Smart Substitute Management for Sports Teams
The first team management app that treats substitutes as first-class members, not afterthoughts. Never scramble for backup players again.
Without Proper Sub Management
- ✗Regular player drops out 2 hours before game
- ✗Frantically texting everyone you know
- ✗"Does anyone know someone who can play?"
- ✗Game cancelled or played short-handed
- ✗Subs feel like they're not part of the team
With Sportal Sub Management
- ✓Regular player declines via app
- ✓Top-ranked sub instantly invited automatically
- ✓Sub accepts and game is saved
- ✓Zero manual intervention needed
- ✓Subs feel valued and engaged
Substitutes Are Part of Your Team
Sportal is the only app that treats subs as integrated team members, not just emergency contacts
How Substitute Management Works
Build Your Full Roster
Add both regular players and substitutes to your team or pickup roster. Rank regulars at the top, then rank your subs below them by preference. Your most reliable sub goes first, occasional subs in the middle, and emergency backups at the end.
Mark Players as Subs
Designate which players are substitutes vs regulars. Subs can see they're on the team but understand they'll be invited when regulars can't make it. This sets clear expectations.
Auto-Invite in Cascade Order
When you create an event, regulars get invited first. If a regular declines or doesn't respond, the top-ranked substitute is automatically invited. If that sub declines, the next sub is invited automatically.
Subs Get Invited When Needed
Subs receive invites when there's an opening. They're part of the team roster but only get notifications when they're being invited to fill a spot.
Advanced Substitute Features
Ranked Substitute Pool
Maintain a prioritized list of subs. Your most reliable sub gets opportunities first, ensuring consistent quality when regulars can't make it.
Optional Automatic Cascading
Choose to enable auto-invites when you want them. When a regular declines, the system can automatically invite the next available sub, or you can manage invites manually.
Manager Controls
As the manager, you control sub rankings and decide when to use manual vs automatic invites. Adjust rankings anytime based on performance and reliability.
Sub Notifications
Subs can opt in for notifications when opportunities arise. They get alerted immediately when invited, maximizing response time.
Why Sportal's Sub Management is Different
🔗 Integrated, Not Separate
Subs are part of your roster but remain separate from the main team. They receive invites when needed without seeing regular roster communications or member details.
🤖 Automatic When You Want It
Enable auto-invites when it helps, or manage invites manually when you prefer more control. The flexibility is yours.
🛡️ Manager-Controlled Rankings
You control sub rankings privately. Subs don't see their rank or the roster order - you manage the priority and make adjustments as needed.
Perfect For These Team Types
Competitive Leagues
Maintain a pool of skilled subs who can step in without disrupting team performance. Rank them by skill level to ensure game quality.
Recreational Teams
Keep casual players engaged as subs. They get to play when they're available without the commitment of being a regular.
Pickup Games
Build a deep bench of pickup regulars. When your core group can't fill the game, subs ensure you always have enough players.
Adult Leagues
Adults have unpredictable schedules. A well-managed sub pool ensures you're never forfeiting or playing short-handed.
Common Questions
Can a person be a regular on one team and a sub on another?
Yes! Player roles are team-specific. Someone could be a regular on their competitive team and a sub on a casual pickup team.
Do subs see the main roster or team communications?
No. Subs are separate from the main roster. They only receive invites when you send them, and don't have visibility into regular team communications or member lists.
How do I decide sub rankings?
Common criteria include: skill level, reliability/acceptance rate, availability, location (for last-minute needs), and commitment to the team. You can rerank anytime.
What if I need a specific sub for a specific game?
You can always manually invite any player regardless of rankings. The automatic system is there for convenience, but you always maintain full control.
Is substitute management free?
Yes! Like all core Sportal features, substitute management is completely free with no ads. Unlimited subs, unlimited teams, no cost.
Never Scramble for Subs Again
Build your ranked substitute pool today and let Sportal handle the rest. Your games will never be cancelled due to lack of players.