US Fencing Membership Application privacy

[fencerX]

Why does the USFA ask for our Social Security Numbers on their membership application?

Unless the USFA will be contributing to our retirement, I really don't see how it's any of their business.

[veeco]

For certain USFA events, entry is restricted to US Citizens or permanent residents.

Asking for the social security number might be how they track it.

Though they do ask the question as to whether you are a permanent resident or not, some people could lie and try to enter those events. I guess with the SSN it's harder to lie...

[Catal]

Originally posted by fencerX
Why does the USFA ask for our Social Security Numbers on their membership application?

Unless the USFA will be contributing to our retirement, I really don't see how it's any of their business.

It's a voluntary section, I've spoken to them about it before.

[fencerX]

Originally posted by veeco
For certain USFA events, entry is restricted to US Citizens or permanent residents.

Asking for the social security number might be how they track it.

Since a Social Security Number proves neither US citizenship nor permanent residency, that wouldn't be a very good reason, now would it?

Catal, when you spoke with the USFA about it, did they give you their supposed reasoning behind asking for it?

[Peach]

Every dern thing in the USA asks for your Social Security Number. You have to give it all the time. It has become a joke that it's not a universal identification number, and even more of a joke that its use is restricted.

[Catal]

Originally posted by fencerX
Since a Social Security Number proves neither US citizenship nor permanent residency, that wouldn't be a very good reason, now would it?

Catal, when you spoke with the USFA about it, did they give you their supposed reasoning behind asking for it?

No reason was given. I was told only that I didnt have to give my SSN if I didn't feel comfortable with it.

[Inquartata]

I too withheld my SSN and they used an invented ID number instead.

Yeah, despite the fact that SSNs weren't supposed to be used as ID numbers, they have become just that. However, they instances where they are REQUIRED and there are no alternatives are comparatively few. Usually I just leave blank the space asking for it on any form apart from tax-related ones...