Membership Policies

MEMBERS AND GUESTS

Entrance Policy

  • Rapid City YMCA Members must scan in using a YMCA Membership Card, the Mobile App, or check in with a photo ID to gain access to the facility.

Reciprocity Members

Nationwide Members

  • Must show a valid YMCA Membership Card or Mobile App for home branch and/ or photo ID that matches with information listed in the Nationwide Membership system.

Custer and Edgemont YMCA Members

  • May access the Rapid City YMCA up to 4x/ month with a valid YMCA Membership Card or Mobile App.

Liberty Center Members

  • Must upgrade to a Dual Membership Category to access the YMCA of Rapid City.

AGE USE POLICY

Fitness Center

Ages 11 and Under

  • Not permitted in the Fitness Center

Ages 12-13

  • May utilize the Fitness Center while accompanied by a guardian at least 18 years or older at all times.

Ages 14+

  • May use the Fitness Center for weights and cardio machines. Free facility orientations are highly recommended for members unfamiliar with the equipment, please see the wellness attendant for more information and to schedule.

Gymnasium

Ages 11 and Under

  • Must be directly supervised by an adult at all times while in the gym and racquetball courts.

Ages 12+

  • May utilize the gyms and racquetball courts when available.

Pools

Ages 5 and Under

  • Must be accompanied by and adult (18+) IN the water and within arm’s reach at all times.

Ages 6-12

  • Must be accompanied by an adult (18+) Actively Supervising them in the pool area at all times.

Ages 13+

  • May be in the pool area unsupervised in water up to chest level.

SWIM TEST POLICY

  • Anyone under age 16 wishing to swim in water deeper than chest level must pass the swim test (in the lane closest to the wall).
  1. Jump into the shallow end feet first, ducking head under water.
  2. Swim on stomach with a strong stroke 20 yards (just before the end of the lane). Breaststroke or Front Crawl are preferred. Must be horizontal in the water, no doggie paddle or swimming on your back is allowed.
  3. Tread water for 30 seconds

Fitness Center Etiquette

  • Be respectful of Y staff and other members.
  • Workout attire must be appropriate for a family-friendly environment.
  • Phone conversations not permitted.
  • Unauthorized photography not permitted.
  • Multiple set users must allow single set users to work in.
  • Wipe off machine pads and grips when done.
  • Return equipment to appropriate areas/racks.
  • Do not drop weights on the floor.

Running Track Rules

  • Running track may only be used by those ages 14 and older. Those under the age of 14 may use the running track only if directly accompanied by a parent.
  • Slower runners should give the faster runner the “right of way” by staying in the inside lane (against the railing).
  • Side-by-side walking or running should always be avoided.
  • Use caution when entering and exiting the track. Check behind you when you are going to pass someone.
  • Persons not following these rules will not be allowed on the track.
  • Spectating or observing from the track is not allowed.

Locker Rooms and Shower Facilities

GENERAL GUIDELINES

  • Secure your belongings. The YMCA is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items. Bring workout essentials and leave valuables at home.
  • Participants using the locker rooms must provide their own locks.
  • Personal padlocks left on lockers overnight will be removed.
  • Stay hydrated with water. No food or drinks (other than water) in the locker room.
  • Use of cell phones in any manner and cameras in the locker room are prohibited.

FAMILY & PRIVATE LOCKER ROOM

The Family and Private Locker Room is reserved for adults with children and those requiring private changing rooms.

  • Please utilize the private changing rooms to change and shower.

GIRLS’ LOCKER ROOM

Girls’ Locker Room is for females under the age of 18.

  • Girls under age 18 must use the Girls’ Locker Room.

BOYS’ LOCKER ROOM

Boys’ Locker Room is for males under the age of 18.

  • Boys under age 18 must use the Boys’ Locker Room.

WOMEN’S LOCKER ROOM

Women’s Locker Room is only for females ages 18 and older.

MEN’S LOCKER ROOM

Men’s Locker Room is only for males ages 18 and older.

Locker Rooms and Shower Facilities

PARTICIPANT INITIATED PROGRAM CANCELLATION

  • If you withdraw from a program prior to the start of the session, a Rapid City YMCA credit or refund will be issued less a $5 transaction fee.
  • If you withdraw from a program during the first week of the session and your first class has occurred, you will be issued a prorated credit minus a $5 transaction fee. No refund will be issued.
  • No Rapid City YMCA credit or refund will be issued after the first week of the session has been completed.

PARTICIPANT INITIATED PROGRAM CANCELLATION

If the Rapid City YMCA cancels a program due to low enrollment or other reason, you may transfer to another program, receive a full refund, or be issued a credit.

MISSED CLASSES

There are no refunds. The Rapid City YMCA will not offer refunds, credits, or make-up classes for individual classes missed or canceled due to inclement weather, building closure, or a state of emergency beyond our control.

Dress Code

Please promote our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility when engaging with fellow members. We want all of our members, program participants, and guests to feel safe and comfortable while in our facility.

  • Clothing must be activity appropriate and not cause a safety hazard. For instance, swimwear must be worn in the pool, closed-toe athletic shoes with non-marking soles must be worn in the gym and on the Fitness Center.
  • Clothing or accessories with offensive images or language, such as profanity, hate speech, or pornography are not permitted.
  • Clothing or accessories that suggest, display, or reference drugs or related paraphernalia, or other illegal conduct or activities are not permitted.
  • Members and staff should understand that they are responsible for managing their own personal expectations without regulating individual members’ clothing/self-expression.

Swim Attire Guidelines

To keep swimmers safe and our pools healthy, appropriate swim attire is required.

  • Swimwear must be clean and designated for pool use.
  • Swimmers of any age are not allowed to enter the water while wearing street clothes.
  • Swimsuits must not be transparent.
  • Cotton t-shirts, compression pants/shorts, jeans, workout attire (spandex shorts, sports bras), string bikinis, underwear (boxers, lingerie) are not permitted.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Aquatics Department.

Bullying

The Rapid City YMCA prohibits the harassment, intimidation or bullying of any member, guest, program participant, staff, or volunteer.

Bullying, or harassment, is defined as any intentional written, verbal, or physical act directed towards another person that causes mental or physical harm and is perceived as being dehumanizing, intimidating, hostile, humiliating, threatening or otherwise likely to invoke fear of physical harm or emotional distress.

Acts deemed to be harassment should be reported to the Director of Operations immediately.

Anyone who engages in harassment or bullying of another person at the Rapid City YMCA, our grounds, facilities, and offsite program areas will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to termination of membership privileges and/or program participation.

Sex Offender Policy

Member safety is our number one priority. Anyone on the sex offender registry is not permitted to hold a membership or access the facility. The YMCA conducts regular sex offender screenings on all members, participants, and guests. If a sex offender match occurs, the YMCA reserves the right to cancel a membership, end program participation, and remove visitation rights.

Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drug Policy

For optimal health of all members, program participants, volunteers, and staff of the Rapid City YMCA, our grounds, facilities, and offsite program areas are tobacco, alcohol, and drug free environments. Any types of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or controlled substances are prohibited. Individuals under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs are prohibited from the grounds of the Rapid City YMCA, facilities, and offsite program areas.

Service Animal Policy

A service animal is permitted on YMCA property and within YMCA buildings unless the use of a service animal would result in a fundamental program alteration or jeopardize the safe operation of the YMCA. A service animal must have been trained as a service animal in the work or tasks directly related to the person’s disability. Individuals are permitted to bring a service animal in all areas of the YMCA. Due to pool code, service animals may not enter the pool and must remain on the deck.

Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents him or her from using these devices. Individuals who cannot use such devices must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.

The YMCA may ask:

  1. Is the animal required because of a disability?
  2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA, and therefore are not allowed in our facility. Pets and all other species of animals or dogs that are not service animals are not allowed in our facility.