Q: What is AAU & Lightning?
Amateur Athletic Union is a national organization and Lightning is a member of AAU. We are one of the largest organizations within the AAU.

Q: When is the season? How many games and where are they played?
AAU/Lightning basically is a spring sport although some of the teams play into the summer and winter. The teams participate in a series of weekend tournaments that are held here at the Brewster Sports Center, Island Garden in Nassau, as well as through the NY Metropolitan area and Northeast.  The younger teams on average play in five tournaments, most of which are local. The older teams play in eight tournaments and do more traveling to such places as Albany, Philadelphia, northern Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Q: What is the commitment?
Teams practice once or twice each week and play on weekends. The attendance requirements are up to the individual coach to decide. Athletes are permitted to play other spring sports so long as they can give a fair share of their time to Lightning.

Q: What is the cost?
The fee schedule varies based on what team the player is assigned to. The fee ranges from $650 to $1,000.

Q: Is there a refund policy?
No. We, however, will provide a credit toward next year’s fee in the event of an injury and the player misses four or more tournaments. Medical documentation will be required in every case.

Q: Is there a minimum playing time policy?
Each player must play at least seven minutes per game.

Q: Where are the practices held?
This is up to your coach. Brewster Sports Center is our home facility. Some coaches also have other facilities, which they have use of for practices. The parent should ask the coach this question when initially contacted following selection.

Q: When will I find out if I made the team?
Coaches will call within one week. Letters will be sent to those not selected for a travel team.

Q: What happens if I do not make a travel Lightning team?
All those in the 4th through 9th grade will be offered a spot on our developmental teams for that particular age group. These teams play in two tournaments held here at Brewster Sports Center and practices once each week. These teams are coached by our top individual instructors. This has proven to be a highly successful program over the past four years. You must register as soon as possible as those teams were completely filled last year.

Q: How many spots actually are available if my son or daughter did not play last year?
Each existing team on average has two spots open. We also start new teams if we have sufficient talent and a competent coach.