diff --git a/src/main/java/com/threerings/whirled/server/SceneRegistry.java b/src/main/java/com/threerings/whirled/server/SceneRegistry.java
index 61be9b03..6c52ca00 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/threerings/whirled/server/SceneRegistry.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/threerings/whirled/server/SceneRegistry.java
@@ -203,8 +203,11 @@ public class SceneRegistry
         // first remove them from their old place
         _locman.leaveOccupiedPlace(source);
 
-        // then send a forced move notification
-        SceneSender.forcedMove(source, sceneId);
+        // then send a forced move notification to their client
+        ClientObject clobj = source.getClientObject();
+        if (clobj != null) {
+            SceneSender.forcedMove(source, sceneId);
+        }
     }
 
     /**