MYAS Newsletter Template

Youth Sports Done Right

May 27, 2011

Welcome to the May 27, 2011; edition of the MYAS Update

In this Issue

	MYAS Update Info
	Dan's Notes - from Executive Director Dan Klinkhammer
	Upcoming MYAS Event Registration Deadlines
	Visit the MYAS on Facebook!
	Borton's Bench Notes
	Sports Medicine Tip
	Then and Now - by Larry Gallagher
	MYAS Basketball Tournament Scheduling Services
	2011-12 Basketball Invitational Tournament Books
	Gopher State Spring Basketball Update
	Gopher State Basketball Spring Championship Results
	Gopher State Basketball Summer Prep Series
	2011 MYAS/Gopher State Fall Basketball League
	Basketball Rules of the Month
	Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions Standings
	USSSA/Gopher State Baseball Mid-Summer Classic
	Gopher State Baseball League All-Star Series
	MYAS Rec State Baseball Championships
	Gopher State Baseball August Competitive League
	USSSA/Gopher State Fall Baseball League
	MYAS Latest News (as of 5/26/11)
	MYAS Calendar (as of 5/26/11)
	Answers to Basketball Rules of the Month
	Important Association Services That Work!
	MYAS Sponsors
	MYAS Membership Meetings

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MYAS Update Info

Our newsletter is designed to provide timely youth sports information to coaches, athletes, parents and administrators. It includes notes from the Executive Director, sport program information, calendar reminders, new service announcements and special events information. Contributions from sponsors assist us in delivering high quality youth sport services and events at the lowest possible cost and partially fund this newsletter, and certain sponsors will be featured from time to time.

Dan's Notes - from Executive Director Dan Klinkhammer

COALITIONS MOVE FORWARD

Last August we revealed our plan to assist the youth basketball organizations in Minneapolis and St. Paul by creating the Minneapolis and St. Paul Basketball Coalitions. In September we published the exact same information in this newsletter. We spent the rest of last fall talking to as many inner-city club directors as possible. Then in January of this year we invited every known inner-city youth basketball organization to an informational meeting where we passed out Coalition applications to everyone in attendance.

On Wednesday, May 25 we held the "First Step Meeting" for the organizations that have been accepted as Coalition members for their respective communities. In my opinion, there is a tremendous amount of work to be done as we move forward but we are very optimistic about the direction in which we are headed.

Why is this information important to the rest of the state? Well, for the 20+ years that the MYAS has been in existence, Minneapolis and St. Paul were the only cities (of significant size) in Minnesota that have not had bona fide youth basketball organizations to service their communities. There were and are a number of legitimate organizations coordinating traveling basketball in the inner cities, but there have also been a lot of individuals who have coordinated "independent" travel teams in the inner cities. Our overall experience with some of those independent teams has not been a positive scenario.

We don't have time or space to go into all of the details, so I'll just say that we have been experiencing the 90/10 rule for quite some time - we have been spending 90% of our time on 10% of our customers. We grew weary of spending so much time on so few and we also grew tired of hearing complaints from other youth basketball associations that we weren't holding everyone to the same standards. We are hoping that this Coalition effort will address both concerns. We also hope it will go a long way toward leveling the playing field and, more importantly, we have high hopes that we will eventually see more kids in Minneapolis and St. Paul having the opportunity to play traveling basketball. We'll see...

This month's column is actually aimed at all of the legitimate youth basketball associations out there. I grew up as a farm kid in southern Wisconsin, so I don't know what it's like to be a kid growing up in the inner city. When I moved from Winona to the Twin Cities in 1989, I was totally ignorant of the huge differences between the inner cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and the rest of the state. I thought that there was no reason why everybody couldn't function in the same manner and enjoy the same success. Believe me when I say that my eyes have been opened.

I have great respect for all of the volunteers who serve their local youth athletic associations as board members, officers, travel directors, coaches, concession volunteers, etc. But I'm developing an even deeper respect for the volunteers who are attempting to do those same jobs in the inner city. I am finding out that their roads are longer and their hurdles are higher.

For those of us who live in the suburbs and greater Minnesota, we still have that deep sense of neighborhood and community. For a variety of reasons (open enrollment, closing of schools, busing, diminishing student populations, etc.), the inner cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have more difficulty in maintaining their sense of neighborhood, community and school pride. Part of the problem is that both communities are so large and so diverse in their social and economic make-up that it's difficult to get everyone on the same page. And it's very difficult to find a dedicated group of volunteers who are willing (and able) to take on the task of coordinating such a large-scale program. I often hear from a lot of volunteers running the suburban associations that it is so difficult to run a volunteer youth sports organization in a community with a population of 40,000 people. If the task is difficult in those situations, imagine how difficult it is when you are trying to do it for 200,000 or 300,000 or 400,000 people. Get my drift?

The goal of the Minneapolis Coalition and the St. Paul Coalition is very simple, but it has a lot of complicated pieces. We want more kids playing and we want the bona fide youth sport organizations in those communities to do a better job of conducting their programs. We are firm believers that things will change for the better much faster if we all work together. We are going to do everything we possibly can to achieve that goal and we are asking all of you to assist with our efforts. There is a benefit in this for everyone.

How can you help? In order to break down some of the barriers, we need both sides to be willing to cross the line. As we develop this Coalition effort, we are going to need the suburban and outstate communities to jump on this bandwagon and open your minds and your arms to the inner-city Coalition teams that will be created for this upcoming 2011-12 winter season. Accept them into your invitational tournaments and then go play in their fund raising events. This must be a two-way street if we are going to accomplish anything.

If your organization would like to be a "Sister Association" for any or all of the Coalition member organizations, please contact me (763-746-1714 or dan@myas.org) and I'll put you on the list of Coalition supporters.

FYI - all of the Coalition members have agreed to the following:

They will not accept athletes from outside their respective communities, with the same exceptions that are afforded to everyone else (i.e. player waivers, split family exceptions, residence/school attendance exceptions, etc.).
All of their coaches must pass a background check in order to coach a Coalition member team.
All of the kids on Coalition teams will be insured with medical accident insurance and all of the clubs will have at least a $2 million liability insurance policy.
All of the Coalition coaches will be required to attend a Coaches' Education Program that will be designed specifically for them.

As far as we are concerned, we are going to put the past in a box and bury it. Starting with the 2011-12 basketball season, everyone starts out fresh. Some of the disturbing things that happened in the past are now ancient history and everyone will be judged on what happens in the here and now.

Please help us in welcoming all of the Coalition members listed below.

Minneapolis Coalition Members
City of Lakes Basketball Association
El-Amin Basketball Association
Farview Jordan Athletic Association
Jerry Gambles Boys and Girls Club
Mpls. Southside Athletic Association
Phelps Activities Council
Urban Stars
Village Athletics

St. Paul Coalition Members
Laura Jeffrey Academy
Regime Basketball Association
St. Paul Basketball Association
Westside Boosters

IMPORTANT NOTE: We fully expect that there will be some members added to these lists, especially in St. Paul. We'll keep you updated.

Upcoming MYAS Event Registration Deadlines

Visit the MYAS on Facebook!

We are excited about our new social media opportunity - Facebook! Check it out and "Like" our page to gain access to pictures, program updates and other exciting news.

You must have a Facebook profile to connect with our page. To get started, go to www.facebook.com and sign up for a free account. If you already have an account, simply log in and search for the "MYAS" page.

As our fan base grows, discussion topics can also be added. We look forward to connecting with our participants and families in this new venture! If you have questions about the MYAS Facebook page, please contact Jessica Christopherson at 763-746-1733 or jessica@myas.org.

Borton's Bench Notes

"I believe the most important single thing, beyond discipline and creativity, is daring to dare." -- Maya Angelou

It is important to have a vision and to dare to make it a reality. Have courage and determination to help you make this vision happen. Do it with character and self-discipline. Taking shortcuts is not the answer.

I have been motivated by someone telling me that I couldn't do something and I would want to prove them wrong.

My high school basketball coach told me to stop shooting because he didn't want me to score my 1,000th point. That statement made me shoot more in order to accomplish my goal.

My college basketball coach told me I wouldn't play unless I got in better shape. That comment made me train harder and run more.

Others told me that I wouldn't be able to accomplish certain professional goals. That only made me work harder and work smarter.

Has anyone ever told you that you won't or you can't? That happened to me...and it made me more determined!

Dare to dare, have that vision and make it become a reality. Don't ever give in or give up!

Go Gophers!

Sports Medicine Tip

Recognize and Prevent Little League Elbow

Background

Little league elbow (LLE) is an overuse injury to the inside area of the elbow from repetitive throwing motions in athletes ages 9-15. During the throwing motion, stress is placed on the inner elbow. This repetitive stress causes microtrauma to a growth area where the tendon attaches to the bony inner elbow.

Symptoms are progressive with inner elbow pain and decreased throwing effectiveness and distance. In rare cases the muscle can pull away bone called an avulsion fracture. Although fractures usually occur suddenly, a history of inner elbow pain may be a risk factor. Fractures are tender to touch, swelling will be present at the inner elbow and the elbow may not straighten.

If pain persists after a week with rest and ice, refrain from pitching and see your doctor.

Causes

Curveballs or sliders thrown at a young age
History of injuries to the shoulder, back or knee can alter the biomechanics of throwing, placing the elbow at increased risk
Training errors, such as abrupt changes in intensity, duration or frequency of throwing. Poor technique and lack of pre-season conditioning contribute to increased risk of injury.
Growth spurts cause increased muscle and tendon tightness around the joint, resulting in loss of flexibility, biomechanical imbalance and increased risk of injury.

Single-sport participation with year-round training, higher intensities at young ages, longer competitive seasons and conditioning and training errors contribute to injury among pediatric athletes.

Return to Play

Return to throwing should be carefully monitored by the athlete and their family, in conjunction with an athletic trainer, coach and a pediatric sports medicine or orthopedic specialist. Return to competitive pitching should begin after the athlete has completed a rehabilitation program. Upon return to play, monitor pitch count and pitch type, have a proper rotation schedule and maintain core strength and flexibility. Athletes should not play through pain. A good rule of thumb is to count pitches and when discomfort begins, stop immediately, ice, and use that number minus 10 at the next pitching session. Limit or eliminate pitching during practice.

Prevention

Focus on proper throwing and follow-through. Monitor pitch count, pitch type and rotation schedule.

Maintain warm-up, strength and flexibility exercises during the off-season or begin at least six weeks before practice starts. Limit pitching to nine months of the year. Implement an off-season interval throwing program. Practice proper biomechanics.

Prognosis

Most cases of little league elbow resolve with rest and conservative management.

At Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care we specialize in muscles, bones and joints. Convenient locations. One number to call for appointments: 612-672-7100. Visit us online at www.fairview.org/ortho.

The Institute for Athletic Medicine, part of Fairview's family of orthopedic services, offers the Throwers Injury Program to return injured athletes to sport at or above their previous level of performance. With an understanding of the unique mechanical requirements of throwing, physical therapists develop an individualized return-to-throwing program to improve strength, mobility and throwing mechanics to prevent further injury. The return to peak performance requires involvement of coaches, athletic trainers and parents. Learn more at www.athleticmedicine.org.

Then and Now - by Larry Gallagher

BATTER INTERFERENCE WITH THE CATCHER

Last month we had a discussion on the batter-runner lane interference rule and I mentioned that I would continue in the next few months covering other portions of the interference rule. So in this issue, we will be discussing batter interference with the catcher.

According to the National Federation of State High Schools (Rule 7-3-5 Penalty), when a batter interferes with the catcher's throw, the batter is always out; runners return to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch with the exception that if the runner is out on the throw anyway, the interference is ignored and the out on the runner would stand. Also, if the batter is out on strike three, the runner will also be called out.

What does the batter have to do to cause interference? That is an umpire's judgment but there are also some guidelines to follow, such as when a batter's follow-through moves him off balance and he steps on or in front of the plate, obscuring the catcher's view so he cannot throw or throws higher or wider than he would had the batter not stepped across the plate. In some instances there is no interference, but the batter cannot willy-nilly do anything he wants even if it is unintentional. Also, the umpire cannot just call interference because he wants to call it. The batter has to do something out of the ordinary such as make some form of motion that can be interpreted as interference. The batter is allowed to stand in the box without making any movement and force the catcher to throw around him when there is a steal of third base.

So let's take a look at how this rule came into being in the early years of baseball. The original Major League Code of 1876 provided that a batsman was to be declared out if he "willfully strikes at the ball to hinder the ball from being caught, or makes a 'foul strike.'"

Later editions of the rule code stipulated that the batter be called out if he "plainly attempts to hinder the catcher from fielding the ball..." By 1890, umpires were to "closely watch the batsman in this regard when a runner is on first base and the catcher is trying to throw him out."

The essence of our present rule was formulated in 1892 when more specific language was added which helped define the act of interference. The batter was ruled out if he stepped outside the lines of his position or in any other way obstructed or interfered with the catcher's play.

The batter is called out when he interferes in all but one specific case. In 1914, a rule was adopted which declared the runner out if the batter interfered when the runner was attempting to score with less than two outs. With two outs, the batter is declared out and no run scores. This is the exact interpretation applied today.

The rule includes any and all play by the catcher in which he is trying to retire a runner. It includes attempts to pick runners off base and attempts to prevent stolen bases. The batter is called out and the runners are returned in all cases with one exception. If a runner on third is attempting to score with less than two outs when the batter interferes, the offensive team is given the more severe penalty of ruling the runner out instead of the batter. With two outs, the penalty is calling the batter out and thus ending the inning. This is considered the more severe penalty with two outs, since the batter is now deprived of finishing his at-bat the next inning.

The action of the batter that causes the interference does not have to be intentional. The batter is obligated to avoid making any movement which obstructs, impedes or hinders the catcher's play in any way. A swing which carries the batter over home plate and subsequently complicates the catcher's play or attempted play should be ruled interference. Contact between the batter and catcher does not necessarily have to occur for interference to be ruled. Merely blocking the catcher's vision to second base may very possibly be interference.

A batter shall not be charged with interference for standing still and consequently complicating the catcher's play at any base. If he is within the confines of the batter's box, he must make some "other movement" that is judged as a hindrance to the catcher's play before interference is ruled.

When interference is called by the umpire and the catcher manages to throw despite the interference, the following enforcement guidelines should be used:

If the catcher's first throw following the interference retires a runner, the interference is disregarded.
If a rundown ensues, the ball shall be declared dead at that time and the interference penalty enforced.
If the runner safely reaches the base to which he is advancing, time should be called and the interference penalty enforced. Even though the runner may be put out trying to advance beyond his acquired base, this out does not stand since the catcher's first throw did not retire the runner.

Let's look at a few plays that will help us to better understand the rule.

Play #1: There are two outs, a runner on third 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's your call? Ruling: Because there are two outs, the batter is declared out for his interference. Had there been less than two outs, the runner would be declared out. Thus, the rule follows the common sense approach to the penalty - make the team that commits the offense have the toughest penalty possible.

Play #2: There is one out, two strikes on the batter and the runner is stealing second on the pitch. The batter swings and misses. He swings so hard that his follow-through contacts the catcher before the catcher can secure the ball. In the umpire's judgment, the contact was unintentional. What's your call? Ruling: The batter is out on strike three. The ball is dead and the runner returns.

Play #3: There is one out and a runner on second. The runner is attempting to steal third on the pitch. The batter tries to get out of the catcher's way by stepping out of the batter's box. However, this movement hinders the catcher's throw. The runner is safe at third. There was no attempt to interfere. What's your call? Ruling: Intent in this case is not relevant. The batter is out for the interference and the runner must return to second.

Play #4: There is one out and runners on first and third. The runner on first is stealing on the pitch. The batter swings and misses for strike two but interferes with the catcher's throw to second. The catcher, however, is able to complete his throw and retires the runner at second, while the runner from third proceeds to score on the play at second base. Do you allow the run? Ruling: The play stands since the runner was retired at second on the initial throw, and the run counts. This interference is disregarded as if it never happened.

Play #5: As the runner from first is attempting to steal second, the batter leans over the plate and interferes with the catcher's throw. Interference is properly signaled by the plate umpire. The catcher's throw reaches the second baseman ahead of the runner. The runner stops and heads back to first as a rundown ensues in which several throws are made. Should the umpire allow the rundown or does he call time and enforce the interference penalty sooner? Ruling: Since the catcher's first throw did not retire the runner, the umpire should call time and enforce the interference penalty of calling the batter out and returning the runner to first base.

Play #6: The batter interferes with the catcher's throw to second base trying to prevent a stolen base. The throw goes into center field as the sliding runner gets up and advances toward third. The throw to third retires the runner. Does this play stand? Ruling: When the catcher's throw did not retire the runner, the umpire should have signaled time and enforced the interference penalty, thus preventing the subsequent play at third. The batter is out and the runner is returned to first base.

As you can see, in order to umpire these plays you really have to understand the rule and the game of baseball. No one said umpiring was easy. In fact, it is very challenging. Never stop learning and never take a play off during your games. Have a great season and keep on calling them as you see them. I am suggesting that not only should you get into your rule book on batter interference with the catcher, but also the Federation case book.

Next month there will be more discussion on interference, specifically ways in which the runner can interfere and what the penalty is on those types of plays.

Much of this article is based on information from the NFHS Rule Book and from Jim Evans's Annotated Rule Book.

MYAS Basketball Tournament Scheduling Services

The MYAS wants to help your basketball organization. Our Tournament Scheduling Service package was developed 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.

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.

2011-12 Basketball Invitational Tournament Books

Information for the 2011-12 MYAS basketball invitational tournament books is now available on our website. If you would like to have your tournament flyers included in the books or if you'd like to order your copy of the boys' and/or girls' book, please click here to access all of the necessary information and forms.

The deadline to submit flyers for the 2011-12 books is Monday, July 11, and the books will be available in mid-August (exact date TBD).

Gopher State Spring Basketball Update

It's Spring Championship time! Congratulations to all of the girls' and boys' teams that have already won their rings at the Gopher State Spring Championships. More than 220 7th-12th grade boys' teams are signed up to participate in their Quest for the Rings on June 4-5. Check out the schedules and go watch some great basketball!

As we come to the end of the spring season, we set our sights on the end of the school year, summer (if it ever comes to Minnesota...), our Summer Prep Series, the Prep Showcase and our All-Star Weekends at the end of July. (Coaches - don't forget to send in your All-Star nomination forms.) Next month, look for information on our new 3 on 3 League which begins in August.

We are constantly reviewing our programs, and here are a few things we learned this spring:

We need to revise the criteria for team entry into the Spring Championships and the "Quest for the Rings." More specifically, we are referring to dealing with teams registering for the Championships without having previously played in one of our tournaments. How do you seed these teams and what division do they really belong in? Unfortunately, we had a couple of situations where new teams came in and won the Spring Championships in divisions where they didn't belong.

One criterion could be that teams must play a minimum of one weekend tournament (at their grade level) with us prior to playing in the Spring Championships. If they don't, they must play at the Division I level in the Championships. We don't want to exclude anyone from participating in our programs, but we want our events to be competitive for all. If anyone has other suggestions we'd like to hear them.
We need to continue educating coaches and parents about the rules of the game, and emphasize skill improvement rather than wins and losses. Spring/summer basketball is just a game. Our programs are simply opportunities for kids to continue playing because of their love of the game. They provide players with the chance to continue improving their skills so that each of them has the opportunity to move to the next level in the winter season. None of the kids are playing for a paycheck.
We need to look at the playing rules being used for the younger age levels. Should pressing and zone defenses be disallowed? What timing factors and other changes could we make to help improve the skill level of the younger athletes?

We will be putting together a spring basketball committee to look at these and other issues regarding our Gopher State spring/summer basketball program. Our goal is to continue providing you with the best quality events, with great competition and facilities for your team.

Remember to have fun and that the improvement of the players' skills is what spring basketball should be all about. Thank you for participating with the MYAS - we look forward to seeing you in the gym!

Gopher State Basketball Spring Championship Results

The 2011 Gopher State Spring Basketball Championships were held in May for all girls' teams and 3rd-6th grade boys' teams at various sites around the metro area. (The boys' 7th-12th grade Championships will be held the weekend of June 4-5.) Congratulations to our champions, and thank you all for participating!

Listed below are the 2011 champions and runners up; for complete results please visit the Spring Basketball web page.

Girls' 4th Grade Division I
Champion: MN Thunder Bueckers ** Runner Up: Wayzata Gold

Girls' 4th Grade Division III
Champion: Andover ** Runner Up: TC Kings

Girls' 5th Grade Division I
Champion: NC Heat ** Runner Up: Fargo Wildcats

Girls' 5th Grade Division II
Champion: Lady Broncos ** Runner Up: Lightning

Girls' 5th Grade Division III
Champion: GSL Panthers ** Runner Up: Urban Stars ED

Girls' 6th Grade Division I
Champion: Eastside Rebels ** Runner Up: MN Stars

Girls' 6th Grade Division II
Champion: Orono OMD ** Runner Up: Thunder 6

Girls' 6th Grade Division III
Champion: SUGAA Storm ** Runner Up: Zimmerman

Girls' 7th Grade Division II
Champion: MN Lady Monarchs ** Runner Up: The Force

Girls' 7th Grade Division III
Champion: ABA Jaguars ** Runner Up: Chaska Hawks

Girls' 8th Grade Division I
Champion: MN Stars ** Runner Up: Rochester Shock

Girls' 8th Grade Division II
Champion: Hudson Lady Raiders ** Runner Up: MN Thunder

Girls' 8th/9th Grade Division III
Champion: Urban Stars White ** Runner Up: Wolves U15

Girls' 9th Grade Division I
Champion: Lakes Elite ** Runner Up: High Octane

Girls' 9th Grade Division II
Champion: Central Force ** Runner Up: High Impact

Girls' 10th Grade Division I
Champion: Northforce ** Runner Up: RRV Wildcats

Girls' 10th Grade Division II
Champion: Grand Forks Fastbreak ** Runner Up: Rum River Storm

Girls' 10th Grade Division III
Champion: Warbirds ** Runner Up: MN Exposure

Girls' 11th Grade Division I
Champion: Lakes Area Starz ** Runner Up: SM Magic

Girls' 11th Grade Division II
Champion: SW Slam ** Runner Up: SUGAA

Girls' 12th Grade Division II
Champion: Elk River Elks ** Runner Up: Jaguars

Boys' 3rd Grade Division I
Champion: Rim Rattlers ** Runner Up: Lakeville

Boys' 3rd Grade Division II
Champion: MN Magic Green ** Runner Up: Zimmerman Thunder

Boys' 3rd Grade Division III
Champion: MN Magic Gold ** Runner Up: WOTN

Boys' 4th Grade Division I
Champion: Net Gain 10U ** Runner Up: MLK Kings MREZ

Boys' 4th Grade Division II
Champion: High Impact ** Runner Up: Shakopee

Boys' 4th Grade Division III
Champion: Northern Heat ** Runner Up: NW Suburban Hoopsters

Boys' 5th Grade Division II Blue
Champion: Lakeville ** Runner Up: Northern Xposure

Boys' 5th Grade Division II Red
Champion: Rice/Clean Cut Clippers ** Runner Up: Wayzata

Boys' 5th Grade Division III
Champion: Perkins Stars ** Runner Up: AC Bulldogs

Boys' 6th Grade Division I
Champion: Mpls. Select ** Runner Up: MN Magic Elite

Boys' 6th Grade Division II
Champion: TC Kings ** Runner Up: Cougar Red

Boys' 6th Grade Division III
Champion: Southern Storm ** Runner Up: SW Slam

Gopher State Basketball Summer Prep Series

New for 2011 is our Gopher State Summer Prep Series. Designed specifically for boys' and girls' high school varsity, junior varsity and 9th grade teams, the Prep Series consists of four weekends of Saturday and Sunday one-day tournaments beginning June 11 and culminating with the 10th Annual Gopher State Prep Showcase on July 16-17 at Lakeville South High School.

Simplicity is what the Summer Prep Series offers. USSSA membership is not required, rosters will be open so coaches can "shuffle" players between teams, and a volume discount applies so teams can save money on entry fees.

The Prep Showcase offers an open division for summer teams to participate as well as separate junior varsity, small school (A and AA) and large school (AAA and AAAA) championship brackets. Come compete this summer in the air conditioning at Lakeville South High School in front of college coaches and recruiters.

Summer Prep Series information is available to download from the MYAS website by clicking here. If you are interested in further information, please contact Rich Penick at 763-746-1724 or rich@myas.org.

2011 MYAS/Gopher State Fall Basketball League

Information for the 2011 MYAS/Gopher State Fall Basketball League is being updated on the league's web page. The Fall League was developed as and is intended to be a "tune-up" for winter traveling/school basketball, and it is always our hope that teams will enjoy the experience that it provides. More than 400 teams in grades 4-12 were registered in last year's Fall League.

NEW FOR 2011!

Flexible Scheduling: Teams can choose whether they want to play on three, four or five play dates. We made this change to prevent teams from having to play league games on the same day they have tryouts for the winter basketball season.

Division Set-Up: All the teams in each division will be grouped together instead of being split up into different divisions. For example, if we have 12 eighth grade Division I teams entered, they will be scheduled together instead of being divided into two six-team divisions. This will prevent teams from having to play the same team twice. It will also allow us to limit travel for teams by keeping their games closer to home.

2011 FALL CALENDAR

Fall League Entry Deadline: Tuesday, September 6

Fall League Dates: September 18 & 25; October 2, 9 & 16 (two games per play date)

Girls' Fall Classic Tournament: October 22 (3-game tournament)

Boys' Fall Classic Tournament: October 23 (3-game tournament)

Second Session Dates: October 30; November 6, 13 & 20 (two games per play date)

The Second Session for 9th-12th grade teams was created 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. Teams have the opportunity to play right up until their tryouts. Players can work on their skills and conditioning and coaches can observe players in game situations. The Second Session is not a league - your team can play on any or all of the four available dates in October and November.

Mark your calendars now and make your plans to join us and see why the Gopher State Fall Basketball program is the largest in the state!

For more information on the Gopher State Fall Basketball program, please click here. You may also contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org with your questions.

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. During the jump to start the game, Player A1 slaps the ball out of bounds. Before the ball is at Player B1's disposal for a throw-in, Player B2 is charged with a technical foul. What is the ruling?

2. As Team A is advancing the ball from its backcourt toward its frontcourt, Player A1 passes the ball to Player A2. A2 catches the ball while both feet are on the floor - with one foot on either side of the division line. In this situation, either foot may be the pivot foot. (a) A2 lifts the foot which is in the backcourt and then puts it back on the floor in the backcourt; or (b) A2 lifts the foot which is in the frontcourt, pivots and puts it on the floor in the backcourt. What is the ruling in each case?

3. The official is in Team A's frontcourt when he/she is contacted by a pass thrown by Player A1 from Team A's backcourt. After touching the official, the ball: (a) goes out of bounds; or (b) rebounds to the backcourt where it is recovered by Player A2. What is the ruling in each case?

Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions Standings

The standings page for the 2011 Gopher State Tournament of Champions qualifiers is now up and running on the MYAS website. Teams earn qualification points throughout April, May and June by participating in local tournaments that have been designated as GSTC qualifiers. (These events can also be viewed on our Youth Baseball Tournaments web page.)

The top two placing teams in all GSTC qualifiers earn an automatic berth to their respective tournament in July. The remaining teams earn qualification points based on how they finished in the event. Qualification points may be used in late June to qualify "At-Large" teams for the GSTC if space becomes available due to teams not being able to utilize their automatic berths.

Be sure to keep up to date on the GSTC standings page as the season rolls on. As soon as the MYAS baseball staff receives the results from the many GSTC qualifiers, the point totals are added to the standings page.

Good luck this season, and we hope to see everyone in July at the Gopher State Tournament of Champions.

USSSA/Gopher State Baseball Mid-Summer Classic

The USSSA/Gopher State Mid-Summer Classic will take place at multiple venues on weekends in June of 2011. These tournaments allow all participating teams to take advantage of the benefits involved with USSSA baseball. Please visit the event web page to view which ages/divisions still have openings.

These events are an excellent way for 10u-19u AAA & AA and 13A-14/15A teams to advance to a World Series / National Tournament and earn points through USSSA. Last year, 175 teams competed for an opportunity to earn a berth to a USSSA World Series or National Tournament.

The Mid-Summer Classic has also been designated a "double points" tournament toward the Gopher State Tournament of Champions in July.

Please contact Eric Rathke at 763-746-1730 or eric@myas.org if you have questions or would like more information.

Gopher State Baseball League All-Star Series

The GSBL All-Star Series will showcase the top players from each team that participates in this season's 14AAA, 14AA, 15AAA and 15AA leagues. Each GSBL head coach at the 14u and 15u levels will have the opportunity to nominate two players and one alternate from their respective team by July 8. The All-Star Series will take place on August 5-7, 2011.

The MYAS baseball staff and the GSBL Board of Advisors will place individuals on 4-6 teams (based on the overall number of teams at a specific age/level). The nominated individuals will be placed on teams based upon their position preferences.

The coaching staff of each All-Star team will be selected based upon the FINAL Gopher State Baseball League regular season standings in each division of play. Division-winning 14u and 15u coaches will be given the opportunity to coach an All-Star team. Coaching staffs will be determined no later than July 15, 2011.

Individuals will be contacted on or before July 22, 2011, and All-Star rosters will be available to the designated Head Coaches and on the MYAS website no later than July 22. Each All-Star team may have two practices during the week of August 1-4.

Opening Ceremonies and the Midwest Youth Showcase and Skills Contest will also be featured. All-Star Series information will continue to be updated on the MYAS website. If you have questions, please contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.

MYAS Rec State Baseball Championships

The 2011 Rec State Baseball Championships will be held on July 29-31 and will feature six divisions and a three-game guarantee. More detailed information, including entry materials, are available on the Rec State web page.

Last year we saw 124 metro area teams in seven different age divisions have a blast competing for a state championship title. Reserve your local in-house/recreational teams a spot in the 2011 Championships! The entry packet is available by clicking here. Each tournament is limited to the first 32 teams.

We are proud to announce that the St. Paul Saints will be the sponsor of the Rec State Baseball Championships. We are very excited about our partnership with the Saints!

We are gearing up for another year of fun and competition in the Rec State Championships. Please contact Eric Rathke at 763-746-1730 or eric@myas.org for more details on this great event.

Gopher State Baseball August Competitive League

NEW FOR 2011! The Gopher State August Competitive League will be offered on August 14, 21 and 28, 2011. This league is open to all 10-15 year old AAA and AA traveling teams and any 16u and 17-19u team. Teams will be able to play in competitive match-ups even after the spring/summer season is over.

This league will bridge the gap between the spring/summer season and the Gopher State Fall Baseball League. It features a six-game guarantee, with teams playing doubleheaders each Sunday.

More information is available on the August Competitive League portion of the MYAS website. In the meantime, if you would like more information about this new league please contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.

USSSA/Gopher State Fall Baseball League

The USSSA/Gopher State Fall Baseball League is a multi-level league with an emphasis on skill development and fun. The league completed its 19th season with more than 3,500 participants in 2010. It is currently the largest fall baseball league of its kind in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

Each year our Fall League welcomes participants representing Minnesota (from International Falls to Mankato), North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. It features playing opportunities for a variety of ages and skill levels, from Recreational to Competitive. You can register as an individual player or put together your own team.

We encourage you to give the USSSA/Gopher State Fall Baseball League a try - you won't be disappointed! For more information, please visit the Fall League web page or contact Eric Rathke at 763-746-1730 or eric@myas.org.

MYAS Latest News (as of 5/26/11)

Baseball News

Basketball News

MYAS Calendar (as of 5/26/11)

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. Team A will attempt two free throws followed by a division-line throw-in opposite the table. When the ball is at the disposal of the thrower of Team A, the arrow will be set toward Team B's basket (Case Book 4.3.3 Situation, page 25).

2. In (a), it is a backcourt violation. When A2, while holding the ball, lifts the foot which was in the backcourt, the ball is now in the frontcourt. In (b), when A2 lifts the foot which is in the frontcourt and places it down in the backcourt, the location of the ball has not changed. The ball is still in the backcourt and no violation has occurred (Case Book 4.4.1 Situation, page 25; Rule Book 4-35-2, page 35).

3. Touching the official is the same as touching the floor where the official is standing. In (a), the ball is awarded to Team B for a throw-in. In (b), the ball has been in the frontcourt and then has gone to the backcourt while in Team A's control. It is a violation for A1 to cause the ball to go from Team A's backcourt to frontcourt and return to backcourt untouched if A1 or a teammate is first to touch it after it has returned to backcourt (Case Book 4.4.4 Situation, page 25; Rule Book 9-9-2, page 56).

If you have questions about these or other basketball playing rules, please contact Buddy Hemric at 763-746-1717 or buddy@myas.org.

Important Association Services That Work!

The Minnesota Youth Athletic Services offers three important services:

1. Association and Player Sports Accident Insurance Coverage
Association liability and player accident insurance are always concerns for youth sports organizations in our increasingly litigious society. Some associations spend a lot of money and others go into denial and “run naked” without even minimal liability coverage for their members. Yet if insurance is not obtained, the personal assets of the individuals running the association may be at risk. Many sports facility managers, especially municipalities and schools, will not permit the use of their property or facilities unless it can be demonstrated that youth sports associations are covered under an insurance policy. Without insurance, the opportunity for young athletes to compete in organized sports programs may be substantially limited.

The MYAS has partnered with J.A. Price Agency, an insurance company which has access to dozens of other insurance companies and can handle any type of business or personal insurance needs that your association/board of directors may require. The insurance provides options for all types of needs within your association/community. This coverage is an advantage no amateur sports organization should be without!

Examples of coverage include but are not limited to:

General Liability
Sexual Misconduct
Participant Accident
Directors & Officers Liability
Crime/Embezzlement
Automobile
Umbrella
Workers' Compensation

General insurance questions should be directed to Bob Blomster at 952-253-4311 or bob.blomster@japrice.com.

2. Criminal Background Checks
How do we protect our children? Reports of sexual predators and child abuse involving the clergy, day care workers and youth volunteers are all too familiar. Unfortunately, this includes a disturbing number of youth sport coaches who have a history of incidents of sexual misconduct and/or violence. This is a complex issue and many youth sports organizations are unclear about what to do or how to approach this threat, yet they must take proactive steps to prevent their children from becoming innocent victims. Don’t put your children at risk!

In addition, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that $50 billion is lost annually due to employee theft and fraud. Youth sports associations must protect themselves from this threat as well. Don’t put your association at risk!

Fortunately, youth sports associations now have a simple and inexpensive tool to avoid some of society’s worst fears. The MYAS, with its partner Trusted Employees, has designed a criminal background check system that offers three affordable options to youth sports associations. Trusted Employees, a local Twin Cities company, incorporates a “user-friendly” process combined with flexible information delivery to make this system easy and inexpensive for your organization. For more information, please contact Mike DeWane at 763-746-1716 or mike@myas.org.

3. Coaching Education Program
The MYAS has partnered with the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) to offer youth sport associations and their coaches the Coaching Youth Sport education program designed specifically for youth coaches. It provides coaches with a solid foundation in coaching principles, sport first aid and sport-specific techniques and tactics. These courses are available for baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball and wrestling and can be delivered in the classroom or online. For more information, please contact Mike DeWane at 763-746-1716 or mike@myas.org.

MYAS Sponsors

MYAS Membership Meetings

MYAS membership meetings are held at our offices (4111 Central Avenue NE; Columbia Heights, MN 55421) on the last Tuesday of each month at 9:00am (unless notified otherwise). All MYAS members are welcome to attend.

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Minnesota Youth Athletic Services
4111 Central Ave NE
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
763-781-2220

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