What is the Buddy-Up for Fitness (BFF) Membership Referral program?

Buddy-Up for Fitness is a member-get-a-member level of membership that incorporates a 20% savings that the pair of members share off the standard adult or family rate of membership. If one of the pair leaves the Y, the remaining member has 30 days to “buddy-up” with a new non-member in order to keep the Buddy-Up rate.

Who qualifies for the Buddy-Up for Fitness Program?

Current members may refer NEW Adult or Family Members to this program.

How do I get started?

Y members need to identify a non-member BFF and stop by the YMCA Member Service Desk to complete a referral form. Be sure that you have a valid email address for your BFF before you get started. Non-members that join as BFFs would follow the exact process.

I’ve completed the referral process. Now what?

Your buddy should come in within one week to complete membership application process. Once both of you have signed up, your 20% savings will apply and your BFF Membership is active.

Does my friend or family member have to be with me to join?

No. If you both stop at the Member Service Desk within one week and complete the required paperwork, we’ll get you registered. You will need to have your buddy’s name and valid email address.

Can I refer more than one friend or family member?

Yes. There is no limit to the number of friends or family members you can refer to the Y. In fact, it is to your benefit to refer more than one friend or family member, so that in the event one of your referrals decides to leave the Y, you have another referral attached to your membership, which ensures your membership savings stay in place. However, the maximum savings you will receive is 20%.

How long is this membership savings valid?

The 20% membership savings is valid as long as both buddies remain a member of the Y. Should one of you cancel your membership (we do not have a contract policy), the remaining member has 30 days to refer another friend or family member to join. If the remaining member does not refer another friend or family member to join within 30 days, the membership will return to the standard rate for the membership type. The YMCA staff will review the BFF program every year to make sure it’s a win-win for everyone. Any changes to the program will be communicated to you 30 days in advance.

Will the BFF rate ever increase?

Yes. Future membership rate increases will be applied to the BFF rate, but will reflect a 20% savings as long as the pair is members of the Y and the BFF rate is offered by the Y.

Does my friend or family member have to join the same Y?

No. A friend or family member can join any one of our two membership branches- Clarion County YMCA or Oil City YMCA.

Who is eligible to participate in the BFF program?

Adult and Family membership categories who pay through automatic bank draft are eligible. Members must be continuous members of the Y in order to participate in the BFF program; those members that put their membership on seasonal or medical hold are not eligible for this membership program. A new member is considered a member that has not been a member of the Scenic Rivers YMCA for 4 months or longer. Scholarship members or other memberships that receive a reduced rate will not be able to participate in this program.

I am a Senior/Young Adult/Single Parent Family/Youth/Scholarship Member. Can I refer someone to the BFF program?

Yes. You may refer Adult or Family members to the program by telling them about the savings they can receive if they join. You will be paired in our system. Members who are already saving in the Senior, Single Parent, Young Adult, Youth or Scholarship categories would need to upgrade to the Adult BFF or Family BFF category to take full advantage of the program savings. An additional 20% savings will not apply to the referring member in the Senior, Young Adult, Youth, Single Parent Family or Scholarship membership until that person upgrades.

I referred my friend and my friend joined. When do they receive their reduced rate?

The BFF rate will go into effect when the referred membership is actually purchased and automatic bank draft is started. The reduced rate for your membership will be reflected in the next billing cycle following the join date of the friend or family member you refer.

Before the BFF program began, I referred multiple families to join the Y. Can I receive a rate reduction based on their memberships?

No. The BFF membership savings is only available for current members referring new members.

Can I receive a refund if necessary?

No. Membership fees are non-refundable.

I am joining the Y as a new member in the Buddy-Up Program. Do I have to pay a joining fee?

Yes. You will be asked to pay a join fee at the time you join the Y.

I work for the YMCA. Can I refer a friend?

Yes. You have the opportunity to buddy-up with up to 2 friends/family and extend the BFF membership savings. Be sure to speak with the Marketing/Membership Director to discuss eligibility first. YMCA employees that area already receiving a membership discount will not be eligible for an additional discount, but are welcome to extend the savings to two friends or family members.