AAU 5th Grade Girls Basketball National Championship Coming to Gatlinburg
Rocky Top Sports World is excited to host one of the biggest events in girls basketball! This summer, the AAU 5th Grade Girls Basketball National Championship will take place at our 80-acre sports campus in Gatlinburg, TN. This tournament will bring the best 5th grade girls basketball teams in the United States to the Smokies for six days of spirited competition and fun. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this eagerly anticipated event.
When and Where
The AAU 5th Grade Girls Basketball National Championship will run from Tuesday, July 10, 2018 to Sunday, July 15, 2018. The tournament will be held at Rocky Top Sports World, which is located at 1870 Sports World Blvd in Gatlinburg, TN. If you will be navigating to our complex using a GPS, please use our alternate address, 150 Proffitt Road in Gatlinburg, TN.
Participants
The National Championship is only open to 5th grade girls teams that have qualified through the AAU Qualifying Procedures. For more information on these procedures, visit the official AAU Girls Basketball website and check out the 2018 Girls Basketball Handbook, which is located under the Rules tab.
Participating athletes must be in the 5th grade as of October 1, 2017 and can be no older than 12 on August 31, 2018. If there is an athlete in the 6th grade as of October 1, 2017 who wants to play down, she can be no older than 11 on August 31, 2018.
All of the athletes and non-athletes on your team’s bench must hold current membership in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), which can be obtained on the AAU website linked to above. Basic Youth Athlete membership is $14 per year and Non-Athlete membership is $16 per year.
What to Expect at the National Championship
The National Championship will offer unparalleled competition for 5th grade girls teams from across the country. The tournament will be divided into three levels of play: Division I, Division II, and Division III. Each game will consist of two 14-minute halves, with a 5-minute halftime/warmup. If the score is tied at the end of a game, there will be a 3-minute overtime. The schedule for the tournament is as follows:
- July 10 – Registration & Opening Ceremonies at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Gym
- July 11 – Pool Play
- July 12 – Pool Play
- July 13 – Bracket Play
- July 14 – Bracket Play
- July 15 – Conclusion of Bracket Play (Championship or Classic)
Registration and Lodging
When it comes to registering for the National Championship, it pays to do so sooner rather than later! Here is how much the team entree fee is, depending on when you sign up:
- Before April 1: $550
- Before May 1: $600
- Before June 19 (Final Deadline): $670
For friends and family members who want to cheer on their favorite team, there is an admission fee of $12 for adults and $10 for kids 6 – 14. Children 5 and under are free. There will also be tournament-long spectator passes available, which will cost $40 per adult and $30 per kid.
Lodging for the National Championship must be secured through one of the hotels, cabins, or condos that have partnered with Rocky Top Sports World for the tournament. You can register for the event and book your lodging by visiting our Tournaments page and scrolling down to July 10.
About Rocky Top Sports World
Located minutes away from downtown Gatlinburg, TN, Rocky Top Sports World is one of the top tournament destinations in the U.S. With six basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts, seven fields, team rooms, and an onsite grill, our athletic campus has everything you need for an unforgettable sports event. To learn more about all of the wonderful amenities at Rocky Top Sports World, visit our Facilities page!
