Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Sand Swinger ("we," "our," or "us") operates the Sand Swinger platform and website (the "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Service.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa. By using our Service, you consent to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email address, and password when you create an account.
• Profile Information: Golf club affiliation, SA Player ID, and handicap verification data.
• Report Information: Details of integrity reports you submit, including dates, courses, and observations.
• Evidence: Optional photos or documents you upload to support reports.
• Communications: Information you provide when contacting us for support.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, and device identifiers.
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, and interaction patterns.
• Log Data: IP addresses, access times, and referral URLs for security and analytics.

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Authentication Providers: If you sign in with Google or other providers, we receive your name and email.
• HNA/Handicaps Data: Publicly available handicap information from Handicap Network Africa for verification.

3. How We Use Your Information

• To create and manage your account
• To verify your identity as a registered golfer
• To process and review integrity reports
• To facilitate moderation and dispute resolution
• To communicate with you about your account and reports
• To improve and optimize our Service
• To detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security threats
• To comply with legal obligations

4. Legal Basis for Processing (POPIA)

Under POPIA, we process your personal information based on:

• Consent: You consent when creating an account and submitting reports.
• Legitimate Interest: To maintain platform integrity, prevent abuse, and improve our services.
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and respond to lawful requests.
• Contract Performance: To provide the services you requested.

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Third parties who assist in operating our platform (hosting, analytics, authentication).
• Moderators: Authorized reviewers who assess integrity reports.
• Club Committees: When reports are escalated for official review.
• Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect rights and safety.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

6. Data Retention

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active; deleted within 30 days of account closure.
• Integrity Reports: Retained for trend analysis; personally identifiable details are pruned over time.
• Evidence Files: Auto-deleted after review period unless required for escalated cases.
• Verification Data: Deleted within days of successful verification.
• Security Logs: Retained for a limited period for security and compliance.

7. Your Rights Under POPIA

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
• Object to processing of your information
• Withdraw consent at any time
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@sandswinger.com.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication mechanisms
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and audit logging

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

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside South Africa where our service providers operate. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with POPIA requirements.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

11. Cookies and Tracking

We use essential cookies to maintain your session and preferences. We may use analytics tools to understand how our Service is used. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: