The deal, in plain English

Downshift Predictions is a free prediction game run by The Downshift Podcast, PO Box 5067, Wonga Park VIC 3115 ("we", "us"). By using the site or the game, you agree to these terms. If you don't agree, please don't use it.

How we handle your data is in our privacy policy. How the game is scored is on the rules page.

Who can play

• You must be 16 or older.
• While the game is in testing, you also need an invitation from us. We can approve or remove access at any time.
• One account per person. Don't create extra accounts to gain an advantage or to get around being removed.

Your account

• Sign-in codes are emailed to you and are for you alone. Keep access to your email account secure, and tell us if you think someone else is using your account.
• Your display name is public to other players. Choose something you're happy for people to see.
• You can delete your account at any time from your account page.

How the game works

• Predictions for a round close one hour before that weekend's first practice session, measured by our clock. Late picks are not accepted, including ones still in transit when the deadline passes.
• Points come from the results we publish, using the points table shown on the rules page. The table can change between seasons; a round already scored keeps the points it was scored with.
• If a result is corrected, we publish a new version and scores change with it. We'll tell affected players by email if they asked for results emails.
• Leagues are private and run by whoever created them. An owner can remove members and stop them rejoining that league. That doesn't affect anyone's other leagues or their points.
• Rounds count for a league or a country ladder from when you joined or chose it, not before.

Names other people see

Display names and league names are public, so they have to suit everyone. Don't use a name that is offensive, obscene, hateful, harassing or discriminatory; that promotes a political party, campaign or cause; that impersonates someone else or suggests an official connection; that advertises; or that is designed to get around this by spelling or spacing.

Names are checked automatically when they are saved, but no check is perfect. We can change, remove or block any display name or league name, and remove any league, if we judge it inappropriate, and we can block a person from using a name again. We'll usually tell you why, and if we take a name away you can simply choose another. We can also suspend or end access for anyone who keeps doing it.

If you think we've got it wrong, tell us through the support form and we'll take another look.

Fair play

When you use Downshift Predictions, please don't:

• use bots, scripts or automation to make picks or scrape the site;
• try to get at other people's accounts, picks or data;
• interfere with the service, its security or anyone else's use of it;
• use the game to harass anyone, or to advertise.

We can suspend or remove access if someone does any of this.

No prizes, and no betting

Downshift Predictions is a free game played for bragging rights. There are no prizes, no entry fees, no money and nothing of value to win. It is not betting, wagering or gambling, and it is not a place to arrange any. Nothing here is a tip or advice for betting.

Results, schedules and mistakes

Session times, line-ups and results are entered from public sources and can be wrong, late or changed by the sport itself. We'll correct what we find, but we can't promise the data is complete or accurate, and we're not responsible for a pick you'd have made differently.

Availability and changes

The game is still being built and tested. It may be unavailable, features may change, and test data — including scores and leagues — may be reset. We'll avoid that where we can and warn you where it matters.

We may update these terms. The date at the top changes when we do, and we'll say so on the site if a change is significant. Using the game after a change means you accept it.

Our content, and Formula 1

The Downshift name, logo and the words and design of this site belong to us. Don't copy or reuse them without asking.

This website is unofficial and is not associated in any way with the Formula 1 companies. F1, FORMULA ONE, FORMULA 1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX and related marks are trade marks of Formula One Licensing B.V.

Where we stand legally

We provide the game "as is" and free of charge. We can't promise it will always be available, error-free or accurate.

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits any rights you have under the Australian Consumer Law or other laws that can't be excluded. Where the law allows us to limit what we owe you, our responsibility for anything connected with the game is limited to supplying it to you again. Beyond that, we're not liable for any loss arising from using, or not being able to use, the game.

These terms are governed by the law of Victoria, Australia.

Contact

Questions about these terms? Use the support form and we'll reply by email, usually within 24 to 48 hours.

The Downshift Podcast, PO Box 5067, Wonga Park VIC 3115.