Membership Handbook

Our Member Handbook was designed to ensure all members, program participants, staff and guests feel safe and welcome at the Y. All parties agree to follow the rules, code of conduct, and age requirements outlined below while visiting the Family YMCA of Emporia-Greensville facility or program site. By adhering to these guidelines, together, we can maintain an environment reflective of the Y's core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith.

LET'S GET STARTED

Welcome to the Family YMCA of Emporia-Greensville (the "Y"). You are now part of a community of individuals joined together by a shared commitment to nurture the potential of youth, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. This Handbook is a great tool to help you get acquainted with our facilities and understand our policies and guidelines. We encourage you to take some time on your first visit to speak with any one of our helpful staff members to better understand our amenities and any other policies outside of this Handbook.

COMMITMENT TO ALL

The Y is made up of people from all backgrounds working together to strengthen our community. Together we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, ideology, immigrant status, income, race, sex, or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We share the core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith - they guide everything we do. The Y is committed to providing programs and services that are inclusive and welcoming to all. We value an environment that fosters dignity, respect, fairness, and appreciation for all aspects and dimensions of diversity. Discrimination of any kind is not tolerated and may result in suspension or termination.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

At the Y, we believe our strength is in the diversity of our staff, volunteers, members, and participants. We work proactively and collaboratively every day to build organizational and individual capacity toward providing the most inclusive and welcoming experience for every individual we employ, serve, and engage. In that regard, the Y complies with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity/non-discrimination laws.

Ensuring ADA compliance is the law and inclusion is critical to our Y, if you, or any of your family members who are participating in a program or an activity, have any special medical need (such as a disability or a medical condition, including life-threatening/severe allergies or other medical and/or dietary restrictions) that requires accommodation, may impact the program experience, or requires additional staff training and/or staff supervision, please inform the Program Director or the Executive Director before you participate in such activity.

MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT

We value the security and safety of our members, guests, and staff and therefore administer the following policies:

All members and guests are expected to act appropriately at all times when in our facilities, on our property, or participating in our programs and to adhere to the values of the YMCA - Caring Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith.
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 deny or cancel the membership, end program participation, and remove access.
The following actions or behaviors WILL NOT be tolerated:

a. The use of language or actions that can hurt or frighten another person,

b. Physical contact with another person in an angry or threatening way,

c. Any demonstration of sexual activity or sexual contact with another person,

d. Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any

menacing behavior,

e. Theft or behavior that destroys property,

f. Carrying any weapons, devices, or objects that may be used as weapons,

g. Possession or use on premises of any illegal chemicals, narcotics, or alcohol,

h. Refusal to verify identity when asked by Y staff,

i. Loitering on Y property

Members, program participants, or guests who feel uncomfortable due to behavior displayed by an individual that violates the Code of Conduct, may report the behavior to a Y Director or Staff Member. The CEO, or CEO's designee, will investigate all reports of action or behavior contradictory to the Membership Code of Conduct. If upon investigation, the CEO or his/her designee determines in his/her discretion that a violation of the YMCA Member Code of Conduct has occurred, it may result in suspension or termination of YMCA membership. The CEO, at his/her discretion, reserves the right to consult with the Executive Committee for such incidents.

MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES AND DEFINITIONS:

Adult - One adult, age twenty-five (25) and older
Senior - One adult, age sixty-five (65) and older
Young Adult - One adult between the ages of eighteen and twenty-four (18-24)
Youth - One teen, between the ages of thirteen (13) and seventeen (17) whose parent or legal guardian is present to provide their valid government-issued photo ID, sign the Assumption of Risk, Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement, and provide payment
Household - Any of the following three categories:

The parent and all children, whether or not living within the same household. A "parent" is defined as a natural or adoptive parent or legal guardian. "Child(ren)" is defined as any person under the age of nineteen (19) who is a natural or legally adopted child or ward of a parent, or any other person who may be claimed as a dependent of a parent under federal income tax laws. Children ages 20-24 can remain on the Household membership after providing proof of their full-time enrollment in a college, university or trade school. Re-verification will be required annually.
Two persons living within the same household in a marital relationship, and all children as defined above.
Persons filing joint federal tax returns.

Senior & Spouse - Two adults in a marital relationship with one being at least age sixty-five (65)
Adult Guests - Daily, weekly, or monthly guest passes can be issued to any adult age eighteen (18) or over who:

Presents a valid government-issued photo ID showing an address outside a thirty (30) mile radius of 212 Weaver Avenue, Emporia, VA 23847.
Completes a guest application and signs a Membership Policy and Code of Conduct/Mandatory Risk Waiver form.
Pays the appropriate fee. Daily: $10 per person; Weekly: $30 per person; Monthly: rate is equal to the regular monthly membership fee for the corresponding category.

Teen Guests - Daily, weekly, or monthly guest passes can be issued to any teenaged thirteen (13) through seventeen (17) who:

Is accompanied by their parent or legal guardian who presents a valid government-issued photo ID showing an address outside of a thirty (30) mile radius of 212 Weaver Avenue, Emporia, VA 23847.
Completes a guest application with the parent and teen both signing the Membership Policy and Code of Conduct and Mandatory YMCA Risk Waiver.
Pays the appropriate fee. Daily: $10 per person; Weekly: $30 per person; Monthly: the current monthly Youth membership rate.
SilverSneakers®, Silver and Fit, Renew Active, and One Pass - Subscribers of Medicare Advantage plans that include one of these four benefits may become members of our Y upon presentation of their supplemental insurance card, verification of insurance eligibility, presentation of a valid government-issued photo ID and completion of a membership application. Not all YMCAs across the world honor these supplement plans; therefore, members need to confirm eligibility at other Ys before a visit.
Nationwide Membership - At the Y, we believe that positive, long-lasting, personal, and social change can come about only when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. This strengthening of community - and the realization of a Y's full potential-has the most impact when all Ys are open to all Y members and provide safe and welcoming environments for everyone.

Nationwide Membership is available for active, full-facility, full-privilege Y members whose home Y participates in Nationwide Membership. Y members who fit any of these three categories are not eligible to use Nationwide privileges:

their home Y does not participate in Nationwide Membership;
are under special membership arrangements between the Y and another organization;
community members who are program-only participants (including Silver Sneakers, Silver and Fit, Renew Active), and similar programs.

Y members who fit any of these three previous categories can visit Ys other than their home Ys as guests - based on the guest policies of the Y they wish to visit.

With Nationwide Membership, active, full-facility, full-privilege Y members can visit any participating Y in the United States and Puerto Rico through membership at their home Y, at no additional cost. Nationwide membership is an essential part of our cause to strengthen communities. It enables members to:

Reach their health and wellness goals wherever they live, work or travel,
Connect with the larger Y community in meaningful ways. The goal of Nationwide Membership is to ensure that all nationwide members have access to, and can use, all the areas and programs of any Y they visit. By making it possible for members to use the Y as often as they like,
Nationwide Membership increases the value of Y membership. By promoting access for all, the initiative allows Y members to be part of a single Movement and deepens the impact of the Y cause,
Nationwide members may visit other participating Ys as often as they like, as long as they use their home Y on average, at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the time. If nationwide members have a family/household membership and regularly use two Ys with the same frequency, they need to belong to the Y that is used the most frequently by the family. If use is higher at a Y other than your home Y, you will be notified by a letter stating you need to transfer your membership or decrease your attendance at the visiting Y,
Membership fees may increase/decrease depending on the new home branch membership rates. Members wishing to end their membership must do so at their home Y (the Y they pay dues to),
Bring a government-issued photo ID and your YMCA membership card when visiting another Y.

CAREGIVERS / CLINICIANS - We encourage individuals who require assistance while using our facility to bring their caregivers. The caregiver will be required to sign a Membership Policy and Code of Conduct and Mandatory YMCA Risk Waiver on their first visit and may only enter the facility with the member they are providing care for. Caregivers who wish to use equipment or the facility for their personal use must have a valid membership.

SERVICE ANIMALS - Except for certified service animals, animals are not permitted on Y property, to attend Y events or programs.

CHANGE OF INFORMATION - It is the member's responsibility to visit the Member Services Desk before their next draft to update changes in credit/debit card/checking account or payment information.

PAYMENT AND RETURN - Members can draft their membership fees monthly from a checking account, debit or credit card. We encourage members to utilize the ACH form of monthly draft payments from a checking account by providing routing and account numbers for the member's bank account. The ACH form of payment does not require the member to notify the Y of any change other than the closure of the account. Should your draft return unpaid for any reason, you are responsible for immediate repayment of that draft, plus a return fee up to the maximum allowed by the Commonwealth of Virginia to reimburse the Y for fees and expenses incurred because of the non-payment, in addition to any fees your bank may charge. If the total membership fee plus the return fee is not collected in full before the last day of the current month, your membership will be automatically canceled. Before you may reinstate your membership, purchase a new membership, or participate in any Y programs, your outstanding balance must be paid in full, and if there has been a thirty (30) lapse in active membership, a new join fee accessed.

RETURN FEE - A return fee up to the maximum limit set by the Commonwealth of Virginia for any reason a draft is returned unpaid. The Y incurs extra expenses when a draft is returned unpaid. This fee is charged to the member so the Y can replace these expenses incurred at no fault of its own.

UPGRADE OR DOWNGRADE MEMBERSHIPS - Changes to add or delete family members from your membership must be completed in writing at the Member Services Desk.

MEMBERSHIP HOLD - Your Y membership may be placed on hold for one (1) to three (3) months in a calendar year due to travel or medical reasons. Upon expiration of the hold period, the membership and membership fees will reinstated automatically.

CANCELLATION - We do not require any long-time contracts; however, the Y requires written notice (including answered e-mail) before the last day of the month proceeding with their next month's payment draft date. Members have thirty (30) days to rejoin after their cancellation date without being assessed a standard joining fee. Members may only cancel their membership at the Y until they pay their dues.

RELOCATION - If you wish to transfer your membership to another Y due to relocation, we will be happy to provide you with a "Member in Good Standing" letter of reference. Most Ys will honor such a letter and waive a joining fee if you join at your new location within thirty (30) days from cancellation at our Y.

WELLNESS CENTER RULES

Please remove weights from bars and machines and return them to the proper racks.
Do not drop weights or bars onto the floor.
Use clips on barbells.
Keep weight plates, dumbbells, and machine attachments organized.
Please wipe down the equipment with the supplied wipes.
Please step out into the lobby to make or take phone calls.
Use headphones when listening to music or videos to avoid distracting others.
Wear appropriate athletic attire (including shirts/tops/tanks/shorts/pants) and closed-toe shoes at all times. No workout bras without a shirt or tank covering.
Please do not use the machines to only sit and socialize.
No one younger than twelve years old is allowed to be in the wellness center Twelve year old members must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
There is a 30-minute time limit on cardio equipment during busy times.
Please be safe and respectful to all other members.

PERSONAL TRAINING

Personal training on Y property by individuals not employed by the Y is prohibited.
All Personal Training sessions must be paid for at Member Services, without exception. Full advance payment is required before Personal Training sessions may be scheduled with a trainer.
All sessions begin promptly at the hour of the appointment. If the member arrives less than 10 minutes late, the trainer will be available for the balance of the session time purchased. If the member has not arrived 10 minutes past the appointment time, the session will be considered forfeited and not refundable.
Personal Training sessions are non-refundable/non-transferable and must be used within six (6) months from the date of purchase.
The assignment of trainers may change during sessions.

GROUP EXERCISE RULES

Keep talking to a minimum and refrain from using headphones while participating in a class.
Arrive early or on time for all group exercise classes. Participation is first come first serve.
Refrain from using your cell phone, including texting during class.
Wear appropriate athletic attire (including shirts/tops/tanks/shorts/pants) and closed-toe shoes at all times. No workout bras without a shirt or tank covering.
For the safety of all members, please keep your bag in a designated area or locked locker.
If leaving class early, please exit the class in a manner that does not disturb the rest of the class.
All classes are subject to change. Please see Member Services for the most current class schedule or check social media (Facebook- Family YMCA of Emporia-Greensville and Instagram - YofEG) for updates and last-minute changes.
YMCA members and guests are prohibited from organizing, arranging, leading, or supporting any type of group exercise class or training, including, but not limited to, small group training classes. All Group Exercise classes must be organized, sponsored, and taught by a YMCA employee or approved volunteer at a YMCA-approved work site during the employee's regularly scheduled work hours.

LOCKER ROOMS

Our facility has locker rooms for changing, showering, and storing items while you are at the Y.

We ask members to be as modest and discreet as possible. Nudity outside the shower stall is not allowed.
Lockers may be used daily for free. It is recommended that a strong lock be used at all times to secure personal items.
Overnight lockers are available to rent regularly for $5 per month at Member Services.
When overnight locker payments become unpaid, the Y staff will cut the lock and all personal items contained within.
The use of hair dyes or hair color is not allowed.
Please do your part in keeping our locker rooms clean and tidy.

SAUNA

Individuals eighteen (18) and older are allowed to use the sauna.
Individuals with a history of health problems must consult with a physician before using the sauna.
Our sauna is dry only.
The application of water, or other substances to the heating element is prohibited.
Allow a five (5) minute cool down period after exercise before entering the sauna.
We ask that all members shower with soap before entering the sauna.
Do not sit or lie on the sauna shelves without a towel between the shelf and your body.
Private body parts (genitals and breasts) should be covered by a large towel or swimsuit at all times when using the sauna.
Shoes and non-swim wear, including neoprene or plastic "sweat suits" are not permitted in the sauna.
For the safety and enjoyment of all, the use of health and beauty products (oils, gels, lotions, masks, hair dyes, etc.) is not allowed.
No newspapers, magazines, books, or other paper products are permitted in the sauna.
Individuals should spend no more than thirty (30) minutes in the sauna during any one (1) session per day.
Avoid dehydration and drink plenty of water before entering and after exiting the sauna.

GYMNASIUM

No food or drink is allowed in the gym.
No profanity, fighting, excessive yelling, unnecessary aggressiveness, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
No hanging on rims or nets.
Shirts & non-marking athletic shoes must be worn at all times. No bare feet or open-toe shoes allowed.
No inappropriate use of balls or other equipment (kicking, throwing on track, etc.)
Return all balls to the ball bin when done playing.
Place all bags on the bleachers.
Do not plug electronics into the wall.
The gym may be designated for scheduled activities. During these times, courts and/or walking tracks may be closed.
Children under age 13 must be actively supervised by a parent/guardian.
Do not attempt to move bleachers. Please see a Gym Monitor or Member Services to have the bleachers moved.
Report any injuries or incidents to the Gym Monitor or Member Services.
Chewing gum, food, and drink (including water) are prohibited on the gym floor or walking track.
Gymnasium courts are shared among many groups for various activities. Please adhere to the Gymnasium Schedule.
When the Gymnasium Schedule shows "open court", first come first serve may use each half court as desired. If the schedule shows "open court", either a pickleball game or a basketball game may be started. After one game, please share the court with anyone else waiting to use it.
When the Gymnasium Schedule shows a block of time reserved for Pickleball, Child Care, or Group Exercise and it is thirty (30) minutes past the start time of the reserved block of time, a first come first serve member may use the empty gym with the understanding they will stop play and relinquish the court as soon as a member arrives who wants to participate in the activity the space was reserved for.

CHILD WATCH

One of the most valuable services the Y provides is FREE childcare for household memberships. Child Watch areas are generally for children ages six weeks (6) to twelve years (12) of age.

Children must be fever-free and not on medication that will mask a fever or have no visible signs of illness.
Parents must always remain in the facility when their child is in the Child Watch area.
A two-hour time limit per visit.
Communicate with Child Watch staff regarding your child's individual needs.
Babies should arrive fed and with a clean diaper.
Child Watch staff cannot change diapers. If needed, a parent will be located to assist the child.
Snacks are permitted but cannot contain any nut product such as peanut butter, peanuts, or other nuts.
Drinks in a spill-proof cup are allowed.
No outside toys are allowed.
Label each of your child's items with the child's name.
If a child attending Child Watch becomes upset, staff will try holding, soothing, and entertaining the upset child. If the staff is unable to soothe an upset child after ten (10) minutes, the parent will be located to sign the child out of the Child Watch area for the day.
For the safety of youth in our care, staff will not allow anyone in the Child Watch area other than the immediate parent of a child in attendance.
A child will only be released to the parent who signed the child into Child Watch.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE / REDUCED RATES

Our goal is to never deny service to an individual due to lack of personal financial resources. Participants with financial need are encouraged to apply for financial assistance for a portion of the membership/program fee. The Y evaluates each applicant on an individual basis and all information remains confidential.

Our Y believes that ownership and pride are best developed when recipients of financial assistance contribute to the cost of their YMCA involvement. Thus, all eligible recipients will be expected to contribute to the cost of the services requested. Reduction in rates could range from 10% up to 85% off the regular price.

revised 02/29/2023