How does one join a team in TF2 Prop Hunt?

[DropsOfMars]

I'm stuck in a spectator limbo because I haven't ever played TF2 Prop Hunt before (but am well familiar with the concept) and I don't know if people are straight up ignoring me or if my text isn't displayed because I'm spectating. This is getting rather irritating :/

EDIT: I was able to join in the next map, but how do I join a team DURING a map?

[A_COOC]

you deploy a psionic storm.

[Saint Pablo]

Perform a falcon punch

[Sebenza]

This happens on other game modes as well. There is a workaround: you open the console and type "spectate". After that, joining a team should work.