Making Sure We All Agree

MEMBERSHIP DUES AND START UP FEES

All memberships are subject to a one-time non-refundable Startup Fee for processing. Membership dues may be paid annually or by monthly draft. All membership dues, monthly or annual, once paid are non-refundable. Any automatic draft that is returned will be charged a $5 returned payment fee. If returned, the draft will be automatically resubmitted for payment. Daxko Full Service Billing will contact you to collect outstanding membership dues. Any balances left unpaid will result in membership cancellation. The YMCA will give you 30 days’ notice prior to any membership dues increase.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Monthly draft is a continuous membership until cancelled in writing. The member must connect with us during normal business hours, to provide no less than a 24-hour notice of cancellation prior to the draft date. Voicemail and /or e-mail communication will not be considered a valid notice until confirmed by Y staff. Failure to do so will make subsequent drafts non-refundable. Members participating in payroll deduction with their employer may require up to 2 weeks additional notice. Members are responsible for reviewing bank statements to verify their draft cancellation. Membership is not based on facility usage; monthly membership dues will be withdrawn whether or not members use the facility. Startup fees will be waived if a membership is renewed within 90 days, but will apply to renewals after 90 days.

HOLD POLICY

Members may put their membership on-hold for a maximum of 3 months, in a rolling 12 month period, free of charge. The member must connect with us during normal business hours, to provide no less than a 24-hour notice of hold prior to the draft date. Voicemails and /or e-mail communication will not be considered a valid notice until confirmed by Y staff. Failure to do so will make subsequent drafts non-refundable. Members participating in payroll deduction with their employer may require up to 2 weeks additional notice. While on-hold, the member will not be charged their monthly membership dues. The membership will be inactive during this time and the member will forgo access to all facilities. If a member wishes to sign up for a program while on-hold they will be charged the program member rate. Once the hold is released, the membership will automatically begin drafting again.

Access to all YMCA facilities and programs is limited to registered participants and active members. All members are required to present a current, valid membership card or valid photo identification when using the YMCAs facilities and programs. Membership cards are not transferable.

Members and program participants agree to follow YMCA policies, procedures and appropriate behaviors for the safety and comfort of all.

AGE POLICIES

SWIMMING POOL - Children age 5 and under must be accompanied in the water by an adult wearing appropriate swimming attire at all times. Children ages 6-10 must have a parent present on the pool deck for the duration of their time in the pool. Children ages 11 and older may be in the pool without a parent present; however, they are subject to a swim test and must adhere to posted rules and any rules set forth by the lifeguard.

CHILD WATCH - (6 weeks - 10 years). Child Watch is FREE for those with a Family or Youth membership. Adult memberships may purchase a monthly Child Watch pass for children under 3 years of age for a nominal fee. Children may be in Child Watch up to 2 hours per day.

WELLNESS CENTER - Children under the age of 10 are not permitted in the Wellness Center. Ages 10-12 may use the Wellness Center if accompanied by an adult (18+) at all times. It is recommended that they first complete our youth wellness assessment. Ages 13-15 may use the Wellness Center if accompanied by an adult (18+) at all times or without an adult after completion of our teen wellness assessment.

GENERAL FACILITIES - Children under age 11 must be supervised by an adult at all times.

GYMNASIUM - Children ages 9+ are permitted in the gymnasium during open gym time. Parent or responsible adult must be inside the facility at all times.

GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES - Members ages 13-15 may participate in group exercise classes if accompanied by a parent/supervising adult. Members 16 + may participate without adult supervision. Check your branch for more information.

MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT

The YMCA is committed to providing a safe, caring, healthy and respectful environment for all members and guests. To promote these values, we ask all individuals to act appropriately at all times when they are using our facilities, participating in our programs, or attending any event as a spectator. The following conduct may be grounds for removal from the YMCA, suspension, or termination of membership as determined by the YMCA in its sole discretion:

  1. Inappropriate attire, such as clothing that is overly revealing or containing vulgar or discriminatory language / images, obscene gestures, or other content that is inappropriate for a facility serving children.
  2. Physical contact with another person in an angry or threatening manner, or intentional physical contact that injures another person. 
  3. Threatening, hostile, or vulgar language including swearing, name calling or shouting.
  4. Any demonstration of sexual activity or sexual contact with another person.
  5. Intimidation or harassment by words, gestures, body language or any other menacing behavior.
  6. Theft or attempted theft, or behavior that results in destruction of property.
  7. Carrying or concealing a weapon, devices or an object that may be used as a weapon, including guns, knives, and explosive devices.
  8. Providing personal instruction / training / coaching to YMCA members as a non-authorized provider.
  9. Using, possessing, and/or being under the influence of illegal or harmful chemicals/substances or alcohol on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles or at off-site YMCA programs locations.
  10. Using tobacco or tobacco-like products such as e-cigarettes, vape pens, or other vaping products, on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles or at offsite YMCA program locations. 
  11. Any other conduct of an inappropriate, threatening or offensive nature determined by the YMCA to be inconsistent with its mission and values.

If any member or guest feels uncomfortable confronting a person regarding conduct in violation of this policy, they should immediately report the behavior to a staff member. Staff members are ready to help when these situations arise.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

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 cancel membership, end program participation, and remove visitation access. The protection of our members and guests participating in our programs and/or our facilities is of paramount interest to the Akron Area YMCA. The Akron Area YMCA reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person who has been accused or convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse; is a registered sex offender; habitually or excessively uses narcotics or dangerous drugs; has ever been convicted of any offense related to the use, sale, possession or transportation of narcotics or habit forming and/or dangerous drugs; or continually or excessively uses intoxicating beverages.

NO UNAUTHORIZED COACHING/TRAINING PERMITTED

Personal training at our facilities (or related program), including instruction and coaching, is a Y service, requiring a specific skill or training to avoid and prevent injury. The liability risk for these activities in YMCA facilities and programs is held by the YMCA. As such, these activities are reserved as an exclusive Y service. The YMCA does not permit non-YMCA staff to engage in training, instruction or coaching, for compensation or gratis, in YMCA facilities or programs. Further, YMCA staff may only conduct these activities as part of their assigned duties during their authorized work schedule. Limited exceptions may be allowed when prior written authorization is granted by an authorized YMCA representative. Examples may include: parents/guardians working with their own children/dependents, contracted rental agreements specifically designated for the purposes of coaching or training activities, etc., provided there is a low risk of liability.

DISCLAIMER/HOLD HARMLESS STATEMENT

I/we understand that there is a risk of serious injury associated with the use of the YMCA facilities, participation in YMCA programs and use of exercise and other equipment. As a condition of my membership I agree to assume the risk of injury arising from my use of the facilities, programs, equipment and for all other matters at all YMCA locations or program whenever occurring. On behalf of myself and my heirs, administrators and executors, I hereby release and hold the YMCA and it officers, trustees, employees, agents and contractors harmless from all such claims for injury and damage. I understand that I would not be permitted to participate in any YMCA program or use any YMCA facility or equipment without this agreement. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen property. I authorize the Akron Area YMCA or its designees, agencies and contractors to create have and use statements, photographs, slides and videotapes of me or my family for its record keeping or marketing/public relations programs. I/we have read and understand the information provided above. In addition, I/we understand and agree that the conditions of membership and the disclaimer/hold harmless statement are in effect throughout my membership with the Akron Area YMCA. I/we also understand and agree that if the membership is interrupted for any reason, these agreements will remain in effect during the period of interruption as well as after the membership is reinstated.