Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to RaceConnect ("Platform", "we", "us", or "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website and services located at raceconnect.co.za.

By accessing or using RaceConnect, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of these Terms, you may not access the Platform.

2. What We Provide

RaceConnect is a software platform only. We provide:

• Event listing and discovery tools
• Online registration facilitation
• Payment processing services
• Race timing software
• Results publication tools

We do not:

• Organize, manage, or operate any races or events
• Own or control event registrations
• Provide medical services or safety personnel
• Control race routes, venues, or conditions
• Make decisions regarding refunds, cancellations, or event changes

3. Registration and Payments

3.1 Registration Ownership

When you register for an event through RaceConnect, your registration is with the Event Organizer, not with RaceConnect. We merely facilitate the registration process on behalf of organizers.

3.2 Payment Processing

We facilitate payment processing between you and Event Organizers. Payments are processed through secure third-party payment providers. By making a payment, you authorize us to collect funds on behalf of the Event Organizer.

3.3 Refunds and Cancellations

All refund and cancellation requests must be directed to the Event Organizer. RaceConnect does not have authority to issue refunds or process cancellations on behalf of organizers. Each organizer sets their own refund and cancellation policies.

We are not responsible for:

• Event cancellations or postponements
• Changes to event details, routes, or schedules
• Disputes between participants and organizers
• Organizer failure to deliver promised services

4. Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver

4.1 Inherent Risks

You acknowledge that participating in running, cycling, swimming, and other endurance events involves inherent risks including but not limited to:

• Physical injury, illness, or death
• Exposure to weather conditions
• Collision with other participants, vehicles, or objects
• Uneven terrain, obstacles, or hazardous conditions
• Medical emergencies including cardiac events
• Dehydration, heat stroke, or hypothermia

4.2 Release of Liability

RaceConnect, its directors, employees, and affiliates are not liable for any injury, illness, death, property damage, or other loss arising from your participation in any event listed on our Platform.

By using RaceConnect and registering for events, you:

• Assume all risks associated with event participation
• Release RaceConnect from any claims arising from event participation
• Acknowledge that Event Organizers are solely responsible for event safety
• Confirm you are physically fit to participate or have obtained medical clearance

4.3 No Warranty

We provide the Platform "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure.

5. User Accounts

5.1 Account Registration

You must provide accurate, complete, and current information when creating an account. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

5.2 Account Responsibility

You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account. Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use.

6. Privacy and Data

6.1 Data Collection and Use

By using RaceConnect, you consent to our collection and use of your personal data for the purpose of:

• Facilitating event registrations
• Processing payments
• Publishing race results
• Communicating event information
• Improving our services

6.2 Organizer Access to Data

Event Organizers can view personal data of participants who have registered for their events. This includes your name, contact details, emergency contacts, and any information required for event participation. By registering for an event, you consent to sharing this information with the relevant Event Organizer.

6.3 Communication Preferences

You can manage your notification preferences in your account settings. You may opt in or out of marketing communications at any time. Essential transactional communications (registration confirmations, event updates) cannot be disabled.

6.4 Data Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal data by contacting us or through your account settings. Note that some data may be retained for legal compliance, financial records, or legitimate business purposes.

For more details, please review our Privacy Policy.

7. Minors (Under 18)

Users under the age of 18 may only use RaceConnect under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian.

• Parents/guardians are solely responsible for their minor's use of the Platform
• Parents/guardians must register dependents through the dependent management feature
• Parents/guardians assume all risks and liabilities on behalf of minors
• Parents/guardians consent to data collection for minors they register
• All waivers and releases in these Terms apply to minors through their parent/guardian's acceptance

8. Marketplace

Our marketplace allows users to transfer race registrations to other users. By using the marketplace:

• Sellers confirm they have a valid, transferable registration
• Buyers confirm they meet all event eligibility requirements
• RaceConnect facilitates the transfer but is not responsible for disputes
• Transfer completion is subject to Event Organizer policies

9. Intellectual Property

The Platform, including its design, features, and content, is owned by RaceConnect and protected by intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, or distribute any part of the Platform without our written consent.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless RaceConnect, its directors, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:

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

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, RaceConnect's total liability for any claims arising from your use of the Platform shall not exceed the fees you have paid to us in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.

We shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of South Africa.

13. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify users of significant changes via email or Platform notification. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

14. Contact Us

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

Email: support@raceconnect.co.za