Frequently Asked Questions
What is AAU?
The Amateur Athletic Union is a national organization dedicated to amateur sports and physical fitness programs.
How does my child get on a Mid-Atlantic Magic team?
Potential Magic players must register and come to the tryouts. There is NO TRYOUT FEE. Our registration fee ($595 for girls grades 4th - 8th and a separate showcase team fee structure for the high school girls for the 2022 season) is due at paperwork night, which is usually a few days after the last tryout. If more flexible payment arrangements are needed, we are always happy to work with you.
The Magic is committed to giving everyone the opportunity to tryout and play, regardless of a family's financial situation. Open tryouts are held on weekend nights in January and February for 4th thru 8th grade girls, and placement on each team is determined by the coaches evaluation of each player's performance. The high school girls teams will pay a $300 deposit to claim their spot for the spring.
Some team selections may occur outside of tryouts as necessary due to injuries, conflicts and other circumstances. No player is guaranteed a spot on any team, regardless of previous rosters or affiliations to ensure that all potential Magic players are given the same opportunity to earn a spot on a team. Players are encouraged to attend all tryouts so that the coaches can evaluate them fairly.
How many teams are there?
For the 2023 season, the Mid-Atlantic Magic will offer A-level girls teams at the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades, and college showcase freshmen, sophomore, and junior teams.
How is the age group determined?
AAU uses Age Determination Date per a grade-based system, though players who are grade-advanced for their ages may obtain waivers to play at their age group. For more information, please visit the National AAU Girls Basketball website at www.aaugirlsbasketball.org.
What happens when tryouts conflict with other games?
The Mid-Atlantic Magic respects the commitments players have to their school and club basketball teams. Aside from conflicts arising from those activities, players are expected to attend all the tryouts for their age group. Players are expected to notify the coaches of any conflicts in advance of the missed tryout.
What is involved in the commitment to a Mid-Atlantic Magic team?
It is expected that a player will make all the games and practices. The Mid-Atlantic Magic is dedicated to producing nationally competitive teams, and absences disrupt the team's development. Advance communication with the coaches is crucial about any conflicts that arise in order to be fair to coaches and teammates.
How much time is involved?
There are at least two or three practices per the week from February through June. Teams will play in 5 - 8 tournaments (generally consisting of four games - two per day) on weekends. One tournament may require an overnight stay, and players are expected to attend Nationals if they qualify. Middle school age teams may extend their seasons to participate in July showcases, so practices will continue through the final tournament.
What can we do to offset our costs?
Each team does its own fundraising through functions coordinated by the Team Parent. The Team Parent is a volunteer that organizes and addresses all of the non-coaching issues for each team.
What are the qualifications to be a Mid-Atlantic Magic coach?
We look for experienced people who can meet the demanding time commitment, have knowledge of the game from playing and/or coaching, and can organize and manage practices and games. At least as important as their dedication to teaching the game is their ability to keep winning in perspective, handle various levels of parental interest, create a team atmosphere, and understand the important impact a coach can have on a young player.
What about communication?
Communication is the cornerstone for every team in any organization. The methods of communication between coaches, parents, and players should be determined at the very first parent meeting. The club communicates through the website or social media, or by e-mails to [email protected].
How does registration work?
Players must complete registration paperwork at or before the first tryout. Payments will be collected at Paperwork Night once teams are selected. Players needing a flexible payment arrangement are encouraged to do so by contacting Fran Young at [email protected]. Players selected to a team who opt not to play once they have made a team are not entitled to any refund.
What does my registration fee cover?
The registration fee covers 5 tournaments, club AAU membership, insurance, gym rental, equipment, and other operating expenses. The high school breakdown is slightly different because of the number and cost of the NCAA sanctioned tournaments they attend. This will be discuss at the first tryout. Additional tournaments will be deducted from the team fundraising account. Coaches' expenses for overnight tournaments and National/ Exposure events will also be deducted from the team account. Player expenses can be fundraised or will be paid out of pocket by the player's family.
Why don't I get ANY refund if I my child makes a team and then quits?
This is to help discourage the practice of players committing to teams and taking a space on the roster from a player who was not selected, only to leave the team and prevent one more willing player from having the opportunity to play on a Magic team.
The Amateur Athletic Union is a national organization dedicated to amateur sports and physical fitness programs.
How does my child get on a Mid-Atlantic Magic team?
Potential Magic players must register and come to the tryouts. There is NO TRYOUT FEE. Our registration fee ($595 for girls grades 4th - 8th and a separate showcase team fee structure for the high school girls for the 2022 season) is due at paperwork night, which is usually a few days after the last tryout. If more flexible payment arrangements are needed, we are always happy to work with you.
The Magic is committed to giving everyone the opportunity to tryout and play, regardless of a family's financial situation. Open tryouts are held on weekend nights in January and February for 4th thru 8th grade girls, and placement on each team is determined by the coaches evaluation of each player's performance. The high school girls teams will pay a $300 deposit to claim their spot for the spring.
Some team selections may occur outside of tryouts as necessary due to injuries, conflicts and other circumstances. No player is guaranteed a spot on any team, regardless of previous rosters or affiliations to ensure that all potential Magic players are given the same opportunity to earn a spot on a team. Players are encouraged to attend all tryouts so that the coaches can evaluate them fairly.
How many teams are there?
For the 2023 season, the Mid-Atlantic Magic will offer A-level girls teams at the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades, and college showcase freshmen, sophomore, and junior teams.
How is the age group determined?
AAU uses Age Determination Date per a grade-based system, though players who are grade-advanced for their ages may obtain waivers to play at their age group. For more information, please visit the National AAU Girls Basketball website at www.aaugirlsbasketball.org.
What happens when tryouts conflict with other games?
The Mid-Atlantic Magic respects the commitments players have to their school and club basketball teams. Aside from conflicts arising from those activities, players are expected to attend all the tryouts for their age group. Players are expected to notify the coaches of any conflicts in advance of the missed tryout.
What is involved in the commitment to a Mid-Atlantic Magic team?
It is expected that a player will make all the games and practices. The Mid-Atlantic Magic is dedicated to producing nationally competitive teams, and absences disrupt the team's development. Advance communication with the coaches is crucial about any conflicts that arise in order to be fair to coaches and teammates.
How much time is involved?
There are at least two or three practices per the week from February through June. Teams will play in 5 - 8 tournaments (generally consisting of four games - two per day) on weekends. One tournament may require an overnight stay, and players are expected to attend Nationals if they qualify. Middle school age teams may extend their seasons to participate in July showcases, so practices will continue through the final tournament.
What can we do to offset our costs?
Each team does its own fundraising through functions coordinated by the Team Parent. The Team Parent is a volunteer that organizes and addresses all of the non-coaching issues for each team.
What are the qualifications to be a Mid-Atlantic Magic coach?
We look for experienced people who can meet the demanding time commitment, have knowledge of the game from playing and/or coaching, and can organize and manage practices and games. At least as important as their dedication to teaching the game is their ability to keep winning in perspective, handle various levels of parental interest, create a team atmosphere, and understand the important impact a coach can have on a young player.
What about communication?
Communication is the cornerstone for every team in any organization. The methods of communication between coaches, parents, and players should be determined at the very first parent meeting. The club communicates through the website or social media, or by e-mails to [email protected].
How does registration work?
Players must complete registration paperwork at or before the first tryout. Payments will be collected at Paperwork Night once teams are selected. Players needing a flexible payment arrangement are encouraged to do so by contacting Fran Young at [email protected]. Players selected to a team who opt not to play once they have made a team are not entitled to any refund.
What does my registration fee cover?
The registration fee covers 5 tournaments, club AAU membership, insurance, gym rental, equipment, and other operating expenses. The high school breakdown is slightly different because of the number and cost of the NCAA sanctioned tournaments they attend. This will be discuss at the first tryout. Additional tournaments will be deducted from the team fundraising account. Coaches' expenses for overnight tournaments and National/ Exposure events will also be deducted from the team account. Player expenses can be fundraised or will be paid out of pocket by the player's family.
Why don't I get ANY refund if I my child makes a team and then quits?
This is to help discourage the practice of players committing to teams and taking a space on the roster from a player who was not selected, only to leave the team and prevent one more willing player from having the opportunity to play on a Magic team.