Policies + Conduct

Our Commitment + Expectations

We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all members and guests. To promote safety and comfort for all, we ask individuals to act appropriately at all times when they are in our facility, on our property, or participating in our programs.

We expect persons using the Y to behave in a mature and responsible manner and respect the rights and dignity of others. Our Code of Conduct does not permit language or action that can hurt or frighten another person or that falls below a generally accepted standard of conduct. Our Code of Conduct reflects our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Caring

Show a sincere concern for others.

Honesty

Be truthful in what you say and do.

Respect

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Responsibility

Be accountable for your promises and actions.

Membership Policies

The YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. To promote safety and comfort, the YMCA asks all persons to act appropriately at all times when in our facilities, on our property, or participating in our programs. We ask all to observe and practice our values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

The YMCA reserves the right to deny access or revoke membership to any person who violates our rules, exhibits inappropriate behavior, or threatens the safety of members, staff, or users. This includes anyone accused or convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse, is or has been a registered sex offender, or is currently under the influence of illegal drugs, intoxicating beverages, or other substances. Such judgments will be made by the YMCA in its sole and absolute discretion.

Anyone who feels that someone has violated the standards the Y has set forth should immediately report the behavior to a staff person on duty. Please notify a staff member if assistance is needed. 

Suspension or termination of YMCA membership may result from a violation of this standard, our Code of Conduct, or Y Policies and Procedures. If, at our discretion, we conduct an investigation, the membership of the person(s) accused of a violation may be temporarily suspended pending a final decision.

The Y reserves the right to revoke or remove membership and/or access to the facility if member is in violation of our Code of Conduct policies.

We utilize video technology to protect all persons. Cameras are installed in open/public areas only and not in private areas such as locker rooms, restrooms, etc.

Monthly membership drafts continue until the member notifies the Y they wish to end the membership.

Membership is not dependent upon usage. Member is responsible for making any changes to membership.

Requests to terminate a membership MUST be received PRIOR to the first day of the month if you wish to avoid a charge for the month. If you wish to terminate your membership, please come to our Member Engagement desk at 298 College Street to complete a termination form. Memberships are not terminated due to non-use. Memberships will be terminated after one month of non-payment. Memberships will be terminated as follows:

• Terminations received the before the end of the month will be terminated at the end of that month. 

• Join fees and annual membership are nonrefundable.


Member Code of Conduct

• Engaging in healthy lifestyles 

• Respecting differences and celebrating diversity 

• Modeling empathy 

• Learning new skills 

• Meeting other people 

• Supporting relationships 

• Volunteering 

• Being a role model 

• Behaving in a safe way 

• Angry or vulgar language including swearing, name-calling, or shouting

• Intentional physical contact with another person in an angry, threatening, or sexual manner

• Any demonstration of sexual activity

• Harassment or intimidation by words or gestures, body language, or any other menacing behavior

• The wearing of inappropriate attire

• Theft or behavior that results in the destruction of property

• Carrying or concealing weapons, devices or objects that may be used as weapons

• Using or possessing illegal chemicals or alcohol

• A conscious disregard for YMCA policies

• The use of tobacco products (smoking or chewing) / marijuana substance

• Cameras, cell phones, and all other camera or video recording devices are PROHIBITED from use in all bathrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas

• Any other conduct that is inappropriate, threatening, or offensive in nature

Members and guests are encouraged to be responsible for their personal comfort and safety by requesting that any offensive behavior be stopped from any person who is in violation of the Code of Conduct. If a member feels uncomfortable addressing their concerns with the person directly, they should report it immediately to a Y staff person.

Members and guests should not hesitate at any time to notify a staff person if assistance is needed. Our staff are here to help make the Y the best part of your day.

Y staff will review all reported incidents. The decision to suspend or terminate YMCA membership privileges will be made at the Y’s discretion if a violation of the Code of Conduct has occurred.


Facility Policies

Our YMCA has instituted a cell phone policy for the protection of each member’s privacy and safety, as well as to maintain a peaceful environment for all to enjoy.  

• Cell phones, cameras, and all other camera or video recording devices are PROHIBITED from use in all bathrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas. 

Photography by members or visitors of any kind is not permitted without prior consent of the Greater Burlington YMCA, unless the subject of the photo is yourself or a family member. 

Video by members or visitors is not permitted without prior consent of the Greater Burlington YMCA.  

Cell phones may be used to listen to music in fitness areas with ear buds while you work out.  

Brief use of cell phones for calls is allowed in the lobby. 

We appreciate your adherence to this policy on behalf of your fellow members. 

• Children under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult (over 18) unless participating in a program. PARENT OR GUARDIAN MUST REMAIN IN THE BUILDING WHILE THE CHILD IS PARTICIPATING IN A PROGRAM.

• The entire YMCA property is a tobacco and substance-free environment.

• All persons are prohibited from carrying weapons or objects that can be used as a weapon.

• All members must present their membership cards or photo ID upon entering the facility.

• The Y is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

• The Y will not store or stow member items while member/person is out of the facility.

• Food and beverage items other than water must be confined to the lobby area.

• Personal electronics may only be used with headphones or earplugs. As a courtesy to other members, please use the lobby area to talk on the phone.

• Cameras, cell phones, and all other camera or video recording devices are PROHIBITED from use in all bathrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas.

• As a participant in any activity or class, your picture or that of your child may be taken and used for YMCA marketing purposes. These photos are for YMCA use only and may be used in publications, brochures, advertising, flyers, social media, or video productions. Please notify the photographer if you would prefer to not be included in the image. 

Our membership policy clarifies that gender is self-identified. The Y community will honor a member’s gender identification and will ensure program, service, and facility access is available based on that identification.

We have 3 locker rooms: Men’s, Women’s, and Universal. The Universal Locker Room is comprised of private suites including a sink, toilet, and shower, is open to all members. It is available for family members with children, people with special needs accompanied by their caregivers, or anyone who prefers more privacy or prefers not to use the Men’s or Women’s locker rooms. 

• Lockers are available for day use only. Items left in a locker overnight will be discarded.

• Please be sure to lock your belongings. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items. It is recommended that valuable items not be brought into the Y facilities.

• Small valuables may be locked in the cell phone/wallet lockers near the Gym and Studio A. 

• Please store coats and gym bags in the locker room. They cannot be stored in the gym, pool, or fitness areas.

• Please bring gym shoes with you and store winter/mud boots in designated spaces.

• Children age 5 and under may use the opposite gender locker room as long as they are with a parent or guardian. Families are encouraged to use the Universal Locker Rooms.

• No glass allowed in locker room area.

PROGRAM AND LAP POOLS

• You must shower before entering the pool. 

• No glass or street shoes are allowed in the pool area.

• Please do not swim if you are ill — you may infect others.

• Always WALK on the pool deck.

• NO DIVING! The pool is shallow, spinal injuries can occur.

• Use of all equipment is at the discretion of the Lifeguard. Use of fins is not permitted for open swim in the Program Pool.

• Refrain from underwater distance swimming and breath-holding activities.

• No dunking, pushing, or rough play.

• Please supervise your children in the Splash Pad area, which is not lifeguarded. Children should use “inside voices” and may not climb on structures. 

• The strip between pools is for Aquatics Staff ONLY.

• Be respectful of Lifeguards enforcing these YMCA policies. It is their responsibility to keep all swimmers safe! 

• Inflatable flotation devices such as arm wings are prohibited.

• Children cannot swim alone with only a floatation device; a parent must be in arm’s reach at all times and not rely on floatation devices.

 

SWIMMING AGE GUIDELINES

Ages 5 & Under: A parent/guardian must provide supervision — defined as being in the pool and within arm’s reach.

Ages 6-9: May be in the pool alone if they have passed the swim test and a parent/guardian is in the pool area. In-water supervision by parent/guardian required if child has not passed a swim test.

Ages 10-12: May be in the pool alone if they have passed the swim test and a parent/guardian is in the building. In-water supervision by parent/guardian required if child has not passed a swim test.

Ages 13-17: May be in the pool alone without a parent/guardian present in the building as long as a consent form is on file, but access to the deep end requires a swim test.

 

SAUNA

• Maximum 15 minute time limit.

• Swimsuits or athletic gym shorts are required in the sauna. Showers are required before entering. Remove all jewelry.

• Children under age 13 are not permitted in the sauna. Ages 13-17 may use with adult supervision.

• This is a DRY sauna. Do not pour water over coals.

• CAUTION: Use of the sauna increases pulse rate and body temperature, and can be dangerous to those with health problems.

• Pregnant women, elderly persons, and those with heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure should not enter the sauna without permission from their doctor.

• Do not use while under the influence of alcohol, or medications that cause drowsiness or lower blood pressure.

• Long exposure may result in nausea, dizziness, or fainting.

• Sneakers are required at all times within the Health + Wellness Center.

• Please thoroughly wipe down equipment after use, including all areas that may come into contact with sweat. Please ask staff if you are unsure how a specific piece of equipment should be wiped down.

• Out of respect for others, screaming, grunting, and yelling are not permitted while exercising. Please refrain from excessive noise that may be disruptive to others.

• Do not drop or slam down weights. All exercising and use of equipment should be in a controlled manner.

• Please return all equipment when done with use, including racking of plates and dumbbells.

• Please observe all posted rules.

 

HEALTH + WELLNESS AGE GUIDELINES

Access to the second floor is for ages 13 and older. Use by ages 13 -17 is upon approval of the Health + Wellness staff and completion of Teen Wellness Orientation.

Our social media profiles are part of a conversation between real people, and we have guidelines in place that govern our online interactions. Staff members work to post accurate, timely, and relevant content. We respond to feedback with respect and courtesy, and request that others do the same. We welcome constructive feedback, but reserve the right to remove any content deemed inappropriate.

We encourage our community to share content such as photos and stories of their YMCA experiences. We assume that anyone sharing this user-generated content has the right to do so and has permission of the photographed individuals.

Please do not take or post photos/videos you do not have permission to post, including photos of children without the permission of a parent or guardian. Greater Burlington YMCA members and guests are prohibited from taking photos or videos at the YMCA or in YMCA programs/functions for personal financial gain or benefit, or for purposes in direct conflict with YMCA interests.

By interacting with the Greater Burlington YMCA online, you are agreeing to our Social Media Policy for Members and Guests, and the restrictions as outlined within this document. We reserve the right to delete posts containing any of the following elements, including, but not limited to:

• Profanity

• Misinformation

• Spam

• Off-topic/irrelevant remarks

• Personal or group attacks of any kind

• Violence of any kind

• Pornography

• Business products or services

• Illegal or questionable activities

• Any communication deemed in conflict with YMCA values and/or principles

We do our best to respond to comments as quickly as possible. Please be patient with us as we do what we can to improve the experience of all our members and friends. Thank you for your understanding and support in making our online community productive and enjoyable for all.