We are in the process of updating our rules signage at the branches. For up-to-date rules and policies, please refer to our sections below.
The Y is committed to be a safe and inclusive place for all. Please refer to the rules and policies below regarding facility activity and space use. If you have questions about any of the policies below, please contact your home branch.
Mission Statement: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that develop a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Members and guests are encouraged to be responsible for their personal comfort and safety and ask any person whose behavior threatens their comfort to refrain. If a member or guest feels uncomfortable in confronting the person directly, he or she should report the behavior to a staff person.
The YMCA and its property is a smoke-free environment. Smoking or vaping is not permitted on YMCA property.
Members and guests should not hesitate to notify a staff person if assistance is needed. All reported incidents will be reviewed by Executive Management. The decision to suspend or terminate YMCA membership privileges will be made at the discretion of Executive Management if a violation of the Code of Conduct has occurred.
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Code of Conduct
At the Harrisburg Area YMCA, we expect staff, members, volunteers, and guests to behave in accordance with our mission and values at all times, respecting the rights and dignity of others. The YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcome environment for all members and guests. The YMCA has a right to suspend/cancel membership at any time for violation of the Member Code of Conduct.
Adherence to the YMCA Code of Conduct and regulations is essential. Noncompliance may result in suspension or termination of YMCA membership. CLICK HERE to view full Code of Conduct.
Facility Access
To access the facility independently, members must be at least 12 years of age.
If a child under 12 is participating in a supervised program, they must be escorted to and from that program by a parent, guardian, or caregiver age 18 or older. All youth, regardless of parental supervision, are expected to follow the Code of Conduct above at all times.
Space restrictions may apply according to posted branch rules. Please note, youth may need to complete the Teen Strength Certification to utilize the Wellness Center without parental supervision.
Financial Assistance
The YMCA is for all, regardless of income. The YMCA Impact Fund supports our scholarship program, helping ensure that individuals and families can access our programs and facilities.
Guest Pass Policy
Our first priority is always serving our members. Our guest policy supports them in welcoming friends who may be interested in joining, while making reasonable accommodations for visiting YMCA members and out-of-town family.
Gymnasium Policies
These rules are intended for our Basketball Gymnasium, where members can play pick-up sports like basketball, pickleball, and badminton.
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| 1 | Members and guests are expected to demonstrate our YMCA Character Values: Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility at all times. |
| 2 | For program schedule and space availability, please refer to our Gymnasium schedule available in the lobby or online at ymcaharrisburg.org. |
| 3 | Please wear proper attire that is appropriate for a family environment. Tops, athletic shorts/pants, and non-marking athletic sneakers must be worn at all times. Sandals and crocs are not appropriate. |
| 4 | To ensure the safety of your belongings, please secure personal items in your locker. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items. |
| 5 | Dunking and/or hanging from the basketball rims is not permitted. Violators will be asked to leave the facility. |
| 6 | Good sportsmanship is expected. Fighting, as well as loud, abusive, or profane language, will not be tolerated. Violators will be asked to leave the facility. |
| 7 | For their safety, children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. |
| 8 | Closed beverage containers are allowed in the gymnasium. Food is not permitted. Please find alternative areas for food consumption. |
| 9 | Cell phones are permitted in the gymnasium, but please respect the privacy of others. Audio and video recording is strictly prohibited, except by on-duty YMCA staff. |
| 10 | Please limit use to one court during Open Gym times. |
| 11 | Adult Basketball is available to players ages 18 and older. |
| 12 | Please refrain from shooting at basketball hoops while full court games are in session. |
| 13 | Headphones are required when listening to personal media devices. |
Holiday Closures
| New Year’s Day | All Branches Closed |
| Easter Sunday | All Branches Closed |
| Memorial Day | All Branches Closed |
| 4th of July | All Branches Closed |
| Labor Day | All Branches Closed |
| Thanksgiving Day | All Branches Closed |
| Christmas Eve | Modified Hours |
| Christmas Day | All Branches Closed |
| New Year’s Eve | Modified Hours |
Locker Rooms
For the safety of all members and guests, these rules must be strictly adhered to at all times. The Harrisburg Area YMCA is committed to providing a safe and respectful locker room experience for all.
General Rules
| 1 | Use of all cameras (cell phone, video, or still) is forbidden in locker rooms. |
| 2 | Lockers are for day use only. |
| 3 | We advise all members to place a lock on the locker they are using. |
| 4 | Please take all belongings with you when you leave. Locks left on lockers overnight will be removed. |
| 5 | Locker items removed will be stored for 30 days before being donated to an appropriate charity. |
| 6 | The YMCA is not responsible for the replacement of cut locks. |
| 7 | Anyone found defacing lockers or other YMCA property will lose their membership privileges and will be financially responsible for the repair. |
Children in Locker Rooms
| 1 | Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. |
| 2 | Children ages 6 and older must use the appropriate gender locker room or a family locker room. |
| 3 | Children are not permitted in the OSP Adult Locker Rooms (where applicable). |
Media Device Policy
Cell phone use & recording is prohibited in all locker room areas and may result in termination of membership. Headphones are required when listening to personal devices in all facility areas. For specific rules regarding each space, contact your home branch or navigate to the corresponding section on this page.
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Respect Others’ Privacy
Be mindful of your environment and respectful of others’ privacy when taking photos or videos. Avoid including anyone who may not want to be in your content; if someone asks not to be filmed or photographed, please respect their wishes.
Observe Personal Boundaries
Please keep a respectful distance when taking photos or videos to help others feel comfortable. Do not disrupt classes, activities, or events in progress. Some people may not want their space intruded on or to be filmed during their workout or leisure time.
Use Discretion with your Devices
If you’re using a phone or device to take photos or videos in permitted areas, please do so quietly and with discretion.
Share Responsibly
When posting personal photos or videos taken at the YMCA, please be thoughtful about what you share. Protect others’ privacy by not including content that makes someone uncomfortable or invades their personal space.
Staff Recording
On-duty YMCA staff are permitted to take photo and video as needed for program promotion. Efforts will be made to do so respectfully and with minimal disruption.
Report Concerns
If you see photography or video being used inappropriately, please report it to YMCA staff right away. We are all committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Member Actions
Temporary Stop/Freeze
Members may place their membership on hold for up to 3 months due to medical reasons or extended travel. A freeze must be requested prior to absence and before the 10th of the month in order to stop the automatic withdrawal for the given month.
Requests must be made in writing using the link below. While your membership is on hold, the YMCA will not collect membership fees and the member will not be able to use any YMCA facilities or register for any programs.
Terminations
Using the link below, members who pay their monthly dues through an automatic withdrawal must provide termination notice below by the 10th of the month to stop the draft that occurs on the 15th of each month. Membership fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Membership Cards
Membership cards must be presented at the Welcome Center for admittance into the building. If you do not bring your card, you may be held at the desk until a computer becomes available to verify your membership. Your membership card can also be stored virtually on the Harrisburg Area YMCA Mobile App.
A $5 fee will be charged for replacement cards. All visitors to the YMCA must present a valid photo ID for Sex Offender screening purposes. Birth certificates or other documents that do not show both a photo and birthdate will not be accepted. Misuse of membership cards is grounds for immediate termination of your YMCA membership.
Payment Options
Payments for membership dues may be made by cash, check, or credit/debit card. Monthly payments are by draft only. Annual plans are available.
Annual Memberships
By purchasing an Annual Membership, you are purchasing 12 months of continuous membership. Membership fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Prior to the conclusion of the membership term, the YMCA will provide the opportunity to renew your membership by sending a renewal notice. Your Annual Membership will not automatically renew.
Bank Draft & Credit Card Policy
- Property of YMCA: Membership cards remain the property of the YMCA and must be returned if requested.
- Non-Transferable and Non-Refundable Fees: Membership fees cannot be transferred to another person or refunded.
- Continuous Membership Plan: The Bank Draft/Credit Card Draft is an automatic, ongoing membership plan that will continue until you take action to cancel or modify it.
- Monthly Draft: The YMCA will withdraw my monthly membership fee from the billing method I have provided on the 15th of each month.
- Reprocessing of Declined Payments: If your membership payment is declined, it will be resubmitted until payment is received or 21 days have passed. You are responsible for the declined payment, plus a $30 service charge, in addition to any fees your bank may charge.
- Billing Method Updates: You are responsible for updating your billing method by the 14th of the month if there are any changes.
- Termination or Change of Membership: If you wish to terminate or change your membership, you must notify the YMCA in writing. You must complete the membership termination process before the 10th of the month to avoid being billed for the following month.
- Rate Adjustments: The YMCA Board of Directors has the discretion to adjust the monthly membership rate for your category. In addition, should you no longer qualify for the rate in this agreement, The YMCA will adjust your rate accordingly. You will receive at least 30 days’ written notice prior to any changes in your membership rate.
- Membership Termination for Unpaid Dues: If you fail to pay your membership dues or do not resolve issues with your automatic payment in a timely manner, your membership will be terminated. Any unpaid balance must be paid before you can rejoin the YMCA.
Pool Policies
Lifeguards have complete authority in the pool at all times. Anyone who fails to follow the word of the lifeguard will be asked to leave.
General Rules
| 1 | Only swim when a lifeguard is on duty. |
| 2 | All persons must shower before entering the pool. This is a state law (PA Code Title 28, Chapter 18: Public Swimming and Bathing Places). |
| 3 | Do not enter the pool with open cuts or sores. |
| 4 | Anyone showing signs of disease, infection, or illness will not be permitted to go into the pool. |
| 5 | Anyone suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted in the pool area. |
| 6 | No food, drink (other than water), gum, or glass bottles are permitted in the pool area. |
| 7 | No diving. Diving is only permitted with permission from aquatics staff. |
| 8 | No running or rough play is permitted in the pool, on the deck, in the lobby, in the locker room, or in the showers. |
| 9 | Proper swim attire must be worn at all times. Visit ymcaharrisburg.org/policies to view appropriate attire. |
| 10 | Toys must remain in open swim areas and are at discretion of the lifeguard. Inflatable devices, water wings, rafts, or baby floats are not permitted in the pool area. |
| 11 | Flips, twists, and jumping in backwards are prohibited. |
| 12 | Long hair must be secured in a ponytail, a braid, or under a swim cap. |
| 13 | Activities which infringe on the enjoyment and safety of others are prohibited. |
| 14 | Extended breath-holding or prolonged underwater swimming are not permitted. |
Child Pool Rules
| 1 | Parents are responsible for their children. |
| 2 | Children under the age of 7 must have a parent in the water, within arm’s reach. Children under the age of 12 must have a parent on the pool deck unless in a supervised program. |
| 3 | Children who are not potty-trained must wear a swim diaper. Regular diapers are not appropriate. |
| 4 | An adult must remain in the water within arms reach of any child wearing an approved floatation device and must remain in shallow water (less than 4 ft). |
| 5 | Children are not to be left unattended in the pool. |
Appropriate Swimwear
The following pieces are considered appropriate swimwear at the YMCA:
- Bikini (no thongs)
- Two piece tankini
- One piece bathing suit
- One piece racing suit
- Full coverage bathing suit
- Swim shirt/Rash guard
- Compression/Jammer shorts
- Swim trunks/Board shorts
- Swim briefs (no thongs)
- Disposable & reusable swim diapers
Swimwear must be clean and designated for pool use.
- The YMCA does not allow swimmers of any age to enter the pool in their street clothes
- No undergarments may be worn in the pool
- Swimwear must not be transparent
Privacy Policy
This privacy policy will advise you about our guidelines concerning the use of your personal information, including the reasonable efforts we make to protect your personal information in accordance with these guidelines, and about what choices you have concerning our use of such information.
Valuables
Valuables may be checked at the Front Desk. Kit lockers may be available for rental for an annual fee. The YMCA is NOT responsible for personal items that are lost or stolen or for items left in unrented lockers and collected by the YMCA.
Wellness Center Policies
To ensure health, safety, and enjoyment for all, we ask our members & guests to abide by the following guidelines.
General Rules
| 1 | Respect others by using courteous and appropriate behavior. |
| 2 | To ensure the safety of your belongings, please secure personal items in your locker. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen |
| 3 | Members and guests ages 15 and older (13 & older at the West Shore Branch) are permitted full use of the Wellness Center. |
| 4 | Members ages 10-14 (8-12 at the West Shore Branch) are permitted to use the Wellness Center after our free, mandatory orientation (Teen Strength Certification). Direct parental supervision is required at all times to ensure safety. |
| 5 | Please wear proper attire that is appropriate for a family environment. Tops, athletic shorts/pants, and non-marking athletic sneakers must be worn at all times. Sandals and crocs are not appropriate. |
| 6 | Please be respectful of others by observing regular hygiene and limiting use of perfumed sprays. |
| 7 | Closed beverages are encouraged to ensure proper hydration. Please find alternative areas for food consumption. |
| 8 | Cell phones are permitted in the Wellness Center, but please respect the privacy of others. Audio and video recording is strictly prohibited, except by on-duty YMCA staff. Please leave all cell phone conversations outside. |
| 9 | Please report equipment malfunctions, personal injury, or specific concerns to YMCA staff. |
| 10 | The YMCA maintains the right to use machines for programming purposes when needed. |
Workout Etiquette
| 1 | With respect to other members, please limit the use of cardio equipment to 30 minutes during busy times. |
| 2 | Your health matters. Please wipe off equipment and mats after each use. Disinfectant is available for your use. |
| 3 | Please be mindful of other members who would like to use the equipment. If performing more than one set, allow others to work in. |
| 4 | For your safety, please use clips with the plate-loaded equipment. |
| 5 | With respect to other members’ safety and access, please return all weights to their respective weight racks after your workout. |
| 6 | Protect the floors and your back. Do not drop weights. |
| 7 | When using dumbbells, allow others access to the weights. Do not stand directly in front of the dumbbell rack while exercising. |
