Why SportingPulse?

VBL decided to go with SportingPulse in 2002 because of the major benefits the administration could gain in terms of efficiencies, communications, reduced costs and improved image for the organisations. SportingPulse was the only provider that had the right solutions. "We took a big risk in going against the bigger profiled options, but you have to pick a solution that is right for everyone." Laurie explained.

Admin time saved for clubs and league through increased efficiency

Effectively the online database brings the clubs into the VBL back-office via the Internet where they maintain their registration details that are then automatically emailed to the VBL and imported into Sportzware where the master database is updated.

As Laurie explains: "What the admin portal means is that our clubs save time because they can enter things directly onto the member database, which in turn saves me double entering the same information."

Improves communication channel with members

Using SmarterWeb and the online portal for results, the VBL has raised the bar and emerged as an industry leader in communicating results and other information with its members.

As Laurie says: "Clubs have greater access to results and stats than they have ever had before and it's delivered to them in a far more efficient and timely manner. Two years ago, we were faxing everything out. Last year we moved to email. This year with the web-site we are reaching far more people than ever before."

"VBL members are now registering online at www.sportingpulse.com.au for email reminders letting them know what time their games are two days in advance."

Competition results processed faster

With the interface Sportzware shares with Cybersports (supplied by ProWess) the VBL is cutting time spent on results processing in half. This has meant that the public can now get results and full box scores 24 hours earlier than they could before.

"We deliver our results in an efficient and timely manner. In past seasons clubs didn't get our results until they were faxed out late on Sunday nights. Now, Saturday's results are available within three to four hours of the games finishing." says Laurie.

The VBL use "Cybersports" to input their player/match statistics on game day. With the interface Sportzware has with Cybersports all the VBL needs to do to get its results online is import the data from Cybersports into Sportzware, then upload it to the online portal where it is instantly available for members to view.

"It is easy to use. Being able to import the information directly from Cybersports saves a lot of time," Laurie goes on to say, "The amount of time spent processing the results of our games is down from 15 man hours to about 8, and we have more games this season."

Positive response from members and the public

Since implementing SportingPulse's integrated solution, the VBL has received a very positive response from members and the public, in general: "The members love it and just as importantly so do all of our supporters. Without doubt we are at the leading edge of what is supplied in terms of results, ladders and fixtures, anywhere on earth, not just in Australia," says Laurie, and not only from the general public but from its peers as well: "The feedback has been very positive and I think we are the envy of the basketball world."

Laurie expects this trend to continue in the future as the VBL continues to strengthen its image and build its community cementing the VBL as one of the world's most proficient basketball operations.

"Our partnership will see further changes to the services that we as a League will be able to provide our members over the next few months and I'm looking forward to working with SP to maintain our edge over all of the other Basketball sites."

Customer Service

"One very important aspect of our relationship with Sportingpulse is their customer service. I can't fault it. They've been available at all times of the day and the night when I've had questions."

Location: Victoria, metropolitan & country
Size: 76 teams representing 38 associations with 1200 active players
SportingPulse Applications: SmarterWeb, Sportzware, Oline Database, Online Results Portal, (Cybersports integrated)
Benefits: Administration time saved, Positive response all round, Cost effective, Dramatically improved communication with members, Competition results processed faster.