Membership Policies & Code of Conduct
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Membership Policies & Code of Conduct
The Rockland County YMCA is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all members, guests, staff, volunteers, and program participants. The following policies help ensure the safety, comfort, and positive experience of everyone in our YMCA community.
Membership Policies
Membership Card & Check-In
Please check in at the Membership Desk when entering the YMCA. All current members must have a Rockland County YMCA membership card, which must be scanned upon entry.
If you do not have your membership card, please stop at the Member Service Desk to be checked in. You may also download a digital membership card through your online account or request that a copy be sent to the phone number or email address on file.
Membership & Program Participation
Membership must remain active for Rockland County YMCA programs that require membership. A member's or child's membership must remain active throughout enrollment in programs such as childcare, summer camp, swim lessons, youth sports, and other programs requiring an active membership.
If a membership expires during a program enrollment period, the YMCA may process a membership renewal to maintain eligibility.
Membership Cancellation or Changes
Members who wish to cancel or change a monthly or annual membership or pre-authorized draft must provide written notice to the Rockland County YMCA at least two weeks prior to the next scheduled draft date.
Cancellation and membership change forms are available at the Member Service Desk.
Joiner fees are nonrefundable. If a membership remains inactive for more than 30 days, a joiner fee may apply when rejoining.
Membership Hold Policy
Members may place their membership on hold for a maximum of three months per calendar year for a $10 monthly hold fee.
Youth Monthly Memberships may be placed on hold for up to two months with no hold fee.
Written notice must be received at least two weeks prior to the next scheduled draft date.
While a membership is on hold, it becomes inactive and is not eligible for YMCA programs, including childcare registration and special membership promotions.
Longer holds may be granted for medical reasons or other extenuating circumstances. Documentation may be required.
Membership Payment Policy
Automatically renewing memberships do not expire unless cancelled.
Members who authorize pre-authorized membership drafts must provide written cancellation notice at least two weeks prior to the scheduled draft date.
If a membership payment is declined or returned, the member remains responsible for the membership balance and any applicable fees charged to the YMCA.
The YMCA reserves the right to cancel a membership if a payment is returned twice or consistently returned over a six-month period. The YMCA may also decline to offer recurring payment options to individuals whose membership has previously been revoked.
Members are responsible for notifying the YMCA of changes to their payment method that could affect membership payments.
Members must be at least 18 years old to authorize membership drafts, unless a parent or guardian provides authorization.
The YMCA reserves the right to adjust membership rates by membership category. Members will receive at least 30 days' notice before a rate change.
Returned Payment Policy
If a check is returned for insufficient funds, it may be electronically re-presented or processed through another legal method, and applicable processing fees may be charged.
For electronic membership payment returns, a $30 return fee may be assessed. Additional attempts may be made automatically to recover the outstanding balance and return fee.
Members should ensure that sufficient funds are available on their scheduled payment date.
Facility & Member Policies
Supervision of Children
For everyone's safety, children under 12 years of age may not be left unattended in any area of the YMCA. A parent or guardian age 18 or older must remain present with children under 12, including during YMCA staff-led instructional programs.
Children under 12 may not use the Fitness Center unless participating in a supervised YMCA program.
Youth ages 13–15 may use the Fitness Center after completing a Fitness Orientation and must remain under parent or guardian supervision. Youth ages 13–15 may not use free-weight equipment until age 15.
Members age 15 and older have full access to the facility and Fitness Center.
Photos & Identification
All members and guests are required to have their photo taken before using the facility. This policy helps improve the safety and security of our YMCA.
Photo identification may also be required when visiting the YMCA for the first time, joining the YMCA, joining on behalf of a child, or whenever requested by YMCA staff.
Cell Phone & Recording Policy
Cell phone use is not permitted in YMCA locker rooms.
Video recorders, cameras, and other visual recording devices may not be used inside the YMCA without prior written permission from the Chief Executive Officer.
Smoke-Free Policy
The Rockland County YMCA is a tobacco-free environment. Smoking and the use of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, are prohibited throughout YMCA facilities and property.
Food & Drinks
Food and drinks are permitted only in the YMCA lobby and designated areas.
Water and sports drinks are the only liquids permitted in the gym, Fitness Center, and pool areas, and they must be kept in a sealed plastic or metal container.
Lockers & Valuables
Members may use lockers while they are in the YMCA and should use their own lock to secure personal belongings.
Members are strongly encouraged to secure valuables. Locks must be removed from lockers when leaving the building each day.
Small and large lockers are available for a monthly fee. Please contact the Member Service Desk for more information.
The YMCA is not responsible for valuables left unattended or unsecured.
Lost & Found
Please contact the Member Service Desk regarding lost items.
Third-Party Trainers & Instructors
Third-party individuals acting as personal trainers or instructors are not permitted to provide services on YMCA property due to licensing and liability concerns.
Members should consult YMCA professionals regarding personal training and lessons.
Breastfeeding Policy
Breastfeeding in public places is permitted and protected by New York State law and is permitted throughout the facilities of the Rockland County YMCA.
Program Policies
Program Change Fee
Members who wish to change classes after registering may be required to pay a $10 service fee per person, per program.
Program Cancellation Policy
The Rockland County YMCA reserves the right to cancel a program due to low enrollment. When a program is cancelled by the YMCA, applicable fees will be credited or refunded.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Membership and program fees are generally nonrefundable.
If a participant withdraws from a program because of a doctor's documented illness, or if the YMCA cancels a program due to insufficient enrollment, a refund may be issued at the discretion of the Program Director.
Membership account credits resulting from documented illness are at the discretion of the Membership Team.
Joiner fees are nonrefundable.
Health Screening
Members who have been away from the YMCA due to illness or injury may be required to provide a physician's note confirming that they are able to participate in an exercise program.
Member Code of Conduct
The YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all members and guests. Everyone is expected to act appropriately, responsibly, and respectfully while using YMCA facilities or participating in YMCA programs.
Members and guests are expected to respect the rights and dignity of others and to help maintain a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment.
The YMCA's Code of Conduct is not limited to the examples below. Inappropriate behavior may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of YMCA membership or program privileges.
The following behaviors are prohibited:
- Angry, vulgar, or offensive language, including swearing, name-calling, shouting, or refusing to follow instructions from YMCA staff.
- Physical contact with another person in an angry, aggressive, or threatening manner.
- Sexually explicit conversation or behavior or sexual contact with another person.
- Harassment or intimidation through words, gestures, body language, or other behavior.
- Theft or behavior that results in the destruction or loss of YMCA or another person's property.
- Carrying or concealing weapons or devices that may be used as weapons.
- Possession or use of drugs, illegal chemicals, or alcohol on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles, or at YMCA-sponsored programs.
- Smoking or use of tobacco products on YMCA property.
- Loitering on YMCA property after being asked to leave.
- Inappropriate, immodest, or sexually revealing attire.
- Using cell phones in locker rooms, swimming pool areas, or other designated program areas.
- Any other behavior that YMCA staff determines to be inappropriate, unsafe, or inconsistent with YMCA policies.
Youth & Teen Facility Use
Youth ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who must remain in the building.
Youth ages 13–17 with an active membership may use the facility without adult supervision when they are actively participating in a program, class, or activity.
"Hanging out," watching television, or playing video games in program spaces does not constitute active participation and is not permitted.
Safety, Security & Membership Access
Child Protection & Sex Offender Screening
The safety of children who use the Rockland County YMCA is a top priority.
The YMCA uses the Raptor System to screen members and visitors against registered sex offender databases in all 50 states. If a potential threat is identified, the system alerts designated YMCA management staff and, when necessary, law enforcement may be notified.
The YMCA also conducts regular sex offender screenings of members, participants, and guests.
If a sex offender match occurs, the YMCA reserves the right to cancel membership, end program participation, and remove access to YMCA facilities.
Denial of Membership
The CEO and President of Operations of the Rockland County YMCA have the authority to deny or revoke membership or access to YMCA property when an individual's actions may jeopardize the safety or comfort of others.
This may include individuals who have been accused or convicted of crimes involving sexual abuse, registered sex offenders, individuals convicted of certain drug-related offenses, or individuals who are presently or habitually under the influence of dangerous drugs, narcotics, or intoxicating beverages.
Suspension or Revocation of Membership
The CEO and President of Operations may suspend or revoke a membership when an individual engages in conduct that is inconsistent with or detrimental to the purposes of the YMCA or the operation of its facilities.
The length of a suspension or revocation will be determined by YMCA leadership.
An individual whose membership has been suspended or revoked at one YMCA branch may also be prohibited from membership or access at other branches of the association during the suspension period.
Reporting Concerns
Members and guests are encouraged to report behavior that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable to a YMCA staff member or Director on duty.
Members and guests should not hesitate to ask YMCA staff for assistance when needed.
Members and guests may be asked to identify themselves to YMCA staff in order to enforce these policies.
Reported incidents will be investigated by YMCA leadership. Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in suspension or termination of YMCA membership privileges.
Inclement Weather & Emergency Policies
Inclement Weather
The Rockland County YMCA reserves the right to cancel classes or close facilities when remaining open could jeopardize the safety of staff, members, or participants.
During inclement weather, the decision to close facilities or cancel programs will be made by the Building & Grounds Director. Members and program participants will be notified by email when applicable.
Weather-related cancellations may be based on the closing of the local school district.
Fire & Emergency Evacuation
In the event of a fire or other emergency, YMCA members and program participants must follow instructions from YMCA staff.
During an evacuation, individuals must proceed to the designated area and must not re-enter the building or attempt to search for family members or friends.
YMCA Nationwide Membership
When utilizing the YMCA Nationwide Membership Program, members agree to release the National Council of Young Men's Christian Associations of the United States of America and its independent and autonomous member associations in the United States and Puerto Rico from claims of negligence for bodily injury or death associated with the use of YMCA facilities, as well as other claims, including loss of property, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Privacy
For information regarding how the Rockland County YMCA handles personal information, please review our External Privacy Notice.
If you are not fully satisfied with your membership or classes, please contact: Phil Donnelly, CEO at PDonnelly@rocklandymca.org