Forfeits

Forfeits & Withdrawals ❌

Forfeits are sometimes unavoidable, but we ask all teams to exhaust all options before forfeiting and to provide La Trobe Sport with as much notice as possible. A forfeit occurs when a team cannot meet the minimum number of players required to commence a match after the designated grace period.

Minimum Player Requirements

• Netball: 5 players (9-minute grace period)
• Futsal & Basketball: 3 players (10-minute grace period)

Refer to competition-specific rules for mixed-gender requirements.

How to Forfeit a Match

Outside 24 hours of your match (Mon–Fri)

• Email: playsport@latrobe.edu.au

Within 24 hours of your match or after 3pm Friday (for weekend matches)

• Call La Trobe Sport: 9479 2973
• Opposition team captains are notified by text message when a forfeit occurs.

Forfeit Fees

The following fees apply when a team forfeits:

• Outside one week: 1 × match fee
• Within one week: 1.5 × match fee
• Within 72 hours: 2 × match fee
• Failure to notify La Trobe Sport: Additional $20 fine

Teams must pay any forfeit fees before their next scheduled match.

Season Forfeit Limits

To maintain fairness and competition integrity:

• A team that incurs two (2) forfeits within 72 hours will be removed from the competition.
• A team that incurs three (3) forfeits total, even if notice is provided, will also be removed from the competition.

Team Withdrawals

Teams that withdraw mid-season will incur a $150 withdrawal fee, covering administrative and fixturing costs.

All outstanding fees must be paid. Teams or individuals with unpaid fees will not be permitted to join future seasons. This includes:

• Team captains responsible for team payments
• Team members with outstanding fees
• Individual participants with unpaid registration or payment plans

Fixture Adjustments After a Withdrawal

If a team withdraws from a competition:

• Less than one week’s notice: The upcoming opponent receives a forfeit win.
• More than one week’s notice: The upcoming opponent receives a BYE or rescheduled fixture. 

La Trobe Sport may adjust future fixtures, matchups, or game times as required.

Forfeit FAQs

Do we need to call La Trobe Sport for a forfeit?
Yes - if you are forfeiting:

• Within 24 hours of your match, or
• After 3pm Friday for a weekend match

Call 9479 2973.

What are the forfeit fees?

• Outside one week → 1 × match fee
• Within the week → 1.5 × match fee
• Within 72 hours → 2 × match fee
• No notice given → +$20 fine

These fees help cover referee and venue costs that still apply even when a match is not played.

What if we don’t notify La Trobe Sport?
A $20 additional fine will apply, on top of the standard forfeit fee.

How many forfeits are allowed in a season?

• Two forfeits within 72 hours → Removal from competition
• Three total forfeits → Removal from competition

What happens to the fixture when a team withdraws?

• Inside one week’s notice: Opponent receives a forfeit win
• More than one week’s notice: Opponent receives a BYE

La Trobe Sport may amend future fixtures, opponents, or times as needed.