1. What Are Cookies? Cookies are small text files stored on your device (e.g., computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, improve functionality, and provide personalized experiences. Cookies may be set by us (“first-party cookies”) or by third parties, such as Jetpack, a WordPress plugin by Automattic Inc. (“third-party cookies”). Cookies can be “session cookies” (deleted when you close your browser) or “persistent cookies” (stored for a set period). Other tracking technologies, such as web beacons or pixels, may also be used for similar purposes.

2. Why We Use Cookies: We use cookies to:

• Ensure Website Functionality: Support core features, such as navigation and user authentication (if applicable).
• Analyze Website Performance: Understand how visitors use our Website to improve its design and content (e.g., via Jetpack analytics).
• Enhance User Experience: Remember your preferences for a consistent browsing experience.
• Support Social Sharing (If Applicable): Enable sharing content on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter via Jetpack’s Sharing feature (if enabled).
• Comply with Legal Requirements: Provide a cookie consent mechanism to meet OCPA and, if applicable, GDPR requirements.

We do not use cookies for targeted advertising or profiling. If we enable Jetpack’s WordAds feature (personalized ads), we will update this policy and obtain explicit consent as required.

3. Types of Cookies: We use Jetpack, a WordPress plugin by Automattic Inc., which may set the following types of cookies, depending on the features enabled on our Website:

3.1 Necessary Cookies: These cookies are essential for the Website to function properly and cannot be disabled. They ensure basic functionalities, such as page navigation and access to secure areas (e.g., admin login for registered users).

• Examples:
  • wordpress_logged_in_[hash]: Indicates when a user is logged in and who they are (session cookie, deleted when the browser closes).
  • wordpress_test_cookie: Checks if your browser accepts cookies (session cookie)
• Purpose: Enable core Website functionality and authentication.
• Duration: Session-based (deleted when you close your browser).

3.2 Functional Cookies: These cookies enhance user experience by remembering preferences or enabling specific features.

• Examples: Cookies set by Jetpack’s comment or contact form features (if enabled) to save your name, email, or website URL for future comments.
• Purpose: Improve convenience and functionality (e.g., pre-filling form fields).
• Duration: Varies (typically persistent for up to one year).

3.3 Analytics Cookies: These cookies collect aggregated, anonymized data about Website usage to help us improve performance and content.

• Examples:
  • tk_qs, tk_ai: Jetpack analytics cookies tracking page views, clicks, or site performance (persistent cookies). 
• Purpose: Analyze Website traffic and user behavior in aggregate form.
• Duration: Persistent (up to 28 days for Jetpack stats logs).

3.4 Third-Party Cookies: If Jetpack’s Sharing feature is enabled, third-party platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) may set cookies to track activity when you share content. We have no control over these cookies and recommend reviewing the privacy policies of these third parties (e.g., https://www.facebook.com/privacy, https://twitter.com/privacy).

• Purpose: Enable social media sharing (if applicable).
• Duration: Varies by third party.

3.5 Cookie Consent Cookies: If we use Jetpack’s Cookies & Consent Banner, a technical cookie is set to record your consent to cookies.

• Example:
  • eucookielaw: Records your acceptance of the cookie notice (persistent cookie). 
• Purpose: Store your cookie consent preferences.
• Duration: Set by us (e.g., 30 days, customizable up to 1,000 days).
  
   

Note: The specific cookies set depend on the Jetpack features we enable (e.g., analytics, sharing, or WordAds). We will update this policy if additional features are activated.

4. Cookie Consent and Management: To comply with the OCPA and, if applicable, GDPR, we use Jetpack’s Cookies & Consent Banner (or Cookie Consent Block for site editor themes) to inform you about cookies and obtain your consent for non-essential cookies (e.g., analytics or third-party cookies).

• Consent Options: When you visit our Website, a banner will display at the bottom of the screen with a customizable message (e.g., “This site uses cookies to improve your experience. By continuing, you agree to our Cookie Policy”). You can accept cookies by clicking the “Close and Accept” button or customize your preferences (if available).
• Hiding the Banner: The banner is dismissed when you click the accept button, scroll, or after a set time (minimum 3 seconds, maximum 1,000 seconds, as configured). Consent expires after a set period (e.g., 30 days), after which the banner reappears unless you clear your browser cookies earlier.
• Managing Cookies: You can control cookies via your browser settings:
  • Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies or set preferences for specific websites. Visit aboutcookies.org or your browser’s help section for instructions.
  • For interest-based advertising (not currently used), visit youronlinechoices.eu (EU) or optout.aboutads.info (U.S.) to manage preferences 
  • Disabling cookies may affect Website functionality (e.g., form submissions or analytics).
• Opt-Out: You can opt out of Jetpack analytics tracking by adjusting settings in your browser or contacting us for assistance.

5. Cookies and Minors: Our services for minors are limited to providing sports and night guards, and we comply with COPPA for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through the Website without verifiable parental consent. If our Website collects data from minors (e.g., via forms), we obtain parental consent offline (e.g., through signed forms in our office). For minors aged 13 to 15, we do not use cookies for targeted advertising or profiling, as required by the OCPA. Parents or guardians can manage their child’s data by contacting us.

6. Third-Party Cookies and Jetpack: Some Jetpack features (e.g., Sharing) may involve third-party services like Facebook or Twitter, which set their own cookies to track online activity. We have no direct control over or access to the information collected by these third-party cookies. Please review the privacy policies of these services for more details. If you are concerned about third-party tracking, you can disable these cookies in your browser settings, though this may limit features like social sharing.

We implement appropriate safeguards to protect data collected via cookies, including:

• Secure Hosting: Ensuring our Website and Jetpack services use secure protocols.
• Limited Data Collection: Collecting only the minimum data necessary for functionality and analytics, per OCPA requirements.
• Staff Training: Training employees on privacy best practices. If a data breach occurs, we will notify affected individuals and authorities as required by the OCPA and, if applicable, HIPAA.

8. Changes to This Cookie Policy: We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices, Jetpack features, or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on the Website with the revised “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of the Website after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Cookie Policy.

9. Contact Information. If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, how we use cookies, or how to manage your preferences, please contact us at: