Terms of Service

PART 1: GENERAL TERMS (Applies to All Programs)

1. Compliance with Location Rules & Behavior

Parents and students agree to accept and abide by all rules, regulations, and policies of any physical host facility (school, church, venue) as well as all verbal rules and behavioral expectations set by RCA instructors during live online sessions (e.g., Google Meet). Parents acknowledge and agree that live online sessions involve interactive video, audio, and chat participation with instructors and other enrolled students. To ensure a positive, safe, and focused learning environment for everyone, instructors may mute or remove a student from a class if their behavior continually disrupts the learning experience for others.

2. Parent Contact Information & Response

Parents must keep updated cell phone numbers and primary email addresses on file with RCA for emergency, operational, and billing communications. Parents agree to respond promptly to RCA communications.

3. Media Permissions & Opt-Out

Photos, videos, or audio recordings may be captured during RCA activities.

  • Classroom & Enrolled Programs: For regular enrolled classroom programs (in-person and online), Parents grant RCA permission to use the student’s image, voice, name, and participation in promotional materials unless and until a written opt-out/exemption request is submitted to RCA.

  • Public Events: Tournaments, library meetings, and any other community events are public activities; media opt-outs are not available for public events. Attendance at public RCA events constitutes full permission for media capture and usage.

4. Marketing Communications & Opt-Out

By providing an email address during registration, Parents agree to receive communications regarding RCA programs, upcoming chess tournaments, and special events. Parents may opt out of receiving promotional emails at any time by clicking "Unsubscribe" in any email or contacting RCA in writing. Essential operational and billing notifications will still be sent.

5. Disruption of Operations (Force Majeure)

RCA follows facility or government closures due to events beyond reasonable control (acts of God, severe weather, facility issues). Tuition remains non-refundable for temporary closures, though prorated credits or refunds will be issued if a closure exceeds one month in duration.

6. Choice of Law & Venue

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Alabama. Montgomery County, Alabama, shall be the exclusive venue for resolving any legal disputes.

PART 2: PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS & PROGRAM POLICIES

SECTION A: Ongoing Monthly Chess Programs (In-Person & Online Classes)

  • A1 Payment Obligations & Due Dates for Monthly Payers:

    • Academic Year Program Schedule: Monthly enrollment reflects an ongoing program that runs for the full academic year (from enrollment month through May). Billing continues automatically monthly through May or until formal written cancellation is provided.

    • Billing Schedule & Draft Window: Monthly tuition automatically drafts on your designated recurring billing date (typically on or around the 20th of the month) for the upcoming billing cycle. (Note: Processing dates may vary slightly due to weekends, banking holidays, or automated retries; charges completed during this window are considered timely.)

    • A $15 late fee applies if tuition remains unpaid 5 calendar days past your monthly draft date.

    • Because class sizes are limited, roster spots cannot be held for accounts that remain unpaid 8 calendar days past the draft date.

    • Cancellation Policy & Renewal Grace Period: You may cancel your monthly subscription at any time. To avoid auto-renewal, written cancellation notice must be received by RCA at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled monthly draft date.

      • We know life gets busy! If you miss the cutoff and your card is charged, you may request a refund by notifying us within 48 hours of the charge. Approved renewal refunds are subject to a $5 processing fee to cover non-refundable bank and transaction costs. To keep our operations running smoothly, refund requests cannot be accepted after the 48-hour grace period.

  • A2 Payment Terms for Semester & Annual Upfront Plans

    • Lump-Sum Payment: Semester and annual plans are paid in full prior to the start of the designated academic term.

    • No Automatic Renewal: Semester and annual options do not automatically renew. A renewal notice will be sent before the next term begins so you can easily opt in and retain your student’s seat.

    • Refund Policy: Prepayments may be canceled at any time. Refunds will be issued for remaining full months, recalculating past months at the standard $65 rate and deducting credit card fees incurred.

    • Term Commitment: Tuition covers a reserved seat on the class roster for the full term. Unused classes due to student absence or mid-term withdrawal cannot be refunded or credited.

    • Securing Your Roster Spot: Payment guarantees your child's place in class for the specified term. Seats for subsequent terms are held once renewal payment is completed.

  • A3 General Tuition & Attendance Policies

    • Registration Fees: The one-time annual administrative registration fee is non-refundable upon payment and holds your student's placement in the academy.

    • Calendar & Holiday Schedule: Monthly tuition is averaged across the total academic year. To ensure continuous learning during scheduled and emergency school closures (e.g., Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Weather Closure), RCA provides pre-recorded video lessons and interactive chess exercises in lieu of in-person instruction.

    • Class Cancellations: If a class is canceled due to RCA’s fault, a prorated refund or class credit will be issued.

    • Extenuating Circumstances: While tuition and fees are generally non-refundable, we deeply value our chess families! If you encounter extraordinary circumstances or a major family emergency, please reach out to us directly so we can discuss options on a case-by-case basis.

    • Late Pick-Up Fees (In-Person Classes Only): A 15-minute grace period applies post-class. Pick-ups after 15 minutes incur a $15 fee plus $1 per additional minute late, due prior to the student returning to class.

SECTION B: Single Events & Fixed Programs (Tournaments, Camps, etc.)

Payment-in-Advance Requirement: Registration for non-recurring events requires 100% payment in full prior to the start of the service or event date. Unpaid registrations do not hold a spot or guarantee entry.

Public Event Media Policy: By registering for or attending a public RCA tournament or community event, Parents acknowledge that media opt-outs are not applicable and photos/videos may be taken and used by RCA for organizational or promotional purposes.

Questions Regarding Terms

If you have any questions regarding these Terms of Service prior to enrolling, please contact Rasberry Chess Academy at coach.rasberry@rasberrychess.com. Enrollment in any RCA program constitutes full acceptance of these terms as written.

Final Acknowledgment

By checking the "I AGREE" box during registration, Parents confirm they have read, understood, and accepted all terms and conditions of this Agreement. By completing registration, Parents confirm their agreement to these policies, and typing your name serves as your digital signature.