Shieldwall Tactical Protection Academy (STPA) — Terms of Use

1) Who We Are & Scope of Services

1.1 STPA Overview

STPA provides professional training (e.g., unarmed/armed security, defensive/specialty, NRA programs), consulting, and agency/contract services for individuals and organizations across Alabama and Tennessee.

1.2 Covered Services

• Public and sponsored courses (in-person or live remote where permitted),
• Licensing assistance support at your request,
• Agency/contract training engagements,
• Scheduling, bookings, and student support.

1.3 Out of Scope

Third-party websites, tools, embeds, or platforms we link to are governed by their own terms and policies.

2) Eligibility, Student Responsibilities & Conduct

2.1 Eligibility

• You must be legally permitted to participate in the selected training and, where required, lawfully possess and handle training equipment.
• Armed/firearms modules require legal eligibility and compliance with applicable laws, permits, and range rules (see Section 3).
• Our Services are not intended for individuals under 16.

2.2 Identification & Accuracy

You agree to provide accurate information (name, contact details, employer/agency, and any required documentation) and to promptly update changes.

2.3 Code of Conduct

• Follow instructor directions, safety protocols, and facility rules.
• No harassment, threats, intoxication, or unsafe behavior.
• No cheating, falsification of records, or unauthorized recording of classes or materials.

2.4 Consequences

We may remove or refuse service to anyone who violates these Terms or applicable law. Safety violations may result in immediate ejection without refund (see Section 5).

3) Safety, Firearms & Range Rules (In-Person Only)

3.1 In-Person Requirement

All firearms training and live-fire qualifications are delivered in person only. Remote/online delivery is not offered for armed/firearms modules.

3.2 Range Safety Protocols

• Mandatory compliance with instructor commands, range officer directions, and posted rules at all times.
• Eye and ear protection are required; we can provide if needed.
• No handling firearms except on command and in designated areas.
• No alcohol/illegal drugs on premises; no participation while impaired.
• We may prohibit or remove any participant who presents a safety risk, appears impaired, or fails to follow instructions.

3.3 Legal Eligibility to Handle Firearms

You are solely responsible for ensuring you are not a “prohibited person” under federal or state law (e.g., 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)). If you are prohibited from possessing firearms/ammunition, you may not enroll in armed modules or handle firearms during any STPA activity. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

3.4 Assumption of Risk (Firearms & Physical Training)

Firearms, defensive skills, and related physical activities involve inherent risks (including serious injury or death). By participating, you knowingly and voluntarily assume all such risks arising from your participation, equipment, facilities, other participants, and environmental conditions.

4) Enrollment, Scheduling & Remote Delivery

4.1 Booking

Bookings are accepted via our Site or published registration links. We may limit capacity or reschedule sessions to meet safety and instructional standards.

4.2 Remote Delivery (Non-Firearms)

Where permitted, non-firearms modules may be delivered live online (e.g., Microsoft Teams). You are responsible for connectivity, device, audio/video, and a distraction-free environment.

4.3 Attendance, Testing & Credentials

Full attendance is required; partial attendance may result in no credit. Proctored exams (where applicable) require compliance with instructions; a minimum passing score may be required by STPA or regulators. (See also Alabama Admin. Code r. 832-X-1-.08 regarding written tests and qualification requirements.) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

5) Payments, Refunds, Rescheduling & No-Shows

5.1 Payments

Tuition and fees are payable via our primary processor, Wave, and any published alternatives (e.g., CashApp, Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, or cash). Alternative methods are recorded as “mark paid” and reconciled internally. We do not store full card data.

5.2 Refund Window

Refunds are available if you cancel at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled class start. After that window, refunds are not guaranteed and may be denied, except where required by law.

5.3 Rescheduling

One reasonable reschedule may be offered subject to availability, policy, and any applicable fees. Agency or contract clients may be subject to separate terms.

5.4 Cancellations & Force Majeure

We may cancel or postpone a class due to safety, instructor illness, facility issues, or events beyond our control. If we cancel without offering an alternative, you may receive a refund of amounts paid for the affected session.

5.5 No-Shows & Late Arrivals

No-shows and significant late arrivals may forfeit tuition; re-enrollment may require a new booking.

6) Sponsored/Agency Training

6.1 Sponsored Enrollment

When your employer/agency sponsors training, we will coordinate enrollment, billing, and required records with that sponsor.

6.2 Reporting to Sponsors & Regulators

We may share attendance and completion information with the sponsor and, upon request or audit, with the appropriate regulatory agencies (e.g., Alabama Security Regulatory Board; Tennessee Private Protective Services), consistent with applicable rules. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

7) Certificates, Records & Licensing Disclaimers

7.1 Certificates & Score Handling

Certificates document course completion. For firearms and any exam-based modules, official pass/fail and numeric scores are recorded on internal records (e.g., range scorecards) and are not displayed on student certificates.

7.2 Record Retention (AL & TN)

• Alabama (ASRB): Certified Trainers must retain training records for three (3) years, permit inspection/photocopying immediately on request, and deliver requested records within five (5) business days of written request. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Tennessee (PPS): Certified Trainers must maintain training records for at least three (3) years after completion and make them available to the Commissioner upon request. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

7.3 No Licensure Guarantee

Training completion or certificates do not guarantee licensure, registration, employment, or approvals by any regulator or third party. Final decisions rest with the applicable authorities (e.g., ASRB; TN PPS). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

8) Technology, Security & Microsoft Enterprise Controls

8.1 Technology Stack

We use Microsoft 365 (Outlook, SharePoint, Teams), Wave (payments), and Google services (Forms, Calendar embeds, Analytics) to deliver and support our Services.

8.2 Security Practices

We employ administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to our operations, including encryption in transit, role-based access controls, least-privilege policies, MFA on administrative systems, and periodic reviews.

8.3 Microsoft Enterprise-Level Security

For data processed/stored in Microsoft services, we rely on Microsoft 365 enterprise-level security controls including encryption in transit and at rest, Conditional Access, and audit logging, in addition to our own safeguards.

8.4 Privacy

Your use of the Site and Services is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains data collection, use, sharing, retention, and your rights.

9) Intellectual Property & Classroom Materials

9.1 Ownership

The Site, course materials, videos, slides, documents, graphics, logos, and other content are owned by STPA or our licensors and are protected by intellectual property laws.

9.2 Limited License

Subject to these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the materials solely for your personal, non-commercial training purposes.

9.3 Restrictions

No reproduction, distribution, public display, recording, or derivative works without prior written permission, except as permitted by law.

9.4 DMCA & IP Claims

If you believe content infringes your rights, send a proper DMCA notice to legal@shieldwalltpa.com with all elements required by 17 U.S.C. § 512(c)(3). We respond expeditiously to remove or disable access as required and will process counter-notices consistent with 17 U.S.C. § 512. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

10) Prohibited Uses

• Illegal activity or violation of training facility rules.
• Harassment, threats, or endangering others.
• Attempting to circumvent safety protocols or exam integrity.
• Reverse engineering or scraping the Site without permission.
• Uploading malware or interfering with the Site.

11) Disclaimers

11.1 No Legal Advice

Training content may reference laws or regulations but is provided for educational purposes; it is not legal advice. Consult your counsel for legal questions.

11.2 No Employment Guarantee

Training does not guarantee employment, promotion, or any specific outcome.

11.3 Third-Party Links & Tools

We are not responsible for third-party websites, tools, or services.

12) Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, STPA and its instructors, staff, and affiliates will not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages, including lost profits, even if advised of the possibility. Our total liability for any claim relating to the Services will not exceed the amount you paid to STPA for the affected Service within the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim. Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot be limited or excluded under applicable law.

13) Assumption of Risk, Release & Indemnification (Hold Harmless)

13.1 Assumption of Risk

You acknowledge and voluntarily assume all risks inherent in firearms activities, defensive skills training, scenario-based exercises, and related physical activity, including risks from other participants and environmental conditions.

13.2 Release

To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release and discharge STPA, its instructors, staff, contractors, and affiliates from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or related to your participation in the Services, except to the extent caused by STPA’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

13.3 Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless STPA, its instructors, staff, contractors, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of: (a) your breach of these Terms; (b) your negligence, misconduct, or violation of law; or (c) injury or damage you cause to persons or property during STPA activities.

13.4 Property & Personal Effects

STPA is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to your personal property brought to class, range, or training facilities.

13.5 Medical Readiness & Treatment

You represent that you are medically fit to participate. You consent to receive first aid or emergency care deemed necessary by instructors or staff and agree to be responsible for any resulting costs.

14) Privacy, Records & Legal Compliance

14.1 Privacy Policy

Our Privacy Policy explains what we collect, how we use it, and your choices.

14.2 Training Records & Audits

We maintain training records as required by law, including three-year retention requirements in Alabama and Tennessee for certified trainers. We may share attendance/completion information with sponsoring employers and, upon request or audit, with the appropriate regulatory agencies. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

14.3 Compliance with Laws

You agree to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws while using the Services. If you are prohibited under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) or similar laws from possessing firearms or ammunition, you may not participate in armed training or handle firearms. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

15) Electronic Communications, E-Signatures & TCPA Consent

15.1 Electronic Signatures & Records

You agree that electronic signatures and records have the same legal effect as paper signatures and records, subject to applicable consumer disclosure and consent requirements under the federal E-SIGN Act (15 U.S.C. § 7001). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

15.2 Notices & Disclosures

Where a law requires written notices to consumers, we will obtain your consent before providing such notices electronically and ensure that records remain accessible as required by the E-SIGN Act. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

15.3 Informational Messages & TCPA

By providing your phone number, you consent to receive operational messages (e.g., class confirmations, changes, safety alerts). Marketing messages will be sent only with appropriate consent and can be opted out at any time. We comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (47 U.S.C. § 227) and applicable FCC rules. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

16) Changes, Suspension & Termination

We may update these Terms from time to time; changes will be posted with an updated effective date. We may suspend or terminate access to the Site or Services for violations of these Terms, safety concerns, fraud/abuse, non-payment, or legal requirements.

17) Governing Law, Venue, Waivers & Dispute Resolution

17.1 Governing Law

These Terms and any dispute or claim arising out of or relating to them will be governed by the laws of the State of Alabama, without regard to its conflict-of-laws rules.

17.2 Venue

You agree that the exclusive venue for any action relating to these Terms or the Services will be the state courts located in St. Clair County, Alabama, and the federal courts of the Northern District of Alabama, Eastern Division, as applicable.

17.3 Informal Resolution; Time Limits

Before filing suit, the parties will attempt in good faith to resolve disputes informally by contacting the other party. Any claim must be brought within one (1) year after the cause of action accrues, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

17.4 Class Action & Jury Trial Waivers

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the parties waive the right to participate in class or representative actions and waive trial by jury. Any action shall be adjudicated by a judge as permitted by law.

18) Management Rights, Accessibility & Miscellaneous

18.1 Right to Refuse or Remove

We reserve the right to refuse service, remove participants, or modify schedules to preserve safety, comply with law, or maintain instructional standards.

18.2 Accessibility & Accommodations

We strive to make reasonable accommodations for disabilities consistent with safety and essential course requirements. Contact info@shieldwalltpa.com in advance to discuss needs.

18.3 Severability & Survival

If any provision is unenforceable, the remainder remains in effect. Sections addressing IP, disclaimers, limitations of liability, indemnification, privacy/records, and governing law/venue survive termination.

18.4 Assignment

You may not assign your rights without our written consent. We may assign these Terms in connection with a reorganization or transfer.

18.5 Entire Agreement; Headings

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any course-specific terms or waivers, constitute the entire agreement between you and STPA for the Services. Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.

18.6 Contact

legal@shieldwalltpa.com (legal), billing@shieldwalltpa.com (billing), info@shieldwalltpa.com (general), phone (205) 753-6998.