> ## 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.

# Check-In Policy

> Check-in window timing, requirements, consequences for missing check-in, and emergency procedures.

Check-in is the platform's way of confirming that both teams are present and ready to play before a match begins. It is mandatory — a team that does not check in forfeits the match.

***

## Check-in window

| Event | Time |
| - | - |
| Check-in window opens | **30 minutes** before scheduled match time |
| Check-in window closes | At the **scheduled match time** |

Example: If your match is scheduled for **8:00 PM ET**, check-in is open from **7:30 PM ET to 8:00 PM ET**.

<Warning>
  The check-in window closes exactly at the scheduled match time. There is no grace period. A player who clicks Check In at 8:01 PM for an 8:00 PM match is too late.
</Warning>

***

## How to check in

Any player on the registered roster can check in on behalf of the team. At least one player must check in — the entire team does not need to individually click the button. However, having all participating players check in is encouraged as good practice.

1. Log in to [c3esports.com](https://c3esports.com).
2. Open the match page from your dashboard or the matches list.
3. Click **Check In** during the check-in window.
4. Your team's check-in status updates immediately.

See [Checking In to a Match](/players/checking-in) for the detailed player guide.

***

## Consequences of missing check-in

If a team has **no player check in** before the match start time:

* The match is automatically recorded as a **forfeit loss** for the non-checking team.
* The other team is awarded a **3-0 forfeit win** (if they checked in).
* The forfeiting team receives **0 points** for the match. No goal difference adjustment.

### Repeated forfeits

| Forfeits in a season | Consequence |
| - | - |
| 1 | Warning issued to the manager |
| 2 | Second warning; team placed on watch list |
| 3+ | Team may be removed from the season at staff discretion |

<Note>
  Staff track forfeit patterns. A team that consistently fails to check in burdens the schedule and affects other teams' standings. Repeated forfeits are handled seriously.
</Note>

***

## Emergency procedures

If your team cannot check in due to a genuine emergency:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Contact staff immediately">
    Open a staff support ticket in the [C3 Esports Discord](https://discord.gg/c3esports) before the match start time. Explain the situation clearly.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Provide context">
    Include: your team name, the match scheduled time, the reason your team cannot check in, and an estimated availability window if you expect to be available shortly after the scheduled time.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for a staff response">
    Staff may grant a short extension at their discretion. This is not guaranteed. If granted, you will receive a new check-in window and match start time.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Situations that may qualify for an extension

* Platform is down (can be verified by staff)
* Discord is experiencing a widespread outage
* Severe medical emergency affecting the majority of your roster

### Situations that do not qualify

* "We forgot"
* "We were running a few minutes late"
* Individual player technical issues (lag, PC problems) — you need at least one player to check in
* Poor planning (e.g., scheduling conflict your team did not communicate in advance)

<Tip>
  If you know in advance that your team cannot make a match, contact the opposing manager and staff **days before** the match — not minutes before. Rescheduling in advance is always preferable to a forfeit.
</Tip>

***

## What happens after one team checks in and one does not

If your team checks in but the opposing team does not:

1. Wait until the match start time passes.
2. Your manager clicks **Record Forfeit** on the match page.
3. The forfeit win is recorded automatically.

Do not leave the lobby or platform before clicking Record Forfeit — the system needs your team's confirmation that the opposing team was absent.

If neither team checks in, both teams receive a forfeit loss. This is a double forfeit and both teams receive 0 points.


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