> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.c3esports.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Filing a Dispute (Manager)

> When and how to contest a match result or report a rule violation as a team manager.

A dispute is a formal request for staff to review a match result or reported rule violation. As manager, you are the only person on your team who can file a dispute. File one promptly if something goes wrong — the deadline is **24 hours** after result submission.

<Warning>
  Disputes must be filed within **24 hours** of the result being submitted. After that window closes (or after auto-confirmation), the result is locked. Staff cannot retroactively reopen confirmed results without extraordinary circumstances.
</Warning>

***

## When to file a dispute

File a dispute when:

* The opposing team submitted **incorrect scores** that do not match your records or replays
* The opposing team used an **ineligible player** (not on the roster, not .edu verified, etc.)
* The opposing team **no-showed** and you need to record a forfeit win, but the forfeit button is not available
* A **clear rule violation** occurred during the match (prohibited game settings, lobby manipulation, etc.)

Do **not** file a dispute for:

* Lag, disconnections, or technical issues on your own side
* Personal grievances or sportsmanship complaints (use the Code of Conduct report process instead)
* Disagreements about strategy or in-game decisions
* Issues that were not documented at the time

<Note>
  Frivolous disputes waste staff time and may result in a warning. Only dispute when you have a genuine factual reason and evidence to support it.
</Note>

***

## What to gather before filing

Strong disputes have evidence. Collect the following before you start:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Screenshot of the final scoreboard" icon="camera">
    Take a screenshot of the end-of-game scoreboard for each game in the series. This is your primary proof of the actual score.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Replay files" icon="file">
    The .replay files from each game. These are parsed automatically and show the true score, player Epic usernames, and game settings. See [Uploading Replays](/players/uploading-replays).
  </Card>

  <Card title="Timestamp of the issue" icon="clock">
    Approximate game times and match start time, so staff can cross-reference evidence efficiently.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Description of the violation" icon="pen">
    A clear, factual description of what happened. Stick to facts, not opinions. "They submitted 4-2 but the actual score was 5-2 as shown in the attached screenshot" is better than "they cheated."
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## How to file a dispute

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to the match page">
    Find the match at [c3esports.com/matches](https://c3esports.com/matches) or from your team's schedule. Open the specific match.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Dispute Result">
    You will see a **Dispute Result** button if:

    * A result has been submitted by the opposing team
    * The 24-hour dispute window has not passed
    * The result has not already been confirmed

          <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/c3esportsleague/images/filing-dispute-button.png" alt="Match page with a Dispute Result button highlighted in the result confirmation section" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select the dispute reason">
    Choose the reason that best describes your dispute:

    | Reason | Use when |
    | - | - |
    | **Score discrepancy** | The submitted score does not match the actual result |
    | **Ineligible player** | The opposing team fielded someone not on their roster or who lacks eligibility |
    | **No-show / forfeit** | Opposing team did not appear and a forfeit needs to be recorded |
    | **Rule violation** | Prohibited game settings, lobby manipulation, or similar rule breach |
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write your description">
    Explain clearly what happened. Include:

    * The correct score or the nature of the violation
    * When it occurred (which game, approximately when)
    * What evidence you have attached

          <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/c3esportsleague/images/filing-dispute-form.png" alt="Dispute form showing a reason dropdown and a description text area" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload evidence">
    Attach screenshots and replay files. Replays are the most definitive evidence — staff can parse them to verify the true score and player identities.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit">
    Click **Submit Dispute**. The match result is placed on hold. Both teams are notified. Staff will review within the resolution timeline.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## What happens after you file

1. The match result is **frozen** — it will not auto-confirm during staff review.
2. Staff review your evidence and the opposing team's replay files.
3. Staff may reach out to both managers via Discord for additional information.
4. Staff issue a **resolution decision** — the result is either confirmed as submitted, corrected, or the match is ruled a forfeit.
5. Both managers are notified of the decision.

<Tip>
  Respond promptly if staff contact you during a review. Delayed responses can slow down resolution and may be noted in the decision.
</Tip>

***

## Resolution timeline

Staff aim to resolve disputes within **72 hours** of filing. Complex cases (ineligible players, conflicting replays) may take longer. Check the match page for status updates.

<Note>
  Staff decisions are final. If you believe a decision was made in error, you may request a review via a formal appeal in Discord, but reversals are rare and require new evidence not considered in the original decision.
</Note>

***

## Frequently asked questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I file a dispute if I already confirmed the result?">
    No. Once you click Confirm, the result is locked. This is why you should always verify the score before confirming. If you confirmed in error, contact staff immediately via a Discord support ticket — staff may be able to help, but this is not guaranteed.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The opposing team submitted the result and we want to dispute, but we cannot see the button">
    Make sure you are logged in as the team manager. Also check that the 24-hour window has not passed. If the window is still open and the button is not showing, contact staff directly.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do I need replay files to file a dispute?">
    No, they are not required to submit the form — but disputes without replay evidence are much harder to resolve in your favor. Always try to attach replays.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>


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