WHY DO AGE REQUIREMENTS VARY IN THE FACILITY?
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our members, the Siskey YMCA has reestablished age policies within our facility.  Beginning June 15^th 2009 the following policies are in effect:

	* General Siskey YMCA:
	Parents must remain onsite with any child under the age of 13. A child is not permitted to be dropped off without parental supervision until age 13.
	* Fitness Center (main room):
	Must be 13 years of age with either a fitness orientation or accompanied by parent.
	* Fitness Center (free weight room):
	Must be 16 years of age
	* Family Fitness Room:
	Must be 10 years of age with either a fitness orientation or accompanied by parent. May be unaccompanied at age 13.
	* Zone:
	Must be 7 years of age.  Parent must be on site until the age of 13.
	* Indoor Gymnasium:
	Must be 10 years of age.
	* Indoor Track:
	Must be 7 years of age with either a fitness orientation and accompanied by parent. Use of fitness equipment on track begins at 10 years of age with either a fitness orientation or accompanied by parent. May be unaccompanied at age 13.
	* Group Exercise:
	Participants must be 13 or older.
	* KidFit:
	Must be 7 years of age and complete a fitness orientation.
	* Aquatics:
	Must be accompanied by parent until age 13.  Current swim test policy applies in all cases.
	No member under the age of 13 shall be permitted in the facility without a parent on site.

WHY IS THERE SOMETIMES A WAIT AT THE CHILDREN’S CENTER?
Fire code states that the Center can accommodate 20 infants, 24 toddlers and 40 big kids at one time.  Our future goal is to expand when possible.  In the meanwhile, to avoid experiencing a wait, try to come during non-peak hours.  Peak hours are generally 9:00 AM—11:30 AM, Monday - Saturday. 

WHY DO YOU CLOSE THE POOL WHEN IT THUNDERS AND/OR LIGHTNINGS?
We close the pool down because water is an excellent conductor of electricity, also consider the structure surrounding a pool– it might also be conductive; one lightning strike on the ground may enter the building through any number of conductors and come into the building.  (The reason we clear the pool is for your safety, which is our first priority.)

WHY IS MY CHILD NOT ALLOWED IN THE FITNESS ROOM?
Today, more and more children are beginning to strength train as part of their physical activity and in most cases it is safe and encouraged.  The key is to be sure children are doing the exercises correctly and with the correct intensity.

	Initiation Stage (ages 6-10):
	Kids should participate in low intensity programs focused on having fun and trying to improve motor skills.  At this age, children’s body tissues are susceptible to injury because they still developing.  Emphasis should be development that will maximize the range of motion in all parts of the body.
	Athletic Formation Stage (ages 11-14):
	It is important at this stage to develop the core muscles: lower back, abdominal and hips; along with flexibility and balance.
	Specialization Stage (ages 15-18):
	Teens can start training for high performance development.  Be careful not to over train and avoid maximum strength training to reduce the risk of injury.

Pathways is our financial assistance program.  Financial assistance is available to all those that apply and are accepted.  The YMCA of Greater Charlotte will not turn away anyone due to the inability to pay.