Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions

• NPL / We / Us / Our
  NPL Trade Co Pty Ltd and its associated NPL Group entities (including The Jar Pickleball Club Pty Ltd), collectively trading as National Pickleball League Australia ("NPL").
• Participant / You / Your
  Any individual who interacts with NPL in any capacity, including (without limitation): registering for, participating in, attending, volunteering at, or officiating at any NPL Event; holding an NPL membership or account; accessing or using any NPL digital channel, website, application, ranking platform, or booking system; purchasing NPL merchandise, services, or credits; following, subscribing to, or engaging with any NPL social media account or communication; or otherwise engaging with any NPL Group product, service, or communication. Where the Participant is a minor, references to 'you' and 'your' include the parent or legal guardian acting on their behalf.
• Event
  Any NPL-organised or sanctioned league, tournament, competition, program, clinic, social play session, or related activity.
• Venue
  Any facility — owned, leased, licensed, or partnered — used by NPL to host an Event.
• Member
  Any individual registered with NPL in any membership category, including (without limitation) paid, complimentary, insurance-based, or venue-linked membership.
• Membership
  An NPL-recognised association between an individual and NPL, issued in any category (including paid, complimentary, insurance, or venue-linked). Membership may carry defined entitlements, discounts, access rights, or insurance coverage as specified for that category.
• Registration
  The act of signing up to participate in an NPL Event or hold an NPL membership account.
• Booking
  A confirmed court reservation, program registration, or event entry made through NPL's platform.
• Fees
  All charges payable to NPL including membership fees, event registration fees, program fees, and merchandise prices.
• Code of Conduct
  NPL's Code of Conduct governing participant behaviour, available at www.nplpickleball.com.au.
• Venue Partner
  An independent, external venue operator that is not part of the NPL Group and that hosts NPL Events at its facilities under a separate agreement with NPL.
• Force Majeure Event
  Any event beyond NPL's reasonable control including natural disaster, pandemic, government direction, fire, flood, civil unrest, or any other cause outside NPL's control.
• Australian Consumer Law
  Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).
• Intellectual Property
  All NPL trademarks, logos, event names, content, scoring systems, formats, and associated rights.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By registering for, participating in, or attending any NPL Event, creating an NPL account, purchasing any NPL product or service, or accessing or using any NPL digital channel or platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms in their entirety.

If you are registering on behalf of a minor (under 18), you confirm you are the parent or legal guardian of that minor, and you accept these Terms on their behalf.

NPL reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. The current version is published at www.nplpickleball.com.au/terms. Continued use of NPL services after an amendment constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

3. Scope of These Terms

These Terms apply to all interactions with NPL including:

• Registration and participation in any NPL Event — leagues, tournaments, programs, and clinics
• Attendance as a spectator at any NPL Event
• Volunteering or officiating at any NPL Event
• Holding an NPL membership or account
• Purchasing NPL merchandise, credits, or services
• Accessing NPL digital platforms, websites, and applications
• Entry to any NPL-operated venue or any venue hosting an NPL Event

Where an NPL Event takes place at a Venue Partner's facilities, that Venue Partner's own conditions of entry may also apply. Events held at venues operated by NPL Group entities (including The Jar – South Melbourne and The Jar – Maidstone) are governed by these Terms in their entirety.

4. Membership Terms

4.1 Membership Categories & Entitlements

NPL offers membership categories as published on the NPL website from time to time — entitlements, pricing, and inclusions vary by category. NPL reserves the right to introduce new categories, modify entitlements, or discontinue categories with reasonable notice.

4.2 Eligibility

• Participants must be 18 years of age or older to register independently for an NPL membership.
• Junior memberships may be available for under-18 participants with parent or legal guardian consent.
• NPL reserves the right to decline any membership application at its absolute discretion.

4.3 Membership Duration & Auto-Renewal

• Subscription-based memberships are offered on a monthly or annual basis and auto-renew unless cancelled in accordance with Clause 4.5.
• Complimentary, insurance-based, and venue-linked memberships are not subscription-based and do not auto-renew.
• NPL will send a renewal reminder at least 7 days before the renewal date for subscription memberships.

4.4 Account Responsibility

• Memberships are personal and non-transferable.
• You are responsible for maintaining the accuracy of your registration details.
• You are responsible for keeping your account credentials secure.
• NPL is not liable for any loss arising from your failure to maintain secure account credentials.

4.5 Membership Cancellation by the Member

• Members may cancel at any time by providing written notice to info@nplpickleball.com.au.
• Monthly subscriptions: cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing month — no partial month refunds.
• Annual subscriptions: cancellation takes effect at the end of the current annual period — annual fees are not refunded.
• Any NPL credits held at the time of cancellation will be forfeited unless a cash-out is requested within 14 days.

4.6 Membership Suspension (Member-Initiated)

• Members may request suspension by written request to info@nplpickleball.com.au.
• Suspension requests are considered at NPL's discretion.
• Maximum 60 days in any 12-month period — no fee charged during approved suspension.

4.7 Membership Termination by NPL

• NPL may immediately suspend or terminate a membership for breach of these Terms, the Code of Conduct, or any applicable law.
• Where NPL terminates for breach, no refund is payable.
• Where NPL terminates for reasons not related to the Member's conduct, a pro-rata refund will be provided.

5. Fees, Payments & Price Changes

5.1 Fees & Pricing

All fees are published on the NPL website and platform in Australian dollars (AUD) inclusive of GST where applicable. NPL will provide a tax invoice upon request.

5.2 Payment

All fees must be paid at the time of registration or booking unless an instalment arrangement is expressly agreed in writing. All online payments are processed through NPL's third-party payment provider — NPL does not store full payment card details.

5.3 Failed Payments

Where a scheduled payment fails, NPL will notify the Member by email and provide a reasonable opportunity to update payment details before access is suspended. NPL is not responsible for any loss arising from suspension due to failed payment.

5.4 Price Changes

• NPL reserves the right to change fees at any time.
• Membership fee increases: minimum 30 days' written notice before taking effect.
• Event registration fees: locked at the published price once registration is confirmed.
• Program fees: changes take effect from the next cycle — existing enrolments are not affected mid-cycle.

5.5 GST & Tax Invoices

All prices include GST at the applicable rate unless otherwise stated. NPL will issue a tax invoice upon request — email info@nplpickleball.com.au.

6. Cancellations, Withdrawals & Refunds

NPL provides refunds where required by Australian Consumer Law and in the specific circumstances set out below. Outside those circumstances, fees are generally non-refundable.

6.1 Participant Withdrawal from an Event

Withdrawal requests must be submitted in writing to info@nplpickleball.com.au. Refund entitlement depends on timing relative to the Event date, as set out in event-specific registration terms.

6.2 Medical or Compassionate Circumstances

Where a participant is unable to attend due to documented medical emergency or serious compassionate circumstances, NPL may provide a full or partial refund, or credit toward a future Event. Requests must be submitted with supporting documentation within 14 days of the Event. NPL's decision is final.

6.3 NPL Cancellation or Postponement

• If NPL cancels an Event entirely: full refund within 10 business days.
• If NPL postpones: participants transferred to the new date — refund available within 7 days of announcement if unable to attend.
• If NPL materially modifies an Event: transfer or full refund offered.
• NPL is not liable for travel, accommodation, or other consequential costs.

6.4 Force Majeure

Where NPL is unable to deliver due to a Force Majeure Event, pre-paid fees will be held as credit. Cash refund may be requested within 30 days if a suitable rescheduled Event is not available.

6.5 Refund Processing

All approved refunds are returned to the original payment method in AUD. Credit/debit card refunds typically appear within 5–10 business days.

6.6 Removal for Conduct — No Refund

No refund is provided where a participant is removed for breach of these Terms or the Code of Conduct.

7. Conditions of Entry

7.1 General Entry

• All participants must present valid registration confirmation or membership credentials upon request.
• NPL reserves the right to refuse entry or remove any person for any reason, including intoxication, abusive behaviour, or non-compliance.
• All persons must comply with directions from NPL staff, officials, and event management.

7.2 Footwear & Equipment

• Non-marking court shoes must be worn on all pickleball courts.
• Damage caused by prohibited footwear will be charged to the participant.
• Approved pickleball equipment must be used — paddles must meet NPL competition specifications.

7.3 Prohibited Items

• Weapons of any kind
• Illicit drugs or prohibited substances
• Glass containers outside designated bar areas
• Alcohol brought from outside the venue
• Animals other than registered guide dogs or assistance animals
• Drones or UAVs, or unauthorised commercial recording equipment

7.4 Minors

No person under 10 may attend without continuous adult supervision. Alcohol must not be supplied to any person under 18.

7.5 Alcohol

Where alcohol is available, it is provided through a licensed venue and subject to applicable liquor licensing laws. Service may be refused to intoxicated or disruptive persons.

7.6 Conduct

• No offensive language, abusive behaviour, harassment, or threatening conduct.
• Participants are responsible for wilful or negligent damage.
• NPL is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.

7.7 CCTV & Photography

CCTV is in operation at all NPL-operated venues. Personal photography in spectator areas is permitted; commercial recording requires prior written consent. By attending, you consent to NPL's capture of your image for event coverage.

8. Assumption of Risk & Liability Waiver

8.1 Inherent Risks

Participation in pickleball and related sporting activities involves inherent risks including physical injury, equipment-related injury, and accidents at the venue.

8.2 Voluntary Assumption of Risk

By participating in any NPL Event, you voluntarily and knowingly assume all risks associated with that participation, to the maximum extent permitted by law.

8.3 Release of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, you release NPL, its officers, directors, employees, contractors, volunteers, and agents from any claim arising from your participation.

8.4 Medical Expenses

NPL does not provide personal accident or medical insurance for participants. You are solely responsible for obtaining adequate personal insurance.

8.5 Limitation of Liability

Where NPL's liability cannot be excluded, NPL's total aggregate liability is limited to the amount paid by you in the 12 months preceding the event giving rise to the claim, or $100, whichever is greater.

8.6 Australian Consumer Law

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any right or remedy you may have under the Australian Consumer Law.

9. Code of Conduct & Disciplinary Process

All participants must comply with NPL's Code of Conduct at all NPL Events and in any off-field context connected to an NPL Event.

9.1 Disciplinary Process

• Alleged breaches will be investigated by NPL management or the relevant Event Director.
• The respondent will be given an opportunity to respond before a decision is made, except where immediate action is required for safety.
• NPL may issue warnings, suspend from Events, or permanently exclude participants.
• Serious misconduct including violence or criminal behaviour will be referred to Victoria Police.

9.2 Rankings & Selection

NPL rankings are calculated in accordance with the published methodology. Selection for representative Events is determined at NPL's discretion. Disputes may be raised through the NPL Complaint Handling Policy — NPL's decisions are final.

10. Regulatory Compliance

10.1 Anti-Doping

Participants in sanctioned competition are subject to applicable anti-doping rules consistent with the World Anti-Doping Code. NPL reserves the right to require testing and refer suspected cases to Sport Integrity Australia.

10.2 Child Safety

NPL is committed to the safety of all children and young people. All activities involving minors are governed by NPL's Child Safe Policy. Any concerns must be reported immediately to NPL management.

10.3 Equal Opportunity

NPL does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other protected attribute. NPL complies with the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) and the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth).

11. Dispute Resolution

NPL is committed to resolving disputes fairly, efficiently, and with as little formality as possible:

• Step 1 — Direct negotiation: Contact NPL by email. NPL will acknowledge within 5 business days and attempt to resolve within 14 business days.
• Step 2 — Internal escalation: Request escalation to the NPL CEO. The CEO or delegate will review and respond within 14 business days.
• Step 3 — Mediation: Either party may refer to a mutually agreed mediator. Costs shared equally unless otherwise agreed.
• Step 4 — Formal proceedings: If mediation fails, either party may pursue legal remedies.

Nothing in this clause prevents either party from seeking urgent injunctive or interim relief at any time.

12. Intellectual Property

All NPL trademarks, logos, event names, branding, website content, competition formats, scoring systems, and broadcast content are the exclusive intellectual property of NPL or its licensors. No licence is granted to reproduce, adapt, or commercially exploit any NPL intellectual property without express written consent.

13. Media Release

By registering for or participating in any NPL Event, you grant NPL an irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free licence to capture, use, publish, and distribute photographs, video footage, live streams, and other audiovisual content of your participation for any NPL purpose, without time limitation.

14. Privacy

NPL collects and handles personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles. NPL will not sell your personal information. You may request access to or correction of your information at any time. NPL's full Privacy Policy is available at thejarpickleballclub.com.au/privacy-policy.

15. Merchandise & Online Purchases

• Faulty or misdescribed items will be refunded or replaced in accordance with Australian Consumer Law — contact us within 30 days of receipt.
• Change-of-mind returns accepted within 14 days for unused items in original packaging — return postage at the customer's expense.
• NPL is not responsible for delivery delays caused by third-party logistics providers.
• International orders may be subject to customs duties payable by the recipient.

16. Website & Digital Platforms

16.1 Platform Availability

NPL Digital Channels are provided on an 'as is' basis. NPL does not warrant uninterrupted or error-free availability and reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any platform at any time.

16.2 User Conduct

You must not post content that is defamatory, offensive, harassing, misleading, or that infringes any person's rights. NPL may remove content and restrict or terminate access.

16.3 Social Media

When engaging with NPL social media channels, you are also subject to the relevant platform's terms of service.

16.4 External Links

Links to third-party websites are for convenience only. NPL does not endorse or accept responsibility for external content.

16.5 Communications

By creating an account, you consent to operational communications. You may opt out of marketing at any time via the unsubscribe link or by contacting us.

16.6 Privacy

Personal information collected through digital channels is handled in accordance with NPL's Privacy Policy.

17. Governing Law, Jurisdiction & Severability

• These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia.
• You submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria and the Federal Court of Australia.
• If any provision is found to be invalid, it will be severed — the remaining provisions continue in full force.
• NPL's failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver.

18. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the NPL Code of Conduct, NPL Privacy Policy, and any event-specific rules, constitute the entire agreement between you and NPL with respect to your participation in NPL activities and use of NPL services.

19. Contact Details