Game time trigger notifications are a useful feature in the platform that can automatically send notifications to users when a game begins. While this functionality can be incredibly helpful, there are important considerations to keep in mind to ensure it works as intended.
What are Game Time Trigger Notifications?
Game time trigger notifications are automated alerts that notify users when a game starts. These notifications are typically set up under the team settings in the platform. They are especially useful for keeping fans, coaches, and other stakeholders up to date with real-time game events.
When Are These Notifications Sent?
Once a game is scheduled and updated in the system, the notification will be triggered at the scheduled game time. The notification will typically include:
- Game Type: e.g., "Boys Basketball"
- Game Time: The scheduled time of the game
- Text: A brief description such as "The game has just tipped off!" or "The game has started."
How to Set Up Game Time Trigger Notifications
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Access Team Settings:
- Under each team in the portal, there’s an option to manage game time trigger notifications.
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Enable Notifications:
- Check the box to enable notifications for game start times.
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Customize the Notification Text:
- You can enter a title and body for the notifications. The title could be something like "Game Time Alert," and the body would contain information like "Boys Basketball just tipped off!"
Important Considerations and Limitations
1. Schedule Accuracy Is Critical
It’s essential to ensure that the game schedules are accurate and up to date in the system. Game time trigger notifications are automatically sent based on the data available, so if the game schedule is incorrect or outdated, the notification may be sent for a game that has been canceled or rescheduled.
- Manual Updates: For teams without an API integration, game schedules must be manually updated. If the schedule isn't updated promptly, the notification may still be sent out for a game that is no longer accurate (e.g., canceled, moved to a different date).
2. API Integrations and Sync Delays
Clients with API integrations will likely experience fewer issues with game time notifications. This is because the game schedule data is automatically synced between systems. However, even with API integration, there can still be delays in syncing game data, especially if the sync process takes longer than expected (e.g., over an hour).
- Sync Delays: If a game is updated in the system but the data hasn’t yet synced (due to delays), the notification may still trigger based on outdated information. For example, if a game is rescheduled but the sync hasn't occurred, users might receive a notification about a game that’s no longer taking place.
3. Notifications for Unupdated Games
If an Admin (AD) forgets to update a game (for example, a canceled game or a game moved to a different date), the game time trigger notification may still be sent, leading to confusion for fans and users.
- Potential Issues: This could result in notifications being sent for games that have been canceled or postponed, leaving fans unaware of changes.
4. Best Practices
To avoid problems with game time trigger notifications, here are some key best practices:
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Always Keep Schedules Updated: Ensure all game schedules are entered accurately and are up to date. If a game is rescheduled or canceled, update the system immediately to avoid sending notifications for games that no longer exist.
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Be Cautious Without API Integration: For clients who do not have an API integration, be careful when setting up game time notifications. Without automated updates, there’s a higher chance of sending notifications for incorrect or outdated games.
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Communicate the Importance of Accuracy: If you're setting up these notifications for others, emphasize the importance of regularly checking and updating game schedules to prevent notification errors.
Conclusion
While game time trigger notifications can be a helpful feature to keep fans and stakeholders informed, they rely heavily on the accuracy and timeliness of the game schedule data. For users without API integrations, extra attention should be given to schedule management to prevent sending notifications for incorrect game times.
By following the best practices outlined above, you can ensure that your game time trigger notifications are accurate and useful.