Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to the WILCO CHESS CLUB website. By accessing or using our website and services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services.

These Terms apply to all users of the website, including members, visitors, coaches, and administrators.

2. Description of Services

WILCO CHESS CLUB provides a website and related services that allow users to:

• Register for club membership
• Browse and check out chess books from our library
• Register for chess events and tournaments
• Find and book sessions with chess coaches
• View club news, announcements, and member directory
• Access chess resources and educational content

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Registration

To access certain features, you must create an account by providing accurate and complete information. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

3.2 Account Requirements

• You must be at least 13 years old to create an account (minors require parental consent)
• You must provide accurate, current, and complete information
• You must not impersonate another person or entity
• You must not create multiple accounts for the same person
• You must maintain the security of your password and account

3.3 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms or engage in conduct that we deem harmful to the club, other members, or our services.

4. Membership

4.1 Membership Types

We offer various membership levels including Standard, Patron (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), Affiliate, and Sponsor memberships. Each level provides different benefits and privileges.

4.2 Membership Fees

Membership fees, if applicable, are outlined on our website and must be paid according to the selected membership tier. Fees are non-refundable except as required by law.

4.3 Membership Renewal

Memberships are valid for the period specified at the time of purchase. You are responsible for renewing your membership to maintain access to member benefits.

5. Library Services

5.1 Book Checkout

Club members may check out books from our library subject to availability and checkout limits. Books must be returned by the due date to avoid late fees.

5.2 Late Fees and Lost Books

• Late fees may apply for overdue books as specified in our library policies
• Members are responsible for lost or damaged books and may be charged replacement costs
• Repeated violations may result in suspension of library privileges

5.3 Book Condition

You agree to return books in the same condition as when checked out, with reasonable wear and tear expected.

6. Coaching Services

6.1 Coach Registration

Individuals wishing to offer coaching services through our platform must:

• Submit an application for approval by club administrators
• Provide valid SafeSport training certification
• Maintain accurate profile information including rates and availability
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

6.2 Coach-Student Relationship

• The club facilitates connections between coaches and students but is not a party to coaching agreements
• Coaches and students are responsible for negotiating and fulfilling their own coaching arrangements
• Payment terms, scheduling, and session details are between coaches and students
• The club is not responsible for disputes between coaches and students

6.3 SafeSport Requirements

All coaches must maintain current SafeSport certification. The club reserves the right to remove coaches who fail to maintain valid certifications or who violate SafeSport policies.

7. Events and Tournaments

7.1 Event Registration

Members may register for club events and tournaments through our website. Registration may be subject to capacity limits and eligibility requirements.

7.2 Event Conduct

Participants must adhere to the rules and conduct standards of each event, including:

• USCF rules for rated tournaments
• Club-specific rules for casual events
• Respectful behavior toward other participants, organizers, and venue staff
• Adherence to venue policies and local laws

7.3 Event Cancellations

The club reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify events due to insufficient registration, venue issues, weather, or other circumstances. Registered participants will be notified of changes.

8. User Conduct

8.1 Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

• Harass, threaten, or harm other users
• Post false, misleading, or defamatory content
• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Infringe on intellectual property rights
• Distribute spam, malware, or viruses
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) without permission
• Interfere with the proper functioning of our services

8.2 Content Guidelines

User-generated content (profiles, reviews, comments) must be appropriate, respectful, and comply with these Terms. We reserve the right to remove content that violates our guidelines.

9. Intellectual Property

9.1 Club Content

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of WILCO CHESS CLUB or its licensors and is protected by copyright and trademark laws.

9.2 User Content

By submitting content to our website (profile information, reviews, photos), you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, display, and distribute that content in connection with our services.

9.3 ASCENDCHESS Trademark

ASCENDCHESS is a trademark of WILCO CHESS CLUB. Unauthorized use of this mark is prohibited.

10. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

10.1 Service "As Is"

Our services are provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

10.2 Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, WILCO CHESS CLUB shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, or any loss of data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses.

10.3 Third-Party Services

We integrate with third-party services (Chess.com, Lichess, Google Calendar, etc.). We are not responsible for the availability, accuracy, or content of these third-party services.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless WILCO CHESS CLUB, its officers, directors, members, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to:

• Your use of our services
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another party
• Your conduct in connection with club activities

12. Privacy

Your use of our services is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

13. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of significant changes by posting a notice on our website or sending an email. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the modified Terms.

14. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access to our services immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including if you breach these Terms. Upon termination, your right to use our services will immediately cease.

15. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

15.1 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

15.2 Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising out of or related to these Terms or our services shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Wilson County, Tennessee, except that either party may seek injunctive relief in court for intellectual property or confidentiality violations.

15.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree that any dispute resolution proceedings will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and WILCO CHESS CLUB regarding the use of our services and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

18. Contact Information

If you have questions or concerns about these Terms, please contact us: