Final answer:
If a team does not have enough players to start a game after a waiting period, they may forfeit the game based on the league's rules. Officials and the opposing team must wait for a specified time before the game is declared a forfeit. Sportsmanship and competition integrity guide these rules.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a team does not have enough players to start the game after a certain waiting period, typically the team may forfeit the game. However, this can vary depending on the rules of the specific sports league or organization. In most cases, rules require a minimum number of players for a team to participate in a game. If the team cannot meet this requirement within the allotted time, which can extend up to a certain grace period, the game is usually declared a forfeit in favor of the team that is able to field a sufficient number of players.
While waiting for players to arrive, the game officials and the opposing team are often required to abide by a predetermined wait time before any decision is made. This ensures fairness and provides a window of opportunity for the team lacking players to remedy the situation. If after that time, the team still cannot field the required number of players, the game is generally declared a forfeit.
It is important to distinguish between the reasons for the team being unable to start, such as players arriving late, injuries, or issues with eligibility, as stipulations may differ for various scenarios. Sportsmanship and the integrity of the competition are valued, and rules are in place to maintain these standards.