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Welcome to the May 29, 2009; edition of the MYAS Update
In this Issue
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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 and partially fund this newsletter, and certain sponsors will be featured.
Dan's Notes - from Executive Director Dan Klinkhammer
THEY DON'T ALL GET AWAY!
"Hey there fisherboy, maybe you should take this along just in case." My wife was waving a coupon for a free McDonald's fish sandwich. This was her feeble attempt to poke fun at me while I was packing my gear for the fishing trip of a lifetime. I had been invited to go on a Canadian fly-in fishing trip. I'd never done anything like that before, so I was really pumped up for this adventure. As usual, I was filled with hopes, dreams and optimism and my wife was filled with memories of my one and only elk hunt. (I never shot an elk, never saw an elk, never smelled an elk and all I brought home were blisters from my new boots.) So I grabbed the coupon and stuffed it into my suitcase.
The anticipation of going on this fishing trip was killing me. Remember when you were a kid and couldn't sleep the night before Christmas? Well, magnify that by 10 and that's how this upcoming fishing trip hit me. I tinkered around for weeks before we left, making sure I had everything I'd need. Frankly, I really enjoy the preparation for trips like that one. It's always entertaining to delve into the recesses of your brain to figure out what to take and what to leave behind. I also pride myself for thinking of things that others might forget. There's something very satisfying about being the guy who has what you need. In this situation, what I really needed was a pile of fish to stifle my coupon-clipping wife!
Just getting to our remote fishing camp was an adventure. We took commercial flights from Minneapolis to Winnipeg and then from Winnipeg to Flin Flon, Manitoba. From there we were supposed to take a bush plane the last 80 miles to the fishing camp, which was located on an island on Kississing Lake. Well, the weather wasn't cooperating when we got to Flin Flon so we had to take a cargo van from the Flin Flon airport to a boat landing almost 75 miles away. All I can tell you is that if you think the potholes are bad here in the Twin Cities, you should travel a gravel road in remote Canada before you whine anymore!
Once we made it to the landing, we donned our rain gear and hopped into two fishing boats with all of our fishing gear and bags. The next 30 minutes were the toughest of the trip. It was dark, foggy, rainy and chilly for mid-July. To make matters worse, the small outboard motor on our boat was struggling to stay running and we fell way behind the other boat. Yep - I was having the time of my life. As soon as we got to our cabin at the fish camp I dug out the McDonald's coupon and put it in a plastic bag for safekeeping.
The next morning they fed us like kings and sent us out on the lake with a guide to test our luck with the local walleyes and northern pike. At the very first spot we stopped we started catching walleyes like there was no tomorrow. It was a blast! My dreams were coming true and the value of my wife's coupon was dropping with every hook-set. After about an hour of catching one walleye after another, the guide suggested we pull anchor and move to a different spot. I remember thinking to myself, "If I kill the guide I can stay here and fish forever." Then reality tapped me on the shoulder and suggested that we reel up and follow the guide's advice. Actually, that little tap on the shoulder came from one of my fishing partners, Ron Leafblad. Ron has been on quite a few of these trips and knows that you catch more fish if you follow the guide's advice. So off we went to
another part of the lake to fish for northern pike.
We were tossing lures the size of small cars and those northern were in the mood to take a test drive. I don't remember how many we caught that morning but it was more than I could count on my fingers and toes. It was a real hoot - and then the big one hit! Ron's pole bent like a CB antenna in a hurricane and the battle was on. I reeled in my line, grabbed a front row seat and took in the whole show. At that point, my job was to just stay out of the way and cheer my fishing partner to greatness. It took about 10 minutes to get that monster into the boat. We quickly measured him, took a couple pictures and then it was back into the crystal clear Canadian waters for that bad boy. From teeth to tail he was 44 inches long and sported several battle scars on his back. When all the excitement had subsided, my knees were still shaking and all I did was sit and watch.
As we drifted along the shoreline, I was quizzing Ron about his catch and casting my "Volkswagen" as far as I could. As my lure hit the water there was an explosion that caught me off guard. The pole just about slipped from my hands and the fight was on. I've caught some big fish before, but nothing like what was on the end of my line right then and there. I am an optimist but every time he'd jump and run I kept thinking that there was no way I was gonna get this guy in the boat. The guide wasn't helping me much, as he just stood in the middle of the boat yelling, "Big Fish! Big Fish!" Ron was cheering me on as if I were riding a bull at a rodeo. "Hang on! Don't horse him! Keep your rod up!" Eventually the fish tired and I slowly brought him boat side so the guide could net him. Once he was in the boat we measured him and took a couple of very proud
pictures before I placed him gently back into the water to fight another day. We never got a chance to weigh him but he measured a very hefty 44-1/2 inches and probably weighed 25 pounds. It was my fish of a lifetime. I kept thinking that I couldn't wait to get home and tell my wife to put her coupon clipping scissors away...I don't need no stinking coupons!
In Canada, any northern pike over 40 inches is considered to be a trophy. So following supper that evening, our hostess presented Ron and me with Manitoba Master Angler certificates, bronze Master Angler pins and a free 1/2-hour massage. I mean really, can it get any better than that?
I spent the next day fishing with Andy and the third day with Dave, the other two fishermen in our party. We continued to have good weather and great fishing during our entire stay. We only had one mishap the rest of the trip. On the morning of the third day, Ron and Andy went fishing for lake trout and Dave and I were supposed to catch the walleyes for shore lunch. Well, we did catch some nice walleyes that morning but as we headed back to shore, our guide forgot to pull the stringer into the boat. When we got to shore, all we had was a six-inch piece of stringer rope and no fish. As I stared at that frayed empty rope, all I could think about was that coupon in my suitcase and my wife's hysterical laughter when she finds out that we actually did lose our lunch.
So what's the moral of this story? There isn't one. I just wanted to show you my trophy northern pike, brag about it a little bit and get everyone thinking about the adventures that await you this summer. After all, how many times do you get to read about the one that didn't get away?
Thanks for listening and remember to keep your rod tip up, your tackle box closed, your toothbrush in your suitcase and your coupons in a plastic bag.
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"Insurance Coach" (J.A. Price Agency - by Bob Blomster)
ALERT: Cities & Schools May Soon Require Proof of $1,500,000 of Liability Coverage
Insurance Alert/Awareness for Youth Sports Organizations
Effective 7/1/09, MN Tort Liability Thresholds Increase to $1,500,000 for Political Subdivisions. Cities and/or school districts may start requiring proof of $1,500,000 of liability coverage from local sports clubs.
Tort liability statuses, in general terns, outline the maximum amount you can sue a Political Subdivision/Municipality for in any one claim. In Minnesota, these levels have been increasing in recent years and municipalities are getting very good at passing down their higher liability exposures to subcontractors working for them and organizations that also utilize city or school property for their activities.
Effective 7/1/09, the Minnesota tort liability threshold is now $1,500,000 and we are starting to get requests from all of our business insurance clients, including sports clubs, to increase liability limits mid-term based on calls from their local municipality requiring proof of $1,500,000 of coverage effective that same 7/1/09 date.
At this point, this is informational only but you may want to advise the rest of your board that this issue could affect your organization's liability insurance costs in the near future. If your municipality does require you to comply with these higher liability limits, please contact us and we can adjust your insurance program accordingly and send out an updated certificate of insurance complying with the higher limits. Information on these changes is below.
Minnesota Statutes 2007
Chapter 466. Tort Liability, Political Subdivisions
466.04 MAXIMUM LIABILITY
https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/getpub.php?type=s&num=466
Subdivision 1. Limits; punitive damages. (a) Liability of any municipality on any claim within the scope of sections 466.01 to 466.15 shall not exceed: (7) $1,500,000 for any number of claims arising out of a single occurrence, for claims arising on or after July 1, 2009.
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 (Phone)
952-944-0097 (Fax)
bob.blomster@japrice.com
Then And Now - by Larry Gallagher
TACKLING OBSTRUCTION
The concept of obstruction in baseball has been part of the game since near its inception. For umpires to truly understand obstruction, we need to first define it and then look at how obstruction has been viewed over the history of the game of baseball. Remember that there is more than one rule source we need to look at - high school, college and professional. They all have a little different take on what obstruction is and how to enforce the rule.
As early as 1857, the Knickerbocker Rules recognized and penalized the act of obstruction. Rule 23 stated, "If the player is prevented from making a base by intentional obstruction of an adversary, he shall be entitled to that base and not be put out." This rule was adopted for the 1st Official Rules of 1876. No significant change in wording occurred until 1897 when "obstruction" was clarified by explaining that if the fielder had the ball in his hand ready to meet the base runner, no obstruction should be called. That criterion for defining obstruction is also part of the definition found in today's rules.
Through the first half of the 20th century, these original guidelines prevailed. The runner had the right of way unless the fielder was in the act of fielding the ball or had possession of the ball and was ready to touch the base runner. In 1950, a new obstruction rule was written and established two types of obstruction: (1) The batter becomes a runner and is impeded as he advances around the base; and (2) A runner who is caught in a rundown is impeded as he attempts to reach a base.
In the first type of obstruction, the ball remained live and the umpire awarded bases as he saw fit after all play had stopped. In the rundown situation, the umpire stopped play and awarded the runner the base he was attempting to reach. If the base he was attempting to reach was occupied by a succeeding runner, that runner was permitted to return to the base he last legally held.
The obstruction rule was completely revamped in 1962. This revision produced the exact wording of today's professional baseball rule. That same year, the Casebook Note was added which established that the catcher had no right to block the pathway of the runner attempting to score unless he had the ball in his possession or was in the act of fielding it. Clarification Notes were added in 1976 and helped explain three situations: (1) the proper procedure for calling obstruction when a play is being made on the obstructed runner; (2) the proper enforcement and award when the ball is thrown into dead territory; and (3) the liability an obstructed runner assumes as he advances around the bases after the obstruction. These notes were incorporated in 1978 and remain to this day.
Defining Obstruction
In high school (National Federation of High School or NFHS) rules, obstruction is defined as any act, physical or verbal (8-3-2) that hinders a runner (2-22-1; 2.22.1c).
In college (NCAA) rules, obstruction is defined as the act of any fielder who, clearly without possession of the ball, blocks the base (plate) or baseline and impedes the progress of any runner (2 - Obstruction AR; 8-7b).
In professional baseball (Official Baseball Rules or OBR), obstruction is the act of any fielder who, not in possession of the ball nor in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner.
Let's look at the following play to determine how to rule on obstruction in all three of the above definitions and rule codes.
With a runner on second base and a single to right field, the runner tries to score. The catcher sets up in the base path a full step toward third from home, readying himself for the throw. The runner (not maliciously) slides into the catcher and is tagged out. At the time of the contact, the throw from the outfield has reached the cutout in front of the plate.
Ruling: In high school and college play, since the catcher was not in possession of the ball, the ruling is obstruction. In professional baseball, there is no obstruction and the runner is out because the catcher was in the process of fielding the ball.
How do you umpire this play?
In high school, you would put out the left arm to the left side of your body with a closed fist (delayed-dead ball signal) and announce, "That's obstruction!" and let the action come to a close. Then call "Time!" and award the runner home and allow the batter-runner to keep what he has earned. He could have been thrown out trying to advance to second or trying to get back to first base. All of what happens after the obstruction would be allowed to take place. You would point at the runner and say, "You, home!"
In college, you would point at the play with your right hand and say, "That's obstruction!" and let all action come to a close and then call "Time!" and award the runner home and allow the batter-runner to do as above.
In pro ball, you would call the runner out if the catcher made the tag properly and again allow all play to come to a halt. There would be no need to call time because there was no obstruction.
In summary, the obstruction rule is not a difficult concept to understand but is not an easy task as an umpire to manage because there are a number of facets to keep in mind. You must recognize obstruction when you see it. There doesn't always have to be physical contact - obstruction can occur when a player forces a runner to go around them (don't forget that a runner can be called out for going too far out of the way when a fielder is attempting to tag him with the ball). In NFHS rules there is malicious contact to consider while in the NCAA there is flagrant contact to consider. In professional baseball there are no worries about malicious or flagrant contact, but most amateur umpires must deal with both.
This is just a beginning look at obstruction. There are more differences than highlighted in the simple play above and understanding them is key to learning the more complex nature of this rule.
I hope this gives you an idea that you need to learn the rules of obstruction and understand them before you can umpire. I always say that not everyone can umpire - it isn't for everyone. Hopefully you'll get interested in this rule and really learn how to umpire it. If I can ever be of help to any of you as you pursue your baseball or umpiring knowledge, you may contact me at lump2bug@aol.com.
Velocity Sports Performance - Champlin
The Importance of a Dynamic Warm-Up for Athletic Performance
When the majority of people hear the phrase "warm up," the first thing that pops into most minds is probably hopping on an elliptical or treadmill for five minutes at the gym, or maybe sitting down to stretch before a workout. Regardless of the type of fitness or sport, warming up beforehand is an established practice for most.
We at Velocity Sports Performance do not believe that all types of warming up are created equal. Each program we offer, ranging from our Youth classes to our Elite and Team groups, will begin their training session with a guided warm-up which we believe to be an optimal pre-performance routine for any sport and ability level.
The Dynamic Warm-Up
We know that the objective of warming up is to prepare the body for exercise and activity and to reduce the likelihood of injury. A dynamic warm-up is one that simulates what your workout will be like and incorporates movements that will take your body through its full range of motion. What makes dynamic warm-ups different from some traditional methods of warming up is that they consist of multi-joint movements that are functional-based and mimic sport movements that will later be used on the field or court or in the gym. A truly effective warm-up isn't just riding a bike or stretching; a good warm-up is a dynamic warm-up that involves upper and lower extremities in all planes of motion.
At Velocity Sports Performance, we incorporate several specific components into our dynamic warm-up for optimal performance enhancement and injury prevention. These components include thermogenic movement, general mobility, flexibility, balance and coordination. The purpose of our performance based warm-ups is to provide the athlete with dynamic movements and flexibility that will prepare them physically and mentally to perform at their best during practice and competition.
The main benefits of a dynamic warm-up include:
- Increased core body temperature and blood circulation
- Enhanced muscle elasticity
- Increased heart rate and respiratory rate
- Increased force and efficiency of muscle contractions
- Increased balance, coordination and flexibility needed for skills
- Reduced likelihood of injury
Traditional means of warming up using static stretching, jogging laps or riding a stationary bike may still be incorporated into a warm-up, but should follow a dynamic warm-up in which their whole body as been taken through its full range of motion with an elevated core temperature.
A comprehensive performance or fitness program should always begin with a 10- to 20-minute dynamic warm-up that progresses from low to high intensity accordingly and includes the components of thermogenic movement, mobility, flexibility, balance and coordination. This will ensure that the athlete is fully prepared for activity or competition and has gone through dynamic movements which will enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury.
It's time to get trained - get coached - get results! MYAS athletes receive a free trial session, 25% off Nike SPARQ testing and 10% off individual training packages. Don't forget to mention MYAS when you register! For more information and to set up your FREE trial session, call 763-390-6622 or visit www.velocitysp.com/champlin.
This article was written by Kacie Groves, Performance Coach, BA Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Certified Personal Training-NIHS. If you have questions, contact Kacie at kacie.groves@velocitysp.com.
Midwest Regional Swim Meet
There is a limited supply of apparel available for sale from the 2009 Midwest Regional Swim Meet. For a complete list (including pictures and prices), please visit the Midwest Regional Swim Meet web page or contact Jessica Christopherson at 763-746-1733 or jessica@myas.org.
Football Rules of the Month
In our ongoing education mission, we would like to highlight three basic high school football rules. The answers appear later in the newsletter (see "In this Issue" for the link). Good luck!
1. Following the snap on a kick try, the linesmen "step down" and interlock feet. What is the ruling?
2. Substitute A1 comes in to replace Player A2. Both are wearing number 88. What is the ruling?
3. Quarterback A1 drops back to pass, but is unable to fnd a receiver and (a) throws the ball to the ground; (b) throws the ball to the ground in an area occupied by only defensive players; or (c) deliberately throws the ball at the legs of onrushing defensive linemen. What is the ruling in each case?
Gopher State Football 7 on 7 Passing League
The inaugural Gopher State Football 7 on 7 Passing League is scheduled to commence this summer. The league is designed for high school football teams. Play will begin the week of June 15 and wrap up the week of July 27. The league will be limited to 12 teams this first year, so don't delay!
Please check the MYAS website for more information, or contact Eric Rathke at 763-746-1730 or eric@myas.org with your questions.
Gopher State Twin Cities Football Championship
The MYAS is looking forward to the 2009 Gopher State Twin Cities Football Championship, and we hope that many of you will be able to participate in the second year of this event. The 2009 Championship will take place in late October and early November.
All of the pertinent information will be available on the football page of the MYAS website in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you have questions please contact Eric Rathke at 763-746-1730 or eric@myas.org.
Good luck in the 2009 football season, and we hope to see you this fall at the Gopher State Twin Cities Football Championship!
Basketball Rules of the Month
In our ongoing education mission, we would like to highlight three basic basketball playing rules. The answers are posted later in the newsletter (see "In this Issue" for the link). Good luck!
1. Player A1 is dribbling near the sideline when Player B1 obtains legal guarding position. B1 stays in the path of A1 but in doing so has (a) one foot touching the sideline or (b) one foot in the air over the out-of-bounds area when A1 contacts B1 in the torso. What is the ruling in each case?
2. Player A1 jumps to try for a goal or to pass the ball. Player B1 leaps or reaches and is able to put his/her hands on the ball and keep A1 from releasing it. A1: (a) returns to the floor with the ball; or (b) is unable to control the ball and it drops to the floor. What is the ruling in each case?
3. Player A1 dunks over Player B1 and then taunts B1. B1 retaliates and punches A1. What is the ruling?
If you have questions about these or other basketball playing rules, please contact Buddy Hemric at 763-746-1717 or buddy@myas.org.
MYAS Gopher State Girls' Spring Basketball
The MYAS would like to congratulate all of our girls' 2009 Gopher State Spring Basketball Champions! For more program information, please visit the Gopher State Spring Basketball web page.
2009 Girls' Champions
11U/5th Grade Division I * Champlin Park * Coach David Foss
11U/5th Grade Division II * MN Hustle * Coach Mark Resnick
12U/6th Grade Division I * MN Thunder - Devine * Coach Mark Rowland
12U/6th Grade Division II * Lady Warriors * Coach Beatrice Dobbins
12U/6th Grade Division III * Northern Lights * Coach Patrick Wilmers
13U/7th Grade Division I * Grand Forks Bomberz * Coach Colin Fennell
13U/7th Grade Division II * Albany Huskies * Coach John Schneider
13U/7th Grade Division III * MN TC Shockers * Coach Darryl Smith
14U/8th Grade Division I * Waconia Wildcats * Coach Bob Dressen
14U/8th Grade Division II * DGF Wildcats * Coach Mike Clark
14U/8th Grade Division III * Wayzata Blue * Coach Jill Close
15U/9th Grade Division II * Buffalo Bison * Coach Scot Sorenson
15U/9th Grade Division III * MDB * Coach Kevin Kelley
16U/10th Grade Division I * Lakes Area Starz * Coach Tim Rice
16U/10th Grade Division II * HoopsTraining.com * Coach Andrew Dahl
17U/11th Grade Division I * SM Magic * Coach John Fisher
17U/11th Grade Division II * Southwest Stars * Coach Doug Kerkhoff
17U/11th Grade Division III * NetMasters * Coach Joe Murry
19U/12th Grade * MN Finishers * Coach Shannon Finis
Basketball Invitational Tournament Books
The MYAS is already receiving flyers for invitational basketball tournaments all across the state, and later this summer we will be compiling the 2009-10 boys' and girls' invitational tournament books.
If you are interested in having your tournament flyers included in the 2009-10 books or if you'd like to purchase your copy of the boys' and/or girls' book, please click here to access all the applicable information and forms.
MYAS Gopher State Prep Showcase
The 2009 MYAS Gopher State Prep Showcase will be held July 18-19 at Lakeville South High School.
New for 2009: We will still have separate small school (A and AA) and large school (AAA and AAAA) championship brackets, but we have added an Open division which will allow summer teams to participate.
Come and compete this summer in the air conditioning at Lakeville South High School in front of college coaches and recruiters. Prep Showcase brochures were mailed to every high school in the state. If you haven't received your brochure or would like further information, please contact Rich Penick at 763-746-1724 or rich@myas.org.
MYAS Gopher State Fall Basketball League
Planning for the 2009 MYAS Gopher State Fall Basketball League is well underway. We are in the process of finalizing the information and plan to post it on the MYAS website in the coming days. Last year's league once again had a tremendous showing with 412 teams, which allowed for very competitive divisions while keeping teams close to home. Thank you to all the participating teams and the host groups that provided the facilities and workforces.
Second Session for High School Teams: In an effort to bridge the gap between the end of the Gopher State Fall Basketball League and the start of the high school season, we have created a Second Session. Now teams have the opportunity to play right up until their tryouts. Players can work on their skills and conditioning and coaches will be able to observe the players in game situations. The Second Session is not a league - your team can play on any or all five of the available dates.
For more information on the Gopher State Fall Basketball League and/or the Second Session, please click here. Info for the 2009 Fall League and Second Session will be posted soon.
MYAS Winter Basketball Jamboree
The 2009 MYAS Winter Basketball Jamboree is for boys' and girls' teams in grades 4-8. The date for the girls' Jamboree is Saturday, November 7 while the boys' event is scheduled for Sunday, November 8. The Jamboree will be held at St. Louis Park High School and Junior High.
The Winter Jamboree was created to provide newly formed traveling basketball teams with an opportunity to play multiple scrimmage games in one day. We had a whopping 96 boys' and girls' teams participate last year, and the 2009 event should prove to be another great weekend of youth basketball!
If you would like more information, please contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
MYAS Gopher State Winter Basketball League
The dates for the 2009-10 MYAS Gopher State Winter Basketball League (formerly the BTBL and GMBL) have been set. League games will be played on December 5 & 19; January 9, 16 & 30 and February 6. The dates for the league playoffs are February 20 & 21.
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.
The league deadline is Friday, November 13. Further information and registration materials will be available in early August. Click on this link to access the Winter League web page and keep checking back for new information in the coming weeks.
Minnesota Sports Medicine Tip
Just a Black Eye or Something More Serious? Eye Health for Athletes
By Mark Alexander, M.D., CAQ
Sports that use a ball, puck, bat, stick or racquet such as baseball, hockey, lacrosse or basketball are considered high-risk sports that may require extra eye protection. When injury does occur, respond quickly for faster recovery and less eye trauma.
As a preventive measure, sports physicals should include a complete eye exam with close attention to any pre-existing ocular disorders such as myopia, surgical aphakia, retinal detachment, past eye surgery or infection, as these conditions increase the risk of serious eye injury. Special care should also be taken if the athlete's family has a history of retinal detachment, retinal tears or diabetic retinopathy.
Blunt injuries occur when the eye is compressed by impact, as from a baseball. If there is only minor bleeding from the eyelid or a black eye, treat the eye with a cold compress to reduce swelling. If the athlete suffers from any of the following, seek immediate care from an ophthalmologist:
- Pupils that are not the same size or shape
- Double vision when gazing at any angle
- Blurred vision
- Spots in the visual field (suggesting a retinal, optic nerve or nervous system injury)
- Hyphema (bleeding beneath the cornea)
Don't patch the eye, as it should be a physician's decision whether or not to patch.
Penetration injuries occur when an object punctures or gets stuck in the eye. Seek emergency medical attention immediately and take the following precautions:
- Stabilize the injured eye by taping an eyecup over the eye (the bottom of a paper cup may also be used)
- Never try to remove an object from the eye
- Never rub or apply pressure to an injured eye
- If the eye is bleeding, avoid blood thinners such as aspirin or ibuprofen
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a highly contagious viral or bacterial infection that should be isolated to prevent spread to the entire team. Viral pink eye, characterized by redness, swelling and a watery discharge, resolves without medication within 7-10 days. Athletes with viral pink eye shouldn't return to play for 3-5 days. Bacterial pink eye may include redness, eye pain, swelling and a yellow or greenish discharge. Players can return to sport 24 hours after the introduction of an antibiotic. Always advise team members to wash hands regularly.
Prevention
Although eye protection may not be required, coaches may recommend it in high-risk sports. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has specified standards for eye protection in moderate- to high-risk sports, such as baseball, basketball, racquet sports, lacrosse and field hockey. A sturdy sports frame (ASTM F803-1) with 3-mm polycarbonate lenses is required for adequate protection. These lenses are impact-resistant, thin and light and offer 100 percent protection against UV radiation. Plain and prescription lenses are available. Contact lenses, sunglasses and traditional glasses are inadequate protection against eye injury.
Return to play is recommended once an injured player has been cleared by a physician and the injured eye is comfortable and vision has returned.
Mark Alexander, M.D., CAQ, is board-certified in family medicine and earned a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in sports medicine. He sees patients at Fairview Hiawatha Clinic in Minneapolis and at Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care in Burnsville. He is a team physician for both Bloomington Jefferson and Kennedy high schools and frequently provides medical coverage for local events including the Twin Cities and Stillwater marathons, USA Cup and Minnesota State High School League events. Dr. Alexander was named to Mpls./St. Paul Magazine's Top Docs in 2007. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 612-721-6261.
Baseball Rules Quiz
In our ongoing education mission, we would like to highlight some basic baseball playing rules. The answers are posted later in the newsletter (see "In this Issue" for the link) Good luck!
1. There are two outs, a runner on 3rd base and no count on the batter. The batter takes ball one as the runner attempts to steal home on the pitch. The batter interferes with the catcher's attempt to tag the runner sliding into home plate. What is the ruling?
2. There is one out, a runner on 3rd base and two strikes on the batter. The runner on 3rd is stealing home when the pitch hits him in the strike zone. Is the runner sent back to 3rd?
3. The bases are loaded with no outs. A pop fly is hit down the 1st baseline. The umpire declares "Infield fly, if fair!" The ball falls untouched into foul territory and then bounces into fair territory and settles in front of the 1st base bag. Is the batter out?
4. There is one out and runners on 1st and 2nd base. The batter smashes a double to left field. The runner from 2nd scores but the runner from 1st is thrown out at the plate. The batter advances to 2nd safely but is declared out on an appeal for missing 1st base. Does the run score?
5. As the runner on 1st is attempting to steal 2nd, the catcher cocks his arm to throw to 2nd and accidentally strikes the umpire's mask. He briefly hesitates, then fires to 2nd in time to nab the runner. Does this out stand?
If you have questions about these or other baseball playing rules, please contact Jeremy Barbe at 763-746-1731 or jbarbe@myas.org.
Gopher State Baseball League
The 2009 version of the Gopher State Baseball League stretches east to west 114 miles and north to south 115 miles, encompassing 58 youth baseball associations. The GSBL, now in its 10th season, is the largest representation of communities that make up a traveling baseball league in the upper Midwest.
The MYAS baseball staff would like to salute each of the six new GSBL member associations, their coaches and the teams that represent them. We would also like to extend a hearty welcome to all first-year coaches as you begin your tenure as a youth traveling baseball coach, and we can't forget to thank the veteran coaches who have been the backbone of the GSBL over the past few years. We believe the experiences and opportunities available to all GSBL participants provide a lifetime of memories.
All pertinent league information is posted on the GSBL web page. Schedules, field maps and standings pages for all divisions of play are available online, as are the league start and end dates, playoff schedules and 2009 rules. Don't miss the opportunity to catch "the best game in town" at a field near you this summer!
Gopher State Spring Training Series Baseball Tournaments
Congratulations to all of our champion teams from the 2009 Gopher State Spring Training Series:
10AA -- New Richmond Tigers
11AAA -- Plymouth/Wayzata Trojans
11AA -- Andover Huskies
12AAA -- St. Cloud Blue Sox
12AA -- Mahtomedi Zephyrs
13AAA -- Chaska Hawks
13AA -- Alexandria Beetles
14AAA -- Forest Lake Rangers
14AA -- Coon Rapids Cardinals
15AAA -- Hopkins/Minnetonka
15AA -- Mahtomedi Zephyrs
The top two teams in each tournament have now earned a berth to the Gopher State Tournament of Champions in July. This year in the 11AAA, 12AAA, 13AAA and 14AAA divisions, teams also qualified for the Global Sports World Series, which is administered through USSSA Baseball. You can find more information about these new events at www.usssabaseball.org. This year's 11U Global Sports World Series is being held in Brooklyn Park on July 22-26. Be sure to check out the USSSA website to get all the latest news and information.
Congratulations to all 85 teams that played in this year's Gopher State Spring Training Series. We look forward to seeing even more teams competing in our early season GSTC qualifiers next year!
Global Sports Baseball - a Division of USSSA Baseball
Global Sports Baseball will offer multiple World Series Qualifiers in the Midwest as well as World Series events in July. Global Sports will provide more teams an opportunity to play in a World Series event within a reasonable driving distance.
USSSA Baseball will hold various 2009 Global Sports World Series regionally, including the 11 & Under event in Brooklyn Park on July 22-26. More information about that tournament will be available very soon. Feel free to log onto www.myas.org or www.usssabaseball.org to gather more information about Global Sports Baseball. Locations for the 10U, 12U, 13U and 14U World Series events are also available.
For more detailed information about this division of USSSA Baseball contact Dawson Blanck, Minnesota USSSA Baseball Director, at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
Global Sports World Series Qualifiers in Minnesota:
10AAA, 11AAA, 12AAA, 13AAA & 14AAA * May 29-31 * Father Hennepin Tournament, Champlin
11AAA * June 12-14 * St. Michael/Albertville Tournament
12AAA & 13AAA * June 26-28 * Mahtomedi Classic
Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions
Qualifying invitationals have officially begun for the Gopher State Tournament of Champions (GSTC), the premier baseball event of the Minnesota Youth Athletic Services. The top two teams from all GSTC qualifiers earn an automatic berth to the tournament. All other teams will earn qualification points toward a possible at-large berth to be determined in late June.
To view the current standings on the GSTC web page, click here and then find the appropriate age and division. All GSTC qualifying tournament results that we have received will be reflected by showing the teams that have earned automatic berths and/or how many points each team has earned to date. Once we receive results with all participating teams listed, we will add those teams to the Points Page if they are not already shown.
Contact the MYAS baseball staff at 763-781-2220 if you have questions regarding how to qualify, or go to the GSTC web page for more information.
2009 GSTC Dates/Sites
10AAA * July 17-19 * Eden Prairie
10AA * July 10-12 * Brooklyn Park
11AAA * July 17-19 * Plymouth/Wayzata
11AA * July 10-12 * Rogers
12AAA * July 17-19 * Inver Grove Heights
12AA *July 10-12 * Mendota Heights
13AAA * July 17-19 * Burnsville
13AA * July 10-12 * Burnsville
14AAA * July 17-19 * Andover/Blaine
14AA * July 17-19 * White Bear Lake
15AAA * July 17-19 * Brainerd
15AA * July 10-12 * Andover
MYAS Rec State Baseball Championship
The MYAS Rec State Baseball Championship is a great way for all in-house/recreational teams to participate in a state tournament! This year's championship is scheduled for July 31-August 2 and will feature five divisions of play and a three-game guarantee. Each tournament is limited to the first 32 teams, so reserve your local in-house/recreational teams a spot in the 2009 Rec State Championship!
Last year's tournament witnessed 112 metro area teams in four different age divisions have a blast while vying for a state title, and we expect even more teams and exciting competition in the 2009 championship.
The Championship brochure is available on the Rec State web page. You may also contact Jeremy Barbe at 763-746-1731 or jbarbe@myas.org for more details on this great event.
For the third year, the Ramada Minneapolis NW (featuring Grand Rios Indoor Water Park) will be the proud sponsor of the Rec State Championship. They will have awesome room rates with water park passes available for your entire team's year end celebration!
Gopher State Elite Baseball Umpire Camp
The second annual Gopher State Elite Umpire Camp is scheduled for August 29, 2009. This camp is for umpires who want to take their game to the next level. Umpires looking for the best training in the upper Midwest are encouraged to attend the Elite Camp. It is designed to allow umpires the opportunity to see live plays by local elite baseball players and to be trained and critiqued by some of the best umpires and instructors in the upper Midwest. All of the instructors are excited about this training opportunity and are dedicated to teaching the up-and-coming umpires of Minnesota.
Student instruction will include philosophy, mental approach and attitude toward baseball, including appearance and equipment. On-field training for the two-person umpiring system will be taught, which includes proper positioning and duties of the plate and base umpires.
New for this camp: Each umpire will receive a DVD of their plate work with live commentary from the instructors at each field. Every umpire will have the opportunity to participate in live games as the plate and base umpire, where you will see the play and make the call. The clinic will utilize batting cages with pitching machines so umpires can receive one on one instruction. It will also cover handling game situations, balks, ejections, etc.
Don't miss out on this excellent opportunity! For more information on the Elite Camp or other Gopher State Umpire Clinics, please contact Jeremy Barbe at 763-746-1731 or jbarbe@myas.org.
Gopher State Fall Baseball League
The Minnesota Youth Athletic Services will hold its 18th annual Gopher State Fall Baseball League on Sundays from September 13 through October 18, 2009. Players may register as individuals, as a group or as an entire team. As in years past, we will offer both Competitive and Recreational leagues. The Fall League will be USSSA sanctioned for insurance purposes, meaning each team will be covered under a USSSA team insurance policy.
The MYAS baseball staff is partnering with the Minnesota Baseball Academy to offer a third division of play for athletes at the 13-18U age levels. This new division will be called the Advanced Fall Baseball League (AFBL). In addition to league play, teams will also compete in a double elimination weekend tournament in the 13U, 14/15U and 16-18U divisions. AFBL teams will be formulated through either Blizzard tryouts conducted by the Minnesota Baseball Academy or via MYAS sign-up. (Players who try out for but don't make a Blizzard team must sign up through the MYAS.) Team standings, statistics and team and individual bios will be posted online to showcase the players in the AFBL.
Please call the MYAS baseball staff at 763-781-2220 or log onto the Fall League web page for more details and answers to all of your questions. Updated information about the 2009 Gopher State Fall Baseball League will be available soon.
MYAS Latest News (as of 5/28/09)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver registration deadline (June 13 event)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Gopher State Baseball League 16-17/19U play begins
Friday, June 5, 2009
Minnesota USSSA 16-17/19U Baseball State Tournament registration deadline
Friday-Sunday, June 5-7, 2009
Minnesota USSSA 10AAA, 11AAA, 14AA & 15AA Baseball State Tournaments
Saturday-Sunday, June 6-7, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational Tournaments
Monday, June 8, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Midwest Border Battle registration deadline (June 20-21 event)
Monday, June 8, 2009
Gopher State 7 on 7 Football Passing League entry deadline (begins June 15)
Friday-Sunday, June 12-14, 2009
Minnesota USSSA 10AA, 11AA, 12AA, 12AAA, 11/12A, 13AA, 14AAA & 15AAA Baseball State Tournaments
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver Tournament
Monday, June 15, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver Tournament registration deadline (June 27 event)
Monday, June 15, 2009
Gopher State 7 on 7 Football Passing League begins
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions preliminary registration deadline
Friday-Sunday, June 19-21, 2009
Minnesota USSSA 10A, 13A & 13AAA Baseball State Tournaments
Saturday-Sunday, June 20-21, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Midwest Border Battle
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Gopher State Baseball League Berth Determination Date (GSTC & USSSA)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions 10-13AA & 15AA registration deadline (July 10-12 event)
Friday-Sunday, June 26-28, 2009
Minnesota USSSA 14/15A, 16U Open & 18/19U Open Baseball State Tournaments
Friday, June 26, 2009
Gopher State Baseball League 10-13U regular season ends
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver Tournament
Monday, June 29, 2009
Gopher State Prep Showcase Basketball Tournament registration deadline (July 18-19 event)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver registration deadline (July 11 event)
MYAS Calendar Updates (as of 5/28/09)
Gopher State Football 7 on 7 High School Passing League
2009 16-17/19 & Under Gopher State Baseball League
2009 14-15 & Under Gopher State Baseball League
2009 10-13 & Under Gopher State Baseball League
Fitz Football Camp - featuring Larry Fitzgerald, Jr.
Are you looking for a basketball team to play on?
Global Sports USSSA Baseball
Insurance - USSSA Basketball
Answers to Football Rules of the Month
The answers below are derived from the National Federation of State High School Associations 2008 Football Rules Book and/or Football Case Book.
1. Legal play. However, prior to the snap only the linemen next to the snapper are permitted to lock legs with the snapper (Case Book 7.2.2 Situation page 48).
2. No violation unless both participate at the same time (Rule Book 1-4-3 page 20 and 7-2-5b page 60; Case Book 7.2.5 Situation C page 79).
3. An illegal forward pass in (a), (b) and (c). Penalize Team A five yards from where the run ended and count the down in each situation (Rule Book 7-5-2b, c, d pages 61-62; Case Book 7.5.2 Situation A page 51).
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), Player B1 is called for a blocking foul because a player may not be out of bounds and obtain or maintain legal guarding position. In (b), Player A1 is called for a player-control foul because Player B2 had obtained and maintained legal guarding position (Rule Book 4-23-2 and 4-23-3a page 34; Case Book 2.23.3 Situation B page 32).
2. A held ball results immediately in (a) and (b) when airborne Player A1 is prevented from releasing the ball to pass or try for a goal (Case Book 4.25.2 Situation page 32).
3. Both Players A1 and B1 are charged with a flagrant technical foul for fighting and are disqualified. A1's action is defined as fighting when the taunting caused B1 to retaliate by fighting (Rule Book 10-3, 10-3-6c and 10-3-8 pages 62 and 63; Case Book 4.18.2 Situation page 27).
If you have questions about these or other basketball playing rules, please contact Buddy Hemric at 763-746-1717 or buddy@myas.org.
Answers to Baseball Rules Quiz
The answers below are derived from the National Federation of State High School Associations 2009 Baseball Rules Book.
1. With two outs, the batter is out for his interference (NFHS 8-3-5c Penalty).
2. No, the run counts, but the batter is called out on strike three and the ball is dead (NFHS base running awards table - One base [runners] #7).
3. Yes, the batter is out. This is an infield fly even though it first touched in foul territory (NFHS 2-19).
4. No run scores. The runner crossed the plate on a play in which the third out occurred before the batter-runner had touched 1st base (NFHS 9-1-1 Exception a).
5. Yes, the out stands. This is considered umpire's interference but is disregarded since the runner was retired. This is considered a delayed-dead ball (NFHS 2-21-2; 5-1-2c).
If you have questions about these or other baseball playing rules, please contact Jeremy Barbe at 763-746-1731 or jbarbe@myas.orgjbarbe@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 Sponsors
MYAS Membership Meetings
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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