Terms of Service

Last updated: March 9, 2026

Welcome to the Young Scandinavians Club ("YSC," "the Club," "we," "us," or "our"). We are a member-run, nonprofit corporation dedicated to celebrating Scandinavian culture. By using our website (ysc.org), staying at our properties, or joining our events, you are agreeing to these Terms.

We've written these to be as clear as possible, reflecting our spirit of community and mutual respect.

1. Membership & Community Eligibility

The Membership Bond:

Membership is a privilege granted by the Board of Directors. To join, you must meet the heritage, language, or residency requirements in our Bylaws and remain current on your annual dues.

Account Security:

You are the gatekeeper of your account. Please keep your login credentials secure. Our website uses Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your protection; ensuring your contact info is current is essential for accessing your account.

Accuracy:

You agree to provide real, accurate information. Using "burner" accounts or aliases that hinder the Club's ability to manage its roster is prohibited.

2. Digital Safety & Acceptable Use

To protect our digital home and the hard work of our volunteer developers, you agree to the following:

No Scraping:

You may not use automated systems (bots, spiders, or scrapers) to harvest member data, directory information, or event details from our site.

System Integrity:

Please don't try to break things. Any attempt to bypass rate-limiting, probe our security, or overwhelm our servers (DDoS) will result in an immediate IP ban and membership review.

Personal Use Only:

The content on ysc.org is for the benefit of our members. You may not use our website or member directory for commercial solicitation, spamming, or marketing outside of official Club channels.

3. Respecting Member Privacy

We are a close-knit community. Privacy is a cornerstone of our trust.

Confidentiality:

You may have access to the names, contact info, or family details of other members through our directory or events. You are strictly prohibited from publishing, sharing, or selling this information.

Safe Spaces:

What happens at YSC events stays at YSC. Do not "dox" or publicly post private information about fellow members without their explicit, enthusiastic consent.

4. Events, Guests, and Conduct

The Golden Rule:

Treat everyone with respect. Harassment, discrimination, or illegal behavior at our events or properties will not be tolerated. The Board reserves the right to suspend or expel members who harm the general welfare of the Club, in accordance with Bylaws Article 3.9. Please review our Code of Conduct for more information.

To report a conduct violation, please use our conduct violation reporting form or contact the board directly via email at [email protected].

Your Guests:

You are responsible for the people you bring. Any unpaid fees or conduct violations caused by your guests are your responsibility.

Cancellations:

Most event tickets are non-refundable as they cover fixed costs like food and rentals. Check the specific event page for details.

5. SMS & Mobile Communications

We use text messaging strictly for utility, never for marketing blasts.

Purpose:

By opting in, you'll receive texts for:

  • Account Security: One-Time Passcodes (OTP) and 2FA login verification.
  • Booking Confirmations: Changes or alerts regarding events and reservations.
  • Urgent Alerts: Notifications about sudden changes (e.g., a Tahoe cabin reservation update).

Control:

Reply STOP to opt out at any time. Note that this may prevent you from logging into the member portal if 2FA is required.

Privacy:

We will never sell or trade your phone number. Period.

6. Intellectual Property & Photos

Club Content:

The YSC logo, our website code, and official graphics belong to the Club and are protected by copyright laws.

Event Photography:

We often take photos at events to share in our newsletter or on our site. If you see a photo of yourself on our website that you'd like removed, just email [email protected]. We'll handle it quickly.

7. Staying Safe (Liability & Release)

Because we operate recreational facilities in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Clearlake, we must be clear about risk:

Assumption of Risk:

You acknowledge that visiting our properties and participating in outdoor activities (like skiing or hiking) involves inherent risks. You choose to participate voluntarily.

Release of Claims:

You agree to release the YSC and its volunteer officers from liability for personal injury or property damage resulting from ordinary negligence during Club activities, as defined in Article 3.11 and 12.3 of our Bylaws.

Property Rules:

When using YSC properties, you agree to follow all "House Rules" regarding fire safety, cleaning, and local ordinances.

8. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any legal disputes will be handled exclusively in the courts of San Francisco, CA.

9. Changes to These Terms

If we make a significant change to these rules, we'll give you at least 30 days' notice via email or a site notification.

Contact Us

Questions? Suggestions? Reach out to the Board or the Treasurer:

Young Scandinavians Club
PO Box 640610
San Francisco, CA 94112
USA
Email: [email protected]