Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for PicklePals

Effective Date: May 13, 2025

At PicklePals, we are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy and Terms of Use outline how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information when you use our mobile application (the "App"), and the conditions under which you may access and use our services.

Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Information: Name, email address, date of birth, phone number (optional), and profile information.
Usage Information: Details of how you use the App, including frequency of use, features accessed, and interactions.
Device Information: Type of device, operating system, app version, and device identifiers.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Provide, maintain, and improve the App.
Personalize your experience.
Facilitate community connections and communications.
Send updates, notifications, or service-related messages.
Ensure compliance with our Terms and Community Guidelines.

3. Sharing of Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share your information with:

Service Providers: To support our operations (e.g., hosting, analytics).
Legal Requirements: To comply with legal obligations or protect our rights.

4. Parental Consent for Minors

If you are under 18, you must have consent from a parent or guardian to use the App. We may collect parental contact details to verify consent and monitor the use of the app by minors. We utilize a COPPA-compliant consent form to obtain verifiable parental consent.

5. Data Security

We employ commercially reasonable technical and organizational measures to safeguard your data. While we strive to maintain the highest standards of security, no method of transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

6. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you.
Request corrections or deletion.
Withdraw consent to processing.
Request the deletion of a child's personal data by contacting us at support@picklepals.com.

7. Retention of Data

We retain your information as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services and comply with legal obligations. Data associated with inactive accounts is retained for a period of 12 months. Upon user request, all such data will be permanently deleted prior to this retention period.

8. Children's Privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If we learn we have collected such data, we will delete it promptly. Parents or guardians can contact us to review or delete a child's data.

9. Third-Party Services

The App may contain links or integrations with third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these services.

10. International Users

By using the App, you consent to the processing of your information in the United States and other countries where our service providers are located.

Terms of Use

11. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using PicklePals, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue the use of the App.

12. Description of Service

The App is designed to enhance your pickleball experience by allowing you to:

Schedule games with friends.
Chat with other players.
Upload photos and videos.
Manage and track scores.
Locate nearby pickleball courts.

13. Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years of age to use the App. If under 18, you confirm your use is with parent/guardian consent.

14. User Responsibilities

Use the App for lawful purposes only.
Maintain confidentiality of your credentials.
Do not share illegal, harmful, offensive, or infringing content.
Report inappropriate behavior to help maintain community safety.

15. Content Ownership

Your content (photos, videos, scores) remains yours. You grant us a non-exclusive, revocable license to use it for operating the App.

16. Prohibited Conduct

No impersonation or false identity.
No malware, harassment, or hate speech.
No phishing, spamming, or circumventing app security.

17. Location Data

The App may collect your location to help you find nearby courts and improve features. This data is not shared without your consent.

18. Payments and Subscriptions

Some features may require payment. Payments are non-refundable unless stated. Transactions are securely processed by third parties.

19. Limitation of Liability

We are not liable for App errors or data loss.
We are not liable for issues arising from in-person games.

20. Termination

We may suspend or terminate accounts for violating these Terms.

21. Updates to Terms

We may update these Terms. Continued use of the App signifies acceptance.

22. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by Florida law. Disputes will be resolved in Florida courts.

23. Eligibility and Parental Consent

Minors under 18 require parental consent.
Parents must monitor app use.
Parental approval and COPPA-compliant consent is mandatory.

24. Communication Guidelines

Adults must use caution when communicating with minors. Violations may result in account suspension or legal reporting. We may monitor interactions for safety.

25. Contact Information

Email: support@picklepals.com

26. Privacy Policy

Please refer to the Privacy Policy above for details on data handling.

27. Disclaimer

The App is provided "as is" without guarantees. We do not guarantee availability or accuracy.

28. General Liability

We are not liable for third-party services linked within the App. Use at your own risk.

This document complies with Apple's App Store Guidelines, Google Play Store policies, COPPA, and U.S. privacy laws.