The iCalendar
feature permits scheduled Events and Activities (as reflected in the Calendar page) to be available to Site Visitors in an iCalendar
(Internet Calendaring and Scheduling) format. This is done by clicking on a designated URL (usually marked by the iCalendar 
symbol), which can download an iCalendar file to a desktop (suitable for import ot the Calendar program or emailing to others for reference).
OR (and more commonly), the URL can be used to Subscribe to the Calendar from your favorite Calendaring program (see WikiPedia for a partial list of programs supporting the iCalendar Standard).
- Why use the Feature?
- It offers a mechanism for Site Visitors to remain aware of Calendar based activities (Meetings, Referee Assignments, scheduled Clinics, scheduled Matches, etc.) without having to return to the site itself.
- Who can use it?
- Any Internet user that knows the Subscription URL can obtain the calendar information. Essentially, the iCalendar information is PUBLIC information.
- How is it configured?
- With the exception of Referee Assignments, the Site Visitor will be shown a URL that s/he can use to enter into his/her Calendaring program for subscription purposes. The URL will contain one or more keywords (in HTTP syntax) that instructs the Calendar function on the site how to compose a response. From that point forward, the Calendaring program will periodically contact the Site to refresh the specific Calendar.
- Can I merge multiple Calendars together?
- Yes. The Calendar program on the desktop will permit each User to subscribe to multiple Calendars (multiple URLs). Thus, it IS possible to add a Calendar for a child's scheduled Matches along with a Referee's personal schedule, even if they are from different sites.
- Are there any security exposures?
- The only possibly private information that could be deemed a security exposure is a Referee's personal schedule of Assignments. To protect the Referee that does not want his/her schedule published in this way, the Preferences portion of the User Profile permits the Referee to activate the ICS (iCalendar) mechanism (default is off or NO Access).
- How often does it update?
- The RidgeStar sites are all real-time, so the subscribed Calendar will start reflecting the changed/new Calendar entries as soon as they occur on the site. The end User will see the changed/updated Calendar entries the next time his/her Calendar program reconnects with the Site and requests an updated Calendar. The frequency of the Calendar program's reconnect is a function of the individual Program and is not under the control of the site itself.
