You will find below a list of frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not fully answered, contact Coach Saccenti.

Q: Where do you practice?
A: Right now, we have gym time reserved at Perryville Middle School and Bainbridge Elementary School for the 2008-2009 season. Adjustments may be made to accomodate our parents, if we find that other locations would suit us better.

Q: When is practice?
A: In November, we will practice on Tuesday nights at Perryville Middle, and Thursday nights at Bainbridge. Practice begins at 6:30pm and ends at 8:15pm.

Q: What about games?
A: This will vary. Fall will be about practice. The goal will be to enter some weekend tournaments during Winter. The busiest time of year for an AAU basketball team is in the Spring. The work we do in the Fall and Winter will prepare us.

Q: What is an AAU basketball team?
A: The short answer is that it is a team that is a registered affiliate of the Amateur Athletic Union. Such a team is covered by the AAU umbrella insurance policy, and is eligible to participate in AAU tournaments.

Q: But what is an AAU basketball team, really?
A: AAU basketball represents organized youth basketball at its finest in this country. If you are a serious youth basketball player, you are eventually going to play for an AAU team, if you don't already. An AAU team consists of the best basketball players from their region. The worst player on a good AAU team is going to be a team leader on his high school squad. The best player is going to be working for a college scholarship.

Q: What is the time commitment?
A: In early Fall, we only practice on Tuesday nights. In Winter, we may also practice only once a week, because boys should be playing for their rec leagues as well. In Spring the commitment will be 3-4 days a week, figuring weekend tournaments as part of those days.

Q: Is my son good enough to play AAU ball?
A: This is not the right question. The question is, "does my son love to play basketball?" If the answer is yes, then the talent will come. I can teach your son to play. I can't teach him to want to.

Q: Can I still play other sports, while playing AAU basketball?
A: Yes, and no. We will work to accomodate players who want to play football in the Fall, because this is the slowest part of the season. Next, players will be strongly encouraged to CONTINUE in their rec leagues during the winter. The more basketball the better. The YMCA in Cecil County has a very popular recreational basketball league, for instance. Also look to Elkton Parks and Recreation, and Harford County Parks and Recreation. Look wherever boys are playing ball in your area. Slam players are expected to continue to play in rec leagues, and to excel in them. But lastly, it may be difficult to play other sports during the Spring. This is the busy time of year for the AAU season. Boys who want to play other Spring sports, like baseball, should consult with Coach Saccenti. We will work together to make it happen.

Q: What is the age requirement?
A: See the Players Wanted page for a discussion of this.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: It will cost as little as is possible and not a penny more. Since this is the first year of the program, I have decided to go with a "pay-as-we-go" approach. While I don't think this is the best route for an established team (experienced teams will have a good sense of what a season will cost, plus it can be irritating to be nickel-and-dimed all year), it is the right way for us to start. Thus, there will be almost no money up front. The minimum each player will need is an AAU membership. Without that, my insurance won't cover the child, and so he can't practice with us. This costs $16. We will pay for things as they come, and decide upon them as a team. The program will keep financial records and make them available to all parents at all times. All coaching and administration of the team will be unpaid, volunteer work.

Q: What height baskets do you use?
A: AAU teams shoot to 10' baskets, regardless of age. Don't let it worry you, if your boy is used to shooting at lower baskets in his rec league. You will be surprised how quickly he gets used to it.

Q: What size basketball?
A: 28.5