Skip to main content
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

LimitNumber
Minimum eligible players to register3
Maximum roster size6
Minimum eligible players for a match3
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.

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

​
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
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.

​
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 for the full checklist.

​
Frequently asked questions

No. The maximum roster size is 6. If you want to add a 7th player, you must first remove someone.
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.
Only during a transfer window and with staff approval. Outside a transfer window, no new players can be added.
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.