How Many Players Should I Have in My Team?
Short answer: the more the merrier. Bigger squads mean cheaper games, fewer panicked group chats on game day, and a better social experience all season long.
The Magic of a Bigger Squad
SportUP fees are charged per team, not per player. So every extra teammate you sign up makes the season cheaper for everyone else.
Think of it like splitting a pizza. Five people sharing? Big slices, bigger bill per person. Ten people? Same pizza, half the cost each, twice the mates around the table.
Bigger squads also mean:
- You rarely have to scramble for subs when someone is sick, working late, or stuck in traffic.
- Everyone gets a breather during the game, so you actually enjoy playing instead of gasping on the sideline.
- You build a deeper crew of friends, which is the whole point.
Minimum Players Per Sport
Every sport has a minimum number of players you need on court to start a game. Show up with fewer and you risk forfeiting the points.
| Sport | Minimum on Court | Standard on Court | Recommended Squad Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netball | 5 | 7 | 10+ |
| Basketball | 4 | 5 | 8+ |
| Soccer (5-a-side) | 4 | 5 | 8+ |
| Volleyball | 4 | 6 | 9+ |
If your comp is mixed, there may also be a minimum number of each gender required on court. Check your comp details for the specifics.
Why We Recommend a Bigger Squad
The minimum gets you on the court. The recommended squad size gets you through the whole season.
People have lives. Holidays, work shifts, weddings, that mate's birthday you forgot was on. A squad of exactly the minimum number sounds efficient on paper. Then week three someone pulls up sore, week five two are out of town, and suddenly the group chat is in panic mode every Tuesday afternoon.
A squad of 8 to 10 players (for 5-a-side sports) or 10 to 12 (for 7-a-side netball) means you can absorb absences without messaging half-strangers at 5pm on game day.
What If I Don't Have Enough Players?
Don't stress. We've got a whole community of players in our regional Subs Groups who are keen to fill in for a game or three.
How do I find subs for my team?
You can also post in your team chat, ping a mate, or drag a flatmate off the couch. The whole point of SportUP is meeting new people, so an unfamiliar sub can quickly turn into a new regular teammate.
The Bottom Line
More players = cheaper per person, more fun, less hassle.
Sign up a few more than you think you need. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you on game night.