Here’s a concise, parent‑friendly summary of the Region 73 6U and 8U information you pasted, organized so you can quickly see what matters for your player.

Age divisions & teams

• Age division chart and exact birthdate ranges are under the PARENTS menu on the Region 73 site.

• Jamboree is the youngest division; then 6U, 8U, 10U and up.

• Teams are formed after registration closes; coaches get rosters and then contact parents.

• Team volunteers should be identified early (Team Manager, Team Referee, Youth Referee, others) so they can start training.

Volunteer & safety requirements

• All coaches must complete: Safe Haven, CDC concussion awareness, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, and age‑appropriate coach training on AYSOU.

• All volunteers (including team parents) must register and complete required certifications; ask regional admins if unsure.

• Kids Zone rules apply on all fields with zero tolerance for poor sideline behavior.

6U rules (high level)

• Format: 4 v 4, no goalkeepers, maximum 6 players on the roster; standard AYSO uniform.

• Game day: 20‑minute training session, followed by 2 x 10‑minute free‑play “scrimmage,” with about a 5‑minute halftime.

• No standings: scores on lineup cards can be noted for fun but do not count— “all teams win.”

• All free kicks are indirect, opponents about 10 feet away.

• Restarts are very flexible: goal kicks, corner kicks, and throw‑ins are not mandatory; kick‑ins, dribble‑ins, or roll‑ins are allowed based on the child’s ability.

• No goalkeepers, no dropped balls, and no headers.

Example: On a 6U throw‑in, if kids struggle to throw over their head, the coach can let them kick or dribble the ball in instead.

8U rules (high level)

• Training: one practice during the week; scrimmage on game day.

• Philosophy: no winning or losing; all players “win” and development is the priority.

• Format: 4 v 4 preferred with 6‑player rosters; if more players, play 5 v 5 with up to 8 on the roster; no goalkeeper.

• Duration: 2 x 20‑minute halves, 5–10-minute halftime, ~10‑minute “quarters” for substitution tracking.

• All restarts are indirect free kicks; opponents 5 yards away on free kicks, goal kicks, and corners.

• Fouls are called mainly for safety (pushing, pulling, kicking, deliberate handling, dangerous play), but referees are encouraged to let the game flow when safe.

• No yellow/red cards for kids in 6U/8U; behavior is handled with coaching, but coaches/parents can be sanctioned if they behave badly.

Rules common to 6U & 8U

• Lineup cards (ALUC):

  • Must be completed before the game, ideally at home.

  • List all players on the full roster in jersey‑number order, even if absent (write “ABSENT”).

  • Mark: “X” when a player sits out a quarter, “L” for late, “I” for injury, and explain injuries or early departures on the back.

  • Coach signs after the game; a certified Team Manager may handle and submit cards.

• Playing time:

  • Region goal: every player should play 3 quarters when possible; no player plays 4 quarters unless everyone has 3 (illness/injury excepted).

• Substitutions:

  • Quick substitution breaks halfway through each half (clock runs), plus halftime; breaks are not coaching time.

• Ball & equipment:

  • Ball size #3.

  • Required: AYSO uniform (jersey, shorts, socks), shin guards under socks, soccer cleats recommended.

• Restarts & out‑of‑play:

  • Ball is out when it fully crosses touchline or goal line, or when the whistle stops play.

  • Throw‑ins: basic over‑the‑head motion; minor technical issues are ignored to keep play going. Opponents 10 feet away.

  • Goal kicks from goal area; ball in play when kicked and clearly moves.

  • Corners from near the corner; ball in play when kicked and clearly moves.

• Safety:

  • No headers at these ages; stop play and check the player if a header occurs.

  • For any injury, stop immediately and check the child—advantage is not a priority at this age.

Quick 6U vs 8U snapshot

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