Alamance County YMCA Code of Conduct with Youth
The YMCA Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behavior expected of individuals who represent the organization and interact with youth and program participants. These standards are designed to protect children, support staff and volunteers, and promote a safe and respectful environment consistent with YMCA values.
All employees and volunteers who work with or have access to youth are required to review and sign the YMCA Code of Conduct prior to beginning their employment or volunteer service. The signed acknowledgment confirms that the individual understands and agrees to follow the expectations for
professional conduct, youth protection, and abuse prevention outlined in this policy.
YMCA staff and volunteers are expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct when interacting with youth.
- Treat all youth with dignity, respect, and fairness.
- Avoid private, unobservable interactions; one-on-one contact must be pre-approved and visible to others.
- Romantic or sexual relationships, including secretive behavior or inappropriate comments about a youth’s body, are strictly prohibited.
- The possession of sexually explicit material or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on YMCA property or around youth is forbidden.
- Only group-based gifts are permitted, and only with prior supervisor approval.
- All communication with youth must be transparent, professional, and conducted through YMCA-approved channels.
- Staff and volunteers must not abuse, neglect, or mistreat youth in any form.
Prohibited behaviors include:
Physical abuse: hitting, spanking, slapping, shaking
Verbal abuse: threatening, degrading, cursing
Sexual abuse: inappropriate touching, exposing oneself, sexual conversations
Emotional abuse: shaming, humiliation, cruelty
Neglect: failure to provide basic needs (food, shelter, safety)
Mandatory Reporting
- All staff and volunteers are mandated reporters and must:
- Recognize signs of abuse or boundary violations
- Report suspicions immediately to a supervisor and complete a YMCA incident form
- Cooperate fully with investigations by the YMCA or external authorities
By signing below, individuals affirm their commitment to maintaining appropriate
professional boundaries, following YMCA safety policies, and immediately reporting any suspected abuse, misconduct, or violations of these standards.
The expectations outlined in this Code of Conduct apply to all individuals acting on behalf of the YMCA, including:
- Employees
- Volunteers
- Members of the Board of Directors
- Contractors, vendors, and third-party partners who interact with YMCA participants or use YMCA facilities
Any suspected violations of the Code of Conduct must be reported immediately to supervisory leadership in accordance with YMCA reporting procedures. Reports will be documented and reviewed by appropriate YMCA leadership to determine necessary action, which may include additional training, corrective action, suspension, termination of employment or volunteer service, or termination of partnership agreements.
Failure to sign below or adhere to the YMCA Code of Conduct may disqualify you from employment with the Alamance County YMCA