THE use of websites is becoming increasingly popular among sporting clubs.

A great tool for receiving news, in conjunction with newspapers of course, websites need to be well maintained to work and give the public the information they crave.

Sporting websites are a great idea when used properly, but a common source of frustration when they are not regularly updated.

There's nothing worse when you visit a sporting club's website to gain some information than to discover the last item posted was more than six months ago.

Sometimes a draw on a website for a particular team or competition can provide misleading information as well.

There are some good local sports websites on offer.

Some are updated on such a regular basis and packed with data that they almost let you know how a player ties their laces.

But at the opposite side of the spectrum, some are inaccurate and at best, contain a constant source of false reports.

The situation becomes even more time wasting for supporters when they log on to their favourite sport or team's website and are directed to the wrong venue for a particular game.

There's nothing worse for a footy fan, eager to barrack for his team, when they travel to Minto at a stated time, only to discover their team had played at Bargo two hours ago.

I suppose my point is that if teams are going to rely on providing vital information to their fans, they have to be dedicated to updating the website on a regular basis to offer the correct information.

Some websites are so sophisticated nowadays that they have a live feed a blow-by-blow account as the game is taking place, although these websites are few and far between on a local level.

One local team captain recently informed me that the first time he finds out how the opposition have performed is when he reads the information in the Advertiser, despite the code having a website which is supposed to have scores posted there.

Clubs have to promote the fact that their websites are available and operational.

They could state the website address on their weekly newsletter which is handed out to players, coaches and officials.

Go to macarthuradvertiser.com.au to let me know if your team or competition possesses a decent website which is regularly updated. Also, let me know if your team's website is a dud!