance Policy
Membership is a privilege, and the YMCA Zero-Tolerance Policy outlines our right to revoke these privileges. Actions that can be taken as a result of misconduct or breaking any policy:

• YMCA staff will ask the participant to stop the behavior.
• If the behavior continues, YMCA leadership staff will ask the participant to leave the premises.
• The Participant will not be allowed back on the premises for future visits until they meet with a YMCA Director.
• Depending on the severity of the incident, an individual's membership may be terminated or they may be banned from our properties.

Youth Code of Conduct at the Y

Our mission at the Y is to provide quality youth programming in order to foster growth in social, emotional and physical skills, as well as provide opportunities for friendship and a sense of belonging. In order to reach these goals, Y programs will be conducted in an atmosphere that is both emotionally and physically safe for participants, staff, and volunteers. Y staff will do its best to ensure safety for everyone during our programs.

In the event that we feel that your child is causing any harm or creating a dangerous situation during any of our programming, we will contact you and ask you to pick up your child immediately.

Staff will contact you within 24 hours to discuss when/if your child will be returning to our program. We will first discuss strategies to help prevent such an incident from occurring again.

However, the Y reserves the right to dismiss your child from returning to our programming for a specified period of time.

Again, the Y strives to provide a safe place for everyone during our programming. We wish for all of our participants to enjoy recreational activities in a healthy atmosphere. 

The YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County Facility and Program Policies (Revised 2/9/2024)

YMCA Management has the authority to amend policies and procedures at any time to ensure the safety and the delivery of the highest possible services to the general membership.

Temporary policy changes/facility restrictions issued due to federal, state, or local guidance will supersede any policy as written in this document.
Everyone entering the facility must check in at the Welcome Center and complete all check-in procedures. Members must scan or check in with the Welcome Center for access. All non-members and visitors should be prepared to show official identification to enter the building if not already in the Ithaca YMCA's system.

Age Guidelines:

Ages 9 and under: Directly supervised by a parent/adult (18+) guardian at all times while in the facility. No use of cardio or weight equipment. Not allowed on the 2nd floor unless attending a specific event being hosted on that level, or under active supervision in the Wellness Center. All children under the age of 10 must have a parent or guardian accompany them at all times while in the pool; the parent/guardian may remain on the pool deck if the child is in a swim lesson or able to swim unaccompanied.

Ages 10-12: A parent/adult (18+) guardian must be present in the facility. May use cardio equipment after receiving orientation from a YMCA Wellness Coach and must have a parent in the cardio area with them while using the equipment. Not allowed on the 2nd floor unless utilizing cardio equipment with a supervising adult or attending a specific event being hosted on that level. Children between the ages of 10-12 MUST have a parent or guardian remain within the facility, but the parent does not need to remain on the pool deck.

Ages 13-17: No parental supervision required. May use cardio or strength equipment after receiving orientation from a YMCA Wellness Coach. May swim unaccompanied. A valid parent/guardian contact(with all essential information) must be provided on the membership.

Attire

Appropriate and safe clothing and footwear must be worn at all times. 

• No sports bras or tube tops in the Wellness Areas.
• No string or thong bikinis in the pool area.
• Only clean, close-toed sneakers in the workout/court areas. 
• Shirts must be worn in every area except the pool. 
• No cotton clothing in the pool. Bottoms must be worn at all times.
• Please change clothing in locker rooms only.

Criminal History

The YMCA will deny access and membership to any person on the national or New York State registry of sex offenders (level 1, 2, and 3). The YMCA reserves the right to deny access and membership to any person who has been charged or convicted of a crime involving sexual abuse but is not on a sex offender registry. The YMCA reserves the right to deny access and membership to any person who has ever been convicted of any offense relating to the use, sale, possession, or transportation of illicit drugs, or is presently or habitually under the influence of illicit drugs, including intoxicating beverages. The YMCA reserves the right to deny access and membership to any individual who is the subject of an order of protection or stay-away notice issued on behalf of the YMCA, member, or staff. If a staff member suspects an individual to be impaired or under the influence, the YMCA reserves the right to revoke or deny access to the facility. 

Emergency Procedures & First Aid

Please report all incidents, injuries, and emergencies to the Ithaca Y Welcome Center. An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is located at the Welcome Center and in the Cardio Suite. An incident report must be completed and signed whenever Y staff assist in an injury. The YMCA reserves the right to call EMS and perform first aid treatment. 

Guest Passes

Adult members are encouraged to bring guests (18+) to the YMCA! An adult member may bring two guests (both 18+) at one time and must accompany them into the facility. A non-member (18+) may be a guest of an adult member up to twice for free, after which they must pay an Activity Fee to use the facility. Guests must be 18+.

Youth and Junior Members have no guest privileges.

Illness

All members and non-members must refrain from working out, using the facility, or attending programs if they are experiencing any of the below symptoms.

Children may not attend our SACC or Child Watch with any of the following:

• Fever (99 degrees or above)
• Green discharge from nose
• Vomiting or Diarrhea
• Unknown skin rash
• Evidence of head lice
• Conjunctivitis
• Severe coughing, wheezing, or other difficulty breathing
• Abnormal behavior i.e. lethargy, irritability, persistent crying
• Any other symptoms of prevalent viruses (flu, coronavirus, etc)

Children may return to Child Watch or SACC after 24 hours of none of the above symptoms unless health department regulations dictate a longer away period.

Locker Room

The Y offers a women’s and a men’s locker room and additional family/accessible changing spaces. No children under the age of 11 are permitted in the women’s or men’s locker rooms. We have additional changing spaces for families with children under the age of 11.

We offer a universal, family-changing room for children ages 10 and under and their parents/guardians. This locker room has individual changing and showering stalls.

While accessing our locker rooms, we ask that you follow our policies for better member experiences:

• Please limit your showers to 2-5 minutes out of consideration for other members, and to help us conserve water.
• No washing clothes in the sink or shower area. 
• Please be mindful of others when using hair sprays, perfumes, colognes, or other scented products.
• Wet bathing suits should not be hung on the outside of lockers. We provide a suit spinner to help you get excess water out of your suits.
• Our members’ privacy is important to us. Cell phone usage in locker rooms and sauna is prohibited.
• Please do not leave belongings in locker aisles. Please either place your items in a locker or take them with you to the area of use you will be in.

Locker Use

Members and program members may use lockers on a daily basis. Please note that all participants are encouraged to bring a lock to secure their personal belongings. If you would like to leave your belongings in a locker overnight, you must rent a locker (see the Welcome Center for details). It is the policy of the YMCA that any belongings left in an unrented locker overnight will be removed and donated to charity. Locks left on lockers overnight without a rental agreement will be removed after 48 hours. Please see the Welcome Center for more information on renting a locker.

Personal Property Policy

The YMCA is not responsible for personal or vehicular property lost, damaged, or stolen while members and/or program participants are using YMCA facilities, on YMCA premises, or involved in YMCA programs. When using the facility, we encourage you to lock your belongings in a locker if unable to supervise them during your activity. Lockers can be used for the duration of your visit at no cost on a day use privilege. 

Phone Electronic Policy

Due to advances in video technology in telephones and other visual recording devices, usage of cell phones or other devices with recording capability is prohibited in locker rooms, bathrooms, or program areas (pool, courts, workout areas, etc). Cell phone usage is limited to the entrance area or the lobby. Videotaping or taking pictures is prohibited, and those exhibiting non-compliance with this policy will be asked to vacate the premises.

Photo ID Policy

All guests and visitors to the YMCA will be required to present a valid, state or federally-issued photo ID upon their first visit and should be prepared to present it on all subsequent visits upon request. All new (first-time or inactive for over 12 months) adult members (ages 18+) will be required to present a valid state or federally-issued photo ID at the time of joining. All adult members within a membership unit will need to provide ID.

Sauna Etiquette

We ask that you follow some basic etiquette when using the sauna. Our saunas are dry saunas, not steam saunas - please do not dump water on the rocks.

• No one under the age of 18 is permitted in the sauna.
• Enter and exit the sauna as quickly as possible to keep heat in.
• For the privacy of our members, cellphones and personal electronics are prohibited.
• Please do not bring food into the sauna. Water bottles are okay.
• Be mindful of your surroundings. A sauna is a relaxing space. Please keep group conversation to a minimum if you are sharing with other people.
• Please place towels between your body and the seating in the sauna.
• The sauna is not for drying clothing or pre-heating clothes.
• No lotions, creams, gels, powders, or fragrances of any kind.
• No personal grooming

Substance Use Policy

All YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County properties are tobacco, drug, and alcohol-free. This also includes paraphernalia such as e-cigarettes and vapes.

Training/Coaching Policy

There is no non-YMCA staff personal training or coaching in the YMCA facility; Coaching and training are only allowed when it is being performed by a YMCA employee or within a Y program, not by non-program persons. These include, but are not limited to, physical training, sports training, or swim instruction. The YMCA reserves the right to revoke membership privileges for those breaching this policy. 

Unauthorized Access

Allowing unauthorized access to the facility (i.e. sneaking others into the building) is grounds for immediate revocation of membership or non-member privileges.

Weapon Policy

The carrying or concealing of any weapons, devices, or objects which may be used as a weapon is strictly forbidden.

Closure Due To Emergency Condition or Government Mandate

In the event that the YMCA must close for any duration of time due to an emergency condition or government mandate the following conditions will apply:

• Monthly memberships will continue to draft on their normal schedule with no credits or refunds issued due to time lost. No credits or refunds will be issued for any balance of time lost on any monthly draft, 3-month, annual, or any other type of membership. A monthly draft membership may be canceled by written request by the 25th of the month prior to the month a member wishes to cancel. A member can request that their membership payment be converted to a donation for tax credit purposes.
• No refunds will be issued for programs that are not able to run due to the closure event. Credit for any unused portion of the program registration will be issued if requested in writing within 30 days of the closure event.
• Credits have no cash value and cannot be converted into a refund. Credits are valid for 2 years from the date of issuance.
• Program credits may be used for future YMCA programs and may not be applied to membership expenses. 

Membership Cancellation/Hold Policy

• All YMCA memberships are non-transferable and non-refundable.
• Members selecting the perpetual bank draft option may cancel or place a temporary hold on their membership after the first full month has been drafted from the account on file. To cancel or place a temporary hold on a perpetual bank draft, a written request must be submitted by the 25th of the month before when you wish to cancel. Written requests can be submitted by completing and submitting a cancellation/temporary hold form at the YMCA Welcome Center, by email to the Membership Director at info@ithacaymca.com, or completing the online form on the YMCA website.
• Cancellations and temporary holds requested and approved by the 25th go into effect on the last day of the month prior to the next scheduled draft date. Temporary holds can only be placed when set start and end dates are indicated otherwise the request will be processed as a cancellation. 
• Temporary holds have a maximum of 6 months and are allowed once per calendar year per membership.
• If a membership is canceled, all paperwork and discount verifications associated with the account will become null and void and will need to be resubmitted if and when you choose to rejoin the YMCA. If only placing a temporary hold, all paperwork and discount verifications will remain in place.

Membership Changes

We must be notified of any credit card or bank account number change by completing a Draft Change Form located at the Welcome Center or by updating your payment information directly through your Daxko account. We require all requests to change or cancel a draft membership to be received in writing no later than the 25th of the previous month. Additional fees may incur if notice is not received. Also, please advise us of any change of address, email, and/or phone number.

Membership Credits

On approved occasions the Y issues credits for membership/programs. These credits may be utilized for program sign-up, and merchandise. These credits are non-transferable and must be used within 24 months or they will automatically expire from the account. 

Programs

Advance registration is required for most programs. To receive the member rate on any program, the participant must remain a member for the duration of the program, or choose the non-member rate. All balance dues on a unit must be paid before the participant is allowed to enroll in another program. Outstanding balances must be paid before the program begins.  Registrations for programs will be accepted up to two weeks after the program begins. 

If a participant misses a week of programming, we do not offer make up classes due to the need to maintain staff to participant ratios for safety.

Guardians of children 0-9 years old must stay in their children's program area, including aquatics programs, for the duration of the program. Guardians of children 10-12 years old are required to stay in the facility but do not have to be in the immediate area of the program unless otherwise denoted by the instructor. 

Program Credits/Refunds

If a program is canceled by the YMCA per the conditions listed above, a YMCA credit will be given.

• Sign-ups are not transferable to or from another registered participant.
• If a program is canceled due to low enrollment, the YMCA will make the decision with at least three days of notice.
• If a participant withdraws from a program or class because of military reasons, YMCA credit for the missed class(es) may be issued.
• If a participant withdraws from a program with the reasoning that they are ill, a doctor’s note verifying illness is required before potential credit is provided. A two-week grace period is given for notifying the YMCA of this illness and requesting a credit.

In any of these situations, please contact the appropriate Program Director. YMCA credits are good for 2 years. 

Programs are non-refundable and credits are not issued for partial use of a program.

Private lessons may only be cancelled or changed with 24 hours’ notice and when a doctor’s note is submitted. No refunds will be considered, and a credit will be considered only when the doctor’s note is shown to the Membership Director.

On the occasion credits are issued, they will be valid for 24 months from the date it is issued.

Aquatics/Pool

For the safety of all members, lifeguards have complete authority over the pool area. This includes the authority to ask patrons to leave the water and leave the pool when appropriate. Remember: for the safety of everyone, you must obey the lifeguard’s instructions at all times.

• Shower before entering the pool area.
• No food or beverages are allowed on the pool deck—no glass/ceramic containers.
• Appropriate swim attire must be worn for a family facility.
• Shirts may be worn in the pool; however, they must be made from synthetic material.
• Children who are not yet potty-trained must wear swim diapers.
• Non-employee swim instructors are not permitted to teach lessons in the pool.
• No wetsuits during swim lessons
• For sanitary reasons, the Y does not loan out swim goggles. Goggles can be purchased at the welcome center desk.
• No inflatable devices in the pool.
• Mermaid tails or mono-fins are not allowed in the pool.
• No kickboards or fins are allowed in the Small Pool. 
• Walking is enforced on the deck and in locker rooms at all times. No running!
• Diving is prohibited. No flips from the deck.
• Swimmers may not play their music in the pool area.
• Ladders are only used to enter or exit the pool.
• If the pool becomes contaminated with any bodily fluid, the lifeguards will close the pool.
• All swimmers under the age of 11 must use the family changing room; children under 11 are not allowed in the adult locker rooms.
• No photos or videos are to be taken in the pool area.
• For the safety of all participants and to keep the pool accessible to lifeguards, parents must stay in the bleacher areas. Strollers are not permitted past the bleacher area.
• Due to the strict ratios we maintain for the safety of the children enrolled in our lesson program, we cannot offer any makeups for missed classes.
• Inform the YMCA staff of anything that may be a safety issue and please respect the requests of the YMCA staff on safety-related issues.
• Swim less on participants in School Age 3 or above may NOT wear wetsuits. Wetsuits restrict swimmers' range of motion, provide a false sense of security, and create difficulties for instructors when assessing abilities. 

Pool Age Requirements:

• Parents/guardians must be in the water with any child 6 and under. The ratio maximum is 2 kids to 1 parent.
• If a parent wants to bring a yellow-banded child into the large pool, they must always remain within arm’s reach. The ratio maximum is 2:1
• A swimmer age 6-9 must be directly supervised while in the pool area (Including during aquatic programs).
• A swimmer age 10-12 must have a responsible parent/guardian in the facility.

Lap Swim Policy:

Swimming from one end of the pool to the other repetitively. When space allows, swimmers may also use space during lap swim for aqua jogging and other therapeutic activities. All ages are welcome to lap swim, but they must pass a green band test with our facility to do so and be able to follow safe lap swim etiquette.

Swim Band and Test Policy

Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for children. The YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County is committed to implementing proven drowning prevention efforts to ensure safety. As a result, children ages 12 and under will be tested to evaluate swimming competency. Swimmers will be issued a colored swim band to identify their swimming ability.

Red Swim Bands will be worn by all swimmers under the age of 7. Children must be accompanied by an adult in the pool and the adult must remain within arms’ reach of the child. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Yellow Swim Bands will be worn by all swimmers age 7-12 who have not passed the green band swim test. These swimmers may swim in the small pool alone or in the large pool when within arms’ reach of a parent.

Green Swim Bands will be worn by all swimmers under 12 who have passed the green band swim test. Criteria: The child will jump into the deep end and recover. Tread water for 1 minute with ears remaining above water. Swim 25 yards continuously, face in the water, using either front crawl or breaststroke. Underwater swimming is not permitted. Swim tests may be taken no more than once per day. The swim test must be administered by a certified lifeguard.

Child Watch Areas

Reservations can be made in person at the Welcome Center or by phone at 607-257-0101. Each family membership is limited to two hours per child per day. Reservations are required for all childcare times. If you choose not to register, rooms may fill or we may close the room due to a lack of reservations. We reserve the right to close anytime due to lack of use or reservations. There is a grace period of 15 minutes, if the reserved child does not show up the room may potentially close or the spot given to another child.

• Family/Household Memberships: Use of childwatch is FREE and are able to make advance reservations. Child must be an active member on the family membership to qualify.
• Youth Members: $5.00/per hour per child to utilize Drop in child care. No advance reservation allowed, drop in availability only. 
• Non Members/Guests: $10.00/per hour per child to utilize Drop in child care. No advance reservation allowed, drop in availability only. The child(ren) will not be required to pay the guest fee, but any accompanying adult will need to. All fees must be paid BEFORE taking your child(ren) to the Child Watch rooms. The accompanying adults will also need to remain in the building while the children are on Child Watch. There is a two-hour daily limit. All other Child Watch policies apply.
• Drop In Fees must be paid BEFORE taking your child(ren) to the Child Watch Rooms.
• Proof of receipt must be shown for Youth and Nonmembers before your child will be allowed into Childwatch spaces. 
• Parents/guardians may leave the facility (only if the child is a youth member or part of a family membership), but must have an emergency number on file and must return to the facility immediately if requested to do so due to a medical, behavioral, or emergency reason.
  You will need to complete a new emergency card for each of your children which can be obtained at the Welcome Center.
• Those signing children in or out of any childcare area must be 18 or older or be the child’s legal guardian, and listed as an approved pickup person on the emergency card.
• A late fee of $1.00 per minute per child will be applied after the 2-hour maximum and/or after the area closes. Payment of late fees is expected before the child returns.
• Socks are required for the Stay and Play room. No shoes or bare feet are permitted in the play structure.

ChildWatch Cancellation/No Show Policy (Lots o' Tots and Stay n' Play)

• If you have a childwatch reservation and are unable to utilize the registration, please let us know so that we can offer the spot to another family. 
• If there are repeated instances of no call no showing, the Childwatch Director will contact the family to explain how the reservation system works. If this still continues the family will pay a $10 cancellation fee, and cannot use Drop In Childcare until paid.

If a family doesn’t show to a reservation, after 15 minutes the reservation will be canceled and reopened to drop in reservations unless advance notice is received.

Fitness Areas

Please limit the time on the cardio equipment to a 30-minute workout. Do not walk backwards on cardio equipment as this poses a safety risk. Carry clean and dry fitness shoes into the Y for use in the building. No boots, flip-flops, sandals, crocs, or open-toed shoes, please. Please wipe down each piece of equipment you use with the provided disinfectant spray and paper towels, paying particular attention to where your hands have touched.

Functional Fitness Area & Circuit Room

Members must re-rack all weights and bars. Members should not drop dumbbells. Barbells may be dropped in the ‘DROP ZONE’ only. Footwear is required at all times. Refrain from personal communication and amplified sound in the Fitness area.  Spotters are strongly recommended. Shirts and appropriate attire must be worn at all times. No food or glass containers in the room. All barbells must have collars on while lifting. Members must wipe down equipment after use with the provided disinfectant spray and paper towels.

Gymnasium Policy

• Water only: Food and beverages are not allowed in the gym
• DO NOT touch or hang from the basketball rims or nets
• No street, dark-soled, or hard-bottom footwear.
• No use of baseballs, softballs, tennis balls, roller blades, or lacrosse balls outside of YMCA program hours. 
• Do not open the exterior gym doors or allow anyone access through these doors.
• Respect must be shown to everyone at all times.
• Those shooting baskets must yield to walkers circling the perimeter of the gym.
• We are not responsible for stolen or damaged items.

Weight Equipment

We strongly recommend those 18+ to receive an orientation on all of our equipment, including the Octagon. Those 13-17 are REQUIRED to receive orientations on all the equipment. It is important to note that misuse of any equipment in the facility can result in personal injury and breaking of the equipment.