Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: February 1, 2026
Last Updated: February 1, 2026

By registering for or attending any class, course, or event hosted by The Responsible Defender, you agree to the following terms:

1. Payment Policy

  • Full payment is due at the time of registration or upon receipt of invoice.
  • Seats are only guaranteed once payment is received.
  • Unpaid registrations may forfeit their seat to a paid student.

2. Deposits, Cancellations & Rescheduling

  • All deposits and payments are non-refundable.
  • Students may reschedule once within 12 months of payment with at least 48 hours’ notice.

The Responsible Defender reserves the right to:

  • Credit payments toward another course at our discretion
  • Waive rescheduling fees when appropriate
  • Postpone or reschedule classes due to:
    • Severe weather
    • Instructor illness
    • Government orders or unforeseen events beyond our control

3. Safety & Dismissal Policy

Safety is non-negotiable.

Students may be removed from class without refund or rescheduling for:

  • Violating firearm or class safety rules
  • Bringing loaded firearms into the classroom (on person, in bags, or cases)
  • Bringing live ammunition into the classroom
  • Unsafe handling during live fire training
  • Unsafe or inappropriate equipment

Students with equipment issues may correct them prior to class start time. If unable, safe loaner equipment may be provided when available.

NO LIVE AMMUNITION IS PERMITTED IN ANY CLASSROOM — NO EXCEPTIONS.

4. Testing & Qualification Standards

Written Exams

  • Minimum passing score: 80%
  • One retake permitted
  • Incomplete exams = automatic failure

Firearms Qualifications

  • Minimum passing score: 80% or 4 out of 5 hits in designated scoring area (when applicable)
  • Students may reattempt qualifications up to three times
  • Additional attempts require scheduling and applicable range fees
  • Failure after reattempts may require repeating the course

5. Certificates & Replacement Documents

  • Duplicate certificates available upon request
  • Replacement Permit Application Packets: $25 fee (printing & shipping)
  • Corrected certificates must be requested
  • Duplicates reflect original completion date

6. Assumption of Risk

Firearms training and self-defense instruction involve inherent risks.

By participating, you acknowledge that:

  • You are responsible for your personal safety and the safety of others
  • You will follow all instructor directions and safety procedures
  • You meet all legal requirements to possess firearms and/or ammunition
  • You are not prohibited by federal, state, or local law from participating

7. Student Responsibility

By enrolling, you affirm that:

  • You are the lawful and actual participant in training
  • You are not legally prohibited from firearm possession
  • You are not under felony indictment or conviction
  • You are not subject to restraining orders or domestic violence prohibitions
  • You are not under disqualifying mental health or substance restrictions
  • You will comply with all applicable laws
  • You assume full responsibility for the legality of any firearm, ammunition, or equipment used in training.

8. Photography & Media Release

By attending a class or event with The Responsible Defender, you consent to:

  • Photography, video, and audio recording
  • Use of media for promotional, educational, and marketing purposes
  • You waive any claim to compensation, royalties, or approval of media use.