diff --git a/rowers/rower_rules.py b/rowers/rower_rules.py
index c66a37ee..f584c5a5 100644
--- a/rowers/rower_rules.py
+++ b/rowers/rower_rules.py
@@ -83,6 +83,10 @@ def user_is_not_basic(user):
 
     return False
 
+@rules.predicate
+def user_is_basic(user):
+    return not user_is_not_basic(user)
+
 @rules.predicate
 def can_start_trial(user):
     if user.is_anonymous:
diff --git a/rowers/teams.py b/rowers/teams.py
index 3ecefcd4..5e81b424 100644
--- a/rowers/teams.py
+++ b/rowers/teams.py
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ from rowers.models import (
     CoachingGroup
     )
 
-from rowers.rower_rules import is_team_manager,is_team_member,is_coach
+from rowers.rower_rules import is_team_manager,is_team_member,is_coach, user_is_basic
 
 from rowers.tasks import (
     handle_sendemail_invite,
@@ -79,9 +79,8 @@ def update_team(t,name,manager,private,notes,viewing):
 
 def create_team(name,manager,private='open',notes='',viewing='allmembers'):
     # needs some error testing
-    if manager.rower.rowerplan == 'basic':
-        if manager.rower.protrialexpires < timezone.now().date() and manager.rower.plantrialexpires < timezone.now().date():
-            return (0,'You need to upgrade to a paid plan to establish a team')
+    if user_is_basic(manager.rower.user):
+        return (0,'You need to upgrade to a paid plan to establish a team')
     if not is_coach(manager):
         ts = Team.objects.filter(manager=manager)
         if len(ts)>=1: