Andrew Pace
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. The AAU has since focused on providing sports programs for participants of all ages. There are two types of age requirements in AAU basketball: age-based divisions and grade-based divisions. While the age-based divisions are sorted by birth year, the grade-based divisions allow players in each division to compete against others in the same grade/age level. The age limit for AAU basketball is 20 years old.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age range | 7 & under to late teens, with some sources mentioning 19 and under |
| Membership cost | $20 or $22 annually |
| Tryout cost | $25 |
| Tryout frequency | Multiple |
| Focus | March-October, with a focus on April-July |
| Teams | 8-10 players |
| Official AAU teams | Only those listed on the AAU website |
| Competition | High, with a focus on player development |
| Benefits | Opportunity to play several games in a short period, play against top-level talent, and get scouted by college coaches |
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What You'll Learn
AAU basketball is for youth, but what about 20-year-olds?
AAU basketball, which stands for Amateur Athletic Union, is a non-profit youth basketball league that offers players the opportunity to compete in tournaments outside of their high school teams. The AAU was founded in 1888 and initially played a key role in selecting athletes for the US Olympic team. However, following the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, the AAU shifted its focus to providing sports programmes for participants of all ages, with a particular emphasis on youth development.
Today, AAU basketball is a highly competitive space, with several of the country's top athletes participating in its tournaments. The league is known for its high level of competition, providing players with the chance to test their skills against elite talent. This environment can help players improve by exposing their weaknesses and showing them areas they need to work on. Additionally, AAU tournaments are often scouted by college coaches, offering players the opportunity to be discovered and potentially earn a scholarship.
While AAU basketball is primarily focused on youth development, the exact age range of participants can vary. The league accommodates boys as young as seven, with the oldest division typically being the 19 and under category. However, it is not uncommon for players to compete above or below their age group. Some tournaments may have stricter age requirements, such as requiring players to be no older than 13 by a certain date.
For 20-year-olds, the AAU basketball league may no longer be an option, as the upper limit for participants is generally 19. However, it is important to note that the AAU philosophy of "Sports for All, Forever" is inclusive of all ages, and the organization has expressed a commitment to providing sports programmes for participants of all ages. While there may not be specific AAU basketball tournaments for 20-year-olds, the AAU offers a wide range of other sports programmes that individuals in this age group can explore.
Additionally, for those who have aged out of the AAU basketball league, there may be opportunities to get involved in other capacities, such as coaching or volunteering. The AAU is a volunteer-driven organization, and individuals who have aged out of the league can consider giving back by sharing their skills and knowledge with younger players. This can be a rewarding way to remain connected to the sport and the AAU community while also contributing to the development of the next generation of athletes.
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AAU basketball history and philosophy
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is an amateur sports organization based in the United States. Founded on January 21, 1888, by James E. Sullivan and William Buckingham Curtis, the AAU was established to create common standards in amateur sport. The AAU's philosophy, "Sports for All, Forever," is shared by nearly 800,000 participants and over 150,000 volunteers.
During its early years, the AAU played a significant role in selecting American athletes for the Olympics and worked closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games. The AAU conducted the first National Men's Basketball Championship in 1897, with the 23rd Street YMCA of New York City taking the crown. The first AAU Women's National Basketball Championship was held in 1926 and was won by the Pasadena Athletic and Country Club.
In the 1970s, the AAU evolved into what it is known for today—youth sports. This transformation was marked by several landmark moments: the first boys' and girls' national championships, organized by the AAU in 1972; the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, which removed the AAU from its powers as the national governing body for Olympic sports; and the subsequent refocus of the AAU's efforts towards youth sports. By 1989, the AAU had 13 age group national championships.
AAU basketball refers to the youth basketball leagues and tournaments organized by the AAU. AAU basketball membership costs $20 or $22 annually and provides players the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports, including basketball. AAU basketball tryouts often incur an additional cost, typically around $25. AAU basketball tournaments take place across the country, primarily from March to October, with a focus on April to July. These tournaments offer players the chance to compete against top talent while developing their skills in a team environment.
The AAU Urban Initiative, created in 2015, aims to provide a holistic approach to athletics by partnering with local government, law enforcement, faith-based groups, businesses, and educational institutions to bring communities together through sports. This initiative has expanded participation opportunities to historically underserved areas and promoted life skills, character development, and harmony through mentoring programs.
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AAU basketball teams and tournaments
AAU basketball, which stands for Amateur Athletic Union, is a non-profit youth basketball league and tournament organizer. It was founded in 1888 and initially played a key role in selecting athletes for the US Olympic team. However, following the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, the AAU shifted its focus to providing sports programmes for all ages, with a particular emphasis on grassroots participation.
AAU basketball is a highly debated topic, with some praising the opportunities it provides for young athletes, while others criticize its impact on the development of youth basketball. The AAU offers a wide range of tournaments, with nationals starting at the 7 & Under category and progressing to players in their late teens. These tournaments are held throughout the year, with the main stretch running from February to July, outside of the high school basketball season.
AAU basketball teams are independent and compete in AAU tournaments. Starting an AAU basketball team is relatively simple; all you need is 8-10 players, a coach, a team name, uniforms, and registration in a tournament. The AAU has a webpage to help players and parents find a local AAU basketball team. AAU basketball tryouts typically involve a small fee and are designed to assess players' physical and mental abilities to place them on the most suitable team.
AAU basketball provides players with the opportunity to compete against top-level talent, allowing them to improve their skills and showcase their abilities in front of college coaches and scouts. This can be especially beneficial for players who may not have the opportunity to be scouted otherwise. However, it is important to note that the AAU landscape can be confusing and disorganized, with concerns about reclassification and age groups.
AAU basketball has become a catch-all term for any competitive or club basketball, whether officially affiliated with the AAU or not. This has led to a perception of disorganization and a win-at-all-costs mentality in youth basketball leagues. Despite this, AAU basketball remains a popular option for players seeking to challenge themselves against strong competition and potentially gain exposure to college coaches and scholarships.
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AAU basketball costs and tryouts
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. It has historically been a leader in international sport, representing the U.S. in international sports federations and working closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games. Since the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, the AAU has focused on providing sports programs for all participants of all ages at the grassroots level.
The costs of joining an AAU basketball team vary depending on the team's location and whether it is a league or tournament team. For example, a league team in Indiana costs around $350 for the season, plus $100 for a uniform. In contrast, a tournament team in the same state can cost up to $800, plus the cost of a uniform. Some teams can cost as much as $1500 for the season. Additional costs to consider include travel expenses, accommodation, food, and equipment. These costs can quickly add up, especially if the team is participating in multiple tournaments.
Tryouts for AAU basketball teams are an important part of the selection process. Coaches may require players to submit birth certificates to ensure they meet the age requirements for the team and specific tournaments. Tryouts allow coaches to evaluate players' skills and determine if they are a good fit for the team. AAU teams often have a high level of talent, and tryouts can be competitive.
While there is no specific mention of a 20-year-old age group, the AAU's philosophy of "Sports for All, Forever" and its commitment to providing sports programs for all participants of all ages suggest that there may be opportunities for 20-year-olds to join AAU basketball teams. However, it is important to note that the focus on grassroots and youth development may result in fewer options for adults.
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AAU basketball pros and cons
AAU basketball, or Amateur Athletic Union basketball, is a non-profit organization that provides youth basketball leagues and tournaments. It was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports and has since focused on providing sports programs for all participants of all ages. AAU basketball is one of the largest basketball organizations outside of school basketball, with nearly three-quarters of a million members.
Pros
- AAU basketball provides playing opportunities outside of high school hoops, allowing players to compete at a high level year-round and gain exposure to college coaches.
- It offers a chance for kids to get active, stay out of trouble, and travel to different cities and states for games and tournaments.
- AAU basketball provides a diverse range of players and coaches, giving kids unique learning experiences and a chance to build relationships and make friends.
- The quality of AAU teams is often top-notch, allowing players to compete against the best while learning how to be part of a team of equally skilled athletes.
- AAU membership is affordable, costing around $20-$22 annually, and allows players to participate in various sports in addition to basketball.
Cons
- One of the main criticisms of AAU basketball is the lack of focus on the fundamentals of the game. Some coaches prioritize winning and their association with shoe companies over player development, leading to a devaluation of winning and a lack of practice time to work on mistakes.
- There is no rule about what team players can join in AAU, leading to a lack of loyalty as players frequently jump from team to team to be on the better team.
- The age groups in AAU basketball are sometimes criticized for being unfair, with older or more physically mature players competing against much younger athletes.
- The tryouts for AAU teams can be costly, and the focus on shoe company sponsorships may detract from the player's overall experience.
Overall, AAU basketball can provide valuable opportunities for young athletes, but it is important to consider the potential cons and choose a team that aligns with the athlete's goals and values.
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Frequently asked questions
The age range for AAU basketball starts at 7 & Under and goes up to players in their late teens. For boys, they can play until the 12th grade or 19 and under division. For girls, they can compete until the 12th grade or 19 and under division, but they can only start playing in the 2nd grade.
Yes, based on the information provided, 20 is too old for AAU basketball as the upper limit for the age range is late teens or 19 years old.
AAU basketball is a term used to refer to youth "club basketball" or "competitive basketball" or "travel basketball". AAU stands for Amateur Athletic Union, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of amateur sports in the United States. AAU basketball provides players with the opportunity to play against better competition and showcase their skills in front of coaches.
