diff --git a/app/models/user.rb b/app/models/user.rb
--- a/app/models/user.rb
+++ b/app/models/user.rb
@@ -130,6 +130,9 @@
       return site.time_left
     elsif Configuration.indv_contest_mode?
       time_limit = Configuration.contest_time_limit
+      if time_limit == nil
+        return nil
+      end
       if contest_stat==nil
         return (Time.now.gmtime + time_limit) - Time.now.gmtime
       else
@@ -170,6 +173,15 @@
     end
   end
 
+  def update_start_time
+    stat = self.contest_stat
+    if stat == nil
+      stat = UserContestStat.new(:user => self,
+                                 :started_at => Time.now.gmtime)
+      stat.save
+    end
+  end
+
   protected
     def encrypt_new_password
       return if password.blank?