Member Code of Conduct

The YMCA of Upper Palmetto is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment. Members, program participants and guests are expected to follow the Code of Conduct to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

All members, program participants and guests must check in through the membership service desk.
  • All members must present and scan their membership key tag when entering the facility.
  • Enrolled program participants who are not members may only participate in their program and do not have the liberty to use the entire facility.
  • Members opening entrance/exit doors to “sneak” individuals into the YMCA building are in violation of YMCA policy.
  • Guests must present a valid state issued ID and complete a guest form and waiver.

YOUTH FITNESS GUIDELINES

Children 11 and under must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian to enter the facility unless enrolled in a YMCA program.
  • Ages 9 & Under – Not allowed on fitness floors or indoor track with or without a parent* present
  • Ages 10 & 11 – Blue Wristbands have access to cardio machines, indoor track and selectorized weight machines with a parent present
  • Ages 12-14 – Orange Wristbands have access to cardio machines, indoor track and selectorized weight machines without a guardian present and access to group exercise classes and the free weights with a parent present
  • Ages 15+ have full access to all equipment.

*At the Y, we know families take a variety of forms. As a result, we define parent broadly to include all adults with primary responsibility for raising children, including biological parents, adoptive parents, guardians, stepparents, grandparents, or any other type of parenting relationship.

PERSONAL TRAINING AND COACHING

Personal training or coaching is provided for a fee at the YMCA by YMCA employees only. An individual may be viewed as personal training/coaching if he/she is:

  • Receiving payment for an exercise or coaching session
  • Designing a program or workout
  • Providing exercise, sports technique or swim technique
  • Running an actual sports practice of any kind or drills
  • Using cones, chairs, whistles, agility or YMCA equipment

Failure to comply with the Fee-Based Training and Coaching Guideline is in direct violation of YMCA policy.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on its members and/or program participants as well as screening for sex offenders. The YMCA reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person who:

  • Violates the Code of Conduct
  • Is a registered sex offender
  • Has been accused or convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse.
YMCA staff members are eager to be of assistance. Members and guests should not hesitate to notify a staff member if assistance is needed. Please address all concerns with a respectful attitude. Verbal abuse towards YMCA staff or other members and guests will not be tolerated.

PROHIBITED ACTIONS

Our Code of Conduct outlines prohibited action, but the actions listed below are not an all-inclusive list of behaviors considered inappropriate in our facilities or programs:

  • Inappropriate attire– Appropriate attire must be worn at all times. No clothing with vulgar language, obscene gestures, racial slurs or anything that would contribute to a hostile environment or would be considered inappropriate in a YMCA facility. Tops and bottoms should adequately cover a person’s body based on the activity. Immodest or revealing attire is not allowed (chests and midriffs should be completely covered—no bralettes or other types of undergarments, sports bras, etc. showing)
  • Improper footwear – Closed-toe athletic shoes are required on the fitness floor and in the basketball gym. Footwear requirements may vary in aquatics area or select classes (ex. Yoga studio)
  • Hostile or vulgar language, including but not limited to swearing, name calling and/or shouting
  • Physical contact with another person in any angry, uncomfortable or threatening way
  • Any demonstration of sexual activity or sexual contact with another person
  • Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language or other menacing behavior
  • Photography, video or audio recording through a cell phone or any other electronic device without prior approval of YMCA staff
  • Use of cell phones in locker rooms or where signage indicates cell phones are not permitted
  • Theft or behavior that results in the destruction of property
  • Carrying open carry or concealed weapon(s), devices or objects that may be used as a weapon
  • Using, possessing or association with alcohol or illegal substances in the YMCA’s facilities, grounds, outbuildings, parking lots, etc.
  • The use of any tobacco products on YMCA property (cigarettes, chew, snuff, vapor e-cigarettes, etc.). The YMCA facilities and its property is a tobacco-free environment.
  • Littering
  • Loitering is not permitted in or outside the YMCA
  • Vandalism or damaging YMCA facilities or properties in any way

If a member, participant or guest feels uncomfortable about the behavior of another member/participant/guest or other issues that are in violation of the Code of Conduct, they should report the behavior to a YMCA team member. The YMCA (as a private corporation) reserves the right to suspend, cancel or terminate a member or program participant’s right to YMCA services and/or facilities at its sole discretion.

Angie Smith

Angie Smith, is a gifted writer, encourager and loving mother of four. Together with her husband, former NFL player Steve Smith, they established The Steve Smith Family Foundation, which is dedicated to providing hope and inspiration to those in need while advancing causes  close to the family’s heart – Promoting family health & wellness as well as the awareness and prevention of domestic violence.

In 2022, The Steve Smith Foundation and Mecklenburg County partnered to create Charlotte’s first behavioral health urgent care, a 24/7, 365 urgent care facility dedicated to mental health and substance abuse needs.

Angie’s commitment to her family, transparency and unselfishness, by putting other’s needs before her own, is an inspiration to all of us!

Alan Tyson

Alan Tyson is the President Architech Sports and Physical Therapy. He was the former Vice President of Sports Performance and Rehabilitation for OrthoCarolina. He is a physical therapist board certified as a sports clinical specialist, a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist. He has worked with the Charlotte Knights (AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox) and continues to serve as a consultant to the team. Alan is also a consultant with the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Eagles.

Alan has spoken regionally and nationally on various training topics including the foot and ankle, spine care, hip and knee rehabilitation, and he has developed two continuing education courses on the shoulder. He has written 3 books and developed specific training programs for the female athlete, the baseball pitcher, and for football players preparing for the NFL combines. Alan is also an associate editor of the National Strength and Conditioning Journal. He co-hosted a weekly radio show “Health Headlines” on 1110AM WBT with Stacey Sims and Dr. Russ Greenfield for 3 years.

Antoinette Johnson

Meet Antoinette Johnson, the inspiring culinary star of “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation” Hailing from Lexington, KY, she transforms simple, humble ingredients into extraordinary dishes, all while championing the use of fresh, locally-sourced produce. Through her triumph on “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation,” Antoinette’s unwavering perseverance catapulted her career, proving that with passion and determination, anything is possible. With a heart dedicated to community and a love for supporting local farmers, Antoinette’s journey is a testament to embracing change, fostering growth, and inspiring others to follow their culinary dreams.

Beyond her culinary triumphs, Antoinette is a firm believer in the power of evolution and perseverance. She stands as a shining example of how one can constantly evolve, change, and grow on their journey to success. Antoinette’s story is one of resilience and determination, inspiring others to follow their passions despite any challenges they may encounter.

Now, with a cookbook deal and cash grand prize, Antoinette is forging ahead on her culinary adventure, driven by the desire to prove herself and inspire her daughter.