Important Notice: This Cookie Policy explains how Blaze Sports Intel uses cookies and similar technologies. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with this policy and our Privacy Policy. You can manage cookie preferences through our cookie consent banner.
1. WHAT ARE COOKIES?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, track usage patterns, and provide personalized experiences.
1.1 Types of Technologies We Use
- Cookies: Text files stored in your browser
- LocalStorage: Browser-based storage for preferences and session data
- SessionStorage: Temporary storage cleared when browser closes
- Web Beacons: Invisible images tracking page views (used in analytics)
- IndexedDB: Client-side database for offline capabilities
2. COOKIES WE USE
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
blaze_session |
Session management and authentication state | Session (until browser closes) | |
blaze_consent |
Records cookie consent preferences | 1 year | |
blaze_preferences |
Saves favorite teams, sports order, dark mode settings | 1 year | |
blaze_analytics_id |
Anonymous visitor tracking for Cloudflare Analytics | 90 days | |
__cflb |
Cloudflare load balancing for performance | Session | |
__cf_bm |
Cloudflare bot management for security | 30 minutes | |
blaze_last_sport_viewed |
Remembers last sport viewed (MLB, NFL, NCAA, etc.) | 30 days |
3. COOKIE CATEGORIES
3.1 Essential Cookies (Always Active)
Purpose: Required for the website to function properly. Cannot be disabled.
- Session Management: Keep you logged in, maintain shopping cart state
- Security: CSRF protection, bot detection, DDoS mitigation
- Load Balancing: Distribute traffic for optimal performance
- Consent Management: Remember your cookie preferences
3.2 Analytics Cookies (Optional - Requires Consent)
Purpose: Help us understand how visitors use the site to improve functionality.
- Cloudflare Analytics: Anonymized page views, user flows, performance metrics
- API Usage Tracking: Monitor endpoint performance and error rates
- Feature Usage: Track which sports data features are most popular
- Performance Monitoring: Measure page load times and API response times
Data Collected: Page views, referring sites, device type (desktop/mobile), browser type, general geographic region (city-level, not precise location)
3.3 Preference Cookies (Optional - Requires Consent)
Purpose: Remember your settings and personalize your experience.
- Favorite Teams: Cardinals (MLB), Titans (NFL), Longhorns (NCAA), Grizzlies (NBA)
- Sports Order: Baseball → Football → Basketball → Track & Field
- Display Settings: Dark mode, chart preferences, dashboard layout
- Language/Timezone: America/Chicago timezone preference
- Notification Preferences: Live score alerts, injury updates
4. THIRD-PARTY COOKIES
4.1 Cloudflare (Essential)
Provider: Cloudflare, Inc. (San Francisco, CA)
Purpose: CDN, security, DDoS protection, load balancing
Privacy Policy: https://www.cloudflare.com/privacypolicy/
Data Transfers: EU-US Data Privacy Framework compliant
4.2 Sports Data Providers (Functional)
SportsDataIO
- Purpose: Real-time sports data for MLB, NFL, NBA, NCAA
- Data Shared: API requests (no personal information)
- Privacy Policy: https://sportsdata.io/privacy
MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM)
- Purpose: Official MLB statistics and live game data
- Data Shared: API requests for public MLB data
- Privacy Policy: MLB Privacy Policy
ESPN API (Unofficial)
- Purpose: NCAA and NFL scores, standings, schedules
- Data Shared: Public API requests (no user tracking)
Perfect Game
- Purpose: Youth baseball tournament data (Texas and Deep South)
- Privacy Commitment: Minor's names redacted (initials or jersey numbers only)
- Compliance: COPPA, FERPA compliant
5. AI & ML COOKIE USAGE
5.1 Workers AI Analytics
When you use our AI Copilot feature (/copilot), we store conversation history in localStorage for 90 days to improve AI responses. This includes:
- Semantic Search Queries: Processed using Cloudflare Workers AI (@cf/baai/bge-base-en-v1.5)
- AI Chat Sessions: Questions and AI-generated responses using @cf/meta/llama-3.1-8b-instruct
- 3D Visualization Interactions: Babylon.js field interactions and camera positions
- User Feedback: Thumbs up/down on AI responses (anonymized)
AI Data Usage: Your AI Copilot queries are processed in real-time and not used to train external AI models. Conversation history is stored locally in your browser and deleted after 90 days or when you clear browser data.
6. HOW TO MANAGE COOKIES
6.1 Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit blazesportsintel.com, you'll see our cookie consent banner (bottom-left, glassmorphism design). You can:
- Accept All: Enable all cookies for full functionality
- Decline Optional: Only essential cookies (some features may be limited)
- Customize: Choose specific cookie categories (coming soon)
- Change Preferences: Click "Cookie Settings" in the footer anytime
6.2 Browser Settings
You can also manage cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies
Note: Blocking essential cookies may prevent the website from functioning properly. Features like live score updates, API access, and personalized dashboards require cookies to operate.
6.3 Do Not Track (DNT)
We respect browser Do Not Track signals. When DNT is enabled, we:
- Disable all analytics cookies
- Anonymize IP addresses in server logs
- Do not track cross-site behavior
- Still collect essential data for service functionality
7. MOBILE APP COOKIES
Our mobile-optimized website (iPhone portrait 375-428px) uses the same cookie policy. On mobile devices:
- iOS Safari: Supports standard cookies and localStorage
- Android Chrome: Full cookie support
- Incognito/Private Mode: Cookies stored temporarily, deleted when session ends
- Progressive Web App (PWA): Uses IndexedDB for offline caching
8. COOKIE RETENTION PERIODS
| Cookie Category | Retention Period | Justification |
|---|---|---|
| Session Cookies | Until browser closes | Temporary session management |
| Authentication Tokens | 7 days (with "Remember Me") | User convenience and security balance |
| Preferences | 1 year | Long-term personalization |
| Analytics | 90 days | Trend analysis and performance monitoring |
| Consent Records | 2 years | GDPR compliance documentation |
9. GDPR & CCPA RIGHTS
9.1 EU Users (GDPR)
- Right to Object: Opt-out of analytics and preference cookies
- Right to Access: Request copy of data collected via cookies
- Right to Erasure: Delete all non-essential cookies and data
- Right to Data Portability: Export preferences in JSON format
9.2 California Users (CCPA)
- Right to Know: What cookies are used and why
- Right to Delete: Remove all non-essential cookies
- Right to Opt-Out: Decline sale of personal information (we don't sell)
- Non-Discrimination: Equal service regardless of cookie choices
Exercise Your Rights: Email [email protected] with "Cookie Data Request" in the subject line.
10. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY (COPPA)
We do not knowingly collect cookies or personal data from children under 13. If you are a parent/guardian and believe your child has provided information, contact us immediately at [email protected].
Youth Sports Coverage: When displaying Texas high school football or Perfect Game youth baseball data, we redact all minor's full names (using initials or jersey numbers only) and do not set tracking cookies on youth athlete profiles.
11. UPDATES TO THIS POLICY
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our practices. Material changes will be communicated via:
- Email notification (if you have an account)
- Website banner for 30 days
- Updated "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
Last Updated: October 16, 2025 (America/Chicago timezone)
12. CONTACT INFORMATION
Cookie-Related Inquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: "Cookie Policy Question - [Your Topic]"
Response Time: Within 5 business days
General Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (210) 273-5538
Location: Boerne, Texas
Data Protection Officer:
Email: [email protected]
(For GDPR-related cookie matters)
13. RELATED POLICIES
- Privacy Policy - Comprehensive data protection policy
- Terms of Service - Usage terms and conditions
- AI Disclosure - AI/ML usage transparency
- Accessibility Statement - WCAG 2.1 AA compliance