MEMBERSHIP POLICIES

As a member of the Y, you become part of much more than a place to exercise. You become part of a welcoming and supportive association of men, women and children committed to making our community a place where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

Since 1917, the YMCA of the Capital Area has been guided by its mission and values to strengthen the foundations of our community and nurture the potential of all who call our region home. Although the work of our Y has changed over the years, from teaching English to immigrants in the early 1900’s to teaching values to modern day youth, our Y has a long record of service and programs that have brought a better quality of life to the community. One of the greatest things our Y’s will continue to do is build character in children and adults.

We have compiled this handbook as a quick reference for you. Please refer to this information to learn about policies, programs and the purpose behind our organization. We want to do whatever we can to help you make the most of your Y membership. Thank you for being a part of the Y!

Association-wide membership provides access to all seven Y locations within the YMCA of the Capital Area, up to and including all Y’s in Louisiana.

Each branch within the YMCA of the Capital Area is unique, with distinct facilities, classes and programs, and you can discover and enjoy them all by being a facility member.

All members of the Y have the ability to register for fee-based programs at reduced prices.

Free babysitting while you workout! (for family memberships)

Free JumpStart program to help you achieve your wellness goals.

Free Group Exercise classes!

Access to virtual workout and more!

The YMCA of the Capital Area relies on the generosity of our community to ensure that every individual, regardless of age, income or background, has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive. When you give to the Y, it’s so much more than a donation – it’s an investment in your neighbors and the future of our community. Together, we can ensure that the Y remains a place of hope and opportunity for all.

All donations are tax deductible and 100% of dollars raised stay local in the Capital Area to support financial assistance, scholarships for out-of-school time care, the Y’s disease prevention programming, drowning prevention, and special initiatives and outreach.

Membership for All is the Y’s income based pricing system that helps ensure that we are there for those in need and affordable for all. An individual’s rate for membership is determined by the chosen membership category and household income. Applicants for the program are required to provide verification of income. Everyone, including existing members, is welcome to apply. If your income changes during the course of your membership, you are welcome to contact us to explore this option to maintain your involvement in programs and services of the Y.

Upon joining the Y, a membership card is issued and a photo is taken. Photos are required. Please provide your membership card to the welcome center staff each time you visit the Y. Your membership card can be stored and accessed through the YMCA mobile app. Download the FREE YMCA app today by searching “YMCA of the Capital Area” in the app store.

Please be prepared to present your photo ID if you forget to bring your card on your visit or when requesting a replacement card. 

• YMCA members have two options for payment. Options include a monthly draft using a credit card, debit card, checking or savings account or a full year payment upon joining. A $30 service charge will be applied on any returned transaction.

• You can cancel your membership at any time. The cancellation process is simple and can be completed by logging into your account at ymcabr.org. No additional fees will apply to cancellations. Membership and/or membership add-ons will cancel at the end of the current billing cycle and a confirmation will be sent to the primary email address on file. When a membership is cancelled, any membership add-ons will automatically be cancelled with it.

• If you decide to rejoin the Y after you have canceled, we will waive the joining fee for up to 30 days after the cancellation date.

• Memberships are not transferable or refundable.

• Changes to your membership may be done by completing a Membership Change Form available at www.ymcabr.org. Please allow 30 days for processing.

• Instruction or training by anyone other than YMCA staff is strictly prohibited.

• The Y reserves the right to discontinue service at any time.

• Members are responsible for checking their bank and credit card statements to ensure that automatic payments have been stopped. If you were incorrectly charged due to the YMCA’s failure to cancel, a full refund will be given if the refund is accompanied by proper documentation (copy of YMCA email confirmation verifying cancellation) Under these circumstances, the YMCA will refund membership dues up to 3 months at any given time.

• Our Y is part of the YMCA Nationwide Membership, which enables you to visit any participating Y in the United States through membership at our YMCA. To find locations visit www.ymca.net.

• Memberships may be eligible for hold, upon approval from the Y, for up to 3 months per calendar year. All request to place a membership on hold must be submitted in writing within 30 days prior to the next draft date. Eligible circumstances for placing a membership on hold include: Medical reasons- verified through a Doctor’s note or Military deployment.

HOW IT WORKS

• 24/7 access is available as a membership add-on and provides access to

wellness floors and restrooms

• 24/7 access available for ages 18+

• Facilities will be monitored 24/7 with state-of-the-art security equipment

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

• Upgrade your membership to 24/7 access for $10.00 per adult/month; Should any YMCA account debit or charge not be honored by your bank or credit card company for any reason, you are still responsible for that payment plus a $10 service charge that will be applied to your account, in addition to any

service fee my bank may charge.

• Agree to the 24/7 access waiver

• You must have a current photo in the YMCA membership database.

• On each visit to the Y after hours, use your existing YMCA key tag or bar code number to scan into the facility.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The YMCA has a strict honor code based on our values of honesty, respect, caring, and responsibility. If a member fails to abide by the policies established or follow member conduct guidelines, their 24-hour access and their membership will be revoked without refund. Violations of the Code of Conduct with trespassing, theft, and other crimes may lead to prosecution.

ACCESS

As a member with 24-hour access, you may use the Fitness Center area of the Y at any time.* The Y will be staffed during normal operating hours. There will be no YMCA staff on hand after normal operating hours to assist members. After normal operating hours end, the YMCA Fitness Center will be the only area available for use.

AGE REQUIREMENTS

24-hour access is limited to adults, age 18 and older. Members who violate this policy may lose their membership privileges.

GUEST POLICY

Day pass guests are only allowed to use the YMCA during normal business hours when a YMCA staff member is on duty. No guests are allowed to utilize 24-hour access.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Please be aware that your facility access card is to be used only for your entrance into the facility. Members with 24-hour access cannot grant access to others, even if they are known to them. Granting access to another individual is grounds for immediate termination of membership.

For members to have the added benefit of the 24-Hour access program, the YMCA must have a photo ID secured on file. This is required for any member that wants to participate in the 24-Hour access program.

The YMCA has a 24-hour video recording system for security purposes. It will be reviewed daily to address any security concerns and monitor who is entering the building. Please note that this system does not provide staffing assistance for any emergency that might arise. A telephone is located at the Member Services desk in case of an emergency. In the event of an emergency, please dial 911.

If the Y loses power after normal operating hours, 24-hour access will not be available.

Members with 24-hour access will be notified of closures for inclement weather that result in unsafe conditions via the YMCA App and/or YMCA website. (Please make sure you are registered for one or both of these services)

24-hour members must use their own access card for entry. In the event that your access card does not work, please call the YMCA during normal operating hours for assistance. Please use the same entrance and exit location when enjoying the 24-hour benefit. Emergency exits are available to use in the event of an emergency. Please note that staff will not be on duty so please use the fitness center at your own risk. 

To complete enrollment in the YMCA of the Capital Area 24-Hour Access program you must agree to and initial each of the following policies:

• I will wipe down all wellness equipment with the provided disinfectant wipes before and after use.

• I understand that I must provide the Y with contact information changes (address, phone, email) as they occur.

• I understand that 24-hour access is limited to adults, age 18 and older and that if I provide access to someone under the age of 18 my membership will be canceled immediately and without refund.

• I understand that my 24-hour access pass is exclusive to me and that I may not give anyone else access to use it.

• I understand that I am not allowed to bring any guest or member without 24-hour access with me into the YMCA and that doing so will result in the immediate cancellation of my membership. I also understand that if I allow access to anyone, that is considered trespassing and legal action will be

taken toward myself and the trespasser.

• I understand that the YMCA of the Capital Area highly recommends that you have an adult workout partner, who also has 24-hour membership access, accompany you while using the YMCA during unstaffed hours. The YMCA of the Capital Area uses 24-hour video monitoring of our centers for security purposes. This system does not provide staffing assistance for emergencies but is reviewed daily to address any security concerns and to monitor building access. It is likely that should you require immediate assistance, none will be provided.

• I understand that I will be charged $10.00 per month as part of my continuous membership plan in addition to my regular monthly membership dues in order to use the Y 24-hours per day and that I must give the YMCA a 30-day written notice to stop my monthly draft.

• I understand that I am limited to utilize the facility amenities that are available for 24-hour access. Areas that are closed or gated are not accessible during 24-hour access. 

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Secure your bags, keys and other valuables in a locker. The Y is not responsible for lost or stolen property. However, we do keep lost and found items whenever possible. Unclaimed items will be donated to our homeless outreach program on a weekly basis. If you do have one of your possessions stolen or damaged, please complete an incident report at the Welcome Center. We also recommend that you do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

LOCKER USAGE

Members are responsible for providing a lock to secure items in YMCA lockers. Lockers are for daily use only, locks left overnight may be removed.

ATTIRE

The Y is a family-oriented organization and with that in mind, member attire must be appropriate. Proper workout attire and closed toed shoes are required in all areas of the YMCA property with the exception of pool area and locker rooms.

WEAPONS

For the safety of members and staff, no weapons of any kind are allowed on YMCA premises. Regardless of any license to possess, the YMCA is a weapon free campus, which includes firearms, tasers, knives or other objects YMCA staff members determine to be dangerous to the safety of others.

HOURS AND HOLIDAYS

Hours of operation vary by location. Hours are posted online at www.ymcabr.org. The YMCA will close or have limited hours during holidays. Please check with the Welcome Center to obtain information on holiday hours.

VIDEOGRAPHY, PHOTOGRAPHY AND CELL PHONES

Video recorders, cameras or any other recording devices are strictly prohibited without the expressed consent of the Executive Director. Notify staff if you notice someone taking photos or if you have concerns. Cell phone usage in the locker room is strictly prohibited and may be grounds for termination of membership.

The YMCA of the Capital Area is founded on Christian principles and prohibits inappropriate behavior and conduct. This includes, but is not limited to, profanity or abusive language or attire, smoking, use of alcohol or drugs, the removal of YMCA property and criminal conduct of any type. Such inappropriate behavior or conducts is unacceptable and the Y consequently retains the right to deny membership to its applicants and to revoke a membership of any current member or participant at its sole discretion.

We have a zero tolerance for:

• Fighting, use of abusive language, or disrespect for property/rights of the Y or others

• Smoking in Y facilities and/or properties

• Carrying or concealing a weapon or any device or object that may be used as a weapon

• Inappropriate, immodest or sexually revealing attire. (as interpreted by staff); Conduct or actions of a sexual nature.

• Derogatory or unwelcome comments based on individuals’ sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation or any legally protected status.

As a private organization, the Y reserves the right to cancel the membership of any member who does not follow the Member Code of Conduct at any time—while on site at a Y branch or during participation of any Y affiliated program/event regardless of location.

Y staff members may define what is considered inappropriate behavior in determination of a member’s

suspension or termination. Y members or guests who observe conduct not fitting of the Member Code of Conduct should promptly report concerns to Y staff. We will then make every effort to investigate and resolve

issues promptly, confidentially and effectively.

The Y is committed to providing children and teens the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Children have a positive experience at the Y when parents and guardians are aware of the policies regarding the supervision of children at the YMCA. These important policies are designed to ensure that YMCA is a secure, caring place for all children.

SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS

All children under the age of 15 must be directly supervised by their parents or guardians while on Y property or at a Y program location. The only exceptions to this policy are for children 8 – 11 who have passed the YMCA swim test and occasions when children are participating in an organized Y program or activity, such as our Kids Zone area, Youth Activity Centers, swim lessons, etc. Parents or guardians of children under the age of 15 must remain on Y property while their children are at the Y.The only exceptions to this policy are if children are participating in a supervised Y program or activity.

KIDS ZONE POLICY

• Children who are part of a family membership at the Y may stay at the Kids Zone for up to two hours per day.

• Parents and guardians are the only adults

authorized to leave a child at the Kids Zone,

and are required to remain on-site at the Y

during their child’s visit.

• Only the parent or guardian who signs a child into the Kids Zone may sign them out or pick them up.

• Kids Zone hours of operation vary by branch. Please check with the Y for their policies and procedures.

WELLNESS CENTER YOUTH POLICY

A YMCA Fitness Trainer will instruct youth on how to safely and effectively use our cardiovascular equipment (12 – 14 years old)

and our strength equipment (12 – 14 years old). Upon completion, youth will be able to use the equipment in our Wellness Centers when accompanied by a parent or guardian who is 18 years of age or older. Youth ages 11 and under may not enter the Wellness Center unless they are there to participate in a program or class specifically designed for them. If you have any questions about these policies, please contact your local Y.

PERSONAL TRAINING

Only staff members employed by the Y are allowed to provide personal training within Y facilities and programs. Our staff members are trained and certified by the Y in accordance with the organization’s history and philosophy and they are committed to carrying out our mission by providing high-quality programs.

Personal trainers who are not employed by the Y are strictly prohibited from training or conducting business in a Y facility. The Y has this standard in order to provide safe, high-quality personal training at all times.

WELLNESS EQUIPMENT

We constantly strive to offer our members a wide variety of well-maintained wellness equipment, and we oversee the safety of equipment used during our programs. We ask that you refrain from bringing personal fitness equipment for use within the Y— such as TRX equipment, dumbbells and any other items Y staff members determine do not comply with our high safety standards.

WELLNESS GUIDELINES

• Appropriate clothing and athletic footwear must be worn at all times.
• Please wipe off equipment after each use.
• Please put back all equipment after use.
• Please refrain from dropping weights.
• Please allow others to work in with you when performing multiple sets.
• Please use a spotter when performing heavy lifts.
• Please leave cell phone conversations outside of the fitness center.
• Liquids in spill-proof non-breakable containers are permitted.
• Instruction or training by anyone other than YMCA staff members is strictly prohibited

WEATHER GUIDELINES

All pools and spas will close at the first sound of thunder or sight of lightning. Pools and spas will remain closed for at least 20 minutes after each sound of thunder or sight of lightning. All members must evacuate the pool area to move to a safe location.

When the environmental temperature is below 40 degrees, the outdoor pool will be closed.

POOL RULES

• Please keep the pool area free from glass, food or chewing gum. Smoking and consumption of alcohol are not permitted on YMCA premises.

•The lifeguard is on duty to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all. Please respect his/her decisions.

•To help prevent the spread of infection, individuals with open sores are not permitted to use the pool.

• Swim diapers with plastic bottoms are required for those who use diapers.

• Running, pushing and rough play are not permitted.

• All members/guest must wear a swimsuit with a liner in it.

• Inflatable swim aids are not permitted, only Coast Guard approved flotation devices are allowed.

• Sitting, hanging or pulling on the lane ropes are not permitted.

• Swimmers may be swim tested to determine their skill level. Swimmers will be provided a colored band to wear while swimming.

• Starting blocks are for competitive program use only.

YOUTH RULES

• Any non-swimmer or child who cannot stand in water 3’ 6” must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the pool.

• When in the water, children under the age of 6 must be within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian.

• Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the pool area.

• Children ages 10 to 14 must have a parent or guardian present on YMCA premises.