Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Starting Line ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services for event registration and management.

By using Starting Line, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Name, surname, and date of birth
• Email address and phone number
• Home address and emergency contact details
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• South African ID number (for license verification purposes)
• Medical information (if voluntarily provided for safety purposes)
• Event participation history and preferences

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you access our website, we may automatically collect:

• Device information (browser type, operating system)
• IP address and location data
• Usage data (pages visited, time spent, clicks)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Information from Event Organisers

Event organisers may provide us with additional information about participants, including race results, photos, and event-specific data.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Processing event registrations and payments
• Verifying athletic licenses with Athletics South Africa (ASA)
• Sending event confirmations, reminders, and tickets (via email and WhatsApp)
• Providing customer support and responding to inquiries
• Improving our website and services
• Sending marketing communications (with your consent)
• Ensuring platform security and preventing fraud
• Complying with legal obligations
• Generating event statistics and reports for organisers

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 With Event Organisers

When you register for an event, we share your registration information with the event organiser, including your name, contact details, and any information required for participation (e.g., emergency contacts, medical information).

4.2 With Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who help us operate our platform:

• Payment processors (Paystack, PayFast)
• Email service providers (Resend)
• WhatsApp Business API (Meta)
• Cloud hosting providers (Railway)
• Analytics services

4.3 Athletics South Africa (ASA)

For events requiring athletic licenses, we verify your license status with ASA by sharing your ID number.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government regulation, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit (SSL/TLS)
• Secure password hashing
• Regular security audits
• Access controls and authentication
• Secure cloud infrastructure

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights Under POPIA

Under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Objection: Object to the processing of your information for marketing purposes
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for processing at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@startingline.co.za

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

Types of cookies we use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Track your activity for targeted advertising (only with consent)

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. Event registration data is typically retained for 7 years for tax and legal compliance purposes. You may request deletion of your account and data at any time, subject to our legal retention requirements.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 13. Parents or guardians may register minors for events, and we will process their information solely for event participation purposes with parental consent.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside of South Africa, including the United States and European Union, where our service providers are located. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

13. Information Officer

Our Information Officer, appointed in accordance with POPIA, can be reached at: