Terms & Conditions

Terms and Conditions - Chess Whitts Academy

Effective Date: June 1, 2025
Last Updated: June 21, 2025

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing and using the Chess Whitts Academy website (chesswhitts.com) and our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our website or services.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Chess Whitts Academy ("we," "us," or "our"). If you are using our services on behalf of a minor, you represent that you are the parent or legal guardian and agree to these Terms on behalf of the minor.

2. Description of Services

Chess Whitts Academy provides chess education services including:

Chess lessons and instruction (in-person and online)
Chess camps and workshops
Tournament preparation and coaching
Educational materials and resources
Online chess training platforms and tools
Chess-related events and competitions

Our services are designed for students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced players.

3. User Accounts and Registration

Account Creation

To access certain features of our services, you may be required to create an account. You agree to:

Provide accurate, current, and complete information
Maintain and update your account information
Keep your login credentials secure and confidential
Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
Accept responsibility for all activities under your account

Account Termination

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend accounts that violate these Terms or for any other reason at our discretion. You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us.

4. Payment Terms and Policies

Fees and Payments

All fees for services must be paid in advance unless otherwise agreed
Prices are subject to change with 30 days' notice
Payment methods accepted include [specify payment methods]
All payments are processed securely through third-party payment processors

Refund Policy

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be made at least [X hours/days] before scheduled lessons
Refund Eligibility: Refunds may be provided for unused lessons or services under certain circumstances
Processing Time: Approved refunds will be processed within [X business days]
Non-Refundable Items: Registration fees, materials, and completed services are generally non-refundable

Late Payments

Late payments may result in:

Suspension of services
Late fees as specified in your service agreement
Termination of enrollment

5. Code of Conduct and Behavior

All users must adhere to our code of conduct:

Acceptable Behavior

Treat all students, instructors, and staff with respect
Follow safety guidelines and facility rules
Arrive punctually for scheduled lessons and events
Maintain appropriate language and behavior
Respect intellectual property and materials

Prohibited Behavior

Harassment, bullying, or discrimination of any kind
Disruptive or inappropriate conduct
Cheating or unsportsmanlike behavior during games
Sharing account credentials with others
Using services for illegal or unauthorized purposes

Consequences

Violations may result in warnings, suspension, or permanent termination of services without refund.

6. Intellectual Property Rights

Our Content

All content on our website and in our materials, including text, graphics, logos, images, videos, and software, is owned by Chess Whitts Academy or our licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use our website and materials solely for personal, non-commercial purposes related to your participation in our programs.

User Content

By submitting content to our website or services (comments, photos, etc.), you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, display, and distribute such content in connection with our services.

7. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

8. Website Usage and Restrictions

Permitted Use

You may use our website for lawful purposes related to our chess education services.

Prohibited Use

You may not:

Use the website for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
Interfere with the proper functioning of the website
Upload viruses or malicious code
Harvest or collect user information
Impersonate others or provide false information

9. Educational Services Terms

Lesson Scheduling and Attendance

Lessons must be scheduled in advance through our booking system
Students are expected to attend all scheduled lessons
Make-up lessons may be available for excused absences
Repeated no-shows may result in service termination

Materials and Equipment

Students are responsible for bringing required materials to lessons
Chess sets and boards may be provided during lessons
Take-home materials remain the property of Chess Whitts Academy unless purchased

Progress and Assessments

We provide regular progress updates and assessments
Achievement levels and ratings are based on our internal assessment system
We do not guarantee specific skill improvements or tournament results

10. Online Services and Technology

System Requirements

Users are responsible for having compatible devices and internet connections to access online services.

Technical Support

We provide basic technical support for our online platforms during business hours.

Service Availability

While we strive for continuous availability, we do not guarantee uninterrupted access to online services.

11. Liability and Disclaimers

Disclaimer of Warranties

Our services are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not warrant that our services will be error-free or uninterrupted.

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Chess Whitts Academy shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of our services.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Chess Whitts Academy from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your violation of these Terms or your use of our services.

12. Safety and Medical Considerations

Health and Safety

Parents must inform us of any medical conditions or special needs
We maintain appropriate safety measures during all activities
Emergency contact information must be kept current

Medical Emergencies

In case of medical emergencies, we will:

Provide immediate first aid as needed
Contact emergency services if necessary
Notify parents/guardians immediately

13. Photography and Media Release

By participating in our programs, you consent to the use of photographs, videos, and other media taken during activities for promotional and educational purposes, unless you specifically opt out in writing.

14. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, pandemics, government actions, or technical failures.

15. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting on our website. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

16. Termination

Either party may terminate this agreement with appropriate notice. Upon termination:

Access to services will cease
Outstanding payments remain due
Certain provisions will survive termination

17. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of [State/Country]. Any disputes will be resolved through:

Informal Resolution: Good faith discussion between parties
Mediation: Binding mediation if informal resolution fails
Arbitration: Binding arbitration as a final resort
Jurisdiction: Courts of [Location] for any legal proceedings

18. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

19. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:

Chess Whitts Academy
[Street Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address]
Website: chesswhitts.com

Business Hours: [Insert Hours]

20. Acknowledgment

By using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

These Terms and Conditions are designed to protect both Chess Whitts Academy and our students. Please read them carefully and contact us if you have any questions.