AAU Taekwondo Membership Requirements 2024-2025 Season:

Breaking News: Major Changes for 2024-2025

The AAU Taekwondo membership system has undergone significant transformations for the 2024-2025 season. If you’re planning to compete or coach, understanding these new requirements is crucial for your participation in qualifying events, regional championships, and the prestigious AAU National Championships scheduled for June 29–July 5, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Why AAU Membership Matters

AAU Taekwondo is one of over 30 sports offered by the Amateur Athletic Union, serving nearly 800,000 participants nationwide. The organization provides:

Competitive Opportunities: Local, district, regional, and national tournaments
Insurance Coverage: Athlete accident and liability protection programs
Dan Certification: Optional black belt rank certification and advancement
Professional Development: Referee and coaching certification programs
National Recognition: Access to the AAU Junior Olympic Games and National Championships

Membership Categories & Costs

Youth Athlete Membership

For competitors ages 5-17

Annual Cost: Varies by membership type
Must be obtained BEFORE competition begins
Special Note: Can be processed instantly at some events with laptop availability

Adult Membership (18+)

One-Year Membership: $55
Two-Year Membership: $75 (more cost-effective option)
Processing Time: Up to 10 business days
Background Check: Required for all adult members as part of AAU’s commitment to youth safety

Non-Athlete Membership

Purpose: For coaches, referees, volunteers, and officials
Processing Time: Up to 10 business days
Cannot be applied for at events (Major change for 2024-2025!)
Must register in advance at https://taekwondofitnes.com

Club Membership Revolution

The 2024-2025 season introduces a transformative evolution in club memberships. AAU has completely redesigned the club membership structure with new options to better serve different program types. Check the AAU website for video tutorials explaining which club membership best fits your dojang or program.

Critical New Rules for 2024-2025

Adult Memberships No Longer Instant

Memberships for adults and non-athletes are no longer instantaneous and cannot be applied for at the event. To receive their membership, participants are advised to visit the AAU website, as processing may take up to ten days.

Action Required: Register at least 10 business days before your first competition.

Mandatory Background Checks

AAU’s dedication to athlete safety is further demonstrated by the background checks that are required of all adult applicants for membership.

Age Determination System

The age of the competitor as of December 31 shall determine the age of that competitor. The competitor must compete for the entire calendar year at the age they will be on December 31.

Example: If you turn 14 on December 15, 2025, you must compete as a 14-year-old for the entire 2025 season, even in January when you’re still 13.

Competition-Specific Requirements

All Participants Must Have:

Current AAU Membership: Valid for the entire competition season
Proper Documentation: Proof of membership available upon request
Age Verification: Photo ID required for certain divisions (driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport)

Black Belt Competitors (World Class Division)

Ages 10-11, 12-14, 15-17, and 18-32 competing in Olympic sparring must present:

Valid photo ID documenting date of birth
Current AAU membership verification
Proper rank certification

Coach Requirements

Coaching Certification

Annual Requirement: Coaches must be certified by AAU Taekwondo each year
Online Course: Available at www.taekwondofitness.com
Age Requirement: Anyone who turns 14 during 2024 may take the coaching course
Verification: Tournament directors only provide coach passes to certified individuals

Coach Attire (Strictly Enforced)

Required: Warm-up pants and official blue AAU shirt
Purchase: AAU Coach Shirts available at
No Exceptions: The dress code will be enforced at all tournaments

Referee Requirements

Annual Certification: Must complete online course and attend practical training
Deadline: Typically before February 1st for regional championships
Honorarium: Referees must officiate full event duration to receive payment
Background Check: Required as part of membership process

How to Register

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Visit: https://taekwondofitnes.com/
Select: Choose individual membership or club membership
Complete: Fill out all required information
Background Check: Adult members will undergo screening
Payment: Process membership fee
Wait: Allow up to 10 business days for processing
Verify: Confirm active status before registering for competitions

Registration Timeline

Recommended: Register 2-3 weeks before your first event
Minimum: 10 business days before competition
Remember: Last-minute registrations are no longer possible

2025 National Championships Qualification

Qualifying Events

To compete at the 2025 AAU Taekwondo National Championships (June 29–July 5, Salt Lake City, Utah), athletes must qualify at a District or Regional tournament in at least one event:

Traditional Forms/Patterns
Point-Style Sparring
Olympic-Style Sparring
Sport Poomsae
Board Breaking
Creative Forms
Weapons Forms
Demo Team Competition
Self Defense
Padded Weapons Sparring
Para Taekwondo

Automatic Qualification

All participants who compete in qualifying events automatically qualify to participate at the AAU National Championships.

Insurance Benefits

AAU membership includes comprehensive insurance programs:

Athlete Accident Insurance

Coverage during AAU-sanctioned events
Medical expense reimbursement
Specific coverage details are available in current insurance brochures

Liability Insurance

Protection for athletes and programs
Coverage during sanctioned competitions

Important Reminders

Before You Compete

✓ Verify your AAU membership is active
✓ Coaches must complete certification course
✓ Print or save your membership confirmation
✓ Bring photo ID (required for certain divisions)
✓ Check tournament-specific deadlines

Competition Day Requirements

All competitors must present current AAU membership
Coaches need certification verification
Referees must show current credentials
No day-of registrations accepted at most events

Rank Verification

Competitors must always compete at their current rank on the day of the event. If an athlete qualifies as a red/brown belt and is promoted to black belt before a national event, then that athlete must compete at the national event as a black belt.

Cost-Saving Tips

Choose Two-Year Adult Membership: Save money with the $75 two-year option versus two annual $55 memberships
Register Early: Avoid rush fees and last-minute complications
Club Membership: Schools may benefit from new club membership options
Plan Ahead: Register entire team together to streamline process

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Waiting until event day – Adult memberships now require 10 days processing ❌ Forgetting coach certification – Won’t receive coach pass without current certification ❌ Incorrect age registration – Remember: age as of December 31st ❌ Expired membership – Verify renewal dates before each season ❌ Missing photo ID – Required for certain black belt divisions

Regional Variations

While national rules apply everywhere, tournament directors may have specific local requirements:

Equipment Colors: Some local events may waive red/blue gear requirements (strictly enforced at Nationals)
Match Times: District and Regional competitions may modify timing
Division Combinations: Directors can adjust based on competitor numbers
Entry Deadlines: Vary by event, typically 1-2 weeks before competition

Important Dates for 2024-2025

Season Start: September 1, 2024
Updated Handbook: September 1, 2024
Regional Championships: January–March 2025
National Championships: June 29–July 5, 2025 (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Membership Renewal: Must be current throughout season

Resources & Contact Information

Official Resources

AAU Sports Website: https://taekwondofitnes.com/
AAU Taekwondo: https://taekwondofitnes.com/
Coaching Certification: Taekwondo academy
Coach Uniforms:https://taekwondofitnes.com/taekwondo-uniform-name/
2024-2025 Handbook: Available at AAU Taekwondo website

Getting Help

Contact your local AAU Taekwondo district representative
Email tournament directors with specific questions
Check the AAU Taekwondo Facebook page for updates
Visit AAU Taekwondo website for FAQ section

The Bottom Line

The AAU Taekwondo membership qualifications will be significantly altered for the 2024–2025 season. The most significant modification is that memberships for adults and non-athletes now require advance registration, which can take up to 10 business days to process. To prevent last-minute issues, plan, register early, and make sure all coaches get their yearly certification.

AAU Taekwondo is one of the top martial arts organizations in the US, and more than 3,230 competitors are anticipated to compete at the 2025 National Championships in Salt Lake City. Maintaining the safety and integrity requirements that make AAU contests world-class while being a part of this vibrant community is ensured by proper membership.