Facility Guidelines

FIRST & FOREMOST, PLEASE BE…

Caring – Be kind. No fighting, physical or verbal confrontation is allowed in YMCA programs or facilities. Refrain from abusive or profane language.
Honest – You are expected to be honest and professional with other members and staff.
Respectful – Treat others how you would like to be treated. Intentional damage to another person’s property or YMCA property will not be tolerated. Mistreatment or harassment of YMCA members or staff is strictly prohibited.
Responsible – You are responsible for your behavior. If you have a concern or problem, please contact a YMCA staff person.
Healthy – Unsafe or dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. Your YMCA is a safe zone. Use or possession of drugs, alcohol, or weapons is not allowed in YMCA programs or facilities. No tobacco is allowed in YMCA facilities, or on the premises.

VALUABLES

The Y is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please use one of the lock boxes available at the front desk or if possible, leave your valuables at home.

INSURANCE

The Y strongly recommends that all members carry their own health insurance in case of accidental injury. We are not responsible for any claims caused by participation.

SUGGESTIONS OR COMMENTS

If you have a suggestion or a comment, we would like to hear it. Please stop by the front desk and let us know your suggestions, concerns or compliments by filling out a comment card and giving it to one of our staff or drop it into the mail.

YMCA OF WICHITA FALLS FACILITY GUIDELINES

The YMCA of Wichita Falls is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all its members and guests. The YMCA is an organization open to all people. We welcome and value individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, religions, gender identities, abilities, sexual orientations and financial circumstances. We are committed to having programs and services that embrace diversity, reflecting the people and needs of our community.

To promote safety, all individuals are asked to act appropriately and follow rules/ guidelines at all times within our facility or when participating in our programs. We expect persons using the Y to act maturely, to behave responsibly, and to respect the rights and dignity of others. The following actions listed below are behaviors considered inappropriate in our facilities, programs, and in online communities, and therefore not allowed. Please note this is not an exhaustive list.

 

  • Illegal chemicals or alcohol. Using, possessing or under the influence of alcohol or drugs on YMCA property or at Y sponsored programs.
  • Smoking. The use of tobacco or tobacco-like products, including e-cigarettes or vaping. The YMCA is a drug free environment.
  • Weapons. Carrying or concealing any weapons or devices or objects that may be used as, or look like weapons. Exception is those carried by qualified active and/or retired law enforcement
  • Harassment/ intimidation. Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language or any menacing behavior that demeans another person or culture.
  • Threatening physical contact. Physical contact with another person in any hostile or threatening way including “play fighting”.
  • Inappropriate language. Hostile or vulgar language, including swearing, name-calling, or shouting.
  • Inappropriate conduct. Any other conduct of an inappropriate, threatening, or offensive nature.
  • Inappropriate attire. Clothing with vulgar language, obscene gestures, racial slurs, or anything that contributes to a hostile environment or would be considered inappropriate in a family facility.
  • Sexual Activity. Any demonstration of sexual activity, sexual contact with another person or sexually explicit conversation and behavior.
  • Theft/ destruction of property. Theft or behavior that results in the destruction of property.
  • Loitering. Loitering in or outside YMCA facilities or programs and/ or inappropriate use of Y facilities.
  • Falsifying information on your membership form including, but not limited to name, birthdate, billing information, or allowing individuals, not listed on your membership to use your scan card or personal information to gain access to the facility.
  • Inappropriate cell phone activity. Cell phone or photographic/ video equipment use of any kind- organizing playlists, music, texting, camera functions, video recording- is not permitted in the locker rooms at any time (including unauthorized photography of facilities, members, or participants). 
  • Social media. Use of social networking in a manner that is contrary to the Y’s mission, is detrimental to the community or is in violation of the law.
  • Unauthorized solicitation is impermissible at the YMCA or at YMCA sponsored events.

 

The YMCA of Wichita Falls reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person accused, charged, convicted or has open litigation involving any crime related  to abuse in a sexual manner. Members and guests are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, comfort and safety. Anyone who witnesses behavior that goes against our Code of Conduct is encouraged to report the behavior to a staff person or Manager on Duty immediately (versus confronting another member directly). Suspension or termination of YMCA membership privileges may result if the YMCA determines that a violation of this Code of Conduct has occurred, and/ or if multiple warnings have been provided previously.

APPROPRIATE CLOTHING

To perform at the optimum level safely during exercise, participants in YMCA programs should do the following when it comes to clothes and footwear:

  • Wear comfortable clothing that allows adequate ventilation. Clothing that is too tight or rough can irritate the skin, causing blisters, rashes or even abrasions.
  • Clothing should also be made of material that breathes to allow sweat to evaporate, which allows the body to cool.
  • Use of Rubber Exercise Suits (Sauna Suits) in the YMCA is prohibited.Wearing vinyl or rubber suits (sauna suits) in an attempt to lose weight prevents sweat evaporation and causes the body’s internal temperature to rise.
  • Inducing sweat is dangerous and it makes no contribution to fitness.
  • Wear comfortable, supportive, clean indoor footwear.
  • Sauna/Steam Room Guidelines: No long-sleeved shirts, hoodies, knit caps or long pants permitted in the Steam Room or Sauna. Covering your extremities prevents sweat evaporation & raises your core temperature to a dangerous level.

LOCKER ROOM POLICY

The YMCA of Wichita Falls’ asks all members and guests to use the facilities with modesty and respect for ALL. 

  • The Men’s and Women’s Locker Room is for adults 18 years of age and older.
  • Girls and Boys Locker Rooms:
    • 12 and under with adult supervision
    • 13- 17 years of age with no adult supervision
  • Family Restrooms:
    • Single-Occupancy Gender-Neutral Wheel-Chair Accessible

LAP SWIM GUIDELINES

  • Need: If there are no open lanes, swimmers are expected to share lanes with others.
  • Speed: Gauge the speeds of each lane and join the lane where the swimmers swim at your speed.
  • Share: If there are two of you in a lane, you can stay on sides. Three or more swimmers in a lane must circle swim. Always discuss with the other swimmer what the plan for sharing is.
  • Care: At all times be aware of what is going on within your lane.
  • A lifeguard typically knows the best lane for you to enter, so please ask the lifeguard for assistance or any other questions.
  • Smile and enjoy your workout. When we work together, lap swimming can be a wonderful experience for all levels of fitness.

WELLNESS CENTER GUIDELINES

  • This center is available for use by YMCA members and guests only.
  • Use equipment at YOUR OWN RISK. If you are unsure of how to operate a piece of equipment safely, please ask!
  • Please follow equipment directions carefully. If you have not had an orientation, inquire at the reception desk.
  • Please report faulty or damaged equipment to a staff member.
  • Know your physical limitations.
  • Please be watchful of your belongings. The Y recommends that you leave valuables at home. Lockers are available for daily use only.
  • Please be respectful; keep cell phones on vibrate.
  • No food, alcohol, glass containers, smoking, or horseplay is permitted in this facility. Water bottles are permitted.
  • Proper athletic attire is required. Shirts and closed-toe athletic shoes must be worn at all times.
  • If you are using cardio equipment and someone is waiting, please be considerate and limit your workout to 30 minutes.
  • Be courteous and wipe down equipment after use. Disinfectant wipes are provided.
  • Please use personal headsets to listen to music.
  • Management reserves the right to refuse entry if protocol is violated.