1. Except where specifically altered in this document, games will be played according to the FIFA Laws of the Game.
2. Game/Practice Cancellations:

Cancellation Alerts due to inclement weather or poor field conditions will be sent through the Playmetrics app and listed under Field Status on the Rainbow website, www.rainbowsoccer.org approximately one hour* before the start of the scheduled game/practice.

*Note: Some of our fields are managed by Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation and therefore we must wait for their decision before updating the hotline and website.

U4-U7

• Size 3 soccer ball
• 4v4 with NO goalkeeper (U4-U6) - 5v5 with NO goalkeeper (U7)
• 4x8 minute quarters with 3 minute breaks after quarter
• Free substitutions allowed, no stoppage in play required. Player leaving the field must exit before new player enters

U8-U10

• Size 4 soccer ball
• 7v7 with a goalkeeper
• 2x25 minute halves with a 5 minute halftime
• Substitutions allowed at any stoppage in play and are unlimited

U12

• Size 4 soccer ball
• 9v9 with a goalkeeper
• 2x30 minute halves with a 5 minute halftime
• Substitutions allowed at any stoppage in play and are unlimited

U14-U16

• Size 5 soccer ball
• 9v9 with a goalkeeper
• 2x30 minute halves with a 5 minute halftime
• Substitutions allowed at any stoppage in play and are unlimited

1. Game balls must be provided by the “Home” team. The referee has final authority on which ball(s) is used in the game.
2. When substituting at U8-U16, players must enter and leave the field at the halfway line. The referee must be notified of the substitution before the player can enter the field.
3. Each player WILL play a minimum of 50% of the game unless there is an injury or disciplinary situation. No player may play as the goalkeeper for more than half the game with the exception of the u12, u14, and u16 age groups.
4. U8-U16 games will be started according to their scheduled game time by the referee. Any delay in start time may be taken off the first period’s time.
5. U5, U6, and U7 age groups do not have a referee and games will be organized by the coaches. Teams have an hour block in which to get their teams warmed-up, organized, and play the game. Only 1 Coach per team is allowed in the field area but coaches should not restrict game play and try to remain towards the outsides of the field area.
6. No overtime periods will be played and games may end in a tie.
7. It is the coach’s responsibility to have the team ready to play by the scheduled start time.

1. NO PUNTING in the U8 and U10 age groups. The result of a punt will be an indirect free kick for the opposing team at the spot of the infraction.
2. NO HEADING of the ball in the U5, U6, U7, U8, U10, and U12 age groups. If a player deliberately heads the ball the result is an indirect free kick at the spot of the foul for the opposing team. If not deliberate, game play continues.
3. KICK-IN Restarts for U5, U6, and U7 instead of a Throw-in.
4. U5, U6, and U7 goal kicks, the opposing team must drop back behind midfield until the ball has been played.
5. BUILD-OUT LINE in effect for the U8 and U10 age groups. When the goalkeeper is in possession of the ball during play or a goal kick is being taken the defending team must drop behind the BUILD-OUT LINE. Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball to a teammate (punting and drop kicks are not allowed). Ideally, the goalkeeper will wait to put the ball into play once all opponents are past the build out line. However the goalkeeper can put the ball into play sooner but he or she does so accepting the positioning of the opponents and the consequences of how play resumes. Referee can manage the situation with misconduct if deemed appropriate. The BUILD-OUT LINE is normally marked by a dashed line across the field halfway between midfield and the top of the penalty box. If no BUILD-OUT LINE is marked, then the midfield line will serve as the BUILD-OUT LINE.

FREE KICKS and PENALTY KICKS

• All free kicks are direct with the exception of a punt, deliberate heading, offside, and a build out line infraction.
• Penalty Kicks will only be taken in the U8, U10, U12, U14, and U16 age groups if there is a foul inside the penalty area.
•  All players other than the goalie and player taking the penalty must remain outside the penalty box until the ball has been kicked. Once it has been kicked the play is live.

• There will be no scores and standings kept. Coaches are asked to manage the game score in a responsible manner by putting restrictions on how their team can score when a game might get lopsided. Continuing to run-up scores may lead to roster changes or removal from Rainbow Soccer as decided upon by the league director.
• Opposing coaches, players, and parents should shake hands after each match.
• Team Members and Spectators should sit at least 6 feet from the sideline to allow for safety of the players on the field and space for throw-ins. Team Members should be on one side of the field and spectators should be on the other sideline.
• Parents, coaches, non-participating players, and other spectators should be there to enjoy and encourage the activity of the players. Players at this age will not process instructions quickly during game play. The fewer directions they receive during games the more they will enjoy and learn the game. Please do not coach from the sidelines as a spectator.
• No alcoholic beverages or tobacco products will be allowed or consumed near the playing area.
• No pets will be allowed on the playing fields.