Acceptance
By connecting wearable data, the participant, or the participant’s authorized guardian or representative where applicable, agrees to these Terms of Service. These Terms apply only to the optional sharing of wearable-device data with Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI) for Project ALL STAR. Additional information about how data is collected, used, stored, shared, retained, and protected is available in the Project ALL STAR Wearable Data Privacy Policy and participant consent materials.
About Project ALL STAR
Project ALL STAR (Active Life and Longevity: Special Olympics Transforming Athlete Results) is an IRB-approved, longitudinal research and evaluation initiative sponsored by SOI. It studies athlete health and well-being over time. The project may combine wearable-device information with survey responses and other Project ALL STAR information to provide a more complete view of athlete health and wellness.
Eligibility
Limited to authorized Project ALL STAR participants. This connection is not a medical service.
Voluntary Authorization
Connection of wearable-device data through Google Health is voluntary and may be discontinued at any time subject to study procedures. Participants may choose not to connect a wearable device or may stop sharing wearable-device data at any time. Choosing not to connect or later disconnecting will not affect how a participant is treated by Special Olympics.
How the Connection Works
Google provides the authorization process that allows participants to choose whether to share approved wearable-device data with SOI. If a participant authorizes the connection, SOI receives the approved data and stores it within SOI’s Microsoft environment. Google and Fitbit provide services that support the connection, but Project ALL STAR is conducted by SOI.
Data Made Available
Steps, heart rate, sleep, calories, heart-rate variability, activity, and paired-device information, such as device type, battery level, and last synchronization date and time. SOI will access only the data categories authorized by the participant through the Google authorization process.
Permitted Use
Data will be used for Project ALL STAR research and evaluation activities. Wearable-device data may be combined with survey and other project data for athlete health analysis, reporting, program improvement, and research or publication activities permitted by the IRB-approved study and participant consent materials. Data will not be sold or used for marketing. Only deidentified data may be used for external research, publication, or analysis.
Storage, Security, and Sharing
Authorized wearable-device data is stored in SOI’s Microsoft environment and protected using appropriate security safeguards. Access to identifiable information is restricted to authorized personnel. SOI may share deidentified data with approved academic or research partners for analysis. Identifiable participant information will not be shared outside SOI except as described in the Project ALL STAR Wearable Data Privacy Policy, participant consent materials, or as required by law.
Participant Responsibilities
Provide accurate information and maintain account credentials. Participants are responsible for maintaining any required Google account and compatible wearable device, reviewing the permissions they grant, and protecting their account credentials. Participants should promptly notify the Project ALL STAR team if they believe their account has been accessed without authorization.
No Medical Advice
The service is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Wearable-device information may be incomplete or inaccurate and should not be used for medical decisions. Participants should contact a qualified health care professional about medical concerns. If a wearable-device band causes redness, itching, irritation, or discomfort, the participant should remove the device and contact the Project ALL STAR team or the participant’s Evaluation Coordinator.
Third-Party Services
The connection depends on services provided by Google, Fitbit, Microsoft, and other providers. Those services are governed by their own terms and privacy practices and may be changed, suspended, or discontinued by their providers. SOI does not guarantee that the connection will always be available or error-free.
Termination
SOI may suspend, modify, or discontinue the connection for operational, legal, research, security, data-integrity, third-party service, IRB, regulatory, or other study reasons. Discontinuing the connection will not necessarily end the participant’s participation in other Project ALL STAR activities.
Withdrawal and Previously Collected Data
A participant may revoke wearable-data authorization or leave Project ALL STAR at any time. Revocation will stop future collection through the connection. Information collected before revocation or withdrawal may continue to be retained and used as described in the Project ALL STAR Wearable Data Privacy Policy and as permitted by applicable legal and research requirements. Participants may contact their Evaluation Coordinator to request removal of previously collected information. SOI will address the request in accordance with applicable requirements.
Questions for SOI
Participants with questions about Project ALL STAR or wearable-device data should contact their Evaluation Coordinator. Additional participant-rights and privacy contacts are provided in the participant consent materials and Project ALL STAR Wearable Data Privacy Policy.
Compliance with Privacy Requirements
SOI will collect, use, disclose, and safeguard Personal Information in accordance with the Project ALL STAR Wearable Data Privacy Policy, the SOI Privacy and Data Security Policy, applicable law, the IRB-approved protocol, and applicable Google Health API requirements.