Minor Signup Settings
SlotBase provides two approaches for handling minor (under-18) registration at your facility. You can require that a parent or guardian add every minor, or you can allow older minors to sign up on their own. This page explains both modes and how to configure them.
Two Registration Modes
Default Mode (Parent-Managed)
In the default configuration:
- Minors cannot create their own SlotBase accounts.
- A parent or guardian must have an account and add the minor as a child in their Family profile.
- The parent books sessions and manages the minor's schedule.
- This is the safest option and is suitable for most youth sports facilities.
Self-Signup Mode (YMCA-Style)
When self-signup is enabled:
- Minors who meet the minimum age requirement can create their own SlotBase accounts.
- They can join the facility, browse the schedule, and make bookings independently.
- A parent or guardian is not required to be on the platform.
- This mode is common at community centers, YMCAs, and recreation departments where teens participate independently.
Configuring Minor Signup
- Go to Facility Settings in the admin sidebar.
- Select Member Policies.
- Configure the minor-specific settings:
| Setting | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Allow Minor Self-Signup | When enabled, minors above the minimum age can register themselves. | Off |
| Minimum Self-Signup Age | The youngest age at which a minor can create their own account. Must be between 13 and 17. | 13 |
- Click Save.
The Minimum Self-Signup Age only applies when Allow Minor Self-Signup is enabled. If self-signup is disabled, this setting has no effect.
How It Works for Each Mode
Default Mode (Self-Signup Off)
| Step | Who Acts | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parent | Creates a SlotBase account |
| 2 | Parent | Adds the minor as a child in their Family profile |
| 3 | Parent | Joins the facility on behalf of the minor |
| 4 | Parent | Books sessions for the minor |
| 5 | Minor | Attends the session |
Self-Signup Mode (Self-Signup On)
| Step | Who Acts | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minor | Creates a SlotBase account (must meet minimum age) |
| 2 | Minor | Joins the facility |
| 3 | Minor | Browses the schedule and books sessions |
| 4 | Minor | Attends the session |
Choosing the Right Mode
| Scenario | Recommended Mode | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Youth tennis academy (ages 6-17) | Default (parent-managed) | N/A |
| Community recreation center | Self-signup | 14 |
| YMCA or community sports | Self-signup | 13 |
| Private swim club for families | Default (parent-managed) | N/A |
| High school cricket program | Self-signup | 15 |
If you enable self-signup, consider also enabling Require Join Approval in your member policies. This gives you a chance to review minor registrations before granting facility access.
Age Verification
SlotBase collects the date of birth during account creation. The system uses this to:
- Determine whether the user is a minor.
- Check whether the user meets the minimum self-signup age.
- Block registration if the user is below the minimum age and self-signup is required.
SlotBase relies on the date of birth provided during registration. It does not perform external identity or age verification. If age accuracy is critical for your facility, consider enabling join approval to manually review registrations.
Interaction with Family Features
Even when self-signup is enabled, parents can still:
- Add the minor as a child in their Family profile.
- Book on behalf of the minor.
- View the minor's schedule and booking history.
Self-signup and family management are not mutually exclusive. A minor who self-registers can later be linked to a parent's account.