By What is AAU and its Origins?
AAU, standing for Amateur Athletic Union, is a non-profit, multi-sport-event organization. It was founded in 1888, now existing for over 130 years. The original objective of AAU was to develop Olympic athletes.
After the 1970s, the organization shifted focusing on youth sports and growing them at the fundamental level.
There are nearly 700,000 members, 150,000 volunteers, and 41 sports programs across 55 U.S districts. Sports under the union include baseball, basketball, football, hockey (inline and ice), and martial arts (karate, judo, and kung-fu).
Not only does the union focus on sports, but also on fitness amongst youth.
AAU Basketball
Basketball includes boys’, girls’, men’s, and women’s divisions. The seasons normally stretch from February till July, although there may be tournaments held during the high school season. AAU basketball can also be referred to as “club” or “travel” basketball.
Athletes can start playing in the seven and underage group and compete up till aging out at 12th grade/at the age of 19.
AAU basketball programs have gained popularity. Many of the best and brightest basketball players go up the ranks competing against each other in state and national programs. The popularity has also come with criticisms of the union.
The Pros of AAU Basketball
The competitiveness of AAU basketball functions as a positive. The student gets a chance to play against the best of the best when in tournaments. If basketball is a serious life path, getting the experience of playing amongst other top-rated athletes prepares them for college and pro like atmospheres.
Opportunities for scholarships remain as a big factor in pulling in athletes. Plenty of scouts and coaches attend AAU games giving athletes the ability to show off their skills.
Athletes build a relationship with their teammates in a more professional setting than maybe high school basketball.
The Cons of AAU Basketball
The main criticism of AAU ball is the spectacle of it all. When something gains popularity often the monetary side follows. Many believe that AAU basketball has become a breeding ground for sponsorships and shoe deals.
It is viewed that that true passion for the game is being lost under the shiny exterior of getting famous fast. NBA players, playing and retired, have criticized the rise in popularity of going this route.
The idea that it killed the idea of “street ball” and the organic nature that came with just playing a pick-up game versus practice skills.
Another criticism is how overly involved parents get in environments like this. From fights to briberies, the stage parent comes out in overly competitive places.
What this says about Young Athletes
The push and pull of if AAU games are beneficial or not really comes down to the ever-changing way young athletes move in the world. It is the hardest it has ever been to go pro in any sport especially in a highly competitive and popular on like basketball.
Kids put so much pressure on themselves to take the right path, do they really need adults adding to that? As more and more unions and programs like this pop up, it is important to remember athletes playing the sport they love is key.
In conclusion, the AAU has been around for decades and will continue to thrive. Each athlete is unique meaning their experience in AAU will be unique.
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