Kristian Ferrell
AAU basketball, or Amateur Athletic Union basketball, has been the subject of much debate in recent years. Founded in 1888 to standardise amateur sports, the AAU has evolved to focus on providing sports programmes for all ages at the grassroots level. AAU basketball is known for its competitive nature, attracting top players seeking recruitment by prestigious college basketball teams. However, it has also faced criticism for its impact on youth development, with some coaches prioritising winning over fundamental skills and player growth. Despite the concerns, AAU basketball remains a popular avenue for aspiring athletes, offering exposure to high-calibre competition and the opportunity to impress college coaches and recruiters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founding date | 21 January 1888 |
| Founding fathers | James E. Sullivan and William Buckingham Curtis |
| Founding philosophy | Establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports |
| Current philosophy | "Sports for All, Forever" |
| Membership | Over 900,000 members |
| Volunteers | Over 100,000 volunteers |
| Membership cost | $20 or $22 annually |
| Tryout cost | $25 |
| Number of district associations | 55 or 56 |
| Number of sports programs | 45 |
| Number of national championships | 250 |
| Number of age division events | 30,000 |
| Number of participants in events | Over 900,000 |
| Number of awards | 94 (as of 2024) |
| First award recipient | Golfer Bobby Jones |
| First female award recipient | Swimmer Ann Curtis |
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What You'll Learn
AAU basketball membership costs and benefits
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has provided sports programmes for all ages since 1888. AAU membership is required to compete in AAU events. Memberships are categorised as athlete and non-athlete, with athletes including youth and adult athletes.
Membership Costs
The costs for youth athlete membership are $20 or $22 annually, while adult athlete membership fees range from $20 to $35 per year. Non-athlete fees, which include coaches, club contacts, administrators, managers, officials, tournament directors, and others, are $55 or $57 for the one-year option and $75 or $79 for the two-year option. There is also an international (non-US) membership option available for $55.
Club Membership Costs
The annual club membership costs $30 for a youth level one team and goes up to $320 for a level three adult and youth combination membership. Adult club fees are $50 a year.
Benefits
AAU membership provides athletes with the opportunity to compete in local, regional, and national sports events, as well as insurance coverage of up to $50,000 for sports-related accidents during AAU-licensed events. The AAU also offers a platform for athletes to gain exposure and be noticed by coaches, potentially helping them secure college scholarships. Additionally, the AAU's focus on "Sports for All, Forever" ensures that members of all ages have access to sports programmes.
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AAU basketball tryout costs
The cost of AAU basketball tryouts varies, but a rough guideline is around $25. However, it's important to note that this is just the cost for trying out, and the overall cost of playing AAU basketball can be much higher.
AAU, or Amateur Athletic Union, was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. It used to be the main governing body for basketball but now has a more grassroots focus. AAU basketball provides an avenue for athletes to gain exposure and impress college coaches, which can be beneficial for those aiming to make a college roster. However, it is also known for its inconsistent coaching quality and lack of focus on player development.
The cost of playing AAU basketball can vary depending on the team and the level of competition. Local, regional, and state teams will have different costs, with local teams being the most affordable, followed by regional, and then state or EYBL teams, which can be free or upwards of $10,000 for the season. Additionally, there are costs associated with transportation and accommodation, and team uniforms, which can add up over the course of the season.
It's important to consider the financial assistance that many AAU basketball teams offer. When researching teams, be sure to look into the costs and any available financial support to ensure AAU basketball is accessible and a good fit for your needs and skills.
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AAU basketball schedule and tournaments
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is a non-profit organization that promotes and develops amateur sports in the United States. AAU basketball refers to the youth basketball leagues and tournaments organized by the AAU. AAU basketball tournaments take place across the country, with most scheduled between March and October, outside of the high school season, and a particular focus on April to July.
The AAU Basketball Easter Classic is an example of a tournament that is held over a single weekend, in this case, April 18-19. The elementary and middle school AAU basketball season starts in March and lasts through late June, whereas the high school season begins in March and ends in July, with a break in June. The AAU basketball season generally focuses on weekend tournaments, with teams playing around 3-5 games on Saturdays and Sundays.
AAU basketball tournaments cater to a wide range of age groups, from 7 & Under to late teens. Nationals usually occur in July and are often played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Districts' official websites are a good source of information for tournament rankings and schedules, and the national office also provides details on its championship events.
The cost per team per tournament typically ranges from $100 to $700, and AAU basketball membership costs $20 or $22 annually from September 1 to August 31.
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AAU basketball coaching quality
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. AAU basketball is a great way for young athletes to gain exposure to college coaches and recruiters. AAU events provide some of the best competition, preparing players for college-level basketball and showcasing their skills.
However, the quality of coaching in AAU basketball is not always consistent. While there are many good coaches in the AAU world, some may be more focused on winning than on developing players. It is important for athletes and their parents to research any clubs they are considering to ensure they find a top coach. A best-case scenario for an AAU environment is one that focuses on the whole athlete, teaches them more than just basketball, and fosters a passion for the game.
AAU basketball coaches can gain valuable experience in running a team and developing their coaching skills. They can also build relationships with other coaches and learn from their peers. However, it is important for coaches to be flexible and adapt to the fast-paced nature of AAU tournaments, which often involve playing multiple games in a single day.
The safety of athletes in AAU programs is of utmost importance, and the AAU was the first national youth sports organization to enact background screening for its coaches back in 2012. In 2025, the AAU partnered with the National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) to provide industry-leading background screening for its coaches, ensuring the safety of the athletes.
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History of the AAU
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) was founded in 1888 by William Buckingham Curtis to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. During its early years, the AAU played a leading role in international sports, representing the United States in international sports federations and working closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games.
The AAU conducted its first event, championships for boxing, fencing, and wrestling, on April 6, 1888, at New York City's Metropolitan Opera House. The AAU organised the open USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships from 1888 to 1978 and sponsored the First American Track & Field Championships for women in 1923.
In its early decades, the AAU was closely tied to most non-professional athletic endeavours, including college and Olympic sports. The AAU held its first National Men's Basketball Championship in 1897, with the 23rd Street YMCA from New York City crowned champions. However, the AAU barred women athletes from competing in events it sponsored from 1914 until 1923, when it allowed women to compete in most sports, including basketball. The first AAU Women's National Basketball Championship was held in 1926, with the Pasadena Athletic and Country Club Flying Rings winning the tournament.
The AAU's role changed significantly after the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, which removed its powers as the national governing body for Olympic sports. As a result, the AAU shifted its focus to providing sports programs for all participants of all ages, particularly at the grassroots and youth levels. Today, the AAU is known for its youth basketball opportunities and continues to host national championships and events in various sports, including basketball, volleyball, and track and field. The AAU also collaborates with organisations like the National Fitness Foundation to expand youth sports participation and promote fitness education in schools.
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Frequently asked questions
AAU stands for Amateur Athletic Union.
The AAU Basketball Easter Classic is an annual basketball tournament held by the AAU. The tournament was held on April 18-19 in 2025.
The AAU was founded in 1888 by James E. Sullivan and William Buckingham Curtis to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. In its early years, the AAU served as 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. After the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, the AAU shifted its focus to providing sports programs for all participants of all ages, beginning at the grassroots level.
AAU basketball provides an opportunity for players to compete in several games in a short period, against opposition with similar skill levels. AAU events can also provide exposure to college coaches, which can be beneficial for those aiming to make a college roster.
