Helena Frye
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is a non-profit organisation that has been promoting and developing amateur sports in the United States since 1888. It is one of the largest multi-sport event organisations in the world, with nearly 700,000 members and 150,000 volunteers across 41 sports programs. AAU basketball is one of its most famous sports offerings, with several of the country's best athletes participating. To become a member of the AAU basketball association, one must register and pay the annual membership fee of $20 or $22. This membership lasts from September 1 to August 31 and covers all sports, so members can play as many as they like.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Membership Duration | One year, from September 1 to August 31 |
| Membership Cost | Youth: $20-$22, Adult: $20-$35, Coaches/Admin: $55-$79, Youth Clubs: $30, Adult Clubs: $50 |
| Age Groups | 7 and under to 20 for youth division, over 18 for adult membership |
| Sports | Basketball, volleyball, martial arts, and 37 others |
| Benefits | High-level competition, exposure to college coaches and recruiters, skill development, mental health resources |
| Challenges | Cost, frequent travel, lack of practice time, focus on winning over development |
| Membership Lookup | AAU provides a Club Locator tool to find clubs in your area |
| Divisions | Division 1 (elite players), Division 2 (strong players), Division 3 (developmental teams and newer players) |
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Membership types and costs
Membership in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is required for athletes and team members intending to compete in an event. The AAU offers various membership types, each with its own costs and benefits.
Youth Athlete Membership
The youth athlete membership is for children aged 7 to 20 who wish to compete in the youth division. The membership covers all sports, allowing kids to participate in as many sports as they like. The cost of youth athlete membership ranges from $20 to $22 per year.
Adult Athlete Membership
The adult athlete membership is for individuals over 18 years of age. Unlike the youth membership, adults must specify the sport they intend to participate in and purchase a separate membership for each sport. The cost of adult athlete membership ranges from $20 to $35 per year.
Coaches and Administrators Membership
Coaches, administrators, bench personnel, instructors, managers, officials, team leaders, tournament directors, and volunteers must also register for AAU membership. This type of membership is sport-specific, and the cost ranges from $55 to $79 per year.
Club Membership
Clubs or teams must register for AAU membership annually. There are three levels of AAU club membership. Level one includes basic membership benefits. Level two includes the ability to host a sanctioned sports event. Level three provides additional benefits such as the ability to apply for tax-exempt status and collect donations. The cost of club membership varies depending on the level and the age group. Youth club fees are $30 per year, while adult club fees are $50 per year. The highest club membership cost is $320 for a level three adult and youth combination membership.
International (Non-US) Membership
The AAU also offers an international membership option for those outside of the US, which costs $55. This membership includes extended coverage, allowing members to participate in non-AAU licensed events under certain circumstances.
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Finding a club
To become a member of the AAU Basketball Association, you must first register for AAU membership. This can be done via the AAU membership page, where you select the type of membership you want and fill out the required information.
AAU basketball welcomes both boys and girls, with programs available across the country. While urban areas tend to have more teams and resources, rural regions are increasingly expanding their offerings. Girls can play on boys' teams if no appropriate girls' team is available.
Before choosing a club, it is important to consider the practice and tournament schedule, location, and whether anything else is offered besides practices and tournaments, such as training, clinics, camps, or educational content.
To find a club, you can use the AAU Club Locator on the AAU website. Here, you can input your sport and zip code to find basketball teams in your area.
It is also worth noting that AAU basketball teams are categorized into different divisions. Division 1 (D1), which features elite players and top-tier competition; Division 2 (D2), which includes strong players who may not yet be at the elite level; and Division 3 (D3), which focuses on developmental teams and newer players.
Additionally, consider how often the team travels and how often they play at home. This information may be critical to your sign-up decision, as travel expenses are a factor in AAU basketball.
Finally, it is recommended to participate in many tryouts, as this is typically the best way to get on the best teams and receive the top competition. Tryouts aim to test players physically and mentally in individual and team settings to ensure they are placed on a suitable team.
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Tryouts
To become a member of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball association, you must obtain an AAU membership. Membership is open to children aged 7 and under to 20 for the youth division, and adults over 18 years of age for the adult division.
Athletes should then register for tryouts, after which they will be contacted for an evaluation. This evaluation allows athletes and their parents to meet the coaches and learn about the team's program and expectations.
AAU basketball is highly competitive and requires a significant time commitment. Athletes trying out should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and their ability to be a team player. Tryouts may include drills and scrimmages to assess athletes' fundamental skills, game strategy knowledge, and ability to work with their teammates.
AAU teams may also offer optional travel tournaments, which provide exposure to college coaches and the opportunity to gain experience playing against high-level national competition. Athletes trying out for AAU teams should consider their ability to commit to travel and the potential costs involved.
Overall, athletes trying out for an AAU basketball team should demonstrate their skills, passion, and dedication to the sport, and be prepared to commit to a rigorous practice and tournament schedule.
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Benefits and drawbacks
AAU, or the Amateur Athletic Union, is a non-profit organization that provides sports programs for participants of all ages. It was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports and has since become a youth sports staple.
Benefits of Joining the AAU Basketball Association
AAU basketball is a great way for young athletes to develop their skills and compete at high levels. It offers several advantages, including:
- Exposure to college scouts and recruiters: AAU events are often attended by college coaches and recruiters, providing aspiring athletes with visibility and a platform to showcase their talents.
- High-level competition: AAU players face top talent from across the country, allowing them to sharpen their skills and gain valuable experience.
- Skill development: The fast-paced and competitive environment helps players improve their abilities.
- Travel opportunities: AAU teams participate in tournaments and events that may require travel, providing players with the chance to experience different places and cultures.
- Life lessons: AAU basketball teaches important life lessons such as commitment, focus, and good sportsmanship.
- Friendship and relationships: AAU provides an opportunity for young athletes to build relationships and make friends from different places.
Drawbacks of Joining the AAU Basketball Association
While AAU basketball offers numerous benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Cost: The financial commitment can be significant, especially for families who travel frequently for tournaments.
- Winning over development: Some AAU programs prioritize winning over player growth, which may limit long-term development.
- Variable coaching quality: The quality of coaching can vary widely between teams, and there have been criticisms of a lack of focus on fundamentals.
- Time commitment: AAU basketball requires a significant time investment, with players often participating in multiple games and practices each week. This may impact a child's academic or other extracurricular pursuits.
- Lack of loyalty: There is criticism that AAU players may prioritize their AAU team over their school team, or frequently switch teams to be on a better one.
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Renewal
AAU membership lasts for one year, from September 1 to August 31. When it expires, you must renew your membership to maintain eligibility for AAU play. You can use the AAU membership lookup tool to confirm your renewal date.
The AAU website does not provide a clear step-by-step process for renewing membership. However, it does mention that to create an AAU account, you go to the AAU membership page and select the type of membership you want. It is likely that the renewal process is similar, and you will need to log in to your AAU account and select the renewal option.
The annual membership cost must be submitted for renewal. The youth membership cost is $20-$22 a year, while adult membership fees are $20-$35 per year. Coaches and admin memberships cost $55-$79, youth club fees are $30 a year, and adult club fees are $50 a year.
Clubs or teams must also renew their membership annually. First, the coach and adults running the club must be members. There are three levels of AAU club membership. Level two includes the ability to host a sanctioned sports event, and level three provides the ability to apply for tax-exempt status and collect donations.
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Frequently asked questions
To become a member of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), you must first determine your age group. The youth division is for children aged 7 and under to 20, while the adult division is for players over 18. You can then sign up for membership on the AAU membership page, selecting the type of membership you want and filling out the required information. Youth membership costs $20-$22 a year, while adult membership fees are $20-$35 per year.
AAU basketball is one of the most prominent platforms for young athletes in the United States to develop their skills and compete at high levels. It offers high-level competition, exposure to college scouts and recruiters, and skill development through competitive play. AAU basketball also provides opportunities for athletes of various skill levels to join teams and participate in AAU-sanctioned tournaments and other travel basketball events.
AAU basketball teams are categorized into three divisions: Division 1 (D1) features elite players and top-tier competition, Division 2 (D2) includes strong players who are not yet at the elite level, and Division 3 (D3) focuses on developmental teams and newer players.
When choosing an AAU basketball team or club, there are several factors to consider. First, determine your goals, whether you aim to enhance your skills, gain exposure for college recruitment, or simply enjoy competitive play. You can then use the official AAU Club Locator to identify nearby teams and ask local coaches or basketball programs for recommendations. Consider the practice and tournament schedule, the locations of practices and tournaments, and any additional offerings besides practices and tournaments, such as training, clinics, or camps. Finally, consider the financial investment, including team fees, travel expenses, and tournament fees.
