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Game Changer: How PlayHQ and Basketball Victoria are Transforming Grassroots Basketball
A Conversation with Ben Pahl, Chief Operating Officer, Basketball Victoria
- What challenges was Basketball Victoria facing before switching to PlayHQ?
Before PlayHQ, we invoiced associations based on self-reported team numbers, which required assumptions about player counts. This manual process was unreliable and easy to manipulate. By switching to PlayHQ and individual registrations, we immediately improved data quality, streamlined collection, and reduced administrative burden. It also significantly lowered our bad debt risk, as payments were collected at registration rather than invoiced later.
- What made PlayHQ the right solution for Basketball Victoria?
Being an early adopter allowed us to help shape PlayHQ into a system built for basketball. Other key reasons included its improved UX, clean interface (with no advertising), and dedicated support structure.
- What impact has PlayHQ had on Basketball Victoria’s operations?
PlayHQ has drastically improved our data quality, reduced our administrative resource requirements, lowered bad debt risk, and improved cash flow.
- How has PlayHQ changed the experience for participants, administrators, and stakeholders?
PlayHQ’s participant UX is significantly better than other systems—clean, user-friendly, and intuitive. For administrators, ongoing enhancements have addressed initial transition challenges, and the reduced administrative burden extends to associations and clubs. By collecting registration fees at the point of sign-up, organisations eliminate manual invoicing. The addition of MyHoops and integrations with Glory League have further unified the participant experience, making engagement with the sport even easier.
- What advice would you give to other organisations considering PlayHQ?
It’s important to look beyond what PlayHQ may not yet do and focus on the significant improvements it brings. The impact of reducing invoicing, streamlining collections, and improving cash flow is often underestimated. Additionally, user experience should be a key consideration when evaluating alternative platforms.
- How has PlayHQ supported Basketball Victoria’s scalability as participation has grown?
PlayHQ allows for growth with no additional administrative effort. The system is not restricted by user numbers, enabling expansion without requiring constant upgrades or development.
- What role has PlayHQ played in enhancing fan and player engagement?
The MyHoops app has transformed engagement. Parents and grandparents can now keep up with live scores when they can’t attend, while coaches use it to monitor fouls in domestic games. Upcoming developments like in-app updates and calendar integrations will further elevate basketball’s participant experience, keeping it ahead of other sports.
- What has been the response from your member associations and clubs since adopting PlayHQ?
Change is always challenging, and transitioning registration platforms is one of the biggest shifts in community sport. While the early adoption period required adjustments, the long-term benefits were clear. Today, stakeholders see PlayHQ as a core part of their operations, and they appreciate the platform’s ongoing enhancements.
- Looking ahead, how do you see PlayHQ continuing to support the growth of basketball in Victoria?
The shared vision of introducing game vision technology (e.g., enhanced video capture and analytics) will set basketball apart from other sports. As participation grows, this innovation will help basketball stay ahead, particularly as other sports face retention challenges.
ABOUT GRASSROOTS BASKETBALL
- What’s the biggest challenge for grassroots basketball organisations today?
Facility availability.
- What’s the most exciting opportunity for grassroots basketball in Victoria in the next five years?
Basketball in Victoria is experiencing sustained growth, shifting from a tier 2 to a tier 1 sport. This presents an opportunity to build a strong foundation for future generations, supported by digital innovations that improve player and fan engagement.
- What would most improve the experience for basketball participants?
While there’s no single answer, continued investment in facilities and digital engagement tools will enhance participant experience.
- What’s the best way to increase participation in grassroots basketball?
Build more facilities.
- What’s your top priority for grassroots sports in Victoria over the next 12 months?
Build and unlock more courts.
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