Forfeit & Default Policy

Purpose

This policy explains what happens when a team cannot attend a scheduled game, arrives without enough players, or uses players who are not eligible under the league rules.

Our leagues work because teams commit to showing up each week. When a team doesn't attend, it affects the opposition team, the league schedule, and the overall player experience.

Scope

This policy applies to all Urban Rec participants, teams and captains competing in Urban Rec leagues.

Team Commitment

By registering a team, you are committing to participate in all scheduled games for the season.

If your team cannot attend a game, it is your responsibility to notify Urban Rec as early as possible.

Notifying Urban Rec

If your team cannot attend a game, you must notify Urban Rec by email before 12:00pm on the day prior to your scheduled game.

Notifications must be sent to your local Urban Rec office.

Only email notifications will be accepted.

Notifications via text message, social media, phone call, team chat, carrier pigeon or good vibes alone will not be considered official notice.

What is a Default?

A default occurs when:

• A team fails to notify Urban Rec by the required deadline; or
• A team does not attend their scheduled game; or
• A team cannot field the minimum number of players required within 10 minutes of the scheduled start time and no game is played.

Default Consequences

A team that defaults will:

• Receive a 10-0 loss.
• Receive 1 Fun Point.
• Be charged a $100 default fee.

The default fee is paid directly to the opposition team as compensation for their missed game. Urban Rec does not retain this fee.

Default fees must be paid within 2 business days.

Failure to pay may result in removal from the league and exclusion from future Urban Rec events.

Teams that default more than once in a season may be removed from the league.

What is a Forfeit?

A forfeit occurs when a team:

• Forfeits a game and notifies Urban Rec
• Uses ineligible players.
• Uses substitute players outside the Substitute Policy.
• Does not meet the minimum player requirements outlined in the league rules.

Where a potential forfeit situation exists, the opposing team may choose to:

• Accept a forfeit result and record a 10-0 win; or
• Allow the game to proceed and have the match recorded as played.

If both teams agree to play before the match begins, the result will stand as recorded and no forfeit will apply.

Urban Rec encourages teams to communicate openly and work together to ensure a game can still be played wherever possible.

Forfeit Consequences

Where a forfeit is applied, the forfeiting team will:

• Receive a 10-0 loss.
• Receive 3 Fun Points.

Teams that forfeit repeatedly may be subject to additional sanctions.

Three or more forfeits in a season may result in removal from the league.

Notice Periods

7+ Days Notice
Urban Rec will attempt to reschedule the match where possible. Rescheduling is not guaranteed and will depend on venue availability, scheduling constraints and the availability of the opposing team.

Day Prior (24+ hours notice)
No default fee will apply.
Urban Rec will work with the opposing team to determine the most suitable outcome, which may include a friendly game, a forfeit result, or another mutually agreed arrangement.

Day of Game (Less than 24 hours notice)
Urban Rec will still attempt to arrange a game for the opposition where possible.
We encourage any available players from your team to attend and help facilitate a friendly game. If no game can be played, a default fee may apply.

No Show (no notice)
If your team does not attend and no game is played, the match will be treated as a default and the default fee will apply.

Substitutes

Teams may use substitute players in accordance with the Urban Rec Substitute Policy.

Where substitute players are used outside the Substitute Policy, the match may be subject to a forfeit unless the opposing team agrees to play and have the result recorded as normal.

Please refer to the Substitute Policy for full details regarding player eligibility and substitutes.

Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Substitute Policy
• League Integrity
• League Rules

Review

Approved By: Urban Rec Management Team
Last Updated: June 2026
Next Review Date: June 2027