National
AAU Breaking League
The National AAU Breaking League unites breaking programs across the country into a unified pipeline that helps develop and elevate the dance to a legitimate, competitive sport. Through local leagues, breakers compete in one of three skill divisions, ensuring they can challenge themselves at their own level and continue to progress. These divisions are designed to nurture growth and development, allowing athletes to hone their skills before advancing to regional qualifiers and ultimately, the AAU Junior Olympic Games.
This structure ensures that breakers at every stage receive the support they need, with a focus on education, coaching, and mentorship to build not only their technical skills but also their mindset. The National Breaking League, under the AAU banner, provides a standardized framework that connects local leagues to regional and national events, all while helping to grow breaking as a recognized sport.
With this unified pipeline, breakers gain access to key resources—such as expert coaching, performance analytics, and educational opportunities—that are crucial for their long-term success. This approach helps break down barriers to entry, ensures a consistent level of competition, and sets the foundation for breaking’s future on the global stage, including its potential inclusion in the Olympics.
Breaking Athletes
AGE:
Athletes must be between ages 7–17 by the start and end of the competition season (January 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026)
DIVISIONS:
All breakers will be evaluated and placed into one of three competitive divisions based on skill and experience level:
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Division 1 – ELITE: Advanced-level breakers
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Division 2 – AMATEUR: Intermediate-level breakers
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Division 3 – NOVICE: Beginner-level breakers
REGISTRATION:
Step 1: REGISTER for your official AAU Athlete Membership >> CLICK HERE — select “Dance” as your sport
Step 2: CHECK IN with your coach to confirm their participation
Step 3: COMPLETE your national league membership registration and payment *
* Information regarding Athlete Memberships for the 2026 National AAU Breaking League will be announced soon. Please subscribe to our mailing list at the bottom of this page and follow our official Instagram for updates >> @YouthBreakingChamps
LOCAL LEAGUE PARTICIPATION:
While we aim to bring the AAU Breaking League to as many regions as possible, a league can only exist where a league organizer steps up to lead it.
The national team provides the structure, rules, and recognition, but local organizers are responsible for building their city’s league.
We encourage motivated leaders and coaches to get involved in establishing new leagues to help expand opportunities for young breakers nationwide. (see below)
Become a 2026 League Organizer
OVERVIEW
Local League Organizers are the foundation of the AAU Breaking system, responsible for developing their region’s competitive scene and guiding young breakers toward the national stage. Each organizer operates under the official structure and oversight of the AAU Breaking National Team.
Requirements
To be officially recognized as an AAU Breaking Local League, organizers must:
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Hold Active AAU Membership: Be a current AAU Non-Athlete Member under the official AAU National Club — Youth Breaking Championships (YBC).
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Complete an Approved Background Check: Maintain an active and approved background screening through AAU, as required for all non-athlete members.
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Adhere to AAU Compliance Policies: Abide by all AAU policies related to athlete safety, code of conduct, and event operation.
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Follow National Guidance: Operate in full alignment with the rules, standards, and direction set by the AAU Breaking National Team.
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Uphold Competition Integrity: Use official judging systems, formats, and scoring criteria approved by the national team.
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Comply with Branding Standards: Represent the AAU Breaking and YBC brands appropriately in all promotional materials, events, and communications.
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Operate Independently: Local leagues are expected to manage and fund their own operations. While the national team works to develop sponsorships and partnerships that may benefit the wider AAU Breaking ecosystem, organizers should not expect direct financial support. Each league is encouraged to build its own sustainable ecosystem through community partnerships, fundraising, and local sponsor relationships.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Local League Organizers are expected to:
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Build and grow their league using available community resources, partnerships, and local support.
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Provide safe, professional, and inclusive events that promote youth development and sportsmanship.
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Communicate regularly with the national team for updates, approvals, and reporting.
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Encourage participation in the official AAU Breaking pathway, leading to the AAU National Championships.
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Serve as local ambassadors for the sport, fostering respect, unity, and opportunity within their breaking community.
MISSION
The mission of every AAU Breaking Local League is to build a strong, sustainable foundation for youth breaking—empowering the next generation of dancers to reach the national stage. By following the guidance and leadership of the national team, each local organizer contributes to a unified and credible national movement for the sport.