Helena Frye
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has been a youth sports staple since its founding in 1888. AAU basketball is a great way to sharpen skills and gain exposure to recruiters. To sign up, you'll need to purchase a membership. Memberships last from September 1 to August 31 and cost $20-$35 for adults and $20-$22 for youth athletes. After purchasing a membership, you can join an existing AAU club or form a new team. However, AAU basketball can be costly, with additional expenses for travel, hotels, and admission. It's important to do your research and consider your child's preferences when choosing a coach or team.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Membership type | Youth, adult, coach, club |
| Membership cost | Youth: $20-$22, Adult: $20-$35, Coach/Admin: $55-$79, Youth club: $30, Adult club: $50 |
| Membership period | 1 September to 31 August |
| Age groups | 7 and under to 20 years old |
| Insurance | Up to $50,000-$100,000 for sports accidents during AAU-licensed events |
| Travel | Expect to pay at least double the sign-up fee in travel expenses |
| Competition | High level of competition, with constant defensive pressure |
| Specialization | Risk of injury and reduced adaptability from specializing in one sport |
| Coaching quality | Varies widely; some coaches may prioritize winning over player development |
| Team formation | Easy to form a new team if desired |
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What You'll Learn
Membership types and costs
There are several types of AAU membership, each with its own cost structure. An annual adult membership for a specific sport costs between $20 and $35 per year. For youth athletes, the membership costs $20 to $22 a year. Coaches and admin staff must pay between $55 and $79 for their membership. Youth club fees are $30 a year, while adult club fees are $50.
AAU membership lasts for one year, from September 1 to August 31. It is important to note that some sports may play year-round. When the membership expires, you must renew it to maintain eligibility for AAU play.
In addition to the standard membership, there is also an Extended Benefit Membership option, which provides additional coverage for non-AAU events under certain circumstances. This type of membership is not available for all adult sports, so it is important to check with your club administrator or coach to ensure you select the correct coverage type.
AAU membership provides access to a range of benefits, including sports accident insurance of up to $50,000 to $100,000 for sport-related accidents during AAU-licensed events. Members also enjoy special offers from AAU partners, such as discounts, special rates, and fundraising opportunities.
It is worth noting that AAU basketball can be quite expensive, with additional costs for travel, hotels, and admission. These extra expenses can add up, so it is important to consider your budget when signing up for AAU basketball.
AAU clubs can be found using the AAU Club Locator tool on the AAU website. This tool allows you to search for clubs in your area by entering your sport and zip code. When choosing a club, it is important to consider the travel expectations and frequency of play to ensure it aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.
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Finding a club
To sign up for an AAU basketball club, you must first obtain an AAU membership. The AAU, or Amateur Athletic Union, has been a youth sports staple since 1888. AAU membership lasts from September 1 to August 31 of the following year and costs $20-$22 annually for youth athletes, $20-$35 per year for adults, and $55-$79 for coaches and admins.
Once you have your AAU membership, you can join an existing AAU club or form a new team. AAU basketball clubs can be found by using the AAU Club Locator, which requires your AAU login information, sport, and zip code. When choosing a club, it is important to consider the level of competition and the amount of travel required, as some teams travel more frequently than others. It is also crucial to evaluate the quality of coaching, as there can be a wide variance in coaching ability and style.
AAU basketball clubs offer the opportunity to play against strong competition and gain exposure to recruiters. However, it is important to be aware of the financial investment required, as travel expenses can add up quickly. Additionally, some critics argue that the ease of starting an AAU basketball team has negatively impacted youth basketball development, as anyone can coach a team regardless of experience or qualifications.
When deciding on a club, it is recommended to meet coaches, talk to parents, and consider your child's preferences. Evaluating the playing style and philosophy of the club is also important, as some teams focus on defensive pressure and constant pressing, which may not suit every player's development.
AAU basketball clubs provide a pathway for young athletes aspiring to compete at higher levels, including college basketball. The exposure gained through competing against other AAU teams in your region can enhance recruitment opportunities.
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Travel and costs
When it comes to travel and costs, there are several factors to consider when signing up for AAU basketball. Firstly, it's important to determine how often your athlete will be on the road and how frequently the chosen club plays at home. This consideration can significantly impact your travel costs and the overall time commitment required. Some AAU basketball teams may require extensive travel, including tournaments and competitions in different cities or states. These travel expenses can quickly add up, and it is not uncommon for travel costs to exceed the initial sign-up fee. Therefore, it is essential to factor in transportation, accommodation, and admission fees when planning your budget.
AAU basketball typically involves a continual financial investment. In addition to the sign-up fees, there may be costs associated with equipment, uniforms, and other team expenses. It is worth noting that AAU clubs may charge additional fees for exposure opportunities, which may not always guarantee exposure to coaches or scouts. As a parent or guardian, it is important to research and carefully evaluate the financial commitments required by the AAU club before signing up.
AAU basketball can provide a great platform for young athletes to develop their skills and compete against talented players. However, it is important to be mindful of the potential financial burden. To make an informed decision, it is advisable to meet with coaches, talk to other parents, and consider your child's preferences. Additionally, it is worth exploring alternative options such as recreational leagues, which can offer a more affordable and well-rounded athletic experience for your child.
While travel can be a significant aspect of AAU basketball, it is important to prioritize your child's overall well-being and ensure they have a positive and enjoyable athletic experience. This may involve encouraging them to play multiple sports and giving their bodies adequate rest. By carefully considering the travel requirements, associated costs, and potential alternatives, you can make a well-informed decision about signing up for AAU basketball.
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Benefits of AAU
AAU basketball, or Amateur Athletic Union basketball, is one of the largest non-profit, volunteer sports organizations in the United States. It has been around for over 200 years and has over 700,000 members nationwide. AAU basketball has been subject to criticism, but it also has several benefits for young athletes.
AAU basketball provides an opportunity for kids to get active and stay out of trouble. AAU tournaments and games are often huge national games, offering exposure to anyone wanting to watch elite players. AAU players get to travel to different cities and states, gaining experience and confidence. AAU basketball also provides a chance for young players to build relationships, make friends, and learn from different coaches.
AAU basketball is competitive, and players will face adversity and tough losses. This teaches young players to overcome obstacles and learn important life lessons. AAU players must earn their playing time, points, rebounds, and wins, which is a great lesson for later on in life when adults must compete for jobs, awards, and salary raises. AAU basketball also offers the opportunity to implement skills learned in practice in a full-speed environment against great competition.
AAU basketball is a fantastic opportunity for players who want to play beyond the high school level. AAU gives older players the opportunity to be seen by many college coaches in short periods of time. This is especially beneficial for players who want to play in college.
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Registration and renewal
To sign up for AAU basketball, you need to register for AAU membership. AAU membership lasts for one year, from September 1 to August 31. There are different types of membership: youth, adult, coach, and club. You can sign up for membership on the AAU membership page, where you will be directed to the AAU signup page. Here, you select the type of membership you want and fill out the required information.
Membership costs vary depending on the type of membership. Youth athletes pay $20-$22 a year, adults pay $20-$35 a year, coaches and admin staff pay $55-$79, youth clubs pay $30 a year, and adult clubs pay $50 a year.
AAU club membership is not renewable, but you can purchase it for one, two, or three years. Once you have your AAU membership ID, you can apply for club membership.
AAU membership comes with several benefits, including sports accident insurance of up to $50,000 for AAU-licensed events. You can also purchase extended benefit membership to be protected while playing in non-AAU events under certain circumstances.
AAU basketball teams can be found by searching "AAU basketball team + [area or city]". AAU has a webpage to help parents and players find a local AAU basketball team, but many teams and organizations are not official AAU basketball teams or clubs, so they will not show up in those results.
AAU basketball can be expensive, with additional costs for travel, hotels, and admission. It is important to research and consider the financial investment required.
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Frequently asked questions
To sign up for AAU basketball, you must first purchase a membership. AAU offers youth, adult, and coach memberships. Once you have a membership, you can join an existing AAU club or form a new team.
Youth membership costs $20-$22 a year, adult membership costs $20-$35 per year, and coach and admin memberships cost $55-$79.
AAU members get the chance to play against the best and sharpen their skills, which increases their chances of being recruited. AAU also offers sports accident insurance of up to $50,000 for members participating in AAU-licensed events.
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has a webpage to help parents and players find a local AAU basketball team. You can also try searching "AAU basketball team + [area or city]" on Google.
AAU basketball can be beneficial for young athletes as it provides exposure and the opportunity to play against good competition. However, it can also be costly and time-consuming, with additional expenses for travel, hotels, and admission. Some parents have also expressed concerns about the quality of coaching and the potential for injury from specialization in a single sport. Ultimately, the decision to join AAU basketball depends on the individual's goals and circumstances.
