What is the online team management system?
The online team management system allows club members to manage their personal information directly as well as pay for dues and other services online. The system is developed and hosted by
Club
Assistant, the same company that manages the USMS online registration system.
I'm already a member, why do I need to register online with the
Fins?
Fins is moving to the online system for team registration and dues
payments, replacing the current computer based system. Since demographic data in the
current system is not frequently updated, it was decided that existing Fins
members should self register in the new system to insure that their membership
information is current. If you are currently a member, your dues payment
status will be transferred from the old system once you have completed online
registration.
What happens when I register?
When you register online you will first be required to verify your USMS
membership. You will then be asked to provide demographic and emergency
contact information. Finally, you will need to select a
dues
option and a payment method. Once submitted, the treasurer will
review your information and update your new online account with your current
dues status. If you owe dues for the current period and you elected to pay
by credit card, your credit card will be charged for that amount. You will
receive an email when your credit card is charged. See the FAQ below
regarding automated charges. If you elected to pay by check, you
will receive an invoice indicating the amount due.
What are automated charges?
If you selected a monthly or quarterly dues options and provided a credit
card for payment, your card will automatically be charged at the beginning of
your next billing cycle. For example, if you are a new member and register
online on 4/1/2010, provide your credit card, and select the quarterly dues
option, your card will initially be charged for the current quarter (4/1 to
6/30). On 7/1/2010, your credit card will automatically be charged for the
next quarter (7/1/10 to 9/30/10). If you do not want your credit card to
be automatically charged, you should indicate this when you initially register
(in the notes section). You can stop automated charges at any time,
however you must do so at least 5 business days before the start of your next
billing period. For more information see the question "What is the benefit
of paying by credit card?"
What is the benefit of paying by Credit Card?
You can set up your fins online registration account to pay your dues by
credit card. If your membership period is monthly or quarterly, your
credit card will be automatically charged at the beginning of each new period.
If you will not be swimming the next quarter and do not want your card to be
charged, simply remove it from your account or contact the treasurer at least 5
business days before the first day of the following month or
quarter. Remember that if you pay quarterly, you are benefiting from
a better rate and are paying for the full period whether you swim or not.
The Fins quarters are Jan-Mar, April-June, July-Sept, and Oct-Dec.
Is it safe?
The online system replaces a database system (Microsoft Access) currently
located on the treasurer's PC. Moving to an online system makes the
data safer and more secure. Data stored on a single PC is more vulnerable
to loss and/or theft. Online access to member data is limited to board
members and coaches. Access to credit card information is limited to the
treasurer. Club Assistant has policies and procedures in place for backing up
and securing data on their systems. See the
Club
Assistant FAQ for more information.
Can I still pay by check or cash?
Yes, when you register online, simply choose the check payment
option. You will then need to mail you check or bring you check or cash to
your next practice.
How do I update my payment method or other information ?
If you have already registered with the system you were emailed a username and password. Simply
log into the system to make any changes.