1. Introduction

This Copyright & Acceptable Use Policy (“Policy”) governs the use of the SC Services Ltd Digital Competition Management Platform (“Platform”).

The Platform has been developed to support the administration, communication and historical preservation of football competitions organised by sports governing bodies, tournament organisers and affiliated organisations.

By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to comply with this Policy.

2. Ownership of Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, the Platform, including its software, website design, layout, databases, graphics, original text, reports, statistical presentations, historical archives and other original materials, is owned by or licensed to SHEPHERDCAVE SERVICES LTD and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws.

Nothing contained on the Platform transfers ownership of any intellectual property to users.

3. Third-Party Intellectual Property

Certain content appearing on the Platform belongs to third parties, including but not limited to:

Competition organisers;
Sports governing bodies;
Participating clubs and teams;
Sponsors and commercial partners;
Photographers and media organisations.

This may include:

competition names;
logos;
team emblems;
photographs;
sponsor trademarks;
official documents; and
other protected materials.

Such content remains the property of its respective owners and is displayed only with appropriate authority or lawful permission.

4. Permitted Use

Users may access the Platform to:

obtain official competition information;
view fixtures, results and standings;
follow competitions;
access player and team profiles;
read competition news;
view photographs;
access historical competition records;
share official website links.

Reasonable personal, educational and non-commercial use of publicly available information is permitted, provided the source is acknowledged and the information is not altered or presented in a misleading manner.

5. Prohibited Use

Users must not, without prior written permission:

reproduce substantial portions of Platform content;
copy or republish entire competition databases;
scrape or harvest data using automated tools;
create mirror websites;
commercially exploit Platform content;
remove copyright notices or ownership information;
modify or misrepresent official competition information;
use Platform content to mislead the public;
interfere with the operation or security of the Platform.

Unauthorised commercial use of Platform content is prohibited.

6. Official Competition Information

Fixtures, results, standings, player statistics and other official competition information are published for the benefit of participants, supporters, media organisations and the wider football community.

Where such information is reproduced by third parties, it should:

accurately reflect the official published information;
identify the relevant competition;
acknowledge the Platform as the official source where appropriate; and
not be altered in a manner that misrepresents the competition.

7. Photographs and Media

Photographs, graphics, videos and other media published on the Platform remain protected by copyright unless otherwise stated.

Users may not:

commercially reproduce photographs;
remove copyright notices;
edit images to create misleading representations;
use photographs in advertising without appropriate permission.

Requests to use official media should be directed to SC Services Ltd or the relevant rights holder.

8. User Contributions

Where users submit information, photographs or other materials to the Platform, they confirm that:

they have the necessary authority to do so;
the material does not infringe the rights of others;
the information is accurate to the best of their knowledge.

By submitting authorised content, users grant SC Services Ltd a non-exclusive licence to publish, display and archive such material for legitimate competition management purposes.

Ownership of submitted content remains with the original rights holder unless otherwise agreed in writing.

9. Acceptable Use

Users are expected to use the Platform responsibly and lawfully.

Users must not:

attempt to gain unauthorised access;
upload malicious software;
interfere with Platform operations;
impersonate another person;
publish unlawful, offensive or defamatory material;
use the Platform for fraudulent or criminal purposes;
attempt to disrupt competitions or official communications.

SC Services Ltd reserves the right to suspend or restrict access where misuse is identified.

10. Reporting Intellectual Property Concerns

If you believe that material published on the Platform infringes your copyright or other intellectual property rights, please contact SC Services Ltd with:

your name and contact details;
identification of the material concerned;
evidence supporting your ownership or authority;
details of the alleged infringement.

We will investigate all legitimate complaints and, where appropriate, remove or amend content in accordance with applicable law.

11. Enforcement

SC Services Ltd may investigate suspected breaches of this Policy.

Where appropriate, we may:

remove content;
suspend user access;
restrict access to services;
report unlawful activity to the Competition Organiser or relevant authorities;
pursue legal remedies where necessary.

12. Changes to this Policy

This Policy may be updated periodically to reflect operational, legal or technological developments.

The most recent version will always be published on the Platform together with its effective date.

13. Contact Information

Questions regarding this Policy or requests for permission to use Platform content should be directed to:
SHEPHERDCAVE SERVICES LTD
Email: [Official Email]
Telephone: [Number]
Website: [Website]
Registered Office: Registered Address]