“What is the AAU?”

The Amateur Athletic Union was founded in 1888 to foster amateur athletics among young women and men.  It is one of the largest non-profit, volunteer, sports organizations in
the United States.  This multi-sport organization is comprised of more than 500,000 athletes who all share the same philosophy of “Sports for all, forever”.  The AAU is dedicated to the development and promotion of all amateur sport programs and organizations across the nation.

“What is the difference between AAU and USAG?”

AAU Gymnastics offers a positive and friendly competitive league that provides gymnasts of all ability levels the opportunity to compete against other gymnasts with like ability.  AAU Gymnastics serves as an alternative league to USAG with no mobility or eligibility standards, therefore allowing more athletes the opportunity to gain a competitive gymnastics experience. To keep costs to a minimum, AAU strives to maintain nominal membership fees for athletes, coaches, and clubs; while NCAAU Gymnastics has also established a ceiling for meet entries fees, team fees, door fees, etc. all in the same effort to afford more athletes the opportunity to compete gymnastics.  For more information on membership fees and other costs, see the NCAAU Rules & Policies.  

AAU promotes competition at the local, state, regional, and national levels just like USA Gymnastics does.  NCAAU Gymnastics believes every athlete is a champion and all gymnasts who compete in a sanctioned AAU event in North Carolina will receive an award for every event they participate in (regardless of placement), in addition to the all-around.  One of the biggest differences is that USAG offers deeper levels of competition with specific training programs for athletes aspiring to cross the threshold into elite gymnastics (i.e. TOPS and HOPES).  There have even been US Olympic gymnasts who were AAU athletes at one point in their career!

“Are the AAU routines the same as USAG?”

The AAU compulsory routines are derived from the USAG compulsory routines with various revisions to certain prescribed skills at both the national and state levels.  NCAAU Gymnastics prefers to follow the National AAU Handbook closely, making only minor revisions to the text and skills.  To read more about the national rules, text, and deductions; see the National AAU Gymnastics Handbook and to see the current revisions our state has adapted, see the North Carolina AAU Handbook.  AAU Gymnastics also has a prep optional level called Modified Optional. Level 7 & 8 rules and requirements remain the same as USAG.

“We are moving to North Carolina and my daughter competed AAU in another state.  How can I find a gym that also offers AAU and are the routines the same?”

You can find the participating AAU clubs under Teams.  To join a team, you will need to contact the club contact person and see what their team prerequisites and requirements are.  Each club sets its own policies regarding team tryouts, fees, practice times, mobility and competitive standards.  AAU does not govern these clubs except when they are participating in sanctioned AAU events.  When looking for a new club, you should ask questions that would allow you to select a club that meets the expectations and needs of yourself, your family, and most importantly your gymnast. 

Each state has there own variation of the National AAU Gymnastics Routines.  Therefore, the routines your daughter was competing in another state may be slightly different from the North Carolina AAU routines.  Check with your club contact person or the NCAAU District Gymnastics Director for more information.

“Who can participate and how can I join?”

Anyone is encouraged and welcome to participate in AAU and we are always accepting new members.  Memberships run from September 1st to August 31st of each year.  Click on the "Join AAU" link at the top right corner of this website to begin the registration process online.  Refer to the "Registration Information" chapter found in the NCAAU Rules & Policies for more information on obtaining club, athlete, and coach memberships.  Once you have an AAU membership, complete a Meet Registration Form and mail it to the club hosting the event you would like to participate in by the posted entry deadline.  

“How do I host an AAU meet?”

For more information regarding meet directors duties, meet invitation information, award guidelines, etc. refer to the NCAAU Rules & Policies.
 

“What are the AAU Age Group Nationals and what are the requirements to compete in that competition?”

AAU Age Group Nationals is an annual competition that open to all registered AAU gymnasts levels 2-8 and modified optional. In North Carolina, you must participate in the AAU State Meet to qualify to AAU Nationals. (The minimum qualification score for AAU State Meet is a 29.00 All-Around.) National AAU Gymnastics rules and routines will be followed at AAU Age Group Nationals (refer to the National AAU Gymnastics Handbook for more info).  Gymnasts attending Age Group Nationals will also purchase and wear personalized "Team North Carolina" leotards and t-shirts at this competition in support of their state. Order forms and sizing leotards for "Team North Carolina Nationals Apparel" will be available at the AAU State Meet. To learn more about this exciting opportunity for your athletes, go to www.aaugymnastics.org or contact your District Gymnastics Director.

For More information, please contact:
Jessica Harris at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 808-351-8358