This feature is available on the Pro Plan.
What are signup restriction messages?
Signup restriction messages are shown when a volunteer attempts to sign up for a position that has been restricted to qualified volunteers using Applications. You can customize these messages to explain your organization's qualification requirements and guide volunteers toward the appropriate next step.
Why customize signup restriction messages?
Timecounts includes default signup restriction messages, but many organizations choose to customize them to better reflect their requirements and communication style.
A well-written message helps volunteers understand why a position is restricted and how they can become qualified. Customizing these messages allows you to explain your organization's requirements in your own voice and provide clear guidance on the next steps, whether that involves applying, completing training, or contacting your team.
Configuring signup restriction messages
Go to Settings > Rules and scroll to the Signup Restrictions section.
You'll find two separate messages that can be customized depending on whether applications are currently available. Once you've updated your messages, click Save to apply your changes.
Message shown when applications are open
This message is displayed when a volunteer encounters a restricted position and an application is currently accepting submissions. Timecounts will automatically display an Apply button alongside your message, allowing volunteers to begin the qualification process. We recommend explaining why the position requires qualifications and encouraging volunteers to apply if they are interested.
Message shown when applications are closed
This message is displayed when a volunteer encounters a restricted position but there is no application currently available. Since volunteers cannot apply immediately, this message should explain any alternative path your organization offers, such as future training sessions, onboarding opportunities, waitlists, or contacting a volunteer manager for more information.
When are signup restriction messages shown?
Signup restriction messages are only shown when volunteers can see a shift but are not qualified to sign up for it. If a schedule's visibility is set to Show to qualified only, unqualified volunteers will not see the position and these messages will not be displayed.
Using signup restrictions to support recruitment
If you're actively recruiting volunteers for qualified positions, we recommend keeping your application in the Open state and setting schedule visibility to Public.
This allows volunteers to discover positions they may be interested in while still preventing signups from volunteers who are not yet qualified. When a volunteer attempts to sign up, they'll see your signup restriction message and, if an application is available, an Apply button that directs them to the next step.
Not all organizations accept applications year-round. If your application is closed, Timecounts will automatically display the appropriate signup restriction message instead.
If a schedule is set to Show to qualified only, volunteers who are not yet qualified will not see those positions when viewing the schedule and signup restriction messages will not be displayed.