Upstate Ladies

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Frequently Asked Questions for Parents and Players

The Upstate Ladies are a non-profit club dedicated to the sport of girls' basketball. We strive to expose all of our quality athletes to a high level of competition, coached by high caliber coaches, in an environment which builds good morals, sportsmanship and high self esteem.

We encourage current and prospective players and parents to refer to the following information to find answers to some frequently asked questions. However, if your questions are not addressed here, please feel free to contact Brenda Carlisle at upstateladies@gmail.com. Our organization takes pride in providing exceptional service to our players, parents, coaches, and tournament attendees. We welcome your questions and comments.

Interested in learning more about how you can get involved with the Upstate Ladies?

How much does it cost to play for the Upstate Ladies?
Total cost to register: $289 for the 2010 season.

• Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) membership is required for all athletes at a cost of $14 for the 2010 season.
• In addition to AAU membership, the individual registration fee for players is $275 for the 2010 season.

What does the fee cover?
AAU membership and tournament entry fees for four tournaments in addition to the annual Upstate Ladies Central New York Tournament, and uniforms.

• All players will purchase and keep their uniform shorts as part of the registration fee.
• Individual player insurance is included in the AAU membership.

What is not covered by this fee?
It is important to note that there can be significant travel expenses for tournament play. Typically, tournaments are Saturday/Sunday and while players and parents are involved in selecting tournaments their team will participate in, travel and overnight stays should be expected. Expenses not covered by your registration and membership fees include:

• Meals
• Travel expenses
• Lodging
• Other personal expenses throughout the season

Are there tryouts?
Upstate Ladies does not hold general tryouts. Individual coaches presented with a large number of players may decide to hold individual tryouts to determine their teams.

We strive to place as many players with appropriate coaches as possible. If we have an excess of players, we will seek out additional qualified coaches, but cannot guarantee a spot on a team for all interested players.

Does every player have to join AAU?
Yes, all players are required to join AAU. In addition, all coaches and administrators are required to register each year with AAU.

What does AAU membership include?

• Membership with AAU allows players to compete in a well-established and governed national body.
• Most tournaments insist on AAU membership.
• AAU membership also allows us to provide insurance to practice sites and tournament facilities at an affordable cost.

What type of membership do players and coaches get?
We recommend the "Added Benefit" membership level at a cost of $14 for the 2010 season. AB membership allows athletes to compete in AAU sanctioned and non-AAU sanctioned events. Regular membership (not AB) costs $12 and allows participation in AAU sanctioned events only.

Membership is valid from September 1 through August 31 and must be renewed annually.

Is volunteering and fundraising required?

Volunteering:

• Yes, volunteering is a requirement for Upstate Ladies. Our annual tournament will be held April 23-25, 2010. Each family must be available to work the weekend of our annual tournament. Parents and players will work with coaches to develop the volunteer/site coordinator schedule for the full weekend.

• We rely on our volunteers to help keep our tournament admission free for spectators and the overall cost of membership, uniforms, and tournament registration affordable. Volunteer responsibilities include organizing and staffing concessions and merchandise sales at each site.

Fundraising:

We are in the process of planning a fundraising opportunity for 2010. At this time we are considering a spaghetti dinner and would request volunteer assistance from players and athletes. More details to follow.

How many tournaments do teams participate in?
In addition to our annual tournament, the Upstate Ladies registration fee is calculated to cover the cost of registering for four other tournaments for the season. If individual teams decide to participate in more tournaments, that cost will increase per player to cover the additional tournament registration fee.

What is the time commitment for players and coaches?
Most teams practice twice a week. Weekend commitments depend on team and facility availability. Commitment to practices and all tournaments is expected.

Can players play other sports during the Upstate Ladies' season?
Yes, but players are expected to attend practices and tournaments. Serious consideration should be given to the amount of time involved in practices and tournaments before making a commitment to Upstate Ladies and an additional sport.

Age Determination
AAU established a new age determination in 2009 and provides an age calculator on its website. Coaches, parents, and players can use this calculator to determine their appropriate age group:

Age determination calculator