Amateur Athletic Union of the United States, Inc.

The Amateur Athletic Union of the United States, Inc., commonly known as the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), is a non-profit, volunteer-based, multi-sport organization in the United States. It was founded in 1888 by James E. Sullivan and William Buckingham Curtis to create common standards in amateur sports. The AAU's mission is to promote and develop amateur sports and physical fitness programs across the country.

History

The AAU was established on January 21, 1888, at the New York Athletic Club. Initially, it served as a leader in international sports, representing the U.S. in various international sports federations. The AAU worked closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games. Over time, the AAU has shifted its focus to providing sports programs for participants of all ages at the grassroots level.

Programs and Initiatives

• AAU Sports Programs: The AAU offers over 45 sports programs and annually sanctions over 250 national championships and more than 30,000 age division events. These programs are operated across 55 AAU districts in the U.S.
• AAU Junior Olympic Games: Introduced in 1949, these games are the largest national multi-sport event for youth in the United States, featuring over 16,000 participants in more than 20 sports.
• AAU James E. Sullivan Award: Established in 1930, this award honors America’s top athlete at the collegiate, Olympic, or similar elite levels, recognizing not only athletic achievements but also qualities of leadership, character, and sportsmanship.
• AAU Gussie Crawford Lifetime Achievement Award: Introduced in 2017, this award honors athletes who have made significant contributions to amateur sports.

Organizational Structure

The AAU is a large non-profit organization with more than 900,000 members and over 100,000 volunteers nationwide. It operates under the philosophy of "Sports For All, Forever," emphasizing the importance of amateur sports and community involvement.

Challenges and Evolution

In the 1970s, the AAU faced criticism for its regulatory framework and its handling of professional sports issues. The Amateur Sports Act of 1978 led to the establishment of national governing bodies for Olympic sports, diminishing the AAU's role as the primary national governing body. However, the AAU continues to focus on grassroots development and youth sports initiatives.