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 will be 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 could consist of a maximum of 12 players per team and will be determined by Cal Sports Coaching Staff based on the 3 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 and there will be no refunds issued for fees paid to CAL Sports Academy - This will be your only warning and this policy is without exception.

While CAL Sports coaches will strive to get all players adequate playing time, it is not guaranteed on the AAU travel team. Levels of playing time will be determined by the coaching staff and will be based on 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 will 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. 

Before participating in the first game or tournament, the following documents must be signed and submitted to Corey A. Lord:

·       Permission Slip/Waiver

·       Emergency Information Sheet

·       Copy of Birth Certificate

·       Signed Code of Ethics for Player and Parent

·       Signed Copy of Team Rules

With AAU participation fees often approaching $1,000; it is our goal to provide a quality travel basketball experience that is more affordable to families. Note: Tournament entry fees alone cost anywhere from $400-$600 per team.

Unlike many programs, CAL Sports Academy team does not exist to make as much money as possible. We will strive to keep the program affordable while trying to offer quality opportunities to play a higher level of basketball.

*Note (Tournament/Participation Fee): If any team has less than 10 players, the tournament/participation fee cost will slightly increase.

Since the CAL Sports Academy will attempt to keep prices affordable, it is expected that each team member participate in a minimum of 2 fundraisers during the season. Fundraisers will help meet the necessary expenses of the teams and all monies raised will be used directly for CAL Sports Academy basketball programs.

There will be no refunds given 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. 

In the event a player has a serious injury which ends participation for the season, a written request may be submitted to Corey Lord, along with a doctor’s note or copy of a physical examination. The amount of refund given, if any, will be at the discretion of Corey Lord.

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