Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1148140
THE AAU GAME A Q&A with a driving force in youth hoops What is the state of basketball in 2019? The state of youth basketball in the country is very strong as it has been for many years. The sport continues to be one of the most popular choices for youth in America. As with other sports, bas- ketball is undergoing a fundamental change due to the emergence of new technologies as well as the development of E-sports. It is increasingly competitive to gain youth participation in sports as a whole as they have a variety of par- ticipation options these days. They are no longer just relegated to tra- ditional athletics. Basketball event operators must offer more so that it is more of an event-filled versus simply a game experience when participating in AAU basketball. Additionally, the youth basketball market is saturated with event oper- ators, which creates an extremely competitive marketplace. What is driving participation in basketball? Kids want to play. They want to play teams from outside their local com- munity. They want variety. Parents are in search of scholarships and professional careers for their chil- dren. No matter how far-fetched the likelihood of obtaining it, the desire, hope, dream is there. Where are the strengths and weak- nesses in participation from an age, geographic, male versus female and talent (travel versus recreational play) perspective? For travel ball, there are plenty of places to play — the quality of the event varies greatly, so buyer beware. Teams are playing region- ally when possible to reduce overnight stays. Boys' travel bas- ketball is still growing slowly; girls' basketball is declining as female athletes move to volleyball. There's been increased intensity on the safety of sports. What are AAU's concerns and how do you address this? The AAU is concerned with not only providing quality events but also with the safety and well-being of our athletes. The environment surrounding the actual competition is the part of youth sports that has become increasingly adversarial and unsportsmanlike, which can quickly become dangerous to offi- cials and participants. What can team dealers do to help further promote and grow basketball? Encourage people to enjoy sports responsibly and encourage parents to properly vet the club, team and coaches they affiliate with. Encourage teams to participate in events run by organizations that put child/athlete welfare before profit. What's your outlook for basketball over the next five or so years? Basketball is going to continue to be extremely popular with a similar number of participants, but with a larger number of event opportuni- ties provided. n teaminsightmag.com July/August 2019 ~ Team Insight 17 O ne of the largest, non-profit, volunteer, multi-sport event organiza- tions in the world, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has been promoting athletics since 1888. Many an Olympian and profes- sional player gained considerable experience and skills playing basketball as part of an AAU team. While basketball is just one of 41 sports programs under its umbrella, it's without a doubt one of its most visible. Teams play in big-time tournaments and gain exposure as they move on in their quest for college scholarships. Certainly not the focus of the organization, which believes in grassroots efforts to build interest and participation, elite play- ers are among the nearly 250,000 basketball players who play basketball for an AAU team in their town and travel to numerous tournaments. Team Insight found out more about the organization's efforts and outlook in championing the game of basketball, along with its focus on keeping kids engaged in sports activities.