Code of Conduct

I.D. Pennock YMCA Member Character Development Policy

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to help make the YMCA of Rock River Valley a fun, safe, and enjoyable place for all members and guests.

Policy
It is the policy of this YMCA that all interactions between members take place in an atmosphere of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Whenever and wherever possible, staff shall strive to ensure the support of this environment. To this end, we ask our members to observe and actively model the following behaviors.

HONESTY

• Do not take things that do not belong to you.
• Report any inappropriate or illegal conduct to a YMCA staff person immediately
• Return any lost or misplaced items to the Member Service Cente
• Refrain from passing or sharing your membership card with anyone else
• Members are expected to enter and exit the facility honestly and appropriately.

CARING

• Use appropriate language to avoid offending others
• Avoid loud or boisterous behavior that could offend or disturb other people or classes
• Seek to help or get assistance for those in need

RESPECT

• Respect other people’s rights to participate in the same area
• Treat others the way you would like to be treated
• Have fun, but not at the expense of others
• The YMCA is a smoke-free environment

RESPONSIBILITY

• Follow the safety rules and other guidelines posted in and around the building
• Avoid foul language, arguing, fighting or any other form of harassment or intimidation
• Members are responsible for their own behavior as well as the actions of their guests
• The YMCA is a “neutral zone.” Displaying gang jewelry, clothing, symbols, hand signs, etc., is prohibited.
• YMCA members and guests are encouraged to report suspicious or inappropriate behavior to YMCA personnel.

The YMCA has zero tolerance for any form of illegal activity, sexual, or child abuse, and will prosecute all offenders.

Procedures
We recognize that everyone may to follow these behaviors at all times. To help make the YMCA a fun, safe, and enjoyable place for all, we will enforce the following Character Development Policy. The YMCA reserves the right to deviate from this policy when deemed appropriate.

Some violations of this policy may warrant immediate removal from the property, expulsion from the YMCA, and/or revocation of membership privileges on the first offense. Such instances may include, but are not limited to, any act of violence, abuse, theft, molestation, intimidation, or damage to property.

First Incident
The first time a member or guest fails to live up to the YMCA’s character development standards:

• The incident will be discussed with the individual(s) involved to make sure that they are aware of the standard, the reason it exists, and the need for cooperation to help the YMCA maintain a healthy environment.
• The conversation will be documented and a commitment from the individual(s) to comply with our character development standards will be obtained.
• Depending on the severity or frequency of the infraction, the member or guest may be asked to leave the YMCA for the remainder of the day.

Second Incident
The second time a member or guest fails to live up to the YMCA’s character development standards:

• The incident will be discussed with the individual(s) involved and a written warning will be given. This will serve as a notice that any further misconduct or inappropriate behavior will result in a suspension or possible termination of their membership privileges.
• Depending on the severity or frequency of the infraction, the member or guest may be asked to leave the YMCA for the remainder of the day.

Third Incident
The third time a member or guest fails to live up to the YMCA’s character development standards:

• The individual(s) will be asked to leave the premises
• Based on the following guidelines, YMCA privileges will be suspended for a period of time.

An initial suspension of two weeks will be given for most violations of this policy that are not of an abusive, violent, or intimidating nature.

A two-month suspension will be issued for continued violations of this policy or for infractions that are of a violent or abusive nature.

One-year suspensions and/or permanent termination of YMCA privileges will be issued as deemed appropriate by staff for repeated violations or for instances where the member or guest represents a danger to themselves, the facility, or other members.

• Following any suspension, the member must meet with the executive director (or his or her designate) to gain entry back to the YMCA.
• Based upon the frequency or severity of the behavior, attitude, or cooperation of the individual(s) involved, membership privileges may be terminated at this time.

We reserve the right to ask any member or guest to leave the YMCA premises and/or suspend or terminate membership privileges at any time. Any guest being asked to leave the YMCA due to a violation of this policy will not be issued a refund.