The California Stars Basketball Club, coaches and players are members of the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union).  The AAU is one of the largest sports organizations in the United States. The difference between AAU basketball and other basketball leagues is based on the use of full high school rules. No developmental limitations are placed on the game such as participation and no-press/fast-break rules. This promotes competitive play and the broadest exposure to fundamentals and advanced techniques of the game.

All of our teams are based on two main factors:

1) Grade Based

2) Talent Level

Each Grade will feature an Elite and Premier team. Our Elite teams play in the "upper bracket" in all tournaments and will even play "up" a grade in certain tournaments. Our Premier teams will be in their age group and normally play in the 2nd level at each tournament.

In our High School program our teams are based in order with Elite being the best and Premier being next in line. We may have multiple teams at each level. 

We are not a recreational team. The teams are composed of 9-11 Girls that love basketball and who want to develop their skills and understanding of the game. All emphasis will be on basic fundamental skills and team work. We emphasize development of the individual player.

Every effort will be made to ensure players have an opportunity to demonstrate their basketball abilities during the tryout period and will be evaluated on as ball handling, shooting, and passing along with demonstrating a positive attitude, work ethic, knowledge of the game and satisfactory academic performance. If a player does not make one of the teams, they are encouraged to continue to develop their abilities and try out again in the future.

This 2010/2011 season we anticipate having the following

High School:

We will have FIVE (5) HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS. Our Elite and Premier teams will lay a competitive national travel schedule while our select team will play in local tournaments.

Youth:

Girls Divisions:

• 3rd/4th  Grade - Little Stars (Clinic Only)
• 4th Grade Select - Local League Play
• 5th  Grade Elite Local and Travel Tournament Play
• 6th Grade Elite & Premier  Local and Travel Tournament Play
• 6th Grade Select - Local League Play
• 7th Grade Elite & Premier - Local and Travel Tournament Play
• 8th Grade Elite - Local and Travel Tournament Play

Practice

Teams will practice at least 3 hours a week. Practices and Training program will be added after the team is established. Practice times to be scheduled based upon availability of gyms, Coach’s and trainers.

AAU Registration and Membership:

All players must have a current AAU “Added Benefits” membership in order to participate in any Cal Star tryout, practice or game.  AAU membership runs annually from September 1st through August 31st. All players added in the Spring along with High School players returning/selected to the AAU High School Tournament team, will receive an AAU Card which covers them for tournaments, practices and league play. Our AAU Club Number for 2012 is- XTBFTA

Fundraising and Sponsorship

Throughout the season the Cal Stars will be running tournaments to minimize costs to players. Additional ideas for fundraising and sponsorships are always welcome. Please ask for a “Sponsor Packet” if you know of someone or company that would be interested.

Tournaments

Players are expected to commit to 6-8 tournaments over the course of the program season. Some tournaments will be local (within the bay area) and others will be out-of-town (Sacramento, Reno, etc.) and may require an overnight stay.  The coach and Team Manager will select the appropriate number and location of tournaments after receiving input from parents as to player availability for tournaments under consideration. Once tournament schedule is finalized, it is expected that players will attend all tournaments and be ready to play.

(Possible league play may be played in place of tournament. Availability information for the next 4 months will be needed as soon as possible. Tournament dates are subject to change.)

• Traveling Expenses:  All costs associated with travel to tournaments such as transportation, food and hotel stay are the players responsibilities.