Policies

PAYMENT INFORMATION:

• Tuition payment is due at the time of enrollment.  Participants will not be added to a class and/or cannot begin instruction until tuition is paid in full. Note: trial classes are excluded from this rule.
• We require that a credit or debit card be on kept on file. Fees will be automatically charged on the first day of each month for that month’s enrollment.  It is the responsibility of the card holder to ensure that any credit cards or debit cards do not expire and, if so, are timely replaced.
• Charges will be prorated based on their start date. Should Participant’s class fall on a holiday, we prorate tuition accordingly.
• We will provide no less than 30 days’ notice of any rate changes.
• If Blue Gems is unable to process a monthly payment and payment is not provided within five (5) days of the due date, the participant will not be allowed to participate in lessons until payment is made in full. 
• Due to operational costs no refunds, credits or transfers will be issued.
• ONLY FOR SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING PROGRAM – All official USA Synchronized Swimming (Artistic Swimming) clubs are part of USA Artistic Swimming and it is required for all athletes to be USA Artistic Swimming members. This is a one time per season $54 fee (lasts until September through August) Athlete membership fee. This membership fee is due before the participants second lesson and cannot be pro-rated. If the participant would like to compete in competitions, they may upgrade to a “Competitive Athlete” membership for an additional $50/season.

WITHDRAWAL/TERMINATION

• You are committed to lessons on a continuous monthly basis until you formally submit a completed “withdrawal request form” no less than 30 days before your last lesson.  Said “withdrawal request form” will be available for completion on line through your Account Portal or in person at our front desk.
• Verbal notice and/or hand written letters or emails will not be accepted as a form a cancelation and shall not act as notice of termination.

“MAKE-UP” LESSONS

• We allow up to 16 “make-up” lessons per calendar year. To request a “make-up” lesson, you must first notify us with prior day notice before your originally scheduled lesson.  This can be done through either your Account Portal or in-person at our front desk.
• Out of the 16 total absences per student, we allow 8 “same day absences” per year which are still eligible for a makeup class (i.e. child wakes up sick, car trouble, etc.).
• “Make-up” lessons can be booked up to one week in advance for available openings on a first-come, first-serve basis and must be used within 60 days of receiving the make-up voucher. “Make-up” lessons can only be used while the Participant is actively enrolled at Blue Gems and cannot be used in lieu of lessons or replacement for future classes.  In addition, missed and re-scheduled make-up lessons will count towards total absences. Make-up lessons have no cash value and are non-transferable.  Note: Any missed Accelerator Camp classes are not eligible for “make-up” lesson vouchers and do not count toward a swimmer’s missed lesson count.
• The 16 “make-up” lessons will reset annually on the anniversary of your initial enrollment.  There are NO carry over “make-up” lessons year to year. 

LESSONS

• If the Participant has a fever or contagious disease, they are not allowed to participate until said illness is resolved.  They may only return after they are no longer sick and able to transmit their illness to others. 
• Any Participant under the age of 3, or those who are not potty trained, are required to wear two types of swim diapers. One disposable swim diaper and one reusable swim diaper on top.  Note: wearing 2 disposable swimming diapers is not allowed. Diapers may be purchased at our front desk.
• No running deck or rough play allowed on the premises.  Please be respectful to other Participants, instructors and staff members. Disrespectful behavior may result in termination of enrollment.
• If a group class has only one or two Participants enrolled in it, Blue Gems reserves the right to consolidate or cancel that class.  If a class is cancelled Blue Gems will make every effort to notify Participants as soon as possible.  Blue Gems reserves the right to use a substitute teacher for lessons as needed.
• Participant acknowledges and agrees that Blue Gems may take photographs and videos of Participant, the undersigned and any other persons associated with Participant who enter upon Blue Gems’ property. Participant and the undersigned agree that Blue Gems may use such photographs and video for purposes of marketing Blue Gems’ business. Use of such photographs and videos may include the name, image, likeness and voice, in any and all forms of media, of Participant, the undersigned and any other persons associated with Participant who enter upon Blue Gem’s property.
• All merchandise returns and exchanges must be accompanied by the original sales receipt, dated within 15 days of the sale, and must be new, unused and have the original packaging and accessories. Note: For health reasons, clothing and swimsuits are non-returnable.
• It is the parent(s) and/or legal guardian’s responsibility to remain in the facility for the duration of their child’s lesson(s). In the event that the parent(s) and or legal guardian are not on-site and cannot be contacted, it is our policy to call an emergency contact. If parents/legal guardian or emergency contacts cannot be reached, local police will be called to ensure the safety of minor Participants.
• I hereby agree to refrain from hiring or soliciting any Blue Gems staff or instructors for employment outside of Blue Gems. 
• Blue Gems reserves the right to terminate enrollment of any Participant who fails to comply with these policies.