These are the rules on how substitutes can be used in The Picklr Williamsburg League. Note that these rules have changed starting with the Spring 2026 league. For teams needing substitutes, and for players who are substitutes, please read the rules below.

If you are a team needing a substitute:

  • It is each team's responsibility to find a sub.
  • Subs should only be considered after rescheduling options have been exhausted.
  • All subs must have a DUPR ID and a DUPR rating. Players without a DUPR rating cannot be used as subs.
  • For all ladders except the Emerging ladder, a sub's DUPR rating cannot be more than 0.2 higher than the player who they are subbing for. For example, if a player with a DUPR rating of 3.5 needs a sub, the sub can have a DUPR rating up to 3.7 at the time of the match. You can check players' DUPR rating and search for players by DUPR range here.
  • For the Emerging ladder, a sub cannot have a DUPR rating higher than 3.0.
  • The league administrator is often unaware that a team is using a sub until after a match is reported, so it is up to the team using the sub, and the opponents of that team, to make sure that a sub's DUPR rating is in compliance with these rules. Players have the right to reject their opponents' use of a sub that is not in compliance with the DUPR rating rule.
  • A team can only utilize subs twice during the duration of the league, either once for each player or twice for the same player.
  • A sub must be the same gender as the player they are subbing for.
  • A team cannot have two subs for the same match. One of the original players on the team has to play.
  • The same person may be used as a sub for a team more than once. A sub can become a permanent replacement for a team member after being used a sub previously.
  • Subs cannot be used in the championship round matches without approval by the league and only under extraordinary circumstances.
  • A sub cannot be used once a match had begun. Subs can only be used before the start of a match.
  • You must notify the league that you are using a sub so that the proper person's scores are entered into DUPR.

If you are a substitute:

  • All subs must have a DUPR ID and a DUPR rating. Subs needing a DUPR ID can obtain one for free from the DUPR website here. The Picklr has regular DUPR rating clinics. You can check for the next available DUPR clinic on The Picklr app.
  • If you are not a member of The Picklr, ask the person you are subbing for to register you as a guest.
  • A sub's DUPR rating cannot be more then 0.2 higher than the player who they are subbing for. For example, if a player with a DUPR rating of 3.5 needs a sub, the sub can have a DUPR rating of 2.0 to 3.7 at the time of the match.