Swimming Club Websites

The Many Uses of Swimming Club Websites

A good website will save a lot of paperwork and running around checking for information. It will also allow you to update changes quickly and easily without confusion.

While a person interested in joining a swim club used to have to go down to where the club met to find out registration information and sign up, they can now do so with ease from home or school. While all the information on sessions and costs are usually available, if there are any specific questions, all the contact information is there for that as well.

The website will also have a calendar of events, practices, classes and other such information. Unlike a paper calendar that often is just one more thing around the house that you have to keep track of, the site is always there at the click of a keystroke or two. This is particularly handy when a last-minute cancellation or addition is looming; members of a club can be notified via text or email and check the calendar to get the info.

You can also find links to the nature and location of upcoming meets and exhibitions, and contact info for coaches and other team members. A swimming club website saves you a lot of paper and trouble.

Setting Up Swimming Club Websites

Establishing a local site that is specifically geared for the community could not be simpler. Chances are good that someone already in the club is either adept at building websites or knows someone who is.

If you need more help, you can go to Off the Blocks, a site that provides tools specifically designed for setting up swimming club websites. Using a site through Off the Blocks costs $35 a month, although the first month is free so you can determine if this is the route that will work best for your club. They offer easy design options, a lot of storage space for pictures, are already set up to work with swimming jargon and can successfully meet the most typical needs of the average club. If you’re just starting out with a site, using Off the Blocks may be a good way to go.

Search Other Sites

As you no doubt already know, one of the best ways to develop your own club website is to look at the sites set up by other clubs. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?

Unless you’re the US Olympic Swim Club, the average swim site is generally straightforward and basic. You have a registration page, a calendar, competition info, a contact sheet, pictures and perhaps links. What you do after that is up to you. If you’re a big club and don’t have much chance to socialize, you can have a message board.

You may want to add a forum to discuss competitive swim wear and practice issues, as well as a place to post links to articles about swimsuits and equipment like goggles or fins for upper body workouts. You can also arrange shopping trips for competition wear, or discuss custom team uniforms.

Don’t Tread Water

Once you have your website set up, don’t feel you can’t make changes. A site should be something you’re constantly improving, even though it’s only for practical use. That’s part of what keeps a good club great!