Membership Waiver/Code of Conduct

CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP at The Norwich Family YMCA

 

Member Code of Conduct: The Norwich Family YMCA is a membership organization committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all members and guests participating in our programs and or using our facilities. To promote safety and comfort for all, individuals are expected to act appropriately at all times when they are in our facility, on our property, or participating in our programs. We ask individuals to adhere to the values and principles of the YMCA: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility at all times. The Applicant agrees to abide by all policies and procedures of the Norwich Family YMCA and has read the YMCA Code of Conduct policy for YMCA members and understands that failure to act in accordance with these rules may result in expulsion from the YMCA and revocation of the membership.

 

Member Health: The applicant(s) represents that he/she is in physically sound condition and understands that participation in aerobics and other exercise, weight training, recreational sports, and use of pools, spas, saunas and fitness equipment carry a potential risk of injuries or illness. The applicant further understands that the Norwich Family YMCA assumes no responsibility for any such injury or illness.

 

Property Loss: The applicant understands that the Norwich Family YMCA is not responsible for personal property lost, damaged or stolen while using YMCA facilities or participating in YMCA programs. We highly encourage locking all personal items in lockers in the designated locker rooms.

 

Photograph release: I hereby agree that the YMCA may photograph or capture footage of me or members of my household at the YMCA or on affiliated property or event and the YMCA may use these photographs or footage for its marketing purposes and further agree to release the YMCA and releases from claim or liability related to that use; waiving all claims for myself, my household, my child and any heirs or next of kin. IF I CHOOSE NOT TO BE PHOTGRAPHED, VIDEOTAPED OR IN OTHER RECORDED MEDIA, IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO INFORM THE PHOTGRAPHER AND/OR REMOVE MYSELF FROM THE PICTURE.

 

Cell Phone/Video Taping: Due to the advances of in video equipment and telephone video technology, and for the safety and security of our members and guests, any and all video equipment may not be used in the locker rooms, dressing areas, shower areas, restrooms, or other areas deemed to be “private” within YMCA facilities. The YMCA requests that the cell phone usage be reserved for open and lobby areas only. I have reviewed the YMCA Cell Phone and Video Recording policy located at the Member Service Desk and the YMCA website at www.norwichymca.org

 

Agreements:

  1. I understand that my membership plan is an on-going membership payment plan, and I understand that this payment plan is agreed upon regardless of my facility usage and that the YMCA does not prorate based on facility usage.
  2. I understand that it is my responsibility to provide the YMCA with current up to date bank and credit card information throughout the term of my membership.
  3. I understand that if I wish to terminate or change my membership in anyway, I may do so by giving the YMCA a 30 day written notice with completion of the Membership cancelation or Change form. I understand that this means I may have one final draft after the date that I have signed the termination form.
  4. Should applicants’ membership deduction not be honored by assigned financial institution for any reason, I realize that I am still responsible for the payment, plus any applicable service charge assessed by the YMCA.  I understand that the YMCA may, at their discretion, cancel my membership based on draft declines and that I am responsible for the past due balances for my membership and those memberships under my account.
  5. I understand that the YMCA Board of Directors may, at their discretion, adjust the monthly rate applicable to my membership category and that they will give at least 30 days notice of any rate changes.

 

Insurance: The applicant understands that the Norwich Family YMCA does not provide any accident or health insurance for its members or participants and further understands it is the responsibility of the applicant or guest to provide such coverage.

 

Criminal History:

  1. The applicant acknowledges that it is the policy of the Norwich Family YMCA to deny membership to any individual convicted of a sexual offense and that the YMCA will periodically check its membership records for criminal history.

 

  1. Have you or any member on your application been convicted of a crime or entered a plea upon showing that a criminal charge against you could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt? If so, please provide details including location, date, offense, disposition and whether you were confined in a secure facility as part of any order or sentence issued as a consequence. (you may request an individual meeting with the Executive Director or Associate Executive Director to discuss this in person)

 

*Applicant is signing as the representative for all household members on this membership application

Release and Waiver of LIABILITY and Indemnity Agreement

 

In consideration for being permitted to utilize the facilities, services, and programs of the Norwich Family YMCA (hereafter “YMCA”) for any purpose, including but not limited to observation or use of facilities or equipment, or participation in any program affiliated with the YMCA, without respect to location, the undersigned, for himself or herself and any personal representatives, heirs, and next of kin, hereby acknowledges, agrees and represents that he or she has, or immediately upon entering or participating will inspect and carefully consider such premises and facilities or the affiliated program. It is further warranted that such entry into the YMCA for observation or use of any facilities or equipment or participation in such affiliated program constitutes an acknowledgment that such premises and all facilities and equipment thereon and such affiliated programs have been inspected and carefully considered and that the undersigned finds and accepts same as being safe and reasonably suited for the purpose of such observation, use, or participation. The YMCA prohibits membership by persons required to register in the Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry. All still and video photography taken by YMCA staff or agents for the expressed purpose of marketing the YMCA, its programs, or membership is property of the YMCA. IN FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF BEING PERMITTED TO ENTER THE YMCA FOR ANY PURPOSE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO OBSERVATION OR USE OF FACILITIES OR EQUIPMENT, OR PARTICIPATION IN ANY PROGRAM AFFILIATED WITH THE YMCA, WITHOUT RESPECT TO LOCATION, THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY AGREES TO THE FOLLOWING:

 

  1. THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY RELEASES, WAIVES, DISCHARGES AND COVENANTS NOT TO SUE the YMCA, it’s 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 damage, 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 premises or any facilities or equipment therein, or participating in any program affiliated with the YMCA, without respect to location.
  2. THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS the releasees and each of them from any loss, liability, damage, or cost they may incur due to the presence of the undersigned in, upon, or about the YMCA premises or in any way observing or using any facilities or equipment of the YMCA or participating in any program affiliated with the YMCA whether caused by the negligence of the releasees or otherwise.
  3. THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY ASSUMES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR AND RISK OF BODILY INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE due to negligence of releasees or otherwise while in, about, or upon the premises of the YMCA and/or while using the premises or any facilities or equipment thereon or participating in any program affiliated with the YMCA.

 

THE UNDERSIGNED further expressly agrees that the forgoing RELEASE, WAIVER AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of New York 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.

 

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE

 

 

I have been offered and urged to attend an equipment orientation at the Norwich Family YMCA before using any equipment or beginning any exercise. I have been urged to consult with my physician for a physical to determine any health risks associated with my exercising.

 

I desire to voluntarily waive an equipment orientation at the Norwich Family YMCA and to waive any explanations concerning the risks of use of the equipment or of my exercising. I understand that the exercise will place an increasing workload on my cardio respiratory and musculoskeletal systems and there is a risk of physical changes during or following my exercise. I understand that failure to use the equipment properly may result in injury, illness, or medical problems including but not limited to fractured or broken bones, strained or torn muscles, tendons, or ligaments, dizziness, feeling light-headed or becoming faint, stroke, heart attack, joint problems, or other physical problems.

 

I understand that I am responsible for monitoring my own condition throughout the exercise program and should any unusual symptoms occur, I will cease my participation and inform the fitness instructor, another YMCA professional staff member, or the Welcome Center attendant.

 

I certify that I have no physical condition which would prevent me from safely engaging in an exercise program and agree to abide by all the rules and

regulations of the YMCA.

 

In consideration for being allowed to participate in the Norwich Family YMCA exercise program, I agree to assume the risk of such exercise and inherent dangers from exercise and use of the equipment. I hereby release the Norwich Family YMCA and its staff members from any and all claims, suits, losses, or related causes of action for damages related to my exercise program and hold them harmless from anything arising therefrom.

 

In signing this release and consent form, I affirm that I am legally capable of so acting, that I have read this form in its entirety, that I understand the nature of the exercise program, and that I do not want further information. All the questions I have concerning the exercise program or the equipment have been answered to my satisfaction.

 

*Applicant is signing as the representative for all household members on this membership application

 

 

 

SAFETY & RESPECT

MEMBERSHIP CODE OF CONDUCT

The Norwich Family YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all members and guests participating in our programs and or using our facilities. To promote safety and comfort for all, individuals are expected to act appropriately at all times when they are in our facility, on our property or participating in our programs. We ask individuals to adhere to the values and principles of the YMCA: Caring, Honesty, Respect & Responsibility at all times.

 

Our Code of Conduct does not permit language or any action that can hurt or frighten another person, or that does not adhere to a generally accepted standard of conduct.

 

  1. The actions listed below, which are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of behaviors, are considered to be inappropriate and are prohibited in our facilities and programs:
  • Wearing inappropriate attire. i.e. swimsuits only in pool area and shoes, shorts, and shirts in other areas of the facility where required. Clothing with vulgar or profane writing or language is not allowed.
  • Verbally abusive behavior, including profanity, angry or vulgar language including swearing, name calling or shouting.
  • Physical contact with another person in any angry, aggressive or threatening way.
  • Sexually explicit conversation or behavior; any sexual contact with another person.
  • Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language or any type of menacing behavior.
  • Theft or behavior that results in the destruction of or loss of property.
  • Smoking in the YMCA, and or the grounds of the YMCA. This also includes the usage of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes.
  • Carrying or concealing a weapon or any device or object that may be used as a weapon.
  • Using or possessing alcohol or illegal drugs on YMCA property or at YMCA sponsored programs.
  • Loitering in or outside the Y, especially individuals who have been asked to leave.
  • Cell phone usage in the locker rooms; please be courteous and refrain from talking on your cell phone while using the fitness center floor.

 

  1. In order to carry out these membership policies, the Y asks that members and guest:
  • Check in at the desk when entering the building.
  • Identify themselves to staff when asked.
  • 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.
  • Behave in a mature and responsible way, and to respect the rights and dignity of others, including the YMCA staff.
  • Abide by our policies that include: Child Safety Policy, Policy of Video/Picture Cell Phones and other visual recording devices and this Membership Code of Conduct. Please see the Member Service Desk for copies.

 

  1. We consider it of great importance to provide a safe and threat free environment for our members especially our youth members. For this reason the YMCA monitors the sexual offender registry. Persons on this list will not be eligible for YMCA membership, program participation, and volunteer or employment opportunities with this YMCA.

 

  1. We reserve the right to deny access, membership or program participation to any person who has been convicted of any crime involving violence, sexual abuse or behavior, is a registered sex offender, has ever been convicted of any offense relating to the use, sale, possession, or transportation of narcotics or habit forming and or dangerous drugs, is under the influence of narcotics, chemicals, intoxicating beverages and or habit forming or dangerous drugs, or whose behavior does not conform to this Membership Code of Conduct.

 

 

  1. A temporary suspension of a membership may be enforced while an incident is being investigated and membership privileges may be modified as seen fit.