# What is BenchApp Finder?

BenchApp Finder connects players who want to play with nearby teams that are short someone. Here's how posting, matching, and claiming a spot works.

Source: https://preview-pr-922.benchapp.com/find-a-game/what-is-finder
Markdown: https://preview-pr-922.benchapp.com/find-a-game/what-is-finder.md

## What is Finder?

Finder is the part of BenchApp that keeps games from falling apart. Players say what they play and where. Teams post the spot they need filled. Finder connects the two before the game is lost.

For players: create a free profile with your sports, positions, skill level, and travel radius. When a nearby team posts a matching opening, Finder notifies you, and one tap claims the spot.

For captains: post the position you're missing, the skill level you need, and how the fee works (free, organizer pays player, or player pays organizer). Nearby matching players are notified and you accept from the waitlist.

- [Get in a game](https://preview-pr-922.benchapp.com/create-account?intent=freeAgent)

## How it works

- Openings are posted by position, so players only hear about games that need what they play.
- Games and players carry a skill level: Beginner, Intermediate, or Experienced.
- Every opening states its fee arrangement up front: free, organizer pays player, or player pays organizer.
- Players set a home location and maximum travel distance; games outside the radius are never surfaced.
- Profiles are only shown to captains with a matching opening nearby, and availability can be switched off any time.
- Claimed games land in the player's BenchApp schedule with RSVPs and team chat.

## FAQ

- Is Finder free? Yes — creating a Finder profile and claiming spots is free. Individual games can carry a cost set by the organizer, and every opening states up front whether the spot is free, paid by the organizer, or paid by the player. There are no surprises after you claim.
- Do I need to already be on a team? No. Finder exists precisely for players without a team: new to a city, between seasons, or just wanting extra games. You sign up as a free agent, and teams that are short a player find you.
- How do teams know I'm available? When a captain posts an opening, Finder matches it against nearby players whose sport, position, and travel radius fit. Your profile is only surfaced to captains with a matching opening — it isn't a public directory, and you can turn your availability off any time.
- What happens after I claim a spot? You land on the game's waitlist and the captain picks from it. If you're accepted, the game shows up in your BenchApp schedule with the time, location, and team chat. If the spot fills, you're told right away instead of being left guessing.
- What if my skill level doesn't match the game? Both games and players carry a skill level — Beginner, Intermediate, or Experienced — and captains post the level they need. You'll mostly be shown games at your level, and captains can see levels before accepting anyone.
- I run a team. What does posting an opening cost? Nothing. Posting an opening is part of BenchApp, and you choose the fee arrangement per spot — free, you pay the player (common for spare goalies), or the player chips in for the slot.