Official Rules

Code of Conduct & Discipline

Rafa League enforces a strict zero tolerance policy to maintain a safe and respectful environment. All players must follow the Code of Conduct.

Game Format

• Format: 5v5 (4 outfield players + 1 goalkeeper)
• Game length: 50 minutes, running time
• No halftime or stoppages — games start and end on time
• Captains decide possession before kickoff (e.g., coin toss or rock-paper-scissors)

General Play

• No offsides
• No throw-ins — kick-ins are used instead
• Kick-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks are all indirect
• Goal kicks are taken from within the crease. The ball must be stationary before being kicked
• Corner kicks are taken from the corner. Defenders must stand at least 5 feet away
• No penalty kicks
• All infractions (including in the crease) result in indirect free kicks
• No advantage rule — play stops immediately for all infractions
• Kickoffs must be touched by a second player before a goal can be scored

Substitutions

• Substitutions can be made at any stoppage of play, including kick-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks, and kick-offs.

Fouls

All fouls result in an indirect free kick. Opponents must stand 5 feet away. Fouls include the following:

• Handball (excluding goalkeeper in crease)
• Slide tackling
• Aggressive body contact
• Dangerous high kicks (above waist near opponent)
• Holding, tripping, obstruction

Discipline

Referees are responsible for enforcing the rules of the game. Referee decisions during matches are final. Abuse, harassment, or intimidation directed toward referees may result in an immediate red card (see below) and further suspension.

Referees may issue blue cards or red cards to players for fouls or behaviour they deem unacceptable.

Blue Card

A player who receives a blue card must immediately substitute off. The player stays off the pitch for a minimum of 5 minutes, or until the referee signals the player may return to the pitch.

If no substitute is available, the team must play with one less player until the penalty expires.

Red Card

A player who receives a red card must immediately leave the facility and cannot return for the remainder of the match. The player is automatically suspended for at least the next match. Referees will submit a report to the League, and the League may impose additional suspension or disciplinary action depending on the severity of the incident.

A substitute may enter the game in place of the ejected player.

Goalkeeper Rules

• May use hands only inside the crease
• No drop kicks
• May have possession of the ball in hands for a maximum of 5 seconds
• May cross the halfway line during play
• Any live ball that is kicked may cross half without bouncing and even enter the opposing net as a goal

Equipment

• Shin pads are mandatory. No player may enter the field without them
• No metal cleats, street shoes, or bare feet
• No jewelry, except flat studs, wedding bands, and medical ID

Spirit of the League

• Referee decisions are final. All players must respect the call
• Only team captains may raise issues to the referees during games

Roster & Substitutes

• Max 15 players per team
• All players must be listed on the official team roster and have signed the league waiver
• Rosters lock after Week 3 for standard seasons, and Week 1 for "Blitz" seasons. No new additions unless approved by the league

Refunds

Please refer to our Refund Policy for more information.

Forfeits

• Teams need at least 4 players to avoid a forfeit
• A team has 10 minutes from kickoff to meet the minimum player count
• A forfeit results in a 5–0 win for the opposing team
• Teams that forfeit twice may be removed from the league without refund

Weather & Game Cancellations

• Indoor games are rarely cancelled
• In case of facility closure or emergency, teams will be notified at least 90 minutes in advance
• Canceled games will be rescheduled if possible, but are not guaranteed

Playoffs

• All teams enter the playoffs
• Top 8 teams (or top 4, if fewer teams) play in a single-elimination format
• Tied playoff games go to a 3-player penalty shootout

Standings & Tiebreakers

• Win = 3 pts | Draw = 1 pt | Loss = 0 pts
• Tiebreakers: Points, Goal Differential, Goals Scored, Head-to-Head, Coin Toss

Scheduling

• Rafa League reserves the right to adjust schedules, rules, or formats to ensure fairness and league quality
• All serious incidents will be reviewed by league organizers and may result in suspension or league ban