Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: November 13, 2025

Welcome to Debationship! These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our platform, website, and services ("Services") provided by Debationship ("Company," "we," "us," or "our"). By accessing or using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not access or use our Services.

1. Eligibility

1.1 Age Requirement

Our Services are open to users of all ages. However, if you are under the age of 13, you must obtain permission from a parent or legal guardian before registering or using our Services. By using our Services, you represent and warrant that you either meet this age requirement or have received the necessary consent from a parent or guardian.

1.2 Account Registration

To access certain features of our Services, you may be required to create an account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during the registration process and to update such information to keep it accurate, current, and complete.

1.3 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

2. Use of Services

2.1 Permitted Use

You agree to use our Services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You will not use our Services in any way that could damage, disable, overburden, or impair the functionality of our Services.

2.2 Prohibited Activities

You agree not to engage in any of the following prohibited activities:

  • Misrepresenting your identity, qualifications, or affiliations.
  • Harassing, threatening, or harming other users.
  • Collecting personal information of others without their consent.
  • Using our Services for any commercial purposes without our prior written consent.

2.3 User Content

You are responsible for the content you post, upload, or otherwise make available through our Services ("User Content"). You grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, and display your User Content in connection with the operation of our Services.

3. User Responsibility: Age and Identity Verification

3.1 Accuracy of Information

When registering for our Services, you agree to provide accurate and truthful information, including your age and any other required details. You are solely responsible for the information you provide during registration and throughout your use of our platform.

3.2 Lying About Age or Faking Verification

If you provide false information about your age or attempt to fake verification, you are solely responsible for any consequences that arise from this misrepresentation. We are not responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information you provide, and any liability resulting from false or misleading information rests solely with you.

3.3 Account Termination

If we discover that you have provided false information or faked verification, we reserve the right to terminate your account immediately without prior notice.

3.4 Parental Responsibility

If a minor under the age of 13 accesses our Services by providing false information, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to monitor and address this activity. We are not liable for any unauthorized use by minors who have misrepresented their age or faked verification.

3.5 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from your provision of false information, including but not limited to claims related to age misrepresentation or fake verification.

4. Coach and Judge Matching

4.1 Coach Matching

Debationship offers a platform to connect users with debate coaches. We do not guarantee the suitability or effectiveness of any coaches or resources found through our Services.

4.2 Judge Matching

Debationship offers a platform to connect users with debate judges. We do not guarantee the suitability or effectiveness of any judges or resources found through our Services.

4.3 Responsibility

You acknowledge that any partnerships or coaching relationships formed through our Services are solely between you and the other party. Debationship is not responsible for the actions, behavior, or outcomes of any users, coaches, or judges.

5. Payments and Subscriptions

5.1 Fees

Some of our Services may be subject to fees or subscriptions. By using those Services, you agree to pay all applicable fees in accordance with the terms provided at the time of purchase.

5.2 Refunds

Fees paid for our Services are non-refundable unless otherwise stated in a specific refund policy.

5.3 Payment Information

You agree to provide accurate payment information and authorize us to charge the applicable fees to your payment method.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Ownership

All content, trademarks, logos, and intellectual property associated with our Services are the property of Debationship or its licensors. You may not use any of our intellectual property without our prior written consent.

6.2 User Content

You retain ownership of your User Content but grant us the rights described in Section 2.3 above.

7. Prohibited Conduct: Hate Speech, Harmful Language, and Inappropriate Profile Pictures

7.1 Respectful Communication

We are dedicated to maintaining a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment within our community. By using our Services, you agree to engage in communication that is courteous and respectful, both in public and private interactions.

7.2 Prohibited Content in Bios

You are strictly prohibited from posting, sharing, or using any language or content in chats, bios, or any other part of the platform that:

  • Promotes hate speech, discrimination, or violence based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic.
  • Harasses, bullies, or threatens other users.
  • Contains slurs, derogatory terms, or harmful language that is intended to demean or harm others.
  • Encourages or incites illegal activities or violence.
  • Is intended to shock, offend, or spread negativity within the community.

7.3 Prohibited Profile Pictures

You are prohibited from using any profile picture that:

  • Contains hate symbols, offensive or derogatory imagery, or content intended to promote discrimination, hate speech, or violence.
  • Depicts violence, nudity, or sexually explicit content.
  • Includes graphic, shocking, or otherwise inappropriate material intended to offend or disturb others.
  • Violates any laws or the rights of others, including intellectual property rights.

7.4 Enforcement

We reserve the right to review and monitor all user-generated content, including chats and bios, to ensure compliance with these terms. Any content found to be in violation of this policy may be removed without notice, and the user responsible may face penalties, including but not limited to warnings, temporary suspension, or permanent termination of their account.

7.5 Reporting Violations

If you encounter any content or behavior that violates this policy, please report it immediately using our in-platform reporting tools or by contacting us directly at contactdebationship@gmail.com. We take all reports seriously and will take appropriate action to address any violations.

7.6 Zero Tolerance Policy

We have a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech, harmful language, and harassment. Violations of this policy may result in immediate suspension or termination of your account without prior notice.

8. Disclaimer of Warranties

6.1 As-Is Basis

Our Services are provided on an "as-is" and "as-available" basis. We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the operation or availability of our Services.

6.2 No Guarantee

We do not guarantee that our Services will be error-free, uninterrupted, or secure. We disclaim any liability for any harm or damage resulting from your use of our Services.

9. Limitation of Liability

7.1 Exclusion of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Debationship shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of our Services.

7.2 Limitation

Our total liability to you for any claims arising out of or related to these Terms or our Services shall not exceed the amount you paid to us, if any, for access to our Services during the 12 months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

10. Termination

8.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by discontinuing use of our Services.

8.2 Termination by Us

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to our Services at our sole discretion, without prior notice, for conduct that we believe violates these Terms or is harmful to other users, us, or third parties.

11. Modifications to Terms and Conditions

9.1 Changes to Services

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue our Services at any time, with or without notice to you.

9.2 Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Any changes will be effective upon posting the revised Terms on our website. Your continued use of our Services after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.

9.3 Continued Use

Your continued use of our Services after any changes to these Terms constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms. If you do not agree with the revised Terms, you must discontinue use of our Services immediately.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Maryland, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

13. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Informal Negotiation

In the event of any disputes, claims, or controversies arising out of or relating to these Terms or our Services, you agree to first attempt to resolve the matter through informal negotiation with us. You agree to contact us at contactdebationship@gmail.com to discuss and attempt to resolve any disputes in good faith.

11.2 Good Faith Effort

Both parties agree to make a good faith effort to resolve any dispute informally before pursuing any other remedy. If the dispute is not resolved through informal negotiation within 60 days of the initial notice, either party may seek other remedies as permitted by law.

11.3 Waiver of Class Actions

You agree to waive any right to participate in class actions related to any disputes with Debationship.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms or our Services, please contact us at contactdebationship@gmail.com.