Membership Handbook

Welcome to membership in the YMCA! You are now a member of one of the finest and largest human-service organizations in the world! We are a mission-driven YMCA committed to providing programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. We are here to serve you. We invite you to join our programs, volunteers, and the caring spirit of our organization, as we help to make our community a healthier and happier place to live. This handbook has been designed to answer your questions and to help you become more involved in the YMCA. Please don't hesitate to call upon one of our caring staff if you have additional needs or if we can be of assistance in any way! Welcome to the Sarasota Family where we have something for every one.

Any person who supports our purpose may become a member of this corporation (YMCA) in accordance with provisions established by the board of directors, and shall so continue to be a member unless the Board or its authorized agent concludes, in its sole discretion, that a member has failed to live up to the standards and commitments of being a member of this YMCA.

The YMCA is 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 or participating in our programs. Our Code of Conduct does not permit any language or action that can hurt or frighten another person, or that falls below a generally accepted standard of conduct. Specifically, this includes:

Using or possessing illegal chemicals or alcohol on YMCA property or in YMCA vehicles.
Angry or vulgar language - including swearing, name-calling or shouting.
Physical contact with another person in any angry or threatening way.
Any demonstration of sexual activity or sexual conduct with another person.
Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any other menacing behavior.
Inappropriate attire - appropriate attire must be worn at all times.
Theft or behavior that results in the destruction of property.
Carrying or concealing any weapons or devices or objects which may be used as weapons.
Any other conduct of an inappropriate, threatening, or offensive nature.
No cellular phone usage is allowed in the locker rooms.

Members and guests should not hesitate to notify a staff person if assistance is needed. In order to carry out these policies, we ask that members and guests identify themselves when asked. The Executive Director will investigate all reported incidents. Suspension or termination of YMCA membership privileges may result from a determination by the Executive Director if, in his or her discretion, a violation of the Code of Conduct has occurred.

A pre-participation medical checkup and an annual medical evaluation by your physician, although not required, are strongly recommended for participation in YMCA physical fitness activities.

YMCA facilities may be reserved for special occasions (birthday parties, meetings, etc.). Reservations should be at your YMCA.

Appropriate shirts, shorts, and footwear are required during exercise in the workout rooms, gyms, or racquetball courts. Street shoes are not permitted. In the swimming pool and whirlpool, proper swimming suits are required. Cut-offs and gym shorts are not permitted in the pool. For racquetball, it is strongly recommended that "eye guards" be worn.

Lockers are available for daily use during your visit to the YMCA. We strongly advise the use of locks to protect your personal items. Please use your own lock to secure your clothes and valuables in your "day use" lockers while you are working out at the YMCA. Locks left on overnight may be removed to allow use by other members. Valuables are best left at home.

The YMCA provides opportunities for people with physical and mental disabilities to participate in our programs. So that we may provide a positive experience, please contact the YMCA about any accommodations needed for participation.

The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen property. However, we do keep lost and found items whenever possible. Please check at your YMCA for the location of the lost and found.

All members (10 years or older) are issued membership key fobs which are used to scan in when entering the facility. All member photos are taken and stored for retrieval to validate membership. Membership info is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality. Photo images and other membership data are not sold to other parties but are used in the administration of YMCA activities. Photo I.D. is required if entering facility without your YMCA membership card.

Corporate Membership Plan

The YMCA is very proud of the many companies who invest in the good health of their employees through endorsing and supporting the YMCA Corporate Membership Program. Please contact the Membership Director at your YMCA if your company is interested in a corporate membership.

Member Status Changes

Changes to your membership include: additions or deletions of individuals from your membership, changes to bank or credit card information, or name and address changes. These changes can only be made by the primary member at the Membership Services Desk.

Away at Another Y

The AWAY (Always Welcome at YMCA) program logo is located on the back of your membership card. When you travel and want to work out, or use the services at a YMCA in another city, you may do so on a short-term basis at over 2,000 Y's. Guest fees and privileges may vary.

We invite members of other YMCA associations to visit our facilities. Upon presenting a current membership card, first visit is free and thereafter members may receive a discounted short-term rate. No other discounts apply.

There are four categories of membership:

• Family - A family is any two adults, married or life partner, living in one household, and any dependent children under the age of 21 or up to 24 (if full time student and proof is provided) residing at the same address.
• Adult - An adult membership is for an individual 25-61 years old living independently.
• Young Adult - A young adult membership is for an individual ages 19-24 living independently.
• Youth / Teen - A youth membership is available for adolescents ages 6-18.
• Senior - 62+ years of age.

• Member can pay annually in full by VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, check or cash.
• Payroll deduction through qualifying employers.
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) your annual fee is divided into small monthly payments, which are automatically deducted from your savings account, checking account or a major credit card.

• The YMCA reserves the right to cancel programs because of insufficient enrollment or conditions beyond our control. If a program in which a participant is enrolled is cancelled, a full credit will be issued. The participant will be required to provide proof of payment (receipt) when requesting a credit.
• No credit will be issued for classes missed by the participant.
• Credit applies to programs only and is not to be used for membership fees.
• If the participant is unable to attend or is not satisfied after the first class or league practice (prior to the first game of the league), then a full credit will be issued. Any requests for credits after the first session are at the discretion of the Program Director.
• Credits will be valid for a period of three to six months at the discretion of the Program Director.

• For your safety, glass containers are not permitted in locker rooms, pool areas or hallways between the pool areas.
• Only non-marking shoes are permitted on wood floors.
• Proper exercise footwear must be worn in all areas.
• Children under 14 years of age are not permitted in fitness areas (some exceptions do apply)
• For the health of all our members, no person having skin lesions, sores, inflamed eyes or mouth, nose or ear discharge, or who is known to the local health office as a carrier of microorganisms for any communicable disease, shall participate in group contact activities.
• There is a time limit on cardiovascular equipment of 30 minutes when members are waiting.
• Wipe off perspiration from equipment when finished and return weights to racks.
• Proper attire must be worn (swim attire in steam/sauna.
• YMCA facilities and grounds are smoke-free, drug-free and alcohol-free environments.
• Children ages 9 and under in the YMCA building or on the campus are required to be under the supervision of a parent or guardian, or registered and participating in a YMCA program. Youth ages 10 and over may, at the parents' discretion, utilize the YMCA facility for up to three hours at a time in youth approved program areas.
• The hours of operation vary from branch to branch and may change without prior notice - always check with your YMCA for details. We make every effort to give advanced notice whenever we must change our hours of operation.

Childwatch is available for children of YMCA members while parent(s) is/are on the premises using facilities. This is a free service for members only and is offered at the Evalyn Sadlier Jones and Frank G. Berlin, Sr. branches. Childwatch is open to children 6 weeks to 5 years old with a daily cumulative two-hour maximum. Additional rules and restrictions do apply. For more information please visit one of our member services desks.

Contact a YMCA staff person immediately if there is an accident, injury, or unusual incident. We are here to assist you. However, please be advised that you are participating in all activities at your own risk and are fully responsible for yourself, your children, and your guests. The Sarasota Family YMCA does not carry accident insurance on its members or participants. All expenses at the YMCA or through involvement in YMCA programs and activities are the responsibility of the member/participant and his/her own insurance carrier.

• Non-swimmers must be accompanied by a swimming parent/guardian IN THE WATER.
• Children must be at least 10 years old and able to swim to use the pools without parent/guardian supervision.
• Children under 10 must have parent/ guardian with them IN THE WATER.
• Members must be at least 16 years of age to use the sauna, steam room and spa.
• All swimmers must take a shower before entering the pools or spas.
• Playing on lane ropes, ladders or other swim equipment is prohibited.
• Running, diving in undesignated areas and horseplay is prohibited.
• Children who are not toilet trained are required to wear a waterproof diaper with plastic pants over them or non-disposable swim diapers.
• Appropriate swimsuits must be worn in and around pool, spa, steam room and sauna.
• LAP SWIMMERS must circle swim if there are more than two swimmers in a lane. Check pool schedules of lap swim times and lane availability.
• Swimmers having skin lesions or sores, inflamed eyes or mouth, nose or ear discharge; or are known to the local health department as a carrier of microorganisms for any communicable disease shall not use the swimming pools and spas.
• Food is only allowed in designated picnic areas. No food is to be brought in without prior approval of YMCA staff. (This includes indoor pools.)
• ALL GROUPS/BIRTHDAY PARTIES must be swim tested in order to use the laps pools, competition pool, diving boards and water slides.
• The pools will close at anytime due to weather or maintenance concerns.
• Urinating, spiting and blowing your nose are prohibited in the pool.
• SMOKING, ALCOHOL OR DRUG usage is not permitted in designated YMCA pool areas and facilities.
• Profanity will not be tolerated.
• The SARASOTA FAMILY YMCA, Inc. is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Valuables are best left at home.

Swim Test

Swimmers must swim 25 yards unassisted on top of the water, and tread water for 20 seconds. Lifeguards have final say in swimming ability.

Diving Board Guidelines - C.J. Lofino Family Complex

Lifeguards have the authority to enforce all pool rules and safety situations!

• Divers are to follow posted diving board rules. Check pool schedule to see when the diving boards will be open for recreational use.
• One person on the diving board at a time.
• Only one bounce per dive.
• Diver must wait until the person in front of them reaches the wall before diving.
• No swimming under or hanging on diving boards.
• Use closest ladder to exit the water.
• Dive/Jump only off the front of the board.
• No inward dives or backward dives without permission of a diving coach or lifeguard.
• Divers may be required to pass a swim test at the request of the lifeguard.