TEAM NORTH CAROLINA
GYMNASTICS


ABOUT US
Team North Carolina Gymnastics governs AAU Gymnastics related activities in the state of North Carolina. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) of the United States is one of the largest non-profit, volunteer sports organizations in the U.S. dedicated to the development and promotion of all amateur sports programs. Team NC AAU Gymnastics offers a positive, friendly competitive league with no mobility or eligibility standards, allowing gymnasts of all ability levels the opportunity to gain a competitive gymnastics experience. Memberships run from September 1st to August 31st of each year, so you can sign up anytime.


AAU Mission Statement
To offer amateur sports programs through a volunteer base for all people to have the physical, mental, and moral development of amateur athletes and to promote good sportsmanship and good citizenship.
AAU Vision Statement
To offer amateur athletes and volunteers opportunities to develop to their highest level through a national and local network of sporting events. Through participation in AAU, we achieve our dreams as athletes and as valued citizens of our communities.
Sports for All, Forever


Team NC Gymnastics
Board Members
Meet your Team NC District Executive Board!


FAQs
What is the AAU?
The Amateur Athletic Union was founded in 1888 to foster amateur athletics among young women and men. Prior to 1978, the AAU represented the United States internationally and regulated amateur sports generally. The AAU now continues as a voluntary organization largely promoting youth sports. 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 other gymnastics organizations and the governing body?
AAU Gymnastics serves as an alternative league to USA Gymnastics (USAG) with no mobility or eligibility standards, therefore allowing more athletes the opportunity to gain a competitive gymnastics experience. AAU strives to maintain nominal membership fees for athletes, coaches, and clubs. NC AAU Gymnastics has established ceilings for meet entries fees, team fees, door fees, etc. all in the same effort to afford more athletes the opportunity to compete gymnastics. AAU offers competition at the local, state, regional, and national levels. One of the biggest differences is that other organizations offer deeper levels of competition with specific training programs for athletes aspiring to cross the threshold into elite gymnastics (i.e. TOPS and HOPES). With that being said, there have still been US Olympic gymnasts and NCAA Collegiate gymnasts who were AAU athletes at one point in their career! AAU truly is sports for all, forever. NC AAU gymnasts also compete in ability divisions versus age groups so that gymnasts compete with other gymnasts of like-ability.
Are the AAU routines the same as USAG or other organizations?
The AAU compulsory, xcel and optional rules & routines are derived from the USAG compulsory routines with nominal, various modifications to skills, equipment specs, attire requirements, and deductions. To read more about the national rules see the National AAU Gymnastics Handbook.
How can I find a gym or club that offers AAU?
You can find the participating AAU clubs under the CLUBS page of this website. To join a team, you will need to contact the club AAU director 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.
How do I implement an AAU team into my program?
There are so many ways you can implement AAU into your recreational or team program! Contact our District Chair- Jessica Harris to gain some insightful ideas on the many uses of AAU!
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. Go to the National AAU Membership page to begin the registration process online.
How can I compete at AAU Regionals or AAU Nationals?
AAU Regionals and Nationals are annual competitions that are open to all registered AAU gymnasts that participate in their state championship. (Please note that each gym is subject to implementing additional criteria and standards to register for these events- contact your club director for more info). Gymnasts attending these events will also purchase and wear custom “Team North Carolina” leotards (and other apparel) at these competitions as gymnasts compete as representatives from their STATE not their individual club. Go to www.aaugymnastics.org to find the upcoming date & location for these events.