Kristian Ferrell
Basketball is the number one team sport in the US, and AAU basketball clubs are a great way to get involved. The AAU was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports and now has nearly 800,000 participants. To start an AAU basketball club, you'll need to secure a coaching staff, choose a practice location, and establish a focus for your team. You can then hold open tryouts and select your players. Be sure to register for AAU membership to participate in AAU basketball tournaments and gain access to benefits such as the AAU Club Locator, which can help you find basketball teams in your area.
How to start an AAU basketball club
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founding principles | To establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports |
| Year founded | 1888 |
| Focus | Providing sports programs for all participants of all ages beginning at the grassroots level |
| Philosophy | "Sports for All, Forever" |
| Number of participants | Nearly 800,000 |
| Number of volunteers | Over 150,000 |
| Membership cost | $30 per year for a youth level one team, $320 for a level three adult and youth combination membership |
| Age groups | 7 and under to 20 years old |
| Practice location | Secondary schools or recreation centers with a focus on safety and playing surface condition |
| Coaching staff | Parents with playing experience or current high school players |
| Tryouts | Open tryouts to find the right mix of players and recruit standouts |
| Team name | Something unique and creative that you can stick with |
| Logo | High-quality design |
| Competition | Regional tournaments and national championships |
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What You'll Learn
- Choosing a practice location: Safety first, then consider space, times, and costs
- Staffing: Secure coaches and staff before selecting players
- Membership: Register and pay for AAU membership to qualify for a club
- Name and logo: Choose a unique and creative name and get a high-quality logo
- Sign-ups: Learn how to build a basketball sign-up form to establish your first team
Choosing a practice location: Safety first, then consider space, times, and costs
When choosing a location for your AAU basketball club, safety should be the top priority. Select a location that is away from traffic, with ample space for movement, no overhead obstructions, and stable, level ground. This not only enhances the playability of the space but also ensures peace of mind for players and spectators.
After safety, there are several other factors to consider when choosing a practice location for your AAU basketball club. Firstly, ensure that the location has enough space to accommodate the needs of your club. As players' skills evolve, their requirements from the playing area will also change. Initially, a short driveway or half-court setup might be sufficient. However, as players become more advanced, they may require a full-court setup to practice game scenarios and team strategies. Therefore, it is important to choose a location that can accommodate the current and future needs of your club.
Accessibility is another important factor. Choose a location that is easily accessible to your club members and has basic amenities such as parking and public transportation. Additionally, consider the demographics of the area to ensure that your club is accessible to your target audience. Analyze the presence of competitors in the chosen location, as this can impact the demand for your club.
Finally, consider the costs associated with the location. Renting or leasing a practice space can be expensive, so it is important to factor this into your budget. In addition, there may be additional costs for permits, certifications, and compliance with local building codes.
By considering safety, space, accessibility, demographics, and costs, you can make an informed decision when choosing a practice location for your AAU basketball club.
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Staffing: Secure coaches and staff before selecting players
When starting an AAU basketball club, it is important to first secure coaches and staff before selecting players. This step is crucial as it will help you establish a strong foundation for your team and ensure a smooth selection process. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Identify Your Needs
Start by assessing how many coaches and staff members you will need. Consider the number of teams you plan to have and the level of commitment required from each coach. Decide if you want to have volunteer coaches or part-time employees. Volunteers can be passionate and dedicated, but paid coaches may have more time and commitment to the team.
Determine Qualifications and Experience
Look for individuals with relevant coaching experience, preferably in basketball or other team sports. They should have a good understanding of the game, strong leadership skills, and the ability to connect with young athletes. Consider reaching out to parents with high school or college playing experience or current high school players, as suggested by Jersey Watch. They can bring valuable knowledge and perspective to your coaching staff.
Recruit Coaches and Staff
Spread the word about the coaching opportunities within your community. Contact local schools, colleges, and universities to find potential candidates. Utilize your personal network and ask team members' parents if they or someone they know would be interested in coaching. You can also use social media platforms and local community forums to advertise the coaching positions.
Conduct Interviews and Assess Candidates
Once you have a pool of interested individuals, conduct interviews to assess their suitability for the role. Prepare a set of questions that focus on their coaching philosophy, experience, and ability to work with young athletes. Ask for references and follow up with them to get a more comprehensive understanding of the candidates' qualifications and character.
Finalize Your Coaching Staff
After the interview process, select the coaches who best fit your team's needs and vision. Communicate your expectations clearly and ensure they understand their responsibilities. It is important to have a dedicated and reliable coaching staff in place before selecting players, as this will ensure a more efficient tryout process and allow your coaches to be involved in the player selection.
By following these steps, you will be able to secure a strong coaching staff for your AAU basketball club, setting your team up for success from the very beginning.
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Membership: Register and pay for AAU membership to qualify for a club
To start an AAU basketball club, membership registration is a prerequisite. This involves a process where individuals associated with the club, including athletes, team members, coaches, and administrators, obtain AAU membership. This registration process is essential for anyone looking to compete in AAU events or access the benefits that come with being a part of the AAU community.
For athletes, the registration process involves signing up for AAU membership through the AAU National site, with options available for both youth and adult athletes, as well as international athletes residing outside of the US. The fees for youth athletes are $20.00, while adult athletes have a range of $20.00 to $35.00, depending on the specific AAU district.
Coaches, club contacts, administrators, officials, volunteers, and other non-athlete members also have a separate registration process. They can choose between the standard membership or the Extended Benefit Membership (AB), which offers additional benefits, such as protection during non-AAU events and special offers from AAU partners. The standard membership fee for this group is $55.00 to $57.00, while the Extended Benefit Membership (1-year option) is $75.00 to $79.00.
It's important to note that club membership is purchased separately and is not renewable. There are six different club levels to choose from, each offering varying benefits. These levels include Standard A, B, or C, and Non-Profit Tier 1, 2, or 3. Clubs that wish to host AAU-licensed events must join as Club Level B or Non-Profit, with specific requirements for each level. For example, Level A clubs can participate in AAU events and vote at district meetings but cannot host licensed events or use AAU trademarks.
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Name and logo: Choose a unique and creative name and get a high-quality logo
When starting an AAU basketball club, one of the first and most important steps is to choose a name and design a logo. This is a crucial aspect of establishing your club's identity and building a positive reputation in your region. Here are some tips to help you through the process:
Choosing a Name
The name of your AAU basketball club should be unique and creative. It should help your club stand out and create a lasting impression. You can draw inspiration from professional or college basketball teams, or you can come up with something entirely original. Consider a name that reflects the values, spirit, or characteristics you want your club to be associated with. For example, if your club emphasizes speed and agility, you might want to incorporate words that convey those qualities. Ensure that the name you choose is one you can proudly carry for years to come.
Designing a Logo
A high-quality logo is essential for your AAU basketball club's visual identity. It will be used on your uniforms, promotional materials, and any other club-related items. A well-designed logo can help establish a strong brand identity and make your club more recognizable. Consider hiring a professional designer or using design platforms to create your logo. Platforms like Upwork or Freelancer offer easy access to talented designers who can bring your vision to life. Communicate your club's values and style preferences clearly to help guide the design process.
Building a Brand
Once you have a name and logo, you can start building your club's brand. Use your logo consistently across all platforms and materials to create a unified visual identity. You can also create a slogan or motto that embodies the spirit of your club and incorporates it into your branding. Additionally, consider the colours and fonts you use in your branding, as they can evoke certain emotions and set the tone for your club's image. For example, warm colours like red or orange can convey energy and passion, while cool colours like blue or green can suggest calmness and professionalism.
Protecting Your Brand
After finalizing your name and logo, consider taking steps to protect your intellectual property. You can trademark your logo to prevent others from using or replicating it without your permission. This ensures that your club's brand identity remains unique and helps you establish ownership. Each country has its own trademark office, so be sure to follow the appropriate procedures to secure your rights.
Remember, the name and logo you choose will become synonymous with your AAU basketball club, so take the time to be creative, unique, and memorable. They will be a part of your club's identity as it grows and achieves success.
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Sign-ups: Learn how to build a basketball sign-up form to establish your first team
To establish your first AAU basketball team, you'll need to get players signing up. Here's how to build an effective basketball sign-up form:
First, decide on a suitable software provider to help you run your registrations. Look for a reliable and user-friendly platform with features like fee flexibility, form-building options, and other enhanced functions. You'll want to be able to collect payments, place athletes on teams, and manage communications. Some platforms, like TeamSnap, offer waitlists, multiple payment options, and season management tools. You should also check for any setup fees or long-term contracts, especially if you're a non-profit organisation.
Next, you'll want to create your form. You can use a basic template and customise it to your needs, or build one from scratch. Essential information to collect includes personal and contact details, emergency contacts, and physical details. You may also want to include questions about the player's goals and motivation, and any health information. Make sure your form is mobile-friendly to increase accessibility and the number of sign-ups. You can also promote your registration on social media, so make sure the form works on all devices.
You can then share your form via a link or embed it on your website. You can also use platforms like Jersey Watch to help you set up registrations, build a website, and create schedules.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to register and pay for an AAU membership. Then, you can gather people to form a new team. You will need to secure a coaching staff, and then hold open tryouts to select your players.
The annual club membership costs $30 per year for a youth level one team and goes up to $320 for a level three adult and youth combination membership. You will also need to consider the costs of a practice venue, and whether you will be paying employees to coach and run the team.
Safety should be the top priority when choosing a practice location. The AAU facility checklist can help you with this. You should also consider the available space and times, and whether they will work for your team. Secondary schools or recreation centres are often good options for practice venues.
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