 |
Welcome to the October 1, 2010; edition of the MYAS Update
In this Issue
Pass it on
Know anyone who might be interested in our newsletter? Click here to forward this email to up to 5 friends at once.
|
|
|
MYAS Update Info
Our newsletter is designed to provide timely youth sports information to coaches, athletes, parents and administrators. It includes notes from the Executive Director, sport program information, calendar reminders, new service announcements and special events information. Contributions from sponsors assist us in delivering high quality youth sport services at the lowest possible cost and partially fund this newsletter, and certain sponsors will be featured.
Dan's Notes - from Executive Director Dan Klinkhammer
HIGH SCHOOL HEROES
When I was a kid, we didn't have the same access to professional sporting events like we do today. Back in those days, all we had to look forward to was the "Saturday Game of the Week" for baseball fans and the "Sunday Game of the Week" for football and basketball fans. Watching a televised professional game of any sort was a rarity and was something to look forward to all week. Now we have pro and college sports on the tube 24/7 and the novelty of watching these contests isn't nearly as profound as it was in the days of yesteryear. Although I've never seen any actual statistics, I would also venture to bet that America's divorce rate might be tied to the increasing number of televised sports competitions. Perhaps another unintended consequence of progress?
Yep, back in the days of my youth if you needed a "sports fix" you would most likely find yourself going to the local high school games and rooting for your kid, the neighbor's kid, your cousins, your nephews and anyone else who donned a uniform. (There weren't any organized sports for girls yet.) High school sports were king and every grade schooler got to the fall football games early and stayed late just to marvel at their high school heroes. After all, these guys were huge and had hair on their legs and stubble on their chins. They drove cars and had girlfriends. They had deep voices, got to stay out after 10:00pm and some of them wore size 13 shoes. These guys were real men. When the football team took the field it was like a herd of thundering buffalo and I was darn proud to be told to get out of the way. I know this may sound strange, but just the smell of the grass and
sweat was enough to make any sixth grader aspire to be just like them.
Back in those days, very few high school football fields had lights so the games were always played during the daylight hours and were often played on Saturday afternoons. The whole town would show up. Some of the businesses would actually shut down during the game. After all, there weren't going to be any customers anyway and good luck with trying to keep a player's mom or dad at work while their son was doing battle on the football field. Nope - game day was something special and you were basically declared a Nazi if you weren't in attendance. I'm not sure how they did it, but my hometown had a population of 735 and the attendance figures at the football games were in excess of 1,500 people. Okay, I admit they may have counted some of the cattle in the adjoining pasture as spectators but according to our superintendent, every pair of eyes counts!
This weekly football extravaganza was relished by all of us high school football wannabes. We'd arrive early and stand out in the parking lot waiting for our players to arrive, just so we could get close to them and wish them luck. We also wanted to be on hand to taunt and jeer the visiting team when their bus arrived. It was like a "two for one" spectator sale. We actually saw it as our job to give the visiting opponents a tough time. I remember one Saturday afternoon when the hated Cassville Comets came to town. We tossed a handful of grapes at their bus while the team was getting off the bus. That was a mistake. About half the team took off chasing us across the parking lot, through several backyards and down the street a couple of blocks before they broke off the chase. As we hid in the bushes in front of the church, my younger brother made the astute observation that our
guys were "gonna kill 'em today." When asked why he confidently explained, "If they can't catch us, how are they gonna catch any of our backs and receivers?" He had a good point and we had done our job well.
There was no artificial turf back then. All the games were played on real grass and all the players wore rather long, metal tipped spikes. Getting spiked was sort of like wearing a badge of honor. The more blood, the more honor. However, getting spiked was more about how you reacted to it. If you had to come off the field and get medical attention you weren't considered to be a "real football player." The real football players pretended like they didn't even notice that their uniforms were bloodied or that their socks and shoes were sloshing with blood. Yep, the less a player paid attention to their loss of blood and their severe pain, the more endearing they made themselves to us grade school fans.
The collisions on the field were spectacular. The sheer violence of football is like an aphrodisiac for young aspiring male athletes. For whatever reason, it draws us to the game and we can't seem to get enough contact. In many ways football is like "legal battery." Where else can you slam somebody to the ground and not wind up in a police line-up? Where else can you have six guys chase down one guy without someone insinuating that you are part of a gang? Where else can you get a high five for hitting a guy so hard that his "snot bubbles" look like balloons? The allure of high school football to a grade schooler was something like giving a drunk the keys to the tavern.
So what's the purpose of this article? Well, I'm hoping that our high school athletes realize just how much influence they have on those younger wannabes. Oddly enough, I remember being absolutely star struck by my high school heroes when I was a kid but I don't remember giving the 4th, 5th and 6th graders a thought when I was the guy in the high school uniform. I sort of forgot the status and responsibility I had as a player. I sort of forgot that some of those kids looked up to us. I sort of forgot that everyone's perception is their reality. I sort of forgot that we were their local heroes.
High school athletes need to remember that, like it or not, they are role models for the next generation. In my opinion, high school athletes need to remember that playing high school sports is a privilege. Being good at a high school sport is a blessing. And remembering where you came from is essential for your future success.
After that Cassville Comets game, we were all out on the field playing our sandlot version of football when the high school head coach came walking onto the field and asked, "Alright, who threw the grapes at the Comets bus?" We all dropped our heads and started stuttering and stammering, with nobody owning up to the deed. The coach then shouted, "Take a lap as fast as you can!" We all started running around the perimeter of the field as fast as we could and then we came to an exhausted stop right in front of him. "Alright, you first five go home and tell your parents what you did." With a puzzled look, I asked him how he knew that we were the ones who threw the grapes. He replied, "Well, you five finished about 50 yards ahead of everyone else so I figured it must have been you." He smiled and walked away, reminding us that we needed to go home and
tell our parents. I'm pretty sure that the smile was all about the speed he expected to have on his team in the coming years.
MYAS Day at the Water Park of America!
On Sunday, November 14, please join us at the Water Park of America in Bloomington for an afternoon/evening of fun! For just $10 per person, the park will be open from 3:00-8:00pm exclusively for our group.
Last time we did this we sold out weeks before the event. There are still plenty of wristbands available now, but please get your orders in sooner rather than later. We are capping sales at 1,500 people (the park's capacity is over 2,500).
Please click here for the event flyer and feel free to invite everyone you know. We hope to see you there!
Visit the MYAS on Facebook!
We are excited about our new social media opportunity - Facebook! Check it out and "Like" our page to gain access to pictures, program updates and other exciting news.
You must have a Facebook profile to view our page. To get started, go to www.facebook.com and sign up for a free account. If you already have an account, simply login and search for the "MYAS" page.
As our fan base grows, discussion topics can also be added. We look forward to connecting with our participants and families in this new venture! If you have questions about the MYAS Facebook page, please contact Jessica Christopherson at 763-746-1733 or jessica@myas.org.
Borton's Bench Notes
College basketball head coaches wear many, many hats. Mentoring and coaching are just two of them. We choose this profession of teaching and coaching because we all love the game. We are competitive and passionate about coaching games and mentoring the student-athletes.
Being a resource for other various groups of people is another hat we wear. As a resource, one topic that many coaches, parents and players ask us is: "What is your opinion of an athlete playing multiple sports in high school?" That is one of the most-asked questions because parents and the players are getting "lots of advice" on how they need to be specializing in one particular sport in order to get a scholarship.
My advice on this topic is that I support athletes who play more than one sport in high school. I believe it prevents injury and burnout in one particular sport, and it helps the player develop more athleticism. It strengthens different muscles and tendons in the body and prevents chronic overuse. Playing more than one sport is healthy because it expands many different aspects of the athlete's and parents' experience.
Navigating your child's athletic path can be confusing. I would encourage you to use us as a resource. We are the only Division I school in the state and because we are at the elite level of the Big Ten, I have coaches on my staff who are very experienced and knowledgeable of all that you will face. Feel free to contact us with your questions and concerns.
Sports Medicine Tip
Taking Care of Blisters
By Kevin Ronneberg, M.D.
Blisters are common to anyone who participates in sports and/or outdoor activities. Many people accept blisters as the price paid to play, but there are steps you can take to avoid blisters and reduce the risk of infection and pain if you do get one.
Cause
A blister is a bubble of fluid under the outermost layer of skin. While blisters can occur anywhere on your body, they most often occur on the hands and feet. Blisters can be caused by any number of factors: friction between the skin and shoes, equipment, gloves or socks; or excessive moisture that leads to chafing. Each creates the perfect condition for a blister.
Prevention
To prevent blisters you must reduce friction. Appropriate footwear, including right-sized shoes and socks made from synthetic blends, will reduce blister risk. If you develop the telltale "hot spot," make shoe and clothing adjustments as quickly as possible and apply such products as anti-blister or chafing gels to it. Moleskin, a thin cloth barrier applied to the hot spot, may also help. Try to keep hands and feet dry. Take the time to "break in" new shoes and socks; avoid the test drive during competition or an extended activity.
Caring for a Blister
Once you have a blister, your goal is to keep it from getting larger and to avoid an infection. Small blisters can be left alone; most will drain by themselves. Larger blisters may be cleaned with rubbing alcohol or by heat. Do not remove the "lid" or top of the blister. Pad the blister with moleskin "donuts" to prevent continued irritation and to relieve pressure.
If the blister's "lid" does rub off, gently clean the area with soap and water and remove any debris that might lead to an infection. Air-dry or pat the area dry and apply antibiotic ointment to help keep it moist. Cover with a band-aid. You may also consider applying Second Skin, a band-aid-like product that helps promote new skin growth.
Signs of an infection include red streaks leading away from the blister, warm or hot skin around the blister and pus that may drain from it. Treatment can include antibiotic ointment and a visit to your doctor.
About the author
Kevin Ronneberg, M.D., provides non-surgical orthopedic and sports medicine care to patients of all ages at Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care in Wyoming, MN, where he also serves as Medical Director - Clinical Operations. He provides care for a broad spectrum of muscle, bone and joint conditions with the goal to maximize performance, prevent injury and return individuals to sport and daily life activities as quickly as possible.
Dr. Ronneberg is medical director for the Chisago Lakes Triathlon, associate medical director for the Twin Cities Marathon and a member of the medical team for the USA Cup soccer tournament. He is team physician for Forest Lake, Chisago Lakes, North Branch and Centennial High Schools and provides physician coverage for Minnesota State High School League tournaments and local endurance races including running, cross country skiing and triathlons.
At Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care we specialize in muscles, bones and joints. Convenient locations. One number to call. 612-672-7100. fairview.org/fsoc
"Insurance Coach" (J.A. Price Agency - by Bob Blomster)
Insurance for Sports Clubs and/or Training Facilities: Our Success Ratio is Nearly 100%!
Please have your applicable board member email us for a cost indication at sports@japrice.com (or call Bob Blomster directly at 952-253-4311).
Our success over the past few years has been incredible and we owe a huge thank you to everyone at the MYAS, as well as all of our current Minnesota sports clients, for passing on the good word.
IMPORTANT SUGGESTIONS FOR SPORTS CLUBS IN 2010-11
Crime Coverage for Treasurer Embezzlement
In difficult economic times, certain individuals are making very poor decisions all over the country. Just do a simple Google search on "Youth Sports Theft" or "Youth Soccer Theft" and you will see countless examples of thousands of dollars being embezzled by club officials. If anyone wants documentation on controls your club can put in place to help protect club funds, please email us at sports@japrice.com.
Board Members - Protect Your Personal Assets & Liabilities with Directors & Officers Liability
Some individuals will not even serve on various boards unless the organization has done everything they can to protect their personal liabilities. We have seen a large increase in the number of clubs adding Directors & Officers Liability in the past year. (The D&O coverage can also be extended to protect the organization, and board members, for discrimination type lawsuits as well as wrongful termination.)
Do You Have Any Paid Staff Members? Workers Compensation is Required by Law!
Even if you only have one part-time person, workers compensation coverage is required by law. The Minnesota Department of Labor can levy fines up to $1,000 per day, per employee during the time the employee was not covered by workers compensation.
From everyone here at J.A. Price Agency, thank you for the referrals, recommendations and opportunities to serve you and your organizations as your trusted insurance advisors! We hope 2011 will bring even more opportunities to earn your respect for many years to come.
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
sports@japrice.com
Then And Now - by Larry Gallagher
A RARE BUT DEFINITIVE BASEBALL PLAY
Sometimes during a long baseball season of 162 games, there appears to be a play, decision or occurrence that may change the course or end result of that season. Granted, there could be more than one of these during a season, but let's look at a play that ended the game on Sunday, September 5, 2010, between the Texas Rangers and the Minnesota Twins.
In the top of the ninth inning with runners on 2nd and 3rd base and two outs, the Rangers' Vladimir Guerrero hit a single up the middle that Orlando Hudson fielded behind 2nd in short center field. Even with how slowly Guerrero runs, Hudson had no play on him at 1st base. Instead, Hudson tried to get Michael Young back at 3rd base after he had rounded the bag. As Young attempted to stop and return because his 3rd base coach, Dave Anderson, was trying to stop him with his hands up signal, the two may have touched. Camera replays could not definitively show whether they did or not. The umpire, Alfonso Marquez, judged that they did touch and that Anderson aided Young on his return to 3rd base. Marquez called Young out for the assist by Anderson and the game ended on that play.
We can argue until the cows come home about whether or not there was a touch on the play. One of the questions to consider is if they did touch, was it interference or assistance by the coach or not? Again, it was a judgment call by Marquez and since he judged there was a touch that is all that matters on this play.
However, there are other questions to consider regarding this play besides whether or not they touched and whether or not it is considered assisting the runner. One question is whether or not the run in front of Young scores. The game score was 6-4 at the time of Guererro's at-bat. The runner from 3rd had not touched home plate at the time of the touch. Should the run count or not? This ends up being a time play at the moment of the assistance and because there was a play on the runner rounding 3rd, there should not be any run scoring on the play. The score of the Twins-Rangers game is in the record book as 6-5 but if you truly revisit the play, it should be 6-4 because the runner who began at 3rd base did not score by the time of the interference at 3rd.
Let's take a look at the history of the rule, how it reads today and its interpretation in professional baseball. The rule was instituted in 1914 to prevent 3rd base coaches from helping their runners return or advance on the bases. The rule change made it illegal for a 3rd base coach to touch a runner at 3rd or one who was rounding 3rd base and heading to home plate. The assisted runner was to be declared out. The rule was amended in 1920 to define coach's interference as any touching or holding which physically assisted the runner in either returning to or leaving 3rd base. If no play was being made on the runner, however, no penalty was invoked. In 1949, the same restrictions were put in place for the 1st base coach.
Now let's look at how the rule is interpreted in professional baseball. "Physically assisting implies the coach did something by touching the runner which improved the runner's chances of accomplishing his goal as a runner." So touching in and of itself does not constitute physically assisting. The umpire must be convinced that the runner is trying to get back to the base or is trying to advance with a sense of urgency.
When a play is being made on the assisted runner, the umpire should call "Time!" and enforce the penalty. The runner is out and all runners return to the base occupied at the time of the interference (assistance).
If no play is being made on the assisted runner, the umpire should signal that the runner is out and allow the ball to remain alive. This enforcement principle allows the defensive team to make plays on other runners, if possible. It is also consistent with other enforcement principles in the Official Baseball Rules in which you have a "delayed dead ball" (i.e. 7.06(b) obstruction with no play being made on the obstructed runner and 7.08(h) runner declared out for passing a preceding runner).
The rule as it reads in today's OBR book is as follows: "7.09(h) It is interference by a batter or runner when, in the judgment of the umpire, the base coach at 3rd base, or 1st base, by touching or holding the runner, physically assists him in returning to or leaving 3rd base or 1st base."
I have had two game situations in my lifetime where I had to determine this play. One was at 3rd base and the other was at 1st base.
Play #1 was during a Section 6AA high school game at Siebert Field (when there were just two different classes). Cooper was playing someone that I don't recall. Ken Staples was the Cooper coach at 3rd base. A runner from 2nd rounded 3rd base and Ken stopped him from advancing by touching and pushing him back to 3rd. Since there was no play on the runner, I kept the ball alive. At the end of the play, I called the runner out with only slight reaction from Coach Staples. This ended the inning as it did in the Twins game, but without any runner scoring ahead of the play.
Play #2
was during a Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins game in 1979 on a cold evening at Metropolitan Stadium. I was the plate umpire for the game. The Twins' Glenn Adams hit a solo home run in the 7th inning of the game. For some reason, he thought the umpire signaled a catch of the ball and he started coming back toward the dugout. The 1st base coach put up a stop sign and the two almost touched. They did not, but they were very close. My umpiring partner, Darrel Cousins, did not see any touch and neither did I. Neither of us signaled or did anything and no one from the Tigers said anything. After the game, a newspaper man (I can't recall who it was but it may have been Tom Briere) came to the umpire's dressing room and asked us about the play. Darrel and I both responded that there had been no touching at all. In the paper the next day, we were both hung out to dry by the writer.
So those are my two stories about this rule. As you can see, whenever it ends up in the limelight something funky is going to happen. This is the type of play that only rarely occurs and when it does, it will almost always result in a controversial decision no matter which way the umpire judges it.
Because the Twins and Rangers have already clinched their divisions, the Young/Anderson play won't even be mentioned. But had either division's standings come down to one or two games, you can be sure that the media would have jumped all over this call and blown it up big.
By the way, there was never any mention during, after or since that the run from 3rd should not have scored. Imagine if the run in front of this out would have been the sixth (tying) run in the game; if they had counted it, imagine how much turmoil would have ensued. (And remember - the score should be in the record books as 6-4, not 6-5.)
Next month, I will probably be spending some time with football again. Later on, I will be discussing girls' basketball history in Minnesota.
Gopher State Volleyball Fall Championships
Registration is now open for the fourth annual Gopher State Volleyball Fall Championships on November 7, 2010. This event is a great opportunity for your team to play against the "best of the best" and to finish the season with a first class tournament!
We are excited to announce that this year's event will be held at Centennial Middle School. The facility is excellent and the Centennial program has supported Gopher State Volleyball for a long time.
Don't miss out on your chance to compete for a championship! For more information, please visit the Gopher State Volleyball web page or contact Jessica Christopherson at 763-746-1733 or jessica@myas.org.
MYAS Gopher State Wrestling
The MYAS Gopher State Wrestling Championship has earned the reputation of being the toughest and best run tournament in Minnesota. In 2010 we had 988 registered wrestlers. The tournament has drawn wrestlers from Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Louisiana, Michigan and California. Wrestlers from all states are eligible to participate in all Gopher State wrestling events.
The 2011 Gopher State Championship is scheduled for February 12-13. The tournament will once again be held at Monticello High School, which is quite possibly the best wrestling facility in the state.
The Gopher State Wrestling program has seen tremendous growth since its inception in 2002. We thank you for your participation and look forward to another great season. To access more information, please click on the appropriate link below. You may also contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
Gopher State Wrestling Championships
Gopher State K-6 Team Tournament
Youth Day with the Gophers (info for 2011 will be available soon)
Midwest Regional Swim Meet
The 2011 Midwest Regional Swim Meet will be held on the weekend of April 2-3 at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center.
We are working on some exciting new events and will have the entry packet available soon. The qualifying times are available now on the Midwest Regional web page.
The 2010 meet was one of the best in our program history and we are looking forward to carrying that over to the 2011 Midwest Regional Swim Meet. For more information, please visit the MRSM web page or contact Jessica Christopherson at jessica@myas.org.
Football Rules of the Month
In our ongoing education mission, we would like to highlight three basic high school football rules. The answers appear later in the newsletter (see "In this Issue" for the link).
1. Player A11 is running a deep post pattern and Player B11: (a) contacts A11 knocking him off his intended path or (b) grabs A11's jersey. In both situations, the pass has already crossed the neutral zone and the pass is clearly away from the intended receiver. What is the ruling in each case?
2. Player A11 runs straight up the field and after the ball has left the passer's hand, Player B9 illegally blocks A11 and throws him off his pattern. The pass is completed to Player A10 who was clearly on the opposite side of the field. What is the ruling?
3. Before Player A1 throws a pass beyond the neutral zone, Player A2 contacts lineman B1 on his line and drives him back 4 yards. What is the ruling?
2010-11 BasketCases Reduction Project
By Dan Klinkhammer, MYAS Executive Director
An Educational Opportunity Your Youth Basketball Association Shouldn't Pass Up
Most of you remember the ugly assault in a Twin Cities suburb last winter when an irate youth basketball parent sucker-punched the commissioner of a sixth grade in-house basketball program following a close game. The victim suffered a concussion and dental damage, while the perpetrator was charged with four criminal counts, including two felonies.
Did it surprise me that violence could escalate to such an alarming rate at a youth basketball game? Unfortunately not. I am well aware how passionate parents and coaches are about youth sports. Due to this major investment of time and money, there are always issues percolating just below the surface in most communities in every sport. At the MYAS, we hear about everything you can imagine: "The referees were terrible." "The other team used an illegal player." "The opposing coach yelled at my players." "This team was sandbagging and shouldn't be in the B division." And so on, and so on. It seemingly will never end.
A couple of years ago in this newsletter, I wrote about a book by Derek Wolden, one of our local referees who continues to officiate MYAS youth basketball games despite his ascension up the college ranks. Derek wrote the book "BasketCases: How Youth Basketball Parents Can Lower Their Blood Pressure and Keep Their Sanity." To my knowledge, BasketCases, a 2009 National Indie Excellence Award finalist, continues to be the only book of its kind in the country written by a basketball official hoping to improve the youth basketball experience.
I read this book while sitting in my deer stand during hunting season and the entire time I kept thinking, "Why didn't somebody write this sooner? The book should be required reading for every coach and parent before their kids hit the court." Derek does a great job of explaining the rules and, more importantly, he explains how and why officials administer the rules the way that they do. If making BasketCases required reading for your coaches and parents will make for a more enjoyable and understandable season, then do it.
Considering the assault I mentioned earlier and other less violent but nonetheless disturbing incidents that never make the newspaper, I want to make an emphasis this year to collectively improve behavior on basketball courts around the state. I know that reading BasketCases is a great first step in improving the youth basketball experience. Education is a powerful tool. We spend so much time and money teaching our kids to play basketball. Why don't we make a small investment to teach our parents and coaches how to enjoy the experience? Not only is BasketCases educational, it's very entertaining.
Derek has agreed to make BasketCases (regularly $20) available to traveling and in-house basketball associations through the MYAS for just $10 per book (minimum order of 20). I strongly encourage you, as leaders of your association, to set aside some dollars and put this book into the hands of your coaches and parents. If you are interested in purchasing copies of BasketCases, please email our Marketing Director, Dan Craighead, at dc@myas.org by November 30 to take advantage of this special offer. Sample chapters and numerous testimonials are available at www.basketcasesbook.com.
In partnership with the MYAS, Derek is also making a generous donation to improve the youth basketball experience. In what we are calling the 2010-11 BasketCase Reduction Project, we will give away one book to every family in two youth basketball organizations - one traveling and one in-house. The caveats are that the organizations must be nonprofits (which most associations are), and we are capping the number of books to 125 per organization/association.
If you are interested in participating in the BasketCase Reduction Project, simply have a board member of your association send an email with your association's name and number of families to derekwolden@basketcasesbook.com by October 20. The winning organizations will be announced in the next issue of the MYAS Update. (Note: Associations who want to purchase copies of the book are encouraged to enter. If they win, they will obviously not be billed.)
2010-11 Basketball Invitational Tournament Books
Copies of the 2010-11 MYAS girls' and boys' basketball invitational tournament books are still available!
Included in the books are flyers for more than 200 girls' and boys' invitational tournaments throughout the metro area and greater Minnesota. The books also feature the latest information on MYAS fall and winter basketball programs, as well as important information from a number of our generous sponsors.
If you would like to order one or more copies of the 2010-11 tournament books, please click here to download the order form.
MYAS Gopher State Fall Basketball League
The 2010 MYAS Gopher State Fall Basketball League is at the halfway point, and we have had nearly 400 teams in grades 4-12 compete on the September 19 and 26 play dates. Teams will wrap up league play with games on October 3 and 10. Schedules and game scores can be found on the Fall League portion of the MYAS website.
We have also added a tournament on the weekend of October 16-17. The 2010 Gopher State Fall Classic will be open to all teams, regardless of whether or not they played in the Gopher State Fall Basketball League.
Second Session for High School Teams: In an effort to bridge the gap between the end of the Gopher State Fall Basketball League and the start of the high school season, we have created a Second Session. Now teams have the opportunity to play right up until their tryouts. Players can work on their skills and conditioning and coaches will be able to observe the players in game situations. The Second Session is not a league - your team can play on any or all five of the available dates in October and November.
For more information on the Gopher State Fall Basketball League and/or the Second Session, please click here. You may also contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org with your questions.
MYAS Basketball Tournament Scheduling Services
The MYAS wants to help your basketball organization. We have put together a Tournament Scheduling Service package to make coordinating your event much easier. Our educated and trained staff has experienced the ins and outs of event planning. Let our expertise help you!
For just $3.00 per team, the MYAS will complete your tournament schedules and post them online and will provide you with a copy of the schedules, brackets to post at your site(s), score sheets for every game and many other valuable services. We are also working on the possibility of providing tournament directors with remote website access so they can update scores/schedules during their tournament.
What follows is a testimonial from Layne Skoyen, director of the Hastings Spiral Classic Basketball Tournament:
"As a volunteer with our Hastings Basketball Booster organization, it is very difficult to devote the time needed to coordinate a successful annual tournament. Jeremy (Innes) at MYAS took many of the headaches away with their tournament service program which provides a website, bracketing, printing of forms, etc. This year was a breeze compared to last year - very few emails or calls. MYAS is so easy to work with and very responsive to any questions or concerns. I would highly recommend this program to any Director that feels overwhelmed by the details and pressure of hosting a successful basketball tournament."
If you would like more information about the MYAS Basketball Tournament Scheduling Services, please click here or contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
MYAS "Travel Lite" Basketball Programs - Save Time & Money
The MYAS staff often hears from coaches and parents who are commenting on how basketball tournaments consume an entire weekend. In an effort to give back some of that time to families, we have branded some of our events as MYAS "Travel Lite."
Benefits of Travel Lite include saving time and saving money on admission fees, concessions, travel and lodging.
MYAS Travel Lite programs include the Winter Jamboree, Super Saver Tournaments and the Gopher State Winter Basketball League.
For more information on MYAS Travel Lite, you may contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org with your questions.
MYAS Winter Basketball Jamboree
The MYAS Winter Basketball Jamboree was created to provide newly formed traveling basketball teams with an opportunity to play multiple scrimmage games in one day. We had a whopping 96 boys' and girls' teams participate in the inaugural event, and the 2010 Jamboree should feature another great day of youth basketball!
The Winter Jamboree is for boys' and girls' teams in grades 4-8. This year's event will be held on Saturday, October 30 at the Bloomington Jefferson HS/Activity Center, where there are seven full-sized wood courts under one roof! The entry fee is $125 per team and all teams will play three scrimmage games throughout the day.
Please click here to download the Winter Jamboree entry form. If you would like more information in the meantime, please contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
MYAS Winter Basketball Tournaments and Leagues
The 2010-11 MYAS winter basketball calendar is being continuously updated and is nearly complete.
We will once again offer the Gopher State Winter Basketball League, Gopher State Invitational Tournaments and MYAS Super Saver Tournaments. There is sure to be an event that fits every team's schedule.
For more information about MYAS winter basketball events, please click here and then scroll down to the winter section of the page. You may also contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
MYAS Grade State Basketball Championships
The MYAS is looking forward with great anticipation to the 2011 Grade State Basketball Championships. The 2010 event was a record setting one in terms of numbers of teams, and we hope that many of you will be able to participate next March.
Even though the 2011 Championships are on the distant horizon, we are already gearing up for another phenomenal state tournament. Next spring's event will take place on March 5-6 (girls) and March 12-13 (boys). All of the pertinent information is available on the Grade State web page. We hope to see you in March for another exciting wrap-up to the winter basketball season!
Note to Coaches: Once your Grade State team is determined, please go to the MYAS website and complete your online roster via the Coaches Control Center (link is on the home page). Once your roster is complete, you will see which players still need age and/or grade verification. By doing so, you will save a lot of time and unnecessary paperwork in the long run.
If you have any questions, please contact Eric Rathke at 763-746-1730 or eric@myas.org.
MYAS Rec State Basketball Championships
Mark your calendars now for the 2011 MYAS Rec State Basketball Championships! The tournament is scheduled for March 19-20, 2011 in Cottage Grove, Osseo, St. Louis Park and St. Paul and at the beautiful Colin Powell Center in Minneapolis.
The Rec State Championships are held for boys' and girls' teams in grades 4-12 that participate in a city park and recreation, community education or in-house program. Teams in grades 10-12 that participate in an in-house program or a high school intramural program are eligible to participate.
Detailed information and registration materials will be available on the Rec State web page by the end of October. In the meantime, please contact Kevin Wilson at 763-746-1712 or kevin@myas.org for more information.
Basketball Rules of the Month
In our ongoing education mission, we would like to highlight three basic high school basketball rules. The answers appear later in the newsletter (see "In this Issue" for the link).
1. Player A1 receives the ball with both feet off the floor and he/she lands simultaneously on both feet without establishing a pivot foot. A1 then jumps off both feet in an attempt to try for a goal, but realizing the shot may be blocked, A1 drops the ball to the floor and dribbles. What is the ruling?
2. Player A1 receives a pass and establishes the right foot as the pivot. While faking a pass or try, A1 lifts the pivot foot and stands on the left foot alone while undecided as to what to do. Has A1 traveled?
3. (a) Player A1 tosses the ball from one hand to the other while keeping his/her pivot foot in contact with the floor; or (b) A1 throws the ball over the head of Player B1 and takes several steps before catching it. What is the ruling in each case?
GSTC Champions Get Their Rings!
All 17 of our GSTC championship teams were represented at beautiful Target Field on Saturday, September 18 when all of the players were awarded their Josten's rings. The ceremony began with the teams having the great opportunity to walk down on the new stadium grass.
Each GSTC team was then recognized with a brief story of their team and season, while their customized rings were presented to them by representatives of the MYAS staff. A select group of players even got to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" with TC during the 7th inning stretch!
We would like to once again thank all 17 teams for their participation in this very exciting day. We look forward to seeing all the teams in GSTC qualifiers next spring and summer, when they will begin their bids for a repeat championship in 2011!
Gopher State Baseball League Advisory Committee Meeting
The MYAS baseball staff is proud of the reputation the Gopher State Baseball League (GSBL) has gained around the youth baseball community over the past decade. We feel the reason for increased interest in the league is the valuable input we receive from our participants, which allows us to enhance the league each year. Each off-season, we hold an Advisory Committee Meeting to wrap up the previous season and discuss the upcoming GSBL campaign.
The GSBL coaches, association presidents and travel directors govern the league through their involvement on the Advisory Committee. Each association receives voting rights based upon its number of participating teams. All coaches, association presidents and travel directors are invited to attend the meeting. It is important that all coaches are in attendance to that we can continue to receive that valuable input from our participants in order to enhance the league.
The 2010 GSBL Advisory Committee Meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 13 at 6:30pm, and is tentatively scheduled to be held at the Ramada Mpls. NW. Please log onto the GSBL web page to verify location and details. All 2010 GSBL coaches, association presidents and travel directors will also receive an electronic invitation to this meeting.
If your community currently does not participate in the GSBL and would like to receive more information about the league or set up a time for the MYAS baseball staff to meet with your association's board of directors, please do not hesitate to contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
Gopher State Fall Baseball League
The Gopher State Fall Baseball League is in full swing with three action-packed weeks of play already in the books. The season finale of the league will be October 10, after which all teams will have completed their fifth week of competition.
This year's Fall League is comprised of 292 eager teams that were all looking to play a little more baseball after a long summer season and family vacations. We are proud to announce that the 19th edition of the league is the largest in its history with more than 3,500 participants.
The Gopher State Fall Baseball League is designed to be a relaxed and fun but still competitive atmosphere for teams to play the sport they love into October. It's also a great avenue to get ahead for next year's tryouts and get used to any new rules and regulations that may come into play next season.
We want to wish the best of luck to all the teams in the next couple of weeks and send them another sincere thank you for participating in the Fall League! You can follow all of the league results on the Fall Baseball League web page.
Gopher State Winter Baseball Camps
We are looking forward to another great winter of fun and instruction with the Gopher State Winter Baseball Camps. The MYAS baseball staff is currently researching dates and sites for the 2010-11 training season, and all dates should be confirmed by the end of October.
Joining us again this season to provide the best instruction on pitching, hitting and fielding will be representatives of the Minnesota Baseball Academy and Lovdahl Pitching Development.
Please stay up to date with the latest information on the Winter BaseballCamp portion of the MYAS website or by contacting Jeremy Barbe at 763-746-1731 or jbarbe@myas.org.
2011 Baseball Tournament Listings Page
Attention 2011 Baseball Tournament Directors!
The 2011 youth baseball tournament listings will be available on the MYAS website by October 15, 2010. The MYAS baseball staff will be sending out a reminder email in the next two weeks to the directors we have from last season. If you are a new tournament director or are no longer the tournament director for your community, please contact us so that we can keep our distribution list accurate.
Teams are signing up for tournaments earlier every year, so make sure to get your 2011 tournaments on the calendar as soon as possible. Don't hesitate to contact the MYAS baseball staff (Tony Groff, Dawson Blanck or Jeremy Barbe) with any questions regarding the tournament listing process.
Site Selection for MYAS/Gopher State Baseball Tournaments
Applications are being accepted from any association/community that is interested in hosting an MYAS/Gopher State baseball tournament or event in 2011. Hosting an MYAS/Gopher State tournament in May, June or July is a great fundraiser for your association and attracts a large number of quality baseball teams into your community.
The list below includes the necessary requirements the MYAS baseball staff considers when selecting our hosts.
- Quality of fields
- Past history and past performance in running MYAS/Gopher State tournaments
- Volunteer staff
If your association/community is interested in applying for a 2011 MYAS/Gopher State baseball tournament, please contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
2011 Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions
Listed below are the tentative dates for the 2011 Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions.
July 15-17, 2011: 10AA, 11AA, 12AA, 13AA, 15AA
July 22-24, 2011: 10AAA, 11AAA, 12AAA, 13AAA, 14AAA, 14AA, 15AAA
Our "A" tournament dates will be available no later than November. Please keep checking the MYAS website for more details on the 2011 Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions.
MYAS Baseball Staff to Set Up Informational Meetings
The MYAS/Gopher State baseball staff is currently setting up meetings for associations that would like to receive more information about and learn how their teams can participate in our comprehensive baseball program.
If you would like to set up an MYAS/Gopher State informational meeting between our baseball staff and your youth baseball association board of directors, please do not hesitate to contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
MYAS Latest News (as of 9/30/10)
MYAS Night at the Water Park of America - November 14
Fall Basketball Openings
Washburn Games - Sunday, October 3
Gopher State Fall Baseball League Schedules
Visit us on Facebook!
Basketball Invitational Tournament Books Now Available
Are you looking for a basketball team to play on?
Let the MYAS Schedule Your Basketball Tournament - Just $3 Per Team
MYAS Introduces Travel Lite Basketball Events
MYAS Guidelines for Winter Basketball
Insurance - USSSA Basketball
Valleyfair Discount Tickets Available - save $9.99 per person!
MYAS Calendar (as of 9/30/10)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Gopher State Fall Basketball League play date; various grades/divisions & sites
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Gopher State Fall Baseball League play date; various ages/grades/divisions & sites
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Gopher State Fall Classic Basketball Tournament entry deadline (held Oct. 16 - girls & Oct. 17 - boys)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
MYAS Basketball Officials' Clinic; 7:00pm; Sunrise Middle School, White Bear Lake
Saturday, October 9, 2010
2nd Annual MYAS/Star Bar Golf Tournament; Columbia Golf Course
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Gopher State Fall Basketball League play date; various grades/divisions & sites
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Gopher State Fall Baseball League play date; various ages/grades/divisions & sites
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Gopher State Fall Basketball Second Session entry deadline (Oct. 24 play date)
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Gopher State Fall Classic Girls Basketball Tournament; various grades/divisions & sites
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Gopher State Fall Classic Boys Basketball Tournament; various grades/divisions & sites
Monday, October 18, 2010
MYAS Winter Basketball Jamboree entry deadline (held Oct. 30)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Gopher State Fall Basketball Second Session entry deadline (Oct. 31 play date)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Gopher State Fall Basketball Second Session play date; various grades/divisions & sites
Monday, October 25, 2010
Gopher State Volleyball Fall Championships entry deadline (held Nov. 7)
Monday, October 25, 2010
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament entry deadline (held Nov. 6)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Gopher State Fall Basketball Second Session Tip Off Tournament entry deadline (held Nov. 6 - girls & Nov. 7 - boys)
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
MYAS Basketball Officials' Clinic; 7:00pm; Watertown Middle School
Saturday, October 30, 2010
MYAS Winter Basketball Jamboree; various grades/divisions; Bloomington Jefferson HS Activity Center
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Gopher State Fall Basketball Second Session play date; various grades/divisions & sites
Answers to Football Rules of the Month
The answers below are derived from the most recent edition of the National Federation of State High School Associations Football Rules Book and/or Football Case Book.
1. In (a) there is no foul for pass interference, and in (b) there is a foul for illegal holding (Case Book 7.5.11 Situation A page 58).
2. There is no pass interference call on B9. However, a flag should have been dropped for the illegal block (Case Book 7.5.11 Situation B page 58).
3. Offensive pass interference by A2 because he has driven B1 beyond the expanded neutral zone (Case Book 7.5.12 Situation B page 58).
Answers to Basketball Rules of the Month
The answers below are derived from the most recent edition of the National Federation of State High School Associations Basketball Rules Book, Basketball Case Book and/or Rules by Topic publication.
1. A1 has traveled as one foot must be considered to be the pivot and must be on the floor when the ball is released to start a dribble. The fact that no pivot foot had been established does not alter this ruling (Case Book 4.44.3 Situation B page 37).
2. No. Traveling would occur only if A1 begins a dribble or returns the pivot foot to the floor. While in this position A1 may pass, try for a goal or call a time-out (Case Book 4.44.3 Situation C pages 37-38).
3. Legal in (a), but a traveling violation in (b). In (b), since the ball did not touch the floor, the tossing and subsequent catch is illegal (Case Book 4.44.3 Situation D page 38).
If you have questions about these or other basketball playing rules, please contact Buddy Hemric at 763-746-1717 or buddy@myas.org.
Important Association Services That Work!
The Minnesota Youth Athletic Services offers three important services:
1. Association and Player Sports Accident Insurance Coverage
Association liability and player accident insurance are always concerns for youth sports organizations in our increasingly litigious society. Some associations spend a lot of money and others go into denial and “run naked” without even minimal liability coverage for their members. Yet if insurance is not obtained, the personal assets of the individuals running the association may be at risk. Many sports facility managers, especially municipalities and schools, will not permit the use of their property or facilities unless it can be demonstrated that youth sports associations are covered under an insurance policy. Without insurance, the opportunity for young athletes to compete in organized sports programs may be substantially limited.
The MYAS has partnered with J.A. Price Agency, an insurance company which has access to dozens of other insurance companies and can handle any type of business or personal insurance needs that your association/board of directors may require. The insurance provides options for all types of needs within your association/community. This coverage is an advantage no amateur sports organization should be without!
Examples of coverage include but are not limited to:
- General Liability
- Sexual Misconduct
- Participant Accident
- Directors & Officers Liability
- Crime/Embezzlement
- Automobile
- Umbrella
- Workers' Compensation
General insurance questions should be directed to Bob Blomster at 952-253-4311 or bob.blomster@japrice.com.
2. Criminal Background Checks
How do we protect our children? Reports of sexual predators and child abuse involving the clergy, day care workers and youth volunteers are all too familiar. Unfortunately, this includes a disturbing number of youth sport coaches who have a history of incidents of sexual misconduct and/or violence. This is a complex issue and many youth sports organizations are unclear about what to do or how to approach this threat, yet they must take proactive steps to prevent their children from becoming innocent victims. Don’t put your children at risk!
In addition, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that $50 billion is lost annually due to employee theft and fraud. Youth sports associations must protect themselves from this threat as well. Don’t put your association at risk!
Fortunately, youth sports associations now have a simple and inexpensive tool to avoid some of society’s worst fears. The MYAS, with its partner Trusted Employees, has designed a criminal background check system that offers three affordable options to youth sports associations. Trusted Employees, a local Twin Cities company, incorporates a “user-friendly” process combined with flexible information delivery to make this system easy and inexpensive for your organization. For more information, please contact Mike DeWane at 952-393-1929 or mike@myas.org.
3. Coaching Education Program
The MYAS has partnered with the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) to offer youth sport associations and their coaches the Coaching Youth Sport education program designed specifically for youth coaches. It provides coaches with a solid foundation in coaching principles, sport first aid and sport-specific techniques and tactics. These courses are available for baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball and wrestling and can be delivered in the classroom or online. For more information, please contact Mike DeWane at 952-393-1929 or mike@myas.org.
MYAS Sponsors
MYAS Membership Meetings
MYAS membership meetings are held at our offices (4111 Central Avenue NE; Columbia Heights, MN 55421) on the last Tuesday of each month at 9:00am (unless notified otherwise). All MYAS members are welcome to attend.
|
|
