Match Rules

Chapel Hill United Rules of Play

• The non-kicking team pulls back to midfield on opponent’s goalkicks.
• The refs are instructed to blow an early whistle on all goalkeeper possessions. We need to protect the goalkeepers, especially on the ground. Instruct your players to play longer rebounds, but not to challenge or charge goalkeepers in or near possession. We need everyone to support disallowing goals and shots that result from challenged goalkeeper possessions.
• No penalty kicks under any circumstances. Anything inside the box will come outside box and proceed as indirect. We advise no walls for safety reasons, plus it’s actually an advantage to let the goalkeeper have an unobstructed view of the play. Defensive players should “man-up” and challenge the player with ball after the first touch is taken–but in a safe manner as instructed by coaches.
• A goalkeeper punt that is first touched in the opponent’s penalty box is a goalkeeper possession or an indirect kick from the top of the box going the other way. This will help the goalkeepers and players to learn to distribute and play from the back. Punts to the opponent’s penalty box will be played, essentially, as if they were offside, if they enter the penalty box untouched.

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Balanced Matches

Part of your job is to “manage” the results of the matches so that no one team dominates another with a lopsided score. The ideal score in a youth development league like ours is probably a 3-3 tie. We have found that some balancing techniques work, while others are ineffective. Putting restrictions on players this age such as “five touches before going to goal” or “play keep-away only” does not work and can serve as further embarrassment to an opponent.

Let’s manage matches more actively by adding and subtracting players more regularly to make the game compelling and even. We don’t necessarily need to wait until a four-goal differential to start making these adjustments–especially if the goals are coming fast and early in the match or if the game is being played only in one half of the field. You can always readjust if the match returns to balance. Allow your opponents some forward flow. Don’t allow a match only to be played at one end.

We have had some success with the options below:

1. Stronger team pulls one player–this team would now have GK plus four field players.
2. Weaker team adds player–this team would now have GK plus six field players.
3. Combine 1 and 2 together.
4. Dominating team sits stronger players more than normally would. (Be careful here, of course, in terms of appropriate/equal playing time. But this can be done when explained to player thoughtfully, and it can turn into positive sportsmanship lesson and a chance for team leaders to encourage others).
5. Organize the stronger team into its least effective attacking line-up. This is a good opportunity to then prompt the less experienced line-up to improve attacking capabilities.

As coaches, one of our primary responsibilities is to help teach the players to appreciate and respect the game. Lopsided games are really no fun for anyone, and are counter to our primary aims.

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Uniform Uniforms

We want to tighten the way our teams look on the field. Please help us achieve 100% on tucking in shirts, shinguards under socks, matching socks, no jewelry, tight laces, etc. Looking sharp rather than sloppy definitely impacts a player’s focus and sense of teamwork–it’s the first step in getting mentally prepared for a competitive match. If each player on the team is “uniform,” the team as a whole will look and play much more uniformly and effectively.

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Coaching Resources

US Soccer publishes a very nice overview of ”Best Practices” for coaching youth soccer. It’s a quick read, nice refresher, and effective key-note for a new season. The first twenty or so pages are appropriate for our age group. This document puts in writing many of the points I tried to make in our pre-season coaching clinics.

There are rule differences between the two leagues

Rainbow Referee Guide

Introduction

• So in Rainbow soccer, you should not expect to make every call correctly, and you should not expect to see every infraction, and it should be one of your goals to keep the game moving, 25 minutes of fun in a 25 minute half. The corollary to this guideline is that if you don’t see the infraction, you can’t call it. Remember, that this is one of the beauties of soccer. Having only one referee is a strong point, not a weakness. That said, the referee should strive to see everything, and make every call correctly. The referee should do her or his best to learn all the rules, to control the game as needed, to keep the players safe, to promote learning and sportsmanship and fun. A tall order, but one with great rewards.
• In this booklet you’ll find a discussion of the general rules of soccer. You’ll also find ideas for keeping the game moving, ensuring the safety of the players, and dealing with the issues you might encounter. You won’t find a discussion of every nuance of every rule. Some discussions are deliberately simplified. The idea with this booklet is to present a reasonably complete subset of the rules, one that should suffice for games at the Rainbow level. Thank you for taking the step to become a referee, one that will benefit the players and coaches, and one we hope you’ll enjoy.

Fundamentals

• Before the game starts, if you have time, walk around the edges of the field and check that everything is in order. The goals should be anchored so that they cannot tip over on a player. The posts should be aligned with the end line. Spectators, coaches, substitutes, water bottles, and other equipment should be at least three feet away from the sidelines.
• There should be no spectators or coaches behind either end line (it’s dangerous to stand there during play). Familiarize yourself with the different lines since some fields overlap.
• Because of rain, some lines might be partially obliterated; do your best. Look for debris as well, the groundskeepers deserve our assistance.
• Borrow a game ball from one of the teams. It should be properly inflated, firm but not too hard. You should have a whistle and a stop watch. The Rainbow table often has extras if needed.
• Before the start, it’s wise to gather both coaches together to introduce yourself and to go over any preliminaries. If you form a cordial relationship with each coach you’ll promote civil behavior when the heat is on. Inform the coaches of how long the half will last (15 to 30 minutes depending on age), when substitutions are allowed (any throw-in, any goal kick, during halftime, and for injured players), and that you’re going to be strict about safe play. Remind coaches that all players must wear shin guards, and that arm casts must be wrapped in soft material and inspected by you for safety.
• Some of the coaches you will encounter are experienced, some licensed, and some are novices. A very small number shouldn’t be coaches at all. Some will have a deep understanding of the rules, and some will not. Do your best to run a safe game with as little contention as possible. The vast majority of coaches are good, and will help you in this endeavor.
• To start the game, ask the captain of one team to call the coin flip (or choose some other way). The winner of the toss may choose to start with possession of the ball, or may choose which goal to defend. If the winner chooses the ball, the other captain chooses the goal his or her team will defend first.
• If possible, you can gather both teams together at the mid field stripe for the coin toss. This is a good time for the opposing players to greet each other, to recognize friends from school, and to be reminded that they are friends before, during, and after the match. Once both teams are lined up (doesn’t hurt to count to make sure there are seven on each side), call out to each goal keeper to see if they are ready. By ready, we mean that the goal keeper is paying attention, has a shirt color different than her or his teammates, and  raises his or her hand to signal readiness. You’re ready to start the game.

The Play

• Start your watch and blow your whistle and get ready to run. Coaches, players and spectators will respect a referee who hustles. You don’t want to get too close to the action, but be in position to see what’s happening. Keep your watch running throughout the half, it doesn’t stop for any reason. If, in your discretion, excessive time was spent on substitutions or injuries, or finding the ball when it was kicked into the woods, you can mentally add time to the half.
• When the ball clearly goes out of bounds, it’s not necessary to blow your whistle. You should indicate which team has the throw by pointing in the direction that team is attacking. You can also call the jersey color of the team in possession. If the ball goes out of bounds, but the players don’t stop for a throw-in, it’s time for a whistle.
• If the ball goes over the end line, point to the corner for a corner kick or point to the goal box for a goal kick. When a goal is scored (remember that the ball must go completely over the end line to count as a goal) point to the center circle. When a foul occurs, stand near the point where the ball should be kicked from and point in the direction that the kick should be taken. Technically, you should raise your arm to indicate an indirect kick (straight out for direct), but few of the players will understand this. Just tell them whether the kick is direct or indirect.
• If you notice a player doing things that are questionable it’s ok to whisper in their ear, or get their attention and let them know you are watching them. Proactive refereeing works.
• When time has expired, blow three bursts on the whistle and point to the center circle.
• It’s common practice not to stop the half when a team is in the midst of an attack or a corner kick. Better to wait until the ball is in some non threatening situation, somewhere in midfield, or out of bounds.

Restarts

• As was discussed in the introduction, the game of soccer should be kept moving. Many of the calls you will make will concern restarts, points where play has stopped and needs some intervention by the referee to get started again.

Opening kick

• At the start of each half, and after each goal, the game is restarted from the center point.
• The team possessing the ball may stand anywhere on their side of the field, including inside the center circle. The opposing team must have all their players start on their side of the field, but outside the circle. It’s helpful to remind the players to wait for your whistle to start play. Note that the opposing team may be tempted to enter the circle immediately after you blow the whistle rather than waiting for the first touch.
• The kick must go forward (even an inch forward is fine), and must be touched by a second player before the first player can touch it again. If there are any violations during the opening kick, line the players up again and try it over.

Throw-in

• When the ball crosses a touch line (commonly referred to as the sideline) a throw-in is awarded to the team that didn’t touch it last, just like in basketball. Unlike basketball, the line itself is considered part of the field so the ball isn’t out until it is completely out. In fact, hearkening back to high school geometry, the line is really a vertical plane which the ball must completely cross (whether it is on the ground or in the air) before it is actually out. Assume in Diagram I that the field is to the left of the touchline, and the spectators are to the right. Balls ’a’, ’b’, and ’c’ are all “in bounds”. Only ball ’d’ is completely over the touch line, and a throw-in is awarded to the team that didn’t touch it last.
• This reinforces why spectators should remain at least three feet outside the boundary lines, giving players room to play a ball that is still in bounds. There will be many spectators, some players and a few coaches who will not know this rule. If any nonplayer touches the ball that isn’t out of bounds, it’s ok to stop play, award a throw-in as if the ball went out, and to politely instruct the spectators about the rule.
• Sometimes you will not be able to see which team touched the ball last. You can ask the players or spectators (they are generally honest), you can guess (keeps the game moving), or you can choose to award the ball to the defending team (less likely to cause damage if the call is incorrect).
• The throw-in should be taken approximately where the ball went out; it’s not necessary to be precise (keep the game moving). A legal throw-in means the player
• · Keeps both feet touching the ground either on or behind the touch line (yes, they can step on the line during the throw-in). Both feet should remain touching the ground after release of the ball.
• · Uses a single fluid motion, starting with the ball behind the head.
• · Faces the direction of the throw
• · Uses both hands equally
• These restrictions to the throw-in seem entirely unnatural to kids raised on baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, you name it. Some will hop, some will throw with their primary hand, some attempt a chest pass. Depending on the age and experience of the players, you may allow the player multiple attempts until they get it correct, or you may allow one retry, or you may award the throw to the opposing team if a violation occurs.
• Regardless, you shouldn’t ignore violations on throw-ins – this is an ideal moment for teaching the proper technique. Most players beyond 3rd grade immediately understand how to properly throw the ball in when they are given a second chance.
• Note that either team may call for a substitution before a throw-in is taken.

Goal kick

• When the attacking team is the last to touch a ball that goes (completely) over the end line, a goal kick is awarded to the defending team. The ball is placed anywhere on the goal box (the small box surrounding the goal) and kicked from there to restart play. Any one of the defending team’s players may take the kick, the goal keeper, a defender, whomever.
• Any number of players from the defending team may be inside the penalty area (the big box surrounding the goal) during the taking of the goal kick. The ball must not be touched by a second player (of either team) until it leaves the penalty area.
• If the ball stops before leaving the penalty area, or if it is touched before it leaves the area, award another attempt at the goal kick.
• For smaller players, use your discretion to allow the goal kicks to be taken from a point outside the goal box but still inside the penalty area. Note that either team may call for  permission to substitute before a goal kick is taken.

Corner kick

• When the defending team is the last to touch a ball that goes over the end line, a corner
• kick is awarded to the attacking team. The ball should be placed in the corner nearest to
• where it went out of bounds. Defenders must be a safe distance away from the kick (10
• yards on full sized fields, your discretion at the youth level). The kick can go any
• direction the kicker chooses, and sometimes does. Should the kick go out of bounds over
• the end line, a goal kick is awarded to the defending team (no do-overs on corner kicks).
• The corner kick is “direct” meaning that if it curves into the goal without touching any
• players, it counts as a goal. The ball must touch another player before the player taking
• the corner kick can touch it again. Note that neither team may call for a substitution
• during a corner kick situation. Note also that the attacking team is not required to wait
• for the defending team to be ready before taking the kick.

Free kick

• Infractions that occur outside the defending team’s penalty area are awarded either a
• direct or indirect free kick. A direct kick means that the ball may be kicked directly into
• the goal without first touching another player. Indirect means that the ball must touch a
• second player (from either team) before going into the goal. The ball is placed close to
• where the infraction occurred (like throw-ins the placement isn’t that crucial). Players
• from the opposing team must be a safe distance from the ball (10 yards on full sized
• fields, your discretion on youth fields). The free kick may go any direction, and the
• kicking team does not need to wait for the opposing team to be ready.
• Direct kicks are awarded for a player intentionally handling the ball or for fouls where
• harm could reasonably be expected to come to another player. For example, kicking,
• pushing, tripping, or grabbing another player are all penalized by direct kicks. It is vital
• that you explain to the offending player the exact reason for the penalty. At your
• discretion, you may send the player off the field for five or ten minutes to contemplate his
• or her actions, or for the remainder of the game if you think the player can’t continue to
• play safely. Such fouls are extremely rare in Rainbow soccer.
• Note that intentionally handling the ball is a foul (direct kick). Unintentionally handling
• a ball is not. Intention is determined at the discretion of the referee. Sometimes you’ll
• hear “if the ball plays the hand” it’s not a foul, but if the “hand plays the ball” it is. Again,
• this is at your discretion. If you decide not to call a hand ball, it’s often useful to say,
• “play on” or “keep playing”. Many players stop playing the moment they touch the ball
• with their hand, but they should get used to playing on until they hear the whistle.
• Other offenses, including dangerous play, obstruction (blocking a player when you don’t
• have control of the ball), goal keeper handling a ball that has been intentionally passed to
• him or her, etc. award a free indirect kick to the opposing team. An indirect kick must
• touch a second player from either team before scoring a goal. If an indirect kick is kicked
• directly into the goal, a goal kick is awarded to the defending team. The first touch made
• in an indirect kick doesn’t need to even move the ball; often one player will simply touch
• it before his or her teammate strikes the ball.
• Note that dangerous play is awarded an indirect kick, but pushing, kicking, tripping,
• jumping at, or spitting at are awarded direct kicks. Dangerous play might be colliding
• with another player in an uncontrolled manner, or it might be kicking at a ball that is
• above the waist. It can be considered dangerous to head a ball that is near the ground that
• one might expect to be kicked (putting one’s self in danger is a foul). In Rainbow soccer,
• bicycle kicks and sliding tackles are considered dangerous play. These fouls are called at
• your discretion; you’ll find that calling dangerous play tightly will maintain order and
• safety. Use the foul as a chance to teach if you wish – suggesting that high kickers play
• the ball with a chest trap rather than the foot.
• Note that the offside rule applies in free kick situations.

Penalty kick

• When an infraction that would incur a direct kick is committed by a defending team, in
• their own penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded. The ball is placed on the penalty mark
• (about 10 to 12 yards from the goal depending on field size). Any player from the
• attacking team may take the kick. The goal keeper must remain even with the goal line
• until the kick is taken (they can move laterally along the line, or jump up and down if
• they wish). All other players must be outside the penalty area, and outside the semi circle
• behind the penalty mark. The kick taker must wait for your whistle before kicking the
• ball, giving you time to explain to the keeper what they must do and making sure the
• keeper is ready. Once you blow the whistle, the kick may be taken, and it is “live” after
• that. This means that if the keeper blocks the shot, or if it ricochets off the post or cross
• bar, then it is in play. Just like all other restarts, a second player (possibly the keeper)
• must touch the ball before the penalty kicker can touch the ball a second time.

Drop ball

• In situations where a restart is needed but does not fall into one of the above categories, a
• drop ball is used to begin play again. For example, if you stop play for an injury, or if the
• ball suddenly deflates, or if you just can’t decide who should be awarded a throw-in, use a
• drop ball. At the youth level, drop balls should be avoided if possible. They are an
• opportunity for both players to completely miss the ball and kick each other hard in the
• knee. The rule says one player from each team (it need not be a player involved in a prior
• dispute if that’s the reason for the drop ball) is chosen and stands on either side of you.
• It’s wise to remind both players that the ball must touch the ground before either player
• kicks it. The rule doesn’t, however, say that you must drop the ball between the two
• players. If you feel it is safer to throw the ball in another direction, or if you think it is
• “more fair” to do so (because one team clearly had possession before the stoppage), it is
• at your discretion.

Offside

• The reason for the offside rule is to prevent a player from camping out near the
• opponent’s goal in the hopes of getting a long pass and only needing to beat the goal
• keeper to score. Remembering that the idea is to prevent this “cherry picking” will help
• in application of the offside rule.
• A player is in “an offside position” if he or she is on the opponent’s half of the field and is
• closer to the opponent’s goal line than the ball and the “second to last defender”. That is,
• if there are two defenders (counting the goal keeper) between player A and the goal line,
• then player A is not in an offside position. If player A is in possession of the ball, then A
• is not in an offside position regardless of where the defenders are. See diagram II for
• examples of offside positions.
• In these diagrams, X, Y, and Z are defending the top goal, A, B, and C are defending the
• bottom goal. In diagram II-a, player A is in an offside position because A is on the
• opponent’s half of the field, and neither the ball, nor two defenders are closer to the goal
• line defended by XYZ. In diagram II-b, A is not in an offside position. Although A is on
• the opponent’s half, and there is only one defender between A and the goal line, the ball is
• also between A and the goal line, so A is not in an offside position. In diagram II-c, A is
• not in an offside position because A is not on the opponent’s half of the field. In diagram
• II-d, A is in an offside position.
• Notice that we’ve specifically said, “in an offside position”. If A is in an offside position
• at the moment the ball is passed to A, then A should be whistled for offside. You
• shouldn’t whistle A for offside in II-a and II-d until that the ball is passed to A. In other
• words, if B dribbles the ball forward, or passes to some other on-side teammate, it doesn’t
• matter that A is in an offside position, don’t blow the whistle.
• An important distinction is this. If A is in an onside position (perhaps as in II-c above)
• and a through pass is made (perhaps from B into the opponent’s half of the field), player
• A may begin to run past all defenders as soon as B strikes the ball. When player A
• receives the pass, he or she might be past all defenders, but A is not offside. This is
• consistent. Offside is judged at the moment the ball is struck, not at the moment it is
• received.
• The offside rule is not enforced on throw-ins, corner kicks, and goal kicks. As soon as
• the ball is touched after a throw-in, corner kick or goal kick, then the offside rule should
• go back into enforcement.
• A deflection by a defender does not cancel an offside call. For example in II-a above if B
• attempts to pass the ball to A, and in doing so the ball glances off Z, A should still be
• whistled for offside.
• This description of offside is simplified (believe it or not) and you shouldn’t worry about
• the various nuances to begin with. Call offside only if you see it. When you do see it, it’s
• important to call because many a game is decided on offside situations.
• In professional soccer, the assistant referee is mainly there to call out of bounds plays and
• to call offside – and only for one half of the field. And even at the highest levels of
• soccer, the call is misapplied frequently. The reason is not that the referee is poorly
• trained, or corrupt, but because the rule is difficult to apply. Referring to II-d above, the
• referee or assistant referee must see that A is in an offside position, must see where the
• second to last defender (Z) is, in this case all the way across the field from A, and must
• note their positions when the ball is struck by B. As a lone referee on the field, you’ll
• probably have your attention on B and the ball, so unless you have eyes in the back and
• on the side of your head, offside will always be difficult to call.
• Note that when you blow the whistle for offside, you should blow it loud. It’s often a
• situation where the attacker has the ball and has only the keeper to beat. If the keeper
• hears the whistle and relaxes, but the attacker doesn’t, an injury can easily occur.
• Note also that offside is not pronounced “offsides“. Good luck.

Fouls

• Unlike basketball, the occurrence of a foul won’t always stop the game in soccer. If, in
• your estimation, the fouled team is better off not stopping play, then don’t blow the
• whistle. For example, a player from team A handles the ball but it bounces directly to a
• player from team B who controls the ball and starts dribbling forward. There is no need
• to stop the game. The official indication that you saw a foul and chose not to call it is to
• point both arms in the direction that the fouled team is attacking. Many players and
• coaches won’t understand your signal, so it helps to say, “play on”, or “keep playing”.
• The abbreviation for this concept is “advantage”.
• In order for you to determine “advantage”, you might, and probably should, not be too
• quick with the whistle. It’s perfectly ok to wait a few seconds after a foul before blowing
• the whistle if there is some reason for you to think the fouled team will have an
• advantage by playing on. If you do let play continue after an aggressive foul, it is
• advisable to wait until play stops naturally, then deal with the player who committed the
• foul. Just because advantage is called doesn’t mean the fouling player shouldn’t be
• warned or sent off.
• Some fouls are obvious – pushing, kicking, tripping, pulling, inappropriate language,
• disrespect for other players or the referee. Some are more subtle.
• If a player shields the ball from an opponent, that is legal. If the player blocks, obstructs,
• or impedes another player, that is a foul (indirect kick). The difference between shielding
• and obstructing depends on how close the player is to the ball. If player A is close
• enough to reach the ball with the foot, then player A is allowed to position himself or
• herself between the ball and the opponent. Player A need not be touching the ball, but
• must be able to touch it when shielding legally.
• In youth soccer, a ball above the waist should not be played with the feet (dangerous
• play, indirect kick). This restricts some spectacular plays and restricts some equally
• spectacular injuries. Suggest to the fouling player that they use their head or chest
• instead.
• Jumping at a player is a foul (direct kick) that is seldom seen in youth soccer. Jumping or
• otherwise attempting to disrupt the goal keeper’s punt or throw (indirect kick) is more
• common. Attempting to disrupt a throw-in from the touch line is also not allowed.
• Occasionally, a keeper will place the ball on the ground, then pick it back up. More
• often, the keeper will simply drop a ball he or she meant to punt, then try to pick it back
• up again. This is a violation (indirect kick from the point of the foul) but you should use
• your discretion based on the experience level of the players to decide whether to whistle
• it. If you decide not to whistle, it’s still good to explain to the goal keeper that they aren’t
• allowed to do this. They may, however bounce and catch the ball as they run forward,
• and they may legally trap a shot with their feet or other body part, and then pick it up off
• the ground with their hands.
• Sometimes, inexperienced goal keepers will stop a ball (perhaps on a shot) and rather
• than punt or throw it, will place the ball down on the goal box. This ball is “live”
• meaning an attacking player can legally run up and kick the ball. It’s unfortunate for the
• goal keeper to do this, but it is also a lesson that is not soon forgotten. It is perfectly
• reasonable for you to instruct younger goal keepers on their options whenever they
• handle the ball, telling them to place the ball on the goal box, or telling them to run
• forward and punt or throw the ball if you aren’t sure they know what to do.
• If a teammate deliberately passes the ball with their feet (or on a throw-in) to the goal
• keeper, then the keeper may not touch that passed ball with their hands. The keeper can
• play the ball with his or her feet. The intent of the passer is important. If defender A is
• attempting to clear the ball from the penalty area and “whiffs”, barely touching the ball,
• the goal keeper can legally pick this ball up. Likewise, if the ball ricochets off a
• defender, the goal keeper can play the ball with his or her hands. Finally, a defender can
• head the ball to the goal keeper and the keeper can use their hands. The thing to
• remember is that at the Rainbow level, it is almost never the intention of a defender to
• play a ball to the goal keeper, so this a rare violation. The result of such a violation is an
• indirect kick awarded at the point where the goal keeper touched the ball.
• Note that fouls by the defending team that occur in the penalty area that would normally
• incur an indirect kick are not awarded a penalty kick. That is, indirect kicks can occur
• inside the penalty area too. If the foul resulting in an indirect kick occurs inside the goal
• box (the small box) place the ball at the closest point on the goal box for the indirect kick.

Injuries

• Do everything within reason to prevent serious injuries. Check that casts are wrapped
• with soft material and decide if you think they represent a danger to the player or to other
• players. Look for uneven spots on the field and ask Rainbow representatives to fill in as
• needed. Warn overly aggressive players that you are watching. Remind all players that
• their opponents are their friends. Blow the whistle like you mean it when it’s time to stop
• play; it’s dangerous when one player continues a hard run after not hearing the whistle.
• Don’t allow any player to hang on the crossbar of the goal. Send them off for five
• minutes to impress upon them the danger of this practice. Check the goal for proper
• anchors and notify the Rainbow representatives of any dangerous situation.
• Caution players who chase a ball into the road without looking for cars first. Keep
• spectators and equipment far enough from the sidelines to allow for safe play. Don’t
• allow spectators to remain along the goal lines, there are some mighty hard shots coming
• that direction. Make sure all players are wearing shin guards, and no dangling earrings.
• Use your discretion on watches, necklaces, and other jewelry. Send a player off for a
• substitute if they have trouble keeping their shoes tied – surprisingly, they learn to tie
• their shoes tight while sitting on the sideline. It’s not necessary to stop a game for one
• player to tie shoes, using your discretion as always.
• When an injury occurs during play, you should make a quick decision whether to stop
• play or not (restart with a drop ball if you stop play). Err on the side of caution and blow
• the whistle if you’re unsure. Encourage players who simply fall to get up quickly; they’re
• in less danger standing than lying down. Of course any serious injury should
• immediately stop play. Tell the other players to “take a knee” so that coaches or parents
• can attend to the injured player(s).

Coaches, Parents & Players

• Most of the coaches in Rainbow soccer spend time refereeing too, so they understand
• what you are up against. They should know that the referee is bound to miss a call.
• Furthermore, they should realize that many calls are at the discretion of the referee and
• allow for a different interpretation. If a coach questions a call during the game inform
• him or her that you will be glad to discuss it at halftime or after the game. You’re free, of
• course, to ignore the shouts from the sidelines, pretending not to hear. If you realize that
• you made an incorrect call, it’s ok to acknowledge it when it’s convenient. The coaches
• know that referees are volunteers just as they are. It helps to alleviate pressure by
• knowing the coach’s name, talking quietly outside of game time, and listening to the other
• person. If a dispute cannot be resolved, ask for assistance from a Rainbow
• representative.
• Smile at parent’s comments and refer them to their coach.
• Do your best to explain calls and rules to the players, as any other teacher would.
• Lessons learned on the playing field stick. Players should respect the referee regardless
• of disagreement. It seems to be more effective to whisper in a player’s ear than to
• confront the player in front of teammates. However, at your discretion, send a player off
• who is disrespectful.
• If one team clearly outmatches an opponent, it is not the responsibility of the referee to
• “even the playing field”. The behavior of players involved in a rout is not always
• exemplary. Those on the dominant side might taunt and those on the weaker side might
• show their frustration in inappropriate ways. At this point, whispering a warning in a
• player’s ear can be most effective. Hopefully, the coach of the stronger team can
• implement a strategy to slow her or his team down without causing further
• embarrassment to the opponents.

Conclusion

• Hopefully you have enough information now to decide whether to try being a Rainbow
• referee. You can ease into the job by refereeing a scrimmage for your child’s team. Or
• you can just jump in and get your feet wet. Give it a few tries before making a decision,
• and start with younger ages if you’re not sure at first.
• You can get more information from Rainbow soccer. You should also attend a referee
• workshop usually held near the beginning of the season. Finally, the references section
• below lists sites for further learning.
• A good referee is greatly appreciated by coaches, players and parents. Regardless of
• what happens, we all want the players to have some fun, learn a bit about soccer, get
• healthy exercise, and stay safe. As referee, you contribute substantially to the success of
• this effort. Thanks!

Quick Reference Card (3rd Grade – 9th Grade)

• Safety
• · Before the game check the field for debris, move spectators 3 ft from sidelines, no
• one near the end lines, goals are properly anchored.
• · Whistle dangerous plays, high kicks, and unsportsmanlike behavior.
• · All players should have shin guards, shoes tied, no dangling jewelry.
• Out of bounds plays
• · Ball must be completely over the plane of the line to be out.
• · On throw-in, both feet must remain touching the ground, on or behind the touch
• line. Both hands start the throw from behind the head. Ok to award a “do-over”,
• depending on skill level.
• · Defensive player last to touch ball over end line means a corner kick.
• · Offensive player last to touch ball over end line means goal kick. Goal kick must
• clear the penalty area before anyone touches it (otherwise do-over).
• Penalties
• · Direct kick for handling the ball intentionally. Also for tripping, grabbing,
• hitting, slide tackling, spitting, or kicking another player. Direct kick need not
• touch a second player before scoring.
• · Indirect kick for other fouls, high kicks (that don’t connect with another player),
• interfering with a throw-in or punt, offside, etc. Please whistle dangerous play.
• · Fouls committed in the penalty area that would be awarded a direct kick get a
• penalty kick. Any player on team may take the kick, only the kicker and the
• keeper in the penalty area. Keeper must remain on the goal line until kick taken.
• · Explain all fouls to the players involved
• · Study the offside rule – no offside on throw-in, goal kick, or corner kick. Whistle
• offside when a player is in the opponent’s half of the field, does not have either
• the ball, or two defenders between him/her and the opponent’s goal line at the
• moment the ball is passed to him/her, and gains strategic advantage from his/her
• position (i.e. is passed the ball).
• · Don’t call it if you don’t see it
• Special Rainbow Rules
• · 3rd/4th grade 20-25 minute halves, 5th-9th grade 25-30 minute halves.
• · Either coach may call for substitution on any goal kick, throw-in, after a goal is
• scored, or for an injured player. No subs when play is stopped for corner kicks or
• free kicks.
• References
• http://www.drblank.com/slaws.htm
• http://www.rainbowsoccer.org
• http://www.ucs.mun.ca/~dgraham/lotg/
• RAINBOW SOCCER REFEREE GUIDE
• The Rainbow Soccer referee is a coach on the field, so no matter what league is playing, keep the
• emphasis on having fun and playing with finesse, skill, and as a member of a team. Teach as you
• referee, explaining your calls. Also, keep the game on schedule so that the game ends on time. You
• can pick up a whistle from the Rainbow Soccer staff member at your field.
• PEEPERS AND PIPPINS: Two 15-20 minute halves, 6 v 6.
• -Help line players up to start the game.
• -Have parents stand along the sidelines (not behind the goals) to help keep the ball in play.
• -For Pippins (and Peepers later in the season), when the ball gets through the parental lines,
• demonstrate throw-ins and help the child with the motion.
• - There are NO GOALIES for Peeper or Pippin games. No players should be “hanging out” in front
• of the goal.
• -After a player has tried to kick a goal and the ball goes over the end line, there is a “goal” kick by
• the other team. Please back up the offense at least ten feet, so they are not crowding the kicker.
• -Do not change ends at half time.
• -Bunching is an additional call available if kids are so bunched that they’re likely to kick each other.
• Use alternating possessions after a bunching call.
• -Game must end on time, even if it starts late. There is one hour alloted for games, e.g.,
• PREMIER CO-ED AND GIRLS — 1st & 2nd Grades: Two 20-25 minute halves, 7 v 7.
• -Change ends at half time.
• -Whistle illegal throw-ins, especially early in the game, allowing a second chance after explaining
• how to do it correctly. Remind the players that the ball must touch another player before the thrower
• can play it.
• -Call high kicks and dangerous plays. No slide tackles allowed in Rainbow Soccer (even as an
• attempt to stop a ball from crossing a line of play).
• -Make sure opposing players are out of the goal box on a goal kick.
• -A corner kick must be played by another player before the kicker can touch it again.
• -Call blatant offsides and teach the basic concept of offsides (see more on this below). There are no
• offsides on throw-ins, corner kicks, or goal kicks.
• -In Rainbow any bad sportsmanship, verbal or physical, is a foul. For a player, it is an indirect kick.
• If a parent or spectator exhibits bad sportsmanship, they will be asked to take a time out and leave
• the field until they calm down.
• PELE CO-ED AND GIRLS — 3rd and 4th Grades: Two 20-25 minute halves, 7 v 7.
• Same as Premier, plus:
• -More emphasis on staying on-sides and on making correct throw-ins (see more about off-sides &
• throw-ins below) .
• -Pay closer attention to rough and dangerous play. Whistle dangerous plays, high kicks, slides, and
• award ball to opposing team.
• CLIPPER & MIDDLEY CO-ED AND GIRLS — 5th -9th grades: Two 20-25 minute halves, 7-on-7.
• -FIFA Laws apply, so call the fouls, especially pushing and kicking. Do explain the infraction to the
• players.
• -Remind the goalie that he/she has to release the ball in 4-5 seconds.
• Keep the emphasis on teamwork and having fun, good sportsmanship.
• WISELY — 10th Grade and older: Two 35-40 minute halves, 11-on-11.
• -The goalie cannot pick up a ball kicked back or thrown in to him by a teammate. The resulting
• infraction is a handball and gives the opposing team an indirect kick at the place the ball was
• handled.
• -EMPHASIZE good sportsmanship, good fun — non-aggressive play, fairly and cleanly.
• -The referee, coach or a teammate have the authority to send a player off the field for a 5-minute
• time out, and if necessary, to stop a game.
• -More detail on flyer: Rainbow Soccer: Wisely — A Non-Competitive League.
• _____________________________________________________________________________
• SOME LAWS OF THE GAME
• Offside:
• -No call if from goal kick, throw-in or corner kick.
• -No call if last attacker is in his side of the field.
• -No call if player in offside position at the time of a cross/pass by a teammate is not affecting the
• play.
• Throw-in:
• -Ball from behind and over the head, all the way. Throw, not drop or push, in one motion using both
• hands. Both feet on ground, on or behind the line.
• Indirect Kick Awarded for…
• -High kick.
• -Keeper holds ball in hands for over 10 seconds before releasing it.
• -Keeper hands the ball from a teammate’s pass.
• -Sliding… Even though many leagues allow sliding to stop the ball from crossing a line of play,
• providing there is no other player nearby, no slide tackles or sliding is allowed in Rainbow Soccer
• (even as an attempt to stop a ball from crossing a line of play).
• Direct Kick Awarded for…
• -Handball. Oh boy, this is a big one. Handball is only a punishable infraction with a direct kick if it’s
• deliberate, intentional, hand plays ball (not vice versa), purposefully, by design, wittingly, with
• volition, consciously…
• Substitutions
• -The referee is informed before any substitution is allowed. Substitutions are permitted on any
• throw-in and goal kick, after a goal, during half-time, and for an injured player.
• Quick Reference Card (3rd Grade – 9th Grade)
• Safety
• · Before the game check the field for debris, move spectators 3 ft from sidelines, no
• one near the end lines, goals are properly anchored.
• · Whistle dangerous plays, high kicks, and unsportsmanlike behavior.
• · All players should have shin guards, shoes tied, no dangling jewelry.
• Out of bounds plays
• · Ball must be completely over the plane of the line to be out.
• · On throw-in, both feet must remain touching the ground, on or behind the touch
• line. Both hands start the throw from behind the head. Ok to award a “do-over”,
• depending on skill level.
• · Defensive player last to touch ball over end line means a corner kick.
• · Offensive player last to touch ball over end line means goal kick. Goal kick must
• clear the penalty area before anyone touches it (otherwise do-over).
• Penalties
• · Direct kick for handling the ball intentionally. Also for tripping, grabbing,
• hitting, slide tackling, spitting, or kicking another player. Direct kick need not
• touch a second player before scoring.
• · Indirect kick for other fouls, high kicks (that don’t connect with another player),
• interfering with a throw-in or punt, offside, etc. Please whistle dangerous play.
• · Fouls committed in the penalty area that would be awarded a direct kick get a
• penalty kick. Any player on team may take the kick, only the kicker and the
• keeper in the penalty area. Keeper must remain on the goal line until kick taken.
• · Explain all fouls to the players involved
• · Study the offside rule – no offside on throw-in, goal kick, or corner kick. Whistle
• offside when a player is in the opponent’s half of the field, does not have either
• the ball, or two defenders between him/her and the opponent’s goal line at the
• moment the ball is passed to him/her, and gains strategic advantage from his/her
• position (i.e. is passed the ball).
• · Don’t call it if you don’t see it
• Special Rainbow Rules
• · 3rd/4th grade 20-25 minute halves, 5th-9th grade 25-30 minute halves.
• · Either coach may call for substitution on any goal kick, throw-in, after a goal is
• scored, or for an injured player. No subs when play is stopped for corner kicks or
• free kicks.
• Rainbow Soccer: Wisely: A Non-Competitive League
• Overall Philosophy: The Wisely League provides an environment for soccer players of a wide
• range of ages and abilities to play in a non-competitive atmosphere. The spirit of play should be
• fun, fair and free of injury. Aggression, whether in play or attitude, has no place in this league.
• General Principles of Play: Due to the philosophy of this league, there are additional rules for
• the Rainbow League that augment normal rules of soccer.
• • Physical contact between players is to be avoided.
• • Slide tackling is prohibited
• • The playing of the ball while a player is on the ground is prohibited
• • Offensive language and aggressive talk between players is prohibited.
• • Overly aggressive play of any description is to be discouraged
• ** Below there is a more detailed list of ‘Rainbow Fouls’**
• Coaches Responsibility:
• A responsibility of Coaches is to inform and educate members of their team of these principles of
• play at all times. If players do not abide by these principles, Coaches are asked to remove the
• players from the game.
• New responsibilities for coaches:
• 1) Help improve the quality of league reffing. Encourage at least one player on your team to
• become a ref.
• 2) After each game, email the league a score for the ref of your game. Score from 1 – 5:
• 1. The ref was terrible and the game was out of control and dangerous as a result
• 2. The ref made many major mistakes, the game was reasonably safe, but not fun
• 3. The ref made a few major mistakes and many minor mistakes, the game was safe and
• fun
• 4. The ref made many minor mistakes, the game was safe and fun
• 5. The ref made a few minor mistakes, the game was safe and fun
• 3) Keep your players calm at all times. Zero tolerance for verbal abuse of officials. Remind your
• team that officials are unpaid volunteers, and that without them the players would have to ref
• the games themselves rather than play. Express your frustration in the feedback you give after
• the game.
• Referees Responsibility:
• Referees will officiate games with these principles in mind. If any of these rules are broken,
• Referees are encouraged to stop play and provide the players with a warning by reminding them
• of these rules. Referees are also encouraged to stop play if they perceive there is danger of injury
• occurring.
• If Referees identify players that are persistent in breaking these rules, they will require the players
• to substitute out of the game for a ‘cool down’ period (5 mins), or for longer where necessary.
• New responsibilities for refs:
• 1. Carry yellow / red cards. Show a yellow for all infractions that result in a player being asked to
• sit out for 5 minutes.
• 2. Record the name of any player receiving a yellow / red card. Email this information to the
• league after the game.
• Rainbow Soccer Rules:
• The discussion below lists some common cases of “Rainbow fouls.” However, players and
• coaches are asked to avoid all forms of rough play, and referees may use their discretion to
• enforce the spirit of the Wisely league.
• New responsibilities for the league:
• 1. Buy yellow / red cards and make them available to the refs at game time.
• 2. Tabulate feedback about refs and players receiving cards. Take action when it becomes
• apparent that a particular ref or player is hurting the league.
• Balls in the air:
• Players must jump straight up.
• Players may not push or nudge other player to gain better position.
• Violations of these rules result in a direct free kick. If multiple players violate this rule, play should
• be stopped and restarted with a drop ball.
• Loose balls:
• Players may run to, and play, loose balls. However, player may NOT play through them.
• Players may not play loose balls with “cleats up” unless they are far clear from other players.
• Note: standard soccer rule allow players to collide with other players, provided they first touch the ball. In
• Rainbow, strong contact is to be avoided always, so if a player causes a heavy collision with another
• player, even after touching the ball, he/she will be called for a foul. Very light contact may be permitted at
• the referee’s discretion. This applies both to loose balls and to dribblers. PLAYERS CREATING
• CONTACT WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE COMMITED A FOUL, EVEN IF THEY TOUCH THE BALL.
• Defending a dribbler:
• Shoulder charges and other forms of contact are prohibited.
• Defenders may not bump or “body” a dribbler.
• Violations result in a direct free kick.
• Referee note: in Rainbow, it is very difficult for a defender to take the ball from a dribbler going sideways or
• backwards. Attempts to do so typically result in contact. Referees are encouraged to control on-ball
• challenges early in the game, as they tend to escalate as the game proceeds.
• Please note that physical contact between players is always to be avoided. Obstruction (impeding
• the progress of another player) is out (it’s a foul), elbows need to stay by your sides and please
• play on your feet (no slide tackles). And VERY IMPORTANT… all players need to protect the
• goalie: Goalies are particularly vulnerable. Players must NEVER charge at the goalie. If the goalie
• bobbles a ball, an offensive player may attempt to play the ball PROVIDED HE/SHE REMAINS IN
• CONTROL AND DOES NOT PUT THE GOALIE IN DANGER. Referees are advised to stop play
• immediately if goalie injury is threatened. However, goalies are also Rainbow players, and must
• also play in control at all times. They must play the ball, and not obstruct players. DON’T EVER
• TOUCH THE GOALIE!

 

Key Goals

Before the game starts

Game on

• Blow your whistle and get ready to run. Coaches, players and spectators will respect a referee who hustles.
• If you notice a player doing things that are questionable it’s ok to whisper in their ear, or get their attention and let them know you are watching them. Proactive refereeing works.
• It’s common practice not to stop the half when a team is in the midst of an attack or a corner kick. Better to wait until the ball is in some non threatening situation, somewhere in midfield, or out of bounds.

……