MEMBERSHIP CODE OF CONDUCT
For more than a century, the Springfield Jewish Community Center has been an epicenter for culture, community, and caring. In order to ensure the highest quality service for all of our members, we have created a comprehensive outline of the J's membership policies. We expect that our staff and members will conduct themselves in a manner conducive to continuing that tradition of kindness, tolerance and acceptance.
The J reserves the right to suspend and/or terminate any membership at any time for any reason whatsoever, in its sole discretion, without giving prior notice to the member. The J reserves the right to refuse membership to any applicant for any reason, including without limitation based on a prior suspension and/or termination of membership, and the J need not establish or communicate cause for such refusal.
The J does not and shall not refuse membership solely on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, marital, or military status.
Prohibited actions specifically include:
- Attire that is inappropriate or contains offensive language
- Angry or vulgar language, including swearing, name-calling, or shouting
- Physical contact with another person in any angry, uncomfortable, or threatening way
- Any demonstration of sexual activity or sexual contact with another person
- Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or other menacing behavior
- Photography, video, or audio recording without prior approval of J staff
- Theft or behavior that results in the destruction of property
- Carrying or concealing any weapons, devices, or objects that may be used as weapons; any item deemed as a weapon of any kind will be immediately confiscated and turned over to police
- Bags may be subject to search
- Using or possessing alcohol or illegal substances
- The use of any tobacco or marijuana products including vaping and e-cigarettes.
- Any other conduct considered inappropriate, threatening or offensive in nature
- Soliciting
Members and guests must be responsible for their personal conduct and comfort and are permitted to ask any person whose behavior threatens their comfort or safety to refrain from such conduct. However, if a member or guest feels uncomfortable speaking to the person directly, they should report the behavior to a staff person.
The J reserves the right, in the exercise of its sole discretion, to amend all rules, regulations and/or directions at any time without notice to members, including as are set forth in this Membership Guide, and members must immediately comply with such amended rules, regulations, and directions.
Membership Fobs
Every member aged 13 and older receives a membership fob for entry to the J. Please bring your membership fob with you whenever you visit the J. Fobs are not transferable. For the safety and security of all, the J requires each member to swipe their membership fob upon entering the facility at the main entrance. If you lose your fob, please contact or stop by the Business Office or Welcome Desk to report this and the J will immediately deactivate your fob and issue you a new one for a $10 replacement fee.
Clean Air Campus
Thank you for not smoking or vaping at the J or on the J campus. The J is proud to be a clean air campus.
Guest Policy & Day Passes
We encourage you to bring guests to the J. Guests must register at the Welcome Desk. The guest fee is $15 for non-members and $10 for members buying passes on behalf of friends and family, regardless of age. Guest passes for Saturday must be purchased in advance, as no money is exchanged on Saturdays.
Funding
While membership dues, tuition, and program fees help underwrite some costs, they only account for a portion of what the J needs to operate annually. The Chai Society, which is the JCC Annual Fund, was founded to bridge that gap. The generous support of members and friends like you make many of our most important programs and services possible. The Springfield Jewish Community Center is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts. Please reach out to our Development Office for more information on how to make a contribution.
Policy for Unsupervised Children
Student memberships at the J begin at age 13. Children 12 years or younger who are part of a family membership may not be in the J unsupervised. If the child is 12 years or younger and the parent/guardian is in the J, the child may be in the gymnasium or pool only if a parent is present. Children 13 years and older may use the facility without adult supervision. Parents or guardians must be aware of J hours of operation for the area of the facility the child will be using. The person supervising the child must be at least 15 years old. People ages 18+ may supervise more than one child at a time. Guardians will be contacted if underage members violate rules of the J and/or exhibit behavior which is harmful to the facility, other members or staff. Children under 13 found at the J unsupervised will be subject to a disciplinary action up to and including temporary suspension of membership and/or access to the J.
Volunteer Opportunities
When you donate your time, knowledge, and experience to make the J a better place, you always get something bigger in return: a tremendous sense of accomplishment. If you would like to volunteer or share additional expertise, please stop by the J or give us a call.
Billing Policy:
Membership is neither transferable nor refundable. Membership dues are payable in full at time of joining or through one of the J’s approved payment plans. Membership is automatically renewed each month unless notified.
Cancellation Policy:
To cancel your membership, please notify our Membership Director at info@SpringfieldJCC.org, or in writing. Member accounts become delinquent if a draft is unpaid and center privileges are suspended until payment is made.
Members can be relieved of their contractual commitment before their introductory year is complete if they are moving, have a significant health limitation, or for a COVID-19 related issue. If members are interested in applying for health-based leave, they can fill out a Google form at this link: https://forms.gle/5SgnTLfuHXMmePS5A .
Freeze (Leave) Policy:
Membership is based on a monthly commitment that allows the J to project revenue over time and to maximize membership for our current members. If members want to freeze their membership, The J can assess a $10 monthly fee to retain membership status for up to six consecutive months in a 12-month period.
Family Policy:
A family membership consists of all members living in the same household and any dependent children under 23 years of age. Additional adults beyond 2 may be added to the Family Membership for an additional monthly fee. Once a child ages out of a family plan, they must apply for an individual membership.
Personal Training Policy:
Members and guests are not allowed to bring in outside personal trainers or sports trainers (i.e. basketball) to provide one-on-one or group training in the gymnasium, fitness center, or anywhere on campus. The J employs trainers who conduct both private and small group training and clinics which are open to members of all ages.
Pay Structure & Repetitive Charges:
First month payment and processing fee will be taken at the time of joining. The first recurring payment will be taken on the 1st of the next month, and every month thereafter.
Discounts:
The J provides a 10% professional discount to military / first responders, local clergy, and professionals from Local Jewish Agencies. Identification is required to receive a discount, and must be presented upon application for membership.
JCC Reciprocity
There are approximately 150 J’s across North America, and when you travel out of town, most J’s welcome you to use their facility for one week when you present your valid membership card. Visit www.jcca.org for a complete listing of J’s in North America. Restrictions may apply or differ at other J’s so be sure to contact the visiting J prior to your trip.
Dress Code
Please dress appropriately for your activity. Wear closed-toe athletic shoes in the workout areas. Swimsuits are required in pools and whirlpools. Babies are required to be in swim diapers. Shirts are required in all fitness areas. Clothing with profane language or slogans is not permitted on The J’s property.
Cell Phones, Camera and Video Usage
Use of cell phones as a camera or video device in locker rooms and the Fitness Center is not permitted. Use of cell phones on fitness equipment is not permitted or where signs indicate they are not permitted. All company phones located in the J strictly are for business use only.
