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Registration

How Do I Register?

The easiest way to register is online by clicking the registration link on the front page of our website. You can also phone us at the office (919) 967-8797, come by the office to register in person, or send us a check (with your phone number and the registrant’s full name) in the mail at Rainbow Soccer, P.O. Box 3093, Chapel Hill, NC 27515.

When does registration begin and close?

Registration for spring soccer started November 16, 2011, for the spring 2012 season. Registration closes for each respective age group as the divisions fill up. If all the teams in a specific age group don’t fill up, registration will close by April 13, 2012.

Why is there a Late Fee, and when does it begin?

The registration fee goes up by $20 – $30 (depending on the league) for the spring 2012 season on February 1, 2012. We want to encourage everyone to sign up early because this helps us with scheduling, knowing how much space we need for practices, knowing how many coaches we need for the season, and ordering necessary equipment. We increase our fees, beginning February 1, because waiting later elevates our expenses, and reduces our time to plan and get out schedules in a timely manner.

What does my registration pay for?

Registration fees pay for field rentals for practice sessions and at least 8 recreational soccer games. Fees for the Rainbow Youth and Adult Leagues include one cotton t-shirt for the season. Fees for Chapel Hill United, U12 and U15 include one uniform for the season.

Do I need to buy uniform or other equipment?

With your full registration, there is no need to buy a uniform or separate team t-shirt. Shirts are provided for all leagues. However, if a participant chooses to buy an additional shirt, the participant changes teams after his/her initial registration, or the wrong size is ordered by the participant on the first order, the participant is responsible for informing the Rainbow office that another shirt needs to be ordered paying the additional amount to place the order. Additional equipment is advised too. We suggest having a division-appropriate soccer ball for each participant, shin guards, a water bottle (with your name and phone number written in permanent ink), and appropriate footwear (sneakers are fine for young children, but we suggest cleats for 7 or 8 years old and above).

Can we get a refund before or after the starting date?

Anytime after you register there is a $25 administrative fee charged for withdrawal. In addition the service charges (charged when registering with a credit card) cannot be refunded. However, after February 1, 2012, there are NO refunds given.

Can we show up at the first practice and register then?

No – we don’t have the staff or technology to handle on-site registrations at the soccer fields. You may come into the office, during office hours (posted on the home page of our website) at 121 S. Estes Dr., Suite 203A, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

When does the season start and end?

For spring 2012, the Rainbow Adult divisions begin their seasons with first games on Saturday, March 10, and begin practices on Monday, March 12, 2012. The Youth leagues (Rainbow Youth, Chapel Hill United, U12 and U15) also begin practices on March 12, with their first games taking place on Saturday, March 17. There will be no Youth or Adult games on Saturday, April 7, or Saturday, May 5. The last Youth practices will take place on May 3 and the last Youth games of the season will take place on May 12. The last Adult practices will take place on May 17 and the last Adult games of the season will take place on May 19.

Scholarships

We do not turn down anyone in need of a scholarship! If you have a financial need, we ask that you make the request in writing explaining your need. We do ask that participants contribute as much as they can for two reasons: 1) we want everyone to value the experience and feel if there is some financial contribution made by the participant, there will be a greater appreciation for the opportunity; and 2) we are a non-profit and any contribution a participant makes allows Rainbow Soccer to help other participants.
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Team Assignment

My child would like to be on the same team as a friend, is that possible?

It is possible. If both children are in the same age group and there is space on the requested team for both children, it is possible. However, in most cases, it is first-come/first-served and getting both participants’ registrations in and paid as early as possible, with special requests noted for both, is the very best chance!

We’d like to practice at a specific field, is that possible?

In many cases, it is possible. We have several locations generally available around Chapel Hill. The Rainbow Fields (off Fordham Blvd.), Southern Community Park/Southern Village, and Cedar Falls/Homestead Park are the three choices we have available for our Rainbow Youth, Chapel Hill United, U12 & U15 leagues. The Rainbow Fields, Southern Community Park/Smith, and Cedar Falls/Bible Church are the choices we have available for our Adult league. Because some fields have less space than others, some divisions, teams and/or leagues will not have multiple location choices. If you indicate a specific field, however, we will try our very best to accommodate your request!

We’d like to be with a specific coach, is that possible?

It is possible. If the coach is your primary preference and there is room on his/her team, you should register as soon as possible and make the coaching preference a high priority.

How do I determine the right age group for my child?

To determine the correct division (age group) for you or your child, use the date of July 31, 2011. For instance, if your child is 9 on July 31 and he/she turns 10 on September 14, your child would be either a Rainbow Youth Pele or a Chapel Hill United U10 player. He/She would remain in that same age group both fall and the following spring. If your child is 11 on July 31 and turns 12 the following January 20, he/she would be a U12 player both fall and spring. The following is a quick age guide:

3 or 4 Years Old
  • Rainbow Youth – Peepers
5 Years Old
  • Rainbow Youth – Pippin
  • Chapel Hill United – U6
6 or 7 Years Old
  • Rainbow Youth -Premier Co-ed
  • Rainbow Youth – Premier Girls
  • Chapel Hill United – U8 Co-ed Chapel Hill United – U8 Girls
8 or 9 Years Old
  • Rainbow Youth – Pele Co-ed
  • Rainbow Youth – Pele Girls
  • Chapel Hill United – U10 Co-ed
  • Chapel Hill United – U10 Girls
10 or 11 Years Old
  • Rainbow Teen – U12 Co-ed
  • Rainbow Teen – U12 Girls
12, 13 or 14 Years Old
  • Rainbow Teen – U15 Co-ed Rainbow Teen
15 & 16 Years Old
  • Rainbow Teen – U16 Co-ed (Coming in Fall 2012)
Rainbow Adult
  • Rainbow Adult – Wisely Women only, 16 Years & Older
  • Rainbow Adult – Wisely Co-ed, 16 years & older

How do I determine which league is most appropriate for me or my child?

All of our leagues are considered non-competitive and recreational. The Rainbow Adult league offers several divisions that are low-contact or no-contact soccer. The Rainbow Wisers (40+) are no contact. The Rainbow Wisely Co-ed and Rainbow Adult Women are low contact and do not allow slide tackles, pushing of any kind, or hacking/kicking at other participants. The Youth leagues are low-contact soccer, as well. Our objective is to provide exercise, while minimizing the likelihood of unnecessary injury. When determining the best fit for you or your child, the first criterion is age and whether you have an interest in playing Co-ed or Girls/Women-Only. The second is competitive ability. Rainbow Youth offers very non-competitive experience for all skill levels. Chapel Hill United is offered for children looking for a more competitive option within the recreational realm.

Can my child try out in a different age group?

All of our leagues are considered non-competitive and recreational. The Rainbow Adult league offers several divisions that are low-contact or no-contact soccer. The Rainbow Wisers (40+) are no contact. The Rainbow Wisely Co-ed and Rainbow Adult Women are low contact and do not allow slide tackles, pushing of any kind, or hacking/kicking at other participants. All of our leagues and divisions are recreational and we do not organize tryouts. Team placement is based on preferences determined/requested by the participant – practice location, practice time, etc.

How do I know what team my child is assigned to?

Rainbow sends out team notifications and rosters two weeks prior to the first practice. Coaches will contact team members, as well. If you have registered you or your child and do not receive a notification by March 1, 2012, please call us at the office or send an email to info@rainbowsoccer.org.

How do you decide what team to me or my child on?

Rainbow works very hard to try to accommodate preference requests, as much as possible. If you have specific needs, please let us know during registration. We make every attempt to match available teams with your preferences. However, we have more than 1500 registrants per season and sometimes the specific offerings do not match up perfectly with every request. We do our best with the information you provide us. If you have a direct conflict with a team assignment, please let us know ASAP – the earlier we know, the more flexibility we have.

How many players are selected for each team?

For Rainbow Youth, U12, U15, and Adult Women (7 v 7) we shoot for 12 players per team. For Chapel Hill United we generally limit the number to 10 players per team. And for Rainbow Adult Wisely (11 v 11), we average about 22 players per team.
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For Sponsors

How do I make a tax -free donation?

Rainbow is a 40-year-old 501c3 organization, and all donations and sponsorship contributions are tax deductible. If you are interested in making a donation or becoming a sponsor, please contact Colleen at colleen@rainbowsoccer.org or call the office at (919) 967-8797. You also may write a check to Rainbow Soccer and send it to P.O. Box 3093, Chapel Hill, NC 27517.
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Penn Watkinson Tournament

What is it?

The Penn Watkinson Tournament is an Adult 6 v 6 co-ed soccer tournament that takes place twice a year to raise money for our annual scholarship fund. The tournament’s namesake, Penn Watkinson, was a player and coach in the Rainbow league for over 20 years. He was a defensive player and at the end of the tournament the “Best Defensive Team” (allowing the least number of goals) and the team with the “Best Rainbow Spirit.”

When is it?

The PW Tournament takes place twice a year – at the end of the regular soccer season in the spring and fall. The next PW Tournament is scheduled to take place June 2, 2012.
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Practice Sessions

Where are the practice fields?

All our practice fields are listed here. Your particular practice field will be confirmed via email.

How do I confirm our practice times?

They will be confirmed to you via email. If you have any questions call the office (919) 967 8797

What should my child bring to the Practice Sessions?

Does my child need to wear Shin Guards?

What size soccer ball should my child have?

  • Players under the age of nine – Size 3
  • Players aged from 10 to o13 – Size 4
  • Players 14 and older – 5 ball
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For Parents

What is the Rainbow Spirit?

In Rainbow Soccer, we choose to tone down the heavy emphasis on winning and competition, giving people an open and protected opportunity for a shared athletic experience. We strive to play and teach excellent soccer, developing technique and ball skills. This is done in an atmosphere of fun and good sportsmanship among fellow players, coaches, referees and spectators.

Which league is most appropriate for my child?

Rainbow Soccer is best for players new to the game, or who want to play in a recreational environment where competition is downplayed. It is ideal for beginners to the game. Chapel Hill United is a more challenging opportunity offered for those players who may want to play at a higher level in future. Both are recreational. Scores and League places are considered unimportant in both. The most important things for us is that your child has fun, and gets better as a player.

Where are the practice fields?

All our practice fields are listed here. Your particular practice field will be confirmed via email.

Is there a guide for parents and carers?

Yes, and it is excellent. Please spend a moment to watch the videos. (no registration necessary).

How do you measure player development?

We have written a guide about this. You can read it here.

Why do children play soccer?

Boys To have fun To do something I’m good at To improve my skills For the excitement of competition To stay in shape For the challenge of competition To get exercise To learn new skills To play as part of a team To go to a higher level of competition
Girls To have fun To stay in shape To get exercise To improve my skills To do something I am good at To learn new skills For the excitement of competition To play as part of a team To make new friends For the challenge of competition

(study of 3,900 7 to 12 graders)

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Match Day

How do I confirm our game times?

What should my child bring to the games?

Why are my child’s games in a 3v3/6v6/7v7 format instead of 11 v 11?

Can I coach my son or daughter from the sidelines?

What is a good half-time snack?

Why are there no goalies in the Peepers and Pippins leagues?

Beginning in the fall of 2004 we stopped having goalies for the Peepers and Pippins leagues. This is recommended by the state and national youth soccer organizations, whose guidelines we try to follow. Players playing goalie at such young ages are not learning useful skills, do not get as much exercise, and often receive a little too much encouragement or direction from parents. Also, by not having goalies many more kids get to have the wonderful feeling of scoring, and the emphasis is more on succeeding at scoring goals than the overall score.

What should I say to my son or daughter after the game?

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Chapel Hill United

What are the reasonable expectations after one year of CHU training?

After one most coaches think that it is realistic to expect most beginners to be able to do the following:

U10

  • Head a fairly gentle ball.
  • Be able to execute a decent chest trap.
  • Know the basic rules for a first defender.
  • Execute a basic standing tackle.
  • Be able to execute a laces kick with some power and accuracy.
  • Be able to execute a lofted kick/chip which will clear a similar sized player.
  • Understand the basic rules on throw-ins, and be able to execute them properly.
  • Be able to dribble/beat an unskilled defender by use of simple cuts and changes of pace.
  • Be able to shield the ball and hold in 1 v 1 situation to count of 4.
  • Understand basic principles of keep away.
  • Understand usual game rules.
  • Understand/follow the team rules.
  • Be able to juggle the ball with the foot or thigh at least 5 times.
  • Be able to pass the ball appropriately to a teammate who is 10 yards or more away.
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U8

U6

For Coaches

Where can I find information specific to U6, U8, U10, U12 and U15 player?

We are writing age specific overviews. As they become available you’ll see the links below become active.

  • The U4 Player
  • The U6 Player
  • The U8 Player
  • The U10 Player
  • The U12 Player
  • The U15 Player

When is the “Introduction to Coaching” course?

Our provisional dates are February 25th, and March 18th. Both events will be at the Rainbow Fields, and attendees will qualify for a formal coaching qualification.

Where can I get the PDF of the Coaching Clinic Presentation?

We will put up a direct download link soon. Feel free to share the presentation, but please reference us when you do.

Where can I find more information about Coaching?

We are building a games section on this website. More are being added all the time. We also have a book and DVD library of coaching resources that we are happy to lend. Email us for more details.

How do I find out who are the players on my team?

You’ll receive an email from us once the squads have been confirmed. Keep that email safe. If you need us to resend it; click here.

How often should I email my team?

Please try to keep emails to a maximum of one a week.

How do I confirm our practice times and location?

Here is a direct link for the Practice Schedules. If any changes are made you’ll be notified by email.

How do I confirm our game times?

Here is a link to the Schedules. If any changes are made you’ll be notified by email.

Is it a good idea to coach one topic a week, or one a session?

Absolutely! Check out the Coaches Corner for theme ideas and a game or two. Many coaches spend a moment or two before the season begins picking a series of themes to cover, and then scheduling them from basic to advanced.

I am interested in becoming a certified coach, can you help?

We certainly can. Coaching courses run throughout the year and we are happy to help.

What should my Coach Bio look like?

Two or three lines highlighting any experience you have coaching, and a brief summary of your coaching philosophy.

I need more equipment, what should I do?

Email us. If we have it to spare, you’ll receive it from your field rep.

I am interested in becoming a certified coach, can you help?

We certainly can. Coaching courses run throughout the year and we are happy to help.

What should be in my Introduction Email?

Introduce yourself and your assistants (if any) to the parents. Most parents like to hear…

  • Something about your background. Reasons for coaching this particular team.
  • Explain your coaching philosophy and what you will consider to be a successful season.
  • Remind the parents that the goal of Rainbow and Chapel Hill United is individual player development and not the team winning. So in some cases you as the coach may intentionally weaken the team so that you can challenge your players in a new way.

While being friendly, be firm that you expect that parents not to yell at kids on the field or yell at the referees – and that the ONLY talk that you want to hear is positive (good try, nice save, etc.). Lastly, please remind them that the refs are usually inexperienced themselves at lower age groups, and often will make mistakes. A sample email is here.

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For Referees

Do I need a Referee qualification?

No, but experience of playing the game

How much does it pay?

Contact the office for the current rate.

Can I get service credit hours for school or college?

Yes. However, you’ll not be able to also be paid. It is one or the other.

What are the Rainbow Rules?

There are

How do I register as a referee?

Go to this

How do I offer to referee specific games?

I can’t commit to a regular schedule, can I still referee?

There was an incident at my game, how do I report it?

Use this form.

 

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Club Information

The goals of Rainbow Soccer are to provide recreational and competitive soccer for youth and adults in the Chapel Hill area.

Rainbow supports the development and play of soccer at all skill levels and ages.  Rainbow accepts all players, and attempts to keep fees as low as possible.  A limited number of scholarships are available to players who cannot afford the fees.  In the recreational leagues, players of differing abilities are mixed together on teams, and players get equal playing time.

  • What are the different leagues within Rainbow?
  • How old is Rainbow Soccer?
  • How are my fees spent?
  • What are the costs for Rainbow Soccer and Chapel Hill United?
  • Have they are always played at the Rainbow Fields?
  • Has the logo always been like it is today?
  • How many players currently play Rainbow and Chapel Hill United?
  • How many schools are represented at the club?
  • What is the non-profit status of Rainbow Soccer?
  • Who are the Board of Directors?
  • Which Leagues are offered?

We are proud to offer several different leagues.

Rainbow Youth

This is the heart of our organization.

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How old is Rainbow Soccer?

We began playing on what are called the Rainbow Soccer fields in 1972. The fields [except for the grassy knoll] are all in Resource Conservation District floodplain and cannot be developed on.

The fields were originally lent to Rainbow in a gentleman’s agreement with William Muirhead, the original owner and developer of the Glen Lennox apartments. They were acquired by the Kenan Hamner investment group, who continued to loan the land to Rainbow. For a tax deductible donation the land was gifted to UNC in 1985. Since then Rainbow has leased the fields from UNC on a yearly basis.

How are Rainbow Soccer, Chapel Hill United and Triangle United related?

What is Rainbow Soccer?

How many people are involved in Rainbow?

 

Is Rainbow affiliated with USYSA or AYSO?

 

Mission, philosophy and values

Who are the Board of Directors?

The current Board of Directors is…

  • Mike Hickey
  • Mike Strand
  • Marty Westley
  • Catherine Duncan

If you are interested in joining the board please email this application form to applications@rainbowsoccer.org

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Weather

How do I know whether games or practice are on due to weather conditions?

The weather phone hotline is updated to let you know whether fields are closed. Players or their families are responsible for calling. Call 990-3036 for Rainbow, Chapel Hill Bible Church and Smith Athletic fields by 1pm. This is a multi-line system, so you should get directly through.

How does Rainbow decide whether to hold practices or games?

The Rainbow staff goes and physically checks the fields, and several weather forecasts. If the fields are too wet to be playable, or it is heavily raining or lightning (or a high probability of these two in the near future based on the weather forecast), then the practices or games are cancelled. Our first concern is safety of the players, and also of the fields. The fields are our prime resource, and can be easily ruined by play when the fields are too wet. Please do not play on the fields, even informally, if the fields are closed.

What happens if a game is rained-out?

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Volunteer opportunities

What volunteer opportunities are available?

Can I get service credit hours for school or college?

I can’t commit to a regular schedule, can I still volunteer?

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Website

I am having a problem using the website, who do I speak to?

Are payments through the website safe?

Will my personal information be sold onto marketers?

I’d like to place an advert on the website or in an email, who do I speak to?

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Health and Safety

Disclaimer

Allergic Reaction

Ankle Sprain

Prevention

Prevention of an injury is always best. The only way to not land on the foot of another player is to not go near another player. The only way to not roll your ankle over in a divot is to not step on the field. But there are some things that can be done to make the ankles less prone to injury.

The first option is to strengthen all the muscles around your lower leg, especially a muscle group known as the peroneals. These muscles run down the fibula on the outside of the leg and attach on various areas of the foot. Stronger peroneals can minimize the amount of inversion reducing the chance for injury. Research has demonstrated this. Also, improving the flexibility of the calf muscles and proprioceptive training should be a part of any ankle-strengthening program. These are done by stretching the calf and balancing on one leg at a time. People whose feet pronate (roll in and flatten) while running should wear a shoe that limits pronation. These features are common in selected running shoes, but not any kind of soccer shoes. But given the hard ground of the south, playing in flats is not unreasonable so care should be taken in selection of a running shoe. Ankle bracing also is considered.

Players have the choice of taping, lace-up braces or more rigid plastic braces. Tape works itself loose in about 30 minutes leaving the tape worthless by the end of warm-up. However, lace-up braces can be tightened as they work loose. Rigid braces are excellent, but many soccer players feel, wrongly, these braces will inhibit their play. A Scandinavian league wore rigid braces one season and demonstrated an astounding reduction in ankle sprains.

Treatment

Once an ankle is sprained, a fairly standard treatment procedure begins. First, the athlete is unweighted, the ankle elevated and ice is applied and held in place by an elastic strap. The acronym is RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation. This should minimize the amount of swelling. But remember swelling is the body’s attempt to immobilize the ankle and protect the damaged ligaments.

After a physician has ruled out further damage, the athlete begins rehabilitation. The athlete bears weight as tolerated by pain. Some form of immobilization may be prescribed. Walking or jogging in a pool is good because normal gait can be achieved early due to the buoyancy of the water. Cycling is also an option to increase plantar (point toe down) and dorsi (point toe up) flexion range of motion.

Stair climbing machines should be avoided. Re-training the muscle senses (called proprioceptive re-education) is extremely important. A doctor or therapist will teach these methods. Depending on the severity of sprain, a player can be out of play for anywhere from 1 week to 2 months.

Asthma
Attention Disorder
Blisters
Concussion
Diabetes
Facial Injury
Head Injury
Heat Stroke and Heat Injury
Neck Injury

Stretching

jump to: club information

Club Information

What is Rainbow Soccer?

Mission, philosophy and values

Which Leagues are offered?

How old is Rainbow Soccer?

We began playing on what are called the Rainbow Soccer fields in 1972. The fields [except for the grassy knoll] are all in Resource Conservation District floodplain and cannot be developed on.

The fields were originally lent to Rainbow in a gentleman’s agreement with William Muirhead, the original owner and developer of the Glen Lennox apartments. They were acquired by the Kenan Hamner investment group, who continued to loan the land to Rainbow. For a tax deductible donation the land was gifted to UNC in 1985. Since then Rainbow has leased the fields from UNC on a yearly basis.

How many people are involved in Rainbow?

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Is Rainbow affiliated with US Youth Soccer or the American Youth Soccer Association?

What is the difference between Rainbow Soccer and Chapel Hill United?

What relationship does Rainbow have with Triangle United?

Who are the Board of Directors?

The current Board of Directors is…

If you are interested in joining the board please fill out this application and email it to info@rainbowsoccer.org.

For Parents

Which league is most appropriate for my child?

 

Can I choose where, when and which team my child plays on?

 

How do I determine the right age group for my child?

 

Can my child try out in a different age group?

 

How many players are selected for each team?

 

How much does it cost?

 

How are the coaches selected for each team?

 

Does my child need to buy uniform or other equipment?

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How do you measure player development?

 

Can I volunteer to coach?

Absolutely! Every season a remarkable number of people come together to make Rainbow Soccer possible. Even if you have little or no coaching experience, we are happy to guide you.  Youth Modules and Licensed coaching courses are offered periodically throughout the year.

8. What do we need to bring to the class?

9. What size should the soccer ball be?

11. Can we bring our payment and registration form to the field?

12. Can we still participate without submitting registration, or payment?

13. How do we know if a class has been cancelled?

15. What if I’m joining the class late? Can you prorate my fee?

16. How many children should I gather in order to organize a class?

0. Can I still receive a free T-shirt even though I registered late?

21. Can you prorate the cost of my class if I didn’t receive a T-shirt?

28. What happens if a session is cancelled due to inclement weather?

29. How do I know if a session is cancelled due to in inclement weather?

Q1. What type of training will my child receive?

Q2. How often will they practice?

 

Q3. When will I know the practice schedule for my childs team?

 

Q1. Where do the games get played?

 

For new coaches

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For Rainbow Coaches

 

 

For CHU Coaches

 

 

For Referees

Do I need a Referee qualification?

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How much does it pay?

 

What are the Rainbow Rules?

 

How do I register as a referee?

 

How do I offer to referee specific games?

 

There was an incident at my game, how do I report it?

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For Field Representatives

 

Registration Issues

How Do I Register?

The easiest way to register is online by clicking the registration link on the ESC website. During the 3 posted Walk-In dates, you can also register at Soccer USA at 813 W. Danforth in Edmond.

What does my registration pay for?

Registration pays for 8 Rec or Academy games and a limited group insurance premium. Fall Season begins right after Labor Day. Spring Season begins typically on the first weekend in March.

When does registration begin?

We will actually be available at the fields during Try Outs as well as three dates the week after.  Check the calendar on the home page for more information on exact times, locations and dates.

Can I use a credit card to register?
A3. No, but our on-line registration process only accepts credit cards and checks. If you prefer to pay by cash you will need to attend one of our in-person dates.

Can I use a credit card at the office or over the phone?

We are working on a process and hope to have it available. As of right now, No.

Q5. I went on-line to register but it wouldn’t let me continue without a Rec Card number, now what?
A5. You’ll need to visit one of the 4 locations in Oldsmar that sells the City of Oldsmar Rec Cards (click here for locations). You can go back on-line and pick up the process where you left off.

Q6. Can I use a credit card to pay for registration?
A6. You can only use a credit card for payment if you register on-line.

 

Can we get a refund before the starting date?

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Can we get a refund after the starting date?

When does the Late Fee begin?

 

Rainbow Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I know what team my child is assigned to?

The only notification is that team rosters are posted at the Rainbow soccer fields. Some coaches may call players to let them know, but this is optional and voluntary on their part. We tried listing them on the web once previously, but have not continued this due to concerns raised by parents about making this information available on the web. Beginning in the fall of 2004 we are emailing each team member a roster listing. We think this will facilitate parents knowing other families on the team for communication (car-pooling, snack duties, etc), while not disclosing the team player information to everyone on the web.

Q: How do you decide what team to put my child (or me) on?

Rainbow works very hard to try to please everyone, as much as possible. We ask for your preferences on your registration form. We then try to match players and teams by hand for ~1500 players, given the preferences they have indicated. While it is impossible to make everyone perfectly happy :-) , we want to come as close as we can. We welcome your input, and your calls if you have concerns about your team assignment. Please call ASAP after teams are assigned when we may have more flexibility to move players.

Q: How do I know whether games or practice are on due to weather conditions?

The weather phone hotline is updated to let you know whether fields are closed. Players or their families are responsible for calling. Call 990-3036 for Rainbow, Chapel Hill Bible Church and Smith Athletic fields by 1pm. This is a multi-line system, so you should get directly through.

Q: How does Rainbow decide whether to hold practices or games?

The Rainbow staff goes and physically checks the fields, and several weather forecasts. If the fields are to wet to be playable, or it is heavily raining or lightning (or a high probability of these two in the near future based on the weather forecast), then the practices or games are cancelled. Our first concern is safety of the players, and also of the fields. The fields are our prime resource, and can be easily ruined by play when the fields are too wet. Please do not play on the fields, even informally, if the fields are closed.

Q: Why are my child’s games in a 7v7 format instead of 11 v 11? Is this still “real” soccer?

Beginning in 2003, recreational leagues within Rainbow changed to a 7v7 format to more closely follow the national and state youth soccer guidelines (references, US Youth Soccer guidelines). Smaller sided games offer more action for players, more touches on the ball, more play on both offensive and defense sides, more scoring, and in general more of a “soccer” experience.

Q: Why are there no goalies in the Peepers and Pippins leagues?

Beginning in the fall of 2004 we stopped having goalies for the Peepers and Pippins leagues. This is recommended by the state and national youth soccer organizations, whose guidelines we try to follow. Players playing goalie at such young ages are not learning useful skills, do not get as much exercise, and often receive a little too much encouragement or direction from parents. Also, by not having goalies many more kids get to have the wonderful feeling of scoring, and the emphasis is more on succeeding at scoring goals than the overall score.