|
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer, sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs.
"The AAU was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sport. During its early years the AAU served as a leader in international sport representing the United States in the international sports federations. The AAU worked closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games.
"The AAU became the subject of criticism, notably by outspoken track star Steve Prefontaine, over the living conditions for amateur athletes under the AAU, as well as arbitrary rules, such as a prohibition on women participating in running events. Congress adopted the Amateur Sports Act of 1978 in response to such criticisms, effectively removing the organization from any governance role. The AAU now continues as a voluntary organization largely promoting youth sports.
"Programs offered by the AAU include: AAU Sports Program, AAU Junior Olympic Games, AAU James E. Sullivan Memorial Award, and the AAU Complete Athlete Program. In addition, the President's Challenge program is administrated on behalf of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. The AAU has 33 national committees to organize its activities in particular sports.[1]
In 1996, the AAU joined forces with Walt Disney World. Later that year, the AAU relocated its national headquarters to Orlando, Florida. More than 40 AAU national events are conducted at the Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Disney's Wide World of Sports features a double-deck 7,500-seat baseball stadium and baseball quadraplex, a fieldhouse that accommodates up to six hardwood courts, a softball quadraplex, two youth baseball fields, a track and field complex, and four multi-purpose performance fields sized for soccer tournaments."
AAU operates under a 501c3 tax-exemption letter granted by the federal government in 1966.
AAU National Officers:
President and CEO: Robert Walker "Bobby" Dodd Bobby Dodd first became involved with AAU in the early 1980s as a promoter of "travel ball" basketball tournaments widely known for attracting college scouts and professional agents. While serving as national AAU President, Dodd continues to manage his local club, the Youth of Memphis Competitors Association, Inc. (YOMCA).
The power of the AAU presidency has grown considerably during Dodd's tenure. With consent of the AAU Congress, Dodd has passed amendments adding the title of CEO, extending the term of office from two years to four and abolishing term limits. He also enjoys extensive appointive powers. (See the AAU Codebook) He has served longer than any other AAU President.
First Vice President: Louis Stout The first African-American executive director of the National Federation of High School Athletic Associations, Stout played collegiate basketball for Joe B. Hall at Regis College in Denver. Before his breakthrough as an administrator, Stout served in the vanguard of sports integration as a Kentucky high school player, coach, and official. The AAU Constitution assigns no specific duties to vice presidents, although the president may delegate tasks to him.
Treasurer: Ronald Gene Crawford Ron Crawford, also began his affiliation with AAU as a basketball coach and promoter. His club, the Arkansas Wings, has won five titles in national competitions hosts tournaments that serve as talent showcases for college coaches and pro scouts. A self-made businessman, Mr. Crawford has transformed Southlsand Metals, an Arkansas metal casting firm manufacturer into an import-export consortium with a partner deep in Brazil's Amazon basin.
References
- ^ "AAU Official website". Retrieved on 2008-05-22.
External links
Coaching High-Profile AAU Youth Teams in Brooklyn--Brooklyn Paper]
|
