I understand circumstances arise...but I can't STAND the "I don't have a ride" excuse. I would get that like once a week this year. Seriously. Call me, I'll pick you up. You see that giant phone list of everyone addresses, cells, moms cells, dads cells, AND emails I gave you after tryouts. This is exactly what it's for. USE IT.
Also got a "my daughter is in the ER and will not be at practice tonight" text an hour into practice. Of course, I responded concerned, saying please keep me updated on if I need to pull her for this weekend, etc. "No she'll be fine she'll see you tomorrow". She came to practice the next day and competed that weekend. Nothing more was ever spoken of it.