Code of Conduct for Members, Participants, Guests, and Third Parties

The term “consumer” refers to any person of any age (adult or youth) visiting or involved in YMCA of Western Stark County facilities, programs, and services.

The YMCA of Western Stark County (the “YMCA”) is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Abuse or Mistreatment: The YMCA’s top priority is keeping consumers safe. Any form of abuse or mistreatment of consumers, employees, and/or volunteers is prohibited. Use of abusive, obscene, profane, threatening, harassing or discriminatory language (including but not limited to racial, religious, gender identity, or sexual references) will not be tolerated.

Bullying: The YMCA will not tolerate bullying. Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional, is repeated over time, and involves an imbalance of power or strength. Bullying can take on various forms including physical bullying, verbal bullying, nonverbal or relational bullying, cyberbullying, sexualized bullying, and hazing.

Anyone who sees an act of bullying and encourages it is engaging in bullying. This applies to all consumers, employees, and volunteers and will not be tolerated.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco: Use of alcoholic beverages, drugs, and tobacco/vaping products while at the Y is prohibited. Consumers who appear to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or illicit substances will not be permitted to use the YMCA’s facilities or participate in any program and will be asked to leave the premises.

Weapons: Weapons, and items that may be considered weapons, are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, guns, knives, explosives and laser pointers. Anyone found to be in possession of such items will be required to leave and the items may be confiscated. The authorities may be notified as appropriate.

Violence: Violence and threats of violence will not be tolerated at the Y, on our grounds, in our facilities, in other facilities being utilized or visited by our association, or during association-sponsored activities and events. Employees are available to assist in the resolution of differences.

Sexually-Explicit Materials: Everyone in the YMCA is prohibited from accessing, displaying, producing, and/or distributing pornography or sexually-explicit materials on YMCA property or while participating in any YMCA program or service.

Disruptive Behavior: The YMCA is committed to providing a safe, caring, healthy, and respectful environment for all members, participants, guests, and third parties. To promote these values, we ask all individuals to act appropriately at all times when 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:

  1. Inappropriate attire, such as clothing that is overly revealing or containing vulgar or discriminatory language or 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, attempted theft, or damage to/destruction of YMCA property or the property of others.
  7. Carrying or concealing a weapon, device, or object that may be used as a weapon, including guns, knives, and explosive devices.
  8. Using, possessing, or being under the influence of illegal or harmful chemicals/substances or alcohol on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles or at off-site YMCA program locations.
  9. Using tobacco, vaping, or other smoking products (including e-cigarettes, vape pens, and marijuana) inside the YMCA, within 25 feet of outside doors or windows, in YMCA vehicles, or at off-site program locations (including fields and outdoor program areas).
  10. Playing personal audio out loud or using external speakers is not permitted unless approved by YMCA staff. Headphones or earbuds must otherwise be used.
  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 consumer feels uncomfortable confronting a person regarding conduct in violation of this policy, they should immediately report the behavior to a staff member. Staff are available to assist in these situations.

Photos and Audio/Video Recording: The use of audio, camera, and video recording devices, including the recording and photography functions of cell phones, is prohibited in YMCA facilities and program sites unless there is implied authorization. Implied authorization means a person is taking a picture, using an audio device, or recording video of themselves, a family member, family friends, or others who have given prior permission.

The use of these devices is strictly prohibited in Child Watch areas, locker rooms, changing rooms, restrooms, and pool areas.

In the Wellness Center, weight room, and gymnasium, photos or video of oneself or accompanying family members/friends may be permitted only if others are not captured, disturbed, or identifiable without their consent.

Facility Use Expectations:

  • Soliciting either inside or outside the YMCA premises is strictly prohibited unless prior permission (who, what, where, when, and how) has been granted by a YMCA Director. Solicitation includes requesting money, support, or participation for products, groups, organizations, or causes not affiliated with the YMCA.
  • Loitering either inside or outside the YMCA premises is not permitted. Loitering is defined as remaining at the YMCA without a clear purpose or without actively using the facilities as intended. This includes waiting in any area for longer than 20 minutes or sleeping on the premises.
  • Unauthorized Instruction (personal training, coaching, or instruction) may only be conducted by YMCA staff or approved contracted instructors. Members, guests, or visitors are not permitted to provide instruction due to safety and liability considerations.

PROTECTING OUR YOUTH

Because the YMCA is dedicated to maintaining zero tolerance for child abuse, it is imperative that everyone actively participates in the protection of our youth.

If you observe, suspect, or learn of any suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and/or policy violations on the part of employees, volunteers, or other consumers, it is your personal responsibility to immediately report your observations.

Report any suspicions

  • To the Branch Director, and/or
  • To the Chief Executive Director (CEO) at 330-837-5116, and/or
  • To the State of Ohio anonymous line at 855-642-4453 (855-OH-CHILD), and/or
  • By completing the anonymous form on WestStarkY.org/youth-protection, and/or
  • By contacting the local or state authorities.

Examples of suspicious or inappropriate behaviors between employees/ volunteers and youth:

  • Violation of any abuse prevention policies outlined by the YMCA
  • Buying gifts for a minor
  • Making suggestive comments to a minor
  • Engaging in inappropriate physical contact with a minor
  • Singling out a minor for special or preferred treatment

One-on-One Interactions with Youth: Most child abuse occurs when an adult is alone with a youth, or when a youth is alone with another youth. Our association aims to reduce or eliminate these situations, and thus we prohibit private one-on-one interactions unless approved in advance by the association administration and parent. If you observe one-on-one interactions between employees/ volunteers and youth, you should report this. Any romantic or otherwise sexual relationship between a youth or teen and an employee/ volunteer is strictly prohibited.

Electronic Communication with Youth: Individual direct calls, text messaging, direct messaging and/or social media messaging between youth and employees/volunteers is not allowed, unless approved in writing by a program supervisor and parent. Employees/volunteers will only message youth via methods that include parents/guardians (such as the app “Remind”). Employees and volunteers are not permitted to befriend/follow/contact or respond to youth on social networking or social media sites or be involved with youth in any variation of online gaming. Youth will comply with the YMCA’s policies governing the use of personal mobile communication devices while in YMCA programming.

Our Youth Protection Policies and Procedures are published in our website - https://WestStarkY.org/youth-protection

 

All consumers are required to acknowledge and agree to the YMCA Code of Conduct prior to participating in YMCA programs, services, or facility use. This acknowledgement is collected digitally or at the time of enrollment. Continued use of YMCA facilities and participation in programs constitutes ongoing agreement to these policies.