Mauldin College Prep Academy

CPA Youth Basketball Program

FAQ

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) concerning our Mauldin College Prep Academy AAU Basketball Organization:

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How much will it cost?

On average, the basic costs for the upcoming 2024 Spring or Spring & Summer Season CPA athlete will be approximately $300-$320.00, depending on what type of team they are assigned to and how long their schedule runs. However, and if time permits, we may try to hold fundraisers and solicit donations to help offset the total cost to the players. Now, for our 2023 season, CPA has established two divisions for our teams: Local/League Division Teams and our Travel Division teams. The player’s fees will include our Organization’s administrative overhead fees, which will encompass insurance, website account fees, CPA’s accounting, and tax prep fees. Additionally, player’s fees will also go to paying for the League joining and tournament fees, uniform and training equipment purchases, leased practice gym time, videos, drinks, and fuel for transportation for those kids whose parent(s) can not go to the games. Lastly, if there are brothers participating within our CPA Organization, there will be a $100.00 discount for each player. Finally, to lock your son in for a spot on a team within our CPA Organization, there will be a required 50% down payment due at the 1st scheduled practice, then the remaining balance will be due one month later or as per agreement with the CPA Organization Organization Board.

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What drives the cost of AAU participation ?

CPA membership fees are reasonable, considering the number of high-caliber tournaments our kids play in and the actual length of our AAU Season. With that stated, our 2024 Season will run from mid-March through late July or mid-August, again depending on what team he is on. As mentioned earlier, player-paid funds are used to pay for direct costs to our CPA Organization’s operations. Also, it is our desire for parents and players to know exactly how much their program will cost from the beginning. Costs per player are based on a conservative estimate of planned activities and the number of players that will participate in CPA Basketball this year. Any amount of funds that are not immediately used, will be put directly back into the program to assist our parents that may need some assistance in paying for their child’s fees and to fund our CPA outreach functions.

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Where will we practice?

Over the last 4 years, our practice sessions were normally held at the Mauldin High School Gym located in Mauldin, S.C. and the 1st Baptist Church’s Gym at 3 Hedge Street located in Simpsonville, SC. However, we anticipate adding another practice gym location or two due to the increased demand necessitated by our Organization’s growth.

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How much playing time will my child get?

Individual development must occur within the context of team practices and game-time competition. Therefore, CPA does not adhere to a minimum or guaranteed amount of playing time for any player in a game. Coaches shall be encouraged to use all players in every game, but player participation is at the coaches’ discretion and is predicated by game time situations. Additionally, numerous other factors can play into the amount of playing time each player gets, i.e., practice attendance, player development, missing tournaments, player & parent attitude, etc. Each coach will explain their coaching philosophy and what is the expectation of the player. If you have any additional questions regarding their particular policies, you should address the coach on the first day.

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How much traveling is involved?

Most tournaments for our younger and developmental players will be played in the greater Upstate S.C. area. However, some of our High School Boys’ teams will play tournaments in locations that will require some overnight stays. The amount of travel and away tournaments are at the discretion of our Director of Operations and is based upon the desired competition level required to gain maximum exposure to college coaches.

CPA Travel teams that qualify for National Level Exposure and Showcase Tournaments including NCAA Live Events will have the opportunity to travel to many of the respective locations this season. In 2023, the National & Showcase tournament and NCAA Live Event sites that some of our teams will participate in are as follows:

1. Nationals, Showcase Tourney Events, and NCAA Live Event Locations for 2024 – Spartanburg, Rock Hill & Charleston, SC. Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Charlotte, NC. Also  Gatlinburg, Tn.

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Which team is my child eligible to play for?

AAU / Travel Basketball is different than City Rec leagues. In 2020, most travel basketball Leagues have changed their categories and players that are eligible to play by age and grade. Players must be at or below the criterion age and or grade in a given category. Age for AAU / Travel Basketball purposes is not how old a child is now, but how old he or she will be on the next cutoff date (30 June for 14 and below and 01 Oct for 9th Grade and above).

For the 2024 season, use the following guidelines:

  • 11 & U: All players must be 11 years or younger on 31 August
  • 12 & U: All players must be 12 years or younger on 31 August
  • 13 &U: All players must be 13 years or younger on 31 August
  • 14 & U: All players must be 14 years or younger on 31 August
  • 9th Grade: All players must be in the 9th Grade as of 01 Oct & must be 16 years or younger on 31 August
  • 10th Grade: All players must be in the 10th Grade as of 01 Oct & must be 17 years or younger on 31 August
  • 11th Grade: All players must be in the 11th Grade as of 01 Oct & must be 18 years or younger on 31 August
    12th Grade: All players must be in the 12th Grade as of 01 Oct & must be 20 years or younger on 31 August

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Can my child “play up”?

Players will be highly encouraged to play in their own age/grade divisions.  However, in some circumstances, players will be allowed to play with older age groups. Coaches will make final selections.

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How often will teams practice?

Typically, CPA teams will practice twice a week (1 hour per practice, depending on the age group). However, sometimes if a tournament starts on a Friday, that team may only put in one practice session for that particular week.

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My child doesn’t attend a school in the Mauldin, S.C. area – Can he or she still be considered?

Absolutely! Coaches will select the best players available for each team, regardless of where they live. Additionally, our coaches will place your child on a team where he or she can best grow and excel in knowledge and skill. Example – In previous years, other than Mauldin resident kids, CPA has trained and coached kids from every Middle and High School in the Upstate area, including;  Southside, JL Mann, Woodmont, Laurens, Greenwood, SSC, Emerald, Spartanburg, Greenville Tech, Greenville High, Wade Hampton, Berea, Greer High Schools, etc., ect., ect. !

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I play another sport in the Spring. Can I still participate with CPA ?

Yes. Younger Jr. Division players competing in another sport must balance the two commitments and should be fair to both sports teams. This means an “EVEN” balance between the two sports and not simply playing CPA basketball only when it is convenient for the kid and the parents. Please note that excessive absenteeism will affect playing time and lessen the benefits of the CPA experience.

Players selected for our Senior Division Travel teams “WILL” be required to make a HIGHER commitment to CPA. While our coaches will support players participating in multiple sports, excessive absenteeism will affect playing time and lessen the benefits of the CPA Exposure experience.

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