Information / Policies

 Privacy Notice

* Updated 4/13/20

This privacy notice advises you about YMCA 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. Please read this notice carefully.

1.0 PRIVACY

We keep your private information private by:

* Not selling your information. You have entrusted the National Council of Young Men’s Christian Associations of the United States of America and its independent and autonomous member associations (collectively “The Y”) with your personal information, and we’re committed to using it wisely. The Y will not sell, share or otherwise transfer your personal information to anyone without your consent.

* Restricting who has access to your information. The Y takes reasonable precautions to restrict access to your Internet account and personal information only by employees who are authorized to have such access for business purposes. If you have any questions or concerns about our privacy policy, please contact Kelly Petterson, Ottawa YMCA Membership and Marketing Director, at Kelly.petterson@ottawaymca.org or 815-433-2395.

Please refer to this policy regularly. The Y may need to change this policy from time to time to address new issues and reflect changes on our websites or within the YMCA. We will post material changes on our websites or otherwise notify you and update the “Last Date Updated” field in the “Revision History” at the bottom of this page so that you will always know our policies regarding what information we gather, how we might use that information, and whether we will disclose that information to anyone.

Scope of Privacy Policy

This policy applies to the personal information that you provide to The Y, either through our websites and mobile applications or in person at a YMCA branch or program site. This policy does not apply to your use of unaffiliated sites to which our websites link. This policy does not apply to Personal Health Information (“PHI”) collected through the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program or any other program offered by The Y that requires the collection of PHI or other HIPPA protected information.

Collection of Personally Identifiable Information

The Y collects personally identifiable information (PII) from you when you voluntarily submit such information to us. The collection of PII may occur in person or on a website or mobile application operated, provided or otherwise controlled by The Y. This information may include your name, home address, email address, telephone number, date of birth, demographic information, sex-offender status, membership status, emergency contact information, and other information that we may need to collect in connection with certain events, including but not limited to:

* registration for, or participation in, events, classes, camps, and other activities or programs offered by The Y;

* participation in YMCA Nationwide Membership

* registration for surveys, forums, content submissions, chats, bulletin boards, discussion groups, requests for suggestions, or other services or activities offered on our website;

* answering your inquiries about our websites, organization, membership, or other services or activities;

* registration as a member of The Y

Collection of Photographs

The Y may also collect your photograph, by capturing your image at a YMCA or scanning your personal identification card, for the purpose of identifying you as a member, volunteer or program participant. Your photograph will not be used for any commercial purpose without your authorization.

Use and Disclosure of PII

If you do provide us with PII, The Y may contact you based on the information you provide to communicate with you about YMCA activities that may be of interest to you and your family.

The Y will use its best efforts to never disclose any PII about you to any third-party for purposes unrelated to the YMCA without having received your permission except as provided for herein or otherwise as permitted or required under applicable law.

We do not rent or sell PII, including information provided about children, to third-parties. The Y may share PII with trusted service providers, such as payment processors, technology partners or other providers that need access to your information to provide operational or other support services while you are a YMCA member or program participant. In certain circumstances, we may also share information with select similar nonprofit organizations that may offer activities of interest to you.

We may also provide PII to regulatory authorities and law enforcement officials in accordance with applicable law or when we otherwise believe in good faith that the provision of such information is required or permitted by law, such as in connection with the investigation or assertion of legal defenses or for compliance matters.

Collection of Payment Transaction Information

When you make a payment or donation, we collect information to process the financial transaction and may use that information to contact you in the future about The Y and its programs. Your payment information is transmitted to us, using a secure Internet method that helps maintain the privacy of this information.

Collection of Non-Personally Identifiable Information

We collect non-personally identifiable information without limitation, through the use of the following types of methodology:

* “Cookie” technology: A cookie is an element of data that a website can send to your browser, which may then store it on your system to help enhance your experience in using our sites and to provide us with technical information about your usage.

* IP address tracking: An IP address is a number that is assigned to your computer when you are on the Internet. When you request pages from our Sites, our servers log your IP address.

* Web beacons: A web beacon, or “clear gif,” is a small graphic image on a webpage or web-based document that a website can use to determine information about a user.

Non-personally identifiable information might include the browser you use, the type of computer you use, technical information about your means of connection to our websites (such as the operating systems and the Internet service providers utilized), and other similar information. Our systems may also automatically gather information about the areas you visit and search terms you utilize on our websites and about the links you may select from within the sites to other areas of the World Wide Web or elsewhere online.

Although an industry-standard do-not-track (DNT) protocol has not yet been established, The Y’s information collection and disclosure practices and the choices it offers to consumers will continue to operate as described in this Policy.

Use of Non-Personally Identifiable Information

We use non-personally identifiable information for our purposes related to running YMCAs and their programs, and, in particular, to administering websites, and, in the aggregate, to determine what technologies are being used. We may also share aggregate, non-personally identifiable information with third-parties.

Collection of Sensitive Information

Where necessary, The Y may collect certain sensitive information from you, including

* payment card or bank account information to process fees or donations;

* health information in connection with various fitness programs, programs in which we are responsible for supervising children, health screenings, or other health service events that we may provide from time to time

Access to sensitive information is restricted to those individuals who have a legitimate need for access. We will not use or disclose your information to third-parties unless such disclosure is necessary to accomplish the purpose for which the information is collected.

Privacy of Children

We are mindful that young people need special safeguards and privacy protection. We realize that they may not understand or be able to meaningfully consent to the provisions of our policy or be able to make thoughtful decisions about the choices that are made available to our adult users. We strongly urge all parents or legal guardians to participate in their children’s exploration of the Internet and any online services and to teach their children about protecting their personal information while online.

To provide the services we offer, we sometimes need to collect certain information about children in both online and offline contexts. If we ask for PII from children under 13 in connection with our online services, where required we will comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), including taking additional steps to protect the privacy of such information, including

* obtaining verifiable consent from the parent or legal guardian of the child before collecting or using the child’s PII;

* notifying parents about what PII is being requested and how that PII will be used and/or shared, such as through this policy;

* limiting the online collection of PII from children to no more than is reasonably necessary to accomplish the purpose of the collection;

* giving parents a description of and access to the PII we have collected from their children;

* offering them the opportunity to request that such PII be changed or deleted;

* offering them an opportunity to prevent any further use or collection of information about their children; and

* maintaining reasonable procedures to ensure the confidentiality, security and integrity of the personal information collected.

We may also need to collect certain information about children and minors in an offline context, such as when

* a parent or legal guardian of a minor signs up for a membership including the child at a local YMCA, or for a program or camp we offer; and

* minors visit our facilities without a membership, where we may collect information about them to be able to contact their parent or legal guardian to notify them of an injury or other issues involving the minor.

Links to Other Sites

Users may find other content on our websites that link to the sites and services of other third-parties. We do not control the content or links appearing on these sites. Third-party sites or services, including their content and links, may be constantly changing and may have their own privacy policies and customer service policies. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites or services before providing any of them with your personal information.

Choice/Opt-Out

If you opt-in to receive information from us, you can change your mind later. If at any time you would like to stop receiving such information or opt out of a feature, you may change your options by contacting kellypetterson@ottawaymca.org. You should be aware, however, that it is not always possible to completely remove or modify information in our databases and servers, although we will make reasonable efforts to do so upon your request, and we are unable to have your information removed from the records of any third-party who has been provided with your information in accordance with this policy.

Lawful Requests

We may be required to disclose your information pursuant to lawful requests, such as subpoenas or court orders, or in compliance with applicable laws. We generally do not disclose your information unless we have a good faith belief that an information request by law enforcement or private litigants meets applicable legal standards. We may share your information when we believe it is necessary to comply with applicable laws or to protect our members, interests or property. Nothing herein is intended to limit any legal defenses or objections that you may have to a third party’s, including a government’s, request to disclose your information.

Personal Data Access and Accuracy

You may contact The Y with inquiries or complaints regarding the use of information about you. We will use reasonable efforts to grant reasonable requests to access data about the requester. We will also make reasonable requests to correct any incorrect or misleading data about the requester.

2.0 SECURITY

YMCAs take appropriate administrative, technical, and physical measures to safeguard against unauthorized processing of personal information, and against the accidental loss of, or damage to, personal data. However, The Y cannot provide an absolute guarantee of the security of any of our websites or any other site on the Internet.

Consent to Transfer

YMCA websites are operated in the United States. If you are located outside of the United States, please be aware that any information you provide to The Y will be transferred to the United States By using YMCA websites, participating in any YMCA services, and/or providing us with your information, you consent to this transfer.

Ottawa YMCA Policies

Facility Policies

The YMCA is a weapons free zone. Patrons with a legal conceal carry license are not allowed to enter the facility with a firearm. Firearms, knives, weapons, or any concealed items that could be used as a weapon are not allowed.

All handicapped and no parking spots are clearly marked. Anyone parking in these spots without valid reason will be towed at the owner's expense.

The YMCA is a smoke, tobacco, alcohol, electronic cigarette, and vaping free zone.

The YMCA is not responsible or liable for articles lost, damaged or stolen.

Food and drinks, except water, are not allowed in the locker rooms, gym, pool, or activity areas. No glass bottles of water are allowed in these areas.

The YMCA does not provide accident insurance for members, program participants or guests. Each person participates at his/her own risk.

The selling of goods and services is strictly prohibited on YMCA property or program locations.

There is no dunking on the YMCA basketball hoops.

The use of powder mixed drinks of any kind are prohibited in all areas of the facility.

 

Convicted Sex Offender Policies

The YMCA conducts regular sex offender screening on all members, participants, and guests when you join. If a sex offender match occurs, the YMCA will immediately cancel membership, end program participation, and remove visitation access.

Any individual affected by this policy shall have the right to appeal this decision to the Ottawa YMCA Executive Committee within 60 days of applying for a membership, program, or guest pass. This decision of the Executive Board is Final. Applicants are prohibited from entering the YMCA while the appeal is pending.

 

Membership Policies

All new members must present a valid form of ID, have their picture taken, and sign off on our sex offender policy.

The YMCA does NOT issue any type of membership refund.

Any balance due at the time of termination must be paid before membership is cancelled.

Membership status changes must take place by the 10th of each month. Status changes/cancellations will not be accepted until all paperwork is complete.

The YMCA will debit any account that is returned NSF a $30 fee. The YMCA will send payment through a second time to collect this membership payment. After the 3rd attempt it will be sent to a collections agency.

Any bank draft membership that does not fulfill the initial 6-month commitment is subject to a $50 cancellation fee.

YMCA members and guests will receive the WIFI password at no cost.

In order to receive member rates for programs, your membership must be current throughout the entire program session. If membership is terminated during the session, additional program participant rates must be paid for the remainder of classes.

Guest Pass Policy

The YMCA reserves the right to refuse any guest at any time as the YMCA is a member-based organization.

Guests 16 years and over must present a valid form of ID and have their picture entered into the system before entering the facility.

Guest passes give people access to the building for one full day.

Guests will be subject to sex offender screening.

Guests must be 14 years of age or older to access the facility without an adult.

 

Cardio & Weight Room Policies

After completion of the Blue Card Training children 12 - 13 years old may use the weight rooms and cardio room accompanied by a parent or guardian. This is a free program for members.

For safety reasons children 11 years old and younger are not permitted in the cardio and weight rooms.

No cell phone use: i.e., playing games on a phone, taking pictures in the mirrors, taking calls while sitting on machines.

No loitering on exercise equipment.

The use of chalk as a grip assist while lifting is prohibited.

 

Youth Policies

Children 11 years old and younger must always have an adult in the building.

Children 13 years old and younger must leave the building at 7pm on weeknights unless supervised by a parent or legal guardian.

Youth members 14 and older can access the entire facility without an adult.

Youth members 12 and 13 years old who do not have Blue Card Training will only have access to the basketball gyms without an adult, no other areas of the facility.

 

Child Watch Policies

Child Watch is for ages 6 weeks to 9 years old.

While children are in Child Watch, Parents/Guardians may not leave the property.

Parents/Guardians must sign in/out children and leave a cell phone number as well as who is allowed to pick up the child(ren) with the YMCA Staff.

Children that are visibly sick will not be permitted into Child Watch.

 

 

Locker Room Policies

All locks must be removed nightly. Lockers are available for rent, $5 small, and $10 large per month.

Children ages 6 and above of the opposite sex, are not allowed in each respective locker room.

It is mandatory that patrons dry off in the dry off area and not in the locker room area.

Anyone caught defacing anything in the locker rooms will be prosecuted.

Swimming Pool Policies

Children 13 years old and younger need to have an adult (at least 18 years old) in the pool area.

Children 13 years old and younger must exit the pool by 7pm Monday - Friday.

Obey the lifeguard at all times, the lifeguard has final authority.

Non swimmers must be accompanied by an adult (at least 18 years old) in the water.

A deep water test may be requested at the lifeguard's discretion.

All swimmers must shower before entering the pool.

Children who are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers.

No band-aids or open sores.

No running, pushing, or dunking.

No rough or dangerous play.

No back dives or flips off the sides. Dives are permitted in designated area only.

Foul language will not be tolerated.

No Food, drink or gum is allowed in the pool or locker areas.

Stay off the ropes and lanes.

Water exercise dumbbells are for class instruction and lap swim use only.

Diving blocks, kick boards, pull buoys and fins are for swim team/private lesson use only.

 

Group Exercise Policies

Unless approved by the instructor, spectators are not allowed to watch group exercise classes.

Instructors reserve the right to ask any spectators to leave the area at any time.

Shoes worn outside must be changed prior to participating in group exercise.

To participate you must be 16 years or older. 12-15 year olds may come if accompanied by an adult and only if there is room in the class.

 

Behavior Policies

The YMCA is a no profanity zone. Patrons caught using profanity will be first warned and then be asked to leave the facility.

Patrons who verbally or physically attack staff members or other patrons will be asked to leave, police escort if needed, and criminal charges will be filed.

The YMCA reserves the right to suspend or expel patrons from using the facility for any reason deemed fit. Any member may appeal against this decision to the YMCA Executive Board within 30 days of the incident. The decision of the Executive Board is final. Individuals on guest passes do not have the right to appeal the YMCA staff decision.

 

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

Cell phones and electronic devices are strictly prohibited from photography use in restrooms, locker rooms, group exercise rooms, weight rooms, and cardio rooms. Electronic devices used for music are allowed with headphones.

If you must utilize a cell phone, please be courteous and keep your phone on vibrate or silent. If a call must be answered, please do so discreetly and move to a hallway or lobby to complete the call.

In an effort to protect the privacy of our members and guests, anyone who violates this policy will be asked to move to the lobby or designated area. If a member or guest continues to violate this policy their privileges and/or membership may be revoked.

 

Attire Policies

Shirts, shorts/pants, and athletic shoes are required during exercise in the workout areas and gym areas (except for shirts during basketball games in the Gym). Shoes must be worn in all common areas such as hallways, bathrooms, locker rooms, lobby, etc.

No slip-on shoes of any kind will be allowed in the weight rooms and cardio rooms

 i.e., hey dudes, crocs, sandals, etc.

All clothing must be worn appropriately, if any clothing is deemed offensive to members or staff, you may be asked to change.

To decrease the chance of spreading Staph bacteria clothing needs to cover the torso so the skin is not in contact with any equipment. Sports bras, ripped, torn or sides cut from shirts are not appropriate clothing.

 

Miscellaneous Policies

For Financial assistance, a patron must fill out the appropriate paperwork provided at the Service Desk, which includes a membership application and a reduced fees application. Applicants must also provide proof of their current income through a previous bank statement, social security paperwork, or a pay stub and the previous year's tax return. Applications will not be reviewed until all paperwork is provided.

If a patron is involved in an incident or is injured, a report must be filled out by a YMCA staff member. Reports will be faxed to the YMCA's insurance company within 24 hours and incidents may be reported to the Ottawa Police Department.

The Y loves to donate back to our community. Those looking for a donation should fill out and return a donation request form located on our webpage at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled event. The YMCA does NOT give cash donations.

 

Program Policies

There are NO refunds for YMCA programs. Medical exceptions can be made at The Y's discretion.

If a child turns the minimum age for a program during the program session, the child may register for that program.

 

Transgender Policies

We offer all individuals the use of the facility spaces, including locker rooms, that align with that individual's gender identity.

The Ottawa YMCA is an inclusive organization open to all. We welcome all people regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation.

 

Suggestions

We welcome your suggestions. Please feel free to contact us by calling 815-433-2395

 

Terms and Conditions of Use

Please read the following terms and conditions relating to your use of this website carefully. By using this website, you are deemed to have agreed to these terms and conditions of use. We reserve the right to modify them at any time. You should check these terms and conditions periodically for changes. By using this website after we post any changes to these terms and conditions, you agree to accept those changes, whether or not you have reviewed them. If at any time you choose not to accept these terms and conditions of use, please do not use this website.

Scope of Terms and Conditions

These terms and conditions apply to your use of this website. These terms and conditions do not apply to your use of unaffiliated websites to which the Ottawa YMCA website only links.

Restrictions on Use of Materials

The contents of the Ottawa YMCA (the website) are protected by copyright and trademark laws, and are the property of the Ottawa YMCA. Unless we say otherwise, you may access the materials located within the website only for your personal use. This means you may download copies of posted materials for personal, noncommercial use only, so long as you neither change nor delete any author attribution, trademark, legend or copyright notice. When you download copyrighted material, you do not obtain any ownership rights to that material.

You may not modify, copy, publish, display, transmit, adapt or in any way exploit the content of the website. Only if you obtain prior written consent from us — and from all other entities with an interest in the relevant intellectual property — may you publish, display or commercially exploit any material from the website.

Links

These terms and conditions apply only to the website, and not to the websites of any other companies or organizations, including those to which the website may link. We are not responsible for the availability of any other website to which the website links. We do not endorse or take responsibility for the contents, advertising, products or other materials made available through any other website. Under no circumstances will we be held responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any loss or damage that is caused or alleged to have been caused to you in connection with your use of, or reliance on, any content, goods or services available on any other website. You should direct any concerns to that website’s administrator or Webmaster. We reserve the right, however, to rescind any permission granted by us, and to require termination of linking to the website, at our discretion at any time.

Disclaimers

The services materials on the website are provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

We do not warrant that any functions contained in the website will be uninterrupted or error-free, that defects will be corrected, or that the website or the server that makes them available are free of viruses or other harmful components.

We do not make any representations regarding the use or the results of the use of the services or materials in this website in terms of their correctness, accuracy, reliability, or otherwise. You assume the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair or correction to your system.

Applicable law may not allow the exclusion of implied warranties, so the above exclusion may not apply to you.

We do not endorse, warrant or guarantee any products or services offered on the website. We are not a party to, and do not monitor, any transaction between users and third-party providers of products or services.

Limitation of Liability

Under no circumstances, including but not limited to negligence, will we be liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the materials on the website, or any products of services provided pursuant to the website, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. Applicable law may not allow the limitation or exclusion of liability or incidental or consequential damages (including but not limited to lost data), so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. In no event shall the total liability to you by us or any of our licensors or suppliers for all damages, losses, and causes of action (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise) exceed the amount paid by you to us, if any, for accessing the website.

No Personal Advice

The information contained in or made available through the website cannot replace or substitute for the services of trained professionals in any field, including, but not limited to medical or legal matters. In particular, you should regularly consult a doctor in all matters relating to physical or mental health, particularly concerning any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. We make no representations or warranties concerning any treatment, action, or application of medication or preparation by any person following the information offered or provided within or through the website. We will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.

Privacy Policy

We are committed to protecting your privacy and security and have explained in detail the steps we take to do so. We urge you to read our Privacy Policy below.

Indemnity

You agree to defend, indemnify and hold us harmless, and our officers, directors, employees and agents, from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs or debt, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney’s fees) arising from: (i) any breach by you of any of these terms and conditions, (ii) your content and materials, (iii) your use of materials or features available on the website (except to the extent a claim is based upon infringement of a third party right by materials created by us) or (iv) a violation by you of applicable law or any agreement or terms with a third party to which you are subject.

Jurisdictional Issues

We control and operate this website from our offices in the United States of America. We do not represent that materials on the website are appropriate or available for use in other locations. Persons who choose to access this website from other locations do so on their own initiative, and are responsible for compliance with local laws, if and to the extent local laws are applicable.

Miscellaneous

These terms will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to any principles of conflicts of law. You agree that any action of law or inequity that arises out of or relates to these terms will be subject to binding arbitration in accordance with the Illinois Arbitration Association and will be arbitrated in Chicago, Ill. If any of these terms and conditions is found unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, then that provision will be considered severable from the remaining terms and conditions, and will not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions. This is the entire agreement between you and us relating to the subject matter it contains. This agreement may be modified only by our posting of changes to these terms and conditions, or by a writing signed by both parties.

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”) Notice

Materials may be made available via the website by third parties not within our control. We are under no obligation to, and do not, scan content used in connection with the website for the inclusion of illegal or impermissible content. However, we respect the copyright interests of others. It is our policy not to permit materials known by us to infringe upon another party’s copyright to remain on the website.

If you believe any materials on the website infringe upon a copyright, you should provide us with written notice that at a minimum contains:

i. A physical or electronic signature of a person authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed;

ii. Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed, or, if multiple copyrighted works at a single online website are covered by a single notification, a representative list of such works at that website;

iii. Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing or to be the subject of infringing activity and that is to be removed or access to which is to be disabled, and information reasonably sufficient to permit us to locate the material;

iv. Information reasonably sufficient to permit us to contact the complaining party, such as an address, telephone number, and, if available, an electronic mail address at which the complaining party may be contacted;

v. A statement that the complaining party has a good faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law; and

vi. A statement that the information in the notification is accurate, and under penalty of perjury, that the complaining party is authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.

All DMCA notices should be sent to our designated agent as follows:

Ottawa YMCA 201 East Jackson St. Ottawa IL 61350

It is our policy to terminate relationships regarding content with third parties who repeatedly infringe the copyrights of others.

 

When inclement weather poses a threat, the YMCA may adjust or cancel scheduled hours of operation or programs. If such circumstances occur, please check with the following for additional information. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Our website

Facebook - Ottawa YMCA

Push Notifications from our Mobile APP Daxko (please have "General and Schedules" checked to receive these notifications)