Policies

As the leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the YMCA of the Fox Cities (YMCA) is committed to providing programs and services to children and families that are inclusive of individuals with special needs. In addition, the Y is committed to providing staff with clear and consistent guidelines for compliance with federal, state, and local laws, Association standards and best practices.

View ADA Accommodation Policy

GENERAL FACILITY POLICIES

1. Shoes and shirts must be worn while using the facility.
2. Wear Y-appropriate, proper attire for your activity.
3. Inappropriate wording or graphics on clothing is not acceptable.
4. Children under 8 years of age are to be accompanied and supervised by a responsible person age 16 or older.
5. Children should be supervised in the lobby, hallways, locker rooms or meeting rooms.
6. Smoking is not permitted in the facility or on YMCA grounds.
7. Adult fitness programs are open to participants age 14 years and older.
8. Children six years and older are expected to use the proper gender locker room.
9. Parking allowed in designated areas only avoiding designated marked fire lanes.
10. Wet swim clothes should be kept in the locker room and pool areas only.
11. Food and drink are permitted in designated areas only.
12. Abusive/foul language and unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated.
13. No running or bouncing balls in halls or locker rooms.
14. YMCA members are responsible for their guests and their actions.
15. Due to liability reasons, the YMCA does not allow skill instruction, coaching, or personal training by anyone other than certified Y staff.
16. Teen Night participants must fill out and sign our Code of Conduct card and follow the youth dress code.
17. All music needs to be played through earbuds or headphones, portable speakers, or cell phones are not permitted.

AGE GUIDELINES

Membership

• Ages 6+ may join as individuals, however, youth 6–17 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the membership agreement and waiver.

Facility Use

• Youth under the age of 8 must have a supervising individual (age 16+) who is a Y Member and actively supervising the child(ren) at all times. 
• Youth ages 8+ may be in the facility without a supervising individual.
• Ages 16+ may be considered the supervising guardian for siblings under age 8 when using Y facilities, provided responsible and appropriate behavior is exercised at all times.
• Ages 14+ may participate in adult facilities and programs.

Health & Wellness

• Ages 14+ may use all fitness equipment, including free weights, without adult supervision.
• Ages 14+ may participate in all Group Exercise classes without a parent or supervising guardian.
• Ages 8-13 may use the Wellness Center while accompanied by a parent/guardian after completing the Youth Orientation at Apple Creek YMCA, Appleton YMCA, Fox West YMCA, Heart of the Valley YMCA and Neenah-Menasha YMCA.
• Ages 7-13 may use the Fit Zone at Neenah-Menasha YMCA without supervision after successful completion of a Fit Zone orientation.

Pool 

• Open Swim
  • Children under age 8 must be directly supervised by an adult (age 16+)  in the water unless they are able to pass a swim test.
  • Children ages 8+ may swim without adult supervision.
  • all swimmers ages 8-14 must pass a deep water swim test to swim in deep water if applicable.
  • Swimmers must be 48" to use the waterslide.
• Family Swim
  • Children under the age of 14 must be be directly supervised by an adult (age 16+).
• Lap Swim
  • Individuals age 8+ may lap swim at Appleton YMCA, Fox West YMCA and Neenah-Menasha YMCA. 
  • Individuals age 14+ may lap swim at Heart of the Valley YMCA (or ages 8-13 with a Lap Swim card).
• Whirlpool
  • Adults age 18+ may use the whirlpool at Appleton YMCA and Neenah-Menasha YMCA. 
  • Individuals age 16+ may use the whirlpool at Heart of the Valley YMCA.

Locker-Rooms

• Members who are 18+ may use Adult Fitness Center/Locker Rooms. 
• Womens/Girls General Locker Room may be used by:
  • Females age 6 and older.
  • Girls ages 3-6 escorted by a female guardian.
  • Children under age 3 of either gender escorted by a female guardian.
• Mens/Boys General Locker Room may be used by:
  • Males age 6 and older.
  • Boys ages 3-6 escorted by a male guardian.
  • Children under age 3 of either gender escorted by a male guardian.
• Family acnd Special Needs Locker Room may be used by:
  • Boys ages 3-6 escorted by a female guardian.  
  • Girls ages 3-6 escorted by a male guardian.
  • Children age 6+ who require assistance from a guardian of the opposite gender.
  • Individuals with Special Needs.

Kids Corner/Play and Learn

• Kids Corner
  • Fox West YMCA, Heart of the Valley YMCA, Neenah-Menasha YMCA, Ogden YMCA and Valley Tennis Center
  • Ages 6 weeks - 7 years old
• Play and Learn (licensed drop-in care)
  • Apple Creek YMCA, Appleton YMCA
  • Ages 6 weeks - 6 years old

Adventure Alley/Family Fun Center

• YMCA Member-only facility.
• The age limit for participation is age 9.
• Children ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a supervising individual age 16+.
• Children ages 8-9 may participate without a supervising individual.

Track 

• Individuals under age 14 must be accompanied by a supervising individual (age 16+).
• Individuals age 14+ may access the track without a supervising individual.

Tennis 

• To be on a court without supervision, youth under age 10 need approval from one of the tennis pros.

Gymnasiums

• Individuals age 8+ may use the gymnasium without a supervising adult.
• Please check the schedule on the website or the Y app for the up-to-date facility openings.
• Ogden YMCA and Valley Tennis Center - For children ages 8-13, this is the only non-program area with an open schedule, please check the schedule prior to visiting. 

Racquetball - Open to all ages.

Adult Basketball - Ages 18+

MEMBERSHIP CANCELLATION

We hate to see anyone leave. However, if you wish to cancel your membership, please give the Y a 5-day written notice prior to your draft by contacting any of the YMCA of the Fox Cities locations.  Membership fees are not refundable.

CHANGES TO YOUR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Please inform Member Services if a change has been made to your address, phone number, e-mail or family member status. To change the account where your monthly draft is coming from, please contact Member Services. It is also important to notify Member Services if you or a family member have a health concern so that we can be prepared in case of an emergency. Membership records and cards are the property of the YMCA of the Fox Cities. 

CHECK IN

Your safety is our top priority. All visitors will be required to present a valid membership card or photo id upon entrance to the facility. Member Services will then scan your card. Having knowledge of who is in the building and at what time allows us to ensure a secure environment.

CODE OF CONDUCT

At the Y, we expect staff, members and guest to behave in accordance with our mission and values at all times, respecting the rights and dignity of others. We demonstrate caring, honesty, respect and responsibility by:

• Dressing appropriately, speaking in respectful tones and refraining from vulgar and derogatory language.
• Respecting the property of others; never engaging in theft or destruction.
• Resolving conflicts in a respectful, honest and caring manner; never resorting to physical contact or threatening gestures.
• Respecting others by refraining from intimate behavior in public; abstaining from contact of a sexual nature.
• Creating a safe, caring environment; no firearms or weapons are allowed on the premises with the exception of sworn law enforcement officers with proper identification.
• Participating in programs to build a healthy spirit, mind and body; never engaging in the use, sale, dispensing or passing of illegal drugs or narcotics, or the use of alcohol on YMCA premises; never using tobacco on or around YMCA premises

YMCA OF THE FOX CITIES RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

The YMCA of the Fox Cities is founded on Christian principles and values and prohibits inappropriate behavior and conduct. This includes, but is not limited to, profanity or abusive language, inappropriate or revealing attire, smoking, use of alcohol or drugs, sexually explicit conversation or behavior, any sexual contact with another person, harassment or intimidation, the removal of Y property, carrying or concealing a weapon or criminal conduct of any type. Such inappropriate behavior or conduct is unacceptable and the Y consequently retains the right to deny memberships to its applicants and to revoke a membership of any current member or participant at its sole discretion.

In addition, the Y reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person who has been accused or convicted of any crime involving child and/or sexual abuse, has ever been convicted of any offense relating to the use, sale, possession or transportation of narcotics or habit forming and/or dangerous drugs or is presently or habitually under the influence of dangerous drugs or chemicals, narcotics or intoxicating beverages.

THE YMCA OF THE FOX CITIES TAKES A NO-TOLERANCE STANCE FOR ANYONE REGISTERED AS A SEXUAL OFFENDER.

Members and guests are encouraged to take responsibility for their personal comfort and safety by asking any person whose behavior threatens their comfort to refrain from such behavior. Anyone who feels uncomfortable in confronting a person directly should report the behavior to a staff person or the building supervisor on duty.

The YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all members and guests. To promote safety and comfort for all, all individuals are asked to act appropriately at all times when in our facility or participating in our programs.

In further consideration of being permitted to enter the YMCA of the Fox Cities (hereinafter referred to as the Y) for any purpose including, but not limited to, observation or use of facilities or equipment or participation in any off-site program affiliated with the Y. The undersigned hereby agrees to the following:

THE UNDERSIGNED hereby releases, waives, discharges and covenants not to sue the Y and all branches thereof, its directors, officers, employees and agents (hereinafter referred to as “releasees”) from all liability to the undersigned, his personal representatives, assigns, heirs and next of kin for any loss or damages and any claim or demands therefore on account of injury to the person or property or resulting in death of the undersigned, whether caused by the negligence of the releasees or otherwise while the undersigned is in, upon or about the premises or any facilities or equipment therein or participating in any program affiliated with the Y.

THE UNDERSIGNED hereby agrees to indemnify and save and hold harmless the releasees and each of them from any loss, liability, damage for cost they may incur due to the presence of the undersigned in, upon or about the Y premises or in any way observing or using any facilities or equipment of the Y whether caused by the negligence of the releasees or otherwise.

THE UNDERSIGNED hereby assumes full responsibility for all risk of bodily injury, death or property damage due to negligence of releasees or otherwise while in about or upon the premises of the Y and/or while using the premises or any facilities or equipment thereon or participating in any program affiliated with the Y.

THE UNDERSIGNED further expressly agrees that the foregoing Release, Waiver and Indemnity Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of Wisconsin and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding continue in full legal force and effect.

THE UNDERSIGNED has read and voluntarily signs the Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement and further agrees that no oral representations, statements or inducement apart from the foregoing written agreement have been made.

Adherence to the YMCA of the Fox Cities Code of Conduct is essential. Noncompliance may result in suspension or termination of Y membership privileges.

COMMUNICATIONS

There are many ways that we communicate with our members, including the following:

• YMCA of the Fox Cities website
• YMCA of the Fox Cities App
• E-mail
• Direct mail
• Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
• Comment cards

If you have any questions about your membership, please contact the Member Services Desk at your local Y. 

WELLNESS CENTER GUIDELINES

1. For the protection of our members, an initial orientation with the staff prior to using the equipment is strongly recommended. Appointments can be made in the Wellness Center.

2. No food, beverages or smoking (smoking includes tobacco products, e-cigarettes and vaping products) is permitted in the fitness facilities; water bottles with sealable lids are acceptable.

3. All areas other than the Fit Zone (ages 8-13 at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA), are for people age 14 years and older.

4. Before beginning any exercise program please consult your personal physician.  (Especially if you are pregnant, or have heart, back, circulatory or respiratory problems.)

5. Always warm up before lifting weights and stretch completely when finished.

6. Proper attire must be worn at all times, including but not limited to shirts, athletic shorts or pants and athletic shoes. Sandals or flip-flops will not be allowed. Jeans are not allowed because buckles, rivets and zippers tear the upholstery. 

7. Wipe off machines with disinfectant spray and rags when you are finished using them. Spray on your towel first, and then thoroughly wipe down equipment.

8. Do not wear weight belts when using the machines. The belts tear the upholstery.

9. When doing multiple sets, please allow others to work through.

10.  Gym bags and other personal belongings should be locked in the locker room or in the lockers located in the Wellness Center.

11. Strip bars and return all equipment to the proper racks when finished.

12.  Always use a spotter to insure your safety.

13.  Weight benches are NOT ALLOWED on wood platforms.

14.  Do not drop weights on floor.

15.  Do not drop the weight stacks on the machines.

16.  Stepping up or standing on weight benches is prohibited.

17.  Do not place weights or bars on upholstered portions of benches.

18.  Return used towels to the “towel drop” areas.

19. Workouts should be limited to 30 minutes when others are waiting. 

20. Report any equipment that is not working properly to Y staff. 

Track/FitZone (strength and cardio training for ages 8 and older available only at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA)

1. An equipment orientation is required prior to participating in Fit Zone activities. Appointments can be made at the desk in the Wellness Center.

2. Always warm-up before exercising.

3. Always use caution when crossing the lanes of the track to enter or leave the FitZone.

4. Return equipment to its proper place when finished exercising.

5. Please use the disinfectant spray and rags to clean the equipment after each use.

6. Cardio equipment has a 30-minute time limit when others are waiting.

7. Proper attire must be worn at all times, including but not limited to shirts, athletic shorts or pants and athletic shoes (sports bras must be covered). Sandals or flip-flops will not be allowed. Jeans are not allowed because buckles, rivets and zippers tear the upholstery.

8. Return used towels to the “towel drop” areas.

9. Beverages and food are not permitted. Water bottles with sealable lids are acceptable.

  GUEST POLICY

Welcome to the YMCA of the Fox Cities. We hope your visit is enjoyable! Please remember that our first priority is to serve our members who have made a commitment to the Y by joining. The purpose behind our guest policy is to enhance member service to current members who are encouraging a friend to join and make reasonable accommodations for members of other Y locations traveling in our area, for out-of-town family of current members and for out-of-town visitors. 

All YMCA of the Fox Cities locations are part of one association; therefore, a visit to one location counts as a visit to all Ys. 

The YMCA of the Fox Cities is proud to serve members across the country through the Y's Nationwide Membership Program.

YOUTH MEMBER GUEST POLICY

Youth members, ages 8-18, will be allowed to bring just ONE guest per visit on a day pass or VIP pass.

NATIONWIDE MEMBERSHIP

Always welcome in every community.

Nationwide Membership enables Y members to visit any participating Y in the United States. 

• Valid for active full-facility Y members
• Nationwide member visitors must use their home Y at least 50% of the time
• Program-only participants are not eligible for Nationwide Membership

FIND A PARTICIPATING LOCATION

LOST CARD

Please inform the Member Services desk staff if you have lost your member identification card. A replacement fee may be required.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Please take special care in locking up all personal belongings in both the locker rooms and in your vehicle. The Y is not responsible for any items left on Y property. If you do not have a lock to secure items, complimentary key locks are available for daily use at the Member Services desk. Items found that do not pose a health risk and are considered to have a monetary value, will be retained for 30 days. After such time the Y will consider the property abandoned and will dispose of through donation, or discard the item. Members are encouraged to inquire at the Member Services desk regarding a lost item and may be asked to describe the item when making a claim. The Y will take reasonable precautions to ensure that claimed items are returned to the rightful owner at request. The Y is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property. 

PROGRAM REFUNDS

• If the Y has to cancel a program, you will receive a full refund.
• No refunds or credits will be given for program cancellations due to inclement weather.
• If you have to cancel after signing up for a program, please refer to the refund guidelines in the program registration guide linked below.

PROGRAM REFUND POLICIES

RETURNED PAYMENTS

Returned checks, EFT or Credit Card transactions will be assessed a $25 returned payment fee.

OUTSIDE SOLICITATION POLICY

To ensure the comfort of our members, the Y does not allow solicitation of business or services in any of our YMCA locations or program areas.

POOL GUIDELINES

GENERAL POOL GUIDELINES SWIMMING OPTIONS

1. Open Swim is available to all participants. Children under age 8 must be accompanied in the water by a parent or adult.
2. Family Swim is reserved for children accompanied by a parent dressed in swim attire. The parent must accompany the child in the pool.
3. Lap Swim lanes are available to individuals for lap swim or independent exercise.
4. Circle Swim when lap lanes have four or more swimmers in a lane, the lane will change to circle swim. They will swim in a counter-clockwise circle. If swimmers in the circle need to rest, they should rest in the left corner of the lane.
5. Children under age 8 need to demonstrate front float to standing position to swim without an adult in the water.
6. Life jackets can be used in shallow water only and the child must be within the arm’s reach of the parent.
7. The lifeguard is the authority in the pool area.
8. Rubber pants or swim diapers must be worn under swimsuits for children who are not potty trained.
9. All persons in the pool must be dressed in swim attire.
10. Street shoes are not allowed in the pool area.
11. Any questions or problems regarding pool policy should be directed to the Aquatic Director.
12. Inflatables are not allowed for safety purposes. Please ask the lifeguard for a life jacket.

DIVING WELL POLICIES

1. Walk off the diving board.
2. Wait until the person in front of you has finished swimming to the ladder before entering the water.
3. One person on the board at a time - one bounce on the board.
4. Do not swim under or around the diving board when it is in use.
5. Back dives are allowed off the board with the permission of the lifeguard on duty. No inwards are allowed.
6. No diving off diving blocks.
7. To ensure safety, the lifeguard has the authority to restrict any individual from using the diving area.
8. Fulcrum must be in the forward position.
9. Individuals will be asked to do a swim test before entering diving well.
10. Parents cannot catch their children off the diving board.

SLIDE POLICIES

1. One person on the slide at a time - Children are allowed to ride on a parent's lap.
2. Persons must be 48″ tall or pass a swim test.
3. No swimsuits or shorts with metal rivets or buttons are allowed.
4. Eyeglasses are not advised on the slide.
5. Slide-in feet first, face-up position; no life jackets.
6. No running, standing, kneeling, rotating, tumbling or stopping in tunnels.
7. Parents cannot catch their children off the slide.
8. When using the slide, swim to the nearest exit.

DRUG POLICY

All YMCA of the Fox Cities locations are drug, tobacco and alcohol-free facilities. Please refrain from smoking on or around all YMCA of the Fox Cities premises.

EMERGENCIES

The YMCA of the Fox Cities has established emergency procedures that are available and posted at each location. Staff have been trained to adhere to this plan, which covers injuries, cardiac arrest, evacuation, power failure, natural disasters, loss of communication and more.

Medical Emergencies
YMCA staff members are CPR, First-Aid and AED (automatic external defibrillator) trained and certified. AEDs are available in all centers. Please see a staff member if someone needs assistance.

Natural Disasters, Weather-Related Emergencies and Closings
In the event of a natural disaster or weather-related emergency, please visit our website and social media channels for breaking news alerts.

LOCKER ROOM PRIVACY POLICY

Use of electronic recording devices including, but not limited to, cell phones, cameras and video equipment is not allowed in any YMCA locker room and/or restrooms.

Our Locker Room Policy is in accordance with the  Wisconsin State Statute which states:

• "Recording device" means a camera, a video recorder, or any other device that may be used to record or transfer images.
• Specifies who may enter and remain in the locker room to interview or seek information from any individual in the locker room.
• Specifies the recording devices that may be used in the locker room and the circumstances under which they may be used.
• Reflects the privacy interests of individuals who use the locker room.
• Specifies that no person may use a cell phone to capture, record, or transfer a representation of a nude or partially nude person in the locker room.