Participant Agreement

It is important that our student members, participants and guests feel welcome at the YMCA and in our programs. The code of conduct embodies the spirit of the Y, and is intended to help everyone feel comfortable and thrive. As a YMCA youth participant or guest, we ask you to agree to follow this code of conduct which is rooted in our YMCA core values: honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility.

These requirements also serve as an extension and supplement to any codes of conduct students and participants must abide by for their local or state YMCAs and Youth and Government programs.

1. Appropriate Video Call Etiquette

• When registering/signing-in for any video call or meeting, please use your First & Last Name (not a random username), as well as your state abbreviation in parentheses. Example: Clement Duran (NY). This helps us to ensure the privacy of our meetings.
• Please find a quiet area and call-in at the scheduled time so you can be fully present. If you are able/willing to use the camera on your device, we encourage those participants to use their video function so we can see and hear you.
• Please do your best to keep background noise or distractions to a minimum. 
• Please do not take your phone or computer to the bathroom.
• Photos and videos of others without their expressed consent is prohibited.

2. Appropriate Attire
Appropriate attire must be worn at all times. Clothing with vulgar language, obscene gestures, racial slurs, or anything that contributes to a hostile environment or would be considered inappropriate in a YMCA facility or program is not allowed. Appropriate tops and bottoms should be worn.

3. Appropriate Language
Vulgar language, including swearing, name-calling or shouting/yelling at others is prohibited. When communicating in the chat box, please do not send links or information that is not aligned with our YMCA values.

4. Creating a Welcoming Environment
Respect others’ cultures and personal way of being. We strive to create a safe emotional and physical space. We encourage participants to honor diversity in all dimensions and respect opinions or perspectives. The YMCA stands up against all forms of bullying, discrimination and racism.

5. Appropriate Conduct
Any other conduct of an inappropriate, threatening or offensive nature will be investigated/evaluated by YMCA leadership. Teens that do not abide by this agreement may be prohibited from participating in future virtual events or in person activities.

6. Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs
The use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs (including e-cigs/ tobacco-like products) is not permitted in or outside of ALL virtual calls. Participants that show, obtain, see in the background, make references to or use during the virtual calls will be removed from meeting and removed from future virtual and in-person events. Law enforcement may be involved if necessary.

Report an Issue
If a member, participant or guest feels uncomfortable in confronting someone directly about offensive behavior or other issues that are in violation of this code of conduct, we ask that you please report the behavior or issue to support@ymcayag.org to be addressed by YMCA staff.

To create and maintain a space that embodies our core values, the Y is serious about being clear regarding activities that are not allowed. If you violate this code of conduct, consequences can include termination of program privileges, being sent home (at the expense of the parent/guardian) and involving appropriate legal authority. The YMCA reserves the right to make situational decisions based on our policies, mission and values. 

All student participants, along with their parent/guardian, must submit their digital signature agreeing to this code of conduct prior to participating in all virtual YMCA programming.