We build teams by hand out of individual sign-ups. Once you have paid and filled in your player survey your part is done, and we group you with other players using a few things: whether you chose social or competitive, the friends you nominated, your position preferences, your history with previous Just Play teams if you are returning, and age, so players of similar ages are grouped together where possible. For mixed competitions we also balance gender.
How many players are in a squad
We deliberately pick more players than take the court, because life happens between Monday and game night.
Basketball: 8 to 9
Futsal and 5-a-side: 8 to 9
Netball: 10 to 12
Touch: 10 to 12
Footy 7s: 10 to 12
For other sports we scale it to the number on the court. Four on court means a squad of 6 to 7, five on court means 8 to 9, and six on court means 9 to 10. Mixed competitions shift these numbers, set by the venue and shown on the league listing.
Why the squad is bigger than the team
Most weeks, one or two players are unavailable in advance, through travel, family, work, injury or illness. It is also common for another one or two to drop out on the day of the game. Having a few extra players in the squad means the team still has enough to play.
From your second season onward we use your team's real attendance data instead of the default, so returning squads are trimmed: a minimum of 7 for basketball, futsal and 5-a-side, 9 for netball, and 10 for touch and footy 7s.
Once the squad is set we give the team a name and email everyone their first game details.
Still need a hand? Read Can I play with a friend, or sign up as a group? if you are signing up with someone, or browse leagues near you.