Policies

Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Policies

JCC MEMBERSHIP TERMS

• Persons applying for membership will not be denied based on age, gender, disability, fitness level, interests, background, race, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion.
• All members must abide by the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Code of Conduct.
• Monthly dues are charged to your credit card or bank account (ACH) on the 16th of each month for the entire month (i.e., January 1 – January 30).
• Annual payments are prepaid and non-refundable in the event of early termination. You will receive an email at least one month before renewal date when your annual membership is up for renewal.
• Monthly membership dues automatically renew each month. Cancellation requires a 30-day notice by submitting a website cancellation form or visiting the welcome center for cancellation to be submitted.
• Facilities may close periodically due to holidays, weather or health concerns. Membership dues are not prorated or refunded under these circumstances.
• Membership rates, terms and policies are subject to change at any time.
• When becoming a member of the J, all parties ages 16 and up must show government issued identification. In addition, everyone will need to have their photo taken for their household account.
• Members may freeze their membership once every 12 months for up to 2 consecutive months. Requests must be submitted at least 10 business days prior to the next billing cycle by emailing membership at membership@erjcchouston.org. Members enrolled in active programs at member rates may not freeze their membership and still attend programs.
• Memberships may be upgraded or downgraded at any time and will take up to 10 business days to process.
• Retroactive changes to membership are not allowed. All requests must be submitted at least 10 business days prior to the next billing cycle.
• Previous members must pay any outstanding balances before rejoining.
• Membership automatically renews monthly. Cancellation requires 30-day notice by submitting website cancellation form.
• All past due balances must be paid before a membership cancellation is processed.
• Financial aid is available to individuals and families to assist with membership fees and tuition-based programs at the J. Financial aid is awarded based on family income and is handled confidentially. Contact kwied@erjcchouston.org to apply for membership assistance.

MEMBERSHIP TYPE POLICIES

• Family Memberships include up to 2 adults (married, in a partnership or civil union) and up to 5 children (ages 0-25) living in the same household. Age categories: 18-35 years and 36+ years. When both adults move up to the next age category, rates adjust automatically.
• Individual Memberships are available in three age categories: 13-25, 26-35 and 36+ years. Memberships automatically adjust the month after members enter the next age category. Minors must have a parent or guardian listed as an inactive Primary Contact on the account.

A CLASS AND PROGRAM MEMBERSHIP ENTITLES A MEMBER TO:

• Priority registration and exclusive member rates for classes, J Camps, KidZone and early childhood education at the Bertha Alyce School and Ellen Boniuk School.
• Access to pickleball and basketball courts.
• Access to the family locker rooms on the first floor of the Samuels Family Community Pavilion.

A HEALTH & FITNESS MEMBERSHIP ENTITLES A MEMBER ACCESS TO THE:

• Benefits of Class and Program Membership.
• Fitness center and both fee and non-fee-based group exercise classes.
• Indoor and outdoor lap pools, family recreational pools and splash pad.
• Adult locker rooms, including towel service, whirlpool, sauna and steam room.
• KidCare while you work out, for children ages 3 months to 11 years available to family memberships only.
• Outdoor tennis courts (by reservation only).

A TENNIS MEMBERSHIP ENTITLES A MEMBER ACCESS TO THE:

• Benefits of Health & Fitness Membership.
• Indoor tennis courts (by reservation).
• Court fees during prime time.

A TENNIS ELITE MEMBERSHIP ENTITLES A MEMBER ACCESS TO THE:

• Benefits of Tennis Membership.
• Advanced court reservations.
• Free prime-time court reservations.
• Free ball machine access.

View Tennis Policies Here

FAMILY PROGRAM ENROLLMENT POLICIES

• Non-Member Children of Active Parents: If a member wants to enroll a child who is not included in their membership, the child will be charged non-member rates unless the membership is upgraded to a Family level.
• Non-Member Children of Active Grandparents: Grandchildren are not eligible for member discounts through a grandparent’s membership unless the grandchild lives with the grandparent and the membership is upgraded to a Family level.

J PASS

• The J Pass is a convenient access option designed for individuals who frequently visit the J but do not require full membership benefits. It provides streamlined entry to the facility for specific programs, classes and visits to the cafe, without access to member-exclusive amenities, discounts or services. Ideal for program participants’ caregivers and seasonal users, the J Pass offers flexibility and ease while maintaining a connection to the J community. J Passes have a 90-day expiration.

GUEST POLICIES

• Guest passes are available to Health & Fitness or Tennis members (18+) to redeem. Members must be present to purchase or use guest passes from their household account.
• Guests must always be accompanied by an active Health & Fitness or Tennis member (18+), including for the initial check-in process.
• Guests under the age of 18 must have a signed waiver completed by a parent or legal guardian.
• Each household may bring up to 4 guests per day across all areas and activities.
• Guests must sign the Liability Waiver and Terms of Service.
• Guest pass pricing: $15 per adult (18+), $7 per child (17 and under). Guest passes are not available for purchase on Saturdays.
• The J has the right to limit days/times when members are not able to bring a guest to the J (holidays, special events, etc.).

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS

• J members can access most other Jewish Community Centers in the U.S. under reciprocity agreements. Contact the destination JCC for details.

Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement

In consideration for being permitted to utilize the facilities, services, and programs of the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center (the J) for any purpose, including by not limited to observation or use of facilities or equipment, or participation in any program affiliated with the J, without respect to location, the user, for himself or herself and any personal representatives, heirs, and next of kin, hereby acknowledges, agrees, and represents that he or she has or immediately upon entering or participating will inspect and carefully consider such premises and facilities associated with the program. It is further warranted that such entry into the J for observation of use of any facilities or equipment or participation in such affiliated programs constitutes an acknowledgement that such premises and all facilities and equipment thereon and such affiliated programs have been inspected and carefully considered and that the user finds and accepts same as being safe and reasonably suited for the purpose of such observation, use or participation.

In further consideration of being permitted to enter the J for any purpose, including but not limited to observation or use of facilities or equipment, participation in any program affiliated with the J, without respect to location, the user hereby agrees to the following:

1. The user hereby releases, waives, discharges and covenants not to sue the J, its directors, officers, employees, and agents (hereinafter referred to as “releasees” from all liability to the user, her personal representatives, assigns, heirs and next of kin for any loss or damage, and any claim or demands therefor on account of injury to the person or property or resulting in death of the user, whether caused by the negligence of the releasees or otherwise while the user is in, upon, or about the premises or any facilities or equipment therein, or participating in any program affiliated with the J, without respect to location.
2. The user hereby agrees to indemnify and save and hold harmless the releasees and each of them from any loss, liability, damage or cost they may incur due to the presence of the user in, upon or about the J premises or in any way observing or using any facilities or equipment of the J or participating in any program affiliated with the J whether caused by the negligence of the releasees or otherwise.
3. The user hereby assumes full responsibility for and risk of bodily injury, death, or property damage due to negligence of releasees or otherwise while in, about, or upon the premises of the J and/or while using the premises or any program affiliated with the J.
4. I hereby grant, by participating in a J program, the J and its legal representatives the irrevocable right and unrestricted permission to use and publish photographs or video images of me and/or my children, or in which we may be included, for any purpose authorized by the J including but not limited to: website use, social media, editorial publications, catalog and advertising use. This grant includes the right to modify and retouch the images in the discretion of the J. I understand that the circulation of such materials could be worldwide and that there will be no compensation to me for this use. Furthermore, I understand that I will not be given the opportunity to inspect or approve J and its legal representatives; I am fully and without limitation releasing it from any liability that may arise from the use of the images. I understand that if I do NOT want my name or image, or that of my child or family member, to be published I must submit a written letter to the J stating this, along with a photo or photos of the individual(s) concerned.
5. I agree to abide by the policies, rules and regulations of the J established from time to time. I also agree to conduct myself appropriately, and consistent with those policies, rules, and regulations. This would include, but not be limited to, not damaging or destroying J property deemed inappropriate by staff under the circumstances (including physical and verbal abuse of any person including participants or staff).
6. I understand that I may not be able to register or participate in J programs if my dues are not current.
7. I hereby give permission for my child(ren) to participate in all J activities. In the event that I cannot be reached, I hereby give permission to the J to act on my behalf to have medical treatment administrated to my child(ren) in the event of an emergency. I understand that I will be fully and directly responsible for the cost of medical attention.

The user further expressly agrees that the forgoing release, waiver, and indemnity agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of Texas and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effort.

Age Policies

• Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Exception: Children aged 10 and older may walk directly to and from programs and classes independently when actively enrolled.
• Additional age exceptions may apply for participants enrolled in specific programs and will be communicated by the program coordinator.

→ FAMILY MEMBERSHIP

• Includes 2 adults and their children up to 25 years old living in the same household.
• Parents and all children 18+ must have a signed waiver on file.
• Once a child turns 26, they must purchase their own membership to access the facility.

→ NANNY/BABYSITTER

• May be added to a family’s account with a J Pass membership but are not part of the family’s membership, and therefore, do not have membership privileges.
• Must be 18 years or older to supervise children under the age of 13.

→ KIDCARE

• Open to children ages 3 months to 11 years under an active Family Health & Fitness or Tennis Membership.

→ FITNESS

• Under 11: Not permitted in the fitness center.
• Ages 11-12: May use the fitness center and group exercise classes with a parent or caregiver after completing the teen fitness orientation and waiver.
• Ages 13-17: May use the fitness center and take group exercise classes independently after completing the teen fitness orientation and waiver.

→ AQUATICS / SAFE SWIMMER POLICY

• Ages 0-13: Adult must remain on the pool deck and actively supervise. Children who have not passed the swim test must have an adult in the water within arm’s reach at all times.
• Ages 14-15: Allowed in the pool area without an adult only after passing the annual swim test.

→ ADULT LOCKER ROOMS

• Must be 16+ to use adult locker rooms.
• Parents may not bring children into adult locker rooms.

→ FAMILY LOCKER ROOMS

• Families and individuals can use the family locker rooms on the first floor.
• Everyone under the age of 16 must use the family locker rooms or private restrooms on the first floor.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

• Children under the age 10 must be accompanied by an adult or a sibling over the age of 13 when walking through the building to any classes or programs that they are actively enrolled in.
• Children aged 10 and older may walk directly to and from programs and classes independently and are eligible to receive a J Brivo card.

→ OTHER AREAS

• Children ages 0-12 must be accompanied by an adult in the basketball gym or any area outside of supervised programs and classes.