What Does DNP Mean?
DNP stands for "Does Not Play" or "Does Not Start". If a player you picked doesn't participate/start in their game, they receive a DNP score of 0.5 points instead of the normal 1 point for a correct pick.
A DNP is not a loss — it's a partial credit — but it does lower your maximum possible score.
What Counts as a DNP?
A player is scored as DNP if any of the following apply:
They are listed as out, injured, suspended, does not start or otherwise unavailable by their team or league.
They are available but do not participate at all (see sport-specific thresholds below).
Their game is suspended before completion and rescheduled to a date after the QuickPicks contest ends.
Sport-by-Sport DNP Thresholds
A player must cross the following participation threshold to avoid a DNP:
Baseball (MLB): Batters must start the game (0 plate appearances = DNP). Pitchers must record at least 1 inning pitched.
Soccer / World Cup: The player must start the match. A player who comes on as a substitute does not trigger a DNP — only players who do not appear in the starting lineup and never enter the match.
Basketball: At least 1 minute played.
Hockey: At least 1 minute played.
Football: At least 1 snap played.
Golf: At least 1 hole completed.
Racing: At least 1 lap completed.
Common Questions: MLB & World Cup
⚾ MLB — Why was my batter scored as DNP?
In MLB, a batter must be in the starting lineup to avoid a DNP. If your player is in the lineup but gets pulled before their first plate appearance, that is still considered a DNP. Being a late-game substitution does not count — the batter must start.
⚾ MLB — Why was my player scored as DNP when the game was suspended or postponed?
In MLB, player's athletic event is suspended before completion and scheduled to resume at a later date beyond the end of the QuickPicks contest.
An entrant who chooses a player who ultimately is classified as DNP shall be awarded a score of 0.5 points for that pick
⚽ World Cup / Soccer — Why was my player scored as DNP?
In soccer, your player must be in the starting lineup. If they come off the bench mid-match, they are not scored as DNP — they receive points for any stats earned. A DNP only applies if the player does not appear/start/play in the starting lineup and or never enters the game.
World Cup squads are large and coaches frequently rotate lineups between matches. We recommend checking the projected lineup closer to kickoff before submitting your entry.
How DNP Affects Your Score
In a QuickPicks (Top Score) entry, a DNP pick earns 0.5 points.
Example: 6-pick entry → 5 correct (5 pts) + 1 DNP (0.5 pts) = 5.5 total. You can still win — QuickPicks is peer-to-peer, so you just need to outscore your opponents.
A DNP will:
Reduce your maximum possible score
Disqualify your entry from a Perfect Score payout
Not trigger a refund
How DNP Affects Perfect Score (Downgraded Payouts)
If you have a Perfect Score entry and one of your picks is DNP, your entry is downgraded to the next lowest tier:
6-pick entry with 1 DNP → pays as a 5-pick slip (if remaining 5 are correct)
5-pick entry with 1 DNP → pays as a 4-pick slip (if remaining 4 are correct)
This only applies if your remaining picks include players from at least 2 different teams. If all remaining picks are from the same team, the entry is refunded instead.
Will I Get a Refund for a DNP?
In most cases, no. DNPs do not entitle you to a refund. The only exceptions are:
A Perfect Score entry where all remaining picks are from the same team after a DNP.
An entry that cannot be matched with opponents (automatically voided and refunded).
Still Have Questions?
If you believe a DNP was applied incorrectly to your entry, please contact us at support@splashsports.com with your account email, contest name, and the player in question.