Refund Policies

1. Involuntary Termination of Membership

   1. If membership with the winterguard is discontinued due to performance considerations, or due to injury/health reasons (determined by PPAs staff), or due to an emergency (as agreed with the Director) the schedule below will determine the refund amount.

   2. The withheld membership fees below are not a penalty, but rather a cost for the services rendered leading up to the involuntary termination. The Executive Director will have the final say if any changes to the refund schedule below.

   3. Schedule

      1. Prior to November 17 – $375 will be withheld

      2. Prior to December 1 – $700 will be withheld

      3. Prior to January 12 – $1025 will be withheld

      4. Prior to February 9 – $1350 will be withheld

      5. Prior to March 9 – $1675 will be withheld 

      6. Prior to March 31 – $1900 will be withheld 

2. Voluntary Termination of Membership

   1. If a member discontinues membership with the organization by their own choosing, before or by December 1 – everything but $700 will be refunded

   2. If a member discontinues membership with the organization by their own choosing, after December 1 there is no refund on any paid fees.

3. Termination with Cause

   1. If a member is dismissed from Paramount due to:

      1. Violation of Paramount Performing Arts Policy, rules or regulations

      2. Violation of Federal Law

      3. Violation of State Law

      4. Disciplinary Reason

   2. Member will be not be given a refund

4. Refund Guidelines

   1. Refunds will be processed by check only, through the Paramount Performing Arts Office, and may take up to one month after the termination date, to be processed. Checks will be mailed to the member’s mailing address on file, unless otherwise requested.

   2. Refunds can and will be withheld until all of Paramount’s property is returned to the organization, including but not limited to performance equipment, props, or uniform parts, etc.

   3. If a member overpays on dues, a refund can be requested in writing or in person. It may take up to one month after a request is made to be processed. 

Attendance Expectations

1. I agree to be in attendance for every rehearsal and performance, as laid out in the 2026 Paramount Winterguard calendar of scheduled events. www.paramountwg.org/events 

2. I understand that this schedule is subject to change. 

   1. Some cases might need to be altered from time to time and I agree to be flexible with those minor changes. 

   2. Competition schedules may be altered based on extenuating circumstances. You will be notified at minimum 2 weeks in advance for any such changes.

3. If I am unable to attend a rehearsal for any reason, prior approval must be obtained in writing. All known conflicts must be submitted at the beginning of the season for approval by filling out this form. We will respond with a decision to your request.

4. I understand that being absent from rehearsals without prior notification and approval by the Directors (a no-show), is grounds for dismissal from the unit, and all fees paid to date will be forfeited by the member. 

5. I understand that performance standards must be maintained in order to maintain my position within the unit. 

6. I understand that all travel arrangements are my responsibility, to-and-from rehearsals, as laid out in the handbook.

7. I have read the 2026 Paramount Winterguard handbook, and agree to abide by all rules and policies set forth in said handbook. 

8. I understand my membership is dependent upon my compliance with all rules and policies, and failure to follow those guidelines may result in my membership being terminated, without advance notice, and without a refund of membership dues paid.

9. Sponsorships

   1. Individual Sponsorships: Many individuals seek assistance in paying for their membership fee through sponsorships and personal donations. Please read this section carefully if you plan to seek sponsorship for your membership fee so that you may provide clear and accurate information to your sponsors.

      1. May be paid directly to the member. The Organization is not involved in the process, and the member simply turns the fees over to the Organization.

      2. May be paid directly to the winterguard , to be credited to the member. This can be done through the mail by check or over the phone by credit card.

      3. Please ask sponsors to  indicate that the payment is for Paramount Performing Arts (Membership Fee and Member Name is clearly stated on payment)  as we have several departments within the organization.

      4. PLEASE make it clear to sponsors that a personal donation for membership fees is NOT tax-deductible, regardless if they send funds to the office directly. Only donations to the organization are tax-deductible.

      5. It is not  the responsibility of office administration or staff to seek out sponsors for payment. It is the member’s responsibility to ensure membership fees are handled.

      6. Should any refunds be issued, refund payments will be made directly to the sponsor upon request. It may take up to one month to process a refund.

   2. Corporate Sponsorships

      1. Members should not solicit current Paramount Performing Arts corporate sponsors for individual sponsorship, nor any businesses in competition with Paramount Performing Arts corporate sponsors.

      2. Members may solicit local businesses for sponsorship.

Information and Resources

1. Paying Fees

   1. Check, Money Order or Certified Check

      1. Make checks payable to Paramount Performing Arts 

      2. Clearly mark “Paramount Membership Fee - Member Name” in the memo line.

      3. Send checks to:

         1. Paramount Performing Arts - Membership Fees

         2. 2026 McAfee Rd.

         3. Decatur, GA 30032

   2. Electronic

      1. Go to online portal that will be provided via email

         1. Card fees apply

      2. Pay at rehearsals via card reader

         1. Card fees apply

      3. Zelle (bank to bank only, not app to bank)

         1. No Fees

   3. Cash

      1. In person at rehearsal

      2. Upon cash payment, please get a receipt (electronically or physical)

      3. Mailing cash is not recommended

2. Financial Account Status

   1. Please email the office if you have any questions on your payments

   2. Please email the office or check your member portal to obtain your outstanding balance

   3. Please allow up to 14  days after payment for office administration to update your financial records

3. Policies

   1. I understand that I must comply with all PPA policies including, but not limited to, these listed below and posted online at paramountwg.org/safety. 

      1. Additionally, I understand that although I am not required to have a pre-participation physical completed and form submitted, Paramount Performing Arts highly encourages it. 

Liability

1. Liability Release: 

   1. I acknowledge, fully understand and agree, that I assume all the risk, and accept personal responsibility for any damages following any type of illness, injury or permanent disability, and hereby release, discharge, covenant to indemnify and not to sue PPA, or d/b/a Paramount Winterguard, its instructors, director, managers, employees, and associated personnel, agents, members, rehearsal facilities, volunteers and representatives. 

   2. I further agree to release Paramount Winterguard from any and all liability to my participation in the Paramount Winterguard. I have read the above waiver/release and understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing this waiver and sign below voluntarily. I have read the rules and regulations as set forth in the 2026 Paramount Winterguard Handbook, and accept the consequences, should these rules/regulations be broken.

   3. If at any time, I feel my safety is in question, I will notify a Director immediately or submit an Incident via www.paramountwg.org/safety 

2. Addendums

   1. Any changes to this agreement must be done with a written addendum approved and signed by the Executive Director of Paramount Performing Arts.