We’re excited to announce that registrations are now open for Playball Bayside Term 1/2, 2026! Our after-school basketball competition for primary-school kids run by Melbourne Central Basketball Association (MCBA).
Playball Bayside — Term 1/2 2026
Playball Bayside runs during the school week and is organised by school-year level, making it easy for friends and classmates to team up and play.
Competition Days:
Tuesday: Year 5 Girls; Year 6 Girls & Boys
Wednesday: Year 4/5 Boys
Friday: Years 1–4 Girls & Boys
*Training and Competition options available for Term 1 for Year 1
Whether your child is new to basketball or already loving the game, Playball is a fun, social, and inclusive way to play after school.
Secure your spot via registering on PlayHQ!
2026 Competition costs
In 2026 we will be making some changes to our fee structure to bring it in closer alignment with other MCBA competitions.
Team Registration: $200 per season
This payment secures your place within the competition for both terms. Previously, this amount was factored into the cost each term that you were invoiced.
Match Fees: $102.50 per match
If a team plays all 19 rounds, then this constitutes a $5 increase across the season. An increase which covers an annual increase to referee reimbursement rates by Basketball Victoria. As previously stated, match fees will now be collected on a per match which means a saving of $102.50 when your team is allocated a bye which has increased from $80 previously.
Forfeit Fees:
Over 24 Hours Notice – $115
Under 24 Hours Notice – $200
This constitutes a $15 reduction from last season when providing over 24 hours notice of the forfeit. If less than 24hrs notice is provided then all expenses are incurred therefore the higher rate is charged.
Online Payments via TeamPay
All teams will now complete their payments online through TeamPay (with the exception of clubs who request to be invoiced). This platform allows team managers to:
- Pay for team sheet fees on a per game basis rather than per term providing greater transparency for all participants
- Collect payments directly from each player through the app reducing the requirement for team managers to collect funds themselves. In managing byes and forfeits this will reduce any requirement for funds to be managed through invoices/credit notes and allows immediate benefits to teams
- Pay for multiple matches at a time should you wish or spread out the team sheet fees weekly to reduce the financial impact on families of collecting all fees in a bulk payment
- Receive automated notifications for forfeits and submit your own forfeits through the app rather than having to e-mail the Association
- Transfer game payments when an opposition forfeits, without needing a credit note
We believe this will streamline administration for team managers and make team payments easier and more transparent. The TeamPay system will bring the Playball Bayside competition in line with other Associations throughout Victoria and their collection of team sheet fees.
Club teams will still be invoiced for the season should they request to do so.
Uniform Orders
MCBA’s uniform provider, Diamond Sports, will be providing high quality, low cost uniforms for those that require them. Please click here to find out more.
Focus Areas for Improved Competition in 2026!
In 2025 when acquiring Playball Bayside, with the competition mostly running with only 1 official per game, MCBA put in place a two-year technical officials development plan to invest significantly in increasing our referees and increase the training and development of our current referees. In the past 6 months we have successfully trained 40 new referees, implemented improved referee coaching procedures and upskilled 30 of our current referees to achieve a higher level.
We thank all participants for your continued support as we are only 6 months into a 24 month plan, for those who are unaware, it takes approximately 12 weeks to train a referee to the point that they are able officiate a game without the assistance of a senior referee. So, we appreciate your understanding as we continue to grow and invest in this area.
With our continued emphasis on strengthening our referee program in 2026, our goal is to provide two referees on all matches, regardless of the venue. This investment supports better game management, improved development opportunities for officials, and a higher-quality experience for players and coaches.
MCBA are committed to creating a positive environment for all our participants. To assist with this, we are currently creating a behavioural framework. This framework will provide clear behaviour guidelines to all involved in the game from players, spectators & coaches through to officials and supervisors.
MCBA has made many strides for the Playball Bayside competition in 2025 through moving the fixturing to PlayHQ for families to be able to enjoy live score updates, the benefits of Glory League for games at MSAC and for families to be able to access MyHoops to check out player stats.
To ensure a fair and balanced fixture for every team, a maximum of one school related bye request per team will be permitted per season (not per term). This adjustment has been made in response to team feedback and reflects our commitment to keeping the competition as even and consistent as possible, this will also assist the Association with fixture balance and timeframes for release with the current system causing unbalanced fixturing due to byes and delays in releasing fixtures which can make it difficult for families who need to plan ahead.
Spread the Word
Playball Bayside remains as a successful community competition because of the amazing support from our families. If your child has loved their time in Playball, we’d love your help in spreading the word, allowing more kids in our local community to enjoy the Playball Bayside experience.
Share the registration link with friends, classmates, and school groups
Mention Playball Bayside in your school newsletters or parent WhatsApp chats
Encourage classmates to form a team together
Let other parents know how easy it is to get involved
SHARE THIS ARTICLE with your school community, family networks, or anyone who’d love to join Playball Bayside in Term 1/2.
