Get answers to common questions about SMS text messaging in Sprocket, including setup, permissions, opt-in requirements, pricing, and usage tracking.
How do I get started with text messaging?
Reach out to your Sprocket Sports Client Success Manager or Sales Lead. They will provide you with the necessary steps and pricing to enable text messaging for your club.
What types of messages can I send?
Sprocket supports one-way SMS text messaging for two types of notifications:
New/Updated Events Notifications: Members receive a text when a new event is created or an existing one is updated for their team(s).
Club Announcement Notifications: Members receive a text when a staff member sends a Club Announcement through the mobile app.
Members must opt-in to receive these notifications by accessing the Communication Preferences page. These are one-way communications; members cannot reply. Event notifications will include a link directing members to the event in the Sprocket mobile app.
How are text messages sent through Sprocket?
Text messages are automatically sent to users who have opted in when a new or updated event occurs or when a club announcement is dispatched.
Who can send text messages through Sprocket?
Club staff members with the appropriate permissions can send messages. This includes administrators, directors, coaches, and team managers.
Can I use my existing phone numbers?
No, existing phone numbers cannot be used. Your Sprocket account team will collaborate with our Text Messaging provider to generate a new phone number for your club's text messages. Whenever possible, this number will have an area code matching your club's address.
Do you support short codes, toll-free numbers, or alphanumeric sender IDs?
Currently, Sprocket does not support short codes, toll-free numbers, or alphanumeric sender IDs.
What if I have multiple Sprocket Sites?
Each Sprocket site will have its own dedicated phone number and must subscribe to its own texting package.
How does a member subscribe to text messaging?
Members can subscribe to text messaging through their Sprocket Sports account:
Web: Click on their name in the upper right corner, select Communication Preferences from the dropdown menu, and check the SMS box next to Enable Notifications. They can then customize their preferences per notification type.
Mobile App: Tap the More tab in the bottom navigation menu, go to Notification Preferences, and enable SMS notifications under the SMS section. Preferences can be customized per notification type here as well.
Are members automatically enrolled to receive text messages?
No, members must opt in to receive text messages.
How can a member unsubscribe from text messaging?
Members can unsubscribe at any time in two ways:
Replying "STOP": This will unsubscribe the member from all text messages from Sprocket.
Via Communication Preferences: Members can log into their Sprocket Sports account on the web or mobile app and disable SMS notifications by unchecking the SMS checkbox under Enable Notifications.
Note: Members can choose to subscribe or unsubscribe from specific types of notifications on their Communication Preferences page. However, replying "STOP" will unsubscribe them from all SMS notifications, as all messages are sent from the same phone number.
How is text messaging usage and pricing structured for our club?
Text messaging is an optional feature available through Sprocket Sports. Clubs that choose to enable this feature will receive a predetermined annual allotment of messaging units, which cover all SMS and MMS communications sent via the platform, including event notifications and club announcements.
If your club anticipates higher messaging needs during the year, you have the flexibility to upgrade to a higher-volume package at any time. Should your usage surpass the included allotment without an upgrade, overage charges will apply based on the additional units used.
For detailed information on pricing, overage rates, or to discuss the best plan for your club's communication needs, please reach out to your Sprocket Sports Client Success Manager or Sales Lead.
What is the difference between SMS and MMS?
SMS (Short Message Service): Text-only messages limited to 160 characters. Messages exceeding this limit will be split into multiple segments.
MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service): Messages that can include multimedia content like pictures and videos, and support messages longer than 160 characters. MMS requires a data connection and may not be supported by all devices or carriers.
How is my text message usage counted?
Text messages are counted on a per-unit basis:
An SMS message up to 160 characters = 1 unit
An SMS message between 161–320 characters = 2 units
An MMS message = 3 units
Any unused units are forfeited at the end of the subscription period.
Is the "STOP" message and its reply counted as a unit?
Yes. All SMS activities, including opt-out messages and their replies, count toward your annual message volume.
What happens if I exceed my messaging volume?
If your club exceeds its allotted messaging volume, additional charges may apply. You will also have the option to upgrade to a higher volume package.
How can I monitor message usage, especially when messages are sent to multiple recipients?
Your Sprocket Sports account team will assist you in tracking and reporting text message usage to ensure you stay informed about your messaging volume.
My club has multiple child sites, does each child site need their own phone number?
Yes, each child site would need its own phone number.
FAQs
Is SMS two-way communication?
No. SMS notifications in Sprocket are one-way communications. Members cannot reply to event or announcement texts.
Do members have to opt in to receive text messages?
Yes. Members must enable SMS in their Communication Preferences before they can receive text messages.
Can we send marketing messages through SMS?
SMS is limited to New/Updated Event Notifications and Club Announcement Notifications.
Who should I contact if I want to enable SMS for my club?
Contact your Sprocket Sports Client Success Manager or Sales Lead for setup steps and pricing details.