WELCOME TO THE Y Member Guide - YMCA OF BRISTOL

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WELCOME TO THE Y Member Guide - YMCA OF BRISTOL
WELCOME
TO THE Y
Member Guide

YMCA OF BRISTOL
WELCOME TO THE Y Member Guide - YMCA OF BRISTOL
GREETINGS,                                                              CONTENTS
Welcome to the Y. The Y is genuinely committed to our community,        Your Member Benefits……………….…..….3
ensuring all people have access to opportunities to learn, grow and     Service Creed………………………….………...4
achieve. We hope that this guide gives you an understanding of our      Code of Conduct…………………….………….4
dedication to our promise to nurture the growth and development         2020 Vision………………………....…………..5
of every child and teen, to make our community a healthier place to     Youth Development………….………………..6
live and to give our friends and neighbors an opportunity to give       Healthy Living…………………………….……..7
back to their community.                                                Social Responsibility……………….…………7
                                                                        YMCA Policies & Guidelines………....8-12
We currently operate one family center. We link arms with members,
volunteers and community partners to help improve the quality of
life for everyone in our region. We share the vision that will enable   The Y. For a Better Us. ™
all people to have a place to have fun and grow.                        The Y is a positive force in this community.
                                                                        Together, we take on the challenges that
The Y plays a critical role in our community, extending our services    shape the future of our communities.
to almost 5,000 men, women and children. We honor the Y’s
promise to strengthen the foundation of our community using three       As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the
                                                                        YMCA of Bristol provides a lasting impact,
strategic priorities as our guide: academic performance and             vital programs and services that are funded
leadership, community health and well-being, and service to others.     through our Annual Campaign. From
Through expanding opportunities for academic improvement in our         tackling the achievement gap to teaching
youth and leadership development in teens, increasing restorative       healthy habits or giving people the chance
health programs and reducing risk factors for chronic diseases, and     to strengthen our community through
providing people opportunities to give their time and resources in      volunteering, everything the Y does is
support of community needs, we will be successful in reaching these     in service of building a better us.
goals.
                                                                        Donations to our Annual Campaign provide
                                                                        outreach and scholarship for programs
Thanks to community collaboration and a growing number of donors        such as after-school care, swim lessons,
and volunteers, strengthening our community is an undertaking we        health & wellness, summer camps, teen
don’t pursue alone. Today, the YMCA of Bristol has a regional           leadership and more.
network of service and support in place to dramatically improve the
overall health and well-being of children, teens, adults and families   By helping kids, adults, families and seniors
                                                                        improve their health and well-being, we
in our community.                                                       build a stronger community every day. With
                                                                        our doors open to all, the Y brings together
Don’t hesitate to contact Member Services if you have any               people from all backgrounds and supports
questions. Discover the many ways that you and your loved ones          those who need us the most. We take on
will enjoy being a part of our Y family!                                the most urgent needs in our community
                                                                        and inspire a spirit of service in return.

In good health and happiness,                                           YMCA donors, members, volunteers,
                                                                        supporters, partners and staff demonstrate
                                                                        the power of what we can achieve by giving
                                                                        back together.

                                                                        When you donate to the Y,
                                                                        you’re donating for a better us.
                                                                        Make a gift online at bristolymca.net or
                                                                        contact your Membership Experience
Dwight Owens                              Rick Matthews                 Director to have your donation included
Chief Volunteer Officer                   Chief Executive Officer       with your monthly membership draft.
YMCA of Bristol                           YMCA of Bristol

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WELCOME TO THE Y Member Guide - YMCA OF BRISTOL
YMCA MEMBERSHIP
                                                              YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS
                                                              As a diverse organization of men, women and children, we are joined together by
    Membership Experience Director                            a shared commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living and
                                                              foster a sense of social responsibility. National YMCA membership is 22 million
    ...........................                               strong, and spread across more than 2,700 Y associations nationwide. Your
                                                              YMCA of Bristol membership entitles you to the following benefits:
    Phone
                                                               Unlimited use of our family center                         Teen Center and clubs
    ...........................

    My Initial Orientation                                     Free Wi-Fi                                                 Family and Active Aging programs
    Appointment
                                                               Cardio and strength equipment                              Sports like basketball, soccer, flag
    ...........................                                 replaced and upgraded regularly                             football and more

    My Wellness Coach                                          Orientation and instruction on cardio  Complimentary child minding in Stay
                                                                and strength equipment                  & Play while you are in the YMCA
     ...........................                                                                        (included with family membership)
                                                               Wellness challenges
    Payment Information                                                                                Complimentary Parents Night Out
    Draft Date/Amount                                          Group Exercise classes such as Hip      (included with family membership)
                                                                Hop Cardio, Power Dance, Strength
     ...........................                                Training, Tabata and Step              Vending machines stocked with
                                                                                                        healthy snack options and
    (If you incur additional charges                           Mind/Body classes including Yoga        complimentary coffee bar
    for specialty programs or items,                            and Group Cycling classes
    this amount may change. Please                                                                     Member discounts on programs like
    keep all YMCA receipts.)
                                                               Complimentary Kids Gym play area        child care, swim lessons, sports and
                                                                for youth                               day camp
    Information in this guide, while
    correct at the time of printing, is                        Indoor Pools for open swim, laps,                          Access to most YMCAs in the US
    subject to change. Please visit                             water aerobics and family fun                               through Nationwide Membership
    bristolymca.net for the most
    updated version.
                                                               Priority registration for swim lessons

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

   NEW THIS YEAR!                                              PARTNERS IN HEALTH
                                                               Group Membership
   PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
                                                               The YMCA of Bristol supports local businesses that work to promote healthy
   Free with all our Household                                 environments and recreational opportunities for their employees as a benefit.
   memberships. On the last                                    Research has proven that employees engaged in wellness programs are more
   Saturday of each month,                                     productive, have lower absenteeism and often have lower health insurance
   6:30 pm-9:30 pm, leave your                                 premiums as well.
   children ages 6 weeks to 12
   years old with us for a themed                              Please contact the Membership Experience Director for information about
   evening of fun!                                             customizing a program for your organization.

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WELCOME TO THE Y Member Guide - YMCA OF BRISTOL
SERVICE CREED
Your YMCA is dedicated to providing       4.                      We act quickly to resolve member      9. We never say no. We say “I will be
high quality services and only the finest                         issues. We do everything possible to      pleased to check.” We suggest
of facilities. YMCA programs are based                            please our members.                       alternatives. We call a manager if
on the core values of Caring, Honesty,                                                                      we cannot satisfy the needs of a
Respect, Responsibility and Faith. These 5.                       We use proper telephone etiquette.        member.
values, along with our mission, are the                           We always try to answer in three
foundation for the YMCA of Bristol’s                              rings and we have a smile in our      10. We are knowledgeable about all
service creed:                                                    voice. If necessary, we always ask if     YMCA member and program
                                                                  we may place customers on hold.           information. We always recommend
1. We strive to be the very best. We                              We eliminate transfer calls               programs, classes or fellowship
   do the best job we are capable of all                          whenever possible.                        opportunities to our members.
   the time in every part of our
   organization. We are proud of what 6. Our uniforms and costumes are           To be known, practiced, owned and
   we do and the people we serve.           immaculate. We wear proper, safe     embraced by all staff associates of
                                            footwear that is always clean. We    the YMCA of Bristol.
2. We are friendly, helpful and             wear our name tags. We take pride
   courteous. We treat all of our           and care in our personal grooming.
   members, guests and fellow
   associates as we would like to be     7. We are ambassadors for our YMCA
   treated.                                 both at work and play. We always
                                            speak positively and never make
3. We smile—we are on stage. We             negative comments.
   greet all members. We always
   maintain positive eye contact and     8. We have passion for excellence. We
   use our service vocabulary. We tell      always find a way to get it done. We
   them “Certainly,” “I will be happy to    never give up.
   do so,” and “It will be a pleasure.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

CODE OF CONDUCT
At the YMCA, we expect staff, members     resorting to physical contact or                                              Adherence to the YMCA Code of
and guests to behave in accordance with   threatening gestures.                                                         Conduct and regulations is essential.
our mission and values at all times,                                                                                    Noncompliance may result in suspension
respecting the rights and dignity of     Respecting others by refraining from                                          or termination of YMCA membership
others. We demonstrate Caring,            intimate behavior in public; abstaining                                       privileges.
Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and      from contact of a sexual nature.
Faith by:

                                                             Creating a safe, caring environment;
 Dressing appropriately, speaking in                         no firearms or weapons are allowed
  respectful tones and refraining from                        on the premises.
  the use of vulgar and derogatory
  language.
                                                             Participating in programs to build a
                                                              healthy spirit, mind and body; never
 Respecting the property of others;                          engaging in the use, sale or passing
  never engaging in theft or                                  of illegal drugs or narcotics, or the
  destruction.                                                unsanctioned use of alcohol on YMCA
                                                              premises; never using tobacco or
 Resolving conflicts in a respectful,                        products that resemble smoking on or
  honest and caring manner; never                             around Y premises.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

WORK AT THE Y
At the Y, the care and concern we show                      The Y commits itself to doing so by                         areas such as administration, aquatics,
for our members is our success gauge.                       providing our employees competitive                         wellness, childcare, membership, sports,
In order to maintain our success, we                        wages, benefits and opportunities for                       and outreach.
must recruit and hire the best                              advancement through our training
employees in the area.                                      programs and internal promotions.                           To browse open positions and submit
                                                                                                                        an application online, visit our website
                                                            Full-time, part-time and seasonal                           at bristolymca.net.
                                                            employment opportunities exist in
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WELCOME TO THE Y Member Guide - YMCA OF BRISTOL
2020 VISION: OUR PLAN TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS
The YMCA of Bristol has improved the spiritual, mental and physical health of hundreds of thousands of people over the last
135 years and will continue to serve our community through membership, programs and services. The 2020 Vision of the
YMCA of Bristol is to strengthen the foundation of our community by increasing the number of healthy families. By 2020, the
YMCA is committed to producing significant, measurable results for the community annually in our service area using three
strategic priorities as our guide:
Academic Performance & Leadership                                      • Community Health & Well-Being • Service to Others
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Nurturing the potential of every child and teen
We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That’s why, through the
Y, millions of youth today are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and
educational achievement.

Academic Performance & Leadership
We will nurture the potential of youth and teens by:
 Focusing on improving academic performance of children in YMCA programs.
 Expanding opportunities for all youth to attend Camp Adventure.
 Building tomorrow’s leaders by teaching important life skills through youth programs.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

FOR HEALTHY LIVING Improving our nation’s health and well-being
In communities across the nation, the Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. With a mission centered on balance, the
Y brings families closer together, encourages good health and fosters connections through wellness, sports, fun and shared
interests. As a result, millions of youth, adults and families are receiving the support, guidance and resources needed to
achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind and body.

Community Health & Well-Being
We will lead the vision of significantly improving our community’s health and well-being by partnering with local and national
organizations to bring cost-effective, accessible programs for healthy living. We will focus on:
 Reducing risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as youth and adult obesity, and hypertension.
 Incorporating active participation through sports, recreation and active play in all youth development programs to help
  reduce youth obesity.
 Expanding restorative health programs and services for people recovering from serious medical conditions and procedures.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Giving back and providing support to our neighbors
The Y has listened and responded to our community’s most critical social needs for 135 years. Whether developing skills or
emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse demographic populations or
preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities through collaborations with policy makers, the Y fosters the
care and respect all people need and deserve.

Serving Others
The YMCA will provide people opportunities to give their time and talent in support of community needs through:
 Members providing volunteer hours to give back and provide support to our neighbors and local communities.
 Increasing annual giving.
 Growing endowment/Heritage Club.
 Expanding community impact by providing more households with access to YMCA membership and programs through our
  Open Doors Program.
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WELCOME TO THE Y Member Guide - YMCA OF BRISTOL
PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
CHILD CARE                                  SWIM, SPORTS & PLAY                        CAMP
Stay & Play                                 Youth Swim Lessons                         Camp Adventure at the Y
Kids ages 6 weeks to 5 years explore        Kids learn water safety and develop        Traditional summer camp where kids
and play under our staff’s supervision      skills and self-confidence.                have fun while making new friends,
for up to two hours a day while you are                                                building new relationships, learning core
at the Y.
                                            Adapted Swim                               values, participating in clubs, staying
                                            Children with special needs learn to       active and so much more! To minimize
Kids Gym                                                                               summer learning loss and to help
                                            relax, build stamina and tone muscles in
Kids ages 5 to 12 can make friends and      the water.                                 children improve their reading skills,
be active under our staff’s supervision                                                campers read 30 minutes each day while
for up to two hours a day while you are
                                            Recreation                                 at camp.
at the Y.                                   Youth have fun in activities like dance,   School’s Out Camp
                                            field trips, lock-ins, social events and
After School Care                                                                      A fun full-day camp experience for
                                            more.
A program that gives students ages 5 to                                                planned school holidays.
12 the opportunity to be active, focus
                                            Personalized Orientations
on learning, receive help with homework     A wellness coach will guide youth          EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP
and participate in enrichment activities.   through all our wellness areas and
We pick kids up from school and bring       equipment, taking into consideration
                                                                                       Teen Leadership
them to our facility.                       each youth’s age and preferences.          Where teens develop leadership skills
Inclement Weather Care                                                                 through service projects, make friends
                                            Youth Sports
                                                                                       and have fun in a nurturing environment.
Full-day care for After School          Kids learn core values and fundamentals
participants on days when school closes of sports, as well as developing skills Homeschool Programs
and the Y is able to open.              and confidence through gaining new      Sports such as youth basketball can be
                                        abilities.                              offered at times convenient for
Parents Night Out
                                                                                homeschool families upon request.
Where children have fun at the Y while
parents enjoy an evening out.

Visit bristolymca.net for more information about programs for Youth Development,
including session dates and registration, or give us a call at 423.968.3133
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WELCOME TO THE Y Member Guide - YMCA OF BRISTOL
PROGRAMS FOR HEALTHY LIVING
FAMILY TIME                                HEALTH, WELL-BEING &                       Water Group Exercise
                                           WELLNESS                                   Enjoy low-impact classes such as Water
Birthday Parties                                                                      Aerobics.
                                           Personalized Wellness Plan
Kids can celebrate their special day in                                               Adult Swim Lessons
our pool or Kids Gym.                      Your trainer will guide and motivate you
                                                                                    It’s never too late to feel safe and
                                           with assessments and a variety of
Family Fun Events                          workouts to help you meet your goals.
                                                                                    confident in the water.
We host family nights, holiday                                                        Lap Swimming
                                           Personalized Orientations
celebrations, service projects and more.                                              Swimming is great for wellness and
                                           Your wellness coach will guide you
Healthy Kids Day                           through all our wellness areas and
                                                                                      relaxation; at least one lane is always
                                                                                      available for laps.
A national celebration for healthy kids    equipment, taking into consideration
and families, free and open to everyone.   your custom needs.                         CPR & Lifeguard Training
                                           Group Exercise Classes
SPORTS & RECREATION                        We offer dozens of classes each week,
Adult Pick-Up Sports                       including Yoga, Hip Hop Cardio, Power
                                           Dance, Cycling, Strength Training,
Feel your best through active play,
                                           Tabata, Kickboxing and Step.
including basketball and more.
                                           Wellness Challenges
Adult Sports Leagues
                                           We offer challenges throughout the year
Stay active and healthy through friendly
                                           to keep you motivated and active.
competition.
                                           Personal Training
GROUP INTERESTS                            Work one-on-one with a certified
                                           personal trainer or in a small group.
Lifelong Learning
                                           Active Aging Programs
We host social luncheons, field trips
and lunch talks throughout the year.       Keep active, social and healthy in later
                                           years.

PROGRAMS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
SOCIAL SERVICES                            VOLUNTEERISM & GIVING                      Angel Tree and Toy Drive
Youth Programs                             Annual Campaign                            We help ensure all children are able to
                                                                                      receive gifts for the holidays.
We nurture the potential of youth and      Thanks to our generous donors, we are
teens by offering camps that reduce        able to provide much-needed financial      Food Drives
summer learning loss.                      assistance and help our community          We make sure families don’t have to go
                                           thrive.
Water Safety Program                                                                  hungry during the holidays.
                                           Togetherhood                               Volunteer Opportunities
We offer Safety Around Water courses
for kids in our community.                 The Y’s signature program for social      See the Human Resources Director or
                                           responsibility, which invites members to visit our website bit.ly/ybristolvolunteer
                                           lead and participate in volunteer service to see how you can lend a helping hand.
                                           projects that benefit the communities
                                           where they live.

Visit bristolymca.net for more information about programs for Healthy Living and Social
Responsibility, including schedules and guides, or give us a call at 423.968.3133
The Y strongly encourages physician approval before beginning any exercise program.

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WELCOME TO THE Y Member Guide - YMCA OF BRISTOL
YMCA GUIDELINES
While the staff and volunteers of the Y go to great lengths to outline all rules and policies to ensure the comfort and safety of
you, your family, and other members, it is simply impossible to foresee or communicate every situation that may arise
requiring a YMCA response. The Y’s management reserves the right to amend or add policies/operating rules to ensure the
safety and comfort of all users. The YMCA of Bristol also understands that consistency among our staff and programs is a
cornerstone of our business practice and wants all members to be met with the same rules. However, due to varying designs,
space and amenities, from time to time you may see a variation to a rule or policy. Please contact the Membership Experience
Director should you have any questions.

CHECK-IN                                     STAY & PLAY                                  Stay & Play staff will locate a parent
                                                                                           if a child cries for a prolonged period
Your safety is our top priority. All         Family members have the opportunity to        of time (every effort will be made to
members will be required to present a        utilize the YMCA’s Stay & Play service        soothe the child).
valid membership card upon entrance to       for a maximum of two hours per day.
the facility. Member Services will then      A parent must be in the facility at this     Please do not allow your child to bring
scan your card. Having knowledge of who      time. This YMCA service is intended for       any toys from home. This will avoid
is in the building and at what time allows   children six weeks to five years old. Our     toys being lost or broken.
us to ensure a secure environment.           program is considered a child minding
                                             service, which means that a parent must     PROPER ATTIRE
COMMUNICATIONS                               be able to resume responsibility for his
                                             or her child’s supervision within 30        For your safety, appropriate footwear
There are many ways that we                  minutes. See the following pages for        inside the Y is mandatory. To maintain a
communicate with our members,                options for youth ages five and older.      family-friendly environment, members
including the following:                     These additional guidelines apply:          must keep midsection/torso covered.
                                              Due to severe food allergies, please
 bristolymca.net
                                               refrain from bringing food into Stay &
                                                                                         MEDICAL EMERGENCY
                                               Play.
 Email and direct mail                                                                  YMCA staff members are CPR, First Aid
                                                                                         and AED (automatic external
                                              Ensure your child has been fed prior
 Facebook, Twitter and Instagram              to his or her stay; scheduled feedings
                                                                                         defibrillator) trained and certified. AEDs
  @ymcaofbristol                                                                         are available. Please see a staff member
                                               are not conducted. (To comfort young      if someone needs assistance.
                                               ones, we will administer bottles.
 Online comment form at
  bristolymca.net                             Please fill formula bottles, change       EMERGENCY PLAN
                                               your child’s diaper and/or take your
Text the keyword BRISTOL to 84483 to           child to the restroom before entering The YMCA of Bristol has established
receive text message alerts. Standard          Stay & Play. Diaper changing can be   emergency procedures. Staff have been
text messaging rates apply; you can opt        provided.                             trained to adhere to this plan, which
out by texting “stop” at any time.                                                   covers injuries, cardiac arrest,
                                              Children must wear closed toed shoes; evacuation, power failure, natural
If you have any questions about your                                                 disasters, loss of communication and
                                               no sandals or flip flops are allowed.
membership, please contact your                                                      more.
Member Services staff.
                                              Sick children are not permitted in Stay
                                               & Play. A sick child is defined as a    WIFI
WWW.BRISTOLYMCA.NET                            child who has: a fever within the last
                                               24 hours, diarrhea, vomiting, rash or   We are pleased to be able to offer free
You can visit our website for a complete       open sores, cough, cold symptoms,       WiFi to everyone using our facility. The
list of information, classes, schedules        lice etc.                               network is called YMCAGuest, and the
and special events. Members also have                                                  password is ymca4000.
the exclusive privilege of registering for    Stay & Play staff will not administer
programs online prior to registration          medication to your child.
opening to the public. We invite you to
share your comments through our online
comment card available on our site.           Positive discipline such as redirection
Members and program participants can           and logical consequences will be used
also manage their Y accounts online. Go        when behavior problems arise. Chronic
to “My Y Account” to edit and add              problems may result in suspended
information such as address, contact           privileges for a period of time.
info, credit cards and more. Please refer
to our website for the most updated
information.

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SECURING VALUABLES                        other YMCA facilities throughout the         LOST CARD
                                          country at no extra charge. Simply
Please safeguard your valuables inside    present your YMCA membership card            Please inform Member Services if you
the Y. If you don’t have a lock to secure and photo ID at participating YMCAs          have lost your member identification
items, locks are available to purchase at and enjoy complimentary access. Learn        card, and they will provide a new one.
Member Services. The Y is not             more at bit.ly/ybristolmembership.
responsible for lost, stolen or damaged Because each YMCA is autonomous,               PROGRAM REFUNDS
personal property.                        not-for-profit, and not a franchise, local
                                          YMCA policies vary on the use of
                                          equipment, facilities, services and          If the YMCA has to cancel a program,
LOST AND FOUND                            programs by visitors. If you plan to visit   you will receive a full refund. If you have
                                          another YMCA, it is always a good idea       to cancel after signing up for a program,
Members are encouraged to inquire at      to call that YMCA about visiting member      prior to the start date, the YMCA will
the front desk regarding a lost item and policies.                                     provide you with either a 100% credit to
may be asked to describe the item when                                                 be immediately applied toward another
making a claim. The Y will take
reasonable precautions to ensure that
                                          FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE                         program, or a full refund. The YMCA will
                                                                                       provide a 100% refund if you have to
claimed items are returned to the                                                      cancel for medical reasons. No refunds
rightful owner at request. Items found    The Y offers financial assistance to         or credits can be given after the
that do not pose a health risk and are    those in need through our Open Doors         program begins. If an individual misses
considered to have a monetary value will Program. We strive not to turn anyone         or must drop out during a program for
be retained for 30 days. After such time away due to his or her inability to pay       medical/family emergencies, classes may
the Y will consider the property          membership or program fees. Partial          be made up where space is available. All
abandoned, and it will be discarded or    subsidies are available due to the           credits are nontransferable. Camp
donated to a charitable agency.           generosity of members and friends who        deposits (to secure camp sessions) are
                                          make gifts to the Y’s annual campaign.       nonrefundable.
                                          Subsidies are based on the individual’s
CELL PHONES                               demonstrated ability to pay, the Y’s
                                          ability to fund the subsidy, and the         RETURNED PAYMENTS
Cell phone usage is NOT permitted in      space available. For more information
the pool, Nautilus area, free weights     about the Open Doors Program, please         Returned checks, EFT or credit card
room, group exercise classes, locker      contact Member Services.                     transactions will be assessed a returned
rooms or bathrooms. Cameras on cell                                                    payment fee.
phones are not to be used in the YMCA CHANGES
at any time.                                                                           CANCELLATION
                                            Please inform Member Services if a
GUESTS                                      change has been made to your address,      As per the membership application, we
                                            phone number, bank draft (if applicable)   require written notice prior to the end
Our first priority is to serve our          or family member status. It is also        of the current month to stop the next
members who have made a commitment          important to notify Member Services if     month’s draft. Your membership will
to the Y by joining. The purpose behind     you or a family member has a health        terminate at the end of the month we
our guest policy is to enhance our          concern. Membership records and cards      receive the cancellation request. Please
service for current members who are         are the property of the YMCA of Bristol.   contact the Membership Experience
encouraging a friend to join, for out-of-                                              Director for a copy of the cancellation
town family of current members and for                                                 form.
out-of-town visitors. Our daily fees are
as follows:                                                                            SOLICITATION
 $10 for anyone ages 18+.                                                             To ensure the comfort of our members,
                                                                                       the Y does not allow solicitation of
 $5 for anyone under age 18, and they                                                 outside business or services in YMCA
  must be accompanied by an adult                                                      centers or program areas, except when
  member or paying adult guest.                                                        there is an approved partnership.

NATIONWIDE                                                                             ALCOHOL/SMOKING/
MEMBERSHIP                                                                             TOBACCO
At the Y, we encourage our members to                                                  The Y is a tobacco-free and alcohol-free
live their healthiest life and to utilize                                              zone. Alcohol consumption, smoking,
our facilities as often as possible.                                                   vaping, chewing tobacco and drinking
Sometimes it’s more convenient to use a                                                are prohibited on YMCA property.
Y in another location when you are
traveling, working, or just visiting
another region. As a valued YMCA
member, you have the flexibility to use

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YMCA GUIDELINES
AGE GUIDELINES                           Health & Wellness                          Locker Rooms

Guests                                   Ages 18+ may use steam rooms and           Men’s Health Center is for ages 18+.
                                         saunas.                                    No children may enter at any time.
Ages 18+ may use any part of the
facility without supervision.            Ages 14+ may use all wellness              Women’s Health Center is for ages
                                         equipment without adult supervision.       18+. No children may enter at any time.
Ages 0-17 may access age-appropriate
areas (as listed below) under direct     Ages 12-13 may use free weights/           Boys Locker Room: boys ages 0-17
supervision of an adult.                 Functional Training Studio only with       may use the Boys Locker Room. Men
                                         direct parental supervision and after      ages 18+ may only use this locker room
                                         successful completion of a free weight     while accompanying their children.
Membership                               orientation.
Ages 12+ may join as individuals,                                                   Girls Locker Room: girls ages 0-17
                                         Ages 12+ may use Nautilus and cardio       may use the Girls Locker Room. Women
however, youth ages 12–17 must have      machines without supervision after
a parent or legal guardian sign the                                                 ages 18+ may only use this locker room
                                         completion of an orientation.              while accompanying their children.
membership agreement and waiver.
                                         Ages 10-11 may use Nautilus and            Ages 12+ may use locker rooms without
Facility Use                             cardio equipment with a parent or          supervision.
                                         supervising guardian on the premises,
Ages 16+ may be considered the           after completion of an orientation.        Ages 10–11 may use locker rooms
supervising guardian for siblings age 11                                            without a parent/guardian, provided
and younger when using YMCA facilities, Ages 8-9 may use Nautilus and cardio        parent/guardian is on the premises.
provided responsible and appropriate     equipment with direct supervision of a
behavior is exercised at all times.      parent or guardian, after completion of    Ages 0–9 may only use locker rooms
                                         an orientation.                            under direct supervision of parent or
Ages 12+ may use YMCA facilities                                                    supervising guardian.
without adult supervision, unless posted Aquatics
otherwise.                                                                          Ages 5+ must use gender-appropriate
                                         Ages 12+ may use the swimming pools        locker rooms.
Ages 10–11 may use designated areas      without adult supervision.
of the facility provided their parent/                                              Changing rooms are also available to
guardian is on the premises and they     Ages 10–11 who complete the                those who require special assistance or
have completed a facility orientation    requirements of the swim test may use      parents assisting an opposite gender
with their parent/guardian.              the swimming pools if their parent/        child.
                                         guardian is physically on YMCA
Group Exercise                           premises.                                  Youth Areas
Ages 14+ may participate in all Group    Ages 0–9 may use the swimming pools if     Ages 12-18 may use the Teen Center
Exercise classes without a parent or     they are under the direct supervision of   without a parent.
supervising guardian.                    a parent or supervising guardian.
                                         Non-swimmers must be within arm’s          Children under age 12 may use the Teen
Ages 12+ may participate in all Group    reach of a parent or supervising           Center with direct supervision of a
Exercise classes without a parent or     guardian.                                  parent.
supervising guardian except those that
utilize weights or bikes.                                                           Kids Gym is for ages 6-11 during
                                                                                    staffed hours. Outside these hours,
Ages 8-11 may participate in all Group                                              children of all ages may use the space
Exercise classes with a parent or                                                   with the direct supervision of a parent
supervising guardian except those that                                              or guardian.
utilize weights or bikes.
                                                                                    Stay & Play is for ages 6 weeks-5 years
                                                                                    old during staffed hours, and parents
                                                                                    can drop their kids off for up to two
                                                                                    hours a day while they remain in the
                                                                                    building.

Although YMCA staff members are trained to meet the needs of children and encourage them to develop new skills
like independence, we suggest that parents communicate with their children and know where they are at all times
while at the Y.
                                                                                                                              10
POOL GUIDELINES                             No squirt guns or balls are permitted.   SWIM TEST/ SWIM
                                            Running, horse play, pushing,
                                                                                      NECKLACE
 YMCA swimming pools may only be
  used when a lifeguard is on duty.          carrying people on shoulders or
                                                                                   Children ages 3-12 must complete
                                             dunking is prohibited in the swimming
                                                                                   requirements of a swim test to be
 Please shower before and after using       pool or deck area.
                                                                                   allowed to swim without a parent or
  the swimming pool.                                                               supervising guardian being within arm’s
                                            Prolonged underwater swimming or      reach at all times.
 Persons with open cuts, sores or           breath holding (and hyperventilation)
  blisters are not permitted in the          is not permitted.                     1. Comfortably swim one length of the
  swimming pool.                                                                      swimming pool (25 yards) without
                                            Floats and rafts are only permitted      assistance starting in the shallow end
 Children who are not potty-trained         during designated times and when         of the pool.
  must wear a swim diaper or plastic         posted in advance.
  pants (disposable diapers are not                                                2. Pausing is allowed for the swimmer to
  permitted).                               Fins and snorkels are only permitted     rotate and breathe.
                                             in lap lanes. On occasion during peak
 Please use appropriate changing            demand, the Operations Director may 3. Type of stroke or combination of
  facilities (on-deck changing of any        restrict usage of fins to ensure the     strokes allowed: freestyle (front
  age is prohibited).                        safety of other swimmers.                crawl) and/or breaststroke. The
                                                                                      swimmer must remain horizontal on
 A parent/guardian must be                 Mermaid tails or monofins are not        top of the water and have some level
                                             permitted.                               of proficiency of the swim stroke. The
  supervising his/her children ages 0-9
                                                                                      swimmer may float or swim on his/her
  at all times. Non-swimmers must be
                                            When the whistle blows, look to a        back periodically. Underwater
  within arm’s reach of a parent or
                                             lifeguard immediately! Any act           swimming is not permitted.
  supervising guardian at all times.
                                             deemed unsafe by the lifeguard or
                                             management will not be                4. At the end of the 25 yard swim, the
 Children ages 10–11 may use the                                                     swimmer must tread water for 30
  pool only if a responsible adult is on     tolerated.
                                                                                      seconds.
  the Y’s premises and the child has
  completed the requirements of the         YMCA management may close the
  YMCA of Bristol Swim Test. Please          pool at any time to ensure the safety 5. The swimmer exits the pool either by
                                             of patrons. All pools will be closed for    steps, ladder or side.
  refer to the member guide for all age
  guidelines and definitions.                at least 30 minutes when lightning
                                             and/or thunder is observed.              6. To test confidence in deep water, the
                                                                                         swimmer jumps into the deep end of
 Swimmers must wear appropriate                                                         pool, resurfaces and exits the pool by
  swimwear (no jeans or cut-offs;           Deck surrounding the pool must be
                                                                                         steps, ladder or side.
  swimsuits only). The Y asks all            kept clear of baby equipment and
  members to remember the family             toys.
                                                                                       Upon successful completion, a
  environment and choose the style of                                                    complimentary green swim necklace
  your swimsuit accordingly.                One person at a time is permitted on
                                                                                         will be awarded, which notifies the
                                             the slide. Feet-first entries only.         lifeguards of the child’s ability to
 Children wearing Coast Guard                                                           swim.
  approved flotation devices and
  non-swimmers must be within arm’s                                                    Swimmers who have completed
  reach of a parent. Water wings (arm                                                   requirements of the swim test must
  floaties) are not permitted. The                                                      wear their necklace at all times while
  Operations Director may make                                                          in the pool.
  exceptions based on special needs of
  the swimmer and inspection of the
  device.                                                                              For the safety of all children, sharing
                                                                                        of necklaces is not permitted.
 Glass or metal objects are not
  permitted in the pool area. Food,
  chewing gum, tobacco products and
  alcohol are not permitted in the Y’s
  aquatic environments.

 No diving. Feet-first entries only.
  Flips, spins or back dives are not
  permitted from the side of the pool.

 Hanging on lane lines, safety ropes
  and basketball hoops is not
  permitted.
                                                                                                                              11
YMCA GUIDELINES
  GENERAL WELLNESS                           Free Weights/Nautilus                     Hot Tub/Steam Room/Sauna
  GUIDELINES                                 Guidelines                                Guidelines

   Wear appropriate exercise attire with  Orientations are strongly encouraged
                                                                                       The YMCA of Bristol restricts the use of
                                            prior to using the equipment.              our hot tubs to ages 18+ due to their
    midriff covered.                                                                   locations in the Men’s and Women’s
                                              Use a spotter when possible.            Health Centers.
   Wear proper athletic footwear.
                                              Please do not use chalk.                 Cool down at least five minutes after
   Place personal belongings in                                                         exercising prior to use.
    designated areas.
                                              Use collars on all barbells.
                                                                                        Please shower before and after using
   Please use all equipment properly.                                                   the hot tub, steam room or sauna.
                                              Do not rest plates on the floor,
   Leave equipment in assigned areas.         machines or walls.
                                                                                        Use the hot tub only when others are
                                                                                         present.
   Wipe down equipment after each use.       Re-rack plates on assigned racks.
                                                                                        Limit tub usage to ten minutes or
   Share the equipment by allowing           Bring weights to rest gently.
                                                                                         less.
    others to work in.
                                              Return all crossover cable handles to
                                                                                        Diving or jumping into the hot tub is
   No outside personal training.              places provided.
                                                                                         prohibited.

   No horseplay or undesirable language.    Cardio Guidelines                          Use of body lotions, oils or suntan
                                                                                         lotions is not permitted.
   Water and sports drinks in enclosed       30-minute maximum on cardio
    containers are permitted in most           machines during peak hours.              Aerobic exercise in the hot tub is not
    areas.                                                                               allowed.
                                           If you would like to watch a different
   If you have questions about anything,   TV channel, please ask a staff              Food or drinks are not permitted.
    please ask for help! We offer free      member to change the channel for
    orientations.                           you.
                                                                                        Please do not use the hot tub if you
                                                                                         are under the influence of alcohol,
   Please be safe and courteous.            Functional Training Studio                  anticoagulants, anti-histamines,
                                             Guidelines                                  vasoconstrictors, vasodilators,
  Gymnasium Guidelines                                                                   stimulants, hypnotics or tranquilizers.
                                              Do not hang from the heavy bag.
   Scheduled activities have priority;                                                 Do not submerge to the bottom.
    please refer to the schedule.             Please re-stack battle ropes and
                                               return bikes/equipment to their         Warning! Persons with the following
   Please wear non-skid, non-marking          positions when you are finished.        conditions should not use the hot
    shoes only. Court shoes are preferred.                                             tub:
                                              No climbing on the TRX rack.
                                                                                        High blood pressure
   Please do not bring food or drinks
    into the gym.                                                                       Heart disease
                                                                                        Respiratory problems
   Please do not dunk.
                                                                                        Pregnancy
   Please do not hang on rims.                                                         Diabetes
   No rough play.                                                                      Emotional disorders
                                                Information in this guide,              Stress/anxiety disorders
                                                while correct at the time of
                                                printing, is subject to                 Epilepsy or seizure disorders
                                                change. Please visit
                                                bristolymca.net for the                Failure to follow these rules can
                                                most updated version.                  result in serious or fatal injury.

YMCA OF BRISTOL            400 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Bristol, TN 37620             423.968.3133           bristolymca.net
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