Girls' Basketball Information Welcome to the Boston Monarchs Girls' AAU Basketball Program.  For those whom have played in the past and for future members of our organization, we have summarized in "question and answer format" information about our program.  If you need additional information or further clarification, feel free to contact Paul Mahoney by e-mail at Mahoney.PaulJ@comcast.net or call him at 781-724-5678. Who is eligible to try-out and play for the Monarchs? Any girl between the ages of 10-16 is eligible to try-out and play for the Monarchs.  All players wishing to play must go through an evaluation process.  Try-outs take place in the fall and the spring.  Please monitor this website for exact dates, times, and locations.

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What is the cost of the program for each player?

By registration time, a player must submit the non-refundable $25 insurance and try-out fee.  If a player makes a team, they must then pay the $625 club fee before the first practice.  This fee covers uniforms, equipment, gym rentals, clinics, hotel for 2 nights, fees for 3 Boston Monarchs tournaments, and fees for 4 "away" tournaments.  Thus each player will compete in at least 7 tournaments or 28 games.  Some teams raise money and play in more tournaments.   

When does the season start and how long does it last?

The AAU season begins the first week in March and runs through June or mid-July.  An elite team may qualify for the National Tournament in which case their season might run longer.  Some teams may continue to play in the fall, but this is up to each team.  The Monarchs run "open gyms" and clinics in the summer and fall for those girls that are interested in playing more and building their skills with girls from other Monarch teams.

What is the rule on practices?  When and where are they held?

Players are expected to commit to attend practice on a regular basis and help to contribute to the teams development.  Teams practice twice per week for two hours at a time.  Sites for practice are determined by each coach.  Some of the facilities used in the past include Pine Manor College in Brookline, Emmanuel College in Boston, Regis College in Weston, various Norwood gyms, and various Hopkinton gyms.

When and where are the games played?

The Monarchs only attend tournaments that are AAU sanctioned.  Although tournaments are held all over the United States and even at international locations, the Monarchs usually attend tournaments in New England and New York state.  Teams play in three tournaments that the Monarchs host in March through June.  Additionally, teams usually plan two "overnight stay" travel tournaments plus two additional tournaments within a commutable distance.

Who are the Monarchs' coaches?

All the Monarchs coaches are dedicated and knowledgeable basketball people.  Many have been with the program for a time and all are dedicated the philosophy of the program.  Monarch coaches meet on a regular basis to evaluate and share ideas on coaching.  A list of the current staff is available on the "Coaches" page.

How much playing time will each player receive? Every player is guaranteed playing time every game.  How much playing time a player receives is dependent upon that players commitment to practice.  Some teams use the "5 in / 5 out" method.  No player will play less than 25% of any game. Who oversees the Monarchs program? The Monarchs AAU program was founded by Paul Mahoney to open up opportunities for girls to play basketball.  Paul meets regularly with the coaches to insure that the program is heading in a positive direction.  The focus from the start has been "learning through participation" and everyone involved works to keep it that way.

What are the benefits of playing for the Monarchs?

The Monarchs program gives the player an opportunity to compete outside of their town in the game of basketball.  It allows girls to play at a level whereby they can improve, compete, and enjoy their basketball experience.  Our mission is to prepare players to better compete on the teams for which they will play in the winter.  Many Monarch players have gone on to have successful college basketball careers (see the "Notable Alumni" page).

What are the responsibilities of a player's parents?

As a parent, you want the best for your child.  Our coaches also want the best for your child.  In order for this to occur, it is important that parents - no matter how basketball knowledgeable they might be, refrain from coaching their child in practices and games.  The coach has ten player's interests in mind.  It is always uncomfortable for a coach to remove a player from a game because she is acting upon her parent's coaching rather than fulfilling the expectations of the team and coach.  A parent needs to be positive at all time and cheer on every member of the team.  Any questions concerning coaching should be brought to the coach's attention in a private conversation without children present.

All parents and players are needed and expected to provide assistance at tournaments hosted by the Monarchs.  They are needed to run scoreboards, run concessions, oversee gyms, and other such matters.  This is very important as these tournaments provide the additional funds required to attend travel tournaments.

While at away tournaments, the parent or their designee is responsible for their daughter at any time the player is not at their game.