Here are some steps for starting an AAU basketball team:

1. Determine your goals and purpose. Before you start your team, think about what you want to achieve and why you want to start an AAU team. Do you want to provide an opportunity for local players to compete at a higher level? Do you want to help players develop their skills and get noticed by college coaches? Having a clear purpose will help guide your decisions as you move forward.

2. Find a coach and assistant coaches. A good coach is essential for any good AAU team. Look for someone with experience coaching basketball, as well as a strong understanding of the game and good communication skills. You´ll also need assistant coaches to help with practices and games.

3. Assemble a roster. Once you have a coaching staff in place, you can start recruiting players for your team. Consider holding tryouts or inviting players to join based on their skills and commitment. You´ll need to make sure you have enough players to field a team, as well as enough depth to handle injuries or absences.

4. Obtain necessary insurance and permits. AAU teams are required to have liability insurance, which you can obtain through the AAU. You´ll also need to secure any necessary permits or licenses to use facilities for practices and games.

5. Register with the AAU. To play in AAU basketball events and tournaments, you´ll need to register your team with the AAU. This involves paying a membership fee and filling out the necessary paperwork.

   Again from earlier, a lot of summer tournaments are not "AAU tournaments". But it has become synonomous over the last decade or two. 

6. Set a schedule and schedule games. Once you have your team assembled and registered with the AAU, you´ll need to set a schedule for practices and games. This may involve finding opponents to play against and securing facilities to use.

7. Fundraise and manage finances. As with any sports team, you´ll need to find ways to pay for expenses such as uniforms, travel, and equipment. Consider fundraising or seeking sponsorships to help offset these costs. You´ll also need to manage the team´s finances, including keeping track of expenses and revenue.

Starting an AAU basketball team requires a lot of work, but it can be a rewarding experience for both you and the players on your team. By following these steps and being organized and committed, you can help provide opportunities for young basketball players to improve their skills and achieve their goals. Even help them in their recruiting process. 

When does AAU basketball start?

The start of the AAU basketball season can vary depending on the specific program or event you are participating in. AAU basketball programs and events are held throughout the year, with the busiest times typically being the spring and summer.

For example, the AAU Boys´ Basketball National Championships are held in July, while the AAU Girls´ Basketball National Championships are held in June. These events bring together top teams from around the country to compete for national titles.

If you are interested in participating in AAU basketball, you should check with your local AAU program or team to find out when their season starts and when they hold try outs, practices and games. You can also visit the AAU website for more information about programs and events.

Is AAU basketball worth it?

Whether AAU basketball is worth it will depend on an individual player´s goals and circumstances. For some players, AAU basketball can provide valuable opportunities to compete at a high level, develop their skills, and be seen by college coaches and recruiters.

It can also be a great way to make new friends and have fun playing the sport they love.

However, AAU basketball can also be expensive and time-consuming, and it may not be the right fit for everyone. Players may need to pay membership fees, travel costs, and other expenses to participate in AAU events. They may also need to balance AAU commitments with school, other sports, and other activities.

The cost of AAU basketball can vary depending on a number of factors, including the specific program or event you are participating in, the location, and any additional expenses such as travel or accommodation.

Other potential expenses to consider include costs for uniforms, equipment, travel, accommodation, and meals. These costs can vary widely depending on the distance traveled, the length of stay, and other factors.

It´s important to keep in mind that AAU basketball can be a significant financial commitment, and it´s important to carefully consider the costs before deciding to participate. It may be helpful to talk to other AAU teams or players to get a better idea of the costs involved.

Conclusion

Participating in AAU basketball can be a valuable and rewarding experience for aspiring athletes and high school players. There are many pros and cons of playing AAU Basketball. AAU provides a range of programs and activities for players of all ages, including regional and national tournaments, international competitions, and other events.

These programs offer opportunities to compete at a high level, develop skills, and be seen by college coaches and recruiters. AAU membership also provides access to coaching, training, and other resources to help players improve their game.

However, it´s important to carefully consider the costs and commitments involved before joining AAU. Membership fees and other expenses can add up, and players may need to balance AAU commitments with school, other sports, and other activities.

Nonetheless, for those who are dedicated to pursuing their basketball goals and are willing to put in the hard work, AAU can be a great way to take their game to the next level.