Terms and Conditions

1. USC: Stichting USC in Amsterdam.
2. Member: A person who has entered into an Agreement with USC for sports classes, instruction, courses and/or use of the sports facilities.
3. Agreement: The agreement between USC and the member as referred to under 2.
4. Distance contract: An agreement concluded remotely through an electronic system organised by USC.
5. My USC Amsterdam app: The app used to check in, make purchases and book classes at USC.

These general terms and conditions apply to the formation and performance of the agreements referred to in article 1.2 that are entered into between USC and the member.

3.1. An agreement is formed when a product described in article 5 of these general terms and conditions is purchased.

3.2. USC is entitled to terminate the agreement within ten working days after it is entered into if it contains incorrect and/or incomplete information.

3.3. If the member is included on USC’s no access list (see the privacy statement) and nevertheless purchases a membership (online), USC may terminate the agreement at any time.

3.4. The member can read these general terms and conditions at any time on USC’s website. The member is informed of this when entering into the agreement and is deemed to have accepted these general terms and conditions upon entering into the agreement.

3.5. The agreement is personal and may not be transferred, in whole or in part, to another person.

4.1. Distance contracts are subject to a cooling-off period of fourteen calendar days after the agreement is entered into. During this period, the member may withdraw from the agreement free of charge. The member can use the withdrawal form for this purpose. The date on which the withdrawal form is received is decisive. If the member uses USC’s services during the cooling-off period and subsequently exercises the right of withdrawal, the member must pay the price of a 1x entry for each visit made (see article 5.4.1 to 3).

4.2. The following applies to USC courses: if a course is cancelled up to fourteen calendar days before the course starts, the member will receive a full refund. Cancellations may be submitted by email to usc@uscsport.nl. The date on which the cancellation is received is decisive. No refund will be provided if the course is cancelled within two weeks before it starts.

USC offers various (course) memberships. The specific conditions for each type are explained below.

5.1. Ongoing annual membership

1. When an ongoing annual membership is purchased, a pro rata amount is paid. This is the amount corresponding to the number of days up to and including the last day of the month in which the membership is purchased. Subsequently, the monthly fee is collected by direct debit in the first week of each of the following 11 months.
2. After an ongoing annual membership has been purchased, the monthly fee remains equal to the initial fee during the first 11 terms, except for any gift card codes applied for a limited number of instalments or fee changes as referred to in articles 7.4. and 7.5.
3. To qualify for category 1 or 2, the member must provide a proof of discount after purchasing an ongoing annual membership. If this proof has not been provided by the last day of the month following the month of purchase, the category 3 fee will automatically be collected in subsequent direct debit instalments. The member will receive an email reminder to provide proof of discount.
4. After 11 months from the membership start date, the ongoing annual membership can be cancelled monthly. The membership can easily be cancelled using the cancellation button in My USC or by emailing the member services at usc@uscsport.nl. The date on which the cancellation is received is decisive. Once cancelled, the membership ends on the last day of the month of cancellation. Unless the member cancels, the membership continues automatically for an indefinite period.
5. Provided that the ongoing annual membership is not cancelled and any required proof of discount is presented on time, the member retains the fee applicable to an ongoing annual membership after the first 11 direct debit instalments have passed. This does not apply to gift card codes applied for a limited number of instalments or fee changes as referred to in articles 7.4 and 7.5.
6. To continue to qualify for category 1 or 2, the member must demonstrate each September that they remain eligible for the fee applicable to that category. If the member fails to do so, the category 3 fee will automatically be collected from October onwards. The member will receive an email reminder in September to provide proof of discount. This does not affect the rule that during the first 11 direct debit instalments, members always retain the fee corresponding to the category that applied when the ongoing annual membership was purchased. From the 12th direct debit instalment onwards, the amount corresponding to the new category will automatically be collected. Members will be informed by email in the month before their fee changes.

5.2. Ongoing flex membership

1. When an ongoing flex membership is purchased, a pro rata amount is paid. This is the amount corresponding to the number of days up to and including the last day of the month in which the membership is purchased. Subsequently, the membership is renewed for one month at a time. The monthly fee is collected by direct debit in the first week of each month.
2. The ongoing flex membership may be cancelled at any time. The membership can easily be cancelled using the cancellation button in My USC or by emailing the member services at usc@uscsport.nl. The date on which the cancellation is received is decisive. Once cancelled, the membership ends on the last day of the month of cancellation, unless it is cancelled in the same month the flex membership was purchased. In that case, the membership ends on the last day of the month following the month of purchase. This means that at least one monthly fee will always be collected by direct debit before a flex membership ends. Unless the member cancels, the membership continues automatically for an indefinite period.
3. To qualify for category 1 or 2, the member must provide a proof of discount after purchasing a flex membership. If this proof has not been provided by the last day of the month following the month of purchase, the category 3 fee will automatically be collected in subsequent direct-debit instalments. The member will receive an email reminder to provide proof of discount.
4. To continue to qualify for category 1 or 2, the member must demonstrate each September that they remain eligible for the fee applicable to that category. If the member fails to do so, the category 3 fee will automatically be collected from October onwards. The member will receive an email reminder in September to provide proof of discount.

5.3. 10x entry or 15x entry membership

1. A 15x entry membership provides access 15x to sports included in the passe-partout. This membership is valid for 6 months from the date of purchase.
2. A 10x entry climbing membership provides access 10x for climbing or bouldering. This membership is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
3. A 10x entry bouldering membership provides access 10x for bouldering. This membership is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
4. A 10x entry or 15x entry membership is paid in full at the time of purchase.
5. A 10x entry or 15x entry pass cannot be cancelled before it expires.
6. To qualify for category 1 or 2, the member must provide a proof of discount at the time of purchase. If the proof is not provided, the membership will be discontinued unless the outstanding amount corresponding to category 3 is paid. If the pass is discontinued, a refund will be made after deducting the category 3 charges for visits already used and an administration fee.

5.4. 1x entry membership

1. A 1x entry membership provides access 1x to sports included in the passe-partout. This membership is valid for 1 week from the date of purchase.
2. A 1x entry climbing membership provides access 1x for climbing or bouldering. This membership is valid for 1 week from the date of purchase.
3. A 1x entry bouldering membership provides access 1x for bouldering. This membership is valid for 1 week from the date of purchase.

5.5. Event ticket

1. An event ticket provides access to the specific event for which the ticket was purchased.
2. To qualify for category 1 or 2, the member must provide a proof of discount at the time of purchase. If the proof is not provided, the ticket becomes invalid unless the outstanding amount corresponding to category 3 is paid.
3. No refunds are provided for events unless the event is cancelled.

5.6. Trial membership

1. The trial membership is valid for 1 month from the date of purchase.
2. The trial membership cannot be cancelled before it expires.
3. The trial membership provides access 3x to sports included in the passe-partout.
4. A trial membership may be purchased only once by the same person.

5.7. Seasonal membership

1. Some USC memberships are seasonal. These memberships have a fixed start date and end date.
2. Seasonal memberships are paid in full at the time of purchase.
3. Seasonal memberships cannot be cancelled before they expire.
4. To qualify for category 1 or 2, the member must provide a proof of discount at the time of purchase. If the proof is not provided, the membership will be discontinued unless the outstanding amount corresponding to category 3 is paid. If the membership is discontinued, a refund will be made after deducting the category 3 charges for the period already elapsed and an administration fee.

5.8. Course membership

1. A course consists of a predetermined number of classes. A course membership is valid for the duration of a course.
2. Course memberships are paid in full in at the time of purchase.
3. Course memberships cannot be cancelled before they expire.
4. USC reserves the right to cancel a course if the number of registrations gives reason to do so. In that case, the course fee will be refunded.
5. If USC cancels a class, a make-up class will be scheduled. If this is not possible, a pro rata refund will be provided.
6. To qualify for category 1 or 2, the member must provide a proof of discount at the time of purchase. If the proof is not provided, the course membership will be discontinued unless the outstanding amount corresponding to category 3 is paid. If the course membership is discontinued, a refund will be made after deducting the category 3 charges for course classes already passed and an administration fee.

6.1. An agreement may nevertheless be terminated early if:

1. the member can demonstrate that they will move to a different residential address during the term of the membership and that visiting any USC location is no longer reasonable.
2. the member can demonstrate that an injury or illness prevents them from using the sports facilities.

In these cases, cancellation can be requested by emailing usc@uscsport.nl and cannot be applied retrospectively. For ongoing memberships paid by direct debit, the membership always ends at the end of the month in which it is cancelled. For other memberships and courses, the amount paid in advance will be refunded on a pro rata basis.

6.2. In addition to the cancellation option in article 6.1.2 (demonstrable injury or illness), the member may choose to freeze the membership. If the member is temporarily unable to use the sports facilities because of a demonstrable injury or illness, the membership will be frozen and, upon reactivation, extended by the duration of the freeze. The freeze starts on the date of the request.

6.3. USC may terminate the membership early if the member is temporarily or permanently denied access to USC facilities. This may be imposed, for example, if the member breaches one or more provisions of these general terms and conditions, the agreement, the house rules, the USC code of conduct or the law. See also article 15 of these general terms and conditions.

6.4. If USC ceases its operations, USC may terminate the agreement early subject to one month’s notice. In that case, USC will refund any membership fees paid in advance for the period after the end date. If USC transfers its operations to a third party, the member agrees in advance that this agreement may be transferred to that third party.

7.1. Member categories and proof of discount

1. USC applies different fees to different member categories. To qualify for category 1 or 2, the member must provide a valid proof of discount when purchasing the (course) membership.
2. To demonstrate that students and/or employees of the University of Amsterdam (UvA), Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS), Inholland University of Applied Sciences or ROC van Amsterdam-Flevoland are enrolled at or employed by one of these institutions, and therefore qualify for a USC discount, they must log on to My USC through SURF. See article 7.2. for more information about logging on to USC through SURF.
3. Other proof of discount may be submitted by emailing the member services (usc@uscsport.nl) or presented at a USC front desk during the first visit after purchasing a (course) membership. Diplomas may only be submitted by emailing them to the member services (usc@uscsport.nl).
4. Article 5 explains the conditions for providing a proof of discount for each type of membership.

7.2. Logging on through SURF

1. To demonstrate that students and/or employees of UvA (including Amsterdam University College), AUAS, Inholland University of Applied Sciences or ROC van Amsterdam-Flevoland are enrolled at or employed by one of these institutions, and therefore qualify for a USC discount, they must log on to My USC through SURF.
2. Logging on to My USC through SURF constitutes providing a proof of discount.
3. USC receives the following data from SURF: full name, email address, affiliation with the institution (student or employee), affiliation status.
4. If a member objects to logging on through SURF, they may log in in the usual manner using a username and password. In that case, the right to a discount lapses, because paper certificates of enrolment and employment contracts from UvA, AUAS, Inholland University of Applied Sciences and ROC of Amsterdam-Flevoland are not accepted as proof of discount.

7.3. The membership fee is agreed upon when the agreement is entered into.

7.4. USC can adjust its fees annually based on the consumer price index (CPI, all households, CBS) or an objective index that replaces it. USC may also implement fee changes that arise directly from legislation or regulations, such as a change in VAT. If a fee increase takes effect within 3 months after the agreement is entered into, other than as a result of a statutory measure, the member is entitled to cancel the agreement free of charge within 4 weeks after USC announces the increase.

7.5. In addition to fee changes under article 7.4., USC may change the fees at any other time. USC will give adequate notice of any fee increase 4 weeks in advance. If a fee increase does not fall within article 7.4., the member is entitled to cancel the agreement free of charge within 4 weeks after USC announces the increase.

8.1. USC will ensure that the facilities are properly maintained.

8.2. USC will ensure that instructors and/or supervisors have sufficient knowledge and skills.

8.3. USC will ensure that sufficient first-aid supplies are available.

9.1. The member complies with instructions and directions issued by USC or USC employees, the house rules, the USC code of conduct, the law and generally accepted standards of proper conduct.

9.2. The member informs USC of any medical contraindication to participate in sports. In the event of doubt, the member must get assessed by a qualified professional and refrain from participating in sports in the meantime.

9.3. The member may not use equipment or facilities contrary to any displayed or issued directions or instructions.

9.4. The member may not use equipment or facilities while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication, doping substances or any other substances that could affect the responsible use of the sports facilities.

9.5. The member keeps personal details, such as their email address and telephone number, as up to date as possible in their My USC account.

9.6. The member is at least 16 years old.

9.7. Only people aged 16 and over are permitted in areas where the USC sports programme takes place.

9.8. Payment

1. USC will charge the membership fees, and the member pays them as agreed upon.
2. If the member does not pay on time, USC will notify the member by email and give the member another opportunity to pay the amount due. Until the outstanding amount has been paid, the member will not have access to the USC sports programme.
3. For credit card payments, the amount is immediately charged at the time of the transaction.
4. A refund will only be issued if the refundable amount is at least €10,-.

To participate in the USC sports programme at a USC location, the member registers their attendance upon arrival by scanning the QR code with the My USC Amsterdam app.

11.1. Reservations are required for a large part of USC’s sports programme. No reservation is required for individual training at a USC gym, courses, swimming or competitions.

11.2. If the member makes a reservation but does not attend, USC will record a no show. The member will receive a no show warning by email. If the member makes another reservation within 3 months and again fails to attend, a no show fee will apply. The member will be notified by email and offered the choice of paying the no show fee or being unable to make reservations for 14 days. If the member pays the no show fee, they can make reservations again immediately after payment. If the no show fee is not paid, the member can make reservations again after 14 days.

12.1. USC is not liable for any material or non-material loss or damage suffered by a member, unless it is caused by USC’s wilful misconduct or gross negligence.

12.2. Bringing valuables is at the member’s own risk, and doing so is discouraged. Free lockers are available at most locations. USC is not liable for damage to or loss or theft of property, unless caused by USC’s wilful misconduct or gross negligence.

12.3. If USC is liable, its liability is limited to the amount paid out under USC’s liability insurance in the relevant case.

12.4. If, for any reason, no payment is made under the liability insurance and the loss or damage is also not covered by the member’s insurance, USC’s liability is limited to a maximum of €5.000,-.

12.5. The member is liable to USC for loss or damage resulting from a failure to comply with obligations under the agreement, insofar as that loss or damage is attributable to the member.

12.6. The member is liable to USC for damage to the premises and equipment, insofar as that damage was caused by the member.

13.1. USC processes the member’s personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable legislation, as described in the privacy statement.

13.2. USC uses CCTV at its own locations, as described in the privacy statement.

USC has a complaints procedure and handles complaints in accordance with that procedure.

15.1. Every member complies with the rules laid down by law, the house rules, the USC code of conduct and generally accepted standards of proper conduct.

15.2. Members who observe a possible breach of the rules referred to in article 15.1. are advised to report it to USC management at usc@uscsport.nl or to the confidential adviser appointed by USC at vertrouwenspersoon@uscsport.nl.

15.3. In the event of a possible breach of the rules referred to in article 15.1., both the persons concerned and USC may refer the matter to the Institute for Sports Law (Instituut Sportrechtspraak, ISR).

15.4. For the purposes of article 15.3., the member is bound by the most recent version of the ISR General Disciplinary Regulations (Tuchtreglement Algemeen Tuchtrecht) and the ISR Sexual Harassment Disciplinary Regulations (Tuchtreglement Seksuele Intimidatie). The member also accepts the disciplinary jurisdiction of the ISR for dealing with breaches under these regulations. The regulations are available on the ISR website.

15.5. The member is also bound by any future amendments made by the ISR to the regulations referred to in article 15.4.

15.6. If an ISR decision results in a decision made following a report as referred to in article 15.2 being declared invalid or set aside, this does not entitle the member to compensation.

15.7. The ISR, and anyone working for or on behalf of the ISR, is not liable for loss or damage connected with disciplinary proceedings conducted by or on behalf of the ISR.

16.1. USC may unilaterally amend or supplement the agreement, these general terms and conditions and any internal or house rules. USC will announce such changes in an adequate manner.

16.2. USC may also make interim changes, whether temporary or otherwise, to the sports facilities (including facilities, class schedules, programmes and opening hours). USC aims to announce such changes at least 4 weeks in advance.

16.3. If the changes referred to in article 16.1. or 16.2. result in a material change to the agreement, the member is entitled to cancel the agreement in accordance with article 6:237(c) of the Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek). In that case, cancellation may be submitted within 4 weeks after the change is announced by emailing usc@uscsport.nl.

16.4. Any compulsory or necessary closure of a USC location, or any situation in which USC is temporarily unable to offer a specific sport, in whole or in part, due to a cause that was not directly or indirectly caused by USC, constitutes force majeure within the meaning of article 6:75 of the Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek). Unless USC can offer the sport in another appropriate manner or makes alternative arrangements with the member, the agreement will be frozen from the moment the situation arises, in accordance with article 6.2. If the situation continues for more than 3 months, the member is entitled to cancel the agreement with immediate effect after that period. Any membership fees paid in advance will be refunded on a pro rata basis. Article 6.4. also applies to this termination.

All agreements to which these general terms and conditions apply are governed by Dutch law, unless mandatory law provides otherwise.