General Conditions for Course Organization by EATO

Article 1: Definitions

  1. In these general conditions, the following terms have the specified meanings unless explicitly stated otherwise:
    • Organizer: European Academy of Traditional Osteopathy (EATO).
    • Participant: A registered osteopath.
    • Participation: Postgraduate osteopathy courses.

Article 2: General

  1. These general terms and conditions apply to all courses organized by EATO. They only apply when the participant enrolls in a course with EATO.
  2. If one or more provisions in these terms are found to be invalid, the remaining provisions remain fully applicable. The organizer and participant will collaborate to replace invalid provisions with new ones, taking into account the original intent.
  3. EATO organizes courses for osteopaths registered with DO and the NRO and NOF in the Netherlands, and GNRPO in Belgium. Participants from other countries must be registered with their national osteopathic register.

Article 3: Course Descriptions and Training Plans

  1. The organizer ensures that all essential course information is provided to the best of their knowledge.
  2. Participants may request additional information about a course. After registration, participants can cancel their enrollment free of charge up to six weeks before the course begins. If registration occurs within six weeks, participants can cancel for free within 14 days. See Articles 8 and 9 for further details on payments and cancellations.
  3. EATO applies for course accreditation with the NRO and GNRPO. Accreditation status is indicated on the EATO website.

Article 4: Provision of Information and Cooperation

  1. The organizer will provide participants with all necessary documents, information, and contacts in a timely manner to ensure smooth course progression. Emails from participants will be responded to within 48 hours.

Article 5: Course Organization and Content

  1. The organizer is responsible for the overall organization of the course.
  2. For external instructors, the organizer will make every effort to align the course content with the advertised description.
  3. The organization is not responsible for the theoretical or practical content that falls under the instructor’s expertise.
  4. The organizer is not liable for injuries caused by improper techniques from instructors or fellow participants. All instructors must have professional liability insurance as required by their professional register.

Article 6: Course Changes

  1. The organizer will notify participants of any changes to the course content, dates, or location as soon as possible.
  2. If participants are unsatisfied with the changes, they may cancel their enrollment without charge.
  3. If there is insufficient participation, the organizer has the right to cancel the course, notifying participants at least two weeks before the start date.
  4. In cases of force majeure (e.g., illness, travel issues), the organizer may cancel the course even within two weeks of the start date.
  5. The organizer is not responsible for expenses such as travel or accommodation in case of cancellation due to force majeure (see also Article 13).
  6. In the event of cancellation due to force majeure, the full course fee will be refunded to participants within one month.

Article 7: Duration of Agreement

  1. The agreement applies to the specific course for which the participant has registered. For training programs, it applies to the entire duration of the program.

Article 8: Course Fees

  1. Course fees are listed on the EATO website or in the organizer’s brochure.
  2. Fees include coffee and tea, unless otherwise stated, but exclude accommodation costs.
  3. Fees are VAT-exempt.
  4. Course fees include the syllabus unless otherwise indicated.

Article 9: Payment Terms and Cancellation Policy

  1. Payment is due within two weeks of the invoice date unless otherwise agreed. Disputes about the invoice amount do not suspend payment obligations.
  2. If payment is late, the participant will be considered in default, and the organizer may charge statutory interest. Interest accrues from the due date until full payment is made.
  3. If payment is not received within two weeks, the organizer may remove the participant from the course and offer the spot to another participant.
  4. If the participant cancels up to one month before the course starts, 50% of the fee will be refunded. Cancellations within one month require full payment of the course fee.
  5. In cases of force majeure, the participant may apply the course fee to a future course or request a refund, which will be processed within one month.
  6. Course prices are VAT-exempt unless otherwise stated.
  7. For training vouchers issued by the Flemish community, participants must follow specific payment instructions detailed in this article.

Article 10: Complaints

  1. Complaints must be submitted in writing or by email within two weeks of the course’s completion. Complaints should include as much detail as possible.
  2. The organizer will respond within four weeks of receiving a complaint.
  3. If a complaint is justified, the organizer will take necessary steps to meet the course description.
  4. Disputes unresolved between the participant and organizer will be referred to the relevant professional register’s complaints committee (NRO/NOF for the Netherlands, GNRPO for Belgium), whose decision is binding.
  5. Complaints will be handled confidentially and retained for three years.

Article 11: Liability

  1. The organizer is only responsible for fulfilling the obligations of organizing the course. The organizer is not liable for outcomes not achieved.
  2. The organizer’s liability is limited to the course fee paid by the participant.
  3. The organizer is not liable for injuries or damages caused by instructors or fellow participants.
  4. Compensation for indirect or consequential damages, including loss of income, is not available.

Article 12: Risk Transfer

  1. The participant is responsible for any loss or damage to course materials provided.

Article 13: Force Majeure

  1. Neither party is required to meet any obligations if they are prevented due to circumstances beyond their control, such as strikes, illness, or travel disruptions.
  2. If a force majeure event prevents fulfillment of the course, the course may be postponed. If the delay exceeds two months, either party may cancel the agreement without compensation.
  3. If part of the course is canceled due to force majeure, a replacement activity will be organized within one year. Participants may request a refund if the replacement activity is unsuitable.

Article 14: Confidentiality

  1. Both parties agree to keep all confidential information private, unless required by law.

Article 15: Intellectual Property and Copyrights

  1. All materials, methods, and tools provided by the organizer or instructors remain their intellectual property. Reproduction or publication without permission is prohibited.

Article 16: Disputes

  1. Disputes will be addressed by the complaints committees of the NRO for the Netherlands and the GNRPO for Belgium. If unresolved, disputes will be settled in a competent court.

Article 17: Governing Law

  1. Dutch law governs all agreements between the organizer and participants, even if the participant resides abroad.