Most sporting clubs operate in a physical environment. Users often subscribe to a club via memberships. Members come and go and their personal data is collected, stored, controlled and processed. Consequently GDPR for sporting clubs is an important issue and a Regulation to be considered by data processors. Previously, national data protection and privacy laws were sufficient for most sporting clubs. Yet, currently, users and members may utilize online programs for their activities.
GDPR is the abbreviation of the General Data Protection Regulation. The Regulation protects fundamental rights and freedoms of natural persons and in particular their right the protection of personal data. It applies to the processing of personal data in the context of the activities of an establishment of a controller or processor in the Union, regardless of whether the processing takes place in the Union, or not.
Domestic regulation is often applicable to sporting clubs and other organizations. However, rapid technological developments, including media platforms, the growth of internet usage, and globalization result in a new era for sporting clubs where they can – alongside their traditional business model – utilize the internet to offer their services worldwide.
The GDPR in a Nutshell
With the GDPR, the European Commission unifies a legal system throughout the Union to protect the rights, privacy and freedoms of natural persons. Even though sovereign states may derogate from the Regulation, the groundwork and most rules are identical in throughout the Union. Natural persons within the Union, therewith have legal certainty and equal treatment in all member states.
The GDPR applies to the processing of personal data wholly or partly by automated means and to the processing other than by automated means of personal data which forms part of a filing system or are intended to form part of a filing system. The designated persons for GDPR compliance are data controllers and data processors. Their functions are fundamental for the Regulation. Records of processing and the demonstration of compliance must be warranted.
GDPR for Sporting Clubs
The GDPR protects the personal data of natural persons in the European Union, and the EEA. The Regulation provides for a framework under which sporting clubs can collect, process and control the personal information of data subjects.
Both local laws and European data regulation can be applicable to sporting clubs. Important is to address special category data, personal data of children and data relating to criminal conduct. The data of these subjects is especially vulnerable for misuse and abuse. Additionally, information relating to, for example, a certificate or declaration of good conduct should be protected.
Alongside the personal data of users and staff members, activities such as employee recruitment and marketing is subject to the data protection regulation as well.
How to Demonstrate Compliance?
To begin with, as the ultimate responsible party, the data controller must be able to demonstrate compliance with the Regulation. A combination of records in a format that can be shared with the supervisory authority, and a clear presentation of how the data is collected, processed and warranted, and the activities that are taken to safeguard the individual steps.
Sporting Clubs in need of assistance to comply with the Regulation, can use the following of our products and services:
- Info Center: with a selection of 66 skillfully drafted documents that will give you all reports, templates, policies and guides you need to get the GDPR compliance job done;
- Mission Control: the 12 step approach guiding you on your path to GDPR compliance;
- Toolbox: A selection of 23 expertly designed and programmed tools to assist you on your implementation journey;
- Data Breach Support: professional assistance is recommended and mostly needed when things go wrong. This breach support service is 24hrs worth of 1-2-1 support after you have identified a data breach. Once you have purchased this package and notified us that there has been a breach, we will kick into action to protect your customers, information and your reputation. We will investigate and reconcile your data breach, inform your customers and develop a strategy with you, to prevent and protect against further breaches. Most importantly, we will deal with the supervisory authority so you don’t have to.
- Data Protection Officer: reliable, neutral and impartial professional DPO service with the expertise as required by article 37 of the Regulation. Pricing levels depend on the contract terms and size of the organization.