Missing Games and Substitute Policy
Missing Games & Substitute Policy
We understand that things come up! To keep the league fair, organized, and enjoyable for everyone, players are responsible for communicating absences and arranging their own substitutes whenever possible.
1. Finding a Substitute
If you know you will miss a scheduled game, you are expected to find your own substitute.
Substitutes should be of an appropriate skill level for the league and able to adhere to Queer Courts code of conduct, league rules, and values.
Players are responsible for communicating the substitute’s name and availability to their teammates and/or league organizers as needed.
2. 48-Hour Notice
If you are unable to find a substitute, you must notify your organizer or team@queercourts.org at least 48 hours before your scheduled game.
If you have not secured a substitute by the 48-hour deadline, you must contact your organizer or Queer Courts. This allows the league to plan accordingly and avoids last-minute disruption for your teammates and opponents. If a substitute cannot be arranged, you risk forfeiting your match.
3. Last-Minute Absences
Players who miss a game without providing at least 48 hours’ notice place an additional burden on their teammates and opponents.
If an unexpected emergency or circumstance prevents 48-hour notice, please contact Queer Courts as soon as possible. We understand that genuine emergencies happen and will consider them on a case-by-case basis.
4. Repeated Missed Games
Players who miss more than two games without providing at least 48 hours’ notice may lose their regular spot in the league.
At that point:
- Their spot may be surrendered to a substitute for the remainder of the season.
- They may be removed from the league and may not be eligible to participate in future league seasons.
The goal of this policy is not to penalize players for having conflicts or emergencies. It is to ensure that everyone who commits to a league spot is able to reliably participate and that teammates and opponents have a consistent, positive experience.
5. Community Responsibility
By registering for a Queer Courts league, players are committing to showing up for their scheduled games, communicating proactively when they cannot, and helping ensure that their absence does not negatively impact the rest of their team.
When in doubt, communicate early. We would much rather help you find a solution than deal with a last-minute no-show.