Custom Chats for Front-End Users
Custom Chats Overview
Custom Chats allow users to create conversations with a selected group of participants from teams and groups they are associated with in Byga. Unlike standard Team Chats and Group Chats, Custom Chats provide flexibility when communicating with a specific subset of members, contacts, coaches, or staff.
Custom Chats are ideal for situations where communication is relevant to a smaller audience without needing to involve an entire team or group.
All communication through Byga should follow your club's communication policies and the Byga Terms of Service.
Creating a Custom Chat
To create a Custom Chat, open the Byga mobile app and tap the Messages icon at the bottom of the screen.
From the Chat screen, select the blue chat icon in the lower-right corner. If you belong to multiple organizations, you will first be prompted to select the appropriate organization.
Next, select a team or group and begin adding participants to the conversation. You may also search for participants across teams and groups that you are associated with.
Only users who belong to teams or groups that you have access to can be added to a Custom Chat.
After selecting participants, enter a name for the chat and send your first message to create the conversation.
Adding Participants
Custom Chats can include players, contacts, coaches, team staff, and other users who are members of teams or groups you have access to.
When selecting participants from a team, choosing a player automatically includes the contacts associated with that player's account who are enabled for chat communication. Individual contacts can also be added directly when appropriate for the conversation.
Because Custom Chats provide the ability to communicate with a specific audience, clubs should ensure all communication follows established policies regarding appropriate communication between staff, players, and families.
If you have questions regarding communication guidelines, contact your club administrator.
Managing a Custom Chat
Once a Custom Chat has been created, chat settings can be accessed by selecting the menu in the upper-right corner of the conversation.
From the chat settings screen, users can:
- Mute notifications
- Edit the chat name
- Change the chat profile photo
- Create a new chat using the same participants
- Add additional participants when appropriate
- Leave the chat
These tools make it easy to manage conversations as communication needs change throughout the season.
Messaging Features
Custom Chats include the same messaging functionality available throughout Byga's chat platform.
Users can:
- Send messages in real time
- Share photos and videos
- Use chat translation features
- Participate in ongoing group conversations
The translation feature allows users to communicate using their preferred language, helping improve communication among multilingual families and staff.
Visibility and Club Oversight
Like Team Chats, Group Chats, and Teamcast Chats, Custom Chats are visible to the participants included in the conversation.
In addition, chat content may be accessible through club administration tools when appropriate and in accordance with the club's oversight and communication practices.
Users should always communicate professionally and responsibly while using the platform.
Viewing Custom Chats on the Web
Custom Chats can also be viewed through the Byga web platform.
To access chats from the web:
- Log in to Byga as you normally would.
- Select your profile photo or silhouette icon in the upper-right corner of the screen.
- Select Chats from the dropdown menu.
This page displays all chats associated with your account, including:
- Team Chats
- Group Chats
- Teamcast Chats
- Custom Chats
Selecting a conversation allows you to review chat history and message content.
Important
Chats viewed through the web platform are read-only. While you can view conversations and review message history, sending messages is only supported through the Byga mobile application.
To participate in a conversation or send new messages, open the chat from the Byga mobile app.
Best Practices
Custom Chats provide a flexible way to communicate with specific groups of users while keeping conversations organized and relevant.
When using Custom Chats:
- Include only participants relevant to the conversation.
- Follow your club's communication policies.
- Communicate professionally and respectfully.
- Use team, group, and custom chat options appropriately based on the intended audience.
- Share only information that is relevant to the participants included in the conversation.
By using Custom Chats effectively, clubs can improve communication while keeping conversations focused, organized, and easy to manage.