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Welcome to the April 24, 2009; edition of the MYAS Update
In this Issue
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MYAS Update Info
Our newsletter is designed to provide timely youth sports information to coaches, athletes, parents and administrators. This includes notes from the Executive Director, calendar reminders, new service announcements and special events. Contributions from our sponsors assist us in delivering high quality youth sports services at the lowest possible cost and partially fund this newsletter, and certain sponsors will be featured.
Dan's Notes - from Executive Director Dan Klinkhammer
KNOW THE RULES!
My first full-time job after I graduated from college was in Pipestone, Minnesota. They hired me as their Community Services Director. Since it was my first professional position, everything was new to me and it was truly a great training ground. I am very grateful that they gave me the opportunity to serve their community. Pipestone is also where I first pulled on a black and white striped shirt and learned how to blow a whistle. For most officials it was their choice to become one, and then there are others who had the concept thrust upon them - like a dagger to the forehead! That's sort of what happened to me.
One day I picked up the phone and Bob Nangle was on the other end. "We'll pick you up at 5:00." I had no clue (and apparently no choice) what he was talking about so I asked him where we were going. "You're going to become a high school registered football official and we are going to Marshall tonight to attend the MSHSL rules interpretation meeting. I need local guys to work my freshman, sophomore, B-squad and JV games." My response was, "Ahh...well...ahh...okay...ahh...ahh...I'll see you at 5:00."
Mr. Nangle was a guy who didn't understand or want to hear the word "no" and I wasn't in any position to be the guy who tried to find out how he'd react to that kind of response. You see, Bob was the high school Athletic Director and he was also one of seven members who sat on the Community Services Advisory Committee. That's right - Mr. Nangle was one of my seven bosses. So I let the smart half of my brain do my talking and kept the defiant, stupid side muffled with both hands.
On the way up to Marshall, I started asking questions about the process to become a high school official. Mr. Nangle said it was really no big deal. "They just go over the new rules and talk about some rule clarifications, you pay your money and then you take a test." I replied, "Money? Test? What Test? What Money? You didn't say anything about money or a test!" By that time everyone in the school van was laughing - except me. Then they told me, "Ah, don't worry about it. You can flunk it and you WILL flunk it, and you can still officiate, but you'll be on probation until you pass the test next year." My response was, "Probation? I don't want to be on probation for anything! What the heck have you gotten me into?" More laughter ensued.
As we got closer to Marshall I tried to calm myself. I tried to convince myself that I could pass the test, even though I had never seen a high school football rule book. After all, I played four years of high school football and had two years of college ball under my belt. I even played one season on the Fort Knox Army football team. Yup, I was pretty sure that I'd ace this test without ever looking at a rule book. NOT!
(Note: Back in the '70s, the Minnesota State High School League did things differently. They held their rule interpretation meetings and after reviewing the new rules, all of the potential officials had to take a closed book exam that consisted of 100 multiple choice questions. There was no opportunity to look up an answer or share information. You were on your own, with nothing but a #2 pencil in your hand. In today's world, officials need to attend the rules interpretation meeting - either in person or online - and then they take an open book test online.)
Well, the long and short of it was that I did flunk that test. At the time, you needed a minimum score of 75% correct and yours truly scored a 72%. And yes, I became a registered high school official on probation. Imagine how proud I felt when I told my buddies that I was on probation and I hadn't even worked a game yet. That experience was actually a godsend. It taught me just how much I didn't know. As I tell my staff all the time, "I'm not afraid of what I know; I'm afraid of what I don't know." Just because you played high school or college ball, that does not mean that you know the rules of the game.
Oh sure, just about everyone knows the basics of the rules but they don't know the details - and it's the details that will kill ya! Officials need to know the basics, the details and everything in between. So do coaches and here's why: psssst, listen up now...if you know the rules, you can use them to your advantage.
If you don't know the rules, someone else is going to be taking advantage of you! If the coach doesn't know the rules, who is going to teach the kids? How much confidence are the kids and parents going to have in the coach? How is the coach ever going to question the referee or umpire on their interpretation of the rules? Knowledge is power and if you don't know the rules you are powerless and your credibility is zero.
Reading a rule book will be just about the most boring thing you'll do in this life. However, coaches need to read and understand it. As you delve into the rule book, you will catch yourself saying two things: 1) "Hey, I didn't know that" and 2) "What the heck are they talking about?" Rule books aren't necessarily written in legalese, but they do sort of have a language of their own that requires a word-by-word understanding and interpretation. Once you understand all the terms and definitions you'll be able to decipher the "code" and you may actually begin to understand what they are talking about. When you get it all figured out, please give me a call and explain it to me!
The lack of rules knowledge is probably one of the biggest problems in sports regardless of the level of play. Ignorance of the rules is likely the number one frustration that officials have to put up with. It drives them crazy when a coach, player or fan has no clue what they are talking about but constantly rips on the officials. Unfortunately, a lot of coaches, players and fans get messed up on the rules because they watch high school, college and pro sports on TV. Guess what? They all play by different rules. Don't ask me why - that's just they way it is. So I would caution everyone to make sure you've got the rules straight before you go popping off to the officials.
Finally and most importantly, you need to teach the kids the rules. No, don't make them read a rule book or they will probably quit playing altogether. My advice to all of the coaches out there is to implement a "rule of the day" at the end of each practice. Read it to them and then show them how the rule is applied in practical game situations. By the end of the season you will have taught them 20-25 rules of the game, which is probably 20-25 more than anyone else has ever taught them. Then, if you are really smart, you'll tell the kids to go home and teach their parents the rules of the game. If we all did that we'd all enjoy the games more, the officials wouldn't take so much abuse, the kids would actually learn something and maybe, just maybe we would eventually fill the stands with people who know the rules and aren't guessing at them.
Three months after that fateful call from Mr. Nangle I picked up the ringing phone. "Good morning Dan, this is Bob Nangle." Before he could utter another word I said, "Let me guess. I'm about to become a basketball official?" All I heard on the other end of the line was, "Pick you up at 5:00." I catch on quickly, don't I?
I went on to officiate high school and college football, basketball, volleyball, softball and baseball for the next 20 years. Officiating provided me some of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. I met some really cool coaches, fantastic players, wonderful fans and dedicated officials. Every time I stepped onto the field or court, I felt like I was giving back to something that had already given me more than I could ever repay. Every game became a challenge to do it better than the last time. And every game was a new opportunity to apply those rules that I had studied so hard to get to know.
The downside of officiating is that it does take a lot of time away from your family and to be totally truthful, I probably wouldn't have officiated if they hadn't paid me. The dollars that I made officiating helped make our house and car payments, and I'm pretty sure my kids were very thankful they didn't have to wear the same diapers for a week!
Submit Your Proposals for the $15,000+ Grant Dollar Give Away!
Visit Minneapolis North is launching a NEW grant program to sports event planners to keep tournaments and sporting events coming to our sports-friendly area. Submit your proposals for your next event on or before May 31, 2009 to be considered. Award winners will be announced in June.
Please click here to view more detailed information and find out how to be entered into the 1st Annual $15,000+ Grant Dollar Give Away!
Then And Now - by Larry Gallagher
WHY OFFICIATE?
From the time I was seven years old, I was in love with sports. Why? I have come to the conclusion that matching my skills, strength, agility and knowledge against others was very enjoyable. Not only was it fun but it proved to me I could excel at some part of the game and it also showed my weaknesses that needed to improve for me to get even better at the game. I have found that these early game experiences carried over to my officiating.
I have analyzed my own officiating experiences and many of my colleagues' experiences and have come to the conclusion that most officials love to compete and when they compete at a high level, they gain a great deal of personal satisfaction.
How does one get interested in officiating? I am not exactly sure but by observing and listening to my colleagues and using personal experience, I have concluded there are as many varied reasons as there are officials. One reason is that a friend shows you that you could become an official. Jim McMurchie showed me the need for umpires in the fast pitch softball league I was playing in, and I found it fun umpiring guys I played against.
I remember a really good former Northwest umpire named Jimmy Lee. Jimmy was always enjoying himself as an umpire and that made a very good impression on me as a player. He just bubbled with enthusiasm. Later, I had the pleasure of umpiring with Jimmy before he retired from the game. There is a recreation center in St. Paul named after Jimmy Lee. He was a great person and a wonderful official.
Joe Vancisin, my summer baseball coach when I was 11 to 16 years old, taught us a lot of baseball and also allowed me to be an umpire from behind the mound in our morning league (in-house) in the Columbia Heights Recreation Program. It was fun and I learned a lot about how to deal with kids, both as a coach and as an umpire. Joe gave me the chance to develop leadership as a player, coach and umpire. He became the Yale University basketball coach when he left Minnesota. He also became the NCAA Executive Secretary for the Basketball Coaches Association and held that position for 17 years. His last duty was the 1992 NCAA Basketball Tournament at the HHH Metrodome in Minneapolis. He is now in his 90s and lives in New Haven.
Another reason some umpires get into the game is because they had an unpleasant situation caused by an umpire's apparent incorrect decision that spurred the player to say, "I can do better than that!"
I have found there are many stages of officiating:
Stage One is saying and believing, "I can do better than the other guy." So this might be the competitive stage.
Stage Two is messing up a call or play so badly that you realize you still have more to learn.
Stage Three is when you are learning more and thinking you have finally arrived.
Stage Four is when you know you have arrived and realize you are still looking for that perfect game, striving to always be professional, and acknowledging that you have made mistakes along the way and keep working hard to get better at what you do.
The Final Stage is recognizing that you didn't get to where you are without help and you thank all the people who have made it possible for you to get to your level of talent. This includes your family, friends and umpire colleagues who have always supported you.
Yes, I know you were expecting to hear about giving something back to the game, the extra money, staying in shape and serving the sporting community, etc. That stuff is important too but we really do it because we are competitive and want to become the best we can be.
However, I am more of a pragmatist than that. I feel the best officials are those who are more selfish. We love a challenge. Therefore, we officiate because we get our kicks from doing well and being leaders where many others would fear to even try. The greater the challenge, the greater our personal satisfaction.
When we compete as officials, we compete together as a team and when that really works, we win. This is not a scoreboard victory but it is still a victory in every other sense of the word. Let's all vow to strive for perfection each time we go out on the court, field, ice or wherever our competition occurs.
Enjoy the rest of your officiating career. None of us know when it will be over. So enjoy it while you can and do your best each time you have the opportunity. Since it is getting near the end of my own officiating career, each game or competition becomes that much more important for me.
I have had the luxury of being a player, coach, manager, league officer and official and the games I have played, coached, managed and umpired have been so important to my development as a human being. I cherish all the friendships and challenges I have met because they give me the strength to be the best person I can be.
Velocity Sports Performance Champlin
The New Generation of Sport Training
Today's athletes are in the midst of a new generation of training. It's a rare sight to see any single sport athletes these days. Nowadays kids are being offered and are signing up for two, three, sometimes even four sports throughout the year. With so many different skills and fundamentals to be learned in each sport, it's all too common to see an athlete train year round. Kids will undergo a pre-season, an in-season, specialty camps, tournaments and so on. This can take a huge toll on the level of fun being experienced by an athlete.
Overtraining is a serious issue with today's multi-sport athletes. The problem is not necessarily that the training is wrong, but maybe it's not the most time efficient/effective. A multi-sport athlete must train for each of their desired sports, which causes conflicts in time and priorities. Needless to say, spending the majority of one's time training for a single sport doesn't seem to be very efficient or beneficial either. And the other sports will most certainly feel the effects. A new way to train these multi-sport athletes has arisen and it's taking the training world by storm.
Enter Velocity Sports Performance. At Velocity, athletes are trained by world class certified professionals in the art of sports performance. Velocity-trained kids are taught skills that transcend a broad spectrum of sports: skills such as coordination, balance, body awareness and control, strength, power, agility, reaction and speed. We leave sport-specific skills such as the art of the baseball swing, volleyball spike, jump shot or slap shot to the athlete's sport coach. These different ways of training, sport performance and sport skills combine to make up an athlete. We at Velocity focus on constructing a solid base of athleticism for each individual upon which the specific skills of their chosen sport can be built.
When an athlete comes to a Velocity Sports training session, they will be taught numerous ways to be a better athlete. First, they will be taught the correct running mechanics, during both the acceleration and the maximum velocity phases of running. Also, the athlete will be trained on how to use their body to maneuver the most efficient way through the playing field. This could be running forward, backwards, at an angle or cutting on a dime and changing directions to get past the opponent. Each 90-minute session is concluded by a strength training program that is specifically designed to enhance the athlete's strength and power on the playing field. Along with just pushing/pulling a lot of weight, these lifts challenge the player's coordination and balance and focus on correcting any muscle imbalances the athlete may exhibit.
When training at Velocity, the athlete will be exposed to the latest technology for enhancing their performance. They will use tools such as agility ladders, hurdles, running parachutes, weighted sleds, plyometrics boxes, bungees, monster truck tires and many, many more.
So regardless of how many sports you play, Velocity Sports Performance can help you or your child achieve that "next level." Take a look at our website, www.velocitysp.com/champlin, and see how being Velocity Trained can move your game to the next level.
This article was submitted by Robby Smith (robby.smith@velocitysp.com), Sports Performance Coach, BS Exercise Science.
Gopher State Football 7 on 7 Passing League
The inaugural Gopher State Football 7 on 7 Passing League is scheduled to commence this coming summer. The league is designed for high school football teams. Play will begin the week of June 15 and wrap up the week of July 27. The league will be limited to 12 teams this first year, so keep watching the MYAS website for more information and entry forms in the coming weeks.
If you have further questions, please contact Eric Rathke at 763-746-1730 or eric@myas.org.
Gopher State Twin Cities Football Championship
The MYAS is looking forward to the 2009 Gopher State Twin Cities Football Championship, and we hope that many of you will be able to participate in the second year of this event. The 2009 Championship will take place in late October and early November.
All of the pertinent information will be available on the football page of the MYAS website in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, if you have questions please contact Eric Rathke at 763-746-1730 or eric@myas.org.
Good luck in your upcoming football season, and we hope to see you this fall at the Gopher State Twin Cities Football Championship!
Football Rules of the Month
In our ongoing education mission, we would like to highlight three basic high school football rules. The answers appear later in the newsletter (see "In this Issue" for the link). Good luck!
1. Prior to the snap, Team A has eight players on the line of scrimmage. Player A1, who is on the end of the line, shifts and becomes a back. Player A2, who prior to A1's change of position was an interior lineman, is now on the end of the line. A2 arises from his three-point stance and moves to a new position five yards farther out on the line of scrimmage where he again assumes a three-point stance. What is the ruling?
2. Quarterback A1 takes the snap and hands the ball forward to Back A2. The handing is done (a) behind; (b) in; or (c) beyond the neutral zone. What is the ruling in each case?
3. On second down, Quarterback A1 drops back and throws an underhand shovel pass forward to Back A2 who is behind the neutral zone. A2 throws the ball back to A1, who then throws the ball forward beyond the neutral zone to Player A3. Player B1 blocks A3 away from the ball and intercepts A1's pass. What is the ruling?
Basketball Rules of the Month
In our ongoing education mission, we would like to highlight three basic basketball playing rules. The answers are posted later in the newsletter (see "In this Issue" for the link). Good luck!
1. Player A1 throws the ball from behind the three-point line. The ball is legally touched by (a) Player B1 who is in the three-point area; (b) Player B1 who is in the two-point area; (c) Player A2 who is in the three-point area; or (d) Player A2 who is in the two-point area. The ball continues in flight and goes through Team A's basket. What is the ruling in each case?
2. With three-tenths of a second or less left in a tied game, each team is in the bonus. Team A has a throw-in on the end line near their basket. Player A1 throws the ball to Player A5 on the near block who catches the ball and quickly shoots. A5 is fouled by Player B3 just prior to the period-ending horn. The ball goes through A's basket. What is the ruling?
3. Player A1's dribble is "interrupted" when the ball deflects off his/her shoe. A1 or a teammate asks or signals for a time-out as the ball bounces toward (a) the sideline; or (b) the division line. What is the ruling in each case?
If you have questions about these or other basketball playing rules, please contact Buddy Hemric at 763-746-1717 or buddy@myas.org.
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball
The 2009 Gopher State "Quest for the Rings" Spring Basketball Championships are just around the corner. The girls' and boys' 9-10U Championships will be held on May 2-3 and the boys' 11U & 12U and the girls' 11-19U Championships take place on May 16-17. The championship series concludes on May 30-31 with the boys' 13-19U events. Make sure you sign your team up to play for their chance at winning those championship rings from Jostens!
After the Spring Championships, get your team ready to compete against teams from around the Midwest in the MYAS Gopher State Border Battle on June 20-21.
It has been great watching all the teams playing spring basketball this year. There are so many talented teams and players participating at all age levels that Minnesota should continue to be a hotbed for college recruiters for years to come.
We sincerely thank you for your participation in MYAS tournaments this spring and we wish all of you good luck in your upcoming events. Don't forget to sign up for the Spring Championships. Remember to have fun, play fair and take it hard to the rack! We look forward to seeing you in the gym.
Gopher State Prep Showcase Basketball Tournament
The 2009 MYAS Gopher State Prep Showcase will be held July 18-19 at Lakeville South High School.
New for 2009: We will still have separate small school (A and AA) and large school (AAA and AAAA) championship brackets, but we have added an Open division which will allow summer teams to participate.
Come and compete this summer in the air conditioning at Lakeville South High School in front of college coaches and recruiters. Prep Showcase brochures were mailed to every high school in the state. If you haven't received your brochure or would like further information, please contact Rich Penick at 763-746-1724 or rich@myas.org.
MYAS Gopher State Fall Basketball League
Planning for the 2009 MYAS Gopher State Fall Basketball League is well underway. We are in the process of finalizing the information and plan to post it on the MYAS website by the end of May. Last year's league once again had a tremendous showing with 412 teams, which allowed for very competitive divisions while keeping teams close to home. Thank you to all the participating teams and the host groups that provided the facilities and workforces.
Second Session for High School Teams: In an effort to bridge the gap between the end of the Gopher State Fall Basketball League and the start of the high school season, we have created a Second Session. Now teams have the opportunity to play right up until their tryouts. Players can work on their skills and conditioning and coaches will be able to observe the players in game situations. The Second Session is not a league - your team can play on any or all five of the available dates.
For more information on the Gopher State Fall Basketball League and/or the Second Session, please click here. Info for the 2009 Fall League and Second Session will be posted by the end of May.
Minnesota Sports Medicine Tip
Recognize and Prevent Little League Elbow
By Greg Lervick, M.D.
Background
Little league elbow (LLE) is an overuse injury to the medial (inner side of the) elbow from repetitive throwing motions in athletes ages 9-15. During the throwing motion, stress is placed on the inner elbow causing tension on the medial elbow structures.
This repetitive stress causes microtrauma to a growth area called the apophysis - 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 from the parent bone - referred to as a 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 preseason 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, pitch type, a proper rotation schedule and maintenance of 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 pitch number minus ten for 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.
Prognosis
Most cases of little league elbow resolve with rest and conservative management.
Board certified orthopedic surgeon, Greg Lervick, M.D., provides non-surgical and surgical treatment for the full spectrum of orthopedic shoulder and elbow conditions. Dr. Lervick sees patients at Twin Cities Orthopedics - Minnesota Sports Medicine - Eden Prairie and the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Dr. Lervick is team physician for Augsburg College and Lakeville South High School. He provides coverage for Minnesota State High School League tournaments and serves as faculty for Minnesota Sports Medicine's Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship.
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.
Play Ball MN! Baseball/Softball Conference
The Gopher State Baseball League and the Twins Community Fund bring you the Play Ball! Minnesota Baseball/Softball Conference
The fifth annual Minnesota Baseball & Softball Conference, in conjunction with the Gopher State Baseball League, will be held on Saturday, April 25 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center from 8:00am to 3:00pm. The Minnesota Twins, Play Ball! Minnesota and the MYAS/GSBL have invited all youth baseball and softball coaches from the upper Midwest, regardless of experience, to learn from former Twins and other familiar coaches and instructors involved in the game.
The conference schedule will include three breakout sessions as well as a general session. During the morning session, coaches will have the opportunity to hear from former Twins greats and local college coaches and/or instructors discussing specific breakout sessions related to baseball.
The general session will reconvene with lunch and an opportunity to hear from former Twins great and Hall of Famer, Harmon Killebrew. Up to 30 vendors will also be on hand to showcase their products that will be beneficial to everyone attending the conference.
The conference schedule is subject to change! More detailed information is available on the MYAS website by clicking here. You may also contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org. If you are a coach in the Gopher State Baseball League, please contact Dawson to sign up through the league.
Gopher State Baseball Umpire Training Clinics
All umpires are welcome and encouraged to attend a Gopher State Umpire Training Clinic. These clinics are designed to provide umpires of all abilities the opportunity to enhance their skills and/or become educated in the finer points of umpiring.
Student instruction will include baseball philosophy, mental approach and attitude as well as appearance and equipment. The clinics feature on-field training for the one- and two-person umpiring systems, which includes proper positioning and duties of the plate and base umpires. Every umpire will have the opportunity to participate in live drills where you will see the play and make the call. The clinic will also cover handling game situations, balks, ejections, etc. We will do our best to have you ready for opening day!
Every umpire who attends a Gopher State Umpire Training Clinic will receive an additional $6 per game for the 2009 Gopher State Baseball League. A $4 per game bonus will apply for the Gopher State Spring Training Series, USSSA State Tournament, Gopher State Tournament of Champions, MYAS Rec State Baseball Championships and Gopher State Fall Baseball League. With MSHSL registration, another $1 will be added to the per-game total.
For more information, including clinic dates and sites, instructor bios and maps to clinic locations, visit the Gopher State Umpire Training Clinic web page. You may also contact Jeremy Barbe at 763-746-1731 or jbarbe@myas.org with your questions.
Gopher State Baseball League
It's hard to believe the Gopher State Baseball League (GSBL), a USSSA sanctioned league, is about to embark upon its 10th season. We are very proud of the league and the high regard it has earned in youth traveling baseball. The 2009 version of the GSBL stretches east to west 114 miles and north to south 115 miles, encompassing 58 youth baseball associations. The GSBL is the largest representation of communities that make up a traveling baseball league in the upper Midwest.
The MYAS baseball staff would like to salute each of the six new GSBL member associations, their coaches and the teams that represent them. We would also like to extend a hearty welcome to all first-year coaches as you begin your tenure as a youth traveling baseball coach, and we can't forget to thank the veteran coaches who have been the backbone of the GSBL over the past few years. We believe the experiences and opportunities available to all GSBL participants provide a lifetime of memories.
On Saturday, April 18, the MYAS administered the annual League Scheduling Sessions that allowed all 340 10-15U teams to schedule their league matchups for the 2009 season. We'd like to thank all of the association directors and coaches who took time out of their busy schedules to make the 10th annual scheduling session a success.
In the weeks to come, all teams will attend a mandatory coaches' meeting and then the season opens for 10-13U teams on May 4. The 14U teams open play on May 11 and the 15U teams begin on May 18. The league entry deadline for all 16U and 17/19U teams is May 11. If you need more information, please contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
All pertinent league information is posted on the GSBL web page. All 10-13U schedules will be available on April 27 and the 14-15U schedules will be available on May 4 by 5:00pm. League start and end dates, playoff schedules and 2009 rules are also available on the GSBL web page. Don't miss the opportunity to catch "the best game in town" at a field near you this summer!
Gopher State Baseball Spring Training Series
Gopher State Spring Training Series deadlines are soon approaching!
The entry deadline for the May 16-17 Gopher State Spring Training Series events is May 4 at 4:00pm. We still have availability in the 10AA, 11AAA, 11AA, 12AAA, 12AA, 14AA and 15AA divisions. Check out the tournament web page for teams already entered and additional information.
All Spring Training Series tournaments will be Gopher State Tournament of Champions Qualifiers, so two automatic berths per division will be awarded for our big season-ending event. Participating teams will earn "GSTC Points" toward possible at-large berths which will be determined in June. All "AAA" divisions will also be run as Global Sports World Series Qualifiers, giving more teams an opportunity to gain a USSSA World Series experience without having to travel across the entire country.
Check out the Spring Training Series web page for tournament dates, sites and online registration information. You may also contact Tony Groff at 763-746-1728 or tony@myas.org with your questions.
Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions
The 2009 Gopher State Tournament of Champions (GSTC) is nearly upon us! Community invitationals will soon be underway. Teams will begin earning their GSTC points, which will be tracked on the GSTC Standings Page of the MYAS website. The top two finishing teams in each of our designated qualifiers receive automatic berths to the GSTC, with the rest of the field earning points toward a possible at-large berth. Teams that do not earn automatic berths through qualifying tournaments but earn enough points for an at-large berth will be contacted on June 22-23 to determine their intentions of playing in the GSTC.
The MYAS baseball staff is looking forward to seeing the GSTC grow once again this year. Last season 336 teams battled for the championship in July and the champions were awarded their custom made Jostens rings on the Metrodome floor prior to a Twins game last September.
If you'd like more information about the Gopher State Tournament of Champions, please visit the GSTC web page or contact Tony Groff at 763-746-1728 or tony@myas.org.
Minnesota USSSA Baseball State Tournament
The Minnesota USSSA State Tournament is a traveling/in-house baseball team's opportunity to qualify for a USSSA World Series event. At no other tournament in Minnesota can you qualify for your respective 2009 USSSA Baseball World Series and the Gopher State Tournament of Champions (GSTC) at the 10-17/19U age levels.
The USSSA tournaments combine competitive teams, great venues and an outstanding tournament experience and atmosphere for everyone involved - qualities not found at a normal invitational. This will be a tremendous event to participate in regardless of whether a traveling/in-house team's intent is advancement to a USSSA World Series or qualifying for the GSTC.
For more tournament information, including the dates, sites and an entry application, log onto the USSSA State Tournament web page. You may also contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
Global Sports Baseball - a Division of USSSA Baseball
Global Sports Baseball will offer multiple World Series Qualifiers in the Midwest as well as World Series events in July. Global Sports will provide more teams an opportunity to play in a World Series event within a reasonable driving distance.
USSSA Baseball will hold various 2009 Global Sports World Series regionally, including the 11 & Under event in Brooklyn Park on July 22-26. More information about that tournament will be available very soon. Feel free to log onto www.myas.org or www.usssabaseball.org to gather more information about Global Sports Baseball. Locations for the 10U, 12U, 13U and 14U World Series events are also available.
For more detailed information about this division of USSSA Baseball contact Dawson Blanck, Minnesota USSSA Baseball Director, at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
Global Sports World Series Qualifiers in Minnesota:
13AAA * May 2-3 * Gopher State Spring Training Series
10AAA, 11AAA, 12AAA & 14AAA * May 16-17 * Gopher State Spring Training Series
10AAA, 11AAA, 12AAA, 13AAA & 14AAA * May 29-31 * Father Hennepin Tournament, Champlin
11AAA * June 12-14 * St. Michael/Albertville Tournament
12AAA & 13AAA * June 26-28 * Mahtomedi Classic
MYAS Rec State Baseball Championship
The MYAS Rec State Baseball Championship is a great way for all in-house/recreational teams to participate in a state tournament! This year's championship is scheduled for July 31-August 2 and will feature five divisions of play and a three-game guarantee. Each tournament is limited to the first 32 teams, so reserve your local in-house/recreational teams a spot in the 2009 Rec State Championship!
Last year's tournament witnessed 112 metro area teams in four different age divisions have a blast while vying for a state title, and we expect event more teams and exciting competition in the 2009 championship.
The Championship brochure is available on the Rec State web page. You may also contact Jeremy Barbe at 763-746-1731 or jbarbe@myas.org for more details on this great event.
For the third year, the Ramada Minneapolis NW (featuring Grand Rios Indoor Water Park) will be the proud sponsor of the Rec State Championship. They will have awesome room rates with water park passes available for your entire team's year end celebration!
Gopher State Fall Baseball League
The Minnesota Youth Athletic Services will hold its 18th annual Gopher State Fall Baseball League on Sundays from September 13 through October 18, 2009. Players may register as individuals, as a group or as an entire team. The league will be USSSA sanctioned for insurance purposes, meaning each team will be covered under a USSSA team insurance policy.
The MYAS baseball staff is partnering with the Minnesota Baseball Academy to offer another division of play for athletes at the 15-18U age levels. This new program will be called the Advanced Fall Baseball League.
Please call the MYAS baseball staff at 763-781-2220 or log onto the Fall League web page for answers to all of your questions. Updated information about the 2009 Gopher State Fall Baseball League will be available soon. The entry deadline for this year's league is August 17, 2009.
MYAS Latest News (as of 4/23/09)
Basketball Tournament Openings
Fitz Football Camp - featuring Larry Fitzgerald, Jr.
Play Ball! Minnesota/Gopher State Baseball Coaches' Conference
Are you looking for a basketball team to play on?
Global Sports USSSA Baseball
2009 Gopher State Baseball League
Insurance - USSSA Basketball
MYAS Calendar Updates (as of 4/23/09)
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Play Ball! Minnesota / Gopher State Baseball League Coaches' Conference
Saturday & Sunday, April 25-26, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational Tournaments
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Gopher State Baseball Umpire Training Clinic - Big Lake
Monday, April 27, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational Tournament registration deadline (May 9-10 event)
Monday, April 27, 2009
Gopher State Baseball League 10-13U Coaches' Meeting
Thursday, April 30, 2009
North Star Baseball League Coaches' Meeting
Saturday & Sunday, May 2-3, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball 9-10U Boys'/Girls' Championships
Saturday & Sunday, May 2-3, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational Tournaments
Saturday & Sunday, May 2-3, 2009
Gopher State Baseball Spring Training Series (13AAA & 13AA)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball 11-19U Girls' Championship registration deadline (May 16-17 event)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball 11-12U Boys' Championship registration deadline (May 16-17 event)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball 9-10U Girls' Invitational registration deadline (May 16-17 event)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball 9-10U & 13-19U Boys' Invitational registration deadline (May 16-17 event)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Gopher State Baseball League 14-15U Coaches' Meeting
Monday, May 4, 2009
Gopher State Baseball League 10-13U play begins
Saturday & Sunday, May 9-10, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational Tournaments
Monday, May 11, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver Tournament registration deadline (May 23 event)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Gopher State Baseball League 16-17/19U Team Fees & League Forms Due
Monday, May 11, 2009
Gopher State Baseball League 14U play begins
Saturday & Sunday, May 16-17, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball 11-19U Girls' Championships
Saturday & Sunday, May 16-17, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball 11-12U Boys' Championships
Saturday & Sunday, May 16-17, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball 9-10U Girls' Invitational Tournaments
Saturday & Sunday, May 16-17, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball 9-10U & 13-19U Boys' Invitational Tournaments
Saturday & Sunday, May 16-17, 2009
Gopher State Baseball Spring Training Series (10AA, 11AAA, 11AA, 12AAA, 12AA, 14AAA, 14AA, 15AAA & 15AA)
Monday, May 18, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball 13-19U Boys' Championship registration deadline (May 30-31 event)
Monday, May 18, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball 11-12U Boys' Invitational registration deadline (May 30-31 event)
Monday, May 18, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Girls' Invitational registration deadline (May 30-31 event)
Monday, May 18, 2009
Gopher State Baseball League 15U play begins
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Gopher State Baseball League 16-17/19U Coaches' Scheduling Sessions
Friday, May 22, 2009
Minnesota USSSA Baseball 10-15U State Tournament registration deadline
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver Tournament
Monday, May 25, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Tournament registration deadline (June 6-7 event)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Gopher State Baseball League 16-17/19U Coaches' Meeting
Saturday & Sunday, May 30-31, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball 13-19U Boys' Championships
Saturday & Sunday, May 30-31, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball 11-12U Boys' Invitational Tournaments
Saturday & Sunday, May 30-31, 2009
Gopher State Spring Basketball Girls' Invitational Tournaments
Answers to Football Rules of the Month
The answers below are derived from the National Federation of State High School Associations 2008 Football Rules Book and/or Football Case Book.
1. A legal shift by Player A2. Restrictions that apply to interior linemen no longer apply to A2 after Player A1 moved off the line and assumed a position as a back, thus making A2 an end (Case Book 7.1.7 Situation A page 47).
2. Legal in (a) and (b), but a foul in (c). Comment: The position of the ball determines whether it is behind, in or beyond the neutral zone. If the entire ball is beyond the neutral zone when it is released, it is forward handling (Case Book 7.3.2 Situation page 51).
3. Legal contact by Player B1 and an illegal forward pass by Player A1. Pass interference restrictions for Team B players ended when the shovel pass was touched. Team B will likely decline the foul and keep the ball. If the foul for illegal forward pass is accepted, it is five yards and a loss of down from the spot of the pass, but Team A retains the ball (Case Book 7.5.9 Situation page 54).
Answers to Basketball Rules of the Month
The answers below are derived from the National Federation of State High School Associations 2008-09 Basketball Rules Book, Basketball Case Book and/or Rules by Topic publication.
1. In (a) and (b), three points are scored since the legal touching was by the defense and the ball was thrown from behind the three-point line. In (c), score three points since the legal touch by a teammate occurred behind the three-point line. In (d), score two points since the legal touch by a teammate occurred in the two-point area (Case Book 5.2.1 Situation C page 37).
2. Since Player A5 may not control the ball and attempt a try with three-tenths of a second or less, A5 cannot score a goal and is not considered in the act of shooting. However, Player B3's foul cannot be ignored and is considered a common foul. A5 is awarded a one-and-one bonus free-throw situation with the lane cleared. A5's free throw attempts will determine if the game is over or if an overtime period is necessary (Case Book 5.2.5 Situation C page 39).
3. The request cannot be granted in (a) or (b) since Player A1's dribble has been "interrupted" and the ball is loose (Case Book 5.8.3 Situation F page 44; Rule Book 4-15-6c page 31).
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 RHR Information Services, has designed a criminal background check system that offers three affordable options to youth sports associations. RHR, a local Twin Cities company, incorporates a “user-friendly” process combined with flexible information delivery to make this system easy and inexpensive for your organization. For more information, please contact Mike DeWane at 952-393-1929 or mike@myas.org.
3. Coaching Education Program
The MYAS has partnered with the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) to offer youth sport associations and their coaches the Coaching Youth Sport education program designed specifically for youth coaches. It provides coaches with a solid foundation in coaching principles, sport first aid and sport-specific techniques and tactics. These courses are available for baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball and wrestling and can be delivered in the classroom or online. For more information, please contact Mike DeWane at 952-393-1929 or mike@myas.org.
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Start every season at SportSpace Community! Join the online community for youth sports leagues - get organized, coach up your team and play ball!
You'll be able to post your league blog, communicate with league organizers and manage schedules, have an online bulletin board, connect with Dick's Sporting Goods for special events and much more. Click on this link to find out more about the SportSpace Community - free from Dick's Sporting Goods!
MYAS Sponsors
MYAS Membership Meetings
MYAS membership meetings are held at our offices (4111 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights 55421) on the last Tuesday of each month at 9:00am (unless notified otherwise). All MYAS members are welcome to attend.
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