Forfeit Matches and Walkovers
This information is relevant to all Knights parents and players

A minimum of four (4) players are needed to commence a basketball game. These four must present within the first 10 minutes of the match. As soon as it becomes apparent that your team will not be able to field 4 eligible players, then at least a couple of minutes before the ten minute mark you must notify the referees of your intention to play a FORFEIT match. Once underway with at least four players, only a minimum of two (2) players are required to continue a FORFEIT game.

Provided that they are wearing clothing which is not likely to cause injury, almost anybody can take to the court in order to field four players for a FORFEIT match; they don't have to wear a basketball uniform and there are no age or sex restrictions. This includes opposition players who play on your team, the coach, parents, younger siblings, older siblings or grandparents. If one or two of these four players whilst wearing suitable clothing is otherwise unable to play out a whole match, then they may substitute themselves off upon the first referees whistle (or any subsequent whistle) and partake no further, allowing the remaining three or two players to carry on the match. All players in a FORFEIT match pay the normal game fee, currently set at $5.80.

If after 10 minutes you do not organise to play a FORFEIT match, then you will have given a WALKOVER. The Ivanhoe Knights then has to pay a large WALKOVER fine, significantly in excess of the combined cost of game fees had you played a FORFEIT match instead. Know the rules and play a FORFEIT match. A team that gives two WALKOVERS may be disqualified from the competition.

A FORFEIT match counts for 1 (one) premiership point, the same as for a loss. A WALKOVER however is awarded 0 (zero) premiership points.

Even if only one Ivanhoe Knights representative is present, they may still avoid a WALKOVER by recruiting opposition players, opposition parents or opposition siblings to play a FORFEIT.

More detailed information

For more detailed information, including late starts and eligible fill-in players, please see the EDJBA bylaws (pdf).