FAQ

FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Explain your program's philosophy.
A: In brief, we guarantee the following things for each and every player and team:

Instill sound fundamentals
Increase opportunity and exposure
Low athlete to coach ratio
Create an environment for females to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually
Aid the state high school program

Q: What is the cost for participation?
A: The direct cost for participation in our program fluctuates for each age group. Costs are between $425 to $925. This fee covers each player's team membership, tournament registration costs, uniforms, equipment, gym rental, coaching stipend, etc. All costs associated with travel -- housing, food, gas, etc, -- are NOT covered by the fee listed above. Fees are due March 12. The costs for each age group are:

10s & 11s -- $425
12s & 13s -- $525
14s, 15s, 16s, & 17s -- $925
18s -- $495

Q: How do I register for my AAU Membership?
A: Membership forms may be obtained online at the National AAU Website. (click here)

Q: When is the registration fee due?
A: Registration, including program fees, are due by March 15, 2005. However, arrangement may be made with the director of North Tartan. There are NO refunds given for any reason.

Q: Will the program accept donations or sponsors?
A: Yes, we are always looking for donations or sponsorships to help defray the cost associated with the Tartan. This program is a non-profit organization and seeks to help those who are in financial need. The ability to pay should NOT prevent a player from participating.

Q: How many games/tournaments will each team play?
A: Our teams will play between six and nine tournaments throughout the four month season that runs from April 1 - July 31. Each tournament will consist of 3 to 7 games. The North Tartan program is the only club in the state of Minnesota invited on a yearly basis to the elite invites offered by Nike, AAU, and other premier programs throughout the nation. Our season concludes with the AAU National Tournament. Our 15s and 16s may also opt to enter the Junior Olympic tournament which will be an additional tournament and an additional cost.

Q: What are the age cut-offs for AAU?
A: January 1st, at 12:00 am, shall be the determining date for age of the competitor. Any player competing in a specific age division must remain in that same age division through Association qualifying tournaments and National level tournaments. AAU uses the following age classifications:

10 & Under -- January 1, 1995
11 & Under -- January 1, 1994
12 & Under -- January 1, 1993
13 & Under -- January 1, 1992
14 & Under -- January 1, 1991
15 & Under -- January 1, 1990
16 & Under -- January 1, 1989 **
17 & Under -- January 1, 1988 **
19 & Under -- January 1, 1985

** Players with one-year of high school eligibility left and a January 1, 1988, birth date may play 16 & Under.

Q: What tournaments are the teams scheduled for in 2005?
A: Below is a list of tournaments that our teams will participate in:

Lakers Tournament -- Hopkins, MN
Boo Williams -- Hampton, VA
Best of the Midwest -- Chicago, IL
MYAS Tournaments -- St. Paul/Minneapolis Metro
State Qualifier -- St. Paul/Minneapolis Metro
State Championship -- St. Paul/Minneapolis Metro
Summer Jam -- Hastings, MN
Nike Cup -- Chicago, IL
Heart of Champions -- Springfield, MO
Nike's End of the Trail -- Portland, OR
AAU National Tournament

Q: What about playing time -- is there a guarantee?
A: All of teams will be built to compete. The North Tartan program does NOT guarantee equal playing time. Playing time is at the sole discretion of the coach. Our primary focus is to put the players on the floor that give us the best opportunity to win at all times.

Q: When and where are practices?
A: Practice will be on on Saturdays and Sundays. All practices will be three hours in length. During the school year, practices will begin held in Becker, MN at the Becker High School Field house. In June and July, our practice location will be moved to multiple metro area gymnasiums.

Q: How many players do you suit up per team?
A: Each team will carry a minimum of eight players. NO team will have more than eleven players though. We want to emphasize a low player to coach ratio and give as much instruction as possible.

Q: Who coaches our teams?
A: All of our coaches are experienced high school coaches, former college players, or former college coaches. Each team will be designated one head coach. We will ask one parent from each team to volunteer as a manager to take stats, contact players/parents, etc.