AAU Buyers Guide

Quick advice before we start: Yes, do it, play AAU. Play for the fun of the game, the love of competition and the desire to get better. Do not play for exposure or scholarships. Parents, do not view this as an investment into a potential dividend (scholarship). It is an investment into your child's basketball career. The experience is the dividend.

The 5 questions I would ask an AAU vendor, complete with 20 follow up questions:

1. Can you tell me about your program? Let them tell their story
-How long have you been in existence? Experience is very important
-Are you a non-profit or for profit organization? Good to know
-How are you funded (player payment or sponsorship)? Also good to know
-Who has played for you in the past/Where are they now? Not dire, but interesting

2. How much does it cost to play?
-What does the fee cover? Clarify what you get
-What doesn't it cover? Clarify what you don't
-Do you offer scholarships, and if so, how are they awarded? Some do, some don't
-Do you offer fund raising? Some do, some don't

3. Where are practices held? Important detail often overlooked
-How often are they held? Understand your expected time commitment
-Do multiple teams practice together? A must to ensure adequate numbers during dog days
-Are they required? You don't want to find yourself on a practice-optional team
-Is there individual skill time involved? A lot tout it up front, but few actually do it

4. What is the event schedule? Make sure your schedule fits THE schedule
-Who is responsible for travel arrangements? This varies from program to program. Ask who.
-What is an excusable absence? Consequences for spring sport, prom, family vaca, etc?
-Is the schedule final? Some programs have a hard time finalizing their schedules
-What takes precedence, the HS team or the AAU team? This can be a major issue, discuss it

5. Who is the coach? If possible talk with them directly, let them introduce themselves
-What is his/her experience coaching? Obviously important
-Experience coaching AAU? Half of an AAU coaches role is in planning/administration.
-How are teams chosen? Are they created or is there a try out?
-What is your playing time philosophy? Some play all, some play some