Membership Policy

Welcome to IronForge Fitness. This membership policy ("Policy") outlines the terms and conditions governing your membership with IronForge Fitness, LLC ("IronForge," "we," "us," or "our"). By signing up for a membership, whether online or in person, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Policy and all associated terms.

1.1 Eligibility

• You must be at least 16 years old to become a member. Members aged 16–17 require a signed parental/guardian consent form and a co-signing adult member.
• You must provide valid government-issued identification during registration.
• Members must be in a condition that does not pose a health or safety risk to themselves or others.
• Members must have a valid payment method on file at all times.

1.2 Agreement Formation

A binding membership agreement is formed when you submit your membership application and provide valid payment information. Electronic signatures are considered legally binding under applicable e-signature laws.

1.3 Membership Card & Access

• Each member receives a unique access credential (key fob, barcode, or digital membership card).
• Access credentials are non-transferable and for personal use only.
• Members are responsible for keeping their access credentials secure and must report any lost or stolen credentials immediately.
• A replacement fee of $15 applies to lost or stolen credentials.
• Members under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult member at all times.

IronForge offers three primary membership tiers, each providing different levels of access and benefits. All memberships are subject to availability.

2.1 Additional Memberships

• Student Membership: 20% discount on any plan with valid student ID. Must renew annually with proof of enrollment.
• Senior Membership (65+): 15% discount on any plan with valid ID.
• Corporate Membership: Volume pricing available for organizations enrolling 10+ employees. Contact our sales team for details.
• Day Pass: $25 per day for non-members. Must be purchased at front desk with valid ID.

3.1 Billing Cycle

Membership dues are billed on a monthly recurring basis, charged on the same calendar date each month as your original enrollment date. The enrollment fee is a one-time, non-refundable charge billed at the time of registration.

3.2 Accepted Payment Methods

• Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit/debit cards
• ACH bank transfer (US bank accounts only)
• PayPal (for monthly billing only)
• Cash payments accepted at front desk for members with cash-payment arrangements

3.3 Late Payments

If a payment fails or is returned, a $25 late fee will be charged. If payment is not successfully processed within 10 days of the billing date, your membership will be placed on hold. Continued non-payment for 30 days may result in membership termination.

3.4 Price Changes

IronForge reserves the right to adjust membership pricing with 60 days' written notice. If you do not agree to the new pricing, you may cancel your membership without penalty during the notice period. Existing members will not be charged retroactively.

3.5 Automatic Renewal

All memberships auto-renew at the end of each billing period unless cancelled per the cancellation policy below. No minimum commitment period is required for standard memberships.

4.1 Cancellation Process

Members may cancel their membership at any time. To cancel, you must:

1. Submit a written cancellation request via the member portal, email (memberships@ironforge.fit), or in person at the front desk.
2. Provide at least 30 days' notice prior to your desired cancellation date.
3. Settle all outstanding balances before cancellation is processed.
4. Return your access credential (key fob/membership card).

4.2 Refund Policy

• The enrollment fee is non-refundable under all circumstances.
• Monthly dues are charged in advance. No partial refunds are given for mid-month cancellations.

If IronForge closes the facility permanently, a prorated refund will be issued for the remaining balance of your current billing period.

4.3 Membership Freeze (Sabbatical)

Members may temporarily freeze their membership for up to 3 consecutive months per calendar year. To request a freeze:

• Submit a freeze request at least 7 days before the desired freeze start date.
• A valid reason is required (medical, military deployment, extended travel, or relocation outside service area).
• A $10/month freeze fee applies during the freeze period.
• Medical freezes require a physician's note and may extend up to 6 months.

4.4 Early Termination

IronForge may terminate a membership immediately (without notice) if a member:

• Violates the Code of Conduct (Section 5)
• Provides fraudulent information during registration
• Uses the facilities for illegal activities
• Fails to pay dues for 30+ days after final notice
• Poses a significant health or safety threat to others

In cases of termination by IronForge, no refunds will be issued for the current billing period.

All members, guests, and visitors must adhere to the following code of conduct. Violations may result in a written warning, temporary suspension, or permanent termination of membership.

5.1 Respect & Behavior

• Treat all staff, members, and guests with respect and courtesy.
• Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or abusive language will not be tolerated.
• No photography or video recording of other members without explicit consent.
• Soliciting, selling, or distributing unauthorized materials on premises is prohibited.

5.2 Equipment & Facilities

• Always re-rack weights and return equipment to its designated location after use.
• Wipe down equipment and benches after each use with provided sanitizing wipes.
• Do not modify, disassemble, or misuse any equipment.
• Report any equipment damage or malfunction to staff immediately.
• Members are financially responsible for damages caused by their misuse of equipment ($25–$500 depending on severity).

5.3 Dress Code

• Proper athletic footwear (closed-toe, non-marking soles) is required at all times.
• Street shoes and jeans are not permitted on the gym floor.
• Appropriate athletic attire is required. Clothing with offensive language or imagery will not be permitted.

5.4 Prohibited Activities

• No alcohol, illegal substances, or unauthorized supplements in the facility.
• No weapons of any kind permitted.
• No pets (service animals are exempt per ADA regulations).
• No food in training areas (designated eating area only).
• No smoking or vaping anywhere on the premises, including outdoor areas within 25 feet of building.

6.1 Health Screening

All members must complete a PAR-Q+ health screening and sign a waiver of liability before using facilities. Members with pre-existing medical conditions should consult a physician before beginning any exercise program and disclose relevant information to their personal trainer.

6.2 First Aid & Emergencies

• Certified first-aid personnel are on-site during staffed hours.
• An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is available on the main floor near the front desk.
• In case of medical emergency, alert staff immediately or call 911.
• Members are responsible for their own first-aid supplies (e.g., personal medications, inhalers).

6.3 Sanitation

• If you are feeling ill (fever, vomiting, active infection, contagious illness), please stay home.
• Showers and locker rooms must be used for their intended purpose only.
• Do not share personal items such as towels, water bottles, or equipment.
• Report any hygiene or cleanliness concerns to staff promptly.

6.4 Pool & Spa Safety

• Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult in the pool area.
• No diving in any pool or spa area.
• Shower before entering any pool or spa.
• Pool and spa rules are posted in the respective areas and must be followed.

7.1 Guest Passes

Members with Pro Athlete and Elite plans receive guest passes as outlined in Section 2. Each guest pass is valid for one full day of gym access for one person.

7.2 Guest Requirements

• Guests must be at least 18 years old (or 16 with a parent/guardian present).
• Guests must present valid government-issued ID at check-in.
• Guests must sign a liability waiver before entering the facility.
• The hosting member must be present at all times with their guest.
• Guests are subject to all rules and policies outlined in this document.

7.3 Guest Restrictions

• Guests may not access personal training sessions, group classes, or recovery suite unless specifically authorized.
• Guest passes cannot be stacked or saved for future use.
• Guests who violate facility rules will result in suspension of the hosting member's guest privileges.
• Recurring guest visits may require the guest to enroll in their own membership.

8.1 Waiver of Liability

By becoming a member of IronForge Fitness, you hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue IronForge Fitness, LLC, its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, successors, and assigns (collectively, the "Released Parties") from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by you, or any property belonging to you, while participating in activities at our facility.

8.2 Limitation of Liability

IronForge's total liability to any member under this Policy shall not exceed the amount of membership fees paid by the member during the three (3) months preceding the incident giving rise to the claim. In no event shall IronForge be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages.

8.3 Personal Property

Members are solely responsible for their personal belongings. Lockers are provided for convenience during a workout session but are not a safe and should not be used to store valuables. IronForge is not responsible for loss or theft of personal property, whether in locker rooms, training areas, or any other part of the facility.

8.4 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless IronForge and its Released Parties from any claims, losses, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from your use of the facilities, violation of this Policy, or negligence.

9.1 Information Collection

We collect and process the following personal data:

• Identity data: Name, date of birth, government ID, photograph
• Contact data: Email, phone number, mailing address
• Financial data: Payment method details (processed securely via encrypted payment processors)
• Health data: PAR-Q+ results, medical disclosures (handled with enhanced protections)
• Usage data: Check-in history, class attendance, equipment usage patterns

9.2 Data Usage

Your personal data is used solely for:

• Processing and managing your membership
• Providing and improving our services
• Sending operational communications and safety notices
• Marketing communications (you may opt out at any time)
• Compliance with legal obligations

9.3 Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your data with:

• Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal) for billing
• Our gym management software provider for membership administration
• Emergency services in case of medical emergencies
• Law enforcement if required by law or court order

9.4 Your Rights

You have the right to access, correct, delete, or export your personal data at any time by contacting privacy@ironforge.fit. We will respond to data requests within 30 days. You may also opt out of marketing communications at any time through the member portal or by contacting our support team.

9.5 Data Retention

Personal data is retained for the duration of your membership plus 7 years for tax and legal compliance purposes. Upon membership cancellation, you may request immediate deletion of non-essential data.

10.1 Governing Law

This Membership Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

10.2 Dispute Resolution Process

1. Step 1 — Direct Communication: Contact our Member Relations team at memberships@ironforge.fit or call (555) 123-4567 to discuss your concern. We will attempt to resolve the issue within 10 business days.
2. Step 2 — Mediation: If the issue remains unresolved, both parties agree to participate in good-faith mediation with a neutral third-party mediator.
3. Step 3 — Binding Arbitration: If mediation fails, any remaining disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration in New York County, NY, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

10.3 Class Action Waiver

By becoming a member, you agree that any disputes must be resolved on an individual basis and not as part of a class action or representative proceeding. You may not join or participate in any class action lawsuit against IronForge.

10.4 Severability

If any provision of this Policy is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

10.5 Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this Membership Policy, please contact us:

• Email: memberships@ironforge.fit
• Phone: (555) 123-4567
• Address: IronForge Fitness, LLC — 123 Forge Avenue, New York, NY 10001
• Privacy Officer: privacy@ironforge.fit