> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.uplifter.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How do I assign member numbers with a serial-number question?

> Use a Serial Number custom question to give athletes numbers automatically, in order, and let staff type or correct one without breaking the count.

<Note>
  **Must know**

  * **Plan and role.** Needs a plan that includes **Custom Information**. Only club admins can create or edit questions.
  * **Numbers only go forward.** They're handed out in order, never backwards. Typing a number above the next one skips every number in between, and that can't be undone.
  * **Families can't edit a number.** Staff can type one only when none is saved yet, unless **Allow a saved number to be changed** is on.
  * **One member number.** Only one Serial Number question can be marked as the club member number.
</Note>

**How it works.** Each answer gets the next number, counting up by one. Numbers are always unique within the question, so this type has no **Require a different answer for each record** option.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create the question">
    Go to **Settings > Athletes > Custom Questions**, choose **Create Question**, and set **Answer Type** to **Serial Number**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the starting number">
    Enter a **Starting number** from 0 to 2,147,483,646, or leave it blank to start at 1. Editing the question later shows **Next number: \[N]**, or **Next number: \[N] once you save** if a higher starting number moves the count up. A lower one never moves it back.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose the options">
    Check any of these:

    * **Allow a saved number to be changed**, so staff can correct one.
    * **Assign automatically when an athlete is created**, to number athletes as they're added to your club.
    * **Use this as the club member number**, to mark them as your member numbers (this doesn't change how they're assigned).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Choose **Add Question** (**Save Changes** when editing).
  </Step>
</Steps>

**When numbers are given out.** Any answer saved without a staff-typed number takes the next one. Families answering at registration or checkout can't type: they see the number read only, or "Assigned automatically". With **Assign automatically when an athlete is created** on, each athlete added to your club is numbered right away (questions about an athlete only). It skips athletes already on your roster and never replaces a saved number.

**Typing or correcting a number.** On the athlete's **Custom Info** tab, choose **Add answer** if no number is saved, or **Edit** (shown only when **Allow a saved number to be changed** is on). Leave the box blank to assign the next number, or type your own. A number already in use is refused.

**Moving the numbering.** Typing a number above the next automatic one asks **Move the automatic numbering?** first. If the next number is 101 and you type 120, it reads: "Saving 120 moves the next automatic number from 101 to 121. Numbers 101 to 119 will be skipped, and the numbering can't be moved back." Choose **Save this number** to confirm.

**Renewals.** A renewal reuses the original answer instead of issuing a new number.

**Related:** [How do I add custom questions to registration forms?](/club/registration-enrollment/add-custom-registration-questions) · [Where do I see and edit answers to custom questions?](/club/registration-enrollment/view-and-edit-custom-question-answers) · [What is an athlete record?](/club/athletes-families/what-is-an-athlete-record)