Q: Which team should my son try out for ?
A: For the 2011 AAU season, the age cut off date for boys is September 1, 2011, or one year older on that date but in the correct grade as of March 1, 2011.
Q: Can I try out for a specific coach’s team ?
A: Yes, players can try out for a specific coach’s team. When you turn in your registration form and check in, please note which coach you are planning on trying out for. If you are hoping to tryout for the highest qualified team please let the tryouts gym director know so s/he can alert the team coach(es), BUT do not anticipate that a certain coach will be the coach of the highest qualified team. Coaches frequently move from one team to another.
Q: What if my child cannot make all of the try outs ?
A: Players should try to attend both try-outs (these consisting of 2-3 nights). It is recommended that players make both try-outs to give them the best opportunity to be evaluated. If a player is going to miss a try-out please notify us. Coaches and evaluators will not be aware of why players are not at a tryout without advanced notification. This does not help potential players’ chances of making a team.
Q: How are coaches selected ?
A: Coaching is a paid stipend positions for Mass Elite Basketball. CORI checks are done on all coaches. All Head Basketball coaches are experienced coaches with a background in coaching basketball at the college or high school level.
Q: How do you evaluate players to ensure each player gets a fair try out ?
A: Players are put through basic basketball drills to evaluate the skills of shooting, passing,
dribbling, rebounding, and defense. All players are put through the same drills to ensure that the try-out process is fair.
Q: What type of experience should a player have before trying out for an AAU Club Team ?
A: Players can have wide variety of basketball experience. It is important to remember becausewe are drawing from multiple communities, AAU teams are more competitive than most County travel, Middle School, or CYO teams.
Q: My child plays another sport (Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse etc) – would they be able to play AAU Basketball also ?
A: During each Spring AAU season we ask that our program be your sons top athletic priority. Our AAU program is much more competitive than recreational and local travel teams because it involves kids from different communities playing on the same team resulting in a better talent pool. Recreational Leagues will consist of teams from one town or school/grade that register together playing teams from other towns. AAU is also a bigger time commitment with practices during the week and tournaments on
the weekends. It is also important to keep in mind that players who are unable to attend practicewill also miss out on understanding what was covered in practice (ex: a particular play). This is important to understand because it could effect playing time.
Q: Is playing time guaranteed if my child makes a team ?
A: Unlike some programs, there is NO GUARANTEED playing time on AAU teams for any player. Coaches must weigh a number of factors for each and every game as to which players will startand who will be subbed in. Coaches generally do not keep track of individual players playing time and the worst thing you can do as a parent is go up to a coach right after a game and ask him why your child was in for only one minute and 16 seconds. First of all, contain your emotions and issues, and call and discuss with the coach away from the event. Second, our coaches and other bench personnel do NOT keep track of playing time and if that is all you are concerned with then you have missed the broader goals of our program.
Q: How will the players be selected for a team ?
A: Through the try-out process players will be evaluated on their basketball skills, knowledge, athleticism, and attitude. Coaches and evaluators will weigh all these factors in selecting team members.
Q: If I don’t make a team do I get my tryout fee back ?
A: Refunds will not be given to players who do not make the team. The $15-$25 fee (depending on the season) is for the opportunity to try out for the team.
Q: Who selects which players make a team?
A: Multiple evaluators (these being non-biased coaches and program advisers) are assigned to each court to evaluate all players trying out for the team.
Q: My child was cut and I believe my son was a better player than players who did make the team.
A: Deciding who makes each team is not an exact science. Each evaluator/coach will do their best to identify the top players. It is important to remember that all teams need different kinds of players to be successful.
Q: My son is very upset over not making a team; what should I say to him ?
A: We understand that getting cut from a team is a heartbreaking experience for any child. It is important that you explain to your child that if they gave their best effort that is what is important. Many good players have been cut at one time or another, Michael Jordan was once cut from his high school team. Players should evaluate the areas that they need improvement in and work at them. Generally players who have been cut will be referred to local programs which we strongly recommend.
Q: How many teams per age bracket will there be?
A: Most age brackets will have three teams depending on the number of qualified players at each level. The number of teams at each age level will vary depending on the number of potential players at tryouts.
