FAQ’S ABOUT Connecticut Wave & AAU
What is AAU? The Amateur Athletic Union is a national organization dedicated to amateur sports and physical fitness programs. Look on our links page for websites that will explain the national and local associations.
What is the CT Wave? It is a Girls AAU Basketball Club that has been established to give kids an opportunity to continue to play basketball beyond the school and travel season. To provide young players with a challenging and supportive educational and sports experience which fosters competence and confidence for success, much to the benefit of each player, their families and communities.
Who is Eligible? Any girl between the ages of 10-17 is eligible to try-out and play for the CT Wave. All players wishing to play must go through an evaluation process. Try-outs take place in the fall and the spring. Please monitor this website for exact dates, times, and locations.
How does my child get on a CT Wave team? Register online by submitting your child's information. Click our "Sign-up Forms" tab above and come to our tryouts. The CT Wave has open tryouts in the fall and late winter. No player is guaranteed a spot on a team. Your child is encouraged to make all the tryouts so that the coaches can perform a fair evaluation.
How many teams are there? There will 6 girls teams this upcoming season (U10, U11, U12 State, U12 National, U13 National & U14. All players will be selected by their ability level during the tryouts. Coaches may also use other settings where they have seen the player as a part of the evaluation process.
How is the age group determined? The age as of December 31st of the previous year is the age group for that player.
What happens when tryouts conflict with other games?The CT Wave does not allow high school varsity players still participating in playoffs to participate in tryouts. All other players are expected to take advantage of all the tryouts for their age group. High School players still playing in playoffs may make arrangements (coaches discretion).
What is involved in the commitment to a CT Wave team? It is expected that a player will make all the games and practices. There are always conflicts but absences disrupt the team and are unfair to the player’s coaches and teammates. Communication with the coaches is crucial about these items. A player has to be able to make the Regional tournament.
What about the time involved? There are at least two practices during the week from March through June. Teams will normally play in 8 to 9 tournaments. Tournaments occur on the weekends.
What’s the cost? The 2010 club fee is $800 STATE and $900 NATIONAL, which covers at least 8 tournaments plus a host of expenses that are listed in our newsletter.
Is there fund raising for that kind of thing? The CT Wave does have 2-3 fundraisers per year and is always in pursuit for sponsors to help defray costs to the players and their parents. Also our final tournament at UConn is our largest fundraiser and parents are expected to volunteer in some capacity during the event.
What are the goals? For the players to grow as people and players, for the team to play as well as it can, and for everyone to have some fun.
What about communications? This crucial aspect is covered on the team level by meeting with the coaches and team managers. The club communicates through the website and newsletters and individually by phone at 860-978-2697.
