Member & Program Policies | West Suburban YMCA
West Suburban YMCA

Member & Program Policies

This information is also available in Spanish, Russian, and Chinese.
 
We are a family organization that values personal responsibility, honesty, caring, mutual respect and non-violence. West Suburban YMCA members must agree to abide by the rules and regulations of our Y and to adhere to the YMCA Code of Conduct. Management reserves the right to revoke, suspend or refuse membership at its sole discretion.
 

Code of Conduct for WSYMCA Members

The West Suburban YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all members. To promote safety and comfort for all, we ask individuals to adhere to this Code of Conduct when in our facilities and/or participating in our programs. We expect persons using the YMCA to behave in a mature and responsible way and to respect the rights and dignity of others. Our Code of Conduct does not permit any action that can hurt or frighten another person or that falls below a generally accepted standard of conduct. 

Where appropriate, members who are comfortable doing so are encouraged to politely inform any person who is not adhering to the Code of Conduct. YMCA staff members are always available to assist with Code of Conduct matters, should a matter not be resolved promptly. All reported incidents will be reviewed by YMCA Management. When a violation of the Code of Conduct has occurred, the decision to suspend or terminate YMCA membership privileges will be made by YMCA Management. Member privileges may be suspended or terminated by the West Suburban YMCA or other disciplinary action may be taken which is deemed appropriate by the West Suburban YMCA under any of the following conditions:

  • Failure to clean any equipment immediately after use
  • Inappropriate attire including offensive wording on shirts or accessories, or other attire deemed inappropriate in a family environment
  • Angry or vulgar language including swearing, name calling or shouting
  • Physical contact with another person in an angry or threatening way
  • Any demonstration of sexual contact or activity
  • Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language or any other menacing behavior
  • Theft or behavior which results in the destruction of property
  • Conduct of an inappropriate, threatening, or offensive nature
  • Loitering inside or outside the YMCA
  • Violation of safety and security procedures
  • Smoking or the use of tobacco while on YMCA property
  • Bizarre or offensive comments regarding violent events and/or behavior
  • The spreading of malicious rumors
  • Using or possessing illegal chemicals or alcohol in or on YMCA property or at YMCA sponsored programs
  • Carrying or concealing any weapons or devices/objects which may be used as weapons
  • Purposely creating conflict with a staff, volunteer, participant, or member
  • Staff / members will not give gifts (even small gifts), keep secrets, or show favoritism to individuals
  • Submitting false information on the Membership Application
  • Failure to adhere to policies of respective areas in the YMCA (Pool, Wellness Center, Gym, etc.)
  • Unauthorized use of a member’s membership card or account
  • Failure to pay dues, fees, charges or any other amount owed to the West Suburban YMCA in a proper and timely manner.
  • Treats the staff or employees at the West Suburban YMCA in an unreasonable or abusive manner (including but not limited to sexual harassment)
  • Engages in conduct that is improper or likely to endanger the welfare, safety, harmony or reputation of the West Suburban YMCA, and its members, or employees
  • Discrimination against or harassment of a staff member, volunteer, participant or member because of race, color, age, creed, sex, sexual preference, national origin or disability
  • Members are not permitted to contact YMCA staff via personal contact information, including, but not limited to email, instant messaging, text messaging, cellular/regular phone calls, social networking pages or other communication vehicles.
  • Convicted and/or registered sex offenders are excluded from membership and program participation at the West Suburban YMCA, and offenders shall not enter onto YMCA property or loiter in the vicinity of YMCA programs and activities.
  • Any member of the West Suburban YMCA whose membership privileges have been terminated for any reason shall only be eligible for readmission upon approval by the West Suburban YMCA at its sole discretion. Any member of the West Suburban YMCA whose membership privileges have been terminated for submitting false information on the application shall not be eligible for readmission to membership.
  • Any member of the West Suburban YMCA whose membership privileges have been restricted or suspended for any reason, shall not be entitled to the repayment of any initiation fees, dues or other charges. During the restriction or suspension, dues, fees and other charges shall continue to accrue and shall be paid in full prior to reinstatement as a member in good standing.
  • This Code of Conduct and other rules and regulations enacted by the West Suburban YMCA may be amended with or without notice.

Membership Policies & Guidelines

  • Membership cards must be carried at all times and presented at each visit for all members 12 years and older.

  • Allowing someone else to use your card will subject you to loss of privileges.

  •  Membership renewals are due on the expiration date.  
  • Parent accompaniment is required at all times for children under 12 years old. 
  • Parents are responsible for accompanying their children while using our facilities unless the children are enrolled in a scheduled, supervised activity. Parents are expected to help enforce Y rules.  
  • Reservations for racquetball courts may be made in advance.
    • WSYMCA & Reciprocity Members are allowed to book the racquetball court.
    • Reservations are limited to 1-hour per person per day with a maximum of 4 hours per week and can only be scheduled 7 days in advance.  
  • The West Suburban YMCA reserves the right to take pictures/video of its participants for security measures as well as brochures/publications/web site and other marketing purposes.
  • Personal Training is a member service, outside trainers are not allowed to teach in the facility without approval from Director of Fitness & Wellness. 
  • Private Sports Trainers are not allowed to train in the gymnasium, on the turf, or on the tracks.
  • Neither health nor accident insurance is included in membership or program fees.  
  • Failure to follow Y policies & procedures is grounds for membership termination without refund. 
  • The Wellness Center rules, including a 30-minute time limit on all cardio equipment, must be respected.
  • We encourage new members to sign up for Fit Conntect sessions when they join, but it is not required unless they are under 14 years old, in which they must complete an orientation with a Personal Trainer.
  • Wellness Center Rules for Ages 10-14 (please note: these rules begin at age 10. Children under 10 are not allowed to be in the Wellness Center)

    • Ages 10 and 11 – after a Fit Connect Session with a Trainer

      • ​RED BRACELET

      • MUST BE ACCOMPANIED by parent(s)/guardian(s)

      • May use whatever equipment the trainer approved during their fit connect session

    • Ages 12 and 13 - after a Fit Connect Session with a Trainer
      • GREEN BRACELET
      • Are allowed to come on their own
      • May use whatever equipment the trainer approved during their fit connect
      • 14 year olds can be on their own and use all of the equipment.​
  • Goggles are required in the racquetball/squash court.
  • Bathing suits must be worn in the whirlpool.  
     

Aquatics Policies

  • Adult Lap Swim Policy - During peak times, swimmers are asked to circle swim, share the lanes and limit your swim to an hour.
  • Family Swim Policy - Every child under the age of seven must be in the pool one-on-one with an adult. Adults and parents accompanying their children, but not swimming, must remove their shoes and sit on the side of the pool. All swimmers must shower prior to entering the pool. Swim caps are encouraged but not required and are available for purchase at the Welcome Center desk.
  • Family Swim is free for children and adult members. If a child under seven is a member, one adult must accompany the child in the pool and may do so at no additional fee.
  • The Board of Health requires that ALL swimmers MUST take a THOROUGH CLEANSING SHOWER just prior to entering the pool.  

 

PROGRAM PRICING, REFUND/CREDIT POLICIES & PROCEDURES

We place great value on the satisfaction of our program participants. If a program is not meeting your needs for any reason please notify the Program Director. 

  • In order to receive member rates for programs, your membership must be obtained within fourteen days of the program start date and remain current throughout the entire program session. If the membership expires during the session and you do not wish to renew, you must pay the non-member rate.
  • If a class does not meet minimum enrollment and is cancelled by the YMCA, a full refund or YMCA credit will be issued.
  • A full refund or YMCA credit will be issued if a participant withdraws from a class after notifying the Program Director or authorized staff member at least 72 hours prior to the start of the class.
  • A YMCA credit or refund will be issued if a participant is unable to attend a class due to a prolonged illness or injury.  This request must be made prior to the end of the program session and may require a doctor’s note.
  • Cancellation notices received less than 72 hours in advance of the first class will qualify for a 50% credit/refund. Cancellation notices received after the first class do not qualify for a credit/refund. Cancellation requests for programs/services under $25.00 will qualify for credit only. 
  • If the YMCA cancels a class due to inclement weather, instructor illnesses or some other unforeseen reason, there will be no credit given. 
  • The YMCA does not issue credit, refunds, or make-up classes when participants miss a class for personal reasons. 
  • Parents/Guardians of children under 12 years of age participating in our programs are required to accompany their children to and from the location of the program (i.e. pool, music studio, gymnasium, etc.) and must remain in the YMCA building should they be needed. Should a parent or guardian leave the area of the program, they MUST inform the instructor where they can be found. This procedure has been established for the protection and safety of all children within YMCA programs.
  • Program Satisfaction: We place great value on the satisfaction of our program participants. If a program is not meeting your needs for any reason please notify the Program Director. 

Waiver & Code of Conduct Forms

Documents Available in Spanish, Russian, and Chinese

Do you need a West Suburban YMCA form or policy document in a language other than English? Download our most common forms and policies in Spanish, Russian, or Chinese.

Translated Documents

West Suburban YMCA
276 Church Street • Newton, MA 02458 • Phone: 617 244 6050
135 Wells Avenue ​•  Newton, MA 02459 • Phone: 617-795-YMCA (9622)
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