Inclement Weather Policy

Please go to our main page for any closings or delays for inclement weather. You can also go to our Facebook page, @bedfordymca or our Instagram page @bedford.ymca  

Code of Conduct

• The Bedford Area Family YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all members and guests. To promote safety and comfort for all, we expect individuals to act appropriately at all times when they are at our facility or participating in our programs.
• We expect persons using the Bedford Area Family YMCA to behave in a mature and responsible way, and to respect the rights and dignity of others. Our Code of Conduct does not permit language or any action that can hurt or frighten another person, or that falls below a generally accepted standard of conduct.
• Prohibited actions specifically include but are not limited to:
  Angry or vulgar language; includes swearing, name-calling, or shouting.
• Inappropriate attire is not allowed. Appropriate attire must be worn at all times. Proper attire is clothing that covers the midsection and chest, with no vulgar messages, and no sandals, open-toed shoes, or boots.
• Physical contact with another person in any angry, threatening, or any unwanted way.
• Any demonstration of sexual activity or sexual contact with another person.
• Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any menacing behavior.
• Theft or behavior that results in any destruction of property.
• Carrying or concealing any weapons or devices or objects that may be used as weapons.
• Using or possessing illegal substances or alcohol on Bedford Area Family YMCA property, in Bedford Area Family YMCA vehicles, or at Bedford Area Family YMCA sponsored programs.
• Any other conduct of an inappropriate, threatening, or offensive nature.
• Loitering is not permitted in or outside of the Bedford Area Family YMCA. This includes the outdoor facilities during off-hours.
• Smoking/Vaping is not permitted in or outside of the Bedford Area Family YMCA. The Bedford Family YMCA and their properties are smoke-free environments.
• Members and guests are encouraged to be responsible for their personal comfort and safety, and to ask any person whose behavior threatens their safety or comfort to refrain from such conduct. If a member or guest feels uncomfortable in confronting the person directly, they should report the behavior to a staff person or director on site.
• The Bedford Area Family YMCA staff members are eager to be of assistance. Members and guests should not hesitate to notify a staff person of assistance is needed.
• In order to be able to carry out these policies, members and guests are required to identify themselves to staff when asked.

The Executive Director will investigate all reported incidents. Suspension or termination of YMCA membership privileges may result from a determination by the Executive Director if in their discretion a violation of the Bedford YMCA Member Code of Conduct has occurred.

Bedford Area Family YMCA Protocol
Violation of Code of Conduct – Other YMCA Rules – Violation of Guest Policy

To assure the Bedford Area Family YMCA’s (Bedford YMCA) continued commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for members, guests, and staff, the Board of Directors HEREBY establish the following protocol to address violations of the Bedford YMCA Code of Conduct, Facility Rules, and Guest Policy.

• Physical assault of a member, guest, or staff.

CONSEQUENCE: Automatic indefinite suspension or termination of membership and appurtenant privileges, subject to review by the Executive Committee within 90 days of suspension date. Right of appeal of Executive Committee ruling to Board of Directors with a hearing within 60 days of  date of appeal.

• Verbal threat directed toward a member, guest, or staff.

CONSEQUENCE: Automatic indefinite suspension or termination of membership and appurtenant privileges subject to review by the Executive Committee within 60 days of suspension date. Right of appeal of Executive Committee ruling to the Board of Directors with a hearing within 30 day of appeal.

• Carrying a Weapon onto YMCA property.

CONSEQUENCES: Automatic indefinite suspension or termination of membership and appurtenant privileges, subject to review by the Executive Committee with 90 days of suspension date. Right if appeal of Executive Committee ruling to Board of Directors with a hearing within 60 days of date of appeal.

• Destruction or theft of property of Bedford YMCA, a member or guest.

CONSEQUENCE: Automatic indefinite suspension or termination of membership and appurtenant privileges subject to review by the Executive Committee with 60 days of suspension date. Right of appeal of Executive Committee ruling to the Board of Directors with a hearing within 30 days of appeal. RESTITUTION: To be paid within 30 days or properly returned in original condition to appropriate person.

OTHER VIOLATIONS

• Other violations of the Bedford YMCA code of conduct or facility rules of executive committee ruling to the board of directors with a hearing within 30 days of appeal or guest policy.

CONSEQUENCES:

• • FIRST OFFENSE: written warning from Executive Director.
  • SECOND OFFENCE: up to thirty day suspension of membership and appurtenant privileges.
  • THIRD OFFENSE: up to indefinite suspension or termination of membership and appurtenant privileges. Right of appeal of suspension to Executive Committee within 60 days. Right of appeal of Executive Committee ruling to the Board of Directors with a hearing within 30 days.

Note: For purposes of enforcement of the Bedford YMCA code of conduct, facility rules and guest policy, “guest” shall include non-member participants in the YMCA programs.

Program Member Policy

The YMCA encourages guests to use our facilities. We offer a free day pass to anyone who is interested in trying our programs, classes, or facilities. Each person will be allowed one free day pass per calendar year. The first time a visitor comes in a calendar year they must fill out a Program Member liability form, those under 18 must come with a parent or legal guardian to fill it out, all visitors over 16 must provide I.D. The form is good for current calendar year. After the free day, if you are not a member of the Bedford Area Family YMCA, you must purchase a day pass if you would like to use our YMCA. Day passes can be purchased at any time and as many times a year as you like. The cost is $8.00 per day pass for ages 0 – 18 and 55 and up and $15.00 per day pass for ages 19 -54. 

Nationwide Membership

At the Y, we believe that positive, lasting personal and social change can come about only when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. This strengthening of community-and the realization of a Y’s full potential-has the most impact when all Y’s are open to all Y members and provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. With Nationwide Membership, members can visit any participating Y in the United States and Puerto Rico through membership at their home Y, at no additional cost. Nationwide Membership is an essential part of our cause to strengthen communities. It enables members to

• Reach their health and wellness goals wherever they live, work, or travel; and
• Connect with the larger Y community in meaningful ways.

The goal of Nationwide Membership is to ensure that all Nationwide Members have access to and can use all the areas and programs of any Y they visit.
By making it possible for members to use the Y as often as they like, Nationwide Membership increases the value of Y membership. By promoting access for all, the initiative gives Y members the opportunity to be part of a single Movement and deepens the impact of the Y cause.
The Bedford Area Family YMCA participates in the Nationwide Membership Program and honors visiting YMCA members in good standing. Nationwide Members are afforded the full and unrestricted use of our premises and facilities at no charge however, Nationwide Members must use their home YMCA at least 51% of the time. To be eligible as a Nationwide Member, your home YMCA must be participating in the Nationwide Membership Program and you must be a member in good standing with your home YMCA. Nationwide Members may not bring guests who would not otherwise be eligible as a Nationwide Member. Nationwide Members will be responsible for any damages incurred to the premises, facilities, furnishings, equipment or other property of the Bedford Area Family YMCA as a result. All Nationwide Members are required to present valid identification and fill out a liability waiver form before participating in any part of our facility. They will be subjected to a criminal and sex offender search as any member or guest to our facility. Any person under the age of 18 must come with a legal guardian or parent the first visit to complete their waiver of liability. 

Centra Health and Wellness Program

The Bedford Area Family YMCA partners with Centra Health to make available to you personalized attention from one of Centra’s Exercise Physiologists or RN’s.
Prevention is Key!
At Centra, our objective is to prevent rather than simply treat illnesses. Centra, in conjunction with area YMCA’s is offering structured exercise programs and personal health education aimed at helping reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Our programs are designed to meet individual needs, including:

• Obesity/Weight Management
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes
• Vascular Disease (Pad/Stroke)
• Smoking
• Depression/Anxiety/Stress
• Pulmonary Disease
• Visual Impairment
• Balance/Gait Limitations
• Join Degeneration/Muscle Issues
• Guidance and Structure

The program begins with an initial assessment. The client’s risk factors, present fitness level, goals, and interests are evaluated. An individualized fitness program is developed that includes warm-ups, cardiovascular workouts, strength training, cool-down stretching, and education. By implementing the Healthy Steps Program into your life, you will benefit from improvement of health and quality of life. A Centra registered nurse or exercise physiologist works closely with each client throughout the program. The average length of the program is three months. However, each program is individualized to suit your needs.

Bedford YMCA Centra Program Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday – 8:00am-7:00pm
Call Chris or Lori at 540.586.3483 for more information or to sign up!

YMCA Programs and Events

Aside from providing a great place to get involved in your community, meet people, or get a great work out, the YMCA provides many opportunities that you may not be aware of. For more information on anything listed below, please see our Member Services desk or talk to the director in charge.

• Soccer, Basketball, Gymnastics, and Swim Team Sports
• Swim Lessons
• Pool
• Spa
• Splash Pad
• Separated Adult and Youth and Family Locker Rooms
• Summer Camp
• After School Care at various locations throughout the county.
• Child Watch
• Indoor Traversing Wall
• Indoor Ropes
• Outdoor Adventure Program for team and confidence building
• Outdoor Ropes
• Outdoor rock wall
• Outdoor Zip Line
• Outdoor Aerial Adventure Park
• Outdoor Basketball
• Disc Golf Course
• Playground Area
• Sport Park
• Pavilion
• Birthday Party Package Available
• Fitness Classes
• Fitness Programs
• Free-Weight Room
• Membership Appreciation Days
• Pickleball
• Healthy Kids Day
• Peaks of Otter Christmas Classic Run
• Blossom to Bottle Run

Personal Training

Did you know that we offer personal training sessions? Need that “extra push” to help you achieve the results you are looking for? The Bedford Area Family YMCA offer personal training sessions with certified personal trainers for $44.00 an hour or a package of 10 for $330.00. Please see Jordan at the Bedford Y for more information.

Youth Policy

• Youth members are allowed at our facilities without supervision on premises if they are 12 or older. 
• On a case by case basis, and with pre-approval from a director, a babysitter may act as the youth’s guardian.
• Members/Children under 8 years old are not allowed in the fitness center.
• If an adult is in the facility working out and has children with them, they have to be members, pay the daily guest fee, or pay to be in the Child Watch Area.

Nobody should be in the facility without being a facility member, program member, guest, or in the Child Watch Area.

Wellness Room Age Guidelines

All participants under 18 must go through training of proper and safe use of equipment with Y staff trainer! 

Free-Weight & Wellness Room Rules

• Members and Guests must provide their own towels.
• No food or drink allowed on any equipment except for resealable water bottles.
• Proper attire must be worn at all times in center. Proper attire is clothing that covers the midsection and chest, with no vulgar messages, and no sandals, open-toed shoes, or boots.
• No profanity or inappropriate behavior allowed.
• Please remove sharp objects in pockets or other items on clothing that could damage upholstery.
• Scheduled orientations are highly recommended for first-time users or new members to our facilities and required for those under 18.
• Underage guests are not allowed to use the weight room without a fitness staff trainer’s permission. 
• All dumbbells, plates, and other accessory pieces must be returned to racks and weight trees after use. Restack your weights.
• No dropping or throwing the weights at the end of the set.  PLACE them on the floor or bench.
• No one under the age of 15 allowed on equipment unless authorized by YMCA or Centra personnel. (See chart)
• Proper use of the equipment enhances results and protects users from injury.
• Always use a spotter when attempting to lift weight. (YMCA staff is available for assistance, please see the Member Services Desk for hours)
• Please wipe down equipment seats, upholstery, and handles after each use.
• The YMCA is not responsible for member’s/guest’s belongings. Locks are available to borrow at the Member Services Desk.
• Please adhere to all other items as detailed on the YMCA Code of Conduct.
• Violation of any of the above may result in membership termination and/or loss of privileges of the entire YMCA facility and programs.

Pool Rules

• Members and Guests must provide their own towels.
• Shower before entering the pool.
• Proper swimming attire must be worn: no cut-offs.
• No running, pushing, dunking, holding breath, or horseplay.
• No profanity or inappropriate behavior allowed.
• No flips or jumping off starting blocks.
• No food, drink, glass, or metal objects in the pool area, except for plastic or metal resealable water bottles.
• Non-swimmers must remain in the shallow end.
• Adult supervision is required for all children age 10 and under.
• Parents must be in the water and within arms’ reach of their child if the child cannot touch the bottom.
• Parents must be in the water with their child if they are 10 & under and have not passed the swim test.
• Parents must be in the pool area with their child if they are 10 and under and have passed the swim test.
• Children 11 & up must pass a swim test in order to stay by themselves in the pool area.  
• The swim test includes swimming the length of the pool without touching the side or the bottom and treading water for one minute.
• No sitting, hanging, or climbing on lane lines.
• No playing on the ladders.
• Emergency equipment is for use by lifeguards only.
• No air mattresses or inner tubes allowed without the permission of the lifeguard or aquatics director.
• Masks, snorkels, and fins allowed only with permission of lifeguard or aquatics director.
• Personal flotation aids are not allowed in deep water.
• Proper flotation aids and jackets are available for use.
• The YMCA is not responsible for member’s/guest’s belongings. Locks are available to borrow at the Member Services Desk.
• Please adhere to all other items as detailed in the YMCA Code of Conduct.
• Violation of any of the above may result in membership termination and/or loss of use privileges of the entire YMCA facility & programs.

Spa Rules

• Members and Guests must provide their own towels.
• Appropriate attire must be worn at all times.
• Physician’s consent is recommended for persons with heart conditions, high blood pressure, pregnancy, or on medication.
• First-time users are not to exceed 5 minutes.
• Continuous users should not exceed 15 minutes.
• You should discontinue use if you become faint or dizzy.
• No profanity or inappropriate behavior allowed.
• No one under the age of 16 is allowed in the spa.
• Maximum capacity is 3 adults.
• No shaving!
• No aromatherapy, incense, or oils!
• No sexual contact!
• The YMCA is not responsible for member’s/guest’s belongings. Locks are available to borrow at the Member Services Desk.
• Please adhere to all other items as detailed in the YMCA Code of Conduct.
• Violation of any of the above may result in membership termination and/or loss of use privileges of the entire YMCA facility & programs.

Thunder/Lightning Policy

It is policy of the Bedford Area Family YMCA to suspend swimming activity (including use of spa and sauna) at the first sound of thunder. Participants will be asked to move off the pool deck and asked not to use the shower area until 20 minutes after the last sound of thunder and/or lightning. At that time patrons will be allowed back into the pool area. 

Gymnasium Rules

• No food or drink allowed in the gym except for resealable water bottles.
• Proper attire must be worn at all times in center. Proper attire is clothing that covers the midsection and chest, with no vulgar messages, and no sandals, open-toed shoes, or boots.
• No profanity or inappropriate behavior allowed.
• No rough or unsportsmanlike conduct or behavior.
• No hanging on the rims.
• Basketballs balls are available at the YMCA Member Services Desk and need to be exchanged for equal value collateral, i.e. phone, wallet, or car keys. All basketballs need to be returned to the Member Services Desk. 
• When class or program is in progress, only those participating are allowed in the gym.
• Please see Member Services Desk for gym schedule or events and closings. Or visit our website/Facebook page.
• The YMCA is not responsible for member’s/guest’s belongings. Locks are available to borrow at the Member Services Desk.
• Please adhere to all other items as detailed on the YMCA Code of Conduct.
• Violations of any of the above may result in membership termination and/or loss of use privileges of the YMCA facility & programs.

Child Watch Rules

The Child Watch is intended to be a non-structured, drop-in, child care service for the convenience of YMCA members and guests (with guest pass or paid fee) while exercising or participating in a YMCA program.

• Parents/Guardians are required to fill out a “getting to know you” sheet the first time a child is left in the Child Watch room.
• If there is sensitive health information please inform the staff upon entry. (see policy for sick children for more information)
• Everyone must sanitize their hands and their child’s upon entering the Child Watch room.
• The Child Watch room is for children ages: newborn-8 years old. All infants must be in a car/baby seat provided by the parent.
• There is a limit of 2 hours per session of day per child.
• Parents/Guardians must stay on the premises while child is in the Child Watch room. Please let the staff know what part of the facility you will be using.
• Only YMCA staff, Child Watch participants, and Parent/Guardian of the children in the Child Watch room are allowed in the Child Watch room.
• Children must be signed in and out of the Child Watch room. If someone other than the person who signs the child in will be picking up the child, please let the staff know. We will require a photo ID of the person picking up the child.
• Parents/Guardians will be called for the following: diaper changes, illness, crying longer than 10 minutes and discipline problems. Your timely response is appreciated.
• Drinks must be in a spill proof container with a lid, with your child’s name on it. Please no sugary beverages, only milk, water, or fruit juice.
• Snacks will not be provided by Child Watch staff. Parent/guardians may provide a snack for the child, it should be in sealed container or wrapped, with your child’s name on it. Please be aware of allergens, and inform the staff of any your child has.
• All snacks and drinks must be eaten at the table while sitting.
• You are more than welcome to bring you own toy(s) but you are responsible for your toy(s). We are not responsible for anything that is lost, stolen, or broken. Please have the child’s name on the item.
• If personal items are brought into the Child Watch room they should have the child’s name on it.
• The YMCA is not responsible for member/guest belongings.
• We do not allow bullying of any kind. Bullying can result in dismissal from the Child Watch area at any time. Bullying is any form of aggression, i.e. hitting, kicking, biting, name calling, etc.
• Please use appropriate language.
• Children will be treated with respect and are expected to be respectful as well.
• Be respectful of toys and Child Watch Area furnishings.
• Guest/Program Member children will be accepted only if space allows. There will be a fee of $8.00 per hour per child or a youth day pass is required.
• Child Watch capacity is 12 and will be regulated on a first come, first served basis.

Policy for Sick Children

• Please do not bring sick or contagious children into the Child Watch room. (see “safe to play” flyer posted in the Child Watch room)
• If your child has a runny nose, fever, rash, diarrhea, or has lice or pink eye he/she will not be admitted into the Child Watch room.
• If your child’s condition is questionable, please check with your pediatrician.

*Violation of any of the above may result in membership termination and/or loss of use privileges of the entire YMCA facility & program3