The Redwoods Group Insurance Program for YMCAs

We have had recent questions regarding a members’ code of conduct and are often surprised to learn that a JCO has no written statement in this regard. As you can imagine, it is easier to suspend or terminate a membership based upon a formally written code. Following is possible wording for such a document.

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

”We expect persons using the JCO to behave in a mature and responsible way, and to respect the rights and dignity of others. Our Code of Conduct outlines prohibited actions. The prohibited actions below are illustrative of but are not an inclusive list of behaviors considered inappropriate in our facilities or programs.

· Using or possessing alcohol or illegal chemicals on JCO property, in JCO vehicles, or at JCO sponsored programs

· Smoking on JCO property – the JCO and its property is a smoke-free environment

· Carrying or concealing any weapons or devices or objects that may be used as weapons

· Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any type of menacing behavior

· Physical contact with another person in an angry, aggressive, or threatening way

· Verbally abusive behavior, including angry or vulgar language, swearing, name-calling, or shouting

· Sexually explicit conversation or behavior; any sexual contact with another person

· Inappropriate, immodest, or sexually revealing attire

· Theft or behavior that results in the destruction or loss of property

· Loitering within or on the grounds of the JCO

“In addition, The JCO reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person who has been accused or convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse; is a registered sex offender; habitually or excessively uses narcotics or dangerous drugs; 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 continuously or excessively use intoxicating beverages.

“Members and guests are encouraged to 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 or the Building Supervisor on duty.

”JCO staff members are eager to be of assistance. Members and guests should not hesitate to notify a staff member if assistance is needed.

”In order to be able to carry out these policies, we ask that members and guests identify themselves to staff when asked.

”The Branch Executive will investigate all reported incidents. Suspension or termination of JCO membership privileges may result from a determination by the Branch Executive if in his/her discretion a violation of the JCO Member Code of Conduct has occurred.”

If your JCO has no Members’ Code of Conduct, we encourage you to consider adapting one. The above is just an example. You should address behavioral issues that are pertinent to your JCO and use wording that will communicate to your members. Setting expectations is a major part of managing behavior and having tools at hand is far better than improvising in the moment of need.