SHERIDAN COUNTY YMCA POLICIES

Letter to Members, June 20, 2024

Please browse the links below to view Sheridan County YMCA policies, and contact us with any questions.

Elisabeth Cassiday
Executive Director
ecassiday@sheridanymca.org
674-7488
Sheridan County YMCA

YMCA POLICIES

AQUATICS
POOL, AGE GUIDELINES, GROUPS
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YMCA POLICIES

BUILDING
GENERAL POLICIES
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ymca policies

CHILD CARE
CHILD CARE REQUIREMENTS / TRANSPORT
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YMCA POLICIES

CODE OF CONDUCT
CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, & RESPONSIBILITY
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YMCA POLICIES

DROP-IN
REQUIREMENTS AND EXCLUSIONS
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YMCA POLICIES

EMERGENCY PLANS
EVACUATIONS, FIRE, INCIDENTS
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YMCA POLICIES

HEALTH & WELLNESS
ENSURING A safe, comfortable & clean facility
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YMCA POLICIES

YOUTH
For members ages 8-13
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ymca policies

MEMBERSHIP
PRICING, DURATION, ETC.
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YMCA POLICIES

OPEN DOOR
CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, & RESPONSIBILITY
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YMCA POLICIES

REFUNDS
EVACUATIONS, FIRE, INCIDENTS
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YMCA POLICIES

PHOTO / VIDEO
PHOTO/VIDEO RECORDING
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YMCA POLICIES

CAMP POLICIES
Camp Roberts Handbook
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YMCA POLICIES

MISSING CHILD
EVACUATIONS, FIRE, INCIDENTS
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YMCA POLICIES

RENTAL
RENTAL POLICIES & INQUIRIES
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AQUATICS

POOL POLICIES

  • Please walk when on deck and in the locker rooms.
  • It is good etiquette to shower prior to entering the pool.
  • Appropriate swim attire must be worn in the Aquatics area. No cut-offs, street cloths, thong bathing suits, string bathing suits or other attire deemed inappropriate by YMCA staff.
  • Training pants or pool diapers must be worn under swimwear for any participant not toilet trained.
  • Use of flotation devices, balls, mats, toys, etc. must be approved by the lifeguards on duty.
  • For sanitary reasons, gum, food and drink is not to be consumed in the pools, on the pool decks or in the lifeguards’ office. Closed plastic water bottles are permitted, NO GLASS.
  • Underwater long breath holding is not permitted.
  • Language and behavior needs to be respectful of the Y m1ss1on and other patrons. The lifeguard has complete authority over the pool area. We ask patrons to respect Y staff requests on safety related issues.
  • People with infectious medical conditions should refrain from swimming until healed.
  • Children under the age of 13 must pass the swim test to be able to participate in deep water activities in the Lap Pool.
  • Outside swim coaches and instructors are not permitted to provide services on Y property unless given permission by the Facility or AQ Director.

AGE GUIDELINES

  • All children under the age of 8 must have an adult (18 or older) IN the water while using the Y pools during open/family swims.
  • If an adult is accompanied by more than 2 non-swimmers, lifejackets are encouraged.

AGE GUIDELINES FOR GROUPS

  • Children ages 0-2 are to be accompanied and supervised IN the water, one on one, by an adult ( 18 or older).
  • Children ages 3-4 years must not exceed a 5 to 1 ratio by a supervising adult (18 or older) IN the water.
  • Children ages 5-7 years must not exceed a 10 to 1 ratio by a supervising adult ( 18 or older) IN the water.
  • Lifejackets are strongly encouraged for all non-swimmers.

BUILDING POLICIES

  • Please bring your membership card every time you use the Y. Bringing your card allows us to track your visit and assists us in being aware of who is in the building at all times.
  • All children under the age of eight must be supervised by an adult when in any part of the Y facility or Y grounds.
  • Youth 9th grade and older are allowed to attend fitness classes, use the weight room and run on the track.
  • The YMCA building and grounds are firearm, vaping, drug, tobacco and alcohol free.
  • For safety of all, Heelys, skateboards, hover boards and scooters are not allowed in the facility.
  • Outdoor sports balls are not allowed in any areas of the Y. This includes baseballs, softballs, footballs and other like equipment.
  • Bicycles must be parked outside of the Y in the bike racks provided. Please bring a lock for security purposes.
  • The Y closes for 9 days in August for our Annual Maintenance Closing. Membership fees and dates are not adjusted to reflect this closure.
  • If the Y is required to close under a1ny emergency circumstances, including weather, membership fees are not adjusted to reflect this closure.
  • All gyms, playland and pools may have times where a rental or special event may require exclusive use of a space.

CHILDCARE

CHILD CARE REQUIREMENTS

  • 2 years of age through 5 years of age
  • Paperwork and immunizations must be on file
  • Registered for a minimum of 2 days/ week
  • Childcare is open 7: 30 am – 5: 45 pm
  • $10.00 late fee is added to any child still here at 5: SO pm.
  • Each child is required to have a set schedule. Permanent schedule changes are allowed during designated times of the year.
  • Registration fee is a $160.00 non- refundable deposit plus a $50.00 supply fee
  • No charge for days we are not open
  • Supply fee of $50.00 is to be paid each January.
  • Vacation/Sick rate is half your daily rate
  • Summer holding fee of $300.00 is applied to children who do not have a set schedule June-August
  • Parents must sign their child in/out each day

EXCLUSION FROM CARE OR ILLNESS AT CENTER

Any child who cannot participate in a regular child care program due to discomfort, injury or other symptoms of illness may be refused care. A facility serving well children may not admit a child who has any of the illnesses/symptoms of illness specified below:

  • Severe diarrhea
  • Severe pain or discomfort
  • Two or more episodes of acute vomiting within a period of twenty-four hours (24)
  • Difficult or rapid breathing;
  • Yellowish eyes or skin;
  • Sore throat with a fever over 101 ° F or severe coughing;
  • Untreated head lice or nits;
  • Untreated scabies;
  • Children suspected of being in contagious stages of chickenpox, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella or diphtheria; or Purulent conjunctivitis

Children with the following symptoms should be excluded from child care unless they are under the care of a physician and the physician has approved in writing their return to child care:

  • Skin rashes, excluding diaper rash, lasting more than one (1) day.
  • Swollen joints or visibly enlarged lymph nodes;
  • Elevated oral temperature of 101 ° F or over;
  • Blood in urine;
  • Mouth sores associated with drooling; or
  • Having a communicable disease or being a carrier of such, that is listed on the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) Reportable Disease and Condition List

The parent shall be notified immediately when a child has symptoms requiring exclusion from care. The child will be kept isolated from other children until the child is removed from the facility.

If your child is sent home due to illness, he/she must be free of any of the above symptoms for at least 24 hours before returning to the Center. If on antibiotics, child cannot return until 24 hours after first dose. If given Tylenol, child cannot return until 24 hours after last dose and must be fever free. Please notify staff if your child has experienced any side effects from their medicine.

  • All medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) must be signed in on our medication form.

POOL/TRANSPORTATION

  • A signed release must be on file
  • Seat belts a re to be used
  • Swim diapers must be used if child isn’t potty trained

BEHAVIORS/INCEDENTS

  • Parents will be asked to participate in a specific action plan
  • Parents may be asked to pick up a child.
  • Recommendations may be made with outside resources in responding to the child’s behavior.
  • Child can be dis-enrolled

CODE OF CONDUCT

Using the core values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY as a guide, we strongly encourage behaviors and language that will ensure all who participate in the Y enjoy a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment.

  • Wear full-coverage appropriate clothing free of vulgar/profane language and pictures.
  • Display good behavior. Speak respectfully.
  • Use non-offensive language when speaking with others.
  • Be respectful of the Y’s property, equipment and the property of others.
  • Respect the security of the facility by entering and exiting only out of designated doors.

DROP IN

DROP IN REQUIREMENTS:

  • Child paperwork and Immunizations must be on file
  • Ages allowed 6 weeks – 7 years.
  • Parents must stay in the building

EXCLUSION FROM CARE OR ILLNESS AT CENTER
Any child who cannot participate in a regular child care program due to discomfort, injury or other symptoms of illness may be refused care. A facility serving well children may not admit a child who has any of the illnesses/symptoms of illness specified below

  • Severe diarrhea
  • Severe pain or discomfort
  • Two or more episodes of acute vomiting within a period of twenty-four (24) hours
  • Difficult or rapid breathing;
  • Yellowish eyes or skin; Sore throat with a fever over 101 or severe coughing
  • Children suspected of being in contagious stages of chickenpox, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella or diphtheria; or Untreated head lice or nits; Untreated scabies;
  • Purulent conjunctivitis

The parent shall be notified immediately when a child has symptoms requiring exclusion from care. The child will be kept isolated from other children until the child is removed from the facility.

If your child is sent home due to illness, he/she must be free of any of the above symptoms for at least 24 hours before returning to the Center. If on antibiotics, child cannot return until 24 hours after first dose. If given Tylenol, child cannot return until 24 hours after last dose and must be fever free. Please notify staff if your child has experienced any side effects from their medicine.

  • All medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) must be signed in on our medication form.

INFANTS

  • Sleeping children under the age of 12 months will only be placed on their back, on a firm flat surface with nothing in the sleep space (i.e. blankets, stuffed toys, pacifier attachments) Swaddling for infant sleep is prohibited unless a licensed health care provider signs statement that includes instructions and time frame.

EMERGENCY POLICIES

EVACUATIONS

  • Be familiar with all marked exits.
  • Should an evacuation of the facility be required for any reason, follow the directions of Y staff to ensure a safe and orderly exit.

FIRE ALARM / EMERGENCY NOTICE

  • Please follow all directions with any alarm that has been activated. This includes immediate evacuation.
    • Stop all activity
    • If in a class follow your instructors directions.
    • Do not go to locker rooms to change clothes or retrieve personal articles.
  • There will be designated locations to allow sheltering in place. These locations are:
    • AQ Center
    • Front Lobby
    • Health and Wellness/ old west entrance
    • Child Care back of east classroom (will change with relocation)
    • After School back of west classroom (will change with relocation)
    • Drop-in/ old west entrance

INCIDENT REPORTS

  • In the event that CPR, first aid or correction action is provided for you, the Y staff responding is required to ensure that pro per documentation is completed for the Y’s records as well as for insurance purposes. This includes name, address, phone number and details of the incident.

MEMBER RESPONSIBILITY

  • Members are asked to assist Y staff in emergencies by following instructions from staff and alarm. This will allow the Y to resolve the situation efficiently and safely.
  • We ask that, if feasible considering the emergency, a member locates a Y staff to take over any emergency situation.

STAFF ON DUTY

  • Staff on duty are designated to take a lead role in daily operations of the facility
  • Staff on duty will take over emergency situations and/or assist other staff handling the situation.

FACILITY CLOSURE

  • If in the event the Sheridan County YMCA facility doses all youth will be asked to contact a parent or other responsible individual to make arrangements for a ride. We expect that arrangements will be made within an hour after notification by staff.
    • These closures may include weather, facility emergency or other reasonable decisions made by staff to close the facility.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS POLICIES

Individuals 9ths grade and older are welcome to utilize the strength training/aerobic facilities and programs. The exception is if you have completed a Parent/Youth orientation. Weight room supervisors are available to assist members when unfamiliar with any of the strength or cardio equipment.

To ensure a safe, comfortable and clean facility, we ask that the following policies be followed:

 

  • Re-rack all weight plates, dumbbells, and bars.
  • Return cable attachments to the attachment wall after use.
  • Use collars on all free bars for the safety of others.
  • Ask for spotters when challenged by weight.
  • Lift and lower weights with control .Do not allow weights to drop to the floor.
  • Set dumbbells or barbells on the floor when not in use; avoid setting them on benches between sets.
  • Beverages allowed in a closed container.
  • Take all cell phone conversations out to the hallway. Maintain a low volume level so as not to disturb others.
  • Use headphones while listening to personal devices.
  • Disinfect all equipment after use.
  • Abide by posted dress code; wear Y appropriate clothing and safe, properly fitting athletic footwear. Athletic wear required; no jeans or clothing that may destroy equipment. Muddy shoes are not permitted on or around equipment.
  • Allow others to work in between sets. Avoid crowding around one area, keeping others from utilizing surrounding space.
  • The use of chalk, liquid chalk and other powder in the Health and Wellness Center is strictly prohibited.
  • Outside personal trainers and coaches are NOT permitted to train on Y property.
  • Use YMCA appropriate language.
  • Live the YMCA Mission; be respectful to all members and staff members.
  • Y Staff has complete authority over the Health and Wellness Center. We ask patrons to respect Y staff requests on all safety and conduct related issues.

MEMBERSHIP POLICIES

It is the policy of the Y to make membership available to all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or financial circumstances without discrimination. Memberships include, unless otherwise stated, use of the social areas, pools, gyms, running track, weight room, racquetball courts, classes, and the locker rooms. Program rates will also reflect membership vs. community members.

Financial Assistance:
It is the policy of the Sheridan County YMCA to serve all people regardless of financial situation. No individual will be refused a Y membership for reasons of economic hardship. Financial aid for families, adults, and seniors will be based on the guideline for income with consideration given to medical, special circumstances, and cases of hardship. Memberships are granted for 3 months, 6 months, or one year. Renewal of scholarship memberships will not be an automatic continuation but will require a new form to be filled out upon expiration.

Membership Duration:
The Y offers monthly, annual, and perpetual (draft) memberships. Dues are payable upon billing.

Draft Return/NSF (non-sufficient funds):
A membership will be put on hold upon the return of a membership draft. Access to the facility will be denied until the member pays the NSF amount. Each draft date, a letter will be sent regarding the status of their membership and NSF(s). After 3 NSFs, their membership will be canceled.

Joiner’s Fee:
When a member renews a membership within 90 days of the last expiration date, they will not be subject to a Joiner’s Fee. However, if more than 90 days have elapsed, a person will be subject to joining/initiation fees. A member in good standing from another Y will not be charged a joiner’s fee. This information may be received through a letter from their former Y or by calling their former Y and confirming their membership.

Suspension or Revocation of Membership:
Membership privileges may be suspended or revoked by the Executive Director. The length of suspension or a refund of membership dues or fees will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Membership Cancellation/Refund:
Y memberships may be canceled at any time. Members will be required to sign a Change Form, available at the Front Desk, providing all information regarding cancellations.

A. A draft membership may be canceled and will expire one day prior to the next scheduled draft.
B. Annual memberships may be canceled at any time. Refunds will be considered for the remaining membership if cancellation is due to illness or relocation.
C. Refunds will not be approved based on non-use of the facilities.

Membership Hold:
Members are allowed to put their draft membership on hold for up to three months in a year. Annual members are allowed to put their memberships on hold for up to three months in a year. Their membership expiration date will be extended to reflect the hold.

Sex Offenders:
We consider it of great importance to provide a safe and threat-free environment. For this reason, the Sheridan County YMCA monitors the sexual offender registry. Persons on the list will not be eligible for a Y membership, program participation, volunteer, or employment opportunities.

Reciprocal Agreements:

A. Transfers between individuals: Membership, particularly membership privileges or program registration, shall not be transferred from one person to another.

B. Transfers between associations: Members who desire to transfer to another Y will need to cancel their membership. Memberships are not transferable between other associations.

C. Nationwide: The Sheridan County YMCA participates in YUSA Nationwide Membership. This enables active members to visit any participating YMCA in the United States. We also recognize those individuals who are visiting us while members at other YMCA’s in the United States. Once a member begins to visit our Y 51% of the time, we will expect them to become members at our Y.

D: Tongue River Valley Community Center: Members of TRVCC will be allowed basic membership privileges at the Sheridan County YMCA. Individuals desiring memberships to the Gold Centers must receive their membership throug1h the Y.

E. The Sheridan County YMCA extends complimentary memberships to those listed. The memberships will be handled through our
Scholarship process.
• International Exchange Students
• Foster Children
• AmeriCorps Members
These individuals may also be added to an existing membership.
• Grandparents raising Grandchildren

F. Group/Corporate Memberships: The Y will work individually with other organizations or businesses in the community that are interested in offering and supporting a Y membership for their staff and staff families. Each organization or business will determine how to set up their staff memberships.

G. Student Teachers and Nursing/Doctor Residency: Individuals who will be involved in student teaching for School District 1, 2 or 3, or are in a temporary residency at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, will receive a membership at $5.00 per month.

We welcome any opportunity for further discussion.

YMCA Inclusion Policy
The Sheridan County YMCA is committed to diversity, inclusion, and safety. The Y’s mission is to serve everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity.

In our best efforts to maintain a strong relationship with our diverse membership base and ensure members feel safe and their privacy is respected, we are implementing the following practice:

YMCA Inclusion Practice As a community-based non-profit organization and in line with the Sheridan County YMCA’s Inclusion Policy, we are committed to reflecting the diverse communities and membership we serve. All members are permitted to use the Y’s private changing rooms, located in the Family Locker Room, for dressing, showering, and bathroom use. The Y remains open to discussing options and any other inclusion-related challenges that may occur on an ongoing basis in an effort to serve its membership and the community at large. We welcome any opportunity for further discussion.

Locker Use/Rentals
The Sheridan County YMCA has a group of lockers available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis in the Women/Men Basic Locker Rooms. If a locker is not available, a waitlist will be created and assignments will be made in order. All other lockers are for day use only. If personal locks are placed on lockers in the Women/Men Basic Locker Room, and it is not a rented locker, a notice will be placed on the locker. After a period of three days, the lock and contents will be removed, labeled, and stored. All lockers assigned for the Women/Men Gold Center are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If a locker is available, a member may request the locker or ask for a locker change. Each locker has a combination lock assigned to the specific locker. A member may choose to use a personal lock. The Y asks to be notified if they furnish their own lock.

Locker Rooms

Members may access either the Basic or Family Locker Rooms. All youth older than 3 years of age are asked to use the Family Locker Room with an adult. Family Locker Rooms do not allow multiple persons in the changing/shower rooms at one time. Exceptions would be parents assisting their child(ren) or an adult providing assistance to another adult for health reasons.

Lost or Stolen Items: The Sheridan County YMCA is not responsible for unattended items on the facility property. This includes contents of any lockers, assigned lockers, or day use lockers.

Maintenance Closure: Each year, the Y will close for nine days to complete maintenance and repairs within the facility. Annual/Draft memberships are not adjusted for this closure. Monthly memberships will be adjusted based on the purchase of the membership and the closure of the Y.

REFUNDS

Big Horn Fun Friday
A refund will be granted if notification of cancellation is made by 4:00 pm on the Wednesday before the reserved Friday for which youth are registered. Exceptions may be made by the Program Director.

Camp
A partial voucher will be issued:
• Cancellation is two weeks prior to camp
• The Y will retain 25 of the initial fee for each camp canceled
No refund will be issued:
• Cancellation is within  two weeks prior to camp.
Vouchers are valid for one year after issuance date.
Exceptions may be made by the Program Director.

Program
Sports refunds:
• We will offer a voucher for the full fee two weeks before the season starts.
• We will offer a voucher for 50% of the fee one week before the season starts.
• We will not offer a voucher once the season has started.

Vouchers are valid for one year after issuance date. If a refund is granted, any jersey/shirt received must be returned to the Y. Exceptions may be made by the Program Director.

Late Registration: Late registration will be allowed ONLY if there is room available on a team and it will not disrupt the season. This will be handled by the Program Director.


Health & Wellness
Government or Y-Related Closure:
• A voucher will be offered at the time of cancellation. Voucher amount is based on pro-rated fee from the start of the program date to the closure date.
• Pro-rated fee will be offered at the time of cancellation.

Parent Youth Orientation:
•Full voucher if service has not been scheduled within 30 days. Must confirm with the program director.

Taekwondo:
•If the member cancels prior to start of the session: Full voucher will be offered
• If the member cancels on or after start of session date: no voucher or refund available

Small Group Personal Training:
• If the member cancels prior to the to start of the session: Full Voucher
• If the member cancels within two weeks of the start of session date: 50% voucher available
*Extenuating circumstances, such as major illness or injury, will be at the discretion of the Health & Wellness Director

Everyone Plays/Everyone Wins
At the YMCA, coaches will do their best to make sure that all the sports participants receive equal playing time. Even though it is not always possible due to the number of participants on a team, coaches will do all they can to provide equal playing time. Additionally, here at the YMCA, we do not keep score during games, with the exception of Junior High soccer. This allows the kids to focus on having fun while playing with their friends.

Parents are to remain positive towards all participants including, but not limited to, players, coaches, and referees/umpires.

YOUTH USAGE POLICY

Making sure the YMCA is safe for kids and families is fundamental to all that we do. We are committed to the well-being and safety of children. However, the YMCA facility is not designed or licensed to provide basic childcare needs. Any public place may be unsafe for a child who is left unattended for long periods of time. Throughout our programs, in our facility and with trained staff, we implement strict policies to ensure safety.

For members ages 8-13:

  • September through May are the YMCA’s peak program times for youth and adults.
  • Unless they are registered and participating in a YMCA program, youth will only be allowed access to the facility Monday through Friday after 6:00 pm.
  • Youth will be allowed access to the facility during weekend operating hours.
  • During school breaks, youth will only be allowed access to the facility after 1:00 pm.
  • June through August are non-peak program times for youth and adults.
  • Youth will be allowed access to the facility during operating hours.
  • Due to adult and camp programming, there may be limited access to specific areas of the YMCA.
  • Specific areas are not accessible for members ages 8-13, including the entire upstairs (including the racquetball observation area), weight room, activity and support center, and playland.
  • Youth who have completed Parent/Youth Orientation may have access to the health and well-being areas while under direct supervision of their parents.

For members ages 14-18:

  • Full access to the YMCA facility throughout the year.
  • Due to youth and adult programming, there may be limited access to specific areas of the YMCA at various times throughout the year.

Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while at the YMCA. If a child is disruptive, staff will follow current YMCA policies. Parents will be contacted if the disruptive behavior either continues and/or warrants further action.

© Copyright The Sheridan County YMCA 2024. All Rights Reserved. The Y is a 501c3 nonprofit.