Cedar Fair Associate Life Portal

Uniforms and Grooming

The personal appearance of our associates is a very important part of Valleyfair’s overall image. People from all over the world come to our family-friendly parks and they expect our associates to be approachable, well-groomed, and welcoming.

Associates are expected to dress in a manner consistent with Valleyfair values and must use good judgement in their personal appearance, grooming and hygiene. Uniforms must be always neat and clean and project an image that allows our guests to feel immediately comfortable and trusting in their presence. With these goals in mind, Valleyfair has established the following guidelines that are consistent with The Cedar Fair Soul and brand. Your personal appearance makes a big impression on our guests. Below are guidelines regarding your uniforms.

• You MUST wear a clean, neat uniform every day.
• Uniforms are to be worn as issued. Associates may not make personal alterations to uniforms or changes in the way the uniform is intended to be worn.
• Uniform shirts are to be buttoned and tucked in unless your uniform includes a jacket-type shirt.
• You may wear a plain colored crew neck t-shirt, without logos, that coordinates with your wardrobe. Your division may have specific guidelines for approved colors. Long sleeve shirts may be worn under your uniform if it coordinates with our uniform and follows the previous guidelines. Other clothing worn under your uniform (e.g., spandex shorts) is not to be visible or stick out from under your uniform.
• All associates must wear appropriate undergarments. Undergarments may not be visible or stick out from under your uniform.
• A coordinating belt is to be worn with your uniform when required.
• Pants and shorts must be worn at the associate’s natural waist; “sagging” is not permitted.
• Certain positions require a Valleyfair regulation hat. Associates may not alter the shape or design of uniform hats. Personal, non-regulation headwear must be approved at the park level.
• Partial uniforms are not to be worn, whether on duty or not.
• No part of your uniform, including your name tag, is to be worn while off duty, except while going to and from work.
• Gum chewing on-duty, or any time you are in view of guests, is not permitted.
• Due to close contact with guests and co-workers, proper hygiene is necessary. This includes avoiding the use of excessive or strong scents.

Name Tags/ID Badges

Company issued name tags should always be visible to guests and worn on the LEFT side of the uniform or outerwear unless the uniform dictates otherwise, in which case, department management will determine on which side to wear the name tag. Your name tag and ID badge are considered part of your uniform; therefore, it is necessary that you wear it while on duty. Make sure you wear your own name tag. Immediately report lost or stolen name tags or IDs to Human Resources and duplicates will be issued. Excessive losses of your name badge or ID may result in disciplinary action. You should always have your ID visible while at the park and be ready to present it if requested.

Going To and From Work

You MUST always wear your complete uniform when you are in view of guests or any time you are identifiable as a Valleyfair associate. This includes those times when you are on lunch or break and when you are coming to or leaving work. Changing facilities are available; however, it is recommended that you wear your uniform to and from work.

Personal Electronic Equipment

Personal cell phones, radios, iPods®, smart watches, and other electronic devices are not to be worn unless specifically issued to you or approved by the management of your park. This equipment must be kept in your locker or other suitable location and may be checked during your break or meal periods. Your park or division will provide additional direction regarding the storage of your electronic equipment while on duty. Phone calls may only be made during break times in designated areas. Earbuds and headphones may not be used in guest areas, while in uniform and identifiable as an associate, on or off the clock.

Outerwear

Your outermost garments while on duty must be issued by your park or be an approved garment that has no logos and is substantially like park issued outerwear. Exceptions must be approved by your park management.

Eyeglasses/Sunglasses

Your eyes contribute to your smile. Prescription glasses with conservative frames that coordinate with your uniform are permitted. In addition, sunglasses of a conservative style that coordinate with your uniform may be worn outdoors while on duty. However, extreme designs, prominently displayed brand names, narrow wrap-around, or reflector/mirror-type glasses are prohibited. Extreme colors and styles of contact lenses are also prohibited.

Shoes

For most jobs, closed toed, athletic slip resistant shoes are required. Sandals, flip-flops, or shoes with an open back are not permitted. Shoes must always be clean and in good repair. Check with your department for further details.

End of Employment

Uniforms and other items issued to associates are considered Company property and are on loan to you while you are employed. Failure to properly care for your uniform or other actions on your part that result in damage beyond ‘normal wear and tear’, including deliberate destruction, may result in disciplinary action and you will be held financially responsible to the extent permitted by law. Upon termination of your employment, it is mandatory that you return all uniform items after your shift, on your last day of work. Failure to do so may result in a charge to you or affect your rehire status.

Hair

We welcome originality and fun when it comes to hair if it isn’t distracting and remains professional. Hair, including facial hair, must be neat, clean, and well-groomed each day. For safety purposes, long hair is to be securely pulled back. Your hair may not cover your face, eyes or restrict your ability to perform your job.

• Hair volume should maintain a balanced and uniform look/style from the scalp.
• Natural (or traditional) hair colors (e.g., brown, black, blonde, grey, auburn and red) as well as ‘unnatural’ colors (e.g., burgundy, dark plums/purple, dark blue, pink, or shades of light blue/grey) are welcome. Bright neon colors are not permitted as this will be considered too extreme.
• For sanitation reasons, hair color must be permanent, or semi-permanent; temporary sprays, dyes, chalks, or glitter are not permitted.
• Highlights and graduated colors/ombre are permitted; the colors used can be natural or ‘unnatural’, however, to avoid a distracting look, use colors that blend well (e.g. burgundy in dark brown or black hair). Bright neon colors, thick multi-colored stripes or blocks of different colors are too extreme and are not permitted.
• Shaved designs/patterns/words in any visible hair (e.g., head, eyebrows, sideburns, beards etc.) are not permitted.
• Any braiding or twisting of hair must meet all other appearance guidelines in terms of a professional tidy appearance. Beads used to finish braids/twists should be complimentary to the uniform whenever possible.
• Required headdresses such as the turban or hijab should match hair or uniform color whenever possible.
• Hair accessories used to hold or secure the hair look best when they are complimentary to either the hair color or uniform color. Large and/or excessive hair ornamentation will not be permitted, as these embellishments can be a safety and/or sanitation hazard.

Facial Hair

Facial hair is limited to the following:

• A full beard can be no longer than ½ inch (1.3 cm) to 2 inches (5.08 cm) in length
• A goatee no longer than ½ inch (1.3 cm) in length
• A neatly trimmed moustache that does not extend below the corners of the mouth
• Facial hair must be fully developed, with full skin coverage and no scruff or patches (i.e., not look as if ‘unshaven for a day or two’) and be well always maintained/groomed. Shaved designs are not permitted.
• Facial hair must be fully grown on the associate’s own time (e.g., vacation or extended time off from work); cannot be grown during regular scheduled work time.
• Associates with no beard, goatee, or moustache must be clean shaven.

Jewelry

• Conservative personal jewelry that meets all other appearance and safety standards is acceptable.
• Necklaces may be worn as long they do no not restrict an associate’s ability to perform their job, pose a safety concern, or are excessive in number.
• Earrings - Moderately sized earrings are allowed in each earlobe, as well as in the upper cartilage as long they do no not restrict an associate’s ability to perform their job, pose a safety concern, or are excessive in number.
• Ear Gauges – One gauge in each ear lobe may be worn in place of earrings. Gauges must include a plug and may not be larger than ½ inch or 12mm.
• One small nose stud or close- fitting hoop is permitted on one side of the nostril.
• Watches, bracelets, and rings are permitted as long they do no not restrict an associate’s ability to perform their job or pose a safety concern or are excessive in number.

Body Art, Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications

• Visible tattoos/body art that are on the face or neck are permitted if they are covered and/or concealed while at work. All other tattoos/body art are permitted if the tattoos/body art do not display slogans or images that are demeaning, feature profanity or other messages that do not promote or enhance a safe, inclusive, productive workplace.
• Associates may cover tattoos/body art by using makeup, athletic sleeves, or one’s uniform.
• No body or face piercings permitted other than noted in the above Jewelry section. This includes the eyebrows, cheek, lips, tongue, and other dermal piercings are prohibited.
• Visible, intentional body modifications and alterations that create an unnatural or unprofessional appearance are not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, dental grills, tongue splitting, tooth filing, disfiguring skin, or bone implants.

Miscellaneous

• Nails should be kept neat and clean. Nails should be moderate in length or shorter as appropriate for your job. Designs and various polish colors or adornments are acceptable for associates if they maintain an approachable and welcoming image. Health and safety requirements may prohibit use of nail polish and/or adornments for some jobs. Please consult Human Resources or your Division for clarification.
• Perfumes/colognes are to be used in moderation, with consideration of others as the highest priority.

Divisional Park Leadership is at the discretion to evaluate associate appearance. Associates may be evaluated daily based on business needs and the position each associate holds with Valleyfair. Certain Divisions may call for additional guidelines related to health and safety, sanitation and/or color guidelines for uniforms, outerwear, or accessories.

Valleyfair encourages associates to seek the advice of their manager regarding appropriate appearance at work. Associates who report to work improperly dressed or groomed, or with any appearance that could be offensive to our guests may be sent home by their manager to change. Numerous occurrences of improper appearance may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.