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Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball is a term often used to refer to youth club basketball, competitive basketball, or travel basketball. AAU is a non-profit organisation that provides sports programs for athletes of all ages and skill levels. To join an AAU basketball team, you must first register for AAU membership and pay the associated fees. You can then try out for an existing AAU club or form a new team with others. As a parent, you can also start an AAU basketball team for your child by gathering 8-10 players, finding a coach, choosing a team name, purchasing uniforms, and entering a tournament.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| AAU Basketball | Competitive basketball, club basketball, travel basketball |
| AAU Membership | Youth Athlete Fees: $20.00 or $22.00; Adult Athlete Fees: $20.00 to $35.00 |
| AAU Club Membership | $30 per year for a youth level one team; $320 for a level three adult and youth combination membership |
| AAU Non-Athlete Membership | $55.00 or $57.00 Extended Benefit (1-year option); $75.00 or $79.00 Extended Benefit (2-year option) |
| AAU Club Levels | Standard A, B, or C and Non-Profit Tier 1, 2 or 3 |
| AAU Club Events | Licensed events with up to $100,000 in sports accident insurance coverage |
| AAU History | Founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports; nearly 700,000 members and 150,000 volunteers across 41 sports programs and 55 U.S. |
| AAU Benefits | Special offers from partners, discounts, fundraising opportunities, alumni network including Shaquille O'Neal, Dwayne Wade, Ezekiel Elliott, and David Wright |
| AAU Club Formation | 8-10 players, a coach, a team name, uniforms, and tournament entry |
| AAU Club Locator | Online tool to find basketball teams and events in your area |
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Membership types and costs
There are different types of AAU memberships, each with its own set of benefits and requirements. The type of membership you need depends on your role and the sport you intend to participate in. Here is a breakdown of the membership types and their associated costs:
Youth Athlete Membership
The AAU offers memberships for young athletes who wish to compete in AAU events. The fees for youth athletes are $20 or $22, as listed on the AAU website. This membership allows young athletes to join an AAU club and compete against other AAU teams in their region. It is important to note that this membership is specific to the sport selected during registration.
Adult Athlete Membership
Adult athletes, or players over 18 years of age, can also obtain AAU memberships. The fees for adult athletes range from $20 to $35. Unlike youth memberships, adults must specify the sport they intend to participate in and purchase a separate membership for each sport. This membership also enables adults to join AAU clubs and compete in their chosen sport.
Non-Athlete Membership
Individuals who are not athletes but are associated with the administration, coaching, or management of a team or club can register for a non-athlete membership. The fees for this type of membership are $55 or $57. This option is suitable for coaches, club contacts, administrators, instructors, officials, and other similar roles.
Extended Benefit Membership
The AAU offers an extended benefit membership option for both youth and adult athletes. This membership provides additional coverage for non-AAU events under certain circumstances. The cost of the extended benefit membership is $75 or $79 for one year and is also available as a two-year option. However, it is important to note that this type of membership may not be available for some adult sports.
AAU Club Membership
AAU clubs or teams must register for membership and renew it annually. There are three levels of AAU club membership, each providing different benefits. The annual club membership cost starts at $30 for a youth level-one team and goes up to $320 for a level-three adult and youth combination membership. Higher-level memberships include benefits such as the ability to host sanctioned sports events and apply for tax-exempt status.
AAU Non-Athlete (Coach) Membership
In addition to athlete memberships, coaches and other non-athlete members must undergo a mandatory background screening as part of the AAU membership process. This helps ensure the safety and security of all participants involved in AAU events and programs.
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Finding a club
To join an AAU basketball club, you must first register for AAU membership. This can be done via the AAU website. Membership costs $20 to $35 for youth athletes and $20 to $35 for adults. Once you have your AAU membership ID, you can join an existing AAU club.
To find a club, you can use the AAU Club Locator. You will need your AAU login information to access this. Then, enter your sport and zip code to find basketball teams in your area.
There are six AAU club levels: Standard A, B, or C and Non-Profit Tier 1, 2 or 3. Each club level comes with different benefits. For example, Level 1 clubs can host a sanctioned sports event, and Level 3 clubs can apply for tax-exempt status and collect donations. Club membership costs $30 per year for a youth Level 1 team and $320 for a Level 3 adult and youth combination membership.
AAU basketball is a term often used to refer to youth "club basketball", "competitive basketball", or "travel basketball". As such, AAU clubs may travel to various tournaments, so it is important to determine how often your athlete will be on the road before choosing a team.
If you cannot find a suitable club in your area, you can get together with others to form a new team.
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Club membership
Purchasing a Club Membership
Firstly, you must obtain the memberships of the representatives or contacts who will be listed on the club application. This is a mandatory prerequisite, as club membership cannot be renewed. You have the flexibility to purchase a club membership for one, two, or three years, depending on your specific needs.
Selecting the Right Club Level
AAU offers six different club levels, each tailored to cater to the diverse needs of clubs. These levels include Standard A, B, or C, and Non-Profit Tier 1, 2, or 3. Each level comes with its own set of benefits, designed to enhance your club's experience.
Hosting AAU Licensed Events
If your club intends to host AAU-licensed events beyond regular practices, it is essential to join as a Club Level B or C. It's important to note that there will be no refunds provided if the club has already joined and then decides to host licensed events. Additionally, clubs must refrain from using 'AAU' or any derivation of the name in their legal titles.
Athlete Memberships
Once your club is established, athletes can purchase individual memberships to join your club. Parents will be instructed to purchase memberships for their children, using the AAU club code you provide. This code is an essential component of the athlete application process.
Background Screening
All non-athlete members, including coaches, are subject to a mandatory background screening as part of the application process. Once the application and background screen are approved, the member will be notified via email and provided with an AAU membership ID.
Additional Benefits
AAU club membership grants access to a host of benefits, including special offers from partners, discounts, and fundraising opportunities. Additionally, clubs can host their own events, participate in local, regional, and national competitions, and enjoy the prestige of being part of a nationally recognized organization with a rich history in amateur sports.
By following these steps, your club will be well on its way to becoming a successful part of the AAU basketball community, providing athletes with countless opportunities to develop their skills and compete at various levels.
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Club levels
Club basketball is a great way to take your game to the next level, whether you're looking to improve your skills, gain exposure for college recruitment, or simply enjoy competitive play. AAU basketball, which stands for Amateur Athletic Union, is a term used to refer to youth "club basketball" or "competitive basketball".
AAU basketball offers numerous advantages for young athletes. Firstly, it provides high-level competition, allowing players to face top talent from across the country and sharpen their skills. Secondly, it offers exposure to scouts, as many college coaches and recruiters attend AAU events, providing visibility for aspiring athletes. Finally, the fast-paced and competitive environment helps players improve their abilities and gain valuable experience.
AAU basketball tournaments are held throughout the country, providing playing opportunities outside of school basketball. AAU teams vary in quality, with some being better than high school basketball teams, especially if the player's high school has a poor-performing team. It's important to note that AAU basketball is independent of school programs, offering more frequent tournaments and exposure to national competition.
When considering joining an AAU basketball club, there are several factors to keep in mind. Firstly, determine your goals, whether you want to enhance your skills, gain exposure for college recruitment, or simply enjoy competitive play. Secondly, research the different clubs in your area using the official AAU Club Locator (aausports.org) to identify nearby teams. Consider the competition level of the club and whether it aligns with your skill level. Ask about the practice and tournament schedule, the location of practices and tournaments, and any additional offerings besides practices and tournaments, such as training, clinics, or camps.
Costs for AAU basketball can vary, depending on factors such as the team and club's offerings, the skill level of the player, and travel expenses. While the cost of an AAU membership is not significant, playing in AAU basketball tournaments can add up, with costs per team per tournament ranging from $100 to $700. Additionally, transportation and accommodation costs for teams and players should be considered. It's important to evaluate the values and priorities of the team or club to ensure they align with your own. Some teams may prioritize winning over player development, so it's crucial to find a club that offers a balance between competition and skill improvement.
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Insurance
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) provides a comprehensive insurance program for its members, which includes athletes, non-athletes, and clubs. AAU's insurance program is designed to address the inherent risks involved in athletic endeavours and provide protection for its members during competitions and practices.
AAU members are eligible for up to $100,000 in sports accident insurance when participating in AAU-licensed events. This coverage is included as a benefit of membership and provides peace of mind for athletes, coaches, and event hosts. Additionally, AAU offers Extended Benefit Membership (AB) coverage, which protects members during non-AAU events under certain circumstances.
To ensure proper coverage, AAU has developed an insurance verification and certificate program. This program confirms insurance coverage for members and participating entities, such as facilities, venues, and sponsors. Requests for verification and certificates must be initiated by the AAU member club, and verification of insurance coverage is provided free of charge.
AAU clubs that host licensed events, excluding practices, are required to join as Club Level B or C. These clubs must purchase AAU non-athlete memberships for their contacts and complete a background screening process. After approval, the club will receive an AAU membership ID, which is necessary for completing the club application process. AAU clubs can choose from six different club levels, each offering various benefits, such as the ability to host sanctioned sports events or apply for tax-exempt status.
AAU's insurance program provides valuable protection for its members and promotes a safe environment for athletic development and competition. It is an essential aspect of AAU membership, ensuring that athletes, coaches, and event organizers can focus on their sports endeavours with the assurance of adequate insurance coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
AAU stands for Amateur Athletic Union. It is a non-profit, volunteer, multi-sport event organization that promotes and develops amateur sports and physical fitness programs. AAU basketball is a term used to refer to youth "club basketball", "competitive basketball" or "travel basketball".
To join an AAU basketball team, you need to look for clubs near you and try out. You can use the AAU Club Locator to find basketball teams in your area. Once you complete AAU registration and submit your annual membership cost, your child qualifies to join an existing AAU club.
Youth Athlete Fees are $20.00 or $22.00, and Adult Athlete Fees are $20.00 to $35.00. The annual club membership costs $30 per year for a youth level one team and go up to $320 for a level three adult and youth combination membership.
AAU basketball teams provide more opportunities for practice and competitive experience, allowing athletes to acquire skills faster. AAU events also provide opportunities for clubs and individuals to shine and compete for more meaningful awards. AAU members can also enjoy special offers from AAU partners such as discounts on certain products.
To start an AAU organization team, go to the AAU basketball website and follow the instructions. To start an AAU basketball team, you need 8-10 players, a coach, a team name, uniforms, and then you can enter a tournament.
