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MYAS Update Info
Our newsletter is designed to provide timely youth sports information to coaches, athletes, parents and administrators. This includes notes from the Executive Director, calendar reminders, new service announcements and special events. Contributions from our sponsors assist us in delivering high quality youth sports services at the lowest possible cost; contributions partially fund this newsletter and certain sponsors will be featured.
Dan's Notes - from Executive Director Dan Klinkhammer
SNOWFLAKES IN VIETNAM?
The Christmas holiday season is my absolute favorite time of the year. Like millions of other Americans, I turn into a big kid again when I start hearing Christmas songs on the radio. The red, green, blue and gold decorations brighten up even the dingiest of houses and everyone seems to have a little extra "giddy-up" in their step. The thought of Santa Claus, Christmas trees, piles of presents, cookies, candy, friends and family conjures up some of the best memories of my entire life. As I reflect upon past Christmases, you'd think that my most memorable would be the year Santa brought me a bicycle or when I got a wrist watch or maybe the year I got the football uniform. Nope - none of the above. My most memorable Christmas was in 1971, when I was stationed in Vietnam.
Sometime around Thanksgiving of that year, my mortar platoon was relocated to a barren section of the ridgeline surrounding the city of Da Nang. There was nothing on that hill but rocks, dirt and sand. We spent the next 30 days building ammo and perimeter bunkers, sleeping quarters, mortar pits and a Fire Direction Control Center. Our proudest moment came when we completed work on our two-hole outhouse. It was a work of art and we all felt like kings of the castle when we sat on that throne!
It seemed as though we were working 24/7 and as December 25 approached, we were one very tired and beat up crew. In addition to building the fire base, we also had to defend it. So when we weren't pounding nails and filling sandbags, we were pulling guard duty or conducting fire missions for the ground troops in the area. I swear we filled the sky with so many mortar shells that we blacked out the sun on a couple of occasions. We were really busy, really tired and really homesick. As Christmas got closer the homesickness got worse and by the time Christmas Eve arrived, we were all feeling like the world had forgotten us. We were having the biggest pity party of all time and to make matters worse, I had to pull perimeter guard duty at midnight on Christmas Eve.
It was unusually cool on that night as my buddy Greg and I strolled to our assigned bunker. We were both bundled up in our fatigue jackets (we were having some really strange weather for South Vietnam). As we got settled in our bunker, Greg said he wanted the first "standing shift," meaning I got to sit on the folding metal chair. As we swapped Christmas stories, I leaned back in the chair and started daydreaming with visions of my hometown running through my head.
When I was a kid, we had a streetlight right smack dab in the middle of our front yard. On the one hand, I hated that darn pole in the summer because I had to mow and trim around it. On the other hand, we loved it in the winter because we used it as our "snow meter." As school children, we were always hoping for a snow day and we'd spend a lot of time looking out the picture window at that streetlight to gauge the wind and snowfall. I remember getting up in the middle of the night just hoping to see blizzard conditions via the streetlight.
It was also kind of cool because the village would always decorate the streetlights at Christmastime. There's nothing more serene than a decorated streetlight at midnight in a small Midwestern town. The terms "wholesome" and "safe" come to mind when that picture flashes through my head. I remember one Sunday night when my mom was standing in the kitchen watching all of us looking out the picture window at the streetlight, my dad was reading the paper and our cat was playing with the ornaments on the tree. I distinctly remember Mom saying, "Where's Norman Rockwell when you need him?"
With a thud, my chair flopped forward and I found myself staring out the front of the bunker right into the middle of a snowstorm. I am ashamed to admit it, but my daydream had turned into a snooze and while I dozed, it had started to rain and the wind was whipping around pretty good. I shook my head, rubbed my eyes and took another look, and the swirling rain looked just like snow in the light against the night sky. I actually stuck my hand out of the bunker to check for snowflakes. It seemed that real. As it turned out, it was just the combination of my childhood memories and the overactive imagination of a 19-year-old kid stuck in a combat zone a million miles from home.
Regardless of the reality, for a brief moment I was home. In that moment I wasn't cold, hungry, wet, thirsty, tired or homesick. For two seconds I wasn't in Vietnam. I was standing in my living room looking out the picture window at the streetlight in my front yard. It was an awesome feeling and those two seconds carried me through the next eight months of my tour in Vietnam. Every time I was feeling homesick, I'd just close my eyes and think about that streetlight. It always seemed to help.
This holiday season, regardless of your religious beliefs, I hope that your kids develop a memory of their childhood that will one day be that crutch to lean on when they are out on their own. I sincerely hope that everyone has a safe and fun-filled holiday season, and I would hope that you all take a few moments to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers. Their sacrifice allows the rest of us to look our our windows and see the light.
"Insurance Coach" (J.A. Price Agency - by Bob Blomster)
Avoid fines of up to $1,000 per week, per employee as well as other liabilities! Workers' Compensation coverage is required by Minnesota State Law!
If your organization is compensating anyone for performing services for your organization, you need to immediately look into whether your organization must secure workers' compensation coverage.
Minnesota Workers' Compensation law states all employers are required to purchase workers' compensation insurance or become self-insured. This is often referred to as "mandatory coverage." Employers are generall defined as those that hire another to perform services. Employees are generally defined as people performing services for another, for hire, including minors and workers who are not citizens.
For workers' compensation options or for additional information on workers' compensation requirements, please call Bob Blomster at the J.A. Price Agency at 952-944-8790 or 800-279-1623.
Unless officially approved as a self-insured employer by the State of Minnesota, it is illegal for Minnesota employers to pay medical bills for injured workers.
Workers' Compensation pays for:
medical care related to the injury, as long as it is reasonable and necessary;
wage-loss benefits for part of your income loss;
benefits for permanent damage to a body function;
benefits to your dependents if you die of a work injury; and
vocational rehabilitation services if you cannot return to your job or to the employer you had before your injury.
Some employees, like certain owners of small businesses and their immediate family members, may be excluded by Minnesota State Law. Coverage is available for excluded persons by electing coverage for those named individuals on your workers' compensation policy. http://www.doli.state.mn.us/ereegen.html
Workers' compensation premium costs are determined by estimating annual payroll in various work comp job classes (i.e. clerical, roofing, outside sales, athletes, etc.). All workers' compensation policies are then audited at policy expiration for the appropriate payrolls and job classes applicable during the policy period. Premiums are then adjusted according to that audit.
Workers' compensation claims will directly affect future workers' compensation premiums.
Return-To-Work programs are extremely important in keeping an organization's future workers' compensation costs down. Our firm also has the tools to create custom Return-To-Work or "modified duty" programs for our clients. The clock starts ticking immediately after a claim and returning an injured employee back to work immediately, in a modified duty position, can DRASTICALLY lower future workers' compensation costs.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Bob Blomster, Vice President
J.A. Price Agency, Inc.
6640 Shady Oak Road, Suite 500
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
800-279-1623
952-944-8790
952-253-4311 (direct)
952-944-0097 (fax) bob.blomster@japrice.com
Then And Now - by Larry Gallagher
ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION OF THE DRIBBLE IN THE GAME OF BASKETBALL
Imagine that you are there when James Naismith came up with the game of basketball. He never had the dribble in mind for a means of moving the ball - he had passing and rolling the basketball. Now, we see the dribble as one of the great ways to move the ball.
History records the rule of dribbling was first used in 1896 in a game at Yale University. The first rule was not quite what we have today, since the dribbler was not allowed to shoot the basketball at the end of the dribble. One of the disadvantages of the new dribble rule was that some teams used it as a tool to slow down the game by not passing the ball. The advantage was that there were now more ways to advance the ball. The dribble in the girls' game was different than the boys' game in that there was a limited dribble rule. Girls could only dribble the ball three times and actually could not advance it forward by means of the dribble.
During the early years, part of the rule allowed the player to use an air dribble to advance the ball. Essentially, the dribbler could tap the ball in the air over the head of a defender, run around the defender and continue to dribble the ball. This was a legal play in high school basketball through the 1968-69 seasons. Very few players knew about this option and no one at the time used it as a tactic. The defenses were too good for it to be used and therefore it was eliminated from the rule book because of its lack of use and because it basically allowed a player to put their hand under the ball and tap it into the air and continue. In essense, it was a double-dribble.
Let's look at our present day rule and try to understand it in regards to the history mentioned above. Quoting from the 2008-09 National Federation Rule Book, "A dribble is a ball movement caused by a player in control who bats (intentionally strikes the ball with the hand(s) or pushes the ball to the floor once or several times" (Rule 4-15 Article 1). Article 2 states, "During a dribble the ball may be batted into the air provided it is permitted to strike the floor before the ball is touched again with the hand(s)." Article 3 says, "The dribble may be started by pushing, throwing or batting the ball to the floor before the pivot foot is lifted." This last part is what a lot of players do not understand. A player may pass or shoot after lifting a foot or even the pivot foot, but this same player may not start a dribble after lifting their pivot foot. The
result would be a violation known as traveling.
In my opinion, the best players understand both the dribbling rule and the traveling rule well. Article 4 of Rule 4-15 in the NFHS Rule Book says a dribble ends when:
a. The dribbler catches or causes the ball to come to rest in one or both hands.
b. The dribbler palms/carries the ball by allowing it to come to rest in one or both hands.
c. The dribbler simultaneously touches the ball with both hands.
d. The ball touches or is touched by an opponent and causes the dribbler to lose control.
e. The ball becomes dead.
"An interrupted dribble occurs when the ball is loose after deflecting off the dribbler or after it momentarily gets away from the dribbler. There is no player control during an interrupted dribble" (Article 5). "During an interrupted dribble: (a) a closely guarded count shall not be started or shall be terminated; (b) a player-control foul cannot be committed; (c) a time-out request shall not be granted; (d) out-of-bounds violation does not apply on the player involved in the interrupted dribble" (Article 6).
I cannot spend this much time without recognizing some of the players who made the dribble an important part of the game of basketball and playmaking itself. In the NBA the first point guard who was able to use his ball handling skills to great effect and helped his team win was Bob Cousy, who played on six NBA championship teams for the Boston Celtics. He was able to make some fantastic plays with his dribbling as the leader of the Celtics in the 1950's and early 1960's. The NBA now has the Bob Cousy award, and the trophy goes to the best point guard in the league.
The Harlem Globetrotters had a lot of great showmen and really have been the best ambassadors of the game of basketball. They started sometime in the 1920's and would always play anyone and anywhere in the early days, but became mainly entertainment for spectators over time. Early on, they took the game seriously despite their theatrics and comedy routines. However, since the 1960's it has been all showmanship. One of their great dribblers was Marques Haynes, who really popularized the dribble and was able to do many of his old routines into his 60's. Curly Neal came after Haynes, and many others have followed in their footsteps.
Actually, one of the reasons the Harlem Globetrotters came into being in the first place was because of segregation in sports during the early years of basketball. There was no real rule against interracial games or teams, but it was an unwritten rule until the 1950's. In a future edition of this column, I intend to spend some time highlighting the Harlem Globetrotters and what they have meant to the game of basketball. In the meantime, if you go to www.harlemglobetrotters.com or just Google them you will be able to find out much more.
Dribbling did not seem to be an important part of the game until the late 1940's and beyond and that's because although the ball was round, it had laces on one side where the bladder had been inserted. If the ball bounced on the laces, the bounce was not always true. After World War II the technology for making basketballs completely round was improved. As a result, dribbling took off and really became a great part of the game. You can even see the seven-foot guys handling the ball fairly well today. The big men of years past were not allowed to dribble the ball at all - not by rule, but because of their lack of skill with the ball. Now with the more athletic big men in the game, all players need to be able to dribble well. Better coaching and better training and teaching techniques have really modernized the dribble to become an offensive weapon that cannot be ignored in this great
game.
Gopher State Volleyball
The Gopher State Volleyball program is underway! Listed below are the eight remaining events on our 2008-09 calendar:
January 17-18, 2009 * Winter Carnival Tournament February 7, 2009 * Gopher State Future Stars Tournament February 21, 2009 * Block Party March 7, 2009 * Gopher State Minnesota Showcase March 14, 2009 * Gopher State Season Finale March 21, 2009 * Southern Spike Tournament @ Blue Earth, MN April 4-5, 2009 * Gopher State Tournament of Champions TBD * Border Battle @ River Falls, WI
If you would like more information on these events or are interested in hosting Gopher State Volleyball, please visit the MYAS volleyball web page or contact Jessica Christopherson at 763-746-1733 or jessica@myas.org.
MYAS Gopher State Wrestling
Program information and entry materials for the 2009 Gopher State Wrestling season have been posted on the wrestling portion of the MYAS website.
The 2009 Gopher State Wrestling Championships will be held on February 7 and 8 at Monticello High School. We are very excited for this year's tournament. We have made numerous improvements which should make for a bigger and better tournament in 2009. The Championship is truly one of the toughest Kindergarten through 8th grade folkstyle events in the Upper Midwest. Click here to view the Championship web page.
The 2009 Gopher State Team Tournament will be held on March 1 at Simley High School. This 16-team Kindergarten through 6th grade team tournament is a great opportunity for teams to compete against other teams from all across the state. Click here to view the Team Tournament web page.
If you would like more information, visit the MYAS website or contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
Midwest Regional Swim Meet
Registration is now open for the 2009 Midwest Regional Swim Meet. Nearly 1,100 swimmers from all over the Midwest competed at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center in the 2008 meet. We have added new events and modified our age and scoring system for 2009 - we hope you enjoy the changes!
If you would like to register or just need more information about this huge event, please visit the Midwest Regional Swim Meet web page or contact Jessica Christopherson at 763-746-1733 or jessica@myas.org.
Gopher State Twin Cities Football Championship
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
The MYAS currently conducts the Gopher State Twin Cities Football Championship in late October and early November, and we are attempting to further develop our football program to suit the needs of the participants in the state of Minnesota.
We're continually looking to update our football contact information. If you are interested in receiving information about the MYAS football program, please contact Eric Rathke at 763-746-1730 or eric@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). Good luck!
1. Team A trails by three points in the fouth period. The ball is on Team B's 20-yard line, it's fourth and 10 with two seconds on the clock. Player A1 throws an incomplete pass into B's end zone with time expired. The referee quickly glances to each sideline and then begins to leave the field. After he crosses the sideline, the referee hears the line judge blowing his whistle. The line judge explains he called pass interference on Player B1. What is the ruling?
2. Team A and Team B are tied at the conclusion of the fourth period. Team A has utilized one time-out in the second half and Team B has used three. State association overtime guidelines grant one time-out to each team in each overtime period. The coach of Team A asks the referee if his team will now have three time-outs in overtime (the two unused plus one for overtime). What is the ruling?
3. An official stops the clock when he notices quarterback A1 has a bloody nose. A1 is directed to go to his team box. The coach of Team A then requests a time-out and A1's bleeding is stopped during the time-out. A1 reenters with other teammates follwing the time-out. What is the ruling?
Basketball Invitational Tournament Books
The MYAS still has a few 2008-09 MYAS boys' and girls' basketball invitational tournament books available!
Included in the books are flyers for 110+ girls' and 130+ 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 and special offers from a number of our generous sponsors.
Supplies are limited, so if you would like to order one or more copies of the 2008-09 tournament books, please click here to download the order form.
Basketball Rules of the Month
In our ongoing education mission, we would like to highlight three basic basketball rules. The answers are posted later in the newsletter (see "In this Issue" for the link). Good luck!
1. During Player A1's attempt to pass to Player A2, Player B1 (a) intentionally uses his/her thigh to deflect the pass; (b) intentionally kicks the ball with his/her foot or (c) has the ball accidentally hit his/her lower leg.What is the ruling in each situation?
2. Player A1 is in Team A's backcourt and has dribbled for nine seconds and then passes the ball forward toward Player A2 in the frontcourt. While the ball is in the air traveling from backcourt to frontcourt, the 10-second count is reached. What is the ruling?
3. Team A has control of the ball for eight seconds in A's backcourt when Player A1 passes the ball toward A's frontcourt. The official's count continues. The ball strikes the floor in A's frontcourt and stays there without being touched by any player. Should the count continue after the ball touches in A's frontcourt?
If you have questions about other basketball playing rules, please contact Buddy Hemric at 763-746-1717 or buddy@myas.org.
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournaments
Super Saver Basketball Tournaments for the 2008-09 winter basketball season began the first weekend in November and will conclude the second weekend in March. Registration forms and other tournament information are available on the Super Saver
portion of the MYAS website. Super Savers provide the opportunity for "A" (advanced), "B" (intermediate), "C" (beginning) or "Rec" (in-house) level teams to play three quality games all in one day. The tournaments are conveniently located throughout the metro area, and games can often be scheduled to meet your needs. For more Super Saver information, please click here.
Host applications and bid information for the 2008-09 Super Saver season have been sent to the hosts of last year's tournaments. If you are interested in hosting, please contact Kevin Wilson at 763-746-1712 or kevin@myas.org.
MYAS Gopher State Winter Basketball League
The 2008-09 MYAS Gopher State Winter Basketball League (formerly the BTBL and GMBL) schedules have been posted. League games will be played on December 6 & 20, January 3 & 17 and February 7 & 21. Note: The dates for the Girls' Playoffs have been changed to February 21-22, 2009. The Boys' Playoffs will take place on February 28-March 1, 2009.
The Winter League provides opportunities for all levels of play. "A" (advanced), "B" (intermediate), "C" (beginning) and "Rec" (in-house) teams can all receive a quality 12-game schedule.
Additional league information is available on the Winter League web page. If you have further questions, please contact Kevin Wilson (boys) at 763-746-1712 or kevin@myas.org or Jessica Christopherson (girls) at 763-746-1733 or jessica@myas.org.
MYAS Grade State Basketball Championships
We are already preparing for the 2009 MYAS Grade Basketball State Championships next March! Our 2008 tournaments featured more than 1,000 teams from across the metro area and a significant increase in participation from greater Minnesota communities. We would like to wish the best of luck to all youth basketball teams around the state during your 2008-09 season, and we hope to see you at the "Big One" in March!
If you'd like more information on the 2009 Grade State Championships, please click here. You may also contact Eric Rathke at 763-746-1730 or eric@myas.org with your questions.
MYAS Rec State Basketball Championships
Attention Park & Recreation, Community Education and In-House Directors!
Tournament brochures for the 2009 MYAS Rec State Basketball Championship on March 20-22 are now available online or at the MYAS office. Please contact Kevin Wilson at 763-746-1712 or kevin@myas.org if you would like to receive a copy.
Anticipated playing locations include Cottage Grove, Edina, Inver Grove Heights and Minneapolis. If your athletic group or organization is interested in hosting a portion of the Rec State Championship, please contact Kevin Wilson (see contact information above).
The MYAS needs in-house directors and coaches to help promote this great state tournament to all the teams in their program! Please contact Kevin Wilson at the MYAS office if you would like to receive copies of the brochure, or if you would like us to provide your organization with a presentation on the Rec State program.
Please click here for more information on the MYAS Rec State Basketball Championship.
Minnesota Sports Medicine Tip
Knee Injuries in Basketball
by Heidi Beckendorf, ATC
Certified Athletic Trainer, Anoka High School
Institute for Athletic Medicine/MN Sports 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 kneecap 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 kneecap 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 potentionally 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 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 cusion 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.
Minnesota Sports Medicine and the Institute for Athletic Medicine are part of Fairview's family of orthopedic services. Minnesota Sports Medicine (MSM) is a network of sports and orthopedic physicians who treat athletes throughout the Twin Cities metro. The Institute for Athletic Medicine provides physical therapy, athletic training and chiropractic care.
Attention all youth baseball tournament directors! The MYAS Baseball Tournament Listings Page is active and ready for you to post your 2009 tournaments. Please read over the new protocol for listing tournaments and the process for selecting GSTC qualifiers on the MYAS website.
All Gopher State Tournament of Champions (GSTC) Qualifiers will be marked accordingly and posted on our site by Friday, January 16. Please have your tournaments added to our system by January 1 to take full advantage of the tournament listing service. Teams are already looking for 2009 tournaments, so don't wait!
If you have questions, please contact Tony Groff at 763-746-1728 or tony@myas.org.
Gopher State Winter Baseball Camps
There are just two Winter Baseball Camps remaining in 2008: the Twins Training Camp at the Metrodome and the Christmas Elite Camp. Dont' miss out on your opportunity to be involved in a camp over the holiday break. Click on the links below for upcoming Winter Camp dates and to access registration forms and camp flyers.
The Twins Holiday Training Camp will be an exciting time at the Metrodome with the best college coaches from around the area! There are two full days (9:00am-3:00pm daily) of all-inclusive baseball training. Get your registration form and fee to the MYAS office no later than December 22.
The Minnesota Baseball Academy will be hosting the Christmas Elite Baseball Camp in Rogers, MN. This camp is perfect for high school athletes who are looking to take their game to the next level. Included are three days of instruction, hard work and lots of fun! See the camp brochure for more information.
The Lovdahl Pitching Academy will have three camp dates for pitching, fielding and catching instruction. The LPA has the latest in training techniques used by the Minnesota Twins. Erik Lovdahl is the lead instructor for the Minnesota Twins training camps, and we are excited to have him join our Winter Camp staff again this season. There will be pitching and fielding camps in Minnesota and Wisconsin. It all starts February 8 in River Falls!
Please stay up to date with the latest camp information on the Winter Camp portion of the MYAS website. If you have further questions, please contact Jeremy Barbe at 763-746-1731 or jbarbe@myas.org.
The MYAS baseball staff is currently in the planning stages for the 11th season of the Gopher State Baseball League. We are very proud of this league and we're excited to report that since its inception in 1999, it has become one of the largest traveling baseball leagues in the Upper Midwest.
At the GSBL Advisory Committee meeting last October, a number of changes and enhancements were instituted for the 2009 league. Please click here to view the results of that meeting.
To view a complete listing of 2009 GSBL fees, league options and added features of the Gopher State Baseball League, please click here. Contact Dawson Blanck, League Commissioner, with your GSBL questions at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
If your community or association is looking for a change or a fresh start with a new league, do not hesitate to contact the MYAS baseball staff. We are in the process of contacting communities to set up meeting times to speak to their respective boards about our Gopher State Baseball programs and the benefits of participating. If you'd like your community/association to set up a time to meet with us, don't hesitate to contact Dawson Blanck, Tony Groff or Jeremy Barbe so that you and your community can be well informed about the GSBL and the MYAS comprehensive baseball program.
We're looking forward to serving all member communities/associations as well as any new members in the 2009 baseball season!
North Star Baseball League
Attention all "A" level traveling directors and local in-house directors! The North Star Baseball League is always looking to expand into new communities each season. Just last year we added five new member communities to the league - Anoka-Ramsey, Blaine/Spring Lake Park, Elk River, Rogers and Zimmerman.
As of the 2008 season, the league hosted 82 teams at the two available age levels (7th Grade/13U and 8th-9th Grade/14-15U). Participating communities in addition to those listed above include Andover, Centennial, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake, Shoreview and Soderville.
If you would like more information regarding the 2009 North Star season or a more in-depth description of the program, feel free to contact Tony Groff at 763-746-1728 or tony@myas.org. You can also visit the North Star Baseball League web page by clicking here.
Gopher State Baseball Spring Training Series
Get your 2009 baseball tournament season kicked off right by entering your team in the Gopher State Spring Training Series! These two-day tournaments (Saturday and Sunday games only) could allow your team to be among the first to qualify for the 2009 Gopher State Tournament of Champions. All teams are guaranteed three games over the two days, and more than half of all registered teams in most divisions will play four or more games.
Check out the Spring Training Series web page for tournament dates, sites and online registration information. These tournaments do have a limit on teams, so don't hesitate to sign up early! For more information, contact Tony Groff at 763-746-1728 or tony@myas.org.
2009 Minnesota USSSA Baseball
Listed below are the dates and sites for 2009 Minnesota USSSA Baseball State Tournaments. Additional information, including registration forms, will be available on the MYAS website soon. Please contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org with your USSSA baseball questions.
USSSA State Tournament Sites and Dates
GSTC and USSSA World Series Qualifier!
10AAA
June 5-7, 2009
Mahtomedi, MN
10AA
June 12-14, 2009
Andover, MN
10A ("C")
June 19-21, 2009
Roseville, MN
11AAA
June 5-7, 2009
Mahtomedi, MN
11AA
June 12-14, 2009
Andover, MN
12AAA
June 12-14, 2009
Brooklyn Park, MN
12AA
June 12-14, 2009
Brooklyn Park, MN
11/12A ("C")
June 19-21, 2009
TBD
13AAA
June 19-21, 2009
Mendota Heights, MN
13AA
June 12-14, 2009
Mendota Heights, MN
13A ("C")
June 19-21, 2009
Mendota Heights, MN
14AAA
June 12-14, 2009
Elk River, MN
14AA
June 5-7, 2009
Coon Rapids, MN
15AAA
June 12-14, 2009
Eagan, MN
15AA
June 5-7, 2009
Eden Prairie, MN
14/15A ("C")
June 19-21, 2009
Coon Rapids, MN
16U Open
June 26-28, 2009
Maple Grove, MN
17-19U Open
June 26-28, 2009
Fridley, MN
Global Sports Baseball - a Division of USSSA Baseball
Global Sports Baseball, a division of USSSA Baseball, will offer World Series Qualifiers and World Series. The Global Sports World Series will also earn teams USSSA NIT points. GLOBAL SPORTS WORLD SERIES
Open to all classifications - Elite World Series qualified teams are eligible
Ages 9-14
Limited to 24 teams per age group
Four-day event - Thursday through Sunday
Opening ceremonies on Wednesday evening
Seven-game average for all teams
Pool play, bracket play and then into three final divisions
Each of the three divisions will crown a World Series Champion
Multiple regional World Series sites
Qualified teams may participate in multiple Global Sports WS
Earn USSSA NIT points in each Global Sports WS Qualifier
Each state will run 2-3 Global Sports WS Qualifiers
Three rounds of qualification per state:
Round 1 will be played in April and will award 6 berths per age group
Round 2 will be played in May and will award 12 berths per age group
Round 3 will be played in June and will award 6 berths per age group
Teams that qualify will not be assured a spot at a specific World Series location
Teams that have qualified must enter the Global Sports World Series at www.usssa.com on a first come, first served basis
Teams can enter multiple qualifiers
USSSA rosters
Check with your State Director for qualifiers
To participate in a Global Sports World Series Qualifier, your team must be registered with USSSA Baseball and also must register with Global Sports. Teams may register at www.usssa.com. Global Sports registration is $15 per year, and you can register at the same time as registering for USSSA Baseball.
GLOBAL SPORTS WORLD SERIES LOCATIONS
Teams may choose location and may play in more than one event; more sites to be added.
The answers below are derived from the National Federation of State High School Associations 2008 Football Rules Book and/or Football Case Book.
1. The game is not officially over even though the referee left the field. Since a foul had been called, the referee will give Team A a chance to accept the penalty and extend the period with an untimed down from Team B's 10-yard line. The game is officially over when the referee holds the ball overhead or, if he forgets to do this, when he leaves the field. Before doing this, however, he should pause briefly and glance to both sidelines and make sure there are no fouls, no obvious timing error, no requests for a coach-referee conference, etc. (Case Book 3.3.5 Situation A pages 20-21).
2. The referee must rule that the team has only one time-out per overtime period, and that the unused second half time-outs did not carry over to overtime. Both teams will have one time-out in each overtime period, per state association guidelines (Case Book 3.5.1 Situation A page 23).
3. Player A1 must remain in the team box for at least one down. A time-out called after the official has stopped the clock for an injured player does not allow the injured player to remain in the game (Case Book 3.5.10 Situation A page 25).
Answers to Basketball Rules of the Month
The answers below are derived from the National Federation of State High School Associations 2008-09 Basketball Rules Book, Basketball Case Book and/or Rules by Topic publication.
1. In (a) and (b), there is a kicking violation and Team A will receive the ball out of bounds nearest the violation. In (c), the ball remains live and there is no violation (Case Book 4.29 Situation page 32; Rule Book 9-4 page 57).
2. Violation by Team A as the ball has not gained frontcourt location. It is Team B's ball for a thrown-in from the out-of-bounds spot closest to where Player A1 released the ball on the pass toward Player A2 (Case Book 9.8 Situation A page 72; Rule Book 4-3-3 page 28, 7-5-2 page 51 and 9-8 page 58).
3. No. The backcourt count should be terminated as soon as the ball has frontcourt location by touching the floor in Team A's frontcourt (Case Book 9.8 Situation B pages 72-73; Rule Book 4-4-1 and 4-4-2 page 28).
If you have questions about 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 RHR Information Services, has designed a criminal background check system that offers three affordable options to youth sports associations. RHR, 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 membership meetings are held at our offices (4111 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights 55421) on the last Tuesday of each month at 9:00am (unless notified otherwise). All MYAS members are welcome to attend.
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