AAU Program Policies

CAL Sports Academy was founded to provide positive alternative sport programs for adolescents.  Our goals are to instill leadership qualities in each participant with “a can do” attitude by introducing developing sports training.

Our motto, “Strength Through Sports”, applies to strength of mind, body, and spirit. Our academy focuses on integrity, credible sports education, and commitment to results that exceed expectations, and the belief that children need good role models both inside and outside of their homes.

All of our work is youth-centered and strives for the highest possible quality. We bring a developmental approach and a community-wide perspective to everything we do.

The travel teams are devoted to developing the skills of individual players with the collective goal of team success. Though success cannot always be measured by wins and losses, it is expected that the coaches and players will make an effort to be competitive in all tournaments and games. 

Though competing is one aspect of the program, the CAL Sports Academy expects that all players, coaches, and CAL Sports Academy spectators demonstrate the highest level of sportsmanship at all times. It is our belief that a competitive program can be a positive experience for young people, especially when coupled with a proper perspective that promotes character development.

Rosters consist of a maximum of 11 players per team and are determined by Cal Sports Coaching Staff based on scheduled tryout dates. Selections are based on ability, level of effort, ability to work within the context of a team, attitude, conditioning, and other intangible qualities. 

Any concerns about the team selection should be addressed with Corey A. Lord / President.

Once roster selections are complete, every player will be given a list of team rules specific for their team. Team rules will cover issues such as practice attendance policies, team expectations, appropriate attire for games and practices, and other guidelines for behavior. Once team rules are established, players will be required to sign the rules and return them to the coach before participating in any game or tournament. The coaches have the right to add or subtract rules as the season progresses in order to address situations that may arise. Coaches are expected to clearly communicate expectations to team players, parents, and families throughout the season.

OUTSIDE/COMPETING PROGRAM RECRUITMENT POLICY:

If a parent or player is suspected or found to be recruiting CAL Sports Academy players for ANY outside/competing AAU or League Organizations within CAL Sports Academy facilities or during CAL Sports Academy AAU Games, League Games, Practices, Camps or Clinics, the player and parents will be dismissed from the AAU Team immediately. No refunds will be granted. There are no exceptions to this policy. 

PLAYING TIME:

While CAL Sports coaches strive to give all players adequate playing time, it is not guaranteed on the AAU travel team. Levels of playing time is determined by the coaching staff and is based on attendance at practice, overall performance, attitude, and the ability to comply with team rules and regulations. It is our belief that all members of the roster are equally important and play a vital role in the team’s success. Players should expect to be treated equally, but this does not guarantee that playing time will be equal. 

In the event there is a disagreement over playing time, players are encouraged to speak directly to Corey A. Lord / President.  

In order to run a successful program, it is expected that all parties maintain open levels of communication throughout the season. This type of communication may include calling a coach in advance if a practice session will be missed, or corresponding with other team families to secure transportation to practices or tournament sites.

Cal Sports Academy will work diligently to make sure practice/game schedules are communicated clearly, along with other pertinent information that can affect the personal schedules of players and their families. 

*Note (Tournament/Participation Fee): If any team has less than 11 players, the tournament/participation fee cost will slightly increase.

No refunds are granted in the event a player discontinues participation during the season. If a player quits, or is removed from the team for inability to comply with team rules, or otherwise chooses to end participation, he will not be entitled to any refund. 

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian(s) to secure and/or fund transportation to and from all CAL Sports Academy travel team practices, games, and tournaments. Car pooling is recommended between families, but coaches are not permitted to transport any participants other than their own children. If transportation cannot be secured for any travel team event, the player/parent should notify their coach to try and resolve the situation. Parent/guardian(s) are also responsible to picking-up their child at the appropriate times.