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1. Parties and Scope

This Terms of Use Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between Nordic Walking Association of North America, a nonprofit corporation registered under the laws of the United States ("NWANA" "we" "us" or "our"), and the individual accessing or using the Nordic Walking Academy NWANA learning management platform ("Platform," "LMS") ("you" or "User").

This Agreement governs all access to and use of the Platform, including all courses, training programs, certification pathways, instructional materials, assessments, and related digital services.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account, clicking "I Agree," enrolling in any course, or otherwise accessing the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by this Agreement and all policies incorporated herein by reference, including the Privacy Policy and Certification Policy.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Platform.

3. Eligibility

To use the Platform, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age; or

• Be at least 13 years of age with documented written consent from a parent or legal guardian (guardian consent form available at nwana.org/forms); and

• Have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract; and

• Not be prohibited from receiving educational services under applicable law.

By registering, you represent and warrant that you meet all eligibility requirements.

4. User Accounts

4.1 Account Registration

You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration. You are responsible for maintaining the accuracy of your account information and must promptly update it when it changes.

4.2 Account Security

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activities conducted under your account. You must:

• Use a strong, unique password;

• Not share your credentials with any third party;

• Immediately notify NWANA at legal@nwana.org if you suspect unauthorized access.

NWANA is not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to maintain account security.

4.3 Account Types

The Platform supports three account types with distinct permissions:

5. Permitted Use and Restrictions

5.1 License Grant

Subject to these Terms, NWANA grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Platform solely for your personal educational purposes.

5.2 Prohibited Conduct

You must not:

• Share access credentials or allow others to use your account;

• Reproduce, distribute, display, modify, or create derivative works from any Platform content without prior written authorization from NWANA;

• Record, screenshot, or capture course videos or materials for distribution;

• Use automated tools, bots, or scripts to access or scrape the Platform;

• Impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your identity or affiliation;

• Upload or transmit harmful, illegal, defamatory, or offensive content;

• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of the Platform or its infrastructure;

• Use the Platform in any manner that violates applicable local, state, federal, or international law.

6. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform — including but not limited to course videos, written materials, assessment instruments, methodologies, certification frameworks, graphics, logos, and software — is the exclusive intellectual property of NWANA or its licensed content providers and is protected by United States and international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

No content may be reproduced, republished, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without express prior written consent from NWANA. Requests may be submitted to ip@nwana.org.

Authorized certifications issued by NWANA remain the property of NWANA and are granted to you under a limited, non-transferable license for personal professional use.

7. Educational Content and Certifications

7.1 Accuracy and Currency

NWANA makes reasonable efforts to ensure that educational content is accurate and current. However, content is provided for educational and informational purposes only. NWANA does not warrant that all content is free from error or that it reflects the most current professional standards in all jurisdictions.

7.2 Certification Disclaimer

Completion of a course does not automatically confer professional qualification, licensure, or regulatory approval. Certifications issued by NWANA:

• Are based on NWANA's proprietary standards and curriculum;

• May require additional validation or renewal as specified in the Certification Policy;

• Do not constitute medical advice or training;

• May not satisfy regulatory or licensing requirements in all jurisdictions.

Users are responsible for verifying whether NWANA certifications satisfy the requirements of any professional, governmental, or regulatory body in their jurisdiction.

8. Physical Activity Acknowledgment

Nordic walking involves physical exertion. By using the Platform and participating in any training program or instructional activity:

• You acknowledge that participation is voluntary and entirely at your own risk;

• You represent that you are physically capable of engaging in the described activities or have consulted a qualified medical professional;

• You assume full responsibility for monitoring your health during physical activity;

• You release NWANA, its officers, instructors, affiliated organizations, and agents from any liability arising from physical injury, illness, or death resulting from participation in activities described on the Platform.

Persons with pre-existing medical conditions are strongly advised to consult a physician before beginning any training program.

9. Payments and Refunds

9.1 Pricing

All prices are stated in United States Dollars (USD) and are exclusive of applicable taxes unless otherwise stated. NWANA reserves the right to modify pricing with 30 days' advance notice.

9.2 Payment Processing

Payments are processed by authorized third-party providers. By submitting payment information, you authorize NWANA to charge the applicable fees. NWANA does not store full payment card data.

9.3 Refund Policy

Refund eligibility is determined as follows:

Refund requests must be submitted in writing to billing@nwana.org with your order reference number. NWANA reserves the right to deny refunds in cases of suspected abuse.

10. Termination and Suspension

NWANA may, at its sole discretion and without prior notice, suspend or permanently terminate your account if you:

• Violate any provision of this Agreement or any NWANA policy;

• Engage in fraudulent or deceptive conduct;

• Engage in unauthorized sharing, distribution, or commercial exploitation of Platform content;

• Take any action that threatens the security or integrity of the Platform.

Upon termination, your license to use the Platform is immediately revoked and access to course materials may be disabled. NWANA shall not be liable for any losses resulting from lawful termination.

You may close your account at any time by contacting support@nwana.org. Closure does not entitle you to a refund beyond what is permitted under Section 9.3.

11. Disclaimers

THE PLATFORM AND ALL CONTENT ARE PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND 'AS AVAILABLE' WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. NWANA DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS.

12. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, NWANA AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND AFFILIATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, OR GOODWILL, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR USE OF, OR INABILITY TO USE, THE PLATFORM OR ITS CONTENT.

IN NO EVENT SHALL NWANA'S TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID BY YOU TO NWANA IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

13. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

13.1 Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

13.2 Informal Resolution

Before initiating any formal proceeding, the parties agree to attempt to resolve disputes informally. You must send a written description of your dispute to legal@nwana.org. NWANA will respond within 30 days. If not resolved within 60 days, either party may proceed under Section 13.3.

13.3 Dispute Resolution

If informal resolution fails, disputes shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules, except that either party may seek injunctive or equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction to protect intellectual property rights.

Arbitration shall be conducted in Miami, Florida, or, at your election, virtually. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction.

Nothing in this section limits NWANA's right to seek emergency injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction.

13.4 Class Action Waiver

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, YOU WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR CLASS-WIDE ARBITRATION. This waiver does not apply to consumers in states where such waivers are unenforceable.

14. Modifications to These Terms

NWANA reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via:

• Email notification to the address on file at least 30 days prior to the effective date; and

• Prominent notice on the Platform login page.

Continued use of the Platform after the effective date of modified Terms constitutes acceptance. If you do not agree to modified Terms, you must discontinue use and close your account.

15. Miscellaneous

Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is held unenforceable, it will be modified to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force.

Entire Agreement: This Agreement, together with the Privacy Policy and Certification Policy, constitutes the entire agreement between you and NWANA regarding the Platform and supersedes all prior agreements.

Waiver: Failure to enforce any provision shall not constitute a waiver of future enforcement.

Assignment: You may not assign your rights or obligations under this Agreement without prior written consent from NWANA. NWANA may assign this Agreement freely.

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1. General Rule

All course purchases are final. Refunds are only available under the conditions set out in this Policy.

2. Refund Eligibility

Refund eligibility is determined by two factors: the number of days since purchase and the percentage of course content accessed.

No refund will be issued after a certificate has been issued for the relevant course.

3. Technical Issues and Duplicate Payments

If you experience a technical issue that prevented you from accessing course content, or if you were charged more than once for the same course, please contact support@nwana.org. These cases are reviewed individually and are not subject to the time or access limits above.

4. How to Request a Refund

Refund requests must be submitted in writing to billing@nwana.org with the following information:

• Your full name and registered email address;

• Order reference number;

• Name of the course;

• Reason for the request.

NWANA will respond within 5 business days. Approved refunds will be processed to the original payment method within 10 business days.

5. NWANA's Right to Review

NWANA reserves the right to deny refund requests in cases of suspected abuse, repeated refund requests, or violation of the Terms of Use.

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1. Purpose

This Certification Policy establishes the standards, procedures, rights, and obligations governing all certification programs offered through the Nordic Walking Academy NWANA Platform. It is incorporated by reference into the Terms of Use and forms a binding part of the Agreement between NWANA and each User.

2. Certification Levels

NWANA offers the following certification tiers:

3. Requirements for Certification

To receive a NWANA certification, candidates must:

• Complete all required course modules for the applicable level with a minimum completion rate of 100%;

• Pass the written assessment with a score of 100%. The first 3 attempts may be taken without any waiting period. From the 4th attempt onward, a 12-hour waiting period between attempts applies. The number of total attempts is unlimited;

• For Level 2 and above: complete the required practical evaluation as specified in the course curriculum;

• For Level 2 and above: hold a current NWANA membership (or be enrolled in a NWANA-affiliated national organization). No membership is required for Level 1;

• Agree to the NWANA Code of Conduct.

4. Issuance and Validity

Upon successful completion of all requirements, NWANA will issue a digital certificate within 5 business days. Certifications are:

5. Renewal

Certification holders must complete renewal requirements before expiry:

• Level 1: Complete the online renewal module and pass the refresher assessment;

• Level 2–4: Complete continuing education requirements (minimum 12 CEU hours per cycle) and submit evidence of active practice.

Lapsed certifications may be reinstated within 12 months of expiry upon completion of renewal requirements. After 12 months, full re-certification is required.

6. Suspension and Revocation

NWANA reserves the right to suspend or permanently revoke a certification if the holder:

• Provided false information during the certification process;

• Violated the NWANA Code of Conduct;

• Engaged in conduct bringing the profession into disrepute;

• Failed to meet renewal requirements.

Prior to revocation, NWANA will provide written notice and an opportunity to respond within 30 days, except in cases requiring immediate action to protect public safety or NWANA's integrity.

7. Appeals

Candidates or certification holders may appeal decisions regarding:

• Assessment failures (after exhausting standard retake policy);

• Certification suspension or revocation;

• Denial of renewal.

Appeals must be submitted in writing to support@nwana.org within 30 days of the decision. The Appeals Committee will render a decision within 45 days. The Appeals Committee decision is final.

8. Use of NWANA Certification Marks

Certified individuals are granted a limited, non-exclusive license to display their NWANA certification designation and badge in professional contexts (business cards, websites, social media) subject to NWANA's Brand Guidelines. Misrepresentation of certification status or level is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.

9. Disclaimers

NWANA certifications represent attainment of NWANA's proprietary standards. They do not constitute medical, therapeutic, or clinical qualifications. Holders may not represent themselves as licensed healthcare providers based solely on NWANA certifications. NWANA is not liable for consequences arising from the professional activities of certified individuals.

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1. Nature of the Activity

Nordic walking is a physical activity that involves full-body movement, cardiovascular exertion, and the use of specialized equipment. As with any physical activity, participation carries inherent risks, including but not limited to muscle strain, joint injury, cardiovascular stress, and falls.

All courses, training programs, instructional materials, and techniques provided through the Nordic Walking Academy NWANA platform are offered for educational purposes only. They do not constitute medical treatment, therapy, or clinical intervention of any kind.

2. User Responsibility

By accessing the platform and participating in any course or training activity, you confirm and agree that:

• You have assessed your own physical condition and determined that you are capable of participating in physical activity;

• You will consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any training program if you have any pre-existing medical condition, injury, disability, or health concern;

• You will stop any activity immediately if you experience pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or any other symptom of physical distress;

• You are solely responsible for your own health, safety, and physical wellbeing during participation;

• You will use all equipment correctly and in accordance with the instructions provided in your course.

3. No Medical Advice

NWANA does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this platform should be interpreted as medical guidance. References to health benefits of Nordic walking are general and informational in nature and do not apply to every individual.

If you have any doubt about your ability to participate safely, consult a physician before proceeding.

4. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, NWANA's total liability to you for any claim arising from use of the platform shall not exceed the amount paid by you to NWANA in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.

5. Instructor Responsibility

Certified NWANA instructors delivering training in person or online are responsible for adapting instruction to the physical capabilities of their participants. Instructors must not encourage participants to exceed their stated physical limitations and must refer participants to medical professionals when appropriate.

NWANA is not liable for the conduct of independent instructors delivering training outside of a direct NWANA-supervised program.

6. Acknowledgment

Acceptance of this Disclaimer is required to access the platform. By creating an account or enrolling in any course, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted the terms of this Health & Liability Disclaimer.

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1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behavior expected of all individuals who access or use the Nordic Walking Academy NWANA platform, including students, instructors, master trainers, and any other registered users. It applies to all interactions on the platform, including course participation, assessments, discussion forums, and communications with NWANA staff.

By accessing the platform, all users agree to abide by this Code.

2. Core Principles

All users are expected to act in accordance with the following principles:

• Respect: treat all participants, instructors, and staff with dignity and courtesy, regardless of background, nationality, level of experience, or physical ability;

• Integrity: complete all assessments and coursework honestly and independently, without misrepresenting your identity or qualifications;

• Professionalism: communicate in a constructive and professional manner in all platform interactions;

• Safety: prioritize the physical safety of yourself and others in all training-related activities;

• Accountability: take responsibility for your actions and their impact on others and on the reputation of NWANA.

3. Prohibited Conduct

The following conduct is strictly prohibited:

• Sharing, selling, or distributing course materials, assessments, or certification content without written authorization from NWANA;

• Cheating, plagiarism, or any form of academic dishonesty in assessments or coursework;

• Impersonating another user, instructor, or NWANA representative;

• Harassing, bullying, threatening, or intimidating any user or staff member;

• Posting or transmitting content that is offensive, discriminatory, defamatory, or illegal;

• Misrepresenting your NWANA certification level or status to third parties;

• Using NWANA credentials or branding in a manner not authorized by NWANA's Brand Guidelines;

• Engaging in any conduct that damages the reputation or interests of NWANA or its affiliated organizations.

4. Additional Standards for Certified Instructors

Users holding a NWANA Level 2 certification or above are subject to the following additional standards, reflecting their role as representatives of NWANA:

• Deliver instruction only within the scope of your certified level;

• Accurately represent your qualifications and the scope of NWANA certifications to students and the public;

• Maintain current certification status and complete renewal requirements on time;

• Report any safety incidents involving students or participants to NWANA promptly;

• Refrain from using NWANA's name or logo to endorse products, services, or organizations without prior written approval.

5. Consequences of Violation

NWANA reserves the right to determine the appropriate response to any violation of this Code at its sole discretion. Consequences may include, but are not limited to:

• A formal written warning;

• Temporary suspension of platform access;

• Permanent termination of account;

• Suspension or revocation of NWANA certification;

• Referral to relevant legal or regulatory authorities where required by law.

The nature and severity of the response will be determined by NWANA based on the circumstances of each case, including the seriousness of the conduct, whether it was deliberate, and whether it caused harm to others. NWANA's decision is final.

6. Reporting a Violation

Any user who witnesses or experiences conduct that violates this Code is encouraged to report it to NWANA. Reports will be treated with discretion and reviewed promptly.

7. Updates to this Code

NWANA reserves the right to update this Code of Conduct at any time. Users will be notified of material changes via email and platform notice. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the updated Code.

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1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website or web application. The Platform uses cookies and similar technologies (local storage, session tokens) to ensure functionality, remember your preferences, and understand how users interact with our content.

2. Categories of Cookies Used

3. Managing Cookies

You may control cookie preferences at any time via the Cookie Preferences panel in the Platform footer, or through your browser settings. Note that disabling strictly necessary cookies will prevent you from logging in or using core Platform features.

Third-party analytics providers (e.g., Matomo or equivalent privacy-first solution) are configured to anonymize IP addresses and respect Do Not Track signals.

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1. Who Can Register

The Nordic Walking Academy NWANA platform is open to any individual who meets the eligibility requirements set out in the Terms of Use. Registration is self-service and available to users worldwide.

Creating an Academy account does not require NWANA membership or an NWANA license. Individual courses and professional pathways may have separate prerequisites, experience requirements, approval procedures, and enrollment restrictions.

Course certification and activation of an NWANA professional license are separate processes.

2. Registration Process

To create an account on the platform, you must:

• Provide your first name, last name, a valid email address, and your country of residence;

• Choose a secure password;

• Indicate your registration type: Student, Instructor, or Organization;

• Confirm your email address via the verification link sent to your inbox;

• Accept all required NWANA policies before your account is activated.

Accounts are activated only after email verification and policy acceptance are complete.

3. Optional Email Communications from NWANA

During registration, users may separately choose whether they wish to receive promotional email communications from the Nordic Walking Association of North America (NWANA).

This choice is optional, is not selected by default, and is not required to create an Academy account, enroll in a course, purchase a product or service, or participate in an NWANA program.

Users who provide this consent may receive NWANA news, educational opportunities, course announcements, professional pathway and license information, Nordic Walking Group opportunities, events and competitions, member benefits, fundraising and support opportunities, special offers, and other promotional communications.

Consent may be withdrawn at any time through the unsubscribe link provided in each promotional email. Withdrawing marketing consent does not prevent NWANA from sending service-related messages necessary to administer the user’s account, courses, payments, assessments, certifications, security, or requested services.

4. Required Policy Acceptance

The following policies must be accepted at registration. All are mandatory. You cannot access the platform without accepting each one:

5. Account Security

You are responsible for keeping your login credentials confidential. Do not share your password with anyone. NWANA will never ask you for your password by email or phone.

If you suspect your account has been accessed by someone else, contact support@nwana.org immediately. NWANA reserves the right to suspend accounts showing signs of unauthorized access.

6. One Account Per User

Each individual may hold only one account on the platform. Creating duplicate accounts to circumvent course access restrictions, refund policies, or assessment retake rules is a violation of the Terms of Use and may result in permanent termination of all associated accounts.

7. Account Deactivation

NWANA reserves the right to deactivate or delete accounts that:

• Have not been verified within 7 days of registration;

• Show signs of fraudulent or abusive activity;

• Violate the Terms of Use or Code of Conduct.

You may close your account at any time by contacting support@nwana.org. Closure does not entitle you to a refund beyond what is permitted under the Refund Policy.

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