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Welcome to the February 25, 2011; edition of the MYAS Update
In this Issue
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MYAS Update Info
Our newsletter is designed to provide timely youth sports information to coaches, athletes, parents and administrators. 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
GIRLS ON THE REBOUND
No, this article isn't about girls being jilted. Trust me, after 35 years of administering amateur athletics, I feel that I am barely qualified to give my opinions on the world of youth sports. There is no way that I would even consider writing a column on the affairs of the heart. This article is about the state of girls' basketball in Minnesota. It's a good news story for any fan of girls' basketball. Frankly, it's a good news story for any fan of basketball.
In the 1990s we saw a steady growth in both boys' and girls' basketball. In the early 90s the boys had the biggest numbers but the girls had the biggest annual increase in the number of girls playing traveling basketball. That trend continued into the early 2000s, but around 2005 we started to see a slow but steady drop in the participation of girls in traveling basketball. Meanwhile, the boys' numbers continued to grow - slowly but steadily.
When the girls' numbers started to drop, we looked into our crystal ball and came up with a bunch of possible reasons for the decline. Were school enrollment numbers dropping? Did hockey, soccer or volleyball take a bite out of the girls' basketball population? Did the lack of facilities have anything to do with it? Was traveling basketball getting too expensive? Was there a shortage of coaches willing to coach girls' basketball? Were the parents afraid of the time commitment? Were the girls afraid of the time commitment? Did the boys' basketball supporters do something to discourage the girls from participating? Was this some sort of communist plot to take over the world? Okay, I just tossed that one out there to see if you were paying attention. We didn't really believe there was a plot but we did discuss all of the above - and then some - trying to figure out what was responsible for
the decline in the number of traveling girls' basketball teams. In the end, we didn't really come up with a singular cause and we eventually decided that it was probably a combination of circumstances that were beyond our control.
I am basing my assessment of the current state of girls' basketball on the historical data that we have relative to the MYAS Grade Basketball State Championships and the number of girls' teams in the Gopher State Winter Basketball League and winter Super Saver Tournaments. As I said earlier, we had fairly steady growth in the 90s and on into the early 2000s. Participation numbers leveled off or slightly declined from 2003 through 2009. Then, much to our surprise, we posted an unexpected increase in 2010 and matched our 2003 girls' team participation total with 455 teams in the Grade State Championships.
We were pretty pleased to see those numbers bounce back up in 2010, but we are even more pleased to see an even bigger bounce this year. We have broken the 500-team mark for girls' participation in the MYAS Grade State Championships. The staff also informs me that girls' entries in our winter Super Savers and the Gopher State Winter League increased by 143 teams. That represents the first increase in those programs since 2005.
So it appears as though girls' basketball has rebounded nicely as we have posted significant increases in both of the past two years. As a result, we are now trying to figure out what has prompted these increases. But I have to tell you that I'd much rather fail at figuring out the answer to success than trying to figure out why we failed. We are going to keep an eye on these increase/decrease statistics and we'll keep you posted on our findings. At the same time I intend to dig a little deeper, so don't be surprised if I contact your local association to ask them for the participation numbers in your local community. I am very curious to see if this trend goes across the board or if it is only relative to traveling basketball.
While all of the above is very good news for Minnesota's girls' basketball program, don't get too cocky just yet. This year's MYAS Grade Basketball State Championship has a new record of 503 girls' teams, but we also have a new boys' record of 674 teams, giving us a grand total of 1,177 teams. Ladies, it looks like you still have a ways to go to catch up with the boys. But not to worry - they will be spending the rest of their lives chasing you! And in the immortal words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."
Readers Sound Off
We received the following e-mail from Mr. John Arms in response to last issue's "Dan's Notes" regarding the Minneapolis and St. Paul Youth Basketball Coalitions. It is being reprinted with his permission.
I coach Urban Stars 7th graders. I have coached basketball in Minneapolis for six years. I grew up playing basketball in Minneapolis, from the dusty old gym at Incarnation Grade School to the street courts at Lynnhurst to the polished floors at Holy Angels and the rubber floor of the U of M field house. I've seen plenty of ball in my 42 years. To this day I always see and hear coaches and parents talk about playing to win, take it or leave it. And if they win, they justify their limited attitude with victories. But who loses with this attitude? The kids. The mediocre kids learn to not even try. The poor ones leave the game. The talented kids learn the false belief that their talent with a ball makes them superior to others. Oh, and to not pass the ball.
I overheard one coach say, "I play to win. That's how this team will be. Take it or leave it." You know what? Coaches don't PLAY! We coach. Our duty as coaches is to take the kids we're given, coach them skills, encourage their best effort, discourage their poor efforts, help them learn the value of teamwork, and let them leave their season with us with a deeper love for this great game, and a few more skills than when they started. That's the only victory a coach should ever seek.
Never once, in all of my years around this game, do the kids talk the way parents and coaches do. They talk about effort, fun, sweet moves, tearful losses and glorious victories. But they don't talk win, win, win. They want to win. But more, they want to play. That's it. To play this great game.
Basketball is not for the elite - it's for every kid who wants to try. This game taught me and countless teammates of mine important life skills of teamwork, dedication, camaraderie, effort, pain and fighting through it, and a never give up attitude. None of which I ever used to win a college or NBA game, as I never got that far. But all of which I use in my daily life as a parent, husband, employer, community member and coach. Our job is to give kids the ability to have these same experiences and life lessons in their life. These are not measured in our win/oss record. They are measured in the strength of character of the kids we coach. And don't we owe it to every kid to have such an opportunity - not just the best ball players? Aren't we doing our communities an egregious disservice by limiting, on purpose or de facto, good ball opportunities for all?
Keep fighting the good fight. Get this mess that is Minneapolis ball cleaned up, accessible, organized, fair and to the same level youth hockey has done. Minneapolis will be better for it. Kids will be better for it.
Upcoming MYAS Event Registration Deadlines
MYAS Rec State Basketball Championships
Event Date(s): March 19-20
Deadline: Friday, February 25
MYAS Basketball Officials Video Clinic
Event Date(s): March 10
Deadline: Noon on Thursday, March 10
Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver
Event Date(s): March 26
Deadline: Monday, March 14
Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver
Event Date(s): March 27
Deadline: Monday, March 14
Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational
Event Date(s): April 2-3
Deadline: Monday, March 21
Gopher State Baseball League 9u-15u Team Enrollment
Event Date(s): April-July
Deadline: Friday, March 25
Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational
Event Date(s): April 9-10
Deadline: Monday, March 28
Save Big at Dick's Sporting Goods on March 26-27
As the winter sports seasons wind down, it's time to start thinking about spring and summer sports - and the equipment/apparel/footwear you'll need to have a great season.
For the second consecutive year, Dick's Sporting Goods is offering a special shop weekend for MYAS athletes, coaches and officials. Last year nearly 400 families took advantage of this great discount program. We hope you'll join us this year on March 26-27!
Please click here to download more information about the 2nd Annual MYAS Spring Sports Shop Day at Dick's Sporting Goods.
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 have been inspired and amazed by the group of young women on our basketball team this season. When things are not going your way, it is easy to give up and go in another direction. Resilience, team chemistry and leadership have been key ingredients in how this team has progressed. It has been rewarding to watch each individual player get better and develop both mentally and physically so they can do things on the court that they had only imagined in their dreams.
The players have bought in, they have trusted, they are hungry to get better and they believe in themselves so much that I am not sure I have coached a group like this before. I know those of you who have watched this team from the beginning know exactly what I am talking about. It makes me even more proud of this group and how far they have come. I have told them all year that there is a certain way to play to win games...as a collective unit - 13 strong. We don't have the star power of All-Americans, but we have a group that has come together as ONE. It is very powerful.
My assistant coaches and captains deserve so much credit for the remarkable job they have done. There were a few things discussed before the season started that we needed to change and to make sure happened in the development of this team, in building a foundation. My staff has worked extremely hard and they have exceeded those expectations. Our captains, Doc, China and Kiara, have been outstanding. They have learned a lot of lessons from the past to help them become the leaders they are today. They have embraced this team and each person individually to bring this group closer together to perform at a high level. When teams say they have good team chemistry, you can tell if they really do or not. Well, this group really does!
To our fans, you can see the best is yet to come with this young team. With the addition of two Minnesota players next year, Rachel Banham and Kayla Hirt, who are ranked as two of the top players in the nation, our future is exciting to say the least! Our team has played with heart and passion, and has never given up. This is the Minnesota way!
Go Gophers!
MYAS Day with the Gopher Women's Basketball Team
The 2011 MYAS Day with the Gopher Women's Basketball Team on Sunday, February 13 was a huge success! More than 120 girls' basketball players, parents and/or coaches were in attendance at the Minnesota vs. Ohio State women's basketball game.
Two lucky 4th grade teams - Albany and Chanhassen - got to play a scrimmage game at halftime on the Williams Arena court.
After the game, everyone headed upstairs for a special event in the Williams Arena Club Room. All of the Gophers players were kind enough to come up and visit with us and sign autographs.
Head Coach Pam Borton spoke to our group and stayed in the Club Room until everyone who wanted an autograph or a photo got one.
We'd like to thank the Gophers players and Coach Borton for taking time out of their busy schedules to make the day so special for our MYAS girls' basketball players!
Sports Medicine Tip
Groin Strains
By Laura Henn, ATC, PTA, CSCS
Institute for Athletic Medicine
A groin strain is typically caused by injury to the inner thigh muscles and often occurs among athletes in sports that involve a sudden change of direction and quick starts and stops such as soccer, football, hockey and basketball.
About groin strains
Inner thigh muscles, know as the adductors, consist of several muscles that span the distance from the inner pelvis to the inner part of the femur or thigh bone. These muscles pull the legs together and stabilize the hip joint.
A groin strain occurs when inner thigh muscles are pulled beyond their normal limits, resulting in small muscle tears that cause pain and swelling. Strained muscles will be tender to touch in the area of injury, painful to contract or move against resistance and painful to stretch into normal motion limits. More severe strains tear muscle fibers and can cause a disruption of its bony attachment.
Symptoms range from mild discomfort to significant pain with walking, while sitting and/or at night. They can include dull or sharp pain, swelling and bruising.
In rare cases, forceful movement at the end ranges of stretch may cause the muscle to pull off a piece of bone. If there is significant pain on or close to the bony region of the hip, the athlete should seek medical evaluation within 24 hours.
How to prevent groin injury
Athletes should include inner thigh and core stretching exercises to improve and maintain hip muscle strength. Proper stretching and warm up are also important.
How to treat a groin strain
- Rest: Rest after injury to allow the injured muscle to properly heal. Avoid activities that cause pain.
- Ice: Apply ice 15-20 minutes several times a day
- Compression: Wear compression shorts for support and comfort.
Consider using anti-inflammatory or pain relieving medications as directed to help relieve pain and calm inflammation.
- Use one finger to rub over the sorest spot (friction massage) for 5-7 minutes to facilitate healing nutrients and relieve pain.
- Gently stretch the involved muscle to the point where it STARTS to pull and hold for 20-30 seconds.
- Work the involved muscle group in a pain-free manner to stimulate proper healing and direction placement of muscle fibers.
When to see a doctor
When an injury limits the ability of an athlete to perform because of higher than usual levels of pain, limping and loss of normal joint motion, seek the advice of a qualified health care provider.
About the author
Laura Henn, ATC, PTA, CSCS, cares for patients at the Institute for Athletic Medicine in Roseville. She is also the Athletic Trainer at Hill-Murray High School.
The Institute for Athletic Medicine is part of Fairview's family of orthopedic services. To learn more, visit us online at www.fairview.org.ortho. One number to call for appointments: 612-672-7100.
Then And Now - by Larry Gallagher
THREE MORE COMMONLY MISUNDERSTOOD BASKETBALL RULES
Last month we spoke about Traveling, Double-Dribble and Closely-Guarded rules. This month we will explore three more commonly misunderstood basketball rules. One of them is an off-shoot to what is not a double-dribble; one has to do with a missed shot and the original shooter catching their own air-ball shot; and the last one is what many players, coaches and even some officials mistakenly call "over-the-back." So let's get started so we can all be enlightened.
FUMBLE
Rule 4-21 in the National Federation of State High School Associations Basketball Rules Book states, "A fumble is the accidental loss of player control when the ball unintentionally drops or slips from a player's grasp." We also need to note when a player is in control of the basketball. The definition is in Rule 4-12 which states, "A player is in control of the ball when he/she is holding or dribbling a live ball inbounds. There is no player control when, during a jump ball, a jumper catches the ball prior to the ball touching the floor or a non-jumper, or during an interrupted dribble.
We mentioned the double-dribble and traveling last month but we did not mention the idea of a fumble. In order for a player to double-dribble or travel, they must have possession of the ball. So if I try to catch a ball, drop it and never control it, it cannot be the beginning of a dribble. However, if I direct the ball ahead of me intentionally to the floor, I have begun a dribble. During a fumble the player is not in control of the ball, and therefore cannot be called for a traveling or double-dribble violation. A fumble is the accidental loss of player control when the ball is unintentionally dropped or slips from a player's grasp. After a player has ended a dribble and fumbled the ball, that player may recover the ball without violating. Any steps taken during the recovery of a fumble are not traveling, regardless of how far the ball goes and the amount of advantage that is gained.
It is always legal to recover a fumble, even at the end of a dribble. However, that player cannot begin a new dribble, which would be a double-dribble violation. A player who fumbles the ball when receiving a pass may legally start a dribble.
Here are two plays to consider. See if you can determine if they are legal, traveling or double-dribbling.
Play 1: You are playing against a team with whom you are very competitive. It is near the end of the game and the ball is being passed between one of their guards and a post player. The post player receives the pass and is moving toward the basket, but it bounces off their left hand to their head and then back into both of their hands just before they lay it up for the score. You try to influence the official by giving the travel signal but to no avail. Why didn't he call the travel? Because the player did not ever control the pass and therefore it was a fumble and not a travel.
Play 2: You are trying to catch a teammate's pass but it goes right through your hands and about eight feet from you. You hustle to get it and you catch it, pivot and then advance toward the basket and score. The other team is trying to convince the official that you double-dribbled but again, to no avail. Why not? Because you never possessed the ball so you have not yet had a dribble and therefore have not double-dribbled. Hooray for you.
CATCHING YOUR OWN REBOUND
The shooter can retrieve his/her own air-ball if the referee considers it to be a shot attempt. The release ends team control. It is not a violation for that player to start another dribble at that point.
When an airborne player keeps control of an attempted shot that is blocked, is unable to release the ball and returns to the floor with it, that player has not traveled - it is a jump ball. If, in this situation, the shooter releases the ball it is simply a blocked shot and play continues.
If a player shoots the ball and runs to get it before or after it has been released, that player may now dribble, pass or shoot. Many coaches, officials and players believe this is traveling because the shooter has moved their pivot foot and put it down again. However, once the shot has been released there is no longer any player control or team control. So without having any control of the ball, no player should be called for traveling.
Sometimes an official will be confused and call this traveling, or simply doesn't know the rule. This is what causes problems for the official who does know the rule and judges the play correctly. So let's all begin to teach the correct ruling by applying it correctly.
We sometimes get the shot clock rule mixed up along with this one. When there is a shot clock, such as in college and professional basketball, and the shot does not touch the rim, the clock continues to run.
Here are three examples to help you remember the rules we have discussed:
- Tossing the ball to yourself without moving - this is nothing but a legal pass to yourself
- Tossing the ball to a teammate and then going to catch it - this is traveling because you moved you pivot foot and took two or more steps to retrieve the ball
- Shooting the ball at the basket and then running to catch it before or after the ball hits the floor - this is nothing but a legal rebound of your shot
OVER THE BACK
This should more correctly be called "pushing," or in some cases it will lead to bad or good rebounding position and "verticality" will come into play. NFHS Rule 10-6-6 states, "Contact caused by a defensive player who approaches from behind is pushing." The term for contact by an offensive player is stated differently in the rule book.
"Over the back" is not a foul. The term is nowhere to be found in any rule book. There must be contact to have a foul. A taller player may often be able to get a rebound over a shorter player, even if the short player has good rebounding position. If the shorter player is displaced, then a pushing foul must be called. A rebounding player with an inside position while boxing out is not allowed to push back or displace an opponent, as this is a pushing foul.
Let's look at some examples to help clarify the rule.
- You are standing directly behind your opponent and they jump early to rebound the ball. As they are coming down without the ball, you are going up and reach above them to rebound the ball. You make no contact with them at all. There is no foul.
- You are standing directly behind your opponent and you both jump at the same time. You jump about 10 inches above them, reach above their hands, grasp the ball and pull it away from them before there is any contact. This is a legal play and there is no foul. You simply out-jumped them.
- You are standing directly behind your opponent and you both go up at the same time. You make slight contact on their back or hands and move them slightly away from the ball and you get the rebound. This is an illegal play by you, and you are guilty of pushing. You ended up displacing them by bumping either their back or their hands, thereby gaining an advantage.
The part of this rule that we haven't really explored is "verticality." This is something we will look into in the future.
So as you can see, there is a lot to understanding how to play, coach and officiate the game of basketball. We all need to work hard at understanding what is legal and what is not so we can play it better, coach it better and officiate it better. Have a great season, and let's all work together to continue to make this game fun for all those that are involved.
Midwest Regional Swim Meet
Registration is now closed for the 2011 Midwest Regional Swim Meet that will be held on the weekend of April 2-3 at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center. We have already reached the registration ceiling for participants and, regretfully, even had to turn away a number of clubs and individual swimmers.
We have some exciting changes for 2011, including a family event at the Mall of America and potentially a webcast of the meet!
The 2010 Midwest Regional Swim Meet was one of the best in our program history and we are looking forward to carrying that over to this year's event.
For more information, please visit the MRSM web page or contact Jessica Christopherson at jessica@myas.org.
MYAS Gopher State Wrestling
More than 1,000 wrestlers invaded Monticello on February 12-13 for the 2011 MYAS Gopher State Wrestling Nationals. The field included wrestlers in kindergarten through eighth grade from all over the Midwest. Monticello was the place to be for top notch youth wrestling! Please click here to access the Gopher State Wrestling Nationals web page.
The Gopher State Wrestling Nationals have earned the reputation of being one of the toughest and best run tournaments in Minnesota. The tournament has drawn wrestlers from Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Louisiana, Michigan and Wyoming. Wrestlers from all states are eligible to participate in all Gopher State wrestling events.
The MYAS and the MYAS Wrestling Advisory Committee (Jeremy Innes, MYAS; Chris Bahl, Stillwater; Tricia Charbonneau, Prior Lake; Chris Douglas, Byron; Josh Florell, Forest Lake; Kelly Loosbrock, Chaska; Nina McKee, Becker; Ben Moody, Blaine; Brian Schnappauf, Monticello; Chad Shilson, Osseo; Matt Sullivan, Lakeville) are proud of our 2011 events and have already begun planning for 2012.
For more information about the MYAS Gopher State Wrestling programs, please click on the appropriate link below. You may also contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
Gopher State Wrestling Nationals
Gopher State K-6 Team Tournament
MYAS Grade State Basketball Championships
The MYAS is looking forward to the 2011 Grade State Championships! This year's state tournament will be the largest in our history, and we hope that you will all be able to attend this huge event.
The tournament is all set to take place on March 5-6 (girls) and March 12-13 (boys). The girls' Championships will feature a total of 503 teams in 4th-9th grade that have been seeded into a total of 34 divisions. The boys' Championship field is made up of 674 teams in 4th-9th grade and will be spread out over a total of 45 divisions.
These totals are the highest in our history, and over a two-week period we will witness 1,177 teams at 24 different playing sites battling it out for the coveted title of 2011 MYAS Grade State Champion!
Schedules for the Girls' State Championship are posted on the MYAS website. The Boys' State Championship schedules were not yet finalized as of the deadline for this issue of the MYAS Update, but they will be available very soon.
We hope to see you all at this year's MYAS Grade State Championships! If you have any questions about the tournament, please contact Eric Rathke at 763-746-1730 or eric@myas.org.
MYAS Rec State Basketball Championships
REMINDER! The registration deadline for the Rec State Basketball Championships is Friday, February 25. Please click here to access all of the event information.
The tournament is scheduled for March 19-20, 2011 at various metro area locations. 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.
New for 2011! The MYAS is now offering a volume discount for the Rec State Championships. The entry fee will be reduced to just $175.00 per team for programs that register five or more teams for the tournament!
If you have further questions, please contact Kevin Wilson at 763-746-1712 or kevin@myas.org.
MYAS Winter Basketball
The 2010-11 MYAS winter basketball season has nearly come to an end. We would like to thank all of the teams that participated in the Gopher State Winter Basketball League, Invitational Tournaments and Super Saver Tournaments. We hope that you all had a great experience!
We'd also like to extend good luck wishes to all of the teams that will be participating in the MYAS Grade State Basketball Championships and the MYAS Rec State Basketball Championships.
For more information about MYAS winter basketball events, please click here and then scroll down to the Winter Season portion of the page. You may also contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
MYAS Basketball Tournament Scheduling Services
The MYAS wants to help your basketball organization. We have put together a Tournament Scheduling Service package to make coordinating your event much easier. Our educated and trained staff has experienced the ins and outs of event planning. Let our expertise help you!
For just $3.00 per team, the MYAS will complete your tournament schedules and post them online and will provide you with a copy of the schedules, brackets to post at your site(s), score sheets for every game and many other valuable services. We are also working on the possibility of providing tournament directors with remote website access so they can update scores/schedules during their tournament.
What follows is a testimonial from Layne Skoyen, director of the Hastings Spiral Classic Basketball Tournament:
"As a volunteer with our Hastings Basketball Booster organization, it is very difficult to devote the time needed to coordinate a successful annual tournament. Jeremy (Innes) at MYAS took many of the headaches away with their tournament service program which provides a website, bracketing, printing of forms, etc. This year was a breeze compared to last year - very few emails or calls. MYAS is so easy to work with and very responsive to any questions or concerns. I would highly recommend this program to any Director that feels overwhelmed by the details and pressure of hosting a successful basketball tournament."
If you would like more information about the MYAS Basketball Tournament Scheduling Services, please click here or contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
Gopher State Spring Basketball
As the winter basketball season comes to an end, it's time to begin planning for your team's participation in our Grade State or Rec State Championships in early to mid-March and the Gopher State Spring Basketball tournaments that begin the last weekend in March. Our 2011 schedule has expanded to include tournaments running through mid-July, the new Summer Prep Series and our first-ever 3 on 3 Summer League in August.
2011 Gopher State Spring Basketball Highlights:
- MYAS Team Appreciation Weekend on May 7-8
As we enter our third decade of providing quality youth sports programs, the MYAS wants to say "Thank You" to the teams that have participated with us over the past 20 years. Team Appreciation Weekend tournaments will cost $150 for all invitationals and $275 for the 3rd & 4th Grade Spring Championships.
- Gopher State All-Star Celebration Weekends: Girls on July 22-24; Boys on July 29-31
Throughout the Gopher State spring season, coaches will be asked to nominate the top players from their grade level to participate in this All-Star game. Four teams of boys' and girls' players in each of the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th grade divisions will be selected to participate. A new twist for the All-Star Weekend will be the invitation of All-Star teams from across the Midwest to come and compete against our Minnesota players.
- NEW FOR 2011: Gopher State 3 on 3 Summer League
We are excited to announce that the MYAS will offer a 3 on 3 Summer League to be held Sunday evenings throughout the month of August. Watch for more information throughout the spring season.
Tryouts: Teams are already being formed and tryouts are being set. See the Classifieds section on the home page of the MYAS website and click on "Tryouts Available" to see who has already posted theirs. If your club/team is holding tryouts for the spring basketball season and your team(s) will be playing with us, please contact the MYAS office and we will advertise your tryouts for free.
Spring Basketball Informational Meetings: We will hold several "town hall" meetings to discuss all aspects of the comprehensive MYAS basketball program. First-year spring coaches are strongly encouraged to attend one of these meetings. Outstate coaches - please contact the MYAS staff for assistance and guidance if you cannot attend.
Veteran coaches and team directors are also encouraged to attend, as we will discuss all aspects of our spring program (i.e. placement and seeding of teams, rule changes and administrative changes). We will also be discussing all of the new USSSA information including sanctioning, team rankings and insurance options.
Come to one of our informational meetings to learn what you need to know about Gopher State Spring Basketball. We will be holding two meetings in the metro area and three in outstate Minnesota. Please RSVP if you plan on attending one of the outstate meetings. It is not necessary to RSVP for metro area meetings - simply show up either night. Listed below are the currently scheduled meeting dates, times and locations.
If you want to experience great competition and play different opponents each weekend, be assured that trainers and tournament directors will be on site to oversee the games and not have to pay outrageous membership fees, then Gopher State Spring Basketball is the place to play. Don't be fooled by imitations! The first weekend of play is March 26-27, 2011.
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, while dribbling, touches (a) Player B1 who is standing on a sideline; or (b) a nearby chair or scorer's table while A1's feet are inbounds. What is the ruling in each case?
2. Player A1 is dribbling in Team A's backcourt when the ball is deflected by Player B1. The ball gets away and contacts a child who is (a) walking inbounds (on the playing court); or (b) walking out of bounds. The official sounds the whistle. What is the ruling in each case?
3. The ball is at the disposal of free thrower A1. Player B1, within the visual field of A1 (a) raises his/her arms above the head; or (b) after his/her arms have been extended above the head, alternately opens and closes both hands. What is the ruling in each case?
Gopher State Winter Baseball Camps
Gopher State Winter Camps are open to youth athletes of all skill levels and ages. Our featured camps offer top notch professional instruction, and there is a variety of camps to choose from during the baseball off-season.
Opportunities are still available with the Minnesota Twins Training Camps and the Lovdahl Pitching Academy in February and March. Listed below are dates and sites for the remaining Gopher State Winter Camps. Act fast - sign up today!
February 26 * Overall Skills Camp/Tryout Prep Instruction * Univ. of River Falls, WI
March 6 * Battery Mates Camp * Northwestern College, Roseville
If you have questions about the Gopher State Winter Camps, please contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
Gopher State Baseball League (GSBL)
Welcome to the GSBL Nation! It's hard to believe that we're approaching the 12th season of the Gopher State Baseball League, a USSSA sanctioned league. This season has snuck up on us all, as it appears the snow could remain on the ground until May. But we've had one recent thaw that gave us spring fever, and we're gearing up for another action-packed traveling baseball season.
The GSBL will continue to expand in 2011 as associations in central Minnesota and the metro area are verbally committing as members. We have also received word of additional teams from current member associations throughout the heart of GSBL territory! At the conclusion of the 2010 season, the league posted the largest representation of communities in a traveling league in the Upper Midwest.
We are looking forward to serving as your league administrators and we're confident that participants will be completely satisfied with their GSBL experience. With the updated policies and league enhancements such as online rosters, team and league websites, online score reporting and berths through league play to the Gopher State Tournament of Champions and USSSA World Series - not to mention the addition of the Gopher State All-Star Series - the future of the GSBL remains very bright!
The official league entry packet/team enrollment information for the 2011 9u-19u GSBL is now available and has been sent to Association Travel Directors and/or Presidents.
Team Enrollment Deadlines
9u-15u teams: March 25, 2011
16u-17/19u teams: May 16, 2011
Scheduling Sessions
9u-15u teams: April 16, 2011
16u-17/19u teams: May 26, 2011
2011 OFFERINGS THROUGH THE GSBL
9 & Under Leagues
The GSBL is once again offering a 9 & under league in 2011. It is designed specifically for athletes who do not turn 10 years old before May 1, 2011. The league provides an introduction to traveling baseball to players at this age. The only level of play available at 9 & under is OPEN. Each team will be guaranteed 13 games, which includes a playoff at the end of the season. Because of the shorter 12-game regular season, the administrative entry fee is lower than that of the older divisions.
This league is available to any association that would like to offer a program exclusively for 9 year olds. This allows an opportunity for 9 and 10 year olds to play separately, which helps promote stronger numbers for other age groups in the future.
Note: The 9u league will only take place if there are six or more teams enrolled AND if the travel time between communities is considered to be reasonable. If these two stipulations are not met, all teams enrolled at 9u may be asked to play in the 10AA leagues.
"A" Level of Play
The GSBL, the Gopher State Mid-Summer Classic (13A and 14/15A) and the Gopher State Tournament of Champions will once again offer this level of play to 10-14/15 year old teams for the 2011 season. This level provides a place for players who may not be ready for the AAA or AA levels. Typically, players eligible for the A level may have the highest tryout scores within an in-house program or were not selected to play on the AAA or AA teams. This is a recognized level of play in Minnesota that allows athletes a chance to play traveling baseball at a competitive level.
Note: This level of play will only take place if there are six or more teams enrolled in a particular age level's A division AND if the travel time between communities is considered to be reasonable. If these two stipulations are not met, all teams enrolled at the A level may be asked to play in the AA leagues.
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. The All-Star Series will take place on August 5-7, 2011.
Please click here to access information about 2011 Gopher State Baseball League. If you have any questions, comments or concerns or would like more information about the GSBL, please contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
GSBL Team Classification Hearing
Member associations that enrolled teams in the 2010 GSBL will have the opportunity to petition a team's classification at the March 14, 2011 GSBL Board of Advisors (BOA) Team Classification Hearing.
These two regulations as set by the BOA determine if an association may petition a team's classification for the 2011 GSBL:
- Teams with history in the GSBL (participated in 2010) at the AA level and finished with a winning percentage of .750 and above may petition the BOA to remain at the AA level in 2011. The GSBL Board of Advisors reserves the right to review any team's classification prior to the beginning of the next season.
- Teams with history in the GSBL (participated in 2010) at the AAA level and finished with a winning percentage below .250 may petition the BOA to play down at the AA level in 2011. Note: All 15 & under teams may petition the BOA to play at the AA level if their association places teams in other organizations/leagues at the same age level.
A Past Performance Analysis must be filled out and submitted by March 11, 2011 in order to be allowed to petition any team(s) that will be participating in this year's GSBL.
If you have questions about the GSBL Team Classification Hearing, please contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
Play Ball! Minnesota Baseball Coaches' Conference
The Play Ball! Minnesota Baseball Coaches' Conference brings together beginning and experienced coaches from the Gopher State Baseball League and other youth baseball organizations to learn new ways to teach their athletes the skills they will need to succeed.
This coaches' training is now a service that the MYAS baseball staff provides for all head coaches as part of their entry in the Gopher State Baseball League.
The 2011 conference has been set for April 2, 2011 at Target Field. You can find more details about the conference by clicking here. Keep checking the MYAS website for updates in the coming days.
Gopher State Baseball Spring Invitationals
The schedule is set for the 2011 Gopher State Baseball Spring Invitationals. These tournaments will once again be Gopher State Tournament of Champions (GSTC) qualifying events. The 10AAA-14AAA tournaments also qualify teams for the Global Sports World Series. (Please check the tournament website at www.usssabaseball.org
for additional information on Global Sports.)
We still have openings in all divisions; however, some tournaments filled quickly in past years. Please contact Tony Groff at 763-746-1728 or tony@myas.org if you have any questions about registering for the Gopher State Baseball Spring Invitationals.
2011 Gopher State Baseball Spring Invitationals
10AAA * May 21-22 * Whitney Park, St. Cloud * Global Sports World Series Qualifier
10AA * May 21-22 * Whitney Park, St. Cloud
11AAA * May 21-22 * Whitney Park, St. Cloud * Global Sports World Series Qualifier
11AA * May 21-22 * Whitney Park, St. Cloud
12AAA * May 21-22 * Whitney Park, St. Cloud * Global Sports World Series Qualifier
12AA * May 21-22 * Whitney Park, St. Cloud
13AAA * April 30-May 1 * Andover Station North * Global Sports World Series Qualifier
13AA * April 30-May 1 * Southwest Park, Mahtomedi
14AAA * May 21-22 * Fridley High School * Global Sports World Series Qualifier
14AA * May 21-22 * McCullough Park, Shoreview
15AAA * May 21-22 * Brooklyn Park
15AA * May 21-22 * Brooklyn Park
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.
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.
The tournaments are starting to fill up, so be sure to get your team signed up today! Applications are available on the Minnesota USSSA / Gopher State Mid-Summer Classic web page.
Please contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org if you have questions or would like more information.
Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions (GSTC)
Listed below for your information are the dates for the 2011 Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions.
July 8-10, 2011: 10AA, 11AA, 12AA, 13AA, 15AA
July 15-17, 2011: 10AAA, 11AAA, 12AAA, 13AAA, 14AAA, 14AA, 15AAA
July 22-24, 2011: 10A, 11A, 12A, 13A, 14/15A
Please keep checking the GSTC web page for any news for 2011! In the meantime, please contact Tony Groff at 763-746-1728 or tony@myas.org with your questions.
GSTC Qualifier Info
All AAA, AA and A Gopher State Tournament of Champions (GSTC) qualifying tournament designations are now posted on the youth baseball tournament listings on the MYAS web site. Each invitational tournament that has been awarded GSTC qualifier status is designated with a "YES" in the right-hand column of the listing.
All qualifiers will award automatic GSTC berths to the teams placing first or second at their tournament. The other teams will receive points that will be used to award at-large GSTC berths at the end of the season.
Do not hesitate to sign up today for a GSTC qualifier that provides traveling teams an opportunity to participate in our premier baseball event - the 7th annual Gopher State Tournament of Champions! For more information, please contact Tony Groff at 763-746-1728 or tony@myas.org.
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 will be available on the August Competitive League portion of the MYAS website soon. 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.
MYAS Latest News (as of 2/24/11)
Basketball Tournament Openings
Baseball Tryout Prep Instruction added to Overall Skills Camp
Gopher State Umpire Training Clinics
Gopher State Winter Baseball Training Camps
2011 Rec State Basketball Championships Brochure Available; New Entry Fee Volume Discount
New Baseball Bat Standards for 2011
Diamond Baseballs for Sale
Visit us on Facebook!
Are You Looking for a Basketball Team to Play On?
Let the MYAS Schedule Your Basketball Tournament - Just $3 Per Team
MYAS Introduces Travel Lite Basketball Events
MYAS Guidelines for Winter Basketball
Insurance - USSSA Basketball
MYAS Calendar (as of 2/24/11)
Friday, February 25, 2011
MYAS Rec State Basketball Championship entry deadline (March 19-20 event)
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Gopher State Baseball Overall Skills & Tryout Prep Camp; University of River Falls, WI
Saturday-Sunday, February 26-27, 2011
Gopher State Winter Basketball Invitational Tournament; various grades/divisions; St. Louis Park HS
Sunday, February 27, 2011
MYAS Gopher State Wrestling K-6 Team Tournament; Anoka HS
Saturday-Sunday, March 5-6, 2011
MYAS Girls' Grade State Basketball Championships; various grades/divisions/sites
Saturday-Sunday, March 5-6, 2011
Gopher State Winter Basketball Boys' Invitational Tournament; various grades/divisions; Colin Powell Center, Mpls.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Gopher State Baseball Battery Mates Camp; Northwestern College, Roseville
Thursday, March 10, 2011
MYAS Basketball Officials Video Clinic; Murzyn Hall, Columbia Heights
Saturday-Sunday, March 12-13, 2011
MYAS Boys' Grade State Basketball Championships; various grades/divisions/sites
Monday, March 14, 2011
Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver entry deadline (March 26 & 27 events)
Saturday-Sunday, March 19-20, 2011
MYAS Rec State Basketball Championships; various grades/divisions/sites
Monday, March 21, 2011
Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational entry deadline (April 2-3 event)
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver Tournament; various grades/divisions; site TBD
Saturday-Sunday, March 26-27, 2011
MYAS Spring Sports Shop Day at Dick's Sporting Goods; seven Minnesota locations
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver Tournament; various grades/divisions; site TBD
Monday, March 28, 2011
Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational entry deadline (April 9-10 event)
Answers to Basketball Rules of the Month
The answers below are derived from the most recent edition of the National Federation of State High School Associations Basketball Rules Book, Basketball Case Book and/or Rules by Topic publication.
1. In (a), A1 is inbounds. However, if the ball in control of A1 touches B1, the ball is out of bounds and is awarded to Team A at that spot. In (b), A1 is out of bounds and therefore, the ball is considered to have gone out of bounds (Case Book 7.1.2 Situation B, page 57).
2. In (a), the ball is not out of bounds since the person contacted, the child, was inbounds. However, for safety reasons the official should stop play and resume from the point of interruption. Team A, the team last in control, will be awarded a throw-in at a spot nearest to where the ball was located when play was interrupted. In (b), B1 has committed an out-of-bounds violation (Case Book 7.1.2 Situation C, page 58; Rule Book 4-36, page 35 and 7-2-1, page 48).
3. B1 may be penalized in both (a) and (b). The official must judge whether the act distracts the free thrower. If the official judges the act in either (a) or (b) to be disconcerting, it shall be penalized. The free thrower is entitled to protection from being distracted. It is the opponent's responsibility to avoid disconcerting the free thrower (Case Book 9.1.3 Situation D, page 69 and Rule Book 9-1-3c Penalty 2, page 52).
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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