Chat Channels are designed to centralize and streamline team communication—without needing group texts or third-party apps.

Every Chat message in CrewLAB is time-stamped and stored securely, with private access—limited only to Team Members. Features include:

• Unlimited Team-wide and sub-group Chat Channels
• The ability to mention Team Members
• The ability to add attachments, links, emojis, and GIFs

Team Chat

Every CrewLAB Team starts with a default “Team Chat” Channel where all Team Members—Coaches, Captains, and Athletes—are automatically added. Team Chat cannot be deleted.

Additionally, default channels include “Coaches and Captains” and “Coaches Only.”

Custom Chats

Custom Chats can be used to keep communication focused topically (e.g. Technique, Nutrition, Playlists, or for a specific event like a race) or by subgroup (e.g. Varsity vs. Junior Varsity, by sport specialization like Sprinters and Distance Group).

To create a Custom Chat:

1. Click the + icon in the Chats tab.
2. Name your Chat Channel and (optionally) add a short description.
   1. Select any combination of Team Members to be in the Chat (3 or more individuals)
3. Click “Add Members” to launch the new Chat Channel.

SafeSport Compliance

CrewLAB Chat Channels are built to support SafeSport-aligned communication:

• All Chat Channels are fully visible to Coaches
• Direct messaging is not supported; all Chat Channels must have 3 Members. At a minimum, if a Chat Channel includes a Captain or Athlete, it is most appropriate to have two Coaches also in the Chat
• While Chat content can be deleted by Coaches or the Team Member who sent the content, all Chat activity and content is permanently logged and auditable
• All file uploads and media are attributed by user and timestamp