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About Our Program

About Our Program

Welcome to the Massachusetts Sky Hawks AAU Basketball Club. For those who would like to know more about our basketball club we have summarized information about our club in a question and answer format. If you have additional questions feel free to contact us by email: skyhawkshoops@aol.com or call us at: 978-376-3649.

1. What is AAU? The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is a national organization dedicated to amateur sports and physical fitness programs. For more information about AAU check out their website at: www.aausports.org

2. What are the age groupings? All age groupings are determined by AAU. The boys age groupings are determined by a boy's age as of September 1, 2008. (example: a boy is born on August 25, 1995 and is in the 7th grade - boy plays on the 13U division). The boys division also have a grade exception rule. This is a boy who is a year older than boys in his grade. (example: a boy is born on August 25, 1994 and is in the 7th grade - boy plays on the 13U division with a grade exception form).

The girls age groupings are determined by a girl's age as of July 1, 2007. (example: a girl is born on June 25, 1995 - girl plays on the 12U division). If you have questions on age groupings check out the AAU website and check the age calculator for boys and girls basketball.

3. How does my son or daughter become a Sky Hawk? Register and attend a try-out session(s). There is a $25 non-refundable try-out fee. If you are selected for a team you will be notified. We hold open try-outs each year. Check this website for dates, times and locations.

4. When does the season start? The spring season runs from mid March thruough the end of June or early July. For teams playing in the fall season the season runs from September through mid November.

5. What is the cost of the program? We try to keep fees reasonable. If a player makes a team the estimated cost is between $425- $450 fee for the spring season. Factors that go into the cost of the program include: tournament fees, uniforms, equipment, insurance & club fees. For teams playing in the fall season the fee to play would be around $250-300 depending on the amount of tournaments a team enters.

6. How is playing time determined? All of our coaches are committed to helping each player. There are 10-11 players on each team. Our coaches want every player to be successful and will give each player the opportunity to do so. Playing tim will be determined by many factors including: attendance at practices & games, game situations, effort, and skill level. All players will play in every game unless for disciplinary reasons.

7. What type of committment is required for each player? AAU is a highly competitive level of basketball. As in any sport practice is very important to both a player's and a team's development. Our teams will practice twice a week for 1.5 - 2 hours at a time. Communication is very important if a player is unable to make a practice.

8. How are Sky Hawks coaches selected? Anyone interested in coaching in the Sky Hawk basketball club must complete a coaches application and interview process. All coaches will complete a CORI (criminal background check). We select our coaches based on their basketball knowledge and their coaching style in working with young athletes. Coaches are reviewed each year.

9. Where are the practices held? For the most part our players are from the Merrimack Valley area. Our practices will be held in Tewksbury, Billerica and Wilmington area.

10. Where and when are the games played? AAU basketball is a tournament based format. The Sky Hawks teams will compete in a minimum of 6 tournaments in the spring season. Tournaments are typically held during the weekend (2 games on Saturday and 2 games on Sunday). Tournaments will mostly be in Massachusetts or New Hampshire. There may be 1 or 2 tournaments that may require families to stay overnight one night.

11. What are the responsibilities for parents? As a parent you want the best for your child. Our coaches are committed to wanting the best for every player on the team. In order for this to occur it is very important that parents refrain from sideline coaching your son or daughter. This only confuses and frustrates your child. It is always uncomfortable for a coach to have to remove a player from the game who is not playing as the coach has been instructing them. The coach is trying to emphasize the importance of each player to play as a team. We ask parents to be postive and to cheer on every player on the team. We are trying to promote a family oriented program. We encourage families to take the time to get to know each other. Sometimes being on the road at these tournaments the players can feel overwhelmed and feel like they are outnumbered. By providing a strong supportive cheering group and encouraging their efforts can make a big difference in a tournament atmosphere. If a parent has questions for the coach, it is important to bring these questions to the coach in a private conversation without children present.