 |
Welcome to the July 30, 2010; edition of the MYAS Update
In this Issue
Pass it on
Know anyone who might be interested in our newsletter? Click here to forward this email to up to 5 friends at once.
|
|
|
MYAS Update Info
Our newsletter is designed to provide timely youth sports information to coaches, athletes, parents and administrators. It includes notes from the Executive Director, sport program information, calendar reminders, new service announcements and special events information. Contributions from sponsors assist us in delivering high quality youth sport services at the lowest possible cost and partially fund this newsletter, and certain sponsors will be featured.
Dan's Notes - from Executive Director Dan Klinkhammer
HUG YOUR KID TODAY!
I feel fortunate that I wasn't wounded while serving in Vietnam, but I came very close a few times. I survived a helicopter crash landing, a sniper's bullet that passed through my backpack and a two-inch piece of shrapnel that literally ripped my helmet off my head. It taught me a life lesson.
In August of 1974, I was on my way home on my motorcycle when I was hit by a guy who was fresh out of jail on parole, drunk and driving a stolen car. I spent a week in the hospital with a dislocated shoulder, broken wrist, broken jaw and 10 missing teeth. It taught me a life lesson.
In November of 1997, I was returning to the Twin Cities from a speaking engagement in Rochester when I was hit by a semi that was trying to execute an illegal u-turn on Highway 52. I was thrown from my pick-up truck and it ended up rolling on top of me. After being rescued by other motorists, I was airlifted to St. Mary's hospital and spent 12 days there recovering from a punctured lung, 11 broken ribs, a broken sternum and a separated pelvis. It taught me a life lesson.
In all of those "near death" experiences, the flashes that went through my head had nothing to do with material possessions, ego, money, status or titles. I had only two thoughts running through my head: #1 So this is how I'm going to die, and #2 I wish that I could hug my wife and kids just one more time.
After each incident I promised myself that I would not let a day pass where I didn't show my love and affection to those closest to me. I promised myself that I would always treat everyone the same way that I would want to be treated. I think that each of us has reacted that way after a monumental incident in our lives and then, like most people, as time passes we tend to forget those promises and don't follow through like we should. Having survived those near death experiences, I can honestly say that I am living my life as a better person but there's still a lot of room for improvement. The "Man Upstairs" has been giving me periodic reminders for the past 58 years. He gave me another one this past week.
On Sunday, July 18, Joey Balistreri was playing baseball with the Burnsville Blaze in our 10U Gopher State Tournament of Champions. Around 8:00pm that same day, Joey was killed in a car accident caused by a suspected drunk driver who had crossed the center line. As I write this article, Joey's dad is still in the hospital in serious condition. Joey's mom and sister escaped without any life-threatening injuries.
I didn't learn of the connection between Joey and the MYAS until I read about the accident in the Star Tribune
on the Tuesday after the accident. We couldn't find any information on Joey's funeral arrangements by the following Wednesday, so I called the Burnsville head coach to offer our sympathy and ask for any information he might have regarding the arrangements. At that time, the coach told me that information wasn't available yet and that Joey's dad was undergoing some reconstructive surgery, and that perhaps the funeral plans may be delayed until his condition improved. Then the coach told me, "I don't know if Joey's dad even knows that his son was killed in the accident." When he said that, this tragedy became all too real for me and the lump in my throat almost choked me. I didn't know what to say. So I closed off our conversation quickly with, "Please keep us posted on the arrangements and let us know it there is anything the MYAS can do for the family." The
first tear trickled down my cheek as I hung up the phone, and then I couldn't stop them.
Situations like this make me realize, once again, how fragile life really is. It makes me realize how quickly our lives can be turned upside down and we all start thinking about the things that really matter. It makes me realize how unfair life can be. It reinforces the old adage "here today and gone tomorrow."
Nobody knows when their number is going to be called. And it is for that reason that I will go home TODAY and I will give both of my sons a big hug. I will go home TODAY and hug my wife a little longer. I'm not going to wait until tomorrow. I'm going to do it TODAY, because tomorrow may never come. I suggest that you do the same - TODAY!
There really isn't anything that I can say or do to take the pain away from the Balistreri family, but I can offer our sincere sympathy and this thought. Joey's number will be called again and I bet it will sound something like this: "And now...batting cleanup...for Heaven's Angels...from Burnsville, Minnesota...Joey Balistreri."
BALISTRERI FAMILY BENEFIT FUND INFO:
A benefit fund has been established for the Balistreri family. Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank or mail to: Burnsville Wells Fargo Bank; 925 County Road 42 West; Burnsville, MN 55306. Donors may also call 952-435-8626. Simply refer to the Balistreri Family Benefit Fund.
MYAS Marketing Upcoming Events
Saturday, July 31 - Dick's Sporting Goods Shop Day. Save big on your fall sports and back to school purchases with this offer exclusive to MYAS participants, coaches and officials.
http://myas.org/gm/sport.asp?NewsID=1471&SportID=16
Sunday, August 22 - MYAS Day at the St. Paul Saints. Great ticket offers available for this game, including concessions and bobblehead dolls.
http://myas.org/gm/users/myas/docs/Gopher%20State%20Baseball%20League_Saints10.pdf
Saturday, August 28 - Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks. Great ticket offer for preseason game.
http://myas.org/gm/sport.asp?NewsID=1435&SportID=16
Thursday, September 2 - Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos. Great ticket offer for preseason game. Brett Favre's 2010 debut?
http://myas.org/gm/sport.asp?NewsID=1435&SportID=16
Saturday, October 9 - MYAS Golf Tournament at Columbia Golf Club
http://myas.org/gm/sport.asp?NewsID=1440&SportID=15
Ongoing - Discount tickets to Valleyfair Amusement Park. Save big on admissions and go on the day of your choice in 2010!
http://myas.org/gm/sport.asp?NewsID=1455&SportID=2
Borton's Bench Notes
No matter what you do, everyone has a role and that role is important to the success of a team, your work and your family. I am currently in Augusta, GA, recruiting at the Nike National girls' basketball tournament. Some of the top teams in the country are competing and the caliber of play is at its highest level. There is nothing like watching players take their game to another level and it happens at this event. I have also appreciated watching teams come together, good players become great and role players who have made their teams contenders.
Every player on a team has a role and it is important to understand what that role is and to perform it to the best of your ability. Everyone can't be the leading scorer or the point guard on the team, but each player has a value on the team. A player may not like their role, but it is important to accept it and to do it to the best of their ability. Role players and the players coming off the bench are the ones who determine if your team is a contender or a pretender.
It is easy to value the star and the go-to player on the team, but it's the role players who are the ones who make the difference in whether your team is going home early or playing in the championship game. You are more than likely a role player and it's important to accept your role for the betterment of the team and a common goal. If you don't like your role, you are the only one who can change that. Keep working hard!
Sports Medicine Tip
The Role of Rest and Recovery
By Laura Henn, ATC, PTA, CSCS
Training young athletes involves balancing the demands of practice and competition with the need for rest and recovery. It's important for coaches and parents to keep in mind that adolescents are still growing and developing and their bodies need more time than adults for recovery between high-intensity training sessions. All too frequently middle and high school athletes maintain a weekly schedule that includes four or five days of sports practice, one or two competitive events and two or three days of strength training. Unfortunately the importance of rest and recovery is often overlooked.
Here are some tips to help even the highest achievers get the recovery time needed for overall health and top performance:
- Get 8-1/2 to 9 hours of sleep every night. Most adolescents are sleep deprived and chronically tired.
- Eliminate or strictly limit intake of caffeine, as it affects sleep patterns and circadian rhythms that allow us to naturally fall asleep.
- Designate a time to turn cell phones and electronics OFF and decrease the pressure for kids to constantly keep in touch. Excessive cell phone use and text messaging have been linked to irregular sleeping hours and more sleep disruptions.
- Train hard on the harder practice or game days and recover hard on the less intense training days. Coaches plan practices in relation to the season game schedule. Athletes commonly go light on hard days and hard on the easier days - this self structure doesn't allow the athlete to be at their best on event day.
- Plan to take at least one day off from strenuous physical activity per week during the regular season to allow the body time to recover from minor injuries, muscle soreness, joint stress and mental pressure.
- Avoid participating in two high level sports during the same season. Being part of a varsity or JV team while participating in a traveling sport doesn't do justice to either team, nor does the required activity level allow the body time to recover.
- Athletes should listen to their body whenever there is any sharp or worsening pain. Pushing through this type of pain can lead to more serious injury and cause missed playing time during the peak sport season.
About the author
Laura Henn, ATC, PTA, CSCS, is a certified athletic trainer at Institute for Athletic Medicine clinics in Roseville and Eagan and provides athletic training services at Hill-Murray High School. Laura has a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and an Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapy Assistance from the University of Evansville in Evansville, IN.
The Institute for Athletic Medicine is part of Fairview's family of orthopedic services which includes Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care, Fairview Hand Center, Fairview Orthotics and Prosthetics and Fairview Home Medical Equipment.
At Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care we specialize in muscles, bones and joints. Convenient locations. One number to call. 612-672-7100. fairview.org/fsoc
Then And Now - by Larry Gallagher
THE JOY OF UMPIRING
Have you ever stopped to think about why you like to umpire? As my days of umpiring are nearing their end, I have contemplated that question many times. There were times I did not feel the JOY in umpiring. But that feeling has always passed and for some reason I get rejuvenated.
As I continue to look at how much time I have left as an umpire or an official in other sports, I am constantly evaluating why I do it. There are many reasons, and I will spend some time discussing those different aspects of our avocation. However, I have narrowed it down to one word - SIGNIFICANCE.
What does it mean to be significant? The game of baseball is made up of basically two teams competing against one another to determine the winner. The first part of the rule book speaks to the purpose of both of those opponents. Page 13 of the 2009-10 NCAA Rule Book states, "The object of each team is to score more runs than its opponent. The winner of the game shall be the team that scores, in accordance with these rules, the greater number of runs at the conclusion of a regulation game." The OBR rule book states, "The objective of each team is to win by scoring more runs than the opponent." The objective stated in the National Federation of High School's rule book is similar but is not as clear cut as the other two.
I am suggesting that there is one more "team" out there and that team is the umpire. The umpire's sole purpose is to officiate the game so that no one opponent gains an advantage over the other in a manner not intended by the rules of the game.
Therefore, we can become very significant, not only in how well we perform the physical duties but also in the social and psychological parts of our avocation. Significance is an important part of our job. Someone once said that our job is to prevent wars when two teams compete. I wouldn't take it quite that far, but the challenge of making decisions that impact others is very significant to the sporting world and baseball in particular.
Since I have been retired from teaching and coaching for 11 years, there are fewer opportunities to be significant. I find that making decisions in baseball challenges me to be the best I can be. This gets the adrenaline flowing, and when you mess up you feel badly but you also know that you can recover from messing up with the next opportunity in this game or the next. Being able to recover from a mistake is also one of the challenges we have on our road to significance. The best umpires and/or officials are all going to have adversity and mess up a call. The best ones find a way to make that work for them in the future and develop as an umpire so that they are prepared for the next occurrence and are now up to the challenge because they overcame the negative experience.
George Bernard Shaw once said, "Youth is wasted on the young." I disagree, however, because anyone who is young needs to learn from their mistakes and become a better person or umpire because of those mistakes. Some do not and leave umpiring before they can develop the skills to handle their mistakes with maturity and wisdom.
I have always proclaimed that umpiring is not for everyone. There are many umpires who just do the job and do not find the joy in it, either because they are not able to handle the difficult times or because they are not mature enough to develop a vision of what is ahead of them as an umpire.
Again, if you can find the joy in umpiring, you will have unlocked the secret to a long and successful career. When looking for the joy, look inward and don't expect someone to give it to you. You need to explore the rule book, case books, mechanics manuals and the opportunity to deal with coaches and players in a healthy manner so that you can become a joy to be around on the field. Find a partner you can get along with and who will challenge you to always work on your skills and knowledge.
I can remember many different partners who have been fun to be around. Jimmy Lee was not a rules man or a mechanics man, but he had the joy because his smile and behavior were infectious. He was always fun to be with and he controlled the game with his fun personality. Phil Abalan always challenged me to be my best. We were very similar and were more Type A personalities than I care to admit, but we never accepted a poor performance from one another and we expected a lot from ourselves and each other.
There are some present-day umpires that I hope many of you would model yourselves after, such as Ken Sargent (one of the hardest working umpires I have ever seen), John Priester (one of the more skilled young umpires I've seen), Robin Johnson (who has consistently been at the top of his game for a long period of time), Dean Aasgaard (an umpire who has outstanding rules and mechanics knowledge), Billy Peterson (who has always given his all to the game of baseball or softball, and who still coaches young boys in the RBI league), Shawn Vellek
(who has worked tirelessly to help all of us progress not only by providing umpiring equipment to try on at General Sports, but also by administering - in the MIAC, NSIC and formerly in the NCC - better fees and working conditions and opportunities at the U of M for our top umpires). As an assigner, Jeff Schmit has allowed all of us to have an opportunity by assigning to us the quality of games that we are capable of working, and also by moving us up a level when we are ready and have enough experience to handle it. Jeremy Barbe from the MYAS has worked very hard to promote MYAS Umpire Clinics for numerous communities around the state. Last but not least, George Drouches has worked as our CEO in NW Umpires and now as the Division III Umpire Coordinator.
Being a member of NW Umpires since 1964 has allowed me to see the changes in the game and in the quality of umpiring. One of our earliest assigners was Guy Hansen (now deceased), who allowed me to move up the ladder at a time when I was eager and thought I was ready for the big games (I wasn't). He was a very good umpire in his own right and one of the old school types that you didn't notice until it was necessary that he be noticed. He just took care of business.
Some others that I have left off this list are the many coaches and teammates that I have had as a player. They have all contributed to helping me find the joy in umpiring or in any endeavor that I have been involved with.
I do need to mention one national figure for all he does for the game of baseball. Jim Evans
has run an umpire school for many years for the advancement of professional umpires. It is called the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring. Yes, it is a business, but he operates it like it's a family and he continues to give back to baseball wherever he can. He has done more for umpiring than anyone I can think of because of the many clinics he conducts around the nation and around the world. By giving clinics, camps and schools, he is internationally acclaimed. He has done many clinics and schools in Japan and because of these endeavors, the quality of their umpiring has been raised. I consider Jim Evans not only a wonderful teacher but also a wonderful human being who deserves our respect and admiration for how he conducts his umpiring instruction. He is also a very loyal person to all of his students. Jim Evans has found significance.
How about volunteering in your community to teach the umpires who are just learning? How about finding a community education class to teach about umpiring or officiating? Find ways to give back to the baseball community in any way that you can to find a way to become significant.
If you do some of the things that are mentioned above and give back to the baseball community, you will always find the joy of umpiring that I have found.
Midwest Regional Swim Meet Apparel Sale
There is a limited supply of apparel remaining from the 2010 Midwest Regional Swim Meet, and it is being offered at discounted prices. Please visit the Midwest Regional page of the MYAS website for a list of what is still available.
If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Christopherson at jessica@myas.org.
Gopher State Volleyball Fall Championships
The fourth annual Gopher State Volleyball Fall Championships will be held on November 7, 2010 (site is TBD). This event is a great opportunity for your team to play the against the "best of the best" and to finish the season with a first class tournament!
For more information, please keep checking the Fall Championship web page, which will be updated as more details become available. In the meantime, you may also contact Jessica Christopherson at 763-746-1733 or jessica@myas.org.
Football Rules of the Month
In our ongoing education mission, we would like to highlight three basic high school football rules. The answers appear later in the newsletter (see "In this Issue" for the link).
1. Player A81 goes downfield and pushes off Player B22 (pushes him away from A81 to help him make his cut) and cuts toward the sideline and catches Quarterback A1's pass. A81's push occurred prior to Player B4 tipping the pass. What is the ruling?
2. Quarterback A1 drops back and throws a forward pass toward the sideline to Player A2 who is behind the neutral zone. A2 then throws a forward pass to Player A3 15 yards downfield. (a) Player B1 blocks A2 behind the line prior to A2 touching the ball; or (b) B1 tackles A2 prior to A2 touching the pass; or (c) B1 pushes A3 prior to A3 touching the pass and B1 intercepts. What is the ruling in each case?
3. On second down, Quarterback A1 drops back and throws an underhand shovel pass forward to Back A2 who is behind the neutral zone. A2 throws the ball back to A1. A1 then throws the ball forward beyond the neutral zone to Player A3. Player B1 blocks A3 away from the ball and intercepts A1's pass. What is the ruling?
MYAS Gopher State Basketball Prep Showcase
The 2010 MYAS Gopher State Prep Showcase was held July 17-18 at Lakeville South High School. We had 30 boys' and girls' high school varsity and JV teams participate and they gave us a great preview of the competition for this upcoming winter. More than 30 NCAA Division II and III college coaches and recruiters were there to watch our Minnesota players and our new friends from Australia and Valdez, Alaska! Last year over 20 Prep Showcase players were offered opportunities to play college ball after the tournament and we hope even more will receive offers this year.
This year's Prep Showcase had an international flair, as we welcomed Coach Craig Reynolds and his two Allstate OZstars teams from Australia. We also welcomed Coach Cassie Carey and the boys' team from Valdez, Alaska. Thank you to both coaches for bringing their teams to Minnesota, and we hope to see them again next year!
The competition was outstanding throughout the weekend. Rosemount displayed a lot of skill and depth as their JV team won the Boys' Junior Varsity Division, while their varsity team lost a one-point game to Eastview in the Varsity Division semi-finals and then outlasted St. Agnes 97-94 in the 3rd Place game. Eastview will have a nice squad once again this winter, but they battled Eden Prairie in the Varsity Division championship game and came up on the short end of a 64-42 score. Watch out for Eden Prairie this winter, as they are an extremely talented squad.
The Girls' Varsity Division saw Benilde-St. Margaret's beat Prior Lake 46-45 in a fantastic championship game.
Please click here to view results from the 2010 Prep Showcase. Congratulations and thank you to all the participating teams - we hope to see you again in 2011!
Gopher State Basketball All-Star Weekend
Gopher State Basketball All-Star Weekend * July 30-August 1, 2010 * Spring Lake Park High School
If you're a basketball junkie, come on out to the Gopher State All-Star Weekend! Friday, July 30 will feature the opening ceremonies, player introductions and skills contests. Competition will be held on Saturday and Sunday, July 31-August 1. All teams will play two games on Saturday and their final game on Sunday morning.
Players were nominated for participation, and the top players in the 14U, 15U and 16/17U divisions were placed on teams for the inaugural All-Star Weekend. Game schedules, team rosters and hotel information are available on the MYAS website. Please click here to access the Gopher State Basketball page and then scroll down to the July 30-August 1 weekend for the links.
MYAS Gopher State Fall Basketball League
Information for the 2010 MYAS Gopher State Fall Basketball League is posted on the MYAS website. Last year we had more than 425 registered teams in grades 4-12. The Fall League was developed as and is intended to be a "tune-up" for winter travel/school basketball, and it is always our hope that teams will enjoy the experience the league provides.
Mark your calendars now and make your plans to join us on September 19 & 26 and October 3 & 10. Come see why the Gopher State Fall Basketball League is the largest fall basketball league in the state!
We have also added a tournament on the weekend of October 16-17. The 2010 Gopher State Fall Classic will be open to all teams, regardless of whether or not they played in the Gopher State Fall Basketball League.
Second Session for High School Teams: In an effort to bridge the gap between the end of the Gopher State Fall Basketball League and the start of the high school season, we have created a Second Session. Now teams have the opportunity to play right up until their tryouts. Players can work on their skills and conditioning and coaches will be able to observe the players in game situations. The Second Session is not a league - your team can play on any or all five of the available dates in October and November.
For more information on the Gopher State Fall Basketball League and/or the Second Session, please click here. You may also contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org with your questions.
MYAS Winter Baskteball Meeting
The 2010-11 MYAS Winter Basketball Meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 11 from 6:30-7:30pm. In order to make attendance easier, we have scheduled meetings at two different sites this year: Ramada Mpls. NW/Grand Rios in Brooklyn Park and Radisson Hotel Bloomington
by Mall of America. You are welcome to attend at either location.
The meeting is being held for association presidents, travel directors, in-house directors and coaches. Information about 2010-11 MYAS winter basketball programs and services will be presented, to include the boys' and girls' Gopher State Winter Basketball League (formerly the GMBL & BTBL), MYAS Super Saver and Invitational Tournaments, the MYAS Grade State Tournament and the MYAS Rec State Tournament. Also, the 2010-11 MYAS basketball invitational tournament books will be available at both meeting sites.
We hope to see you at one of the MYAS Winter Basketball Meetings on August 11. If you have questions, please contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
2010-11 Basketball Invitational Tournament Books
The 2010-11 MYAS girls' and boys' basketball invitational tournament books are currently in production and will be available the second week of August.
Included in the books are flyers for more than 200 girls' and boys' invitational tournaments throughout the metro area and greater Minnesota. The books also feature the latest information on MYAS fall and winter basketball programs, as well as important information from a number of our generous sponsors.
If you would like to order one or more copies of the 2010-11 tournament books, please click here to download the order form.
MYAS Basketball Tournament Scheduling Services
The MYAS wants to help your basketball organization. We have put together a Tournament Scheduling Service package to make coordinating your event much easier. Our educated and trained staff have experienced the ins and outs of event planning. Let our expertise help you!
For just $3.00 per team, the MYAS will complete the tournament schedules and post them online and will provide you with a copy of the schedules, brackets to post at your site(s), score sheets for every game and many other valuable services. We are also working on the possibility of providing tournament directors with remote website access so they can update scores/schedules during their tournament.
What follows is a testimonial from Layne Skoyen, director of the Hastings Spiral Classic Basketball Tournament:
"As a volunteer with our Hastings Basketball Booster organization, it is very difficult to devote the time needed to coordinate a successful annual tournament. Jeremy (Innes) at MYAS took many of the headaches away with their tournament service program which provides a website, bracketing, printing of forms, etc. This year was a breeze compared to last year - very few emails or calls. MYAS is so easy to work with and very responsive to any questions or concerns. I would highly recommend this program to any Director that feels overwhelmed by the details and pressure of hosting a successful basketball tournament."
If you would like more information about the MYAS Basketball Tournament Scheduling Services, please click here or contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
MYAS "Travel Lite" Basketball Program - Save Time & Money
The MYAS staff often hears from coaches and parents who are commenting on how basketball tournaments consume an entire weekend. In an effort to give back some of that time to families, we have branded some of our events as MYAS "Travel Lite."
Benefits of Travel Lite include saving time and saving money on admission fees, concessions, travel and lodging.
MYAS Travel Lite programs include the Winter Jamboree, Super Saver Tournaments and the Gopher State Winter Basketball League.
For more information on MYAS Travel Lite, you may contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org with your questions.
MYAS Winter Basketball Jamboree
The MYAS Winter Basketball Jamboree was created to provide newly formed traveling basketball teams with an opportunity to play multiple scrimmage games in one day. We had a whopping 96 boys' and girls' teams participate in the inaugural event, and the 2010 Jamboree should feature another great day of youth basketball!
The Winter Jamboree is for boys' and girls' teams in grades 4-8. This year's event will be held on Saturday, October 30 at the Bloomington Jefferson HS/Activity Center, where there are seven full-sized wood courts under one roof! The entry fee is $100 per team and all teams can plan on four to five scrimmages throughout the day.
More detailed event information will be available soon. If you would like more information in the meantime, please contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
MYAS Winter Basketball Tournaments and Leagues
The 2010-11 MYAS winter basketball calendar is being continuously updated and is nearly complete. We will once again offer the Gopher State Winter Basketball League, Gopher State Invitational Tournaments and MYAS Super Saver Tournaments. There is sure to be an event that fits every team's schedule.
For more information about MYAS winter basketball events, please click here and then scroll down to the winter section of the page. You may also contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
Basketball Rules of the Month
In our ongoing education mission, we would like to highlight three basic high school basketball rules. The answers appear later in the newsletter (see "In this Issue" for the link).
1. What type of foul is committed when: (a) during a dead-ball period Player A1 taunts Player B1; (b) B1 crosses the end line and fouls thrower A1; (c) immediately after the ball passes through the basket, airborne shooter A1 fouls B1; or (d) B1 reaches through the end-line boundary and slaps the ball from the hands of thrower A1?
2. Player B1 fouls airborne Player A1 who is in the act of shooting. Before A1 returns on foot to the floor, he/she is fouled by Player B2 who has moved into A1's landing area. The ball: (a) does; or (b) does not enter the basket. What is the ruling in each case?
3. Players B1 and B2 foul Player A1 at the same time while A1 is: (a) dribbling down the lane; (b) in the act of shooting a successful or unsuccessful two-point try; (c) in the act of shooting a successful three-point try; or (d) in the act of shooting an unsuccessful three-point try. What is the ruling in each case?
Gopher State Baseball League
Wow - another spring/summer baseball season is complete! The past four months have really flown by. Even with the unbelievable amount of rain we had during the months of June and July, all teams adjusted and worked hard to reschedule and get their games in. We want to thank each team, coach, player, parent, association travel director and president for making this season of the Gopher State Baseball League a banner year.
We are excited to report that this season, the GSBL boasted the largest participation numbers in the league's history, with 415 traveling baseball teams. With 50 league divisions that were broken down based upon geographic location and more than 50 associations represented, we are proud of the strength and growth of this league.
The season culminated with the single elimination league playoffs, which were hosted at some of the top venues in the metro area. Many of the league championship games were very competitive and matched teams that had not faced each other all season.
The 10U-13U championship games were held on July 20-21 at the Fridley Little League Fields, the Northwoods Complex in Brooklyn Park and the Blaine Baseball Complex and Aquatore Park. Over those two days, we crowned 16 Tier I and Tier II Champions. On Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25, we were proud to have Bethel University and Northwestern College play host to our 16U and 17/19U league championships, where six more teams earned the title of League Champion. The playoffs concluded on July 26-29 with the 14U-15U league championships, also hosted by Bethel University and Northwestern College. Eight more teams were awarded the title of Tier I or Tier II League Champion. In all, 30 teams were crowned 2010 GSBL League Champions.
The "GSBL Nation" is stronger today than it has ever been and we would like to thank everyone who participated for making this another great year. We will continue to listen to our participants in order to make this product even better for 2011.
Please see below for listings of the 2010 League and Division Champions. For complete results of the 2010 Gopher State Baseball League and other league information, please visit the GSBL page on the MYAS website or e-mail the league commissioner at dawson@myas.org.
2010 GSBL League Champions
(Please note that the 14U results are not complete; there were games yet to be played when this issue was finalized.)
10AA Tier I * St. Cloud Blue Sox
10AA Tier II * Andover Huskies
10AAA Tier I * STMA Knights
10AAA Tier II * Elk River Elks
11AA Tier I * Elk River Elks
11AA Tier II * Brooklyn Park Bulldogs
11AAA Tier I * STMA Knights
11AAA Tier II * OMGAA Storm
12AA Tier I * New Richmond Tigers
12AA Tier II * Oakdale Titans
12AAA Tier I * Roseville Raiders
12AAA Tier II * Andover Huskies
13AA Tier I * Shoreview Area Blue
13AA Tier II * OMGAA White
13AAA Tier I * Champlin/Dayton Rebels
13AAA Tier II * White Bear Lake
14AA Tier I * (7/29) Brooklyn Area Panthers or White Bear Lake vs. Becker Bulldogs
14AA Tier II * Somerset Spartans
14AAA Tier I * (7/29) Brooklyn Area Bulldogs vs St. Cloud Blue Sox
14AAA Tier II * Shoreview Area Mustangs
15AA Tier I * Shoreview Area Mustangs
15AA Tier II * Fridley Fightin' Tigers
15AAA Tier I * Coon Rapids Cardinals
15AAA Tier II * Andover Huskies
16U Tier I * Brooklyn Area Bandits
16U Tier II * Champlin/Dayton Rebels
17/19AA Tier I * North Metro Saints
17/19AA Tier II * Soderville Gearheads
17/19AAA Tier I * Robbinsdale Area Raptors
17/19AAA Tier II * Shoreview Area Mustangs
2010 GSBL Division Champions
10AA
Central * Anoka-Ramsey Tornadoes
North * St. Cloud Blue Sox
Northeast * Forest Lake Gold
Southeast * New Richmond Tigers
West * Monticello Magic
10AAA
Central * STMA Knights
East * Brooklyn Park Blaze
West * St. Cloud Blue Sox
11AA
Central * Wayzata Gold
East * Roseville Raiders
West * St. Cloud Blue Sox
11AAA
Central * STMA Knights
East * Brooklyn Park Blaze
West * Sartell Sabres
12AA
Central * OMGAA White
North * Andover Gold
Northeast * New Richmond Tigers
Southeast * Woodbury Blue
West * Zimmerman Thunder
12AAA
Central * Anoka-Ramsey Tornadoes
East * Roseville Raiders
West * Melrose Dutchmites
13AA
Central * Wayzata Gold
East * Shoreview Blue
Southeast * Co-Champs: Maplewood Piranhas & WAA Royals Blue
West * Kimball Cubs
13AAA
Central * Champlin/Dayton Rebels
East * Shoreview Area Mustangs
West * STMA Knights
14AA
Central * Centennial Red
East * Shoreview Area Mustangs
North * Becker Bulldogs
West * Co-Champs: Robbinsdale Area Raptors & Brooklyn Park Panthers
14AAA
Central * Brooklyn Area Bulldogs
East * Mahtomedi Zephyrs
North * Alexandria Beetles
West * Robbinsdale Area Raptors
15AA
East * Shoreview Area Mustangs
West * Foley Falcons
15AAA
East * Coon Rapids Cardinals
West * Robbinsdale Area Raptors
16U
Central * Osseo/Maple Grove Blue
East * Brooklyn Area Bandits
North * Anoka-Ramsey Tornadoes
West * Monticello Magic
17/19AA
Central * Coon Rapids Cardinals
East * Shoreview Blue Steal
West * STMA Knights
17/19AAA
North Suburban * Robbinsdale Area
Suburban East * Forest Lake Lakers
Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions
The MYAS baseball staff would like to thank all 418 teams that participated in the 2010 Gopher State Tournament of Champions! This season featured more teams and participating communities than any of the previous five seasons of this event.
Once again the competitiveness and determination of the teams in the GSTC were amazing to observe, and all of the participants deserve commendation. We look forward to seeing all the teams return in 2011!
2010 GSTC CHAMPIONS
10AAA - Minneapolis Millers
10AA - St. Louis Park
10A - Goodview Sandlot Red
11AAA - Chaska Hawks
11AA - Chaska Purple
11A - Chanhassen American
12AAA - Rosemount Irish
12AA - Highland Park Blue
12A - New Hampton Chicksaws
13AAA - Burnsville Black
13AA - Hi Tower Blue
13A - Blaine Blue
14AAA - Woodbury Royals
14AA - New Ulm River Rats
15AAA - Champlin/Dayton Rebels
15AA - Zumbro Valley Bucks
14/15A - Edina
North Star Baseball League
Thank you to all 83 teams that participated in the 2010 North Star Baseball League! This season featured more communities (13) than in any previous year, which has definitely made the league more exciting with all of the new teams to compete against. Season standings for all divisions are available on the league web page.
Information for the 2011 North Star Baseball League will be available no later than November. We are always looking for new communities to join the league, and we hope to see everyone back again next season with even more teams joining the league.
If you have questions regarding the North Star League, please contact Tony Groff at 763-746-1728 or tony@myas.org.
Gopher State Fall Baseball League
The Minnesota Youth Athletic Services will host its 19th annual Gopher State Fall Baseball League on Sundays from September 12 through October 10 this year. Players may register as individuals, as a group or as an entire team. The league will be USSSA sanctioned for insurance purposes; each team will be covered under a USSSA team insurance policy.
Each Fall League team will consist of no more than 15 players and is guaranteed two games each Sunday afternoon. The league fee for an individual is $90 per player (Competitive and Recreational Leagues only), which includes a team jersey, hat and team insurance. If you are signing up a complete team or a group of nine or more players with a coach, the entry fee is just $80 per player. You may also submit smaller groups of players; that league fee is $90 per player. The entry deadline for the Competitive and Recreational Leagues is Monday, August 16, 2010.
Detailed information about the Gopher State Fall Baseball League is available on the Fall League web page.
All athletes ages 9-19 are eligible to participate, regardless of whether they were on a traveling or in-house team, or even if they did not play at all in 2010. The age determining date is May 1, 2011 for the Competitive Division only. Use players' 2010-11 grade level for the Recreational Division.
The MYAS and the Minnesota Baseball Academy will also host the 2nd annual Advanced Fall Baseball League for athletes ages 14-18. This league attracts the best competition while providing exposure and opportunities for each individual athlete during the fall season. The entry deadline for the AFBL is Monday, August 2. Entry fee information for the Advanced Fall Baseball League is available on the Fall League web page.
MYAS Latest News (as of 7/29/10)
MYAS Dick's Sporting Goods Shop Day 7/31/10
7th Grade/13U Team Needed for Rec State Baseball
Basketball All-Star Game Schedules & Rosters Online
Winter Basketball Meeting August 11 - Tournament Flyer Books
2010 Gopher State Fall Baseball League
Basketball Current News
Baseball T-Shirt Sale!
Valleyfair Discount Tickets Available - save $9.99 per person!
Fall Basketball Entry Packet Posted
Let the MYAS Schedule Your Basketball Tournament - Just $3 Per Team
2010 MYAS Golf Tournament - Saturday, October 9
Fairview Offering Sports Physicals for High School Athletes
Vikings Preseason Tickets Available - Save up to $58 per seat!
Basketball Jamboree Info
Are you looking for a basketball team to play on?
Insurance - USSSA Basketball
MYAS Calendar (as of 7/29/10)
Friday-Sunday, July 30-August 1, 2010
Gopher State Basketball All-Star Weekend; 14U-16/17U boys' and girls' teams; Spring Lake Park HS
Friday-Sunday, July 30-August 1, 2010
MYAS Rec State Baseball Championships; various ages/divisions & sites
Monday, August 2, 2010
Gopher State Advanced Fall Baseball League entry deadline (begins Sept. 12)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
MYAS Winter Basketball Meeting / Tournament Book Distribution; 6:30pm; Ramada Mpls. NW/Grand Rios & Radisson Hotel Bloomington
Monday, August 16, 2010
Gopher State Fall Baseball League (Competitive & Recreation Divisions) entry deadline (begins Sept. 12)
Answers to Football Rules of the Month
The answers below are derived from the most recent edition of the National Federation of State High School Associations Football Rules Book and/or Football Case Book.
1. This contact can be ruled interference as restrictions for Team A begin at the snap (Case Book 7.5.8 Situation page 57).
2. Legal block in (a) since interference restrictions for Team B do no apply to a forward pass that does not cross the neutral zone. In (b), it is a holding foul by B1. Legal contact in (c) since there are no interference restrictions on an illegal forward pass. It should be noted that A2 has also committed a foul for an illegal forward pass (Case Book 7.5.6 Situation page 56).
3. Legal contact by B1 and an illegal forward pass by A1. Pass interference restrictions for Team B players ended when the shovel pass was touched. Team B will likely decline the penalty and keep the ball. If the foul for illegal forward pass is accepted, it is 5 yards and a loss of down from the spot of the pass, but Team A retains the ball (Case Book 7.5.9 Situation page 57).
Answers to Basketball Rules of the Month
The answers below are derived from the most recent edition of the National Federation of State High School Associations Basketball Rule Book, Basketball Case Book and/or Rules by Topic publication.
1. It is an unsporting technical foul in (a) and an intentional personal foul in (b). There is no score in (c), as A1 has committed a player-control foul. The foul in (d) is a technical foul charged to B1 (Case Book 4.19.14 Situation page 32).
2. This is a false multiple foul and each foul carries its own penalty. In (a), the goal is counted and A1 is awarded one free throw for each foul. In (b), A1 is awarded two free throws for each foul (Case Book 4.19.12 Situation page 32).
3. One free throw for each foul in (a), (b) and (c) and two free throws for each foul in (d) (Case Book 4.19.11 Situation page 32).
If you have questions about these or other basketball playing rules, please contact Buddy Hemric at 763-746-1717 or buddy@myas.org.
Important Association Services That Work!
The Minnesota Youth Athletic Services offers three important services:
1. Association and Player Sports Accident Insurance Coverage
Association liability and player accident insurance are always concerns for youth sports organizations in our increasingly litigious society. Some associations spend a lot of money and others go into denial and “run naked” without even minimal liability coverage for their members. Yet if insurance is not obtained, the personal assets of the individuals running the association may be at risk. Many sports facility managers, especially municipalities and schools, will not permit the use of their property or facilities unless it can be demonstrated that youth sports associations are covered under an insurance policy. Without insurance, the opportunity for young athletes to compete in organized sports programs may be substantially limited.
The MYAS has partnered with J.A. Price Agency, an insurance company which has access to dozens of other insurance companies and can handle any type of business or personal insurance needs that your association/board of directors may require. The insurance provides options for all types of needs within your association/community. This coverage is an advantage no amateur sports organization should be without!
Examples of coverage include but are not limited to:
- General Liability
- Sexual Misconduct
- Participant Accident
- Directors & Officers Liability
- Crime/Embezzlement
- Automobile
- Umbrella
- Workers' Compensation
General insurance questions should be directed to Bob Blomster at 952-253-4311 or bob.blomster@japrice.com.
2. Criminal Background Checks
How do we protect our children? Reports of sexual predators and child abuse involving the clergy, day care workers and youth volunteers are all too familiar. Unfortunately, this includes a disturbing number of youth sport coaches who have a history of incidents of sexual misconduct and/or violence. This is a complex issue and many youth sports organizations are unclear about what to do or how to approach this threat, yet they must take proactive steps to prevent their children from becoming innocent victims. Don’t put your children at risk!
In addition, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that $50 billion is lost annually due to employee theft and fraud. Youth sports associations must protect themselves from this threat as well. Don’t put your association at risk!
Fortunately, youth sports associations now have a simple and inexpensive tool to avoid some of society’s worst fears. The MYAS, with its partner Trusted Employees, has designed a criminal background check system that offers three affordable options to youth sports associations. Trusted Employees, a local Twin Cities company, incorporates a “user-friendly” process combined with flexible information delivery to make this system easy and inexpensive for your organization. For more information, please contact Mike DeWane at 952-393-1929 or mike@myas.org.
3. Coaching Education Program
The MYAS has partnered with the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) to offer youth sport associations and their coaches the Coaching Youth Sport education program designed specifically for youth coaches. It provides coaches with a solid foundation in coaching principles, sport first aid and sport-specific techniques and tactics. These courses are available for baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball and wrestling and can be delivered in the classroom or online. For more information, please contact Mike DeWane at 952-393-1929 or mike@myas.org.
MYAS Sponsors
MYAS Membership Meetings
MYAS membership meetings are held at our offices (4111 Central Avenue NE; Columbia Heights, MN 55421) on the last Tuesday of each month at 9:00am (unless notified otherwise). All MYAS members are welcome to attend.
|
|
