Ohio Crossover Athletics AAU Basketball Program

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

 

 

Q: Which team should my son tryout for?

A: Your child should attend the tryout of the grade they are currently in.

 

Q: What if my child is unable to attend the tryout date for his grade level?

A: It is highly recommended that players do their best to attend the tryout date for their grade level. However, if a player is not able to attend, please notify us as soon as possible. Coaches will not be aware of why players are not at a tryout without advanced notification. This does not help potential players' chances of making the team.

 

Q: Is there a fee for tryouts?

A: Yes, there is a $10 fee to tryout.

 

Q: How do you evaluate players to ensure each player gets a fair tryout?

A: Players are put through basic basketball drills to evaluate the skills of shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding, and defense. All players are put through the same drills to ensure that the tryout process is fair. The players will also be divided up into teams and play games to showcase their abilities.

 

Q: My child plays another sport (baseball, soccer, etc) – would they be able to play AAU Basketball also?

A: Yes they can still play AAU basketball. Our teams practice twice a week for 1.5 - 2 hours a night and games are on weekends (some tournaments start on Friday evenings). Each coach has a different policy on practice and game attendance. Please discuss this matter during our tryouts parents’ session with the specific coach on their policy on missing practices and games. It is important to let the coach know beforehand if you are unable to attend a practice or a game. An AAU program is much more competitive than recreational and local select teams because it involves kids from different communities playing on the same team resulting in a better talent pool. Recreational Leagues will consist of teams from one town or school/grade that register together playing teams from other towns. AAU is also a bigger time commitment with practices during the week and tournaments on the weekends. It is also important to keep in mind that players who are unable to attend practice will also miss out on understanding what was covered in practice (ex: a particular play). This is important to understand because it could affect playing time. Our OCA Parent Information Form discusses the importance of practice attendance and its impact on playing time, as well as our fees and other important information.

 

Q: Is playing time guaranteed if my child makes a team?

A: Unlike some programs, there is NO GUARANTEED playing time on AAU teams for any player. Coaches must weigh a number of factors for each and every game as to which players will start and who will be subbed in. Coaches generally do not keep track of individual players’ playing time and the worst thing you can do as a parent is go up to a coach right after a game and ask him why your child was in for only one minute and 16 seconds. First of all, contain your emotions and issues, and call the coach to discuss the issue away from the event. Second, our coaches and other bench personnel do NOT keep track of playing time per se and if that is all you are concerned with then you have missed the broader goals of our program.

 

Q: How will players be selected for a team?

A: Through the try-out process players will be evaluated on their basketball skills, knowledge, athleticism, and attitude. Coaches will weigh all these factors in selecting team members. 

 

Q: If I don't make a team do I get my tryout fee back?
A: Refunds will not be given to players who do not make the team. The fee is for the opportunity to tryout for the team. 

 

Q: Who selects which players make a team?
A: The Ohio Crossover Athletics Coaching Staff independently evaluates everyone and then meets as a group to discuss each player. 

 

Q: My child was cut and I believe they were a better player than players who did make the team.

A: Deciding who makes each team is not an exact science. The Ohio Crossover Athletics Coaching Staff will do their best to identify the top players. It is important to remember that all teams need different kinds of players to be successful.

 

Q: My son is very upset over not making a team; what should I say to him?
A: We understand that getting cut from a team is a heartbreaking experience for any child. It is important that you explain to your child that if they gave their best effort, that is what is most important. Many good players have been cut at one time or another, Michael Jordan was once cut from his high school team. Players should evaluate the areas that they need improvement in and work at them.

 

If you have additional questions about the Ohio Crossover Athletics AAU Basketball Program, please email them to Brian@OhioCrossover.com.