Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 14, 2026

Silverdale Chess Club ("we", "us", "the club") operates this website for our chess club members. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data.

1. What We Collect

When you create an account, we collect:

• Account information: Display name, username, email address, date of birth, and password (stored securely as a hash — we never store your actual password).
• Chess profiles (optional): USCF ID, Chess.com username, Lichess username.

When you use the site, we also store:

• Chess games you import or upload
• Puzzle attempt results and times
• Event RSVPs
• Photos you upload to the gallery
• Comments on games

2. Why We Collect It

We use your information to:

• Operate the club website and provide features (game library, puzzles, events, newsletters)
• Display your name to other club members (e.g., on leaderboards, event RSVPs, game comments)
• Import your games from Chess.com or Lichess using the usernames you provide
• Determine age-appropriate protections for younger members

3. How Data Is Stored

• Data is stored in a PostgreSQL database hosted on Railway.
• Passwords are hashed using bcrypt and cannot be viewed by anyone, including administrators.
• The site uses HTTPS for secure data transmission.
• We do not sell, trade, or share your data with any third parties.

4. Children's Privacy

We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

• Under 13: Children under 13 cannot create their own accounts. A parent or guardian must contact the club to have an account created by an administrator. We require verifiable parental consent (obtained in person or via email) before creating accounts for children under 13.
• Under 18: Minor accounts have additional display protections — only a first name and last initial are shown to other members on leaderboards and public areas of the site.
• Parental rights: Parents or guardians may at any time request to review, modify, or delete their child's account and data by contacting the club.

5. Data Sharing

We do not share your personal information with any third parties. Your Chess.com and Lichess usernames are used solely to import games from those platforms via their public APIs. No data flows from our site to those platforms.

6. Data Retention & Deletion

• You can delete your account at any time from your dashboard. This permanently removes your account and all associated data (games, comments, RSVPs, photos).
• Parents may request deletion of a minor's account by contacting the club.
• We retain data only as long as your account is active.

7. Contact

For privacy questions, data requests, or to set up a minor account, contact:

Silverdale Chess Club
Email: larry@silverdalechess.com