Version 0.3
Effective Date: March 1, 2018
The purpose of this policy is to promote safety and comfort for all when in a YMCA facility or participating in a YMCA program by outlining the member, program participants, guest, and visitor Code of Conduct, and its impact on access and membership.
The YMCA expects all persons using the YMCA to behave in a mature and responsible way and to respect the rights and dignity of others in line with the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith.
Code of Conduct
The YMCA of Central Florida’s Code of Conduct outlines prohibited actions. The prohibited actions listed below are not totally inclusive of all behaviors that are inappropriate, but include:
- Not checking into membership desk of Family Center. All YMCA members and program participants (including but not limited to YMCA programs such as EnhanceFitness, LiveStrong at the YMCA, YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, and third-party payers including but not limited to SilverSneakers and OPTUM Passport) must present their Y card or appropriate identification (including fingerprint when applicable) each time for access; or if a guest or visitor (including individuals with appointments at Orlando Health Outpatient Rehabilitation or Florida Hospital for Children Weight and Wellness Clinic), then must present identification (photo ID) and complete appropriate paperwork to gain access upon each visit.
- Inappropriate attire. Appropriate attire must be worn at all times including closed-toe shoes on wellness floor, no explicit slogans on t-shirts, etc.
- Verbally abusive behavior including angry or vulgar language, including swearing, name-calling, or shouting.
- Physical contact with another person in any angry, aggressive, or threatening way.
- Any demonstration of sexual activity or sexual contact with another person including sexually explicit conversation or demeanor.
- Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any menacing behavior including via social media. This behavior is inappropriate toward other members, guests, visitors, and YMCA staff.
- Theft or behavior that results in the destruction of YMCA property.
- Carrying or concealing any weapons or devices or objects that may be used as weapons.
- Using or possessing illegal chemicals or alcohol on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles, or at YMCA sponsored programs.
- Any other conduct of an inappropriate, threatening, or offensive nature.
- Any use of cell phones or any electronic device with the ability to take pictures or record individual(s) or activities within the YMCA or on YMCA property without specific authorization and consent of the YMCA.
- Loitering is not permitted in or outside the YMCA.
- Smoking is not permitted in or outside the YMCA.
Access and Membership Rights
In addition, YMCA reserves the right to do background checks on its members as well as screening for sex offenders. Moreover, The YMCA reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person who:
- violates the Code of Conduct,
- has been accused or convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse,
- is a registered sex offender,
- habitually or excessively uses narcotics or dangerous drugs,
- has ever been convicted of any offense relating to the use, sale, possession, or transportation of narcotics or habit-forming and/or dangerous drugs, and/or
- continuously or excessively uses intoxicating beverages.
Furthermore, if the YMCA has reason to believe that an individual may have illegal substances, paraphernalia, alcohol, weapons, or stolen property with them in a family center or program, the YMCA may ask to search the individual’s belongings, contact law enforcement to do a search, or ask the individual to leave the premises/program. If the individual in question is a minor, the Y will contact the parent(s)/legal guardian and/or local law enforcement to remove the child from the program/premises.
Reporting and Investigation
Members and guests are encouraged to be responsible for their personal comfort and safety, and to ask any person whose behavior threatens their comfort to refrain. If a member or guest feels uncomfortable in confronting the person directly, they should report the behavior to a staff person or the Building Supervisor on duty.
The Family Center Executive Director will investigate all reported incidents. Suspension or termination of YMCA membership privileges may result from a determination by the Executive Director if in his/her discretion a violation of this policy has occurred. All suspension and termination of YMCA membership privileges will be communicated via mail. Per YMCA’s Policy on Complaints related to Code of Conduct, any individual who receives a letter of suspension or termination may contact the Compliance Office in writing with questions for further investigation or explanation.
Compliance Office
YMCA of Central Florida
433 North Mills Avenue
Orlando, Florida, 32803
CFYMCA including all Y workforce and volunteers bound by Florida State law and the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to report any and all suspicions of child abuse immediately to DCF. This duty of mandatory reporting means that there is no investigation by CFYMCA or conversation with a member prior to reporting.
| VERSION | DATE LAST UPDATED | AFFECTED PROVISIONS |
|---|---|---|
| Version 0.1 | 02/28/2018 | Inclusion of “electronic devices with the capability of recording or photographing sexually explicit demeanor” |
| Version 0.2 | 05/01/2018 | Removal of: “smoke-free environment” Inclusion of: “mandatory reporting for suspected child abuse” |
| Version 0.3 | 12/04/2018 | Inclusions of information on the right for Y to ask to search belongings or ask to leave if reason to believe illegal substances, paraphernalia, alcohol, weapons or stolen property |