AAU Basketball season typically starts around February or March. Much of this depends on the area in which you participate and the age of your team. However, you can find basketball tournaments as early as November and your individual team registration actually starts in early September. This is good news if you are a full time AAU basketball team!
AAU basketball is a massive beast! They are a big organization and have tournaments spread all over the nation. The purpose of this article is to breakdown the AAU structure to best understand everything there is to know about AAU Basketball seasons and how to advance into the regional, districts and world championship tournaments.
The Start of AAU Basketball Season
Ok, first things first. As mentioned above, AAU basketball season starts getting busy around February or March but the membership officially allows teams to start participating in September. So if you are a team that is looking for a basketball tournament to compete in click this link to see the AAU Basketball schedule.
If you are in a popular area, sometimes you can find basketball tournaments all year around. If not, be a little patient and they will pop up in the early months of the year.
AAU Basketball Season Structure
AAU has a bunch of different types of tournaments spread throughout the season. In this section of the article, I will breakdown the different tournaments you will see.
AAU Regional Basketball Tournaments
AAU Regional tournaments are part of the AAU basketball season. These tournaments are hosted by AAU clubs and can be small or big. Regional tournaments are typically open to all teams. Depending on how your team places in a regional tournament can help your team earn a spot in the world championship.
AAU District Basketball Tournaments
AAU district basketball tournaments are part of the AAU basketball season. These are also hosted by AAU clubs usually. They can be large or small tournaments depending on the region.
AAU World Championship
A good indicator of when an AAU basketball season ends is the world championship tournament. AAU has various different levels of tournaments. They are arranged by age and some that are grade based. They also break these down by division level. Some AAU tournaments are so large that you can enter your team directly into the Division I, II, or III.
Because AAU basketball has such a large group, they can break up their world championship into several different events. These events are based on the above criteria: age or grade based and/or the level enter (Division I, II, or III). The AAU World Championship your team competes in could be in anywhere in the U.S. Popular locations are hosted by AAU at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida or Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton, VA.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the journey through AAU basketball seasons is not just a mere series of games but a transformative experience that shapes the lives and futures of countless young athletes. As we navigate the intricacies of regular play, regional showdowns, and national tournaments, we unearth the true essence of competition, camaraderie, and personal growth. From the early days of team registration in September to the electrifying atmosphere of national championships, each step of the journey is infused with passion, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.
Indeed, AAU basketball is a behemoth of an organization, with its reach extending to every corner of the nation. Its tournaments serve as the battleground where dreams are realized, talents are discovered, and futures are forged. Through this article, we have endeavored to unravel the complexities of the AAU structure, providing insights into the pathways to regional, district, and even world championship tournaments.
As we eagerly anticipate the start of another AAU basketball season, let us embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned player, a dedicated coach, or an enthusiastic supporter, the journey through AAU basketball seasons is a testament to the enduring spirit of the game. So lace up your sneakers, gather your team, and prepare to embark on a thrilling adventure that transcends the confines of the court. Together, let us seize the opportunity to make memories, chase dreams, and leave a lasting legacy in the annals of AAU basketball history.
The decision to start playing AAU basketball should be based on your child’s passion for the sport and current abilities. Are they challenged at the recreation or school level? Could they benefit from playing at the AAU level during the high school or middle school off season? Here is more information.
According to the AAU website AAU started in 1888.
Sports generally consider the timeframe of the competition is measured in seasons. For example, NBA basketball games are played during the season. This is the time period of basketball games. Teams compete in games against other teams during the season which determines who goes on to the championship. AAU is no different. AAU seasons are longer than professional sports but the concept is the same.