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What is AAU? What is Delmont Blaze? What teams are being held for the 2002 season? What does a typical AAU season involve? What are the unique aspects of The Blaze? How are the players selected? What is the cost? Who do I contact?
What is AAU? AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) is a national organization that promotes competitive sports for development and excellence in performance. AAU Girls' Basketball challenges skilled players to develop their athletic abilities to an even greater level of achievement. The Blaze is a registered member of the AAU Mid-Atlantic Region.
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What is Delmont Blaze? DelMont Blaze Girls' AAU Basketball is an organization that exists to teach fundamental skills and team play, enabling each girl to aspire to her full playing potential. Equally important to our purpose is the enjoyment that comes through socializing and working with others who have a common purpose.
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What teams are being held for the 2005 season? Teams from the age of 10 through 16 are planned for the 2005 season, which runs from approximately March through June. Age eligibility for each of these teams is determined strictly by the calendar year. Whatever a girl's age is for the prior year (2004) is the age-team she is qualified to play with during the season.
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What does a typical AAU season involve? A Typical AAU Season usually involves Tryouts: February - two weekends Practices: Usually two per week. Sometimes one per week during back-to-back weekend tournaments. Weekend Tournaments: From April through June. Typically two games Saturday and two Sunday. Teams 12-16 normally play eight tournaments including Mid-Atlantic Regionals and The Blaze tournament. Teams 10-11 normally play about five tournaments, including Regionals our own tournament. Tournament Locations: Most are within a reasonable driving distance without having to stay overnight. One or two may involve distances requiring an overnight stay.
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What are the unique aspects of The Blaze? Unique Aspects of The Blaze include Ample Playing Time: Our coaches are obligated to give each girl ample playing time if they remain faithful to practices. There are two exceptions to this rule; (1) when a game is very close in the last five or so minutes, and (2) in the "Regional Tournament" - the coach reserves the right to play whatever combination of players who he/she feels can win the game. Coaches are Free to Coach: Scheduling of tournaments, collection of fees, and general organizational tasks are handled by the officers of The Blaze or by committees of parents. Building Assertiveness and Character: We encourage players and parents to speak directly with the coach of their particular team when they have complaints and concerns. Strictly a Volunteer Program: Officers of The Blaze receive no compensation for their services. At the end of the season only our head coaches are given a meager stipend to help reimburse some of their travel/lodging expenses.
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How are the players selected? Selection of Players is determined by each particular age-group coach. Often a coach will want to have "open tryouts" to select players for open spots (players not returning) on the team. Sometimes coaches may wish to observe girls while they are playing for their school or other leagues and approach them about trying out for The Blaze. Open tryouts take place in the month of February and are announced in the local papers as well as on our web site. Attitude and Effort are extremely important qualities that we insist each girl bring to playing with The Blaze. Players are expected to give all they have of their heart and head, whether in a practice or game. Players are never expected to "give up" during a game, regardless of the score. Likewise, it is against our philosophy to intentionally humiliate an opponent. We encourage a fiercely competitive attitude from all our players, but never in an unsportsmanlike way. Consideration, respect, and kindness to opposing players, coaches, referees, and fans are the marks of anyone playing for The Blaze.
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What is the Cost? Player's Fee for Participation is determined by: AAU registration costs for The Blaze organization and individual players and coaches with an insurance waiver Cost of a new uniform each season Individual team registration for tournaments (approximate average per tournament for each team is $475) Practice gym rental fees and insurance waivers Season stipend for each head coach Equipment (basketballs, score books, first aid kits, etc. Web site maintenance, printing, mailing, etc.
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Who do I contact? Delmont Blaze is operated by officers. They include: Bill Collins, Co-Director Joe Leggieri, Co-Director Rick Crowlet, Treasurer
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