12. Forfeit

12.1      A team forfeits a game if it fails to field at least 5 players (subject to 9.1-9.7 & 10.1) by the tenth minute of the game.

12.2      In addition to 12.1 above, a forfeit may be awarded against a team if:

             (a)        A player belonging to that team refuses to leave the court when directed to do so by the umpire pursuant to 13.4 below.

             (b)        A spectator belonging to that team continues to engage in Misconduct after being issued a warning by the umpire pursuant to 13.6 below.

12.3      If a team forfeits a game, that team will be required to make the following payments: 1^st Forfeit: $100.00 payment, 2^nd Forfeit: $150 payment, 3^rd Forfeit: $150 payment.  In the event of a 4^th Forfeit, the team may be removed from competition. Forfeit payments must be made before the team takes the court for its next scheduled game.  Failure to pay the forfeit payment may, at Melbourne Netball's discretion, result in the disqualification and barring of the team.

12.4      The opposing team to the forfeiting team shall be credited with 4 points on its ladder score.

12.5      In the event of a forfeit, the opposing team to the forfeiting team may elect to conduct a "Scratch Match" where the game is conducted on the basis that the opposing team supplies players to the forfeiting team.  Where a Scratch Match is conducted:

             (a)        Theresult of the game is not officially recorded and, regardless of the outcome, the opposing team shall be credited with 4 points on its ladder score in accordance with 12.4 above.

             (b)        The forfeiting team remains liable to pay forfeit payments in accordance with 12.3 above.

             (c)        The opposing team is not required to pay any game fee.

12.6      In the event that both teams forfeit the same game, neither team shall receive any points and both teams are subject to the above By-Laws.