The following rule has been added to the competition rules on the Document Folder:

If a player withdraws from a competition after the draw has taken place and that competition is a pairs competition, on the condition that they have not played, a substitute can be entered to take the place, however, if the original player then drops out the substitute player cannot have a substitute.

If the competition is abandoned because of any reason and rearranged an original player can again have a substitute. If both players withdraw a new pairing cannot replace the existing players.
If there are unequal numbers the competitions committee will find a marker. Players must inform and liaise with the competitions committee and not the club professional if they withdraw so that advice can be sought and arrangements made.

In knock out matches, if a player withdraws after the draw has taken place they can substitute that player with a new player as long as no matches have taken place. If a player withdraws after the first round even though they may have had a bye and not played, a substitute is permitted if there is a valid reason agreed with the approval from the competitions committee.

Competitions Committee