AAU Basketball FAQs
CAL Sports Academy Boys and Girls Travel Basketball Team Tryouts
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q: Which team is my son/daughter trying out for?
A: AAU teams are based on grade level and age. Please view the eligibility page under AAU menu on our website or our AAU eligibility form in the AAU Program Packet to determine your child's team eligibility.
Q: What if my child can not attend all tryout sessions?
A: Notification to Coach Corey needs to be made immediately if a player cannot attend a tryout session and would still like to be considered for a team. Coach Corey will work with the parent in order to determine if the player should attend another tryout session. Payment is not refunded if a player cannot make a scheduled tryout session.
Q: How many tryouts are there?
A: Tryouts consist of 4 1/2 hours of sessions. This is broken up across a number of sessions not to exceed 3. Players are expected to attend all tryout sessions.
A: Tryouts occur at CAL Sports Academy, 110 Christopher Lane, Harleysville, PA or Central Community Center, 2067 Steelman Road, Lansdale, PA
A: Tryouts cost $200. No refunds are granted if a player misses a tryout session or cannot attend all sessions. $150 of this cost goes towards the AAU Program Fee if the player makes the team. If a player does not make the team, the $150 is refunded.
Q: How do you evaluate players to ensure each player gets a fair tryout?
A: Players are put through basic basketball drills to evaluate his/her work ethic, hustle, attitude, shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding, and defensive skills. Hard work, hustle, and good attitude are contributing factors in team selection. Even if a player has a difficult session and his/her shooting or game is "off" that session, other factors are still considered. All players are put through the same drills to ensure that the tryout process is fair. Please see our Tryouts Tips.
Q: What experience should a player have before trying out for CAL Sports Academy AAU Basketball team?
A: Players can have wide variety of basketball experience. It is important to remember because we are drawing from multiple communities, AAU teams are more competitive than most recreational, middle school, or CYO teams. We recommend your child have at least one year of experience in a competitive league or on a travel team.
Q: My child plays another sport (baseball, soccer, etc) – would he/she be able to play AAU Basketball also?
A: Yes, your child can still play AAU Basketball. CAL Sports Academy AAU teams have practices during the week. Games and tournaments are typically on weekends (some tournaments start on Friday evenings. Also, download our CAL Sports Player and Parent Expectations document which discusses the importance of practice attendance and its impact on playing time.
Q: How is AAU different from other programs or leagues?
A: The AAU program is much more competitive than recreational or local select leagues because it involves athletes from different communities playing on the same team, resulting in a better talent pool. Recreational leagues, on the other hand, consist of teams from one town or school, which means a smaller pool and less competition for team selection. The AAU program is also a bigger time commitment with practices during the week and games and tournaments on the weekends. It is also important to keep in mind that players who are unable to attend practice will also miss out on understanding what was covered in pratice (for example, learning a play). Therefore, missed practices may have a significant impact on playing time.
Q: Is playing time guaranteed if my child makes a team?
A: Unlike some programs, AAU DOES NOT GUARANTEE playing time for any player. Coaches must weigh a number of factors to determine which players will start and who will be subbed in at every game. Coaches generally do not keep track of individuals player's playing time. If at any time you are concerned about your child's playing time, please discuss this with the coach away from the event, never immediately after the game. Please keep in mind the broader goals of the program before taking issue with any player's playing time.
Q: Who selects the players that make a team?
A: CAL Sports Academy coaching staff selects players based on a scoring system and observation.
Q: If I don't make a team do I get my tryout fee back?
A: If your child is not selected to a team, $150 if refunded of your $200 tryout fee. $50 is a non-refundable fee.
Q: My child was not selected to a team but I believe my child is a better player than players who did make the team. What can I do?
A: Deciding who makes each team is not an exact science. CAL Sports Academy staff 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. If you feel strongly that your child should have been selected to a team, contact Corey A. Lord, CAL Sports Academy President directly.
Q: My son or daughter is very upset over not making a team; what should I say to him or her?
A: We understand that not getting selected to a team is a heartbreaking experience for any child. It is important that you explain to your child that giving his/her best effort is most important. You can share that many good players have not been selected to a team at one time or another. Michael Jordan, for example, didn't make his high school team once. Players should evaluate the areas in which they need improvement and work to improve skills.
Q: My child has made the team, now what?
A: Parent confirmation with payment is required within 24 hours of notification of team selection. This occurs by registering your child and making the initial payment. A received payment means confirmation into the program. Parents must attend the AAU Parent Meeting, which explains the overall program objectives and expectations. Parents are notified of the date and time of the meeting during the phone conversation upon notification to the team.
