> ## 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.

# Roster Rules

> Team size limits, transfer windows, emergency substitutes, and mid-season roster change policies.

Roster rules define how teams are built and maintained throughout a season. These rules exist to ensure fair competition and prevent teams from gaining an unfair advantage through unrestricted roster changes.

***

## Roster size limits

| Limit | Number |
| - | - |
| Minimum eligible players to register | **3** |
| Maximum roster size | **6** |
| Minimum eligible players for a match | **3** |

<Warning>
  If your roster drops below 3 eligible players at any point during the season, you may be unable to field a full team for your next match. Monitor your roster regularly and address eligibility issues early.
</Warning>

***

## Roster lock

After the **roster lock date** (announced at the start of each season), you cannot add or remove players without staff approval. The roster lock date is typically set a few days after registration closes, once all rosters have been finalized.

**Before the roster lock:**

* Freely add and remove players using the invite code system
* No approval needed

**After the roster lock:**

* Roster changes require a staff-approved transfer or emergency sub request
* Unauthorized roster changes will not be recognized for match purposes

<Note>
  The specific roster lock date is posted on the Seasons page and announced in the **#announcements** Discord channel at the start of each season.
</Note>

***

## Transfer windows

Transfer windows are defined periods during the season when roster changes are permitted. Transfers allow teams to:

* Add a player not currently on any roster
* Move a player from an inactive or disbanded team to a new roster

Transfer windows are announced in advance. Not every season will have a transfer window — check the Seasons page for this season's schedule.

### How to execute a transfer

1. Both managers (releasing and receiving team, if applicable) agree to the transfer.
2. The releasing manager removes the player from their roster.
3. The receiving manager adds the player via invite code.
4. The receiving manager notifies staff in **#transfer-requests** with confirmation from both parties.
5. Staff approve and log the transfer.

***

## Emergency substitutes

In cases where a team cannot field 3 eligible players for a scheduled match due to circumstances beyond their control (illness, technical failure, etc.), teams may request an **emergency substitute**.

Emergency sub rules:

* Request must be made via staff ticket **before** match time — not after
* The sub must be a registered C3 Esports user with a verified .edu email and linked Discord
* The sub cannot be on another active roster
* Staff must approve the sub before they can play
* Emergency subs may only play in the match for which they were approved

<Warning>
  Emergency subs are not a loophole to add stronger players to your lineup. Staff review sub requests for legitimacy. Abuse of the emergency sub policy results in match forfeit and potential suspension.
</Warning>

***

## Player transfers between divisions

A player may not be on two rosters simultaneously, even in different divisions. If a player wants to switch from one team to another during a transfer window, they must be officially removed from their current roster before joining the new one.

***

## Ineligible players on the roster

Having an ineligible player on your roster does not automatically cause a forfeit. However, if an ineligible player **competes** in a match, the affected match result may be overturned.

Before each match, check that every player who will compete is eligible. See [Roster Eligibility](/managers/roster-eligibility) for the full checklist.

***

## Frequently asked questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I have more than 6 players on my roster?">
    No. The maximum roster size is 6. If you want to add a 7th player, you must first remove someone.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if a player is removed mid-season?">
    The removed player cannot participate in further matches for your team. If this drops your eligible roster below 3 players, contact staff immediately to discuss options.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can a player who left their team rejoin during the same season?">
    Only during a transfer window and with staff approval. Outside a transfer window, no new players can be added.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Our player's .edu expired after graduation. Can they stay on the roster?">
    No. Once a player's .edu email is no longer valid (expired, graduation, disenrollment), they are no longer eligible and must be removed before their next match.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>


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