What I’ve Learned After My Son’s First Season of AAU Basketball
It wasn’t my choice to have my 8 year old son on an official AAU team. His dad did that. Being that last year was his first year, I learned a lot of things. Some of it I liked, some of it I didn't.
Knowing what I know now, there’s no way he’d play AAU at eight. Our local YMCA would have sufficed.
So if you’re a parent who’s considering your child playing AAU in any sport, here’s some things I’ve learned and that you may wanna consider:
#1 Elite (AAU) ball isn’t necessary under ten years old. For a number of reasons. For one, no college coaches are looking at 3rd graders, 2nd graders, or first graders. The organization my son played for 1st grade team was nationally ranked. That can come with perks like shoe company sponsorship. Currently that organization has dismantled. So what does that ranking mean now? Not much.
For two, the cost of AAU alone must be considered. More on that later.
#2 This AAU sh*t is a hustle. Somebody’s making money. And it ain’t the parents or players. Youth sports isn’t all about the development of young athletes. It’s a business. As soon as money exchanges hands it’s a business. Not all coaches are in it out of love of coaching the youth and for the game. (Some are getting paid very well). Some tournament organizers make a living strictly off hosting tournaments. Fees can range from $25-$750. With gym entry fees from $2-$15. For a parent, that’s pay to play and pay to watch.
#3 Be honest about your child’s ability, talent, and interest levels. I’ve seen kids who can barely dribble, pass, or reasonably miss a layup in AAU ball and it seems like such a waste. AAU is for more advanced players (imo) because of cost, competition, and travel.
If your child doesn’t quite have the basics, lacks a genuine interest to improve, or have a natural ability, consider skills camps or a local nonprofit league to start. The YMCA is a good inexpensive option if in your area.
#4 Seek alternatives. Starting out kids should be exposed to a variety of sports and activities. This is a time for exploration to see what they take to. Their brains and bodies are still growing and developing so exposing them to different activities means using different cognitive functions and muscles. Not only can this help prevent over usage of the same muscles, it can help kids to keep an open mind to other extra curricular options.
Side note: I wish I had done this with my 9 year old. Its been nothing but basketball since Day 1 and now he won’t consider any other sport.
#5 Be aware of the money and contractual commitment of AAU. Some organizations require a monthly fee to cover gym fees, tournaments, etc. Most organizations require parents to sign a contract stating the terms and conditions of playing for the organization. Other things to note such as playing time and parental expectations are in there as well. Always make a copy of the contract to keep for your own records.
#6 Competition isn’t always there. It would frustrate me to see my son’s team win with thirty point blowouts. With the cost investment, every parent wants to see their kids challenged. Unfortunately, more teams tinker on the average to below average end than exceptional. Good consistent competition is imperative for growth and improvement.
#7 Back to cost. Uniforms for this season for my son is the same as last season at $200, not including shoes. Throw in some out of town tournaments and the four figure mark is easily reached. If your household budget doesn’t allow for this added expense, kill your pride and don’t do it until you can. There are always other options and other teams who don’t travel so don’t break the bank. Feel free to shop around.
#8 Scheduling can be all over the place. The objective is to keep the kids busy. Being enrolled in more than one league/tournament at a time is not uncommon. One game for “League A” may be in the morning on one side of town. Another game for “League B” could be on the opposite side of town in the afternoon.
Tournaments can snatch your entire weekend with bracket play based off wins and losses.
Ex. Game 1 is at 9am. If you win, Game 2 is at ‘x’ time, if you lose Game 2 is at ‘x’ time.
I’ve been caught up at gyms for hours both Saturday and Sunday for multiple games at these tournaments.
Game schedules consume time, money, and gas so be aware of your budget, transportation, and personal/work schedule.
#9 Parents may be asked to work in fundraising activities such as concessions, collecting gym entry fees, etc. This may also be in the contract. Personally I’ve worked concessions for one of my son’s teams. It can be exhausting but well worth it when certain team expenses are covered from the profits.
#10 Burnout. Due to the amount of games played in a single season it adds up over the years. I’ve got two cousins who played AAU baseball throughout adolescence to have zero interest in playing when they reached high school. Starting earlier doesn’t always mean better.
Overall, involving your child in sports should be an informed decision. It is an investment of many valuable resources so choose wisely.
