Why We Updated Our Terms — And What It Means for Your Family

Why We Updated Our Terms — And What It Means for Your Family

At NJCC, we take your child's goals as seriously as they do — so please take your time reviewing these updates.

We've made some important additions to our Terms of Service. Nothing changes the way we operate day-to-day, but these updates help us keep things fair, transparent, and safe for every family who walks through our doors (or logs into our platform).

Here's what's new and why it matters.

1. Clearer Communication Expectations

You'll now see a dedicated section outlining how we communicate with you — via email, text, and in-app notifications. We've added opt-out options and clarified how to update your preferences.

Why: So you're never caught off guard by a message, and you always know how to reach us.

2. Photography & Media Consent

We've formalized how photos and video taken at NJCC events may be used — for promotional materials, social media, and internal training. You'll have the option to grant or withhold consent during registration.

Why: Your child's privacy matters. We want you to make an informed choice, not guess.

3. Code of Conduct for Parents & Guardians

This is a big one. We've added a parent/guardian code of conduct that outlines respectful behavior toward staff, coaches, officials, and other families. Violations may result in limited access to events or facilities.

Why: We've seen too many good days derailed by a single outburst. This protects our staff and ensures every kid gets the experience they deserve.

4. Updated Payment & Refund Terms

We've clarified refund windows, late cancellation fees, and how credits are applied. No surprises — just a straightforward breakdown of what happens when plans change.

Why: Life happens. We want you to know exactly where you stand.

5. Dispute Resolution

A new section outlines a step-by-step process for resolving concerns — starting with an informal conversation, then mediation, and finally arbitration if needed.

Why: Most issues are solved with a quick chat. This gives everyone a clear path forward before things escalate.

What You Need to Do

If you're a new family: you'll see the updated terms during registration. Please take your time reading through them.

If you're a returning family: you'll be prompted to review and accept the addendum before your next event sign-up.

The details you share — and the agreements you make — help us place your child in the right section, pair them with the right opponents, and give them the experience they deserve.

A thoughtful registration means a better experience from day one, and we're here if you have any questions.

Have questions about the updated terms? Reply to this email or reach out to our support team at info@njchess.club — we're happy to walk you through it.

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NEW JERSEY CHESS CLUB (NJCC)

TERMS OF SERVICE

Effective: June 4, 2026

1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By registering for, attending, or participating in any NJCC tournament, class,

event, or program (collectively "Events"), you ("Participant" or "Parent/

Guardian") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do

not agree, do not register or attend.

NJCC reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. Continued

participation after changes constitutes acceptance.

2. ELIGIBILITY & REGISTRATION

2.1. All participants must hold a current, up-to-date USCF membership.

2.2. Minimum USCF rating of 1600 (monthly published or live rating) is

     required for tournament play unless otherwise stated.

2.3. Registration is complete only upon full payment.

2.4. Participants must provide accurate information at registration.

     Falsification may result in immediate disqualification without refund.

3. PAYMENT, REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS

3.1. ALL SALES ARE FINAL upon payment.

3.2. Tournament cancellations: Full refund if cancelled by email to

‍     ‍info@njchess.club 36 hours before tournament day. Cancellations after

     this deadline are NON-REFUNDABLE.

3.3. Class cancellations: Refunds available only up to 1 day before the

     first day of class. No refunds after classes begin. Any cancellation is subject to a $15 processing fee.

3.4. No per diem or partial refund options are available.

3.5. Prices are fixed at the time of registration or stated online.

4. LATENESS & FEES

4.1. ABSOLUTELY NO LATENESS PERMITTED.

4.2. Players arriving late to any round: A $5 late fee will be invoiced

     and must be paid before the next round or event.

4.3. Parents/guardians picking up children late: A $20 babysitting fee

     will be invoiced for each 10-minute increment or portion thereof.

4.4. Repeated lateness may result in suspension from future events or academy.

5. WITHDRAWAL PENALTIES

5.1. Any player withdrawing from more than 3 tournaments within any

     rolling 6-month period will be subject to penalties, including but

     not limited to: loss of registration privileges, suspension, or

     additional fees.

5.2. If you sign up, we expect you to show up. Chronic no-shows or

     late withdrawals may result in a registration hold.

6. CONDUCT & BEHAVIOR

6.1. All participants must respect instructors, Tournament Directors

     (TDs), staff, opponents, and fellow participants at all times.

6.2. No bullying, harassment, disruption, cheating, or inappropriate

     language or behavior will be tolerated.

6.3. Parents and guardians must behave professionally and respectfully.

     Disruptive or abusive behavior toward staff, TDs, or other parents

     may result in the immediate dismissal of the associated child from

     the program without refund.

6.4. NJCC reserves the right to remove any participant or guest from

     the premises for any violation of these Terms, at its sole

     discretion, without refund.

7. ATTENDANCE & ABSENTEE POLICY (CLASSES)

7.1. Students must arrive by 9:50 AM for morning sessions. Late arrivals

     disrupt class and may not be admitted.

7.2. If a child cannot attend due to illness, parents may request:

     (a) A virtual Zoom lesson, or

     (b) A make-up session in the missed class area only. Limited to 1 session only.

7.3. Notice of absence must be given at least 48 hours before class.

     Absences reported less than 48 hours in advance may not qualify for

     make-up options.

7.4. Make-up sessions are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.

8. WHAT TO BRING & FACILITY RULES

8.1. Participants of tournaments must bring their own chess clock (Junior Program = Clocks Provided). NJCC provides

     scoresheets, sets, and pencils, but supplies may run low.

     Bringing your own set, scorebook, and pencils is recommended.

8.2. Participants may bring their own food and drinks.

8.3. Parents/guardians may wait in the designated waiting room. Please

     keep the area clean and tidy.

8.4. After completing all games, participants must:

     (a) Confirm results are recorded on the results sheet,

     (b) Dispose of all garbage,

     (c) Check out with the TD before leaving.

8.5. Upon arrival on the second floor, check in with the TD at the

     designated table in the hallway. If no TD is present, proceed to

     the waiting room.

9. PRIZES & PAYOUTS

9.1. Prizes are determined per the official 7th Edition USCF Rulebook.

9.2. The Friday following the tournament, NJCC will email all players a

     link to the tournament article, which contains a link to the

     results sheet.

9.3. Winners are marked in red with a dollar amount.

9.4. Payment is issued by Friday per the selection made at registration.

     For alternate payment methods (Venmo, Zelle, Cash.), reply promptly

     to the payout email.

9.5. Failure to respond to payout communications within 30 days may

     result in forfeiture of prize.

10. FREE ENTRY REPORT CONTEST

10.1. Participants may submit a match analysis and game for a chance at

      a FREE ENTRY to their next tournament.

10.2. Details are available under "Tournaments / FREE ENTRY REPORT

      CONTEST" on the NJCC website.

10.3. Submissions are judged at NJCC's sole discretion.

11. LIABILITY & RELEASE

11.1. Participation in NJCC Events involves inherent risks, including

      but not limited to physical injury, property damage, or loss.

11.2. By registering and participating, Participant and Parent/Guardian

      voluntarily assume all risks and release NJCC, its owners,

      employees, volunteers, contractors, and affiliates from any and all claims,

      liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from participation.

11.3. NJCC is not liable for injuries, accidents, lost or stolen

      property, or any other damages occurring during or related to

      any Event.

11.4. Parent/Guardian acknowledges that booking constitutes

      acknowledgment of program risks.

12. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

12.1. NJCC may photograph, record, or livestream Events for promotional,

      educational, or archival purposes.

12.2. By participating, you grant NJCC a perpetual, royalty-free,

      worldwide license to use your likeness, image, and game moves

      in any media without compensation.

12.3. To opt out, submit written notice to info@njchess.club prior to

      the Event.

13. MODIFICATION & TERMINATION

13.1. NJCC reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel any Event

      at any time, for any reason, without prior notice.

13.2. In the event of cancellation by NJCC, registrants will receive a

      full refund. NJCC's liability is limited to the registration fee

      paid.

14. GOVERNING LAW & DISPUTES

14.1. These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey.

14.2. Any disputes arising from these Terms or participation in NJCC

      Events shall be resolved exclusively in the Superior Court of Morris County, New Jersey.

14.3. Participant and Parent/Guardian consent to personal jurisdiction

      in said courts.

15. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions, cancellations, or concerns:

    Email: info@njchess.club

    Website: www.njchess.club

16. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ALL OF THE ABOVE TERMS

OF SERVICE. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ALL SALES ARE FINAL AND THAT PARTICIPATION

INVOLVES INHERENT RISKS.