HRCA Membership Terms and Conditions
Effective 1/1/2025
By becoming a member of HRCA, you acknowledge and agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions. Your membership is contingent upon your acceptance of and compliance with these terms. These policies and guidelines are in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all members, promote good sportsmanship and positive relationships with our community, and ensure that we are good stewards of the facilities and equipment we own, lease, and operate.
Hampton Roads Chess Association (“HRCA”) membership (“Membership”) is available to chess players, family members, staff members, volunteers, and those with an affinity for chess, subject to these HRCA Membership Terms and Conditions (these “Terms and Conditions”) and other applicable HRCA policies and procedures. HRCA requires that all HRCA members (each, a “Member” and collectively, the “Members”), pay an annual Membership fee and complete a Member Application. Each Member also must adhere to these Terms and Conditions, HRCA’s Code of Conduct, General Liability Waiver and Release, US Chess Federation Safe Play Policy, the Rules of Chess, and the US Chess Code of Ethics (collectively the “HRCA Rules”).
During the Membership application and renewal process, all those applying for initial Membership or renewal of Membership (each, an “Applicant” and collectively, the “Applicants”) are required to attest that they have read, understand, and agree to adhere to the HRCA Terms and Conditions. Failing to adhere to these Terms and Conditions, as determined in the sole discretion of HRCA, will result in disciplinary action, which may include, but shall not be limited to, suspension or revocation of Membership. These Membership Terms and Conditions and Policies are subject to change solely at the discretion of HRCA. HRCA reserves the right to update, amend, or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time, without prior notice. Continued participation in our programs or use of our facilities after such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised terms. It is your responsibility to regularly review the Terms and Conditions to stay informed of any changes.
Membership Fees and Expiration
HRCA has two membership levels. HRCA Basic Membership is valid through August 31 of each year, which is the end of the HRCA fiscal year. HRCA Regular Membership is valid for one calendar year. Each Membership shall expire upon the conclusion of the membership term. Upon the expiration of a Member’s term, such Member shall submit a new Membership application to be considered for renewal of such Membership.
All Members, regardless of the type of Membership, must pay and remain current with their HRCA membership dues in such amounts as are set forth in, or established in accordance with, the HRCA Bylaws. Currently, Basic Membership is $10 and Regular Membership is $25. There are no pro-rations or refunds of Membership Fees. Membership Fees may be paid through online registration, invoice, or onsite payment.
Membership Renewals
HRCA is under no obligation to extend or renew a Member’s Membership at the expiration of a term. HRCA expressly reserves the right, within its sole discretion, to re-admit or to decline to admit a Member following the expiration of a Membership term or to establish additional conditions for admission. No Member shall have any right or expectation of continued Membership following the expiration of a Membership term. HRCA Membership renewal notifications will be sent via email. Members should complete a new application to ensure current information is on file, and submit payment. Membership date is valid when both are completed.
Resignation Of Membership
A Member may resign from Membership at any time. A resigning Member is not relieved from any obligation for charges incurred, services or benefits actually rendered, dues, assessments or fees arising from contract or otherwise, and this provision shall not diminish any right of HRCA to enforce any such obligation or obtain damages for the Member’s breach.
Suspension Or Termination Of Membership
Members of HRCA and Applicants agree, as a condition of Membership, that their Membership may be suspended or terminated by HRCA for good cause, as determined by HRCA in its sole, good-faith discretion and subject to the policies and procedures set forth in the HRCA Code of Conduct and Safe Play Policy. Good cause includes, but is not limited to: (1) any failure by the Member to comply with one or more HRCA Rules, (2) any failure to pay dues, (3) decisions arising from the US Chess complaint or SafePlay process, or (4) any other reason that HRCA, within its sole discretion, determines is in the best interests of the organization.
Executive Board And Board Of Delegates Decisions
Except as otherwise provided in the HRCA Bylaws, all HRCA Executive Staff and/or HRCA Board of Directors decisions that relate to or affect Membership status, rights, or duties are final and binding.
These Membership Terms and Conditions and all other HRCA Rules shall be governed, construed, and enforced by and in accordance with the laws of the State of Virginia without regard to its conflict of law principles.