Amateur Athletic Union of the United States

The Amateur Athletic Union of the United States (AAU) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs. Founded in 1888, the AAU has been instrumental in setting standards and uniformity in amateur sports across the United States.

History

The AAU was established to certify athletes as amateurs in various sports and initially served as a leader in international sports, representing the U.S. in international sports federations. It played a significant role in preparing athletes for the Olympic Games. In the late 1970s, the AAU shifted its focus to providing sports programs for all participants, beginning at the grassroots level.

Programs and Events

The AAU offers programs across over 50 sports, including basketball, boxing, gymnastics, swimming, and wrestling. It hosts several major events, such as the AAU Junior Olympic Games and the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships, which is the largest volleyball event in the world. Another prestigious award presented by the AAU is the James E. Sullivan Award, given annually to the nation’s outstanding amateur athlete since 1930.

Mission and Values

The AAU's mission is to provide amateur sports programs through a volunteer base, fostering the physical, mental, and moral development of amateur athletes. Its philosophy, "Sports For All, Forever," emphasizes inclusivity and encourages good sportsmanship and citizenship. The organization also focuses on giving back to the community through initiatives like the AAU Cares program.

Membership and Structure

The AAU has nearly 800,000 members and more than 150,000 volunteers across 55 U.S. districts. It operates as a volunteer-based organization, relying heavily on community involvement to achieve its goals.

Awards and Recognition

In addition to the James E. Sullivan Award, the AAU presents the Gussie Crawford Lifetime Achievement Award, established to recognize trailblazers in amateur sports. Notable recipients of the Sullivan Award include Jesse Owens and Jim Thorpe.

Recent Developments

The AAU has partnered with various organizations to enhance its programs, including a collaboration with the National Fitness Foundation to support youth sports participation. It manages the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, aiming to modernize fitness education.

While the AAU has faced challenges and competition from other governing bodies like the NCAA, it remains a significant force in U.S. amateur sports, committed to its core values of sportsmanship and inclusivity.