📋 Terms of Service
Please read these terms carefully before using our platform and participating in USA Science Olympiad competitions.
🎯 1. Acceptance of Terms
Welcome to USA Science Olympiad (UOly.org). By accessing and using our website, participating in our competitions, or using any of our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services.
These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and USA Science Olympiad. We may update these Terms from time to time, and your continued use of our services after such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
👤 2. User Accounts and Registration
Account Creation: To participate in competitions, you must create an account and provide accurate, complete information. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.
Eligibility: Our services are available to students, educators, and organizations involved in science education. Students must have parental consent if under 18 years of age.
Account Responsibility: You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account. Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.
Team Registration: Team coaches and supervisors are responsible for ensuring all team members meet eligibility requirements and have proper authorizations to participate.
🏆 3. Competition Rules and Conduct
Fair Play: All participants must compete fairly and honestly. Cheating, plagiarism, or any form of academic dishonesty is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification.
Code of Conduct: Participants must maintain respectful behavior toward competitors, judges, volunteers, and staff. Harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated.
Competition Integrity: Participants must follow all event-specific rules, safety guidelines, and instructions from competition officials. Violation of rules may result in penalties or disqualification.
Equipment and Materials: Participants are responsible for bringing approved equipment and materials. USA Science Olympiad is not liable for lost, damaged, or stolen personal property.
⚖️ 4. Intellectual Property Rights
Our Content: All content on our website, including text, images, logos, videos, and competition materials, is owned by USA Science Olympiad or licensed to us. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without permission.
User Content: When you submit content (including competition entries, forum posts, or feedback), you grant us a non-exclusive license to use, display, and distribute such content for educational and promotional purposes.
Trademarks: "USA Science Olympiad," "UOly.org," and related marks are trademarks of our organization. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
DMCA Policy: We respect intellectual property rights and will respond to valid DMCA takedown notices. Contact us at [email protected] for copyright concerns.
🔒 5. Privacy and Data Collection
Data Collection: We collect personal information necessary for competition registration, communication, and service improvement. See our Privacy Policy for detailed information about data handling.
Student Privacy: We comply with COPPA and FERPA regulations for student data protection. Parental consent is required for participants under 13.
Data Security: We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information, but cannot guarantee absolute security of data transmitted over the internet.
Third-Party Services: Our website may use third-party analytics and services. These services have their own privacy policies and terms.
💳 6. Payments and Fees
Registration Fees: Competition registration may require payment of fees. All fees are non-refundable unless otherwise specified or required by law.
Payment Processing: Payments are processed through secure third-party providers. We do not store credit card information on our servers.
Refund Policy: Refunds may be available in cases of event cancellation or other circumstances beyond participant control, subject to our refund policy.
Late Fees: Late registration may incur additional fees. Team withdrawal after registration deadlines may forfeit all fees paid.
⚠️ 7. Limitation of Liability
Service Availability: We strive to maintain service availability but do not guarantee uninterrupted access. We are not liable for service outages or technical difficulties.
Competition Risks: Participation in competitions involves inherent risks. Participants assume responsibility for their safety and well-being during events.
Liability Limits: To the maximum extent permitted by law, our liability for damages is limited to the amount paid by you for our services in the 12 months preceding the claim.
Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from claims arising from your use of our services or violation of these Terms.
🔄 8. Modifications and Termination
Terms Updates: We may modify these Terms at any time by posting updated versions on our website. Material changes will be communicated via email or website notice.
Service Changes: We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of our services at any time with reasonable notice.
Account Termination: We may terminate accounts for violations of these Terms, illegal activity, or other reasons deemed necessary for platform integrity.
Effect of Termination: Upon termination, your right to use our services ceases immediately. Provisions regarding liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution survive termination.
⚖️ 9. Governing Law and Disputes
Governing Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States and the state where our organization is headquartered, without regard to conflict of law principles.
Dispute Resolution: Any disputes arising from these Terms or use of our services will be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.
Class Action Waiver: You agree not to participate in class action lawsuits against us. All disputes must be resolved individually.
Jurisdiction: Any legal proceedings not subject to arbitration will be conducted in the federal or state courts located in our jurisdiction.
📞 10. Contact Information
General Inquiries: For questions about these Terms or our services, contact us at:
USA Science Olympiad
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-800-USA-OLYMPIAD
Address: [Organization Address]
Website: https://uoly.org
Legal Notices: All legal notices and formal communications should be sent to our legal department at [email protected].
Response Time: We aim to respond to all inquiries within 5-7 business days. Complex legal matters may require additional time for proper review.
✅ Acknowledgment
By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. Thank you for being part of the USA Science Olympiad community!
📋 Related Policies
Important documents and policies you should review