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 who starts with possession

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. Ball must be stationary and bounce before crossing half
• 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
• High kicks (above waist near opponent)
• Holding, tripping, obstruction

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
• Goal kicks and throws must bounce before crossing half
• 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

• Players are expected to call their own fouls
• Only team captains may raise issues during games
• Disputes should be handled respectfully, and escalated to league staff if needed

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. 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