Policies & Procedures

Diversity & Inclusion

Our Commitment to Inclusion: The Y is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life working side by side to strengthen communities. Together we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect and responsibility—they guide everything we do.

For All is a simple but powerful phrase. Without it, the Y mission is incomplete. Our commitment to inclusion creates better communities, a better country and a better world. We know that the key to effectively empowering young people to reach their full potential, improving individual and community well-being, and inspiring action in our communities is a passionate, experienced and diverse array of staff, volunteers and members who value what everyone brings to the table. Working in 10,000 U.S. communities and more than 120 countries worldwide makes strong diversity and inclusion practices paramount for the Y. We are passionate about strengthening communities and know that our ability to achieve it begins with reflecting and partnering with people from all walks of life.

For A Better Us™

Youth Development: All kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve, under the guidance of caring adults who believe in their potential. Through the Y, millions of youth today are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. 

Healthy Living: We help people and families build and maintain healthy habits for spirit, mind and body in their everyday lives. Through programs like LIVESTRONG®  at the Y, Pedaling for Parkinson’s, and Diabetes Prevention, we are helping the nation battle chronic disease and improve individual and community health through programs that promote wellness, reduce risk of disease and help people reclaim their health.

Social Responsibility: With our doors open to all, we bring together people from all backgrounds, and support those who need us most. We take on the most urgent needs in our community and inspire a spirit of service in return.

Our Mission, Vision, & Core Values

Our Mission: To put the Christian principles of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility into practice through inclusive programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body. 
Our Vision: Transform lives through Healthy Living, Social Responsibility, and Youth Development.
Our Core Values: Language, attitudes and behavior will reflect the Y’s core values Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Always Welcome In Every Community

Nationwide Membership enables you to visit any participating Y in the United States through membership at your home Y. This is an essential part of our mission to strengthen communities. To find a Y in another location, go to ymca.net.

Traveling? Commuting? We want you to take advantage of the Y wherever you live, work or travel. With Nationwide Membership, you have the flexibility to use participating Y facilities across the United States at no extra charge. This enables you as a Y member to reach your health and wellness goals wherever you live, work, or travel; and connect with the larger Y community in meaningful ways.

How does it work? If you plan to visit another Y, Stop in anytime at the Valparaiso Family YMCA Courtesy Desk and sign a Nationwide Membership waiver. When you visit any participating Y across the nation, your key tag from the Valparaiso Family YMCA will scan at those locations. You will need to maintain your active membership at the Valparaiso Family YMCA and use your home facility at least 50% of the time. Enjoy the convenience and support in your health journey!

Our membership is 21 million strong, and spread across more than 2,600 YMCA associations nationwide.

Nationwide Membership Liability Waiver: By participating in the YMCA Nationwide Membership Program, I agree to release the National Council of Young Men’s Christian Associations of the United States of America, and its independent and autonomous member associations in the United States and Puerto Rico, from claims of negligence for bodily injury or death in connection with the use of YMCA facilities, and  from any liability for other claims, including loss of property, to the fullest extent of the law. 

Youth Supervision: Children under the age of 10 years old must be accompanied by parents or trusted adults at all times if not enrolled in a program. Please understand that we DO NOT PROVIDE staff supervision outside of program areas. Valparaiso Family YMCA staff who encounter an unaccompanied child will respond and take control in the following manner for the protection of the child:

• Staff will detain the child by engaging in conversation.  Because many times a child has simply run ahead of parent, by talking to the child, the parent will be able to “catch-up”.
• If after engaging in conversation for a few moments, and parent is still not present, Staff will then attempt to locate parent by searching the immediate/surrounding area; or if child knows where they were or what they were doing, go to that area of the building.
• If parent cannot be located, Staff will take the child to the Courtesy Desk.  Courtesy Desk Staff will then make a page for the parent following Code Adam paging guidelines.  Staff who brought child to the Courtesy Desk will remain with child until parent responds.
• If parent does not respond, Staff will take the child to Child Watch; when Child Watch is not open, the Cause Driven Leader on Duty will take responsibility of the child.
• Any child under the age of 10 who comes into the facility without an adult will not be allowed access into the facility. Child will be taken to Child Watch and Staff will call parent.  When Child Watch is not open, then the Cause Driven Leader on Duty will take responsibility of child and call parent.

We hope that every parent understands that these safeguards are in place in order to provide a safe environment for younger children.  The Valparaiso Family YMCA is a family-oriented and welcoming facility, where children quickly become familiar with and feel very comfortable; however we ask that parents always remain with their children who are younger than 10 years of age.

Child Watch: Our quality Child Watch is offered as an in-building service while you are using the YMCA facilities and is available for infants (age 6 weeks & up) and children through the age of nine. The well-equipped playroom is staffed by dedicated and caring employees who spend time reading, playing and talking with the children. Child Watch is free, up to 2 hours, to Y members who present their membership card to the Child Watch staff.  A drop-off service is available on specific days and times. Since hours may vary, please check with the Child Watch Department for scheduled times. See Child Watch Handbook for additional information.

Space is limited - reservations are required for Child watch. Log into your YMCA account to schedule your visit or call us 219.462.4185 ext 240.

Youth Activity Room: 
PROCEDURES DURING SUPERVISED TIMES IN YOUTH ACTIVITY ROOM:

• Children 5-9 years must be signed in and out by a parent.  
• Child will remain in Youth Activity Room until picked up by parent or guardian.  
• Parents need to take children to the restroom before coming to the Youth Activity Room. 
• All Wii games will be in use at these times.
• Children need to be picked up promptly at designated closing time of the Youth Activity Room.
  • Staff will take children who are not picked up at the designated closing time to Child Watch and parents will be charged Child Watch fees. 

General Policies

• One hour time limit
• Maximum of 15 children allowed in Youth Activity Room
• No gum, candy, food or drinks allowed in the Youth Activity Room

Learning Independence & Personal Responsibility at the Y

Children aged 10-17 are welcome and able to enjoy our Y independently of their parents/guardians to build healthy living routines and have a safe place to socialize with friends. Youth in this age group are welcome to visit via a Youth Membership, Buddy Pass Visit, or Day Pass Visit. Please stop by the Courtesy Desk with your child to make sure that their Waiver of Liability, Code of Conduct, and Emergency Contact forms are filled out. If you cannot make it in to the Y, please see the buttons below to complete these required items. Children who do not have these completed will not be able to access the facility as they cannot sign them for themselves as minors. Once you have downloaded and completed the Youth Waiver of Liability, please email it to membership@valpoymca.org . The Emergency Contact Authorization will submit automatically upon completion.

Youth Waiver of Liability

Emergency Contact Authorization

Lockers & Locker Rooms

• Food or beverages are not permitted in any locker room.
• Children under age 10 must be supervised by an adult.
• All children under 14 years of age must use the Boys or Girls side of the locker rooms. They are not allowed in the adult side.
• Cell phones are not to be used while in the locker rooms.
• Parents with a child of the opposite sex must use the Family Locker rooms.
• Shower time should be limited. Water should be turned off completely when finished.
• For cleanliness and safety, foot powder should be applied while standing on a towel. 
• Waste will be disposed of in provided receptacle.
• Scales are provided in adult locker rooms. Feet are to be dry when using.
• Running, yelling, horseplay or foul language are not allowed. 
• Lockers are also available near the Wellness Center, gyms and on the mezzanine level.
• Lockers are for day use only and must be emptied before leaving the facility.  Locks left on lockers overnight will be removed.
• Locker contents or Lost & Found Items will be held for one week at the Courtesy Desk and then discarded.
• The YMCA is not responsible for valuables left in the lockers or in any other part of the facility.
• Members can use their own locks or a lock provided by the Y to secure their locker (must provide key card or ID to use a YMCA lock). The YMCA encourages use of locks on all lockers; the YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen property.

Tobacco Free Campus

The Valpo Y is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees and members. In keeping with this philosophy, the Valpo Y maintains a tobacco-free campus within 15 feet from the YMCA buildings. A smoking tower is available across from the entrance on the south parking lot sidewalk. The Valparaiso Family YMCA is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for everyone in our facility. Smoking, Vaping, and/or the use of tobacco is not permitted anywhere on the Y property at anytime. This policy includes the use of electronic cigarettes or other nicotine delivery systems. 

Service Dog Accessibility

The Valparaiso Family YMCA is committed to maintaining a welcoming environment to all by following all rules and regulations required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We welcome service animals as defined and outlined by the ADA HERE.

Foul Language/Weapon/Illegal Substance Free Facility

A family-friendly atmosphere is expected within the facility and at all Y-Sponsored events. Foul language is not appropriate and can result in suspension. Members and guests are not permitted on the premises with firearms, weapons or illegal substances. Members may be terminated if this policy is violated.

Attire

The Valparaiso Family YMCA is a family-friendly facility and we ask that you please dress in a manner that is suitable for the activity being performed and that does not allow for indecent exposure. Further, garments that have pictures and/or writing that is vulgar, suggestive, or indecent are not allowed.

• Gym and Wellness Center: closed toed, athletic shoes must be worn
• Aquatic Areas: Please wear family friendly swim attire. Specifications on this policy can be found here.

Whirlpool, Sauna, and Steam Room

Located on the deck of the lap pool and are co-ed. Bathing suits are required. A shower is required before use. Temperature of the whirlpool is not to exceed 105 degrees. Horseplay is not tolerated. Specific rules governing use are posted in this area.  No children are allowed—this is strictly designated for those 15 years and older.

Swimming Pools

• Indiana State Law requires that a shower be taken before swimming or using the whirlpool.
• For everyone’s safety, no pushing, running or dunking.
• Please do not swim with infectious diseases.
• Food, drink, gum, and glass are not permitted in pool area.
• Lane lines or shelf line, mark lane and depths. Do not hang on them. Shelf line is used during open swim.
• Guard must approve use of any equipment. Please respect the equipment.
• Water spitting and blowing your nose is prohibited.
• Swimmers must pass a test to swim in deep water. Non-swimmers must stay in shallow end.
• Non-swimmers are restricted to the shallow end and must be actively supervised and within arm’s reach of a parent or trusted adult at all times. 
• Ladders used only for entering or exiting the pool.
• Only forward dives are allowed. Diving is allowed in deep end only.
• Use of slide is limited to those 36” or taller, and can pass a swim test.
• All children and adults dress in locker rooms.
• Listen to the lifeguard.
• No shoes on deck.
• Upon issuing 3rd warning, a person will be removed from water for the remainder of the day by the Director on Duty or Cause Driven Leader on Duty.
• During lap swim time if pool is crowded, please limit swim to 30 minutes.

Adult Wellness Center

We want you to be able to use the equipment properly to help avoid injuries and to receive the optimum benefit from your workout.  For these reasons, a free orientation by staff on the proper use of equipment is available for members.  Schedule a Getting Started Consultation meeting and learn more about our programs and services. Proper and appropriate exercise attire required including athletic shoes and shirt. No street clothes allowed.  Please do not enter room with muddy or dirty shoes. 

• Age requirement 14 years and older. Children 10-13 years old can use our Wellness Center when accompanied by a parent close by.
• For your safety and the safety of others horseplay will not be tolerated.
• Slamming of weights/weight stacks is prohibited.
• Wipe equipment and pads after each use.  
• Re-rack dumbbells, plates and put away equipment you have used.
• Observe time limits if posted.
• Medical clearance required, if applicable.
• Gym Bags are prohibited in weight room

Gym Use

• Gym shoes required at all times.
• No Gym Bags allowed
• No dunking allowed. 
• Violators will be asked to leave.

Track

• Children under age 10 must remain within arms length of parent
• Observe daily track direction posted on track entry walls
• Runners use outside lane; walkers use two inside lanes
• Participants must keep moving
• Look both ways before entering track
• Proper running/walking shoes required
• No strollers
• No gum, food, or beverages

Attendance Policy

Make-ups are not available for missed swim lessons, nor can class times be altered. A credit for swim lessons and water fitness classes may be given for medical reasons only.

System Credit Issuing Policies

If you are registered for a program at the Valparaiso Family YMCA and would like to request a system credit for all or part of the program due to extenuating circumstances please refer to the following policies. All requests for system credit must be made within two weeks after a program ending.

Weather Cancellation related credit requests will not be granted: The Valparaiso Family YMCA is not responsible for providing system credits due to weather related closures/cancellations. Swim lessons and sports practices cannot be made up. The Sports Dept. will attempt to reschedule a weather canceled game one time. If the game is canceled due to weather a second time it will not be rescheduled and will not be eligible for system credit.

Days missed due to personal reasons/vacations will not be granted: The Valparaiso Family YMCA is not responsible for these absences and will not issue credits for them.

The Valparaiso Family YMCA may issue system credits for the following reasons:

• Death of an immediate family member
• Illness/Injury with doctors note
• Request to drop out of a program prior to beginning of program (for an actual refund it must be made a minimum of two days before the program)
• Program is a poor fit for an individual
• Program has already started
• Program conflicts with another YMCA program
• YMCA cancels/closes program for internal reasons
• Moving/canceling membership

Private Swim Lessons/Individual Coaching: Must be scheduled within one year from purchase date. If an individual requests a credit for unused sessions within the year they may receive credit for the remainder of the unused portion.

Cancellations

Aquatic classes may be canceled or combined with another due to lack of enrollment.

Miscellaneous Information

• A membership card for everyone 10 years of age and older or daily guest pass must be presented at the access control desk to use YMCA facilities.
• Handicapped parking provided, please take note that some are designated for van use only (wheelchair).
• Members should not bring valuables to the YMCA. The YMCA encourages use of locks on all lockers; the YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen property. 
• Towels are available on a daily basis for a small fee in exchange for your membership ID; or you may also add monthly towel service onto your membership draft.
• Please report any unsafe conditions observed in the facility to the Y Courtesy Desk.
• Anyone transported from the facility by ambulance may not return until cleared by physician in writing.

Privacy 

• The Y maintains an ongoing commitment to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Accordingly, any personally identifiable information provided by you to us shall be used in accordance with the conditions outlined in this Policy. By using the website, or providing personal information in our facilities or as a donor, you accept the practices described in this Policy. 
• We will not sell or trade our donors’ names or personal information with any other entity, nor send mailings to our donors on behalf of other organizations. To the extent any donor information is securely shared with a third-party service provider, information provided to us will only be used for internal purposes which can include donation processing, research and analysis.
• Collection of Photographs: The Y may also collect your photograph, by capturing your image at a YMCA or scanning your personal identification card, for the purpose of identifying you as a member, volunteer or program participant.  The YMCA may also capture photographs/audio/visual recordings to be used in advertising materials and social media relations. In addition, local news organizations may ask to record for news reporting purposes.  If you prefer to not have your photograph taken please inform the photographer or staff.
• ​If you have additional questions or would like to see our full External Privacy Policy, please contact us membership@valpoymca.org