Policies

Program Registration

Members receive early registration privileges for YMCA programs three days prior to open registration. Registration can be done in person, online, or by mail.

Early registration is recommended as classes are limited in space. Registration is available during the Y’s regular hours and online at any time. Certain registrations are not accepted over the phone or online. Class minimums must be met or a program may be cancelled. The Y publishes a complete catalog three times a year. These guides are available at the facility or online.

Youth Open Hours

  • All youth 9 years of age and under must always be accompanied by an adult while inside the YMCA facility, unless youth is participating in a program.
  • One hour prior to the Y closing, youth 15 years of age or younger are not to be in the facility unless accompanied by an adult
  • The supervising adult must be 18 years of age and older
  • For special circumstances, exceptions may be made

Photo Policy

The YMCA reserves the right to take photographs of adults and children participating in YMCA programs. Photos are to be used in promotional materials, including YMCA website and social media platforms. If you do not wish to be included, please inform the photographer.

E-mail Collection

The purpose for collecting an e-mail address is strictly for YMCA use. The intent is to keep our members better informed of current and upcoming events. E-mails are also required for online registrations.

Security Cameras

The YMCA has security cameras placed throughout the public areas of the facility and grounds. These cameras are recording and viewing multiple locations and can be directed and viewed from various Y directors’ computers. This system allows us to deter theft and review incidents that warrant law enforcement or internal investigations.

Cell phones

The use of cameras and video recording devices, including cameras or cell phones, is prohibited in all locker rooms and restrooms.

Non Discrimination of Clients Policy

The Mankato Family YMCA is a nonprofit committed to helping everyone thrive at each stage of life. Our community brings together people of all abilities, ages, ethnicities, financial circumstances, genders, races, religions, and sexual orientations. The YMCA will not tolerate harassment or discrimination of its membership, whether committed by an employee, fellow member, visitor in our space, or vendor.

The YMCA is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life working side by side to strengthen communities. Together, we work to ensure that every individual—of any gender, income, faith, race, sexual orientation, gender identity or cultural background—has the opportunity to live life to the fullest. We share the values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith—everything we do stems from these.

We know that the key to effectively nurturing the potential of children, improving the nation’s health and well-being and supporting our neighbors is a passionate, experienced and diverse array of staff, volunteers and members who value what everyone brings to the table. Working in 10,000 U.S. communities and more than 120 countries worldwide makes strong diversity and inclusion practices paramount for the YMCA.

Client Privacy Policy

Mankato Family YMCA employees are required to protect the confidentiality of member and program participant information. Staff is not allowed to share user names or passwords for emails or internal database systems. Staff is required to maintain client files per program standards. Changes or access to client information beyond the scope of program work is strictly prohibited. Confidential financial information will be stored separately from membership files, and staff will ensure the privacy of members seeking assistance.

Data associated with evidence-based programs follows strict HIPPA standards. Exclusive access to database information for these clients will be limited to program staff. Member and Program Participant information will be kept in secure storage units, and staff will be required to receive annual training around privacy standards for programs.

Child Abuse Prevention

The YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith are part of everything we do. Because of this, we place a great value on creating the most child-safe environment possible. We take the prevention of child abuse seriously through our Mankato Family YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Policies and Code of Conduct. We report all suspected abuse to the authorities as required by law.

Program Refunds and Cancellation Policy

The Y may cancel an activity due to insufficient enrollment. When this happens, we will make every effort to contact registrants 48 hours before the scheduled start and complete refunds will be given.

When you Cancel

Those who wish to withdraw their registration for an activity must do so no later than two (2) full weeks before the activity is scheduled to start. *Program-specific policies regarding refunds apply to YMCA Preschool, After School Adventures, or Marlins Swim Team. Non-refundable deposits will not be returned. No refunds will be given after the two (2) weeks policy prior to the start of an activity. If you are registered for a program and you cancel your membership, you will be billed for the non-member rate of the program. Member rate on programming is a benefit for members.

After the Class has Begun

For full pay programs: Program refunds for full pay programs are not permitted unless there are extenuating circumstances and are accompanied with proper documentation (i.e. medical). Refunds requested after the completion of a program session will not be honored.

For Automatic Payment Programs: Our drafting programs are flexible to meet your changing needs and schedule. You may cancel your program enrollment at any time by submitting written notification at least 2 weeks prior to your next scheduled payment date. Program-specific policies regarding refunds apply to YMCA Preschool and After School Adventures. For refunds due to medical reasons, proper documentation will be required. 

If the YMCA cancels a class, whenever possible we will offer members the opportunity to make up that class: If a make-up cannot be accommodated, a member may request a credit for that class in writing by submitting a program credit refund form.

Emergency Closings

In the event of severe weather, call the Y at 507.387.8255 or check the website. Local radio stations (including KTOE 1420 AM) will broadcast closing announcements. If class is cancelled because of severe weather or for any other reason beyond the YMCA’s control, and classes cannot be made up, no refund will be given.

Member Grievance Policy

As a member of the Mankato Family YMCA, we strive to offer you a positive, fulfilling, and safe experience at all times. Members and Program Participants who have a grievance or issue are encouraged to contact the Executive Director. If the Executive Director fails to address your issue and you need additional assistance, please contact the Board of Directors.

Zero Tolerance Philosophy

TO ALL PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF YMCA PARTICIPANTS:
Thank you for enrolling a YMCA program. We hope that you will have a meaningful and positive experience. Our goal for each child is to receive positive reinforcement, attain success, gain exposure to a role model, and have a safe experience. To help ensure a safe experience, the YMCA maintains a “Zero Tolerance for Abuse” philosophy.

The “Zero Tolerance for Abuse” philosophy compels the YMCA to make every effort to prevent child abuse that includes but is not limited to:

  • Conducting staff background checks.
  • Training staff and volunteers in Child Abuse Prevention.
  • Taking allegations of suspicions of child abuse seriously and reporting to the police or governmental agencies for investigation.
  • Continual evaluation of programs and facilities to ensure a safe environment.

As a parent of a child who is participating in a YMCA program, we ask that you help in keeping your child safe by:

  • Knowing where and when your child is participating.
  • Visiting and participating at any program site your child is attending.
  • Talking to your child about the importance of telling you if someone does or says something that makes them feel uncomfortable. Emphasize that adults should not ask them to keep secrets from you.
  • Explaining to the child that they have a basic right to privacy and that no one should touch them inappropriately or compel
    them to touch someone else inappropriately.
  • Talking to your child about the activities they participated in after each event.
  • Being concerned if your child suddenly becomes withdrawn or balks at attending certain activities or being around a volunteer or staff member.
  • Tactfully seek a reason for the behavior.
  • Reporting actions by staff or volunteers that you deem inappropriate to the YMCA Executive Director who in turn will launch an immediate investigation.

Code of Conduct

The Mankato Family YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. To promote safety and comfort, the YMCA asks all persons to act appropriately at all times when in our facilities, on our property or participating in our programs.

The Y reserves the right to deny or refuse service to any person convicted of any offense related to violent crime, the sale, possession, and/or transportation of illegal drugs, or is currently under the influence of illegal drugs or chemicals, narcotics, or intoxicating beverages. In addition, the Y conducts regular sex offender screenings on all members, participants, and guests. If a sex offender match occurs, the Y reserves the right to cancel membership, end programming, and remove visitation access.

At the Mankato Family YMCA and during YMCA programming, we expect staff, members and guests to behave in accordance with our mission and values, respecting the rights and dignity of others.

At the YMCA, we demonstrate Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility by:

  • Speaking in respectful tones; refraining from the use of vulgar or derogatory language; and dressing appropriately.
  • Resolving conflicts in a respectful, honest and caring manner, never resorting to physical contact or threatening gestures.
  • Respecting others by refraining from intimate behavior in public; abstaining from contact of a sexual nature.
  • Respecting the property of others; never engaging in theft or destruction.
  • Creating a safe, caring environment, never possess, use, or distribute a weapon.
  • Participating in programs to build a healthy spirit, mind and body; never engaging in the use, sale, dispensing or possession of illegal drugs or narcotics, or the use of alcohol or tobacco on YMCA premises or during YMCA programming.

The actions listed below, which are not intended to be an all inclusive list of behaviors, are considered inappropriate and are prohibited in our facilities and programs.

  • Using or possessing alcohol or illegal drugs on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles or facilities, or at YMCA sponsored programs.
  • Smoking on YMCA property – All YMCA buildings and grounds are smoke and tobacco product-free environments. This includes vaping and e-cigarettes.
  • Carrying or concealing a weapon or any device or object that may be used as a weapon.
  • Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any type of menacing behavior.
  • Physical conduct with another person in an angry, aggressive, or threatening way.
  • Verbally abusive behavior, including profanity, angry language, swearing, name calling, or shouting.
  • Sexually explicit conversation of behavior; any sexual contact with another person.
  • Inappropriate, immodest, or sexually revealing attire.
  • Theft or behavior that results in the destructions or loss of property.
  • Loitering within facilities or on the grounds of the YMCA after being requested to depart the YMCA’s property.
  • Use of social networking websites in a manner that is contrary to the YMCA’s mission, is detrimental to the community or is in violation of the law.
  • Soliciting on YMCA property or at YMCA sponsored programs.

Adherence to the YMCA Code of Conduct and regulations is essential. Noncompliance may result in suspension or termination of YMCA membership privileges.

Anyone who feels that this Code of Conduct is being violated should immediately report the behavior to a staff person on duty. YMCA staff members are eager to be of assistance. Please notify a staff member if assistance is needed. Suspension or termination of YMCA membership may result from a violation of the Code of Conduct. While an incident is being investigated, the membership of the person(s) accused of violating the Code of Conduct may be temporarily suspended pending final decision.  

Our YMCA utilizes video surveillance to protect all persons. Cameras are installed in open and public areas.