Overview

Exercise programs are provided by The Arthritis Movement (TAM) to assist people in the self-management of arthritis and associated conditions.

These programs are a safe way for most people with arthritis to exercise. However, any form of exercise can carry risks for some people, especially those with particular medical conditions.

General

  1. It is a condition of enrolment that participants abide by all relevant TAM policies and processes.
  2. Participants must read and agree to the Exercise Program Participant Agreement when completing their pre-screening information.
  3. Enrolment will be on a rolling term basis with recurring payments taken quarterly until participants advise withdrawal.
  4. We do not offer make-up classes for missed classes. In some cases, a refund may be provided – see below for refund terms and conditions.

Membership & Payment

  1. Term fees will be deducted each term from the nominated credit card.
  2. Payment will be processed on the following dates each term:
    • Term 1: 15th January
    • Term 2: 15th April
    • Term 3: 15th July
    • Term 4: 15th October
  3. If a participant chooses to cancel their enrolment, they must notify TAM by the 1st of the month term payment is due.
  4. Participants must inform TAM of any changes to their nominated credit card details. If payments are not successfully processed, membership may be terminated.
  5. If participants enrol mid-term, the full-term fee will be charged, and a refund will be processed for classes missed based on their enrolment date.
  6. A receipt will be emailed to you after membership fees for the term have been charged. You are encouraged to keep these for your records.
  7. Some classes are delivered by a Medicare-approved provider.
  8. A private health fund claim receipt will be provided for these classes.
  9. Refund Terms and Conditions

Refunds

TAM is committed to providing high-quality programs while balancing participant fairness, program sustainability, and program administration costs.

Refunds will be considered under specific and limited circumstances, as outlined below.

Eligible Refund Grounds

TAM will provide refunds only in the following circumstances:

  1. Unanticipated illness, injury, surgery or risks to safety that meets one of the below criteria and is supported by suitable documentation (as outlined further below).
    1. Unanticipated illness or injury that requires medical intervention and prevents participation in two or more consecutive classes.
    2. Surgery that is genuinely unplanned or scheduled on short notice after program registration.
    3. Where ongoing participation is unsafe or unsuitable for the participant’s health as advised by a treating medical professional.
  2. Class Cancellation by TAM
    1. If a class is cancelled due to instructor illness, venue closure, or any other operational reason.
  3. Public Holidays
    1. A class falls on a recognised public holiday.

Ineligible Refund Reasons

Refunds will not be provided for:

  • Minor illnesses or injuries that do not require medical attention or time off as certified by a medical professional.
  • Change of mind, schedule conflicts, or personal circumstances
  • Pre-planned or elective surgeries known to the participant at the time of booking
  • Travel, holidays, or short-term absences
  • One-off missed classes, regardless of reason

Required Documentation

To be eligible for a refund on medical grounds, participants must provide:

  • A dated medical certificate or letter from a qualified general practitioner that:
    • Clearly states the participant was medically unfit to engage in physical activity for a specific outlined period
    • For surgery-related claims, states that the surgery was unplanned or scheduled at short notice and could not have reasonably been known at the time of registration.
    • If withdrawing due to safety concerns, states withdrawal is medically advised due to safety reasons.
  • Documentation must be submitted within 14 days of the missed class or medical event. Late or incomplete requests for refund will not be considered unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Discretionary Refunds

Requests for refunds that do not meet the above conditions will only be considered under exceptional circumstances and on a case-by-case basis. If approved, discretionary refunds may attract a $30 administration fee (deducted from the total refund amount). Discretionary refunds are not guaranteed and must be supported by sufficient documentation.

Medical Screening

  1. Participants must complete the medical screening questions on registration to attend classes.
  2. Commencement of class is dependent upon review of medical screening and subsequent time required for potential GP review. (Allow 5 working days)
  3. Medical clearance may be required from your GP in the following circumstances:
    • after major illness/ injury
    • complex medical/health circumstances
    • after surgery
  4. TAM reserves the right to decline or cancel membership based on medical and safety concerns, inappropriate behaviour, or if a participant does not comply with this Agreement.
  5. Some Warm Water Exercise venues have additional medical screening requirements. It is essential you complete any screening forms provided prior to the commencement of the term.

Health and Safety

  1. There are risks associated with exercise and TAM expects responsibility will be taken by participants to protect their own health and safety, and that of other participants and the staff always.
  2. If a participant is unwell on the day of their class, they should not attend.
  3. In case of feeling unwell during class, participants must promptly inform the instructor.
  4. Adequate hydration is essential before, during, and after class; participants are encouraged to bring their own water bottle.
  5. Participants must wear suitable attire, complying with venue-specific requirements, including fully enclosed pool shoes when necessary, and use personal towels and hygiene products.
  6. Participants should inform the instructor of any necessary medications to be kept during class. If a participant has an emergency action plan for any condition (e.g., diabetes, asthma, angina), it is their responsibility to notify the instructor and bring the plan to class.

Insurance

  1. Enrolled participants of the exercise program(s) will be covered by insurance for the duration of their class, however, not outside of the scheduled class time.

Privacy

  1. TAM has a responsibility to protect participants’ personal and medical information.
  2. Provided participant information will be stored in a confidential database only accessible by Health Services Team, Health Services Manager, and CEO of TAM.
  3. Medical screening responses and contact details will be provided to instructors prior to commencement of the term for the purpose of ensuring the health and safety of participants during classes.

Definitions:

Instructor: an individual contracted by TAM to teach an exercise class
Participant: an individual enrolled in an exercise class run by TAM
Exercise program: exercise classes conducted by a trained health or fitness professional, namely a physiotherapist, exercise physiologist or a fitness leader with a
Certificate III or Certificate IV in Fitness
Membership: enrolment in an exercise program, e.g. the Warm Water Exercise Program.

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