AAU vs USATF

[Browatt]

I am new to youth track clubs.  Is there a difference between AAU and USATF clubs other than the obvious regulating organization? 

[runthe8]

I coach youth track, and we generally pick which path our club kids will follow in the summer based on location of the meets.  So, if USATF regionals or nationals is near us, we usually go that route.  One advantage of AAU is that they have single year age groups in the younger ages, instead of 2 year age groups.  Also, check how many kids from each round qualify for the next round- that differs also between the two bodies.  For instance, this year in USATF 12 kids make it from the State meet to the next level.  There probably won't even be 12 kids in some events.

[Browatt]

Thanks runthe8.  Good luck to your runners this season.