What is the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)?

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer, sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs.

What are the Benefits of Playing AAU?

• Nationally recognized non-profit organization.
• Insurance, including general liability and participant accident, is included as a benefit of membership.
• Low membership fees.
• Low tournament fees.
• Freedom and flexibly in conducting programs and hosting events.
• Multi-sport membership card allows participants to compete in any sport.
• Non-exclusive organization.  Anyone can join.
• Easy online registration for membership, insurance certificates, license applications and events.
• Multi-year membership available – join for 1, 2 or 3 years.
• Level 3 Club Membership offering eligibility for tax-exempt status and to accept tax-exempt donations.
• After reading the information below, contact us with any questions you may have.  We look forward to your participation in the AAU….

Navigating the AAU…..

Our first priority is you and your athletes.  If you still have questions, after you read this tutorial, please reach out to the Director for the sport that you are interested in or one of the Georgia AAU Officers.  Their contact information is available in the navigation bar above.  We are ready to assist you.

What do you need to know before registering as an Individual Member?

It is important to understand that all AAU memberships are valid from September 1 through August 31 of any given year.  All membership must be renewed each year in order to maintain any benefits offered through these memberships.   Things to determine before registering:

1. Determine which level of club membership is right for you.  An AAU club can consist of one team or 100 teams.  You can designate yourself just a youth club, an adult club or both depending on your membership needs.
   Level 1 – If you plan to participate in AAU events but not host any events, this is the level for you.
   Level 2 – If you want to both participate in and host AAU events such as invitationals, leagues, etc., then this is the level for you.
   Level 3 – If you would like to host events and to be classified as a 501(c)3 organization under the AAU organization, this is the level for you.  Contact the AAU national office to discuss requirements and procedures for attaining this level.
2. Once you know what type AAU club membership is best for you and your circumstances, you want to decide which type of individual membership is best for each of your athletes and non-athletes (all coaches, meet directors, club personnel are considered non-athletes).   It is recommended that all members associated with your club be registered with the same type Individual Membership.  Both types of Individual membership includes sports accident insurance at practices and the ability to participate in AAU Licensed (Sanctioned) events.  AAU registered clubs/teams may apply for a Certificate of insurance contingent on all participants being registered properly as AAU Individual Members.Types of AAU Individual Membership:
   Regular – Benefits are only good at a AAU licensed events.  Whether that is at an ‘AAU Club’ practice, where everyone participating is an AAU member, or competition at AAU Licensed Events.
   AB (Extended Coverage) – Slightly more expensive but the AAU benefits are extended to participation in events hosted by other sports entities (not AAU).  For team competitions, the entire competing team and coach must be registered under AB Extended Coverage option.  For individual competitions, each individual must be registered under the AB Extended Coverage option as well as be supervised by a coach that is covered under the AB extended coverage option.  Same insurance benefits as listed in regular coverage above.
   The extended coverage membership is not an alternative to obtaining an AAU league, tournament, or event license.  Any AAU club that conducts any event that is not licensed by the AAU forfeits their AAU insurance benefit for that event.  Same insurance benefits as listed in regular coverage above.  So now that you know about Club Membership and Individual Membership..

You are ready to Register

Before you register your club you must first register for an AAU Individual Membership.  You must have an individual ID before you can apply for a club membership.  All adult membership will have an automatic background check, which is included in the cost of the membership.  From the navigation bar on this site, click the ‘Resource Tab’, then click the ‘JOIN Tab’.  Upon arriving at the AAU site you will be asked to establish your ‘user name’ and ‘password’  This is important as all of your information will be stored in your own personal club files accessible only by you using your login and password.  So save these.  All non-athletes must receive a background clearance by the AAU before they receive their AAU Membership card via email.  After the clearance of the background check you will receive your individual membership ID and then you will be ready to purchase your club membership.

Purchase Your Club Membership

Using the log in and password you created, log in and select ‘purchase a club membership’.  Fill in all appropriate fields. You will be asked for your individual AAU membership number.   Complete, pay and check out.  You will be issued your new Club Number immediately.  When you registered for your Individual Membership you where not able to attach a ‘Club Number’, because you did not have a Club at the time.  So now is the time to go back and associate your individual ID with your club ID.  You can do this on line by selecting the ‘reprint card’ function and chose edit and put in your club number.  If you have any problems contact member services at 407-934-7200.  They will be glad to assist you.

Register your Members

Now you are ready to register your individual athletes and non-athletes coaches.  You can list other non-athletes as alternative contacts when registering your club, but they too must have an individual membership.  We urge you to make sure that you use your club number on all registrations.  This will insure that all are listed in your club files and you will have easy access to lists and membership information using your log in and password.  If a member of your club forgets to include the club number while registering, it can be added in the same manner as above by ‘reprinting’ a card and editing to include the club number.

Enter Licensed Events

Now you are ready to enter into AAU licensed events.  If you need assistance finding events, contact your local district sports director or go to the national website www.aausports and select ‘Find An Event’.  It is up to each individual club, coach or representative to enter their membership into any AAU licensed event.

How Do I License An Event

1. First – Familiarize yourself with the different types of Events to determine what kind of event you would like to offer.  Also familiarize yourself with the duties and responsibilities of being an event director.  The person who is applying for the licensing must have an individual membership and club number (club level 2 or club level 3) in order to apply.
   Invitational – offered to membership in your district – such as a weekend tournament – one day event
   League – an event offered to AAU club members hosted by you to include a group of teams or individuals over an extended period of time.
   District Championship – these events take prior approval from the district sports chair.  You should contact your sports chair and direct all questions to them.
   Regional – this requires national approval – event offered to bordering districts as approved by the national office and criteria as required by national rules and policies.
2. It is our goal to help our members understand the licensing process and aid them by answering any questions about licensing an event.  Your local district chair of your sport is an excellent place to start when planning.  They will be able to provide you with helpful information regarding other events being held therefore helping you determine the best time to offer your event.  All licensing is applied for online.  You will be required to provide a flyer with general information about your event, such as dates, location, cost, rules, sport specific information and contact information for event director. Make sure that you state on each flyer the following information.
3. The below text must be included on any flyer which will be included on any licensing application: flyers without this information will hold up your licensing process.
4. This event is sanctioned by the Amateur Athletic Union of the U. S., Inc.
   All participants must have a current AAU membership.
   AAU membership may not be included as part of the entry fee to the event.
   AAU membership must be obtained before the competition begins except where the event operator has a laptop available with an internet connect. Participants are encouraged to visit the AAU web site www.aausports.org to obtain their membership.

Injuries or Accident Reporting – The procedure for reporting an accident to the AAU and insurance company is explained in detail on the national web site under insurance.  All forms are also there for your reference and use. Reporting in a timely manner is extremely important.  Visit the website and familiarize yourself with these very important procedures to protect you and your members if an injury should occur.