> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gameday-squad.gitbook.io/gameday-squad/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gameday-squad.gitbook.io/gameday-squad/sports/football/learning-the-game/emergencies.md).

# Emergencies

Those who are sweating on a call up!

In GameDay Squad Football, *Emergencies* are backup player cards that coaches nominate to cover each key position in their squad. These players are not part of your 15 scoring players and do not contribute to your score under normal circumstances. However, if one of your Field or Bench players fails to take the field in their real world match, your selected Emergency for that position is automatically substituted in to replace them, so you don't miss out on valuable fantasy points because of an unexpected omission.

This system gives coaches a safety net, and it matters more in Football than in most of our sports. Football runs a fixed lockout, so once the round starts you cannot react to a late out. Your Emergency is the only cover you have.

#### Emergency Positions in GameDay Squad Football

Each coach can select **one Emergency player** for each of the following positions:

* **1 x Goalkeeper**
* **1 x Defender**
* **1 x Midfielder**
* **1 x Forward**

Your 4 Emergencies sit outside your 15 scoring players and **do not count towards your salary cap**.

To be eligible as a substitute, the Emergency must:

* Match the same position as the player who did not play
* Be named in your Emergency slot before the round's lockout
* Actually play in their real world match, so that they record a score

#### Example 1: Emergency in Action

Let's say your squad includes **Erling Haaland (Forward)**. He unexpectedly misses the match due to illness. Luckily, you had selected **Alexander Isak (Forward)** as your Emergency. Isak plays his game and scores 20 points. Since Haaland scored 0 due to not playing, Isak's 20 points are automatically added to your final score instead.

#### Example 2: No Emergency = No Points

Now imagine you didn't select a Forward Emergency at all, or you selected a Forward Emergency who also didn't play. In that case no backup is available, Haaland's 0 points remain, and your squad total takes the hit.

#### Example 3: Redundant

In the third scenario your Emergency selection is not needed. Erling Haaland plays, scores his points, and your Emergency player is not called upon.

***

#### Emergency Rarity Restrictions

To keep the salary cap system fair there are limits on what rarity of card can be named as an Emergency in each competition. The breakdown is as follows:

| Competition             | Rarity Limit         |
| ----------------------- | -------------------- |
| Starter Competition     | Bronze               |
| Contender Competition   | Bronze               |
| Classic Competition     | Silver               |
| Challenger Competition  | Gold                 |
| Champion Competition    | All but Legend cards |
| Under 23s Competition   | Bronze               |
| Underdogs Competition   | Bronze               |
| The Stats Lab Primetime | Bronze               |