Terms & Conditions – Checkmat Waterford

1. General

These Terms & Conditions apply to all members, staff, visitors and guests of Checkmat Waterford. By registering, attending any session or using our facilities, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

2. Gym Membership

Membership is personal and non-transferable; Members under 18 years of age must have parental or legal guardian consent; We reserve the right to refuse, suspend or terminate any membership where these Terms & Conditions or our Code of Conduct are breached.

3. Gym Membership Payments

Membership fees are payable in advance by automatic card payment; A €5 late payment fee will apply to overdue payments overdue for more than 5 days; Memberships with payments outstanding for more than 15 days will be automatically cancelled and cancellation does not remove the member's obligation to pay any outstanding balance; If the member wishes to rejoin after cancellation, a €15 registration fee may apply.

4. Cancellation & Membership Freeze

Members must provide at least 15 days' notice before their next scheduled payment to cancel their membership; Cancellation requests must be made through the member's online account or in person at reception; A €15 joining fee will apply if the member rejoins after cancellation; Membership freezes are available only in the case of injury, for a minimum of one (1) month and a maximum of two (2) months. Freezes are not available for holidays, travel or other personal reasons; Memberships will be automatically reactivated at the end of the approved freeze period.

5. Health & Assumption of Risk

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, martial arts, strength training and fitness activities involve inherent risks of injury. By participating, members (or parents/legal guardians on behalf of minors): confirm they are physically fit to participate; acknowledge and accept the risks involved; voluntarily participate entirely at their own risk; understand that Checkmat Waterford cannot eliminate all risks associated with training. Members should consult a healthcare professional before beginning any exercise programme if they have any medical concerns. Members, or parents/legal guardians of minors, must promptly notify the Gym of any changes to their health or medical condition that may affect safe participation in training.

6. Code of Conduct & Dojo Etiquette

Checkmat Waterford is a family-friendly, professional academy focused on personal development, discipline, respect and teamwork. Every member is expected to contribute positively to our training environment. Abusive, threatening, discriminatory or disrespectful behaviour, bullying, harassment, damage to property, and attending under the influence or suspected influence of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or permanent removal from the academy.

Members must also:

  • Be punctual, arrive on time for all BJJ sessions;

  • if arriving late, wait outside the mat until invited to join by the instructor;

  • remain attentive during instruction and avoid unnecessary conversations;

  • never record videos or take photographs unless specifically authorised by the gym management;

  • treat training partners with respect at all times;

  • respect the facilities and all equipment;

  • Follow our rules and regulations.

Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in immediate removal from the session, suspension or permanent termination of membership without refund.

7. Hygiene & Uniform Policy

High standards of hygiene are mandatory. Members must: arrive clean and maintain good personal hygiene; keep fingernails and toenails short and clean; never train with contagious illnesses or skin infections; wear flip-flops or sandals whenever off the mats.

During Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Sessions, members must wear a clean white BJJ Gi with a rashguard underneath the Gi. Dirty, damaged, torn or bad-smelling uniforms will not be tolerated.

During No-Gi or MMA sessions, members must wear a rashguard and appropriate No-Gi shorts without zippers, pockets, or hard components that could damage the mats or cause injury to training partners.

During Strength & Conditioning Sessions, members must wear appropriate athletic clothing and footwear must be worn when using gym equipment.

To preserve our Team identity, members (particularly when representing our Team at competitions or tournaments) are expected to wear the official Checkmat Waterford Gi and No-Gi uniforms. Patches, logos or branding from other teams, academies or associations are not permitted on training and competition uniforms.

Please also refer to our separate Hygiene and Uniform Policies.

8. Image Rights

Only authorised persons may take photographs or record videos inside the academy. The academy may capture and use photos or videos taken during sessions or events for promotional and marketing purposes, including social media and other advertising platforms to promote the Team. By joining, members and, in the case of minors, their parents or legal guardians, provide consent to such use.

9. CCTV

CCTV operates throughout the academy for security and safety purposes in accordance with Irish data protection legislation.

10. Liability

While Checkmat Waterford takes reasonable steps to provide a safe training environment, participation in all activities is entirely voluntary. To the fullest extent permitted by Irish law, Checkmat Waterford accepts no liability for injury, loss or damage except where caused directly by our negligence.

11. Changes

We may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time. The latest version will always apply and members will be notified of any significant changes.

12. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Ireland and any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts.

13. Contact

CHECKMAT WATERFORD

Unit 2, Johnstown Business Park
Johnstown
Waterford City
Co. Waterford
X91 AFE4
Ireland