BAS Forfeit Protocol

All teams are reminded of the following published rule regarding forfeits:

Forfeit Without 48-hour Emailed Notice: $100 fine. BAS reserves the right to the following: (i) levy a fine for ongoing (more than 1) forfeits even IF more than 48 hours notice is provided, (ii) disburse some or all of collected fines to the opponents of the forfeiting team, (iii) require a forfeiting team to add players to their roster to mitigate future forfeits, (iv) revoke team(s) playoff or post-season eligibility due to ongoing (more than 1) forfeits.

Why do we have this rule?
It should come as no surprise that teams paying $3,000 to play soccer in Brampton all summer actually want to play soccer—not collect wins by forfeit. When a team forfeits, it ruins the experience for their opponents.

If a team rep provides forfeiture notice by email at least 48 hours before kickoff, there is no financial penalty for your first forfeit of the season. If notice is not provided—or the team simply “no-shows”—a $100 fine will be levied. This applies to the first forfeit only. Thereafter, all forfeits, regardless of whether notice has been given or not, will result in a fine. BAS also reserves the right to remove the forfeiting team from any post-season play (including the BAS Cup).

If your goal is to play in money tournaments once or twice a month and use your BAS matches as tune-ups, you’ll wear out your welcome here very quickly.

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FAQs and Comments

1) “We forfeited in Week 1 and have another tournament in July, so we’re giving notice now that we can’t play that weekend. OK?”
We’re giving you notice now: you’ll receive a $250 fine and may be removed from post-season play.

2) “This is bullshit and we won’t be playing here again!”
No problem. But any fines incurred must still be paid.

3) “We forfeited an upcoming match but have now decided we can play. OK?”
No, not OK. Once a team rep officially forfeits via email, your opponents are notified, referees are cancelled, and the convenor is notified. You cannot “unforfeit” a match.

4) “Rather than forfeiting, can we just reschedule?”
BAS is a Sunday league. Teams register and pay to play on Sundays. Rescheduling may suit you, but not your opponent—who didn’t sign up for Tuesday evenings (for example). We also don’t have reliable access to fields, referees, or convenors on other days. We know this because rescheduled rainouts are often unplayable due to lack of team availability.

5) “Do forfeit rules apply to rescheduled matches?”
No, as long as you respect the 48-hour notice period outlined above. However, a no-show for a rescheduled match still results in a fine.

6) “Any advice to avoid forfeits?”

• Play short if you must. Playing with 7 is better than paying a fine.
• Sign more committed players if you’re always short.
• Most importantly: don’t register if you know in advance you can’t commit to a full summer season. No hard feelings.

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All fines must be paid by the date specified in the email from BAS.

Until the fine is paid, all matches will be on hold.