Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how TheHardTackle (“we,” “us,” “our,” or “TheHardTackle”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website (https://www.thehardtackle.com).
We use cookies to enhance your experience, analyze site performance, and deliver personalized content and advertising. By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy.
Please read this Cookie Policy in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.
1. What Are Cookies?
A cookie is a small text file that is stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. Cookies allow websites to:
- Remember information about your visit
- Recognize you when you return
- Tailor content to your preferences
- Track user behavior and patterns
Types of cookies by lifespan:
- Session cookies – Deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent cookies – Remain on your device for a set period or until you manually delete them
Types of cookies by function:
- Strictly necessary cookies – Required for website functionality
- Analytics cookies – Track usage patterns and site performance
- Functional cookies – Remember your preferences and settings
- Advertising/Marketing cookies – Deliver personalized advertisements
- Third-party cookies – Placed by external services
2. Cookies We Use
2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly. They enable basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas. These cookies cannot be disabled without impairing website functionality.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session ID | Maintains your session and login status | Session | TheHardTackle |
| Security tokens | Protects against cross-site forgery attacks | Session | TheHardTackle |
| User preferences | Remembers your language and display preferences | 1 year | TheHardTackle |
2.2 Analytics Cookies
We use analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with our website. This helps us improve site performance, content, and user experience.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Tracks unique visitors and sessions | 2 years | Google Analytics |
| _gid | Identifies your browser for current session | 24 hours | Google Analytics |
| _gat | Throttles request rate to Google Analytics | 1 minute | Google Analytics |
| gac* | Tracks campaign information | 90 days | Google Analytics |
What data is collected: Page views, referral sources, time spent on site, device type, browser information, general location (country/city level).
Privacy note: Analytics data is aggregated and anonymized. Individual user behavior is not personally tracked without your consent.
2.3 Functional Cookies
These cookies enhance your browsing experience by remembering your choices and preferences across visits.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theme preference | Remembers your light/dark mode preference | 1 year | TheHardTackle |
| Article bookmarks | Saves your reading preferences | 1 year | TheHardTackle |
| Comment preferences | Remembers comment settings | 6 months | TheHardTackle |
2.4 Advertising and Marketing Cookies
We partner with advertising networks to serve relevant advertisements. These cookies track your interests to deliver personalized ads.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Ads cookies | Tracks ad performance and user interests | 6 months | Google Ads |
| Facebook Pixel | Tracks conversions and user behavior for retargeting | 90 days | Meta (Facebook) |
| Third-party ad networks | Delivers targeted advertisements | Varies | Various ad networks |
How it works:
- When you visit TheHardTackle, advertising cookies collect information about your interests
- This information is used to display ads relevant to your interests on TheHardTackle and other websites
- Advertisers use this data to measure campaign performance and optimize ad delivery
Your choices: You can opt out of personalized advertising through various opt-out mechanisms (see Section 4).
2.5 Third-Party Cookies
Third-party cookies are placed by external service providers and partners:
| Service | Purpose | Cookie Type |
|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | Website analytics and performance tracking | Analytics |
| Google Ads | Ad serving and conversion tracking | Advertising |
| Facebook Pixel | Social media conversion tracking | Advertising/Marketing |
| Email service providers | Email campaign tracking | Marketing |
| Social media platforms | Social sharing and engagement tracking | Functional |
3. How We Use Cookie Information
We use cookie data for the following purposes:
Analytics & Site Improvement
- Understand which pages are most visited
- Identify technical issues and optimize performance
- Analyze user behavior patterns and trends
- Measure engagement metrics and content performance
- Improve website design and user experience
Personalization
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Tailor content recommendations to your interests
- Customize your browsing experience
- Track your reading history (if applicable)
Advertising
- Deliver relevant advertisements based on your interests
- Measure ad performance and conversion rates
- Prevent ad fraud and serve ads appropriately
- Retarget users with relevant content
Security & Fraud Prevention
- Detect and prevent fraudulent activity
- Protect against unauthorized access
- Maintain session security
- Implement security protocols
4. Your Cookie Choices
4.1 Browser Cookie Controls
You have full control over cookies through your web browser. Most browsers allow you to:
Accept or decline cookies:
- Accept all cookies
- Decline all cookies
- Accept cookies selectively by type
- Set exceptions for specific websites
Clear cookies:
- Delete all cookies after each session
- Delete cookies for specific websites
- Clear your browsing history and cookies
Browser settings instructions:
- Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
- Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data
- Microsoft Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data
- Internet Explorer: Tools > Internet Options > General > Delete browsing history
4.2 Disable Analytics
To opt out of Google Analytics tracking:
- Visit https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
- Download and install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
- Your visits will no longer be tracked by Google Analytics
4.3 Opt Out of Personalized Advertising
Google Ads:
- Visit https://adssettings.google.com
- Sign in to your Google Account
- Turn off “Personalized Ads”
- Adjust ad settings as desired
Facebook:
- Go to Facebook Settings & Privacy > Settings
- Click “Ads” in the left menu
- Adjust your ad preferences
Network Advertising Initiative (NAI):
- Visit https://optout.networkadvertising.org
- Select which advertisers to opt out of
- Note: You may still see ads, but they won’t be personalized
Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA):
- Visit https://optout.aboutads.info
- Choose which companies to opt out of
4.4 Do Not Track (DNT)
Some browsers include a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature. While we recognize DNT signals, we cannot guarantee all third-party service providers honor DNT requests. For maximum control, use the opt-out methods above.
5. Impact of Declining Cookies
If you decline cookies, you should be aware of the following:
Declined strictly necessary cookies:
- Website may not function properly
- You may not be able to log in or access secure areas
- Some features may be disabled
Declined analytics cookies:
- We cannot track website performance
- Site improvements may be slower
- You can still use the website normally
Declined functional cookies:
- Your preferences may not be remembered
- You may need to reset settings on each visit
- Generally minimal impact on functionality
Declined advertising cookies:
- You’ll still see ads, but they won’t be personalized
- Ads may be less relevant to your interests
- You can still use the website normally
6. Third-Party Service Providers
We use the following third-party services that may place cookies:
Google Analytics
- Purpose: Website traffic analysis and performance tracking
- Data collected: Pages visited, time on site, referral source, device type
- Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
- Opt-out: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
Google Ads
- Purpose: Ad serving and conversion tracking
- Data collected: Ad impressions, clicks, conversions, interests
- Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
- Opt-out: https://adssettings.google.com
Facebook Pixel
- Purpose: Conversion tracking and audience building
- Data collected: Page visits, conversions, user interactions
- Privacy policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/explanation
- Opt-out: https://www.facebook.com/settings
7. International Considerations
GDPR (European Union & UK)
If you are located in the EU or UK, cookies are considered personal data under GDPR. We obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device. You have the right to:
- Withdraw consent at any time
- Request information about cookies used
- Request deletion of cookie data
- Lodge a complaint with your data protection authority
CCPA (California)
If you are a California resident, you have the right to:
- Know what cookies are used
- Opt out of personalized advertising
- Request deletion of cookie-derived data
- Not be discriminated against for exercising your rights
8. Cookie Policy Updates
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:
- New cookies or tracking technologies
- Changes in our practices
- Legal and regulatory requirements
- Third-party service provider updates
We will notify you of material changes by updating the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. Continued use of our website constitutes acceptance of the updated Cookie Policy.
9. Contact Us
If you have questions about our cookie practices or would like more information, please contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Response Time: We aim to respond to all inquiries within 30 days.
10. Related Policies
For additional information about how we handle your data, please review: