Protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal information is one of Special Olympics Virginia’s highest priorities. The following Privacy Statement explains how Special Olympics Virginia (SOVA) collects and protects your information, but shall not be construed as a contractual promise. We reserve the right to amend our Privacy Statement at any time without notice.
If you have any questions that this statement does not address, please contact Special Olympics Virginia at 804.346.5544 ext. 3036.
Why do we gather information?
Special Olympics Virginia collects information to ensure a safe environment for all athletes and volunteers and to communicate with all volunteers.
What information do we collect?
The information we collect directly from volunteers includes information required to communicate with you, including your name, parent/guardian name if a minor, mailing address, telephone numbers, email address, and group affiliation; to identify who you are, including birth date or age and gender; to determine your volunteer interests; and to safeguard your health if you are a unified partner.
We also collect background information to determine your suitability as a volunteer, including whether you use illegal drugs; if you were ever convicted of any criminal offense; if you were ever charged with neglect, abuse, or assault; and if your driver’s license was ever suspended or revoked.
In addition, for Class A Adult Volunteers we collect criminal history information from a vendor to determine eligibility status. For Class A Minor Volunteers we collect information from two references to determine eligibility status.
When do we obtain information?
You directly provide us with the majority of the information we collect. You do this by completing a Class A Adult, Class A Minor, or Class B Volunteer Form when you first register as a SOVA volunteer.
Criminal history background checks are conducted when a volunteer completes a Class A Adult Volunteer Form. If the volunteer remains active, a criminal history background check is conducted every three years.
A reference form is collected whenever a volunteer completes a Class A Minor Form. If the volunteer remains active and remains a minor, a reference form is collected every three years.
How do we use your information?
Providing a safe environment for our athletes and volunteers is of utmost importance. The information you provide is primarily used by SOVA to communicate and to determine an individual’s eligibility to serve as a SOVA volunteer. It may also be used for public education and to communicate giving opportunities.
What information does SOVA share internally?
Contact information such as name, address, phone numbers, and email address are shared with SOVA staff and area/local programs for communication purposes. Personal information, including birth date, is limited to three SOVA staff members. Volunteer eligibility status is shared with SOVA staff and key area and local volunteers.
Do we share the information collected with any other third parties?
SOVA does not sell, license, lease, or otherwise disclose your personal information to any third party for any reason, except as described below:
To determine eligibility as a Class A Adult Volunteer, name and birth date are sent in an encrypted file to a vendor. The vendor uses this information to search a database of national sex offender registries, court records, and motor vehicle records. Results with name, sometimes birth date, and any records found are posted by the vendor on its password-protected website.
Does our Privacy Statement apply to the sites to which we link?
No. We are not responsible for the privacy policies or the content of non-SOVA sites we link to and have no control over the use or protection of information provided by you or collected by those sites.
What steps do we take to protect our volunteers’ personal information?
We use technology tools and office procedures to offer you a safe and secure environment and protect your personal information. While no security system is absolutely impenetrable, we are constantly reviewing, refining, and upgrading our security technology as new tools become available.
Can you opt out of sharing your personal information with third parties?
Not if you wish to serve as a Class A Volunteer. If you wish to be a Class A Volunteer you must provide your date of birth and undergo the background screening process in order to determine eligibility.
Will you be able to review, change or correct your information?
Yes. Personal identifying information may be reviewed, changed, or corrected at any time. You are responsible for maintaining the accuracy and completeness of your personal and other information.
Revised 8/13/13