Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Starting Line. By accessing or using our website, mobile application, or services (collectively, the "Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Platform.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Starting Line. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time, and your continued use of the Platform after such changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

2. Description of Services

Starting Line is an event management and registration platform that connects event organisers with participants. Our services include:

• Online event registration and payment processing
• Ticket generation and distribution (email and WhatsApp)
• Athletic license verification through Athletics South Africa (ASA)
• Event management tools for organisers
• Participant dashboards and event history
• Communication services between organisers and participants

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Registration

To use certain features of the Platform, you must create an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and update your information to keep it accurate
• Maintain the security of your password
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use

3.2 Account Types

The Platform offers three account types:

• Participants: Individuals registering for events
• Organisers: Event hosts managing their events and participants
• Administrators: Platform administrators with elevated privileges

4. Event Registration and Payments

4.1 Registration Process

When registering for an event, you agree to:

• Provide accurate personal and emergency contact information
• Disclose relevant medical conditions that may affect participation
• Accept the event organiser's specific terms and conditions
• Accept the refund policy stated for each event

4.2 Payment Processing

All payments are processed through secure third-party payment providers (Paystack, PayFast). By making a payment, you agree to the payment provider's terms and conditions.

Starting Line charges a service fee and processing fee on each transaction. These fees are clearly displayed before payment confirmation and are non-refundable.

4.3 Refund Policy

Refund policies are set by individual event organisers. Starting Line's general refund policy is:

• Refund requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis
• Valid reasons may include medical emergencies, injury, or event cancellation
• Processing fees are non-refundable
• Refunds are processed within 14-30 working days if approved
• Event organisers have final discretion on refund approvals

For event-specific refund policies, refer to the event details page.

5. User Conduct and Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

• Use the Platform for any unlawful purpose
• Impersonate any person or entity
• Upload or transmit viruses or malicious code
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Platform
• Scrape, crawl, or spider any part of the Platform
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the Platform
• Use automated systems to access the Platform without permission
• Harass, abuse, or harm other users
• Register for events fraudulently or using false information
• Share or sell your account access

6. Event Organiser Responsibilities

Event organisers using the Platform agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete event information
• Obtain all necessary permits, licenses, and insurance
• Ensure events comply with local laws and safety regulations
• Handle participant data in accordance with POPIA
• Process refund requests fairly and in accordance with stated policies
• Communicate event updates and changes promptly
• Honor all commitments made to participants
• Pay all fees owed to Starting Line within agreed timeframes

Organisers are solely responsible for the execution and delivery of their events. Starting Line is not liable for event cancellations, changes, or issues arising from event execution.

7. Intellectual Property Rights

7.1 Platform Content

The Platform and its content, features, and functionality are owned by Starting Line and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or reverse engineer any part of the Platform without our written permission.

7.2 User Content

By uploading content (photos, event descriptions, logos, etc.) to the Platform, you grant Starting Line a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute such content for the purpose of operating and promoting the Platform.

You represent and warrant that you own or have the necessary rights to all content you upload, and that such content does not violate any third-party rights or laws.

8. Third-Party Services

The Platform integrates with third-party services including:

• Payment processors (Paystack, PayFast)
• WhatsApp Business API (Meta)
• Athletics South Africa (ASA) license verification
• Email service providers

Your use of these third-party services is subject to their respective terms and conditions. Starting Line is not responsible for the actions, policies, or performance of third-party services.

9. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

9.1 Platform "As Is"

The Platform is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Starting Line does not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure.

9.2 Event Participation Risks

Participation in sporting events carries inherent risks. By registering for an event, you acknowledge and accept these risks. Starting Line is not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses incurred during event participation.

9.3 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Starting Line shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform. Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid to Starting Line in the six months preceding the claim.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Starting Line and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Your participation in events

11. Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account and access to the Platform at our sole discretion, without notice, for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Abuse of the Platform or other users
• Non-payment of fees

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform will immediately cease.

12. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa.

Before initiating formal legal proceedings, we encourage you to contact us to seek a resolution: legal@startingline.co.za

13. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of significant changes via email or prominent notice on the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree to the modified Terms, you must stop using the Platform.

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Starting Line regarding your use of the Platform.

16. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us: