Supported Meets & Galas - User Guide

Complete guide to using the interactive calendar system

Overview

The Supported Meets & Galas calendar is a comprehensive tool for viewing and managing upcoming swimming competitions. It displays meets supported by Tonbridge Swimming Club with detailed information and multiple viewing options.

Key Features: Dual view modes (Calendar/List), Advanced filtering, Calendar subscription, Color-coded levels, Mobile optimization, Clickable venue links, Multiple calendar export options, and Dark mode support.

Getting Started

Accessing the Calendar

Access the gala fixture list from the Tonbridge Swimming Club website at www.tonbridgeswimmingclub.co.uk. The calendar works on both desktop and mobile devices with optimized layouts for each.

Initial View

By default, the calendar opens in Calendar View, showing a monthly calendar grid with color-coded events.

View Modes

Calendar View (Default)

  • Desktop: Full monthly calendar grid with all events visible
  • Mobile: Compact monthly view optimized for small screens
  • Color-coded events by level
  • Current day highlighted with bold green border
  • Month/year display with navigation
  • Click any event to see full details

List View

  • Desktop: Full table with all meet details in columns
  • Mobile: Card-based layout for easy scrolling
  • Toggle: Click "List View" button to switch, then "Calendar View" to return
Calendar View
List View

Color Coding System

Events are color-coded by competition level for easy identification:

X Level Entry-level meets
L4/Team Level 4 & Team competitions
L3 Level 3 meets
L2 Level 2 competitions
L1 Level 1 elite meets
?? Mobile Tip: Mobile devices use brighter, more saturated colors for better visibility on small screens.

Filtering

Use filters to find specific meets quickly and efficiently:

Filter Options

Filter Description
Date Range Enter start and/or end dates (DD/MM/YYYY format)
Level Select from X, L4/Team, L3, L2, L1, or "All"
Course Filter by Long Course (50m) or Short Course (25m)
Venue Search for specific pool/location
Target Squads Find meets for specific squad groups

Using Filters

  • Desktop: Filters always visible at top of page
  • Mobile: Click the F (filter icon) button in toolbar - filters slide down when opened

Event Details

Viewing Details

Click any event (in Calendar or List view) to open the detailed information modal:

Information Displayed:

  • Date: Competition dates
  • Level: Competition level with full description
  • Venue: Pool name/location (clickable)
  • Course: Long Course (50m Pool) or Short Course (25m Pool)
  • Target Squads: Intended squad groups
  • Coach: Confirmed named coach (if assigned)
  • Info Link: Meet information page (if available)
??? Clickable Venue: Click the venue name to open Google Maps and automatically search for the venue location. Opens in a new tab for directions and location details.

Adding Events to Your Calendar

Add to Calendar Options

In the event details modal, click "Add to Calendar" to reveal three options:

  1. Google Calendar - Directly adds event to your Google Calendar (requires Google account login)
  2. Outlook Calendar - Opens in Outlook desktop or web (works with Microsoft accounts)
  3. Download .ics - Downloads universal calendar file compatible with Apple Calendar, Thunderbird, and most calendar apps

What Gets Added

All calendar exports include:

  • Event name with level
  • Full date range
  • Venue and course information
  • Target squads and coach details
  • Link to meet information
  • Important warning: "Check with Head Coach/Lead Coach before entering"

Subscribe to Calendar

Automatic Updates

Instead of adding individual events, subscribe to receive automatic updates whenever meets change:

Location: Desktop: Click "Subscribe to Calendar" button in top toolbar
Mobile: Scroll down to find "Subscribe to Calendar" button below the calendar

Subscription Instructions

For iPhone/iPad:

  1. Copy the subscription URL (webcal://)
  2. Settings → Calendar → Accounts → Add Account
  3. Select "Other" → "Add Subscribed Calendar"
  4. Paste URL and save

For Android (Google Calendar):

  1. Copy the subscription URL (convert webcal:// to https://)
  2. Google Calendar → Settings → Add Calendar → From URL
  3. Paste URL and add

For Desktop Apps:

  • Outlook: File → Account Settings → Internet Calendars → New
  • Apple Calendar: File → New Calendar Subscription
  • Thunderbird: Right-click calendars → New Calendar → On the Network

Benefits of Subscription

  • ? Calendar automatically updates when meets change
  • ? No need to manually add each event
  • ? Always have the latest information
  • ? Can unsubscribe anytime

Mobile-Specific Features

Optimized Layout

  • Compact Header: Minimal space for website integration
  • 3-Button Toolbar: Enter Meet | List View | F (filter icon)
  • Roboto Font: Used for calendar events for better readability
  • Larger Touch Targets: All buttons sized for easy tapping (38px minimum)
  • Responsive Text: Font sizes optimized for small screens
  • Perfect Alignment: All buttons aligned and same height

Subscribe Button Position

On mobile, the subscribe button appears below the calendar to save valuable top space.

?? Mobile Viewing Tips:
  • Rotate to landscape for more calendar space
  • Use pinch-to-zoom if needed
  • Filter icon (F) saves screen space
  • Today button helps navigate quickly

Entering Meets

"Enter Meet" Button

Located in the top toolbar (all views), this button takes you to Swim Club Manager where you can:

  • Enter swimmers for upcoming meets
  • View entry details
  • Manage meet entries
?? Important: You must have Swim Club Manager login credentials. Always check with Head Coach or Lead Coach before entering swimmers for any meet.
?? Meet Visibility: When you click "Enter Meet" and access Swim Club Manager, only meets that meet the following criteria will be displayed:
  • Invitations have already been emailed out by the club
  • You have the required qualifying times (if applicable for that meet)
  • The meet is currently open for entries
If a meet shown in the calendar doesn't appear in Swim Club Manager, or if you're unsure about eligibility, check with your Lead Coach.

Tips & Best Practices

Finding Meets Quickly

  1. Use Level filter to see only your swimmer's level
  2. Use Date Range to focus on specific period
  3. Use Calendar View for visual overview
  4. Use List View for detailed comparison

Before Entering

  • ? Always click event to view full details
  • ? Check target squads match your swimmer
  • ? Verify venue location (click venue name)
  • ? Confirm with coach before entering
  • ? Use "Enter Meet" button to go to Swim Club Manager

Staying Updated

  • Subscribe to calendar for automatic updates
  • Check regularly for new meets
  • Note that dates/details may change - check meet info links
  • Enable notifications in your calendar app

Troubleshooting

Calendar Not Loading

  • Refresh the browser page
  • Check internet connection
  • Clear browser cache
  • Try a different browser

Events Not Showing

  • Check filters - ensure not too restrictive
  • Try "All" in level/course filters
  • Clear date range filters
  • Verify events exist for selected period

Subscribe Not Working

  • Ensure using correct URL format (webcal:// for most apps)
  • Some apps require https:// instead of webcal://
  • Check calendar app permissions
  • Try removing and re-adding subscription

Buttons Not Aligned (Mobile)

  • Ensure using modern browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
  • Update browser to latest version
  • Clear browser cache and reload

Colors Hard to See

  • Mobile uses brighter colors automatically
  • Try adjusting screen brightness
  • Check dark mode settings
  • Device display settings may affect colors

Meet Not Appearing in Swim Club Manager

  • Meet invitations may not have been sent out yet by the club
  • You may not have the required qualifying times for that meet
  • The meet entry window may not be open yet
  • The meet may have reached capacity or closed for entries
  • If in doubt, contact your Lead Coach to confirm eligibility