Privacy

This Privacy Policy describes how The Dugout (“we”, “us”) collects, uses, and shares information when you visit our website, create an account, or play the game in your browser. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use the service.

1. Information we collect

We collect information you give us directly, information created by play, and limited technical data needed to run the service.

• Account details — email address, display name, and authentication credentials when you register or sign in.
• Play data — club progress, tactics, transfers, match results, and similar save-state needed to continue a season.
• Usage & device data — browser type, approximate region, crash logs, and performance metrics so we can keep the game running.
• Communications — messages you send to support, and records of product emails you choose to receive.

2. How we use information

We use the information above to operate The Dugout, improve the product, and communicate with you about the service.

• Provide, sync, and restore your club and season progress across sessions.
• Authenticate accounts, prevent abuse, and keep the service secure.
• Diagnose bugs, measure performance, and decide what to build next.
• Send service notices (security, policy changes) and, with your consent where required, product updates.

3. Sharing and processors

We do not sell your personal information. We share data only with service providers who help us run The Dugout (hosting, email, analytics, crash reporting), under contracts that limit how they may use it. We may also disclose information if required by law, or to protect the rights and safety of players and the service.

4. Cookies and similar technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies for sign-in, preferences (such as theme), and understanding how the site is used. Essential cookies are required for the game to work. Optional analytics cookies are used only where allowed. You can control non-essential cookies through your browser or our cookie settings when available. See our Cookies notice for categories and controls.

5. Retention and security

We keep account and play data for as long as your account is active, and for a limited period afterward if needed for backups, disputes, or legal obligations. We apply industry-standard technical and organisational measures to protect data. No method of transmission or storage is perfectly secure; we work to reduce risk and respond to incidents promptly.

6. Your rights and choices

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or export personal data, and to object to or restrict certain processing. You can update account details in the product, opt out of non-essential marketing emails, and contact us to exercise other rights. We will not discriminate against you for exercising privacy rights available under applicable law.

For privacy requests, email privacy@thedugout.example (placeholder). We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling a request.

Your use of The Dugout is also governed by our Terms of Use.