Green Pond Yacht Club Rules and Bylaws
Membership Dues
Dues are payable annually as set by Management. A member who fails to pay dues when due shall receive written notice of delinquency and shall have ninety (90) days from the date of such notice to cure the delinquency. If dues remain unpaid at the expiration of the cure period, the Club may terminate the member's membership upon further written notice. A member whose membership is terminated for nonpayment remains liable for all dues and charges accrued through the date of termination.
Members are responsible for keeping their contact information current. Any changes to mailing address, email address, phone number, or household information must be provided to Club management promptly.
Membership privileges are non-transferable and may only be used by the member(s) listed on the membership.
The Club reserves the right to amend Membership Dues, fees, and payment policies as approved by Management.
Any returned checks or declined payments may be subject to an additional processing fee.
Separation or Dissolution of Joint Membership
In the event that two individuals holding a joint membership separate, each individual may, subject to Club’s membership rules and approval, retain individual membership privileges and establish a separate membership in their own name. Each individual shall thereafter be considered a separate member and shall be responsible for payment for the full annual membership dues. Annual dues shall not be prorated, divided, or reduced as a result of the separation of the joint members
Junior Membership
The children of current Club members may be eligible to apply for a Junior Membership, subject to the Club’s membership rules and approval. No initiation fee shall be required for a Junior Membership. Annual membership dues for Junior Members shall be prorated based on the date the Junior Membership is established.
A Junior Member shall be eligible to maintain Junior Membership status through the year in which the member reaches twenty-six (26) years of age. Upon reaching the age of twenty-six (26), the Junior Membership shall automatically convert to a regular membership, subject to the Club’s membership rules and requirements. The member shall be responsible for payment of the full annual dues applicable to a regular membership, as established by the Club.
The Club reserves the right to establish, amend, or adjust Junior Membership dues, regular membership dues, fees, and other applicable charges in accordance with the Club’s governing documents and policies.
General Rules of Conduct
Members are expected to be familiar with and abide by the club's rules and policies governing the conduct of members, their families, and guests in order to ensure full enjoyment of the club by all. The current rules and policies are found on this website and apply to all memberships.
Members shall abide by the club's bylaws rules and policies.
Members shall respect the rights of others and shall always be civil and courteous to other members, guests, and club staff.
To preserve a welcoming, non-partisan atmosphere, members and guests shall refrain from initiating or engaging in political debate or advocacy within Club buildings, dining areas, or other common spaces. This rule is applied on a viewpoint-neutral basis to all members and guests.
Guests must be accompanied by the sponsoring member. Members shall at all times be responsible for the conduct and actions of their guests.
The assigned membership number and card is to be used by those solely listed on the membership card. Any kids or friends of the listed member must be accompanied by the member or pre-approved by management to come in without listed member.
Complaints regarding employees or other members or guests shall be made to the General Manager. Members shall not confront club employees or other guests.
Parking
To ensure adequate parking availability and a safe environment for all members and guests, the Club maintains the following parking policy:
Parking is permitted only in designated Club parking areas. Vehicles parked in fire lanes, loading zones, handicap-designated spaces (without appropriate permit), or other restricted areas are subject to towing at the vehicle owner's expense.
Members are responsible for ensuring that their guests comply with the Club's parking policy.
Overnight parking is not permitted without prior management approval.
Vehicles are parked at the owner's own risk. The Club is not responsible for loss or damage to any vehicle or its contents while on Club premises or any car parked off Club premises.
Club management reserves the right to have any vehicle that violates this policy towed or relocated at the owner's expense, without liability to the Club
Dress Code
To maintain the welcoming, family-friendly, and respectful atmosphere of the Club, members and their guests are expected to adhere to the following dress standards while on Club property. The Club maintains a dress casual environment. Attire should be neat, clean, and appropriate for a private club setting.
Acceptable Attire
Collared shirts, polo shirts, sweaters, blouses, and tasteful casual tops
Slacks, khakis, dress shorts, golf shorts, skirts, skorts, and dresses
Appropriate footwear, including boat shoes, sandals, loafers, sneakers, and dress shoes
Clean denim-free from excessive rips or tears
Unacceptable Attire
The following items are not permitted:
Clothing with offensive, vulgar, or inappropriate language or graphics
Excessively torn, ripped, or distressed clothing
Bathing suits, cover-ups, or shirtless attire
Undergarments worn as outerwear
Bare feet within Club buildings or dining areas
Clothing deemed excessively revealing or otherwise inconsistent with the standards of a family-oriented private club environment
Guests
Members are responsible for ensuring that their guests comply with the Club's dress code policy.
Enforcement
Club management reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of attire and may request that members or guests change clothing or leave the premises if attire does not meet Club standards. Such decisions will be made respectfully and at the sole discretion of Club management to preserve the atmosphere and standards of the Club.
Responsible Consumption of Alcohol
The club’s alcohol policy recognizes that the responsible consumption of alcohol is integral to many members’ use and enjoyment of the club and its facilities. It is the policy of the club to comply with all state and local laws regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Membership shall support staff and management as they enforce the following club rules:
In accordance with applicable laws and to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all members and guests:
Only individuals 21 years of age or older are permitted to sit at the Club's bars, including both indoor and outdoor bar areas.
Members are responsible for ensuring that their guests comply with this policy.
No alcoholic beverage will be served to or permitted to be consumed on the premises by any person under age 21. If there is any question whether a member or guest is of age to consume alcohol, the staff will ask for acceptable identification. If the member of guest does not have an acceptable form of identification, that person will not be served.
Members or Guests may not legally purchase alcohol to serve to underage children. Any underage person found to be consuming alcohol will be informed of the law and their drink will be immediately removed.
No alcoholic beverage purchased off club premises may be brought on club premises.
No alcoholic beverages may leave the club property.
No alcoholic beverage will be served to or consumed on club premises by any person who, in the opinion of the person serving alcoholic beverages, is or appears to be intoxicated or impaired by alcohol or other drugs.
It is club policy that all employees be trained to detect evidence of intoxication in members or guests and to refrain from serving intoxicated persons. Club employees may, in their discretion, refuse to serve alcoholic beverages to any person who appears to be intoxicated or on the verge of becoming intoxicated. A decision to cease serving a member or guest is final and not open to debate or interpretation. Members or guests shall not reprimand or abuse staff under circumstances in which they have exercised their judgement to stop a member from further consuming alcohol.
Members or guests should not leave the club and operate a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition. The club management or the responsible employee may, at their discretion, notify the appropriate authorities if a member or guest insists on leaving the club in an intoxicated condition and with the apparent intent of operating a motor vehicle.
Club employees are instructed to assist members and guests in finding a driver or taxi as an alternative to operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
The club management fully supports the staff in their decisions to appropriately withhold service of alcohol from any member or guest.
All instances of intoxication on club premises will be reported to management for appropriate disciplinary action. It is important that each member fully appreciate the substantial liability that could be placed on the club’s staff and management, as well as the club itself, for serving intoxicated or apparently intoxicated members or guests.
The Club maintains liquor liability insurance in accordance with Massachusetts law, and all staff who serve alcoholic beverages complete a recognized responsible alcohol service training program (e.g., TIPS) prior to serving.
Smoking and Vaping Policy
To ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all members and guests, the Club maintains the following smoking and vaping policy:
Smoking and vaping are permitted only in designated outdoor areas.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted on the Summer Terrace or any outdoor dining or bar areas.
Vaping is strictly prohibited inside all Club buildings and enclosed spaces without exception.
Smoking of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic smoking devices, is prohibited indoors.
Members are responsible for ensuring that their guests comply with this policy.
Club management reserves the right to ask any member or guest who is not complying with this policy to extinguish smoking materials, relocate to an approved area, or leave the premises.
Takeout Orders and Service Charges
A 15% takeout service charge will be automatically added to all takeout food orders. This charge helps support the staff involved in the preparation and coordination of takeout orders. Members who wish to further recognize exceptional service are welcome to leave an additional gratuity at their discretion. Members are encouraged to review their orders upon pickup and notify Club staff immediately of any discrepancies or concerns.
Outside Food
Members may not bring food of any kind to the club for individual consumption without prior management approval.
Liability, Waiver, Assumption of Risk
Use of the Club's premises and facilities, including clubhouse, grounds, dining and bar areas, Summer Terrace, waterfront, dock, and any other outdoor or common areas, is at the member's and guest's own risk.
The Club, Management, and Employees are not liable for any loss, theft, or damage to personal property, nor for any personal injury, illness, or death arising out of or in connection with a member's or guest's presence on Club premises or participation in Club activities or events, except to the extent caused by the Club's gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Each member, on behalf of themselves and their family members and guests, assumes all risks associated with use of the Club's premises and facilities and agrees to indemnify and hold the Club harmless from any claim, loss, or expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from the acts or omissions of the member, their family, or their guests.
Pets
Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the club or on the summer terrace, with the exception of service animals as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable Massachusetts Laws.
Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy
The goal of the electronic device policy is to provide members with a relaxing, convivial atmosphere in the club, while allowing for reasonable and necessary electronic communications. The permitted use of devices under the policy is subject to their use in discreet, unobtrusive, reasonable and respectful manner to ensure the enjoyment of the club by all.
Rules and Violations Policy
Green Pond Yacht Club is an association of members whose enjoyment of the club facilities and cordial relationships depends upon all members and their families and guests observing the By-Laws, rules, or policies of the club. The following procedures shall apply in the event of a violation of the By-Laws, rules or policies of the Club by a member or member’s guest. Each member of the club is responsible for understanding the By-Laws, rules and policies and the potential consequences of violations as described below.
Depending on the nature of the infraction management who over sees the particular By-Law, rule, or policy at issue shall initially determine if there was a violation. Upon completing such inquiry as may be appropriate to determine the seriousness of the infraction, the appropriate penalty may be any of the following:
a. Issuance of a formal notice of infraction
b. Partial restriction of club privileges
c. A suspension; or
d. Expulsion of the offending member and all family members of the club.
Management is entitled to consider any prior infractions of the By-Law, rules or policies when considering the appropriate penalty for any particular infraction.
References to “infractions” means violations of any club By-law, rule or policy. References to “cause” for suspension or expulsion shall include, but not be limited to, disorderly conduct at the club, conduct detrimental to the good order, best interests, welfare, or character of the club. Violation of these By-laws, rules or policies promulgated by management; or failure to meet financial obligations in a timely manner.
Suspensions: A member may be suspended from the club if management determines that a member’s conduct or conduct of his or her family or guest is cause for suspension. An order of suspension against any member shall also apply to the member partner or spouse unless otherwise determined by management. Notice of managements decision to issue an order of suspension shall be sent to the member and to any joint member holder in accordance with the club’s By-Laws. During the period of suspension, the suspended member shall continue to be responsible for applicable dues but shall not have any club privileges.
Expulsion: A member may be expelled from the club if management determines that such a member’s conduct or the conduct of his/her family or guest is cause for expulsion. Members will be provided notice stating the reason for the proposed expulsion. Such a member and any join holder of a membership will be notified that he or she has a right to be heard either orally or in writing. The decision of the management is final and unappealable. A member who has been expelled from the club shall remain liable for any financial obligation or indebtedness to the club.
Significant Other Policy
Any unmarried or widowed Member in good standing may name a Significant Other (defined below) no more than twice during the life of the Member’s membership at the Club, and there shall be at least one full Club year between the termination of one Significant Other and the designation of another Significant Other.
Any Member who desires to name a Significant Other shall submit a fully complete Significant Other Application. The Management shall approve or reject, in its sole and absolute discretion, the Significant Other proposed in the application consistent with the process of prospective member applicants. If approved, the Member and Significant Other shall acknowledge the terms and conditions of the Significant Other policy
A Significant Other:
a. Shall be in a committed relationship with the proposing Member;
b. Shall be jointly and severally liable for any and all obligations due and owing by the Member to the Club;
c. Shall not be married;
d. Shall not be related to the Member by blood to a degree of closeness that would prohibit legal marriage to the Member in Massachusetts; and
e. Shall be at least 25 years of age.
Significant Others shall have any and all rights and obligations of a spouse of the Member with regard to the use of the Club. The Member shall be obligated to pay any and all dues and fees for the Significant Other. Management can suspend or expel a Significant Other in the same manner it can suspend or expel a spousal member.
No children of Significant Others shall have any rights to utilize the Club other than as a guest of a Member or an approved Significant Other in accordance with the Club By-Laws, rules and regulations. Not withstanding any Club By-Law, rule or regulation to the contrary.
The Member shall terminate the rights of the Significant Other it designates by sending a written notice in that regard to the Management. The termination of any and all rights and obligations of the Significant Other shall be effective as of the date such termination is approved by Management. The Significant Other shall remain jointly and severally obligated for all of the Member’s and the Significant Other’s obligations due and owing the Club up through the date the termination is approved.
Notwithstanding any provisions in this Policy to the contrary, if an unmarried couple applies for membership together and are accepted as Members, all membership rights and obligations under the Club By-Laws, rules and regulations are extended to this couple as if married.