Terms of Service
The terms that govern membership, participation, events, sponsorship, and use of the MCBA website and programs.
Effective July 1, 2026
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing this website, joining the Montgomery County Business Association (“MCBA,” “we,” “us”), creating an account, or participating in any MCBA program, competition, or event, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, please do not use our website or participate in our programs.
2. Eligibility
MCBA programs are intended for high school students and members of participating school communities.
- Participants are generally expected to be enrolled high school students.
- Because many participants are minors, a parent or legal guardian’s consent may be required to join, attend events, or submit certain information. Where consent is required, it must be provided before participation.
- By allowing a minor in your care to participate, a parent or guardian agrees to these Terms on the minor’s behalf.
3. Membership
- Membership is granted through an approved school chapter and the enrollment process managed by MCBA.
- Members are expected to meet the participation requirements of their chapter and to follow these Terms and the Code of Conduct.
- Membership is a privilege and may be suspended or revoked for misconduct or violation of these Terms.
- Membership does not guarantee any leadership position, award, competition placement, or specific outcome.
4. Code of Conduct
All participants are expected to act with integrity and respect. The following are prohibited:
- Harassment, discrimination, bullying, intimidation, or threats of any kind.
- Illegal activity, cheating, or academic dishonesty.
- Disruption of programs, events, or the experience of other participants.
- Sharing account credentials or misusing MCBA systems.
MCBA may warn, suspend, or remove any participant at its discretion for conduct that violates these Terms.
5. Leadership Positions
- Submitting a leadership application does not guarantee acceptance or any position.
- Leadership selections are made at MCBA’s discretion.
- Positions may be removed for inactivity, misconduct, or violation of these Terms.
6. Events
- Participation in events, competitions, and activities is voluntary.
- Attendees assume the normal risks associated with attending in-person or virtual events.
- MCBA may cancel, reschedule, relocate, or change the format of any event at any time.
7. Media Release
- MCBA may photograph, film, or record its events and activities.
- These images and recordings may be used for educational, promotional, and marketing purposes, unless prohibited by law.
- If you do not wish to appear in MCBA media, submit a written request to us in advance and we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate it.
8. Sponsor & Advertiser Terms
- Sponsorship or advertising does not imply MCBA’s endorsement of a sponsor’s products, services, or views.
- Advertising and sponsored content must follow MCBA’s guidelines and applicable law.
- MCBA may decline or remove any advertisement or sponsorship at its discretion.
- Specific sponsorship and advertising arrangements may be governed by a separate written agreement.
9. Payments & Refunds
- Membership and program fees are due as described at the time of enrollment.
- Unless stated otherwise in writing, fees are non-refundable once the membership period or program has begun.
- Third-party payment processing fees are not refundable.
- Any approved refunds are issued at MCBA’s discretion and subject to these Terms.
10. Intellectual Property
The MCBA name, logo, branding, curriculum, presentations, study materials, and other content are the property of MCBA or its licensors.
You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, resell, or create derivative works from MCBA materials without our prior written permission.
11. User Content
- You remain responsible for any content you submit, post, or share through MCBA programs or systems.
- You must have the rights to any content you submit and must not submit anything unlawful or infringing.
- MCBA may remove content it considers inappropriate, harmful, or in violation of these Terms.
12. Educational Disclaimer
MCBA’s content is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, investment, tax, accounting, or other professional advice.
Simulated portfolios, trading games, and practice scenarios do not involve real money and do not reflect actual investment results. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
13. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, MCBA and its officers, volunteers, advisors, and partners are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the organization, this website, our programs, or our events.
14. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless MCBA and its officers, volunteers, advisors, and partners from any claims, losses, liabilities, or expenses arising from your own actions, your content, or your violation of these Terms.
15. No Warranty
The website and services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis, without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including fitness for a particular purpose and uninterrupted availability.
16. Termination
MCBA may suspend or terminate any account, membership, or access at any time for violation of these Terms or for conduct that harms MCBA, its members, or its programs.
17. Privacy & Student Data
MCBA collects limited information needed to operate its programs — such as a student’s name, chapter, login credentials, and progress within the learning platform. Chapter accounts can only see their own students, and student data is not sold.
We use this information to run the Competition Academy, track progress, communicate with members and chapters, and improve our programs. Where required, we obtain parent or guardian consent before collecting a minor’s information.
A more detailed Privacy Policy may be provided or updated separately. For any privacy question or data request, contact us using the details below.
19. Third-Party Links
Our website may link to third-party websites and resources. MCBA does not control and is not responsible for the content, policies, or practices of those external sites.
20. Changes to These Terms
MCBA may update these Terms at any time. Changes are effective when posted on this page. Your continued use of the website or participation in our programs after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
21. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles. Certain relationships — such as leadership roles, sponsorships, and advertising — may also be governed by separate written agreements, which are available on request.
Questions about these Terms?
Contact us and we’ll be glad to help.