Cookie Policy

1. WHAT ARE COOKIES?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide better service, remember preferences, and analyze usage patterns to improve our sports analytics platform.

2. TYPES OF COOKIES WE USE

Cookie Type	Purpose	Examples	Duration	Consent Required
Essential Cookies	Required for basic site functionality	session_id, security_token, user_preferences	Session or up to 1 year	❌ Always Active
Analytics Cookies	Understand site usage and improve services	_ga, _gid, cf_analytics	Up to 2 years	✅ Your Choice
Functionality Cookies	Enhanced features and personalization	team_preferences, display_settings	Up to 1 year	✅ Your Choice
Performance Cookies	Monitor performance and loading times	performance_metrics, load_times	Up to 90 days	✅ Your Choice

3. DETAILED COOKIE DESCRIPTIONS

3.1 Essential Cookies (Always Active)

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems.

• session_id: Maintains your session while browsing
• security_token: CSRF protection for secure form submissions
• user_preferences: Language, timezone, and accessibility settings
• cookie_consent: Remembers your cookie preferences

3.2 Analytics Cookies (Consent Required)

Help us understand how visitors use our site to improve services.

• _ga (Google Analytics): Distinguishes unique users
• _gid (Google Analytics): Distinguishes users in 24-hour period
• cf_analytics (Cloudflare): Performance and security metrics
• blaze_analytics: Custom sports data usage analytics

3.3 Functionality Cookies (Consent Required)

Enable enhanced functionality and personalization features.

• team_preferences: Your favorite teams (Cardinals, Titans, etc.)
• display_settings: Dashboard layout and theme preferences
• notification_prefs: Alert and notification settings
• api_settings: API usage preferences and rate limit tracking

3.4 Third-Party Cookies

Set by external services we use:

• Sports Data Providers: Authentication tokens for MLB, NCAA APIs
• Cloudflare: Security and performance optimization
• Google Services: Analytics and reCAPTCHA (when used)

4. LEGAL BASIS FOR COOKIES

4.1 GDPR (EU Users)

• Essential cookies: Legitimate interest for website operation
• Analytics/Functionality cookies: Explicit consent required
• Consent withdrawal: Available at any time

4.2 CCPA (California Users)

• Right to opt-out of data sale (we don't sell cookie data)
• Disclosure of cookie data collection practices
• No discrimination for cookie choices

4.3 Texas Law Compliance

Cookie usage complies with Texas privacy and consumer protection laws.

5. MANAGING YOUR COOKIES

5.1 Our Cookie Preference Center

5.2 Browser Controls

5.3 Third-Party Opt-Out Links

• Google Analytics: Google Analytics Opt-out
• Cloudflare: Managed through our preference center
• All Advertising: Digital Advertising Alliance

6. IMPACT OF DISABLING COOKIES

7. DO NOT TRACK

We respect Do Not Track (DNT) browser signals. When DNT is enabled:

• No analytics cookies are set
• No tracking pixels are loaded
• Essential cookies only for functionality
• Third-party tracking disabled

8. COOKIE SECURITY

8.1 Security Measures

• Secure flag: Cookies transmitted over HTTPS only
• HttpOnly flag: Prevents JavaScript access where appropriate
• SameSite attribute: Protects against CSRF attacks
• Regular audits: Periodic review of cookie usage

8.2 Data Protection

• No sensitive personal data stored in cookies
• Encrypted cookies for security-sensitive information
• Regular expiration of non-essential cookies
• Secure deletion when consent withdrawn

9. UPDATES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:

• Changes in cookie technology
• New legal requirements
• Service improvements
• User feedback

Material changes will be communicated via:

• Email notification to registered users
• Prominent website banner
• Updated effective date

10. CONTACT INFORMATION

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