YMCA Policies

DEDICATED TO YOU!

MEMBERSHIP POLICY

Who shall be eligible to hold a membership at this organization?

Individuals of all races, sex, religion, or ethnicity have the right, and are encouraged, to be a part of the Penobscot Bay YMCA. However, the protection of our members and guests participating in programs and/or using our facilities is a paramount interest of the Y. The Y reserves the right to deny/ terminate access or membership to any person who has been accused or convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse; is a registered sex offender; or who has demonstrated unlawful conduct that may be conceived as a threat to the well- being of Y members and guests.

MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT

Together, we can do more to help strengthen our community. Toward that end, the Penobscot Bay YMCA Association members are expected to consistently celebrate the Y core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility with behavior that illustrates these values.

To ensure the safety and well-being of our members and guests, we may suspend, cancel, or terminate a membership, and/or prohibit individuals from having access to our facilities, programs, events or program spaces in the event an individual’s behavior or conduct appears contradictory to the association’s core values. Inappropriate language, or behavior deemed to be in conflict with the welfare and safety of members and staff, is prohibited. The Y also reserves the right to deny facility access or membership to any person who is a sexual offender or who has been convicted of (or who has been charge with) any crime involving sexual abuse. Membership suspension, cancellation, or termination at one branch, or from one program results in suspension, cancellation, or termination at all Penobscot Bay YMCA branches and programs.

What standard of conduct will Y members and guests be expected to adhere to while a part of this organization? The Penobscot Bay YMCA expects persons using our facility and programs to behave in a mature and responsible way and to respect the rights and dignity of others. The Penobscot Bay YMCA Code of Conduct does not permit language or actions that can hurt or frighten another person. Specifically this includes:

• Any demonstration of sexual activity or sexual contact with another person.
• Inappropriate attire.
• Angry or vulgar language, including swearing, name calling or shouting.
• Physical contact with another person in an angry or threatening manner.
• Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language or any other menacing behavior.
• Theft or behavior that results in destruction of property.
• Carrying or concealing weapons or devices and objects that may be used as weapons.
• Using or possessing illegal chemicals, or alcohol, on Y property, in Y vehicles or at Y sponsored programs.
• Any other conduct of an inappropriate, threatening or offensive nature.

Members and guests are encouraged to be responsible for their personal comfort and safety by asking any person whose behavior is in violation of the Code of Conduct listed above to stop the offensive behavior. If a member or guest feels uncomfortable confronting the person directly, they should not hesitate to notify a staff person. The Chief Executive Officer will review all reported incidents. If a violation of the Code of Conduct has occurred the decision to suspend or terminate Y membership or guest privileges will be made at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer.

MILITARY FAMILIES

Families of active military personnel will receive a complimentary Y membership. Active duty orders and military ID must be presented when joining. For more information, please stop by our front desk or call the Y, 236.3375.

FACILITY CLOSING

The Y may close due to uncontrollable conditions such as weather. Closings will be posted in advance when possible on our Facebook pages, mobile app and our website. To get notifications by e-mail, please join our mailing list.

BANK DRAFT CANCELLATIONS

A bank draft cancellation form is to be completed in order to cancel a bank draft membership. Completed forms must be received before the 1st of any given month. There will be a cancellation fee not to exceed $50 for any membership that is cancelled before the required minimum 12 month commitment.

MEMBERSHIP REFUND POLICY

Membership fees are non-refundable and are not transferable to another Y facility.

PROGRAM CREDITS

Programs Fees are non-refundable. A Y credit may be issued in some instances with Program Director approval. Requests for credit will be considered on a case by case basis. A credit or refund will be issued if a class is cancelled by the Y and a make-up class is not offered.

MEMBERSHIP HOLDS

A membership may be put on hold due to a medical concern. A doctor’s note is required stating the amount of time the individual will require the membership to be on hold. Holds will be administered on by full month increments.

SNOWBIRD HOLDS

A Snowbird membership hold is a monthly bank draft membership where the member has a summer or winter home and they would like to have their YMCA membership fee placed on hold. Please refer to our Welcome Center for guidelines.

GUEST PASSES

Members receive guest passes yearly based on the membership type. Individual memberships receive 3 guest passes and family memberships receive 6 guest passes. Members are encouraged to bring relatives, friends, neighbors as guests of the Y. Any guest pass that is not used in a calendar year may be carried over for a maximum of two years. A guest of the Y will not incur the normal day fee but will be required to pay a drop in fee for any programs. Guest passes may be acquired by contacting the front desk during business hours.

MEMBERSHIP CARD USAGE

All annual or bank draft memberships will receive a membership card which must be scanned upon arrival at the Y to ensure proper identification.

NATIONWIDE MEMBERSHIP

Nationwide Membership enables Y members to visit any participating YMCA in the United States through membership at their “home” YMCA (your home Y is your local association that has enrolled you as a member and collects membership dues.) Photo ID and membership card will need to be presented at the time of your visit along with a signed waiver.

WAIVER FORMS

It is a requirement of the Y to obtain appropriate waiver forms for all members, non-members and program participants. A release and waiver of liability will be required before processing memberships, registering for programs and/or admitting guests into the facility.

LOST AND FOUND POLICY

All items placed in the lost and found bin will be donated to a local charity at the end of each month. Such items as jewelry, cell phones, i-pods, etc. will be held for one month. Please check at the front desk.

FITNESS CENTER GUIDELINES

• Youth aged 11 and 12 may work out with their parent/guardian or designated adult - if the child has had an orientation session with a  Fitness Center Staff Member.
• Youth that are 13 years old may work out without a parent/guardian present; however, they also must have had an orientation session with  one of our Fitness Center Staff members.

The following behavior is prohibited:

• Providing personal training, consultation, instruction or coaching to other members
• Theft from the facility or from other's personal belongings.
• Destruction of equipment or facility property.
• Using equipment in a manner different than intended by the manufacturer.
• Failing to wear shoes or wearing open-toed shoes, sandals, or flip flops.
• Roller skating or skateboarding inside the facility.
• Selling merchandise, products or services of any kind.
• Bringing weapons of any type into the facility.
• Consuming alcohol or intoxicants on the premises.
• Entering the facility under the influence of any substance that impairs the member’s physical or mental ability to function normally.
• Using areas in the facility that are closed or gated.
• Using profanity towards members or staff.
• Physical and verbal confrontations with members or staff.
• Taking photos or videos of other members in the facility.
• Using camera or video equipment (including cell phones) anywhere in the facility.
• Projecting phone calls or music. Any personal music usage requires headphones or earbuds. No personal phone conversations.

POOL GENERAL RULES

• Obey the lifeguard at all times.
• Only Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) are allowed.
• Walk while on the pool deck.
• All swimmers under the age of 13 must pass a safety swim test.
• Swimmer to lifeguard ratio is 25:1.
• No food or drink except H2O is allowed in the pool area.
• Swim only when a lifeguard is present.
• Street shoes, glass, and electronic devices are not permitted in the Aquatics area.
• A shower is required before entering the pool.
• Proper swim attire must be worn at all times.
• Long breath-holding, and breath-holding activities are not permitted.
• Please, do not hang on or roll over the lane lines.
• Soap, bubbles, lotions, and similar products are not allowed in the Aquatics area.
• Inflatables are not allowed in the pools.
• Diving is only permitted from the 9ft wall from a forward facing, standing position– diving in the shallow end or on the long sides is NOT permitted.
• Young children who are 4 and under, or are not toilet trained, must wear a swim diaper. Diaper changing is not permitted in the pool area.
• Children may not be left unattended in a car seat, stroller, or jump seat on the deck.
• The main pool is for lap swimming only, unless a lane(s) has been designated for alternative programming.
• Service animals only in the pool area.
• People with bandages, open cuts, and wounds are not allowed in the pool.
• Lane sharing is required of all swimmers, unless otherwise determined by the lifeguard on duty.
• Circle swimming is required when there are more than two swimmers in a lane (swimming counter-clockwise in each lane).

SAUNA RULES

• A maximum of eight (8) persons may use the sauna at any time.
• All sauna users much be at least 18 year of age.
• No more than 30 minutes per visit is suggested.
• Food and beverages are not allowed in sauna, with the exception of water in a non-glass container.
• If you suffer from heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, or other health problems, do not enter the sauna without permission from your doctor.
• Do not use the sauna while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or other drugs that cause sleepiness, drowsiness, or raise/lower blood pressure.
• When pouring water on the sauna heater, please use only one scoop at a time, and practice caution by maintaining distance from the produced steam.
• All sauna users must wear a swimsuit or similarly covering clothing. Underwear or street clothes are not permitted.
• Personal grooming, applying of lotions, oils or scented gels is not permitted.
• If you are pregnant, do not use the sauna without medical consultation.
• Keep flammable materials away from the sauna heater.
• Phones and other electronics are not allowed in the sauna, or in the Aquatic area as a whole.
• Do not exercise or use exercise equipment while in the sauna.
• Please shower after use of the sauna if you will be entering the pools. 

ROCK CLIMBING CENTER POLICIES

• Climb only when a Y staff member is present in the Rock Climbing center.
• Everyone using the rock gym or participating in any climbing programs must sign a release form. Release forms of minors must be signed by a parent or guardian.
• Each person intending to use the rock gym must participate in a one-time orientation for proper belay technique. Minimum belay age is 12 years of age.
• Staff reserves the right to disallow the use of private equipment if deemed unsafe.
• People using the bouldering area should have a spotter.
• Rough housing and horseplay are not allowed.
• Chalk balls only. No loose chalk.
• Please use the floor anchors whenever possible.
• Helmets must be worn at all times.
• Be Safe.

LOCKER ROOM POLICY

• The Women's locker room is open to women aged 18 and over and to children aged 5 and under if accompanied by a female parent/guardian.
• The Men's locker room is open to men aged 18 and over and to children aged 5 and under if accompanied by a male parent/guardian.
• The Girl's locker room is open to girls through age 17 and accompanying female guardians and boys under age 2 if accompanied by a female parent/guardian.
• The Boy's locker room is open to boys through age 17 and accompanying male guardians and girls under age 2 if accompanied by a male parent/guardian.
• Members who prefer more privacy are welcome to utilize our private locker rooms at the end of the hallway.
• The bathroom and shower areas are a shared space with children. Please be mindful with your attire and actions.
• Take no photos or videos in the locker room.
• Please refrain from using perfumes or fragrances in the locker room.
• If entering the pool, you must shower first, wear no street shoes on the pool deck, and bring in no glass containers nor your cell phone.
• Lockers are for day usage only; locks are available at the front desk or you may bring your own lock. Please lock all valuables safely during your visit.
• Please be kind and courteous at all times.

TOBACCO POLICY

Penobscot Bay YMCA 100% Smoke-Free/Tobacco-Free Policy

The Penobscot Bay YMCA (PBYMCA) is dedicated to providing its employees and visitors with a safe and healthy environment.  PBYMCA is a 100% smoke and tobacco-free campus, effective September 30, 2017.

PBYMCA recognizes that smoking and the use of tobacco products on our grounds is detrimental to the health and safety of everyone. This institution supports an environment where employees and visitors are not exposed to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and are supported in efforts to live tobacco-free. Therefore, PBYMCA has adopted a 100% smoke-free/tobacco-free campus policy, that exceeds state law (22 M.R.S.A. § 1580-A).

This policy prohibits all smoking and the use of all tobacco:

• In all PBYMCA owned, leased and affiliated buildings.
• On all PBYMCA owned or leased grounds.
• At all PBYMCA sponsored events– both indoor and outdoor.
• In all PBYMCA owned, leased or rented vehicles.
• In all personal vehicles parked on PBYMCA owned, leased, and affiliated property.
• At all events hosted or organized by PBYMCA.

The smoke-free/tobacco-free campus policy applies to all employees and visitors including organizers of, and attendees at, public events, including but not limited to, conferences, meetings, lectures, social events and/or cultural events using PBYMCA owned, leased and affiliated property.

DEFINITIONS:

1. “Smoking” means inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe or joint, or any other lighted or heated tobacco or plant product intended for inhalation, including hookahs and marijuana, whether natural or synthetic in any manner or in any form. “Smoking” also includes the use of an electronic smoking device which creates an aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any oral smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this policy. Non-smoked marijuana products including, but not limited to, edibles and dabs are also included in this policy.
2. “Tobacco” is defined as all tobacco-derived or containing products, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, cigarillos, bidis, kreteks; all smokeless and dissolvable tobacco products including, but not limited to, dip, spit/spit-less, chew, snuff, snus and nasal tobacco; and any product intended to mimic tobacco, containing tobacco flavoring or delivering nicotine, including, but not limited to, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDs), e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-hookahs, vape pen or any other product name or descriptor, or the use of any other type of tobacco or nicotine product for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of tobacco in this policy. This does not include products specifically approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the purpose of cessation or nicotine replacement therapy.

TRANSPARENCY POLICY

As a part of our commitment to transparent business practices the Penobscot Bay YMCA is happy to provide members access to copies of Board of Director meeting agendas and minutes upon request. In addition, the IRS 990 documents and the organization’s Annual Report are available for review. Any member wishing to address the Y Board of Directors in person is welcome to do so by submitting an agenda item to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) a minimum of five business days prior to a scheduled meeting of the Board. The member may also be permitted to attend the Board meeting for the purpose of presenting the submitted agenda item. In the interests of parity, fairness to all, and the efficient conduct of business on behalf of all members by the board, an allotted period of time will be provided for the presentation.

TRANSGENDER POLICY

The Penobscot Bay YMCA is an inclusive organization open to all. We welcome employees and members of all ages, genders, faiths, economic backgrounds, and orientations without discriminating and without being judgmental.

The Penobscot Bay YMCA follows the Maine Human Rights Commission law, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. In addition, to maintain our not-for-profit status, Y’s must not discriminate in accordance with federal civil rights laws.

Y’s serve people of all religious backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, and income levels and are open to all members of the public. Through a variety of programs and services focused on the holistic development of children and youth, family strengthening, and health and well-being for all, Y’s unite men, women, and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities, and income levels. From urban areas to small towns, Y’s have proudly served America’s communities for over 160 years by building health spirit, mind and body for all.

Maine

On December 28, 2005, Maine extended coverage under its nondiscrimination statute to include a “person’s actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality or gender identity or expression.” The law covers discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit and education. This makes Maine the second state in New England to provide explicit legal protections to transgender people.

The Maine Human Rights Commission recently released regulations to implement the new antidiscrimination law in Maine protecting sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. These regulations define “gender identity” as “an individual’s gender-related identity, whether or not that identity is different from that traditionally associated with that individual’s assigned sex at birth, but not limited to, a gender identity that is transgender or androgynous.”

They further define “gender expression” as “the manner in which an individual’s gender identity is expressed, including, but not limited to, through dress, appearance, manner, speech, or lifestyle, whether or not that expression is different from that traditionally associated with that individual’s assigned sex at birth.”

One important obligation on the YMCA imposed by these regulations is to make reasonable accommodations for transgender employees and members. The regulation states that it is “an unlawful employment practice of an employer, employment agency, or labor organization to fail or refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services that apply directly or indirectly to gender identity or gender expression, unless the covered entity can demonstrate that the accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the conduct of the business of the covered entity.”

Such accommodations may include being allowed to use the most appropriate bathroom or planning the best way to transition while on the job. It is also illegal for an employer to deny employment if that denial is based on the need to make a reasonable accommodation.

WEAPONS POLICY

For your own safety and the safety of others, the Penobscot Bay YMCA does not allow any potentially dangerous items to be brought onto Y property. Possession or use of firearms and other dangerous weapons on Y grounds is strictly prohibited.

Y property encompasses all owned and leased facilities including surrounding areas such as sidewalks, fields, driveways, parking lots, vehicles and other spaces being used to conduct Y programs.

The Penobscot Bay YMCA reserves the right to inspect or screen all packages, bags, backpacks, purses, or suspicious clothing to assure compliance with this policy.

All on-duty law enforcement personnel are exempt from this policy.