Kristian Ferrell
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has been a youth sports staple since its founding in 1888. The AAU offers basketball programs for young athletes of all ages, from seven and under to 20 years old. To sign up for AAU basketball, you must first purchase an AAU membership. Once you have completed the registration process and submitted your annual membership cost, you can join an existing AAU club or form a new team. AAU basketball teams can be found through the AAU Club Locator or by searching online for AAU basketball team + [area or city]. It is important to note that not all teams and organizations are official AAU basketball teams, so be sure to verify their affiliation. Additionally, AAU clubs have different levels, and it is necessary to purchase the appropriate membership for the desired level of participation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Membership Duration | 1 September to 31 August |
| Age Groups | 7 and under to 20 years old |
| Membership Benefits | Sports accident insurance, special offers, discounts, fundraising opportunities, etc. |
| Club Membership | Purchase for 1, 2, or 3 years |
| Club Levels | Standard A, B, or C and Non-Profit Tier 1, 2 or 3 |
| Athlete Membership | Purchase individual athlete membership |
| Club Locator | Use AAU login, sport, and zip code to find basketball teams |
| AAU Season | Spring and early summer (March to mid-late June) |
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What You'll Learn
Finding a club
To sign up for an AAU basketball club, you'll first need to become a member of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). Membership lasts from September 1 to August 31, and once you've registered and paid the annual fee, your child will be eligible to join an existing AAU club.
AAU has a webpage to help parents and players find a local AAU basketball team, but it's worth noting that many teams and organizations are not official AAU clubs, so they won't show up in those search results. A simple online search for "AAU basketball team + [your area or city]" will bring up a wider selection of clubs, official and unofficial.
When you find a club that seems like a good fit, get in touch using the contact information on their website. Be aware that AAU basketball has a reputation for being unprofessional and unresponsive to communication.
Some teams travel more than others, so it's worth finding out how often your athlete will be on the road and how often the club plays at home. This is an important consideration for the time commitment and potential impact on your lifestyle.
AAU clubs compete in regional tournaments and national championships, so there may be occasional travel far from home. AAU clubs also play worldwide.
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Membership types
The adult AAU membership, on the other hand, is for players over 18 years of age. Adult members must specify the sport they intend to participate in and hold a separate membership for each sport. This flexibility allows adults to explore different sports and engage in a variety of athletic pursuits.
In addition to athlete memberships, AAU also offers memberships for coaches and team administrators. These memberships are essential for individuals who are responsible for managing and guiding AAU teams. Coaches and administrators play a crucial role in the AAU ecosystem, ensuring that teams operate smoothly and providing valuable mentorship to athletes.
AAU clubs or teams must also register for membership and renew it annually. There are three levels of AAU club membership, each offering different benefits and capabilities. Level one covers the basic requirements for club operation. Level two includes the ability to host sanctioned sports events, which can be a great opportunity for clubs to showcase their talents and attract a wider audience. Level three provides the highest level of benefits, including the ability to apply for tax-exempt status and collect donations. This top tier is designed for well-established clubs that are looking to solidify their long-term sustainability.
The cost of AAU membership varies depending on the level and type. For example, the annual club membership fee for a youth level one team is $30 per year, while a level three adult and youth combination membership costs $320. Athlete fees also vary, with youth athlete fees typically ranging from $20 to $22, and adult athlete fees ranging from $20 to $35.
When considering AAU membership, it's important to evaluate the additional benefits and opportunities provided by different clubs. Some clubs offer training, clinics, camps, and educational content as part of their memberships. Others may provide access to online programs, recruiting guides, and discounts with external vendors. These supplementary offerings can greatly enhance the overall experience and value of AAU membership, providing athletes with a more holistic development experience that extends beyond the basketball court.
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Age groups
AAU basketball is a great way to get young athletes involved in the sport and help them develop their skills. The AAU, or Amateur Athletic Union, was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports, and today it offers sports programs for participants of all ages.
When it comes to age groups, AAU basketball has a range of divisions to ensure fair competition and the opportunity for growth. The age eligibility rules can vary slightly from year to year, so it's important to consult the official AAU age/grade eligibility chart for the specific season. That being said, here is an overview of the typical age groups and their requirements:
Youth Divisions
For younger athletes, the divisions are typically structured based on grades, with age parameters and limitations determined by birth date. Here are the grade-based divisions with their respective age limits for the 2024-25 season:
3rd Grade - Athletes must be in 3rd grade or below and under 11 years old by August 1, 2025.
4th Grade - Athletes must be in 4th grade or below and under 12 years old by August 1, 2025.
5th Grade - Athletes must be in 5th grade or below and under 13 years old by August 1, 2025.
6th Grade - Athletes must be in 6th grade or below and under 14 years old by August 1, 2025.
7th Grade - Athletes must be in 7th grade or below and under 15 years old by August 1, 2025.
8th Grade - Athletes must be in 8th grade or below and under 16 years old by August 1, 2025.
9th Grade - Athletes must be in 9th grade or below and under 17 years old by August 1, 2025.
10th Grade - Athletes must be in 10th grade or below and under 18 years old by August 1, 2025.
High School Divisions
For high school athletes, the divisions continue to be grade-based, but the age limits extend further:
11th Grade - Athletes must be in 11th grade or below and under 19 years old by August 1, 2025.
12th Grade - Athletes must be in 12th grade or below and under 20 years old by August 1, 2025.
It's important to note that there may be exceptions to these rules. For example, if a student is held back a grade for academic or athletic reasons, they may be eligible to "play down" in a younger division. Additionally, some athletes may qualify under the age exception rule if they have been advanced in grade due to academic excellence or parental preference.
AAU basketball also offers a 17-18 year-old division, determined by the National Championship events. Athletes in this age group must still be 18 through the final day of the specified events.
By accommodating a wide range of age groups, AAU basketball provides a platform for athletes of all ages to develop their skills, face challenges, and grow both on and off the court.
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Costs
The costs of signing up for AAU basketball include the membership fees, which are required to participate in AAU sports events and programs. AAU memberships last from September 1 to August 31, and renewal is necessary to maintain eligibility for AAU play. The cost of membership depends on the chosen membership type and duration. Memberships can be purchased for 1, 2, or 3 years.
In addition to the membership fees, there may be costs associated with travel and accommodation for tournaments and competitions, especially if your AAU club plays worldwide. Regional tournaments and national championships can be held in various locations across the country, requiring travel for some players and their families.
AAU clubs may also charge additional fees for participation, uniforms, equipment, and other team-related expenses. These fees can vary depending on the club's location, the level of competition, and the specific sport. It is important to note that AAU club membership fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Another cost to consider is the purchase of AAU-branded awards, such as ribbons, medals, and banners, which can be used to recognize and reward athletes' achievements. These awards can be purchased directly from the AAU and may vary in price depending on the type and quantity ordered.
AAU also offers optional extended benefit membership coverage, which provides additional insurance protection for athletes participating in non-AAU events under certain circumstances. This extended coverage comes at an additional cost, which is not included in the standard AAU membership fees.
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The season
The AAU basketball season for elementary and middle school players typically runs from spring through to early summer, from around March to mid-to-late June. AAU clubs play worldwide, so be prepared for the possibility of travel. Teams vary in how often they play at home and how often they are on the road, so it's worth considering what will work best for your lifestyle.
AAU basketball is a great training ground for players who want to take their game to the next level, whether that's middle school, high school, or college. It's a confusing and tough landscape to figure out, but there are resources to help. Pro Skills Basketball, for example, has AAU basketball teams for boys and girls from 2nd to 11th grade in 22 cities across the US. They provide a more professional experience for parents, players, and coaches, with a focus on organized communication and fun.
AAU basketball clubs can be found by doing a simple Google search for "AAU basketball team + [insert area or city]". It's worth noting that many teams and organizations aren't official AAU basketball teams, so they won't show up in those results. You can also use the AAU Club Locator to find clubs in your area. Input your sport and zip code to find basketball teams. Once you've found a club that seems like a good fit, you can try contacting them through the information listed on their website.
AAU membership lasts from September 1 to August 31. Age groups in the youth division start at seven and under, going as high as 20 years old, with a separate division for each age in between. Once you've registered and paid the annual membership cost, your child can join an existing AAU club or form a new team with others.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use the AAU Club Locator to find basketball teams in your area. Alternatively, you can search "AAU basketball team + [area or city]" on Google.
The AAU youth division starts at seven years old and goes up to 20 years old, with a separate division for each age in between.
After finding a suitable AAU basketball team or club, you can contact them through the information listed on their website. You will also need to purchase an AAU membership, which lasts from September 1 to August 31 and must be renewed annually.
AAU basketball clubs provide a great training ground for players who want to take their game to the next level, whether that be in middle school, high school, or college. AAU clubs also offer the opportunity to compete in regional tournaments and national championships, and some clubs provide access to online recruiting platforms.
