Safety

Last updated 4 October 2026

HuddleHoop puts strangers on a court together. That only works if everyone is accountable. Here is how we approach it, and what we expect from you.

Adults only, for now

HuddleHoop is 18+. We ask for your date of birth at sign-up and we do not allow accounts for minors. We made that choice deliberately for the first version: it keeps matching and messaging simple and avoids putting adults and minors into open pickup games with each other.

Youth basketball matters to us and we intend to support it properly later — with guardian consent, verified coaches, background checks and restricted communication. We would rather not ship it at all than ship it half-built.

Real names and real rosters

Every player on a roster has an account with a confirmed email address and a display name. Before you turn up, you can see who else is confirmed. Hosts are identified. There are no anonymous spots.

Showing up counts

Attendance is recorded. People who repeatedly reserve spots and fail to appear, or who cancel at the last minute, lose standing and can lose access. A spot you take is a spot somebody else could not have.

What we do not do

We want to be straight with you about the limits. HuddleHoop does not run background checks, does not supervise or referee games, does not inspect courts, and does not provide medical cover. Read the Liability Waiver — it sets out the risks you are accepting.

Playing safe

• Check the venue details before you travel, especially for outdoor courts.
• Tell someone where you are going if you are playing somewhere new.
• Warm up. Most pickup injuries are avoidable ones.
• Play within your level. Pick the skill band that is honest, not aspirational.
• Stop if you are hurt. There is another game tomorrow.

Reporting a problem

If someone is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number first. We are not an emergency service.