© Copyright The Sheridan County YMCA 2025. All Rights Reserved. The Y is a 501c3 nonprofit.
SHERIDAN COUNTY YMCA POLICIES
YMCA POLICIES
AQUATICS
POOL, AGE GUIDELINES, GROUPS
YMCA POLICIES
BUILDING
GENERAL POLICIES
ymca policies
CHILD CARE
CHILD CARE REQUIREMENTS / TRANSPORT
YMCA POLICIES
CODE OF CONDUCT
CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, & RESPONSIBILITY
YMCA POLICIES
DROP-IN
REQUIREMENTS AND EXCLUSIONS
YMCA POLICIES
EMERGENCY PLANS
EVACUATIONS, FIRE, INCIDENTS
YMCA POLICIES
HEALTH & WELLNESS
ENSURING A safe, comfortable & clean facility
YMCA POLICIES
YOUTH
For members ages 8-13
ymca policies
MEMBERSHIP
PRICING, DURATION, ETC.
YMCA POLICIES
OPEN DOOR
CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, & RESPONSIBILITY
YMCA POLICIES
REFUNDS
EVACUATIONS, FIRE, INCIDENTS
YMCA POLICIES
PHOTO / VIDEO
PHOTO/VIDEO RECORDING
YMCA POLICIES
CAMP POLICIES
Camp Roberts Handbook
YMCA POLICIES
MISSING CHILD
EVACUATIONS, FIRE, INCIDENTS
YMCA POLICIES
RENTAL
RENTAL POLICIES & INQUIRIES
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 clothes, 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 – double-check belongings before entering the pool area and help us maintain a safe environment for everyone.
- Underwater long breath holding is not permitted.
- Language and behavior needs to be respectful of the Y mission 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 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult in all bodies of water at all times.
- Children under the age of 12 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
- Children under 12 who have successfully completed the YMCA swim assessment may use the pool independently, provided a parent or responsible adult remains on the pool deck actively supervising for the duration of their swim. In these cases, the adult is not required to be in the water.
- If an adult is accompanied by more than 2 non-swimmers, lifejackets are encouraged.
AGE GUIDELINES FOR GROUPS
- Children ages 0–2 must be accompanied and directly supervised in the water by an adult (18 years or older).
- Children ages 3–5 must not exceed a 5:1 child-to-adult ratio, with the supervising adult (18 years or older) in the water.
- Children ages 6–9 must not exceed a 10:1 child-to-adult ratio, with the supervising adult (18 years or older) in the water.
- Children ages 10–11 must not exceed a 10:1 child-to-adult ratio, with the supervising adult (18 years or older) present on deck.
For families supervising multiple children, the supervising adult must ensure they can consistently maintain appropriate proximity, visibility, and immediate response capability for all children who are non-swimmers or require hands-on supervision.
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.
- 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
MEMBER & VISITOR CODE OF CONDUCT
The YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. To promote safety and comfort, the YMCA asks all persons to act appropriately at all times when in our facilities, on our property, or participating in our programs. We expect everyone using the YMCA to act maturely, to behave responsibly, and to respect the rights and dignity of others. The actions listed below, which are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of behaviors, are considered inappropriate and are prohibited in our facilities or programs:
- Using or possessing alcohol or illegal drugs on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles or facilities, or at YMCA-sponsored programs.
- The use of tobacco or tobacco-like products, including e-cigarettes, are not permitted in or outside YMCA facilities or programs, or on YMCA property or program sites. YMCA facilities, grounds, and vehicles are all tobacco-free environments.
- Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any type of menacing behavior.
- Physical contact with another person in an angry, aggressive, or threatening way.
- Verbally abusive behavior, including profanity, angry language, swearing, name-calling, or shouting.
- Sexually explicit conversation or behavior; any sexual contact with another person.
- Any demonstration of sexual activity or sexual contact with another person.
- Inappropriate or revealing attire is prohibited. Appropriate attire must provide full coverage and be free of vulgar or profane language or images.
- Be respectful of the YMCA’s property, equipment, and the property of others.
- Respect the security of the facility by entering and exiting only through designated doors.
- Theft or behavior that results in the destruction or loss of property.
- Loitering within facilities or on the grounds of the YMCA after being requested to depart the YMCA’s property.
- Use equipment and spaces as intended.
- Follow posted rules for specific areas (pool, gym, locker rooms, etc.).
- Respect the privacy of others in locker rooms and restrooms.
- Cell phone or photographic/video equipment use of any kind – camera functions or video recording is not permitted in the locker rooms at any time.
- Outside personal trainers, program instructors, or sport-specific trainers are not allowed to use the YMCA facilities for training and/or practices. All trainers or instructors must be hired through the Sheridan County YMCA.
- Members are required to scan their membership card upon entering the YMCA. Membership cards are non-transferable. Sharing a membership card with another individual may result in membership termination.
- All members & visitors are required to have a photo taken for identification purposes. Photos are used solely within the YMCA’s internal system.
- All visitors must bring a government-issued photo ID and are required to check in at the member service desk.
- Parents/guardians must be within eye sight and actively supervise children under the age of 12 at all times unless the child is enrolled in a YMCA program.
- Members and guests may not be alone with a child who is not their own in a private or isolated setting.
- Any suspicious, inappropriate, or concerning behavior involving a child must be reported immediately to YMCA staff.
- All Nationwide Members or non-member guests (age 18 and older) must provide a driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID each time they enter the Sheridan County YMCA facility. All guests will also be required to register in our software system and have their picture taken and saved to their non-member account.
- Member pricing is exclusive to Sheridan County YMCA members .
In addition, the YMCA reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person who has been accused or convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse and is or has been a registered sex offender, or is currently under the influence of illegal or dangerous drugs or chemicals, narcotics, or intoxicating beverages.
The Sheridan County YMCA screens all current members and guests before gaining entrance to the YMCA facility.
Anyone who believes this Code of Conduct is being violated should report the behavior to YMCA staff immediately. Staff members are available to assist and support as needed.
Suspension or termination of YMCA membership may result from a violation of this Code of Conduct. While an incident is being investigated, the membership of the person(s) accused of violating this Code of Conduct may be temporarily suspended pending a final decision.
The YMCA reserves the right to make situational decisions based on its mission and values.
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
- Childcare back of east classroom
- After School back of west classroom
- 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 proper 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 closes all youth will be asked to contact a parent or other responsible individual to make arrangements for a ride. We expect that arrangements to be picked up will be within an hour after closure 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.
Fee Return Policy (Updated: May 2025)
The Sheridan County YMCA reserves the right to charge a $10 fee for any returned drafts. Members will be notified by email if a draft is returned. If the balance is not paid within two weeks, a follow-up letter will be sent.
Unpaid balances must be resolved before members can access the facility. If the balance remains unpaid, membership will be cancelled prior to the next scheduled draft. Full payment is required before reactivating membership.
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.
Automated Renewal Policy
All annual memberships are set to automatically renew at the end of the membership term. Prior to renewal, members will receive a notification with details about the upcoming renewal, including the renewal date, rate, and instructions for cancellation. Members will have the opportunity to cancel or make changes before the renewal is processed. If no action is taken, the membership will renew automatically under the same terms.
Membership Cancellation/Refund:
We are committed to making membership changes as simple as joining. Members may cancel their membership using any of the same methods available for enrollment—whether in person, online, or by phone. No complicated steps or hidden requirements—just straightforward, accessible options that support your needs.
Memberships will remain active through the next applicable billing cycle based on membership type.
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. Individuals who are found ineligible will receive written notification of their status.
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.
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
To support a sustainable and equitable program structure, the Sheridan County YMCA has adopted a consistent refund policy for all programs.
● A 50% refund to the original method of payment will be issued for cancellations made at least two weeks prior to the program start date.
● No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within two weeks of the program start date.
● Transfers between programs are not permitted.
● Late registrations may be allowed only if space permits and with approval from the Program Director.
● Any distributed uniforms or materials must be returned if a refund is granted.
● Exceptions for extenuating circumstances (e.g., major illness or injury) may be considered at the discretion of the relevant Program Director.
This policy ensures fairness for all participants and helps maintain the financial and operational health of our programs.
YOUTH POLICY
Making sure the Y 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 Y facility is not designed or licensed to provide basic childcare needs. Any public place may be unsafe for a child whom 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.
Members ages 0-12
In our facility, youth under the age of 12 will need to:
- Have an adult supervising them while using our facilities; or
- Be registered for and attend a YMCA program; or
- Be in a designated, authorized area with staff tasked with supervising.
Members ages 12-13
- September through May are the Y’s peak program times for youth and adults.
- Unless they are registered and participating in a Y program, Youth will be allowed access to the facility Monday thru 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 Y.
- Specific areas are not accessible for members ages 8-13. These areas include the entire upstairs (including racquetball observation area), Weight Room, Activity and Support Center, and Playland. Youth that have completed Parent/Youth Orientation may have access to the specified Health and Wellness areas while under direct supervision within eye sight of their parent/guardian.
Members ages 14-18
- Full access to the Y facility throughout the year. Due to youth and adult programming, there may be limited access to specific areas of the Y at various times throughout the year.
Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while at the Y. If a child is disruptive, staff will follow current Y policies. Parents will be contacted if the disruptive behavior either continues and/or warrants further action.