 |
Welcome to the December 3, 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 and events at the lowest possible cost and partially fund this newsletter, and certain sponsors will be featured.
Dan's Notes - from Executive Director Dan Klinkhammer
THE AGE OF INDEPENDENCE
Some parents think that their kids reach the age of independence when they get their drivers license or when they go off to college or when they get married. Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but it happens at a much earlier age. For me, it was the summer of 1960.
I was on a mission during the summer of 1960. I was going to turn eight years old in July and I was bound and determined to learn how to ride a bike. Now to some of you, that doesn't sound like a big deal. But you don't know the hurdles that were placed in my path of two-wheeled independence.
First of all, there wasn't a blacktop or concrete road within two miles of our farm. If I was going to learn how to ride a two-wheeler, I was going to have to do it on gravel roads. Secondly, we only had one bicycle for the whole family and I'm pretty sure it was a prototype of the first bicycle ever made. It was a 30-inch model with big balloon whitewall tires that were just slightly smaller than the ones on my dad's John Deere tractor. The handlebars were about five feet wide from handle to handle, so I had to use my full wingspan to hold on. As a result, I couldn't sit on the seat; I had to straddle the center bar. Actually, not being able to sit on the seat wasn't all bad. The springs had broken a couple decades earlier and the padding and leather cover were long gone before my time. Oh, who am I kidding? I couldn't sit on the seat anyway. Not only were the handlebars five feet
wide, there was no way that I could sit on the seat and touch the pedals at the same time. I was about three feet nothing before my 8th birthday and I had to alternate my feet on the pedals as I slid back and forth across that center bar. (Looking back on it, I'm a little surprised that I was able to father any children.) In addition to all those obstacles, that bike didn't have any fenders and the brakes only worked on Thursdays!
Regardless of all the obstacles that were placed in my path, I was not discouraged. There was a concrete sidewalk in front of the house and I figured that if I could lean that bicycle up against the house, I could climb up on the bike and get it started moving from a standing position. After about 15-20 tip-overs, I finally got that antique to roll a few feet forward before I tipped over in my mom's flower bed. She had a green thumb and had flowers and plants everywhere. She chewed me out pretty good but the allure of getting that bicycle moving was just too much. I didn't care how many times my mom yelled at me. I was going to ride that bike. Unfortunately for her, by the end of the summer her flower beds looked like a graveyard for daffodils and I was darn near deaf from all the yelling. I was also sporting more than my fair share of cuts and bruises from all the collisions. I had so
many bandages and wraps on me that my sister nicknamed me "the mummy." Yep, it was a rough summer - but it was a victorious summer. I learned how to ride that bike and proclaimed my independence every time I took off down that gravel road.
Six months later, just before Christmas, my brother Jim and I were looking for a lost cat in the machine shed when Jim suddenly whispered, "Hey Danny, what's this?" I thought that Jim had found the cat but as I peered under the heavy, dark green tarp, all I could see was part of a black tire and some silver spokes. At first I wondered what kind of new machinery Dad had purchased, so my curiosity got the best of me. That tarp must have weighed over 200 pounds and there was no way that this eight year old and his five year old brother were going to move it. Besides, it was all wrapped up with twine string. So we crawled underneath the tarp and started checking things out by using the Braille system. After searching under the dark confines of that tarp, we concluded that there were two bicycles under there. With Christmas only a week away, we immediately assumed that Santa had
brought our gifts early so we raced off to the house to tell Mom of our good fortune. I swear we were so excited that we darn near peed our pants. Mom sat us down and made us tell her the whole detailed story of our discovery. Meanwhile, with a wink and a nod, my older brother snuck out the back door and made his way to the barn, where he told my dad what was going on.
Back in the house, my mom was laughing and shaking her head in disbelief. Ten minutes later we had her in her coat and boots and were dragging her out to the machine shed to prove our story. But they weren't there anymore. Instead of two bicycles, there was an old lawn mower and a small wagon. Eventually my mom, dad and older brother convinced us that our imaginations had fooled us into believing that there were two bikes in that machine shed. They all had a good laugh at our expense and I went to sleep that night wondering if I was losing my marbles.
Two days later Jim and I found those bikes again. Only this time we found them in the barn, up in the hayloft. This time there was no mirage. There were two bicycles hidden under a light blue tarp that was covered with loose hay. One of the bikes was an 18-incher with training wheels and the other was a 24-inch boys' bike. Both were red and white with lots of chrome, and they were beautiful. So off to the house we ran to inform our mother that we were not losing our marbles and we didn't
imagine those bikes in the shed. In our minds, it was obvious that Santa was just playing some hide and seek tricks on us. As we spewed our new story of discovery to my mom, she hugged us both and told us that the bicycles were really for the neighbor's kids and that we were just storing them until Christmas. When I asked her why they didn't tell us the truth the first time, she said they were afraid that we might tell the neighbor kids about the bicycles before Christmas and spoil the surprise.
I just can't begin to tell you how disappointed we were to find out the truth. It's one thing to dream about something, but it's a totally different scenario to have your dream taken away from you. And in this case, we knew that Mom was telling the truth, because our neighbor came and picked up the bicycles on Christmas Eve. We saw him load them into his pickup and drive away.
The next day was Christmas morning and right after Dad was done milking the cows, we started opening presents. We were all having a merry Christmas as we opened our presents one by one. Jim and I got a nice assortment of socks and underwear, which was pretty standard at our house. (My mom always said, "You don't want to die with holes in your socks or underwear." Frankly, I always thought, "Who cares - I'm dead?") In addition, we both got a couple of toys that we had been asking for, so Christmas 1960 wasn't a total bust.
After all the presents were opened, Mom told me to go into the pantry to get the camera. The pantry door was always closed because it was the coldest room in that 100 year old farmhouse. When I opened that door, I could not believe my eyes. There they were - the two bicycles that we had found and lost twice before - now with our name tags and big red ribbons on them. We had been double-tricked by Mom, Dad, brother and neighbor. I will never forget the surprise and thrill of that moment. And none of us will ever forget the fact that my younger brother got so excited that he actually did pee his pants.
Four months later we moved off of the farm and into town, where they had nothing but blacktop streets and cement sidewalks. You could ride a bicycle anywhere you wanted, and we rode them everywhere. Back in those days, a bicycle was viewed as transportation but it was viewed mostly by kids as freedom. You didn't have to rely on your parents for a ride to the park, theater, school, downtown or wherever. You could get yourself wherever you needed to go. It was my first real feeling of independence and I think that feeling is shared by every kid on two wheels.
P.S. A few months after the Christmas of 1960, I was whining to my mom about Jimmy getting his first bicycle at the age of five. I didn't think it was fair that he always seemed to get the same stuff that I was getting but he was three years younger. She gave me one of those looks that mothers are famous for and said, "God doesn't have enough flowers to accommodate both of you." I understood perfectly.
The "Key" to Criminal Background Searches
By Donna L. Ploof, Trusted Employees
dploof@trustedemployees.com; 952-259-3018
It is important to make sure the applicant who wants to be a coach with your organization will be a great coach with no "baggage." In order to make sure that there is no baggage, background screens are conducted to verify such things as employment, education, driving records and criminal convictions. For coach screening, the type of background check is largely criminal in nature.
But how do you know if you are getting everything that may be out there?
Sports associations rely on the honesty of their applicants to provide the correct information. And for the most part, most applicants respect that trust by giving truthful information. It is a sad fact that in over 30% of background screens, some information is either left out or changed to hide something. One of those "somethings" is a criminal conviction.
To conduct a criminal search, at the bare minimum you need the exact name, date of birth and location to search. But what name? What location? Courts have supported the fact that under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, companies do not have to go broke over checking criminal backgrounds. But some kind of due diligence is necessary. So what to do?
Use the "Key"
The "Key" is called the Social Security Number (SSN). The SSN is the key to unlocking the information necessary to perform your due diligence. By itself, the SSN will be linked to the applicant. This can be important in cases of fraud that may show up from time to time. But the real beauty of this search is the other two components of the SSN.
Exact Name
In order to start any criminal search, you need the name of the person. But which name? If the applicant is a married woman and took her husband's name, which one should you look under? And there are other issues when it comes to searching an applicant's name. If the applicant usually goes by a nickname like Billy instead of William, which name do you look under?
The SSN will show all names associated with that number through the Credit Bureaus. Every time you request credit for a car, a TV or a house your name is given to the Credit Bureaus. If the name you provide is different than the one previously used it will link it to your SSN. Companies can see by using a SSN search if the applicant has other names which should be checked so convictions that may be out there under a nickname (like "John" Doe) instead of a full name (like "Jonathan" Doe) can be found.
Location! Location! Location!
Now where to search? If you search in the wrong location you could miss a conviction entirely! Applicants with records may not divulge an address in order to hide a conviction. Just last year, an applicant for a school job hid a previous address in another state. He was hiding an active arrest warrant for drugs! So how did we find his record? The SSN will show a 10-year address history! It is common practice to go back seven years of address history to check for convictions. His conviction was found by going back only four years.
In this age of identity theft, it is understandable that some applicants will hesitate to give their Social Security Number. After all, in order to run a criminal background check you only need the person's name, date of birth and location. But as we just demonstrated, it can be easy for applicants with something to hide to try and hide a conviction. The "Key" is the SSN. Don't leave your business open without it!
Clarification on the "Blood Rule"
We have received several comments and questions regarding the "Blood Rule" as it pertains to athletes, coaches and officials. So here are the word-for-word guidelines, reproduced directly from the National Federation of State High School Associations rule book.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE AND SKIN INFECTION PROCEDURES
The risk for blood-borne infectious diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis B, remains low in sports and to date has not been reported. However, proper precautions are needed to minimize the potential risk of spreading these diseases. In addition to these diseases that can be spread through transmission of bodily fluids only, skin infections that occur due to skin contact with competitors and equipment deserve close oversight, especially considering the emergence of the potentially more serious infection with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). (See position statement on the NFHS Web site and in the third edition of the NFHS Sports Medicine Handbook.)
Universal Hygiene Protocol for All Sports
- Shower immediately after all competition and practice
- Wash all workout clothing after practice
- Wash personal gear, such as knee pads, periodically
- Don't share towels or personal hygiene products with others
- Refrain from (full body) cosmetic shaving
Infectious Skin Diseases
Means of reducing the potential exposure to these agents include:
- Notify guardian, athletic trainer and coach of any lesion before competition or practice. Athlete must have a health-care provider evaluate lesion before returning to competition.
- If an outbreak occurs on a team, especially in a contact sport, consider evaluating other team members for potential spread of the infectious agent.
- Follow NFHS or state/local guidelines on "time until return to competition." Allowance of participation with a covered lesion can occur if in accordance with NFHS, state or local guidelines and is no longer considered contagious.
Blood-borne Infectious Diseases
Means of reducing the potential exposure to these agents include:
- An athlete who is bleeding, has an open wound, has any amount of blood on his/her uniform, or has blood on his/her person, shall be directed to leave the activity until the bleeding is stopped, the wound is covered, the uniform and/or body is appropriately cleaned, and/or the uniform is changed before returning to competition.
- Certified athletic trainers or caregivers need to wear gloves and take other precautions to prevent blood-splash from contaminating themselves or others.
- Immediately wash contaminated skin or mucous membranes with soap and water.
- Clean all contaminated surfaces and equipment with disinfectant before returning to competition. Be sure to use gloves with cleaning.
- Any blood exposure or bites to the skin that break the surface must be reported and evaluated by a medical provider immediately.
For more detailed information, refer to the "Infectious Disease and Blood-borne Pathogens" and "Skin Disorders" sections contained in the NFHS Sports Medicine Handbook.
Visit the MYAS on Facebook!
We are excited about our new social media opportunity - Facebook! Check it out and "Like" our page to gain access to pictures, program updates and other exciting news.
You must have a Facebook profile to connect with our page. To get started, go to www.facebook.com and sign up for a free account. If you already have an account, simply log in and search for the "MYAS" page.
As our fan base grows, discussion topics can also be added. We look forward to connecting with our participants and families in this new venture! If you have questions about the MYAS Facebook page, please contact Jessica Christopherson at 763-746-1733 or jessica@myas.org.
Borton's Bench Notes
By Pam Borton, Head Coach
University of Minnesota Women's Basketball
One of the most important aspects of a team is having effective leadership. Within our team, we have leadership classes once a week where we discuss different topics and share openly. This past week our topic was CHARACTER and how important that is in being an effective leader. The words that came up within our group were honesty, having a positive attitude, integrity, always doing the right thing and representing Minnesota everywhere we go and in all we do.
This led to a great discussion about how we all find ourselves in situations where we need to make choices as players, coaches, parents, administrators, support staff, etc. We get to choose which decision to make, who to support, what to support and whether to be honest and loyal. Your character and integrity will always be tested. We had the players rate themselves on what they felt their character was in their sport and in this program. It was great to hear the players being honest - some of them gave themselves a nine while others gave themselves a seven. It was also great to hear them say that learning more about character and integrity has made them look at a lot of things differently.
I shared with them that we are all aware of the landscape of college athletics and what goes on across the country in being honest and doing things the right way. I shared that the longer I am in this competitive business, I continue to learn that your integrity is all you have as a person. Once you lose it you can never get it back. You will be tested to be dishonest, to cheat, to take shortcuts, to be disloyal, to be negative, and once that happens your character and integrity will be identified.
The lesson for the day in our leadership class and for you in reading this article is that in being an effective leader and to be the person you are today, nothing else matters but your character and your integrity...because that's all you have...and that is everything!
Go Gophers!
High-Five the Gopher Women's Basketball Team!
The Gopher women's basketball team invites you to help cheer them on to victory on Sunday, December 12 vs. Cal Poly!
Team introductions will feature Minnesota favorites Jackie Voigt and Kiara Buford.
Stay after the game to high-five teammates and get their autographs!
Punch Pack tickets are available for $15 and include a FREE Punch Pizza!
Or bring your team or a group of 15 friends and tickets are just $6 each!
Buy your tickets at www.mygophersports.com. For more information, contact the Gopher Ticket Office at 1.800.U.GOPHER.
Sports Medicine Tip
Knee Injuries in Basketball
By Heidi Beckendorf, ATC
Certified Athletic Trainer, Anoka High School
Institute for Athletic Medicine
There are several types of knee injuries that can occur while playing basketball. They can range from minor sprains to serious ligament injury. Knee sprains occur when a player twists the knee causing a slight tear of one of the ligaments surrounding the knee joint. Most sprains can be treated with rest, ice and compression. Some athletes may choose to wear a protective brace or pad upon returning to play.
Many common over-use injuries will occur in basketball players as well. One example, called Jumper's Knee, is an irritation of the patellar tendon. The patellar tendon is the strong band-like structure just below the knee cap that connects the quadriceps muscles to the tibia or shin bone. Excessive running, cutting or jumping may cause irritation and inflammation of the tendon. A poorly aligned knee cap or improper footwear may also contribute to this condition. Jumper's Knee, along with other over-use injuries, should be treated with rest and ice.
The most serious and potentially limiting knee injury sustained in basketball is a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament or the ACL. The ACL is the main stabilizer running through the center of the knee. It connects the tibia to the femur, or the thigh bone. A strong blow to the side of the knee, or more commonly a twisting or pivoting motion while the foot is planted, may cause an ACL tear. Damage to the surrounding ligaments and tissue can occur with an ACL injury. The medial collateral ligament or MCL, along with the medial or lateral meniscus, a soft cartilaginous-like structure that helps cushion the knee joint, may be affected as well. A torn ACL is usually reconstructed by an orthopedic surgeon followed by physical therapy. Full recovery for sport typically takes 6-9 months.
At Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care we specialize in muscles, bones and joints. The Institute for Athletic Medicine is part of Fairview's family of orthopedic services. For appointments call 612-672-7100. Visit us at www.fairview.org/fsoc.
Then And Now - by Larry Gallagher
THE NEW BEGINNING - TITLE IX AND GIRLS GET TO PLAY AGAIN
Last season, I wrote an article about girls' basketball in Minnesota up to World War II. From then until 1971, no girls played competitive basketball in Minnesota. Because of Title IX and the work of some new pioneers, the chance became available to push for equality and boy - or should I say girl - did they!
Title IX says that discrimination on the basis of gender at schools and colleges that receive federal funds is against the law. Those schools will be penalized if they do not provide equal opportunities in athletics in any school program.
However, even before Title IX came about, the barriers for girls and women were many because of Victorian attitudes about social roles and medical myths about the female body. There was a lack of institutional support in facilities and funding for girls' and women's programs. An entire generation of girls and women starting from World War II until the early 1970s were denied opportunities that their male counterparts were allowed.
The Minnesota women who really championed the cause and saw it through until gender equity became law were Belmar Gunderson, Eloise Jaeger, Dorothy McIntyre and Sue Tinker. These women were true pioneers in attempting to break down the barriers. Without their tireless efforts and Title IX, gender equity would not have occurred as quickly as it did.
So what did these pioneers open up to girls and women? What we see today is full access to a large variety of athletics and fine arts activities.
I want to speak specifically about basketball and about Dorothy McIntyre.
Dorothy E. McIntyre was born and raised on a farm near Hawkeye, Iowa. She graduated in 1953 from Hawkeye High School and in 1957, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. She was awarded her Master of Education degree from the University of Minnesota in 1969.
McIntyre was a teacher at Ellendale-Geneva High School from 1957-1959 and at Eden Prairie High School from 1959-1970. In the 1960s, she began a lifelong advocacy for expanded sports programs for girls, and moved into leadership positions at the state and national levels.
In 1970, McIntyre was employed as an Associate Director at the Minnesota State High School League where she was active for the next 32 years promoting equity for girls' and women's sports. The Minneapolis Star Tribune named McIntyre as one of Minnesota's 100 most influential sports figures of the 20th century.
As an Associate Director, she not only championed girls' and women's sports. She also helped many sports officials become the best they can be. She was in charge of that area for the MSHSL prior to the present associate director, Kevin Merkle. In fact, she hired me as a baseball rules clinician and for that I am eternally grateful.
Now let's discuss some of the other early players and coaches of the era from 1971-1983. Minnesota tried to have fall basketball to help with the facility shortage issue for a short time, but eventually both girls' and boys' basketball programs came to be played in the winter season. We also had girls' games played on Mondays and Thursdays and boys' games on Tuesdays and Fridays to alleviate facility concerns. Later - again for equity - we started to have games on the same nights or alternating Thursdays with Fridays for both genders. As a coach during that time, I was really happy when we only had to practice late every other Wednesday because of when the games were played. When we began to go to the same night, we ended up with more late practices and the girls' and boys' players were not able to go to each other's games.
One of the early coaches was my mentor, Bill Mason. He began in Iowa, where he coached both the boys' and girls' teams because they were originally in different sport seasons. When he came to Minnesota, he was the first girls' basketball coach at Tartan High School and remained there as head coach until 1993.
Some of the great players of the early years were Kay Konerza of Lester Prairie (2,715 career points), Annie Adamczak of Moose Lake, Deb Krengel of St. Paul Central, Lisa Lissimore of St. Paul Central, Kelly Skalicky of Albany, Laurie Peterson of Tartan and Janet Karvonen of New York Mills (3,129 career points). I know I have left many great pioneer players off this list, but I only have a limited amount of space here.
You might think that I would continue by highlighting some of these players' college careers, but I would like to look at the early St. Paul Central girls' teams instead. Why? Because of the relationships that I have formed with some of them, and in particular how one of them is tied in with the girls' basketball programs still today with the Minnesota State High School League. All of the following players are in the St. Paul Central Hall of Fame and were on the teams that played in some of the first state tournaments for girls' basketball in Minnesota.
Deb Krengel (1973-76): All-Conference and All-State (basketball, volleyball and track & field). She also coached all three of these sports after graduation from St. Catherine's. She still holds the javelin throw record of 143 feet at St. Kate's.
Gwen Crowe-Peterson (1973-76): One of six siblings to graduate from Central. She captained three sports at Central. She is the daughter of former NW Umpire Clemmie Crow (deceased) and is the wife of Billy Peterson (outstanding umpire in the college ranks and still does umpiring and coaching; he's in the HOF at Central; he and I work with the MSHSL providing mechanics clinics). Gwen is an outstanding umpire and is a graduate of Winona State University. She is still involved in athletics today and is the founder of Summit University Girls' Athletic Association, which provides competitive sports opportunities for girls in basketball, volleyball and softball. She is the 1996 Martin Luther King Volunteer of the Year Award recipient and in 1997 won a National Girls and Women in Sports Day in Minnesota Award.
Teresa Tierney Mauer (1976 graduate): She is the mother of Joe Mauer. Need we say more? Yes, we do. She was the co-captain of Central's first MSHSL Girls' Basketball Championship team in 1976. She received Central's Outstanding Student/Athlete Award three straight years. She has coached basketball, volleyball and baseball since graduating from St. Catherine's.
Linda Roberts (1974-77): Linda was not only part of the first Central championship basketball team - she played in the 1977 state tournament also. She was All Conference and All-State. She was a scholarship athlete at the University of Minnesota and was instrumental in making the previously mediocre Gophers a prominent team in the Big Ten. She set 11 records while a member of the Gophers squad. She presently works at the U of M in the Women's Athletic Department as an Administrative Assistant/Program Coordinator.
Lisa Lissimore (1975-78):
Lisa played in three MSHSL Basketball Tournaments and was twice selected to the Minnesota All-State Basketball Team. She was a scholarship athlete at Grand View College in Iowa and was captain her last two years. She was profiled in "Heroes: Growing up Strong and Female," a documentary produced in 1983 by KARE-11 TV. Lisa is presently an Associate Director of the MSHSL with administrative responsibilities for the softball, swimming and diving, cross country running and Nordic skiing state tournaments. She is also known for her outstanding community service. (In my role as a baseball rules clinician and umpire supervisor at the MSHSL baseball state tournament and as one of the people responsible for selecting umpires for the tournament, I have talked with Lisa about the various aspects of baseball and softball umpires and the quality of the umpires.)
Delene Thomas-Sanders (1976-78):
Del was an outstanding contributor to Central while a student/athlete. She was on the volleyball, basketball, track & field and cheerleading squads. She captained the track and cheerleading squads. Del was a champion in the 4 x 100 relay in the 1978 state tournament and set some records in the 100 while at Central. She went to Golden Valley Luther Junior College for two years, where she was an All-American hurdler and long jumper and was also a member of the 4 x 100 and 4 x 200 relay teams. She transferred to Utah State University and was named to the Athlete's International Team. She has coached track & field at Central for many years. She is also the wife of Rory Sanders, a teacher and coach at Tartan High School. I coached with her in volleyball at Tartan and with Rory in baseball. I also had the privilege of coaching her daughter in basketball at Tartan.
Jean Tierney-Holt (1976-79): Jean was a volleyball, basketball and softball player. She was a team leader on Central's 1978 girls' basketball team that finished third in the state tournament and returned in 1979 to win the state championship. Jean was the recipient of the Miss Minnesota Basketball Award in 1979. She accepted a softball scholarship to Creighton University and was a three-time NCAA College World Series player, a two-time All-American at second base and an Academic All-American. Jean was the first female athlete to be inducted into the Creighton Hall of Fame in 1990.
Dana "Bumper" Watts (1976-79): Dana helped bring state championships to Central in two sports. She was one of Coach Lou Kanavati's guards and went to the state basketball tournament three consecutive years where Central took home the consolation trophy, the third place trophy and then the ultimate championship trophy. Dana earned All-City and All-State awards her senior year. She also won a state track meet championship trophy and an individual state meet record in the 4 x 100 relay that still stands today.
So you see, without Dorothy McIntyre's vision, many women today would not have had the opportunities that they have enjoyed.
When I coached girls' teams, I would take them around the entire building and show them the former All-Conference girls' athletes and tell them about their history at Tartan High School. I always felt that I needed to give the newer generation of girls a feeling of family and history of their beginnings. I also tried to coach so I could be replaced and tried to get the girls on my teams to envision themselves as leaders of a new generation of female athletes. I tried to instill in them the pride of their gender and also the need for many of them to become coaches in the future. I believe that I was able to get that across to those Tartan athletes. In fact, some of the coaches that came after me were former Tartan players.
The many coaches of this era will be part of another article in the future. That's all for now, and I hope to continue the theme of girls' basketball in future articles in the coming years.
Midwest Regional Swim Meet
Registration is now open for the 2011 Midwest Regional Swim Meet that will be held on the weekend of April 2-3 at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center. Entry information and qualifying times are available on the Midwest Regional web page.
We have some exciting changes for 2011, including a family event at the Mall of America and potentially a webcast of the meet!
The 2010 meet was one of the best in our program history and we are looking forward to carrying that over to the 2011 Midwest Regional Swim Meet.
For more information, please visit the MRSM web page or contact Jessica Christopherson at jessica@myas.org.
MYAS Gopher State Wrestling
The MYAS Gopher State Wrestling Nationals (formerly Championships) have earned the reputation of being the toughest and best run tournament in Minnesota. In 2010 we had 988 registered wrestlers. The tournament has drawn wrestlers from Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Louisiana, Michigan and California. Wrestlers from all states are eligible to participate in all Gopher State wrestling events.
The 2011 Nationals are scheduled for February 12-13. The tournament will once again be held at Monticello High School, which is quite possibly the best wrestling facility in the state.
We have some exciting changes for the upcoming tournament. Some of them include full mats for grades 3-8, bigger brackets and bigger awards. Click here to view all of the changes.
The Gopher State Wrestling program has seen tremendous growth since its inception in 2002. We thank you for your participation and look forward to another great season. To access more information, please click on the appropriate link below. You may also contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
Gopher State Wrestling Nationals
Gopher State K-6 Team Tournament
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. Ball carrier A10 dives into the pylon at the intersection of the goal line and sidelines and the ball breaks the plane of the goal line. What is the ruling?
2. During (a) Player A9's run for a touchdown, Player B2 holds Player A1; or (b) Kicker K1's field goal, Player R2 holds K1. What is the ruling in each case?
3. On the last timed down of the second period, Team A: (a) scores a field goal; or (b) scores a touchdown. In both cases, the opponents of the scoring team commit a live-ball foul. What is the ruling in each case?
MYAS Day with the Gopher Women's Basketball Team
Join the MYAS in cheering on the University of Minnesota Women's Basketball Team as they take on the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 2:00pm!
Your discount priced ticket includes post-game snacks, a meet & greet with Gophers players/coaches and a giveaway item from the U of M.
Please click here for more information and to download the ticket order form, or contact Jessica Christopherson at 763-746-1733 or jessica@myas.org.
2010-11 Basketball Invitational Tournament Books
Copies of the 2010-11 MYAS girls' and boys' basketball invitational tournament books are still available!
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 Gopher State Fall Basketball
MYAS Gopher State Fall Basketball officially concluded for the 2010 season with the last Second Session date on November 21. It was a great fall, and we would like to thank all of the participating teams and especially our hosts - the league wouldn't be possible without you! All of the game scores can be found on the Fall League portion of the MYAS website.
Good luck to all the players as you move on to your winter traveling and school teams. We hope our Gopher State Fall Basketball events prepared you well.
The dates for the 2011 MYAS fall basketball events will be posted soon. Please keep checking our website for updates.
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 Gopher State Winter BK League Secondary Deadline
We can still get your teams into the MYAS Gopher State Winter Basketball League! There are currently 98 teams registered and we have room for more, so we have created a secondary deadline. Teams can still receive a 10-game league schedule if they register by the secondary deadline.
- Secondary Deadline: December 17, 2010
- Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9/10, 11/12
- Entry Packet: Click Here
- Web Page: Click Here
- League Dates: January 8 & 22, February 5, 19 & 20 (10 games)
- Entry Fee: $450 for 10 games
- Playing Sites: Metro area
Please contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org for more information.
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 (secondary deadline is December 17), 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.
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 has experienced the ins and outs of event planning. Let our expertise help you!
For just $3.00 per team, the MYAS will complete your 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 Grade State Basketball Championships
The MYAS is looking forward with great anticipation to the 2011 Grade State Basketball Championships. The 2010 event was a record setting one in terms of numbers of teams, and we hope that many of you will be able to participate next March.
Even though the 2011 Championships are on the distant horizon, we are already gearing up for another phenomenal state tournament. Next spring's event will take place on March 5-6 (girls) and March 12-13 (boys). All of the pertinent information is available on the Grade State web page. We hope to see you in March for another exciting wrap-up of your winter basketball season!
Note to Coaches: Once your Grade State team is determined, please go to the MYAS website and complete your online roster via the Coaches Control Center (link is on the home page). Once your roster is complete, you will see which players still need age and/or grade verification. By doing so, you will save a lot of time and unnecessary paperwork in the long run.
If you have any questions, please contact Eric Rathke at 763-746-1730 or eric@myas.org.
MYAS Rec State Baseball Championships
Mark your calendars now for the 2011 MYAS Rec State Basketball Championships! The tournament is scheduled for March 19-20, 2011 in Cottage Grove, Osseo, St. Louis Park and St. Paul and at the beautiful Colin Powell Center in Minneapolis.
The Rec State Championships are held for boys' and girls' teams in grades 4-12 that participate in a city park and recreation, community education or in-house program. Teams in grades 10-12 that participate in an in-house program or a high school intramural program are eligible to participate.
Detailed information and registration materials are now available on the Rec State web page. If you have other questions, please contact Kevin Wilson at 763-746-1712 or kevin@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. Team B has scored a field goal and Player A1 has the ball along the end line for a throw-in. Team A is not in the bonus. Prior to the ball being thrown inbounds by A1: (a) Player B1 fouls Player A2 inbounds near A1; (b) B1 fouls A2 at the division line; (c) B1 fouls A2 beyond the division line; or (d) A2 requests a time-out. What is the ruling in each case?
2. Team A scores a field goal. Player B1 picks up the ball and steps out of bounds at the end line to prepare for a throw-in. Before the throw-in is completed, Player A2 is called for an intentional (or flagrant) foul on Player B3 near the end line. What is the ruling?
3. While Player A1's three-point field goal attempt is in flight, Player A3 fouls Player B1 (Team B is not in the bonus) near the bottom block area. The three-point field goal attempt is successful. What is the ruling?
Gopher State Winter Baseball Camps
Information for the 2010-11 Gopher State Winter Baseball Camps is now posted on the Winter Camp page of the MYAS website. We are looking forward to a terrific season of training with the Minnesota Twins Training Camps and the Lovdahl Pitching Academy. Hitting, fielding and pitching camps will be held at Concordia University in St. Paul, the Irish Sports Dome in Rosemount, Northwestern College in Roseville and the University of River Falls, WI.
Some of this year's camps will feature former Twins All-Star Ron Coomer! We are very excited to have Ron join our camp opportunities in 2011! Look for the dates on the Winter Camp web page.
The MYAS will be teaming up with the Minnesota Twins Training Camps and the Twins Training Academy. These camps will be held at the National Sports Center in Blaine. The Academy will run each month (either 6 or 8 sessions) from November 2010 through March 2011. Click on the applicable links above for more information.
We are looking forward to our MYAS/Twins Holiday Training Camp on December 27-28 at the National Sports Center. Also coming up very soon is the New Years Day Camp at the Irish Sports Dome in Rosemount. This will be a great opportunity for offensive and defensive instruction!
Take a look at the Gopher State Winter Camp web page for more details and registration forms. In the meantime, if you have questions please contact Jeremy Barbe at 763-746-1731 or jbarbe@myas.org.
MYAS Baseball Staff to Set Up Informational Meetings
The MYAS/Gopher State baseball staff is currently setting up meetings for associations that would like to receive more information about and learn how their teams can participate in our comprehensive baseball program.
If you would like to set up an MYAS/Gopher State informational meeting between our baseball staff and your youth baseball association board of directors, please do not hesitate to contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
Site Selection for MYAS/Gopher State Baseball Tournaments
Applications are being accepted from any association/community that is interested in hosting an MYAS/Gopher State baseball tournament or event in 2011. Hosting an MYAS/Gopher State tournament in May, June or July is a great fundraiser for your association and attracts a large number of quality baseball teams into your community.
The list below includes the necessary requirements the MYAS baseball staff considers when selecting our hosts.
- Quality of fields
- Past history and past performance in running MYAS/Gopher State tournaments
- Volunteer staff
If your association/community is interested in applying for a 2011 MYAS/Gopher State baseball tournament, please contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
2011 Gopher State Tournament of Champions Dates
Listed below for your information are the dates for the 2011 Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions.
July 8-10, 2011: 10AA, 11AA, 12AA, 13AA, 15AA
July 15-17, 2011: 10AAA, 11AAA, 12AAA, 13AAA, 14AAA, 14AA, 15AAA
The dates for our "A" divisions will be posted soon.
Please keep checking the GSTC web page for any news for 2011! In the meantime, please contact Tony Groff at 763-746-1728 or tony@myas.org with your questions.
2011 Youth Baseball Tournament Listings
The MYAS baseball tournament web page is now available to add your local invitationals for the 2011 spring/summer season. Please visit our Youth Baseball Tournament web page to begin this process. If you are not familiar with the process, please email Tony Groff and an informational slideshow can be made available to you and should answer any questions you may have.
Thank you once again for your support of MYAS/Gopher State baseball. If we can be of any assistance to you in your preparation for the 2011 baseball season please let us know. You may email your questions to Tony Groff, Dawson Blanck or Jeremy Barbe, or call the MYAS office at 763-781-2220.
MYAS Latest News (as of 12/2/10)
Basketballs for Sale!
Join Us For Gopher Day with the U of M Women's Basketball Team!
Basketball Tournament Openings
Gopher State Winter Baseball Training Camps
Winter Basketball League Secondary Deadline - we can still get you in!
Did you get cut and still want a traveling basketball experience? Contact the MDB.
2011 Youth Baseball Tournament Listings
Free Golden Gopher Wrestling Tickets
Gopher State Wrestling - New for 2011
Visit us on Facebook!
Basketball Invitational Tournament Books Available
Are you looking for a basketball team to play on?
Let the MYAS Schedule Your Basketball Tournament - Just $3 Per Team
MYAS Introduces Travel Lite Basketball Events
MYAS Guidelines for Winter Basketball
Insurance - USSSA Basketball
MYAS Calendar (as of 12/2/10)
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Gopher State Winter Basketball League play date; various grades/divisions & sites
Saturday, December 4, 2010
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament; various grades/divisions; Spring Lake Park HS
Sunday, December 5, 2010
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament; various grades/divisions; Colin Powell Center, Minneapolis
Monday, December 6, 2010
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament entry deadline (Dec. 18 & 19 events)
Saturday-Sunday, December 11-12, 2010
Gopher State Invitational Basketball Tournament; various grades/divisions; Jimmy Lee Rec, St. Paul
Friday, December 17, 2010
Gopher State Winter Basketball League secondary registration deadline
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Gopher State Winter Basketball League play date; various grades/divisions & sites
Saturday, December 18, 2010
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament; various boys' grades/divisions; Farmington HS
Sunday, December 19, 2010
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament; various girls' grades/divisions; Farmington HS
Monday, December 20, 2010
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament entry deadline (Jan. 2 event)
Monday, December 27, 2010
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament entry deadline (Jan. 8 & 9 events)
Monday-Tuesday, December 27-28, 2010
Gopher State Baseball Winter Training Camp - Twins Holiday Training Camp; National Sports Center, Blaine
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. Touchdown. Assuming the pylon was placed properly, the ball broke the plane of the goal line prior to the touching of the pylon (Case Book 8.2.1 Situation, page 59).
2. In (a), Team A will likely keep the score and may choose to enforce the penalty on the try or enforce the penalty on the subsequent kickoff. In (b), Team K may keep the points and have the penalty enforced from the succeeding spot, or have the penalty enforced from the previous spot and replay the down (Case Book 8.2.2 Situation A, page 59; Rule Book 8-4-3, page 66).
3. In (a), the offended team has the option to keep the score, with the penalty assessed on the second half kickoff as this is the succeeding spot. In (b), the offended team has the option to keep the score, with the penalty assessment on either the try or on the second half kickoff as this would be the subsequent kickoff (Case Book 8.2.2 Situation B, page 59).
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 Rules Book, Basketball Case Book and/or Rules by Topic publication.
1. In (a) and (d), Team A may throw in from anywhere out of bounds along the end line following the foul reporting and the time-out. In (b) and (c), the ball will be given to Team A for a throw-in from the spot out of bounds nearest to where the foul occurred (Case Book 7.5.7 Situation C, page 61).
2. B3 would shoot two free throws for the intentional (or flagrant) foul with the lane cleared. Team B will then have a designated spot throw-in on the end line (Case Book 7.5.7 Situation D, page 61; Rule Book 7-5-4b, page 49).
3. Score the three-point goal for A1. Team B will be permitted to run the end line on the ensuing throw-in (Case Book 7.5.7 Situation E, page 61; Rule Book 6-7-7 Exception 2, page 47).
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 763-746-1716 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 763-746-1716 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.
|
|
