The Rock Pool Project - User Registration Terms and Conditions

The Rock Pool Project

User Registration Terms and Conditions

Introduction

The Rock Pool Project is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company operating under the registered name “People Power Science”, in the United Kingdom at Bryher, Perranarworthal, Truro, Cornwall TR3 7NU. Company registration number 11257132.

These terms and conditions relate to participation in all Rock Pool Project Events. By signing up to attend one of these events and registering with The Rock Pool Project, you’re agreeing to these terms and conditions.

These terms and conditions may be updated, and by remaining registered you are agreeing to any and all changes made. For a list of changes made you can contact us directly at: info@therockpoolproject.co.uk.

Definitions

The following definitions are relevant to this policy:

  • The Rock Pool Project – refers to The Rock Pool Project CIC.
  • Big Rock Pool Challenge – the Big Rock Pool Challenge Project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the Scottish Power Foundation, in partnership with the Marine Biological Association.
  • BioBlitz Battle – our BioBlitz Battle games, encompassing any private bookings or community events which use The Rock Pool Project’s BioBlitz Battle App. As part of the Big Rock Pool Challenge, these events occur monthly at each Big Rock Pool Challenge Hub, and are attended by members of the community and led by volunteers.
  • Big Rock Pool Challenge Hub – a Big Rock Pool Challenge Hub is led by a core team of six Event Lead volunteers who organise and deliver monthly rock pooling events at the same coastal site. They’re joined by a wider crew of local volunteers who help out on the day.
  • Content – refers to any material published on any official Rock Pool Project websites, applications and social media pages including, but not limited to, participation data, text, images, animation, videos and logos.
  • Event – any event run by The Rock Pool Project, including Big Rock Pool Challenge BioBlitz Battles, and those run by pilot hubs (a pilot hub is the first stage of setting up a new Big Rock Pool Challenge event in a new location, these events are in-house, with team members and volunteers only).
  • Event Team – each Big Rock Pool Challenge hub is led by a core team of six Event Lead volunteers who share responsibility for planning and running monthly events. This team works collaboratively, with an emphasis on shared ownership and mutual support.
  • Leadership group – the five lead volunteer roles for monthly BioBlitz Battle event (Event Director, Social Media Coordinator, Safety Officer, Data Officer, Identification Station Lead), and the Hub Leader and Deputy Hub Leader.
  • Event Director – runs the Big Rock Pool Challenge event. The main point of contact on the day, delivering pre- and post-event briefings and supporting all volunteers.
  • Hub Leader – each hub has a designated Hub Leader – the main contact for submitting the application and liaising with Rock Pool Project staff. We also recommend having a Deputy Hub Leader, who can support the Hub Leader and act as the main point of contact if the Hub Leader is ever unavailable.
  • iNaturalist ID – your account on iNaturalist, including your username.
  • Our/we – refers to The Rock Pool Project and those operating on behalf of The Rock Pool Project.
  • Participant/ participating/ participation – refers to attending a Big Rock Pool Challenge event and taking part in a BioBlitz Battle as either a participant or volunteer.
  • Privacy Policy – refers to the Rock Pool Project Privacy Policy.
  • Rock Pool Project ID – your account as a member of The Rock Pool Project.
  • Self-led Event – an activity undertaken independently by participants without the presence or supervision of The Rock Pool Project staff or volunteers, including the National BioBlitz.
  • You/ your – refers to the person who is registering to attend the event.
  • Volunteer – anyone acting in a voluntary capacity at any Big Rock Pool Challenge event.
  • Website terms and conditions – terms and conditions for anyone using our website or online content.

User registration

BioBlitz Battle events are events run by The Rock Pool Project, where participants and volunteers take part in or run BioBlitz Battle games. These events encompass all community events and private bookings with The Rock Pool Project. BioBlitz Battle games are accessed via The Rock Pool Project BioBlitz Battle App, through which participants will be registered with The Rock Pool Project.

Registration details

When you sign up to attend a BioBlitz Battle event, you will be automatically registered with The Rock Pool Project. We will collect the following information:

  • iNaturalist ID and account information
  • Email address
  • Post code
  • Your preferred home hub

Following registration with The Rock Pool Project, you will have access to our members hub, where you can view your rock pooling records from the BioBlitz Battle events.

By registering you’ll also be added to our mailing list to receive news and communications regarding upcoming events. You can unsubscribe from this list at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” within the email.

Privacy

Please read The Rock Pool Project Privacy Policy to understand how we use your personal data. By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions you acknowledge that The Rock Pool Project may use the data provided in the manner stated in the privacy policy.

Conduct

At all times you must be mindful of your actions and the impact it can have on others, remembering that there are families, children and vulnerable adults attending our events. By registering for a Rock Pool Project event, you commit to ethos of responsible rock pooling. This means that you should treat all animals, habitats and other beach users with respect. You agree not to remove or disturb marine life unnecessarily and to follow best practices for responsible rock pooling, as outlined in our guidance materials and, where applicable, by the Event Director at organised events.

Where we deem behaviour to be inappropriate for an event, we reserve the right to take all action necessary to safeguard those in attendance.

By registering and/or participating in Rock Pool Project Events, you are agreeing to follow our rules and guidelines. These include but are not limited to the following:

  • The Rock Pool Project Volunteer Policy
  • The Rock Pool Project Safeguarding Policy
  • The Rock Pool Project Social Media Policy
  • The Rock Pool Project Health and Safety Policy
  • The Rock Pool Project Data Protection Policy

All our policies are available via our website.

If you volunteer for The Rock Pool Project, you must follow any additional rules and guidance provided, in addition to complying with the law.

Should The Rock Pool Project be notified, and it be proven to our satisfaction, that you have participated in a manner not in accordance with our rules and/or guidelines, or have engaged in actions or activities in any context that place The Rock Pool Project at risk or bring it into disrepute, we reserve the right to take any action we consider reasonable and appropriate. This may include, but is not limited to, removal from roles of responsibility (for example, Event Team, Leadership Group or Hub Leader roles), deletion of your participant record or Rock Pool Project ID, and suspension or permanent exclusion from attending or participating in any Rock Pool Project events.

Self-led participation

Occasionally events may be undertaken on a self-led basis. Such events include, but are not limited to, the National BioBlitz, and privately organised pilot events. At these events, participants take part independently and are not supervised or supported on-site by The Rock Pool Project, its staff, or volunteers.

By participating in a self-led event, you acknowledge and agree that:

  • You are solely responsible for selecting a suitable location and assessing any risks associated with that environment.
  • You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care at all times.
  • The Rock Pool Project does not provide on-site supervision or safety briefings for self-led participation.
  • You must check tide times, weather conditions, and local hazards before taking part, and ensure appropriate precautions are taken.
  • Participation is entirely at your own risk.

Website usage

The Rock Pool Project provides online content for registrants, participants and volunteers. Please read our Website Terms and Conditions thoroughly to understand how you may use these services. By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, you are agreeing to use our content in the manner set out in the Website Terms and Conditions.

Liability

The Rock Pool Project and those acting on its behalf accept no liability for any loss, damage, or expenses of any kind, including, without limitation, loss of or damage to property, or claims by third parties, howsoever arising in connection with your participation in Rock Pool Project events. This includes participation in both organised and self-led events.

This exclusion of liability does not apply to damages arising from death, personal injury, or damage to property caused by the negligence of The Rock Pool Project, its employees, agents, or volunteers, or to any other liability that cannot be excluded by law.

The Rock Pool Project welcomes participants of all abilities. However, by agreeing to these terms, you accept that participation is entirely at your own risk, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you, or anyone you are responsible for, are fit and able to take part. While attending a Rock Pool Project event, you must take appropriate care and follow all local safety guidance. You agree to check the tide times and weather conditions and ensure that any children in your care are supervised at all times. Where appropriate, please seek medical advice before participating in any Rock Pool Project events.

Contacting The Rock Pool Project

If you wish to contact us, or to discuss an issue or log a dispute with The Rock Pool Project, please email: info@therockpoolproject.co.uk.