YMCA Policies

Individuals with disabilities may request a workplace accommodation, a modification to a program, policy or practice, or auxiliary aids or services by contacting one of our ADA Compliance Officers. Individuals with disabilities also have the option of contacting the Branch Program Director in person or by calling the YMCA Branch’s main telephone number and asking for the Program Director.

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Members are expected to purchase a membership at the branch they intend to use most of the time. Members may use all branches within the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. We reserve the right to transfer a membership if a member violates the policy. The Y will notify the member 30 days in advance of the transfer. Please visit your home YMCA for more information about this policy.

It is the policy of the YMCA 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.

The YMCA has established a minimum age for youth to use the facilities. Members under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, 18 years or older at all times.

To ensure the physical and mental well-being of all participants, the minimum age required to work out in the Fitness Center is 10 years old. Participants, ages 10 and 11 may use the Fitness Center under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian who has a full facility membership. Participants must be a minimum of age 12 or in 7th grade to work out alone. Youth and teens should also check in with a Wellness Coach prior to beginning their workout.

The Y offers free Fitness Consultations with trained Wellness Coaches to help participants of all ages learn safe, effective workout techniques. Participants ages 10-14 must attend a consultation prior to using the Fitness Center. Fitness Consultations are strongly recommended for all members.

At the Greater Philadelphia YMCA we understand and recognize that we all have a duty to ensure the safety of each other, particularly children. We recognize that at times there may be circumstances that lead to the need to address a concern. We aim to treat all concerns with confidentiality, respect, fairness and acceptance.

This Policy is to provide a process for handling the concerns/complaints of families in our programs. This policy identifies the process for responding to and addressing family grievances in a fair and consistent manner that aligns with the mission of the Greater Philadelphia YMCA.

Procedures

1. The parent/guardian may address their concern directly with their child’s instructor or the instructor’s supervisor
2. If there is a more serious concern or if the parent/guardian does not want to address their concern with the instructor or supervisor directly, they can send a detailed email to the Branch Executive Director. This information can be found on our website.
3. If a parent/guardian has a concern about possible abuse or neglect of any child, they can email riskmanagement@philaymca.org. The risk management team will complete an confidential investigation.

If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected by a parent, guardian, guest, volunteer or staff, we encourage you to contact the state Child Abuse Hotline. All YMCA employees are Mandated Reporters and can assist you with this process. If you are not comfortable making a report, please speak with a YMCA employee. Any concern will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Members ages 10-14 may participate in all classes upon completion of a fitness consultation. Members ages 10-11 may then attend a class with a parent or guardian that is 18 years or older and also has a full privilege membership. Class participation by members ages 10-14 is subject to instructor discretion for member safety. Members must also meet height requirements to attend cycling classes for safety purposes.

Free guest passes are provided to Members, 18 or older, as a benefit of your membership and to encourage new members to join the Y. For the safety of our guests and members, all guests must be accompanied by a current Adult Member. Adult members may bring up to 2 guests per Y visit. Each guest may only visit three times in a calendar year and must present a valid photo ID to participate in any activity at the Y.

Guest access and hours may vary by location.

Outdoor Pool

Guests are not permitted at the outdoor pool facilities at the Upper Perkiomen Valley Y. Outdoor pool pass holders at the Ambler, Phoenixville, and Spring Valley Y's may bring 5 guests per purchased pool pass, not 5 guests per member. Only members 18+ who are pool pass holders can bring guests to the pool. No day passes are available unless you are a paid guest of an Outdoor Pool Pass holder. 

Waivers must be signed by guests at the time of registration for the outdoor pool passes. Guests must present the receipt given at the time of purchase at the outdoor pool check-in station to enter the pool. Outdoor guest policies may vary by branch.

KidZone is a value-added member benefit and is included with the cost of full privilege Greater Philadelphia YMCA memberships. It is not available for youth, teen, program, or nationwide members. This service is offered on-site with convenient drop-in hours that vary by location. Hours are subject to change around holidays. Advanced registration is not required and KidZone is operated on a first-come, first-served basis. This service is intended to support parents while using the facility. Parents must remain at the YMCA and are limited to two hours per day. New child check-in stops 30 minutes before closing time. Parents will be contacted to pick up their children if there are any problems. Click here for our full KidZone policies.

Members and guests may use their choice of a family locker room, private changing space or locker room corresponding to their self-identified gender.

For the enjoyment of all, our members agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the YMCA. The protection of members and guests who are utilizing the facility is of paramount concern to the Greater Philadelphia YMCA.

We reserve the right to deny access of membership to any person whose behavior is determined to be in conflict with the welfare and safety of other members and/or staff. This includes a person who is a registered sexual offender; has pleaded guilty to or been convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse; or a crime against persons such as a child, spousal or parental abuse. It will also include any offense related to the sale or transportation of illegal, habit-forming, or dangerous drugs; is presently clearly under the influence of intoxicating beverages or behavior-modifying drugs.

This code of conduct does not permit language or any action that can hurt or frighten another person or that falls below a generally accepted standard of conduct. This includes inappropriate attire, angry or vulgar language, 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 resulting in the destruction of property.  Parents are held responsible for the behavior of their children.

The YMCA is a weapon and smoke (vaping) free environment. This includes any type of devices or objects, which could be used or perceived as weapons.

WE PROHIBIT THE ABUSE OR MISTREATMENT OF OUR MEMBERS/ PARTICIPANTS

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA has zero tolerance for abuse and will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of members and participants in its programs. Any mistreatment or abuse by an employee or volunteer, will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or volunteer service and cooperation with law enforcement.

WE PROHIBIT THE ABUSE OR MISTREATMENT OF ONE MEMBER/PARTICIPANT BY ANOTHER MEMBER/PARTICIPANT

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA has zero tolerance for abuse, mistreatment or sexual activity among members/participants within the organization. The Y is committed to providing all members/participants with a safe environment and will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of one member by another member. Conduct by members that rises to the level of abuse, mistreatment or sexual activity will result in intervention or disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the program. In addition, the Y will not tolerate any behavior that is classified under the definition of bullying, and to the extent that such actions are disruptive, the Y will take necessary steps to eliminate such behavior.

CONDUCTING BUSINESS ON YMCA PROPERTY

The code of conduct prohibits members, guests and/or other entities from conducting business on YMCA premises without the prior authorization of the Executive Director.

A photo is required for all members as part of your membership ID. If you require an exception, you will need to show photo ID each time you check in at our facility.

• Members are required to provide 30-day notice for Membership Cancellations.
• Membership dues scheduled within that 30-day notice period will be drafted at the full rate.

To cancel your membership, call our Connection Center at 215-220-9199 or contact us here.

• Memberships can be placed on Hold for up to 2 months, per calendar year, for any reason.
• Members are required to provide 15 days' notice for Membership Holds.

Greater Philadelphia YMCA reserves the right to revoke or deny membership privileges if a member:

• abuses or misuses any YMCA owned or operated equipment or facilities,
• engages in conduct which is abusive, illegal, disruptive, or poses a threat to others,
• engages in activities contrary to the mission and purpose of the YMCA,
• is identified as a registered sex offender through our sex offender screening, or
• is consistently threatening or abusive to staff or other members.

The Executive Director has the authority to deny or suspend membership privileges at any time. For permanent revocation of membership privileges, the Group Vice President will be consulted.

Nationwide Membership enables active, full facility YMCA members to visit any participating YMCA in the United States through membership at their home YMCA. We encourage members to verify with the branch they intend to visit if they qualify for access through nationwide membership.

Program-only participants are not eligible for nationwide membership. Special memberships (group homes, Silver Sneakers, Silver & Fit, other agencies, etc.) are not eligible. Nationwide member visitors must use their home Y at least 50% of the time. We offer this because we want to help you reach your health and wellness goals wherever you live, work or travel. This is an essential part of our mission to strengthen communities. To find a Y in another location, go to ymca.org/find-your-y.

Nationwide access and hours for Greater Philadelphia YMCA branches may vary by location.

When you sign up for our services, we ask you for information such as: name and contact information, date of birth, etc. To view our full privacy policy and what we do with the information you provide to use, please visit our privacy policy page.

• Membership: No credits or refunds will be issued for unused membership. No credits or refunds will be issued for building closure due to inclement weather, maintenance, city ordinance, events, or other closures. 15 days’ notice required to make changes to membership. 30 days’ notice required to cancel membership. Credits will be applied to the oldest outstanding balance. Credits are non-refundable, unless approved by an Executive Leader. The account credit is good for use up to one year from the credit date.
  • Pool Passes/Memberships: 
    • Ambler, Phoenixville, and Spring Valley Pool Passes: Refunds will not be provided for any Outdoor Pool Pass purchases.There will be no proration for pricing of Outdoor Pool Passes. Pricing will be the same regardless of when the pass is purchased. 
• Child Care: Deposits and fees are non-refundable. No credits or refunds for unused/unattended child care days (please reference the Child Care Handbook for specifics on poor weather or other emergency closures). Two weeks written notice is required when terminating from a child care program, Deposits will be applied to any tuitions due during the period leading up to the last day of service. If the required notice was not given, the deposit will be forfeited. If you receive third party funding, you are required to have all of your co-pays paid to date to avoid being reported for delinquency, which may impact a transfer to another provider. Credits are non-refundable, unless approved by an Executive Leader. The account credit is good for use up to one year from the credit date.
• Camp: Deposits are non-refundable. Deposits may be transferred between camp weeks until May 31st. On or after June 1st, no deposits may be transferred between camp weeks. Cancellations or changes between camp weeks require at least fifteen (15) days’ notice prior to the camp week start date. After fifteen (15) days prior to camp week start date, the entire camp fee is non-refundable. When transferring to a camp week of higher value, the difference in the deposit amount is due at the time of the transfer, and remaining balance is due two weeks prior to the camp week, aligning with the camp payment due date.  Changes to a program of lesser value will result in a credit to the Y account for the difference. No credits or refunds for unused/unattended camp days. No credits or refunds will be issued for camp closures due to inclement weather, maintenance, city ordinance, events, or other closures. Account credit is good for use up to one year from the credit date.
• Programs: Program registration is non-refundable. Withdrawal 48 hours before the first class of the session will receive a full credit on your account. Withdrawal within 48 hours of the first class and prior to the day before the second class will receive a prorated credit on your account. Credits will not be issued beyond the first week of programs unless a doctor’s note is provided. No credits or refunds will be issued for building closure due to inclement weather, maintenance, city ordinance, events, or other closures. Credits are non-refundable, unless approved by an Executive Leader. The account credit is good for use up to one year from the credit date.

Service animals are accepted at GPY branches. Per the US Department of Justice and the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) dated 9/15/2010 and their updated guidance specific to service animals dated 3/15/2011. Support animals do not fall under the ADA and their admittance is not mandated at the GPY.

A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal's safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.

The YMCA conducts regular sex offender screenings on anyone accessing our facilities who is age 18+ (including: all members, participants, guests, and any visitors). If a sex offender match occurs, the YMCA reserves the right to cancel membership, end program participation, and restrict/remove visitation access.

• Transfer between individuals: membership and the use of particular privileges shall not be transferred from one person to another.
• Members from another Association: the Membership Director or designee will contact the other YMCA or Association (via telephone) to verify the current status of the inquiring potential member. The entire joining fee will be waived, provided that the membership has not lapsed more than 60 days. The full amount is waived, regardless of the amount paid at the former YMCA.
• Transfers to another Association: members who move to another geographic area outside of the Greater Philadelphia YMCA will need to contact that YMCA for its specific policy on membership transfers.

No enrollment fees are charged when a member is upgrading from one full privilege membership category to another. No refund of enrollment fees is provided when a member is downgrading from any full privilege membership to a membership that charges a lesser joining fee.

Beginning 10/1/2024, new joins and membership upgrades/downgrades all will have a 1st of the month draft date for the new membership or membership change.