The YMCA is a welcoming and inclusive organization dedicated to promoting a family-friendly environment. We expect that all our members, guests, and staff will exemplify our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Members and guests play a crucial role in fulfilling our shared purpose and mission. Our commitment to fostering a community built on these principles ensures that everyone feels valued and respected at the YMCA.
For detailed information, please refer to our Member Handbooks:
Members participate in all activities, programs, and classes at their own risk and are fully responsible for themselves, their children, their guests, and their property.
Code of Conduct
Let’s work together to ensure the YMCA remains a welcoming space for all. Thank you for your commitment to our community.
- No Smoking or Vaping: Our facilities and programs are smoke-free zones.
- No Illegal Substances or Alcohol: Use, consumption, or possession is prohibited.
- Respectful Communication: Avoid angry language, swearing, name-calling, or shouting.
- Zero Tolerance for Harassment: Intimidating gestures, language, or behavior is prohibited.
- No Aggressive Physical Contact: Keep interactions positive and non-threatening.
- Maintain Appropriate Attire: Dress modestly and avoid overly revealing clothing.
- Respect Others’ Property: It is unacceptable to steal or cause property damage or loss.
- No Weapons: Carrying or concealing weapons or potentially harmful objects is prohibited.
Safety and Screening
At the YMCA, community safety is our foremost concern. As part of our commitment, everyone entering the facilities must present proper identification. This allows us to conduct regular sex offender screenings for all members, participants, and guests. In the event of a match in our database with the National Registry of Convicted Sex Offenders, the YMCA reserves the right to cancel membership, terminate program participation, and revoke visitation access.
Additionally, the YMCA has the right to deny access or membership to individuals convicted of offenses related to the use, sale, possession, or transportation of narcotics or habit-forming and/or dangerous drugs. This includes individuals currently or habitually under the influence of such substances or intoxicating beverages.
Child safety is our top priority
The Sewickley Valley YMCA strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for child abuse, and as a mandated-reporting organization, the Y will report child abuse allegations as required by Pennsylvania law. The YMCA has a code of conduct that all employees and volunteers are required to follow when working with youth, and handbook for parents and guardians that explains what parents should expect from the Y, and the role we all play in keeping children safe from abuse.
The Y maintains an open-door policy for reports of policy violations and provides several options to report violations. Reports can be made by:
- Handwritten note to comment card box at the Welcome Desk, checked regularly by the CEO.
- Submitting an online Sewickley Valley YMCA Feedback form.
- Calling the anonymous hotline by calling 412-741-9622 ext. 223 or 800-743-6354 .
Explore resources for child safety and protection through the Department of Human Services’ Keep Kids Safe initiative for Pennsylvania.
PRIVACY POLICY
Your privacy is important to us. Read our Privacy Policy to learn more about how we handle and safeguard your personal information.
YOUTH AND TEEN FACILITY USE
We prioritize the safety and well-being of our youth and teens, encouraging participation in our programs for an enriching experience. Check out the table below for an overview of age-specific permissions and requirements to help ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
| Program or Activity | Age 10 | Age 11 | Age 12 | Age 13 | Age 14+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Can use the Y independently | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cardiovascular equipment | Yes* | Yes* | Yes* | Yes* | Yes |
| Weight Room | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Selectorized Strength Machines | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Group Exercise | Parent/ guardian required | Parent/ guardian required | Parent/ guardian required | Parent/ guardian required | Yes |
| Water Exercise | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Adult Lap Swim** | No | No | No | No | Yes |
*Youths and teens aged 10-13 can use age-appropriate cardiovascular equipment in the Wellness Center independently, however, safety/proper use orientation is recommended. Visit the YMCA during membership hours for a free tour of the facility to explore the different machines and workout areas.
**Youth Lap Swim is available for kids aged 8-13. Youth aged 6-7 years may also reserve a lap lane, but a parent must be in the water with the child during the reservation.
Non-Discrimination of Services
Services shall be provided without regard to race, religious creed, color, disability, ancestry, national origin, age or sex. Services shall be made accessible to individuals through the most practical and economically feasible methods available. The Sewickley Valley YMCA will make every effort to accommodate non-English speaking individuals.
Care, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility
At the YMCA, our actions are guided by our core values: Care, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. We value your input and encourage you to share any suggestions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact any of our staff with questions or suggestions. You can also drop your suggestions in the suggestion box located at the Welcome Desk. If you need further assistance or information, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
