Privacy Policy

Team Connect ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

When you register and use Team Connect, we may collect:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, and profile photo
• Team Information: Team names, sports preferences, team locations, and related data
• User-Generated Content: Posts, comments, match results, team activities, and other content you create
• Authentication Data: Login credentials and authentication tokens (through Google Sign-In)

1.2 Location Information

We collect and process location data to:

• Help you discover nearby sports teams
• Display teams on an interactive map
• Connect you with local sports communities

You can control location permissions through your device settings.

1.3 Usage Data

We automatically collect:

• Device information (device type, operating system, unique device identifiers)
• App usage statistics and interaction patterns
• Crash reports and performance data
• Analytics data to improve app functionality

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for:

• Service Delivery: To provide and maintain Team Connect's features
• Team Management: To enable team creation, discovery, and management
• Communication: To send notifications about matches, team activities, and updates
• Personalization: To customize your experience and show relevant teams
• Analytics: To understand usage patterns and improve the app
• Safety & Security: To detect, prevent, and address technical issues or fraud
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

3. Third-Party Services

Team Connect integrates with the following third-party services that may collect information:

3.1 Firebase (Google)

• Firebase Authentication: For user sign-in and account management
• Cloud Firestore: For storing user data, team information, and app content
• Firebase Storage: For storing images and media files
• Firebase Messaging: For push notifications

Learn more: Firebase Privacy Policy

3.2 OpenStreetMap

• Used for displaying team locations and interactive maps
• Map tiles provided by OpenStreetMap contributors
• No personal data is shared with OpenStreetMap for map display

Learn more: OpenStreetMap Privacy Policy

3.3 Google AdMob

• Displays advertisements within the app
• Collects advertising identifiers and usage data for targeted ads
• You can opt out of personalized ads through your device settings

Learn more: AdMob Privacy

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your data in the following circumstances:

• With Other Users: Team information, posts, and activities are visible to team members and followers
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party services (Firebase, OpenStreetMap, AdMob) to operate the app
• Legal Requirements: If required by law or to protect rights, property, or safety
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, sale, or acquisition

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:

• Data encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
• Secure authentication through Firebase
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Access controls and data protection measures

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your data:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information through the app settings
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Opt-Out: Disable location services or push notifications in device settings
• Ad Preferences: Control personalized advertising through device settings

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as:

• Your account remains active
• Needed to provide services
• Required by law or for legitimate business purposes

When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.

8. Children's Privacy

Team Connect is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending an in-app notification for significant changes

Your continued use of Team Connect after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Permissions Required

Team Connect requires the following permissions:

• Location: To discover nearby teams and display maps
• Storage: To save and display profile photos and team images
• Internet: To sync data and enable real-time features
• Notifications: To send match updates and team activity alerts