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Welcome to the January 27, 2012; 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 sports 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
COACH CERTIFICATION CARDS
By now, I'm sure you've all heard about the alleged sexual misconduct by Jerry Sandusky (Penn State football coach), Bernie Feine (Syracuse basketball coach) and Bobby Dodd (President and Executive Director of the National AAU). We are all appalled by these stories and they just seem to keep coming. Frankly, sexual misconduct, physical abuse and verbal abuse aren't anything new, but the high profile of these alleged offenders has brought the vulnerability of young athletes back into focus. Here at the MYAS, we have been asking ourselves, "What should we be doing to minimize the risk of your son or daughter being the next victim?" Read on.
My first job after graduating from college was to serve as the Community Services Director for the City of Pipestone. As the CSD, part of my job was to coordinate the recreation and youth sport programs for the City and the Pipestone School District. I fully admit that I was "green as grass" and I was definitely a great example of someone learning on the job when I started in 1977. Starting any new job is somewhat intimidating but what I found to be most intimidating was the fact that I didn't know a single person in that town and I was the guy who was supposed to be recruiting and training the volunteer coaches for the various youth sport programs offered by the city.
Back in the '70s, we didn't seem to have as much deviant behavior as we do today. Or at the very least, we didn't see it on the news every day like we do now. But even back then, I though it was rather odd that high school coaches had to have a teaching degree AND a coaching certificate in order to coach at that level while at the same time, there were no requirements of any kind to coach our junior high and elementary kids. I have always believed that was a very backwards approach for the conduct of youth sports. Why would any of us think that our high school aged athletes needed to be coached by a certified adult with a teaching degree, while anybody that raised their hand was allowed to coach our eight- and nine-year olds?
The answer lies in the fact that youth coaches are usually volunteers and volunteer coaches are often hard to find. I know that for a fact because I've had to do my share of begging and arm twisting to recruit enough coaches to accommodate the multitude of kids that wanted to play ball. If you've ever been in charge of recruiting volunteer coaches, you know what I'm talking about. Unfortunately, the program directors are often forced to take individuals who were not very high on their list of prospective coaches. As a result, our younger kids sometimes get stuck with less than adequate coaches, and sometimes they get stuck with a coach who has inappropriate ulterior motives for wanting to spend a lot of time around our children.
I like to believe that I'm a "tell it like it is guy," so let's not try to suggest that youth sports isn't a potential incubator for perverts looking for easy prey. So are the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs, band, the local playground, your backyard and anywhere else kids are congregated and supervised or exposed to adult supervision. That's why we all need to be watchdogs and do whatever we can to protect our kids.
I do not profess to have the silver bullet that will put an end to the potential misconduct of every coach that comes in contact with your child, but we think that we may have come up with a plan to minimize the risk as best as possible. To that end, we have created the "Coach Certification Card."
Beginning this spring, the MYAS will be conducting Coach Certification Training. We intend to conduct numerous training sessions all across the state with the hope that as many volunteer coaches as possible will jump on this bandwagon and allow us to give them the education and training that they need to do a more than adequate job of coaching your kids.
In order to possess a Coach Certification Card, a coach must:
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pass a nationwide background check;
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successfully complete the state-mandated concussion training;
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successfully pass a first aid training course;
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successfully complete an approved coaches' education program; and
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sign the MYAS Code of Conduct.
NOTE: The MYAS recommends the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) program for the coaches' education portion of the certification. Their program is excellent, reasonably priced and can be delivered online.
To get the process started, we are going to offer this training/certification as an option to coaches. We hope that the practice of getting proper coaches' education will become the norm in a few years, just like the "best practice" of conducting coach background checks. (As an FYI, we started recommending that associations, clubs and independents conduct background checks on their travel and in-house coaches back in the early 2000s and as of our last survey, over 90% of youth sport associations currently conduct background checks on their volunteer coaches.)
Hopefully, in a couple of years all of our youth sport parents can ask to see an individual's Coach Certification Card or just check a "Certified Coaches List" on the MYAS website. As a parent, it would give me great relief to know that my child's coach has gone through basic training for youth coaches and that they have passed the required checks and tests. This has been a long time coming, but the time is now.
We are still working out the logistics of this new concept, but we fully intend to have it ready to roll out for the spring basketball and summer baseball seasons. We'll keep you posted.
In the meantime, hug your kid today, tomorrow and every day you can!
Upcoming MYAS Event Registration Deadlines
Eye of the Tiger Basketball Tournament, Fridley (admin. by MYAS)
Event Date(s): February 11-12, 2012
Deadline: Monday, January 30, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Wrestling Nationals
Event Date(s): February 11-12, 2012
Deadline: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 @ 3:00pm
MYAS Girls' Grade State Basketball Championships
Event Date(s): March 3-4, 2012
Deadline: Friday, February 3, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Basketball Winter Classic
Event Date(s): February 18-19, 2012
Deadline: Monday, February 6, 2012
MYAS Boys' Grade State Basketball Championships
Event Date(s): March 10-11, 2012
Deadline: Friday, February 10, 2012
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournaments
Event Date(s): February 25 & 26, 2012
Deadline: Monday, February 13, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Wrestling K-6 Team Tournament
Event Date(s): February 26, 2012
Deadline: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 @ 3:00pm
St. Louis Park Boys' Grade State BK Tune-Up (admin. by MYAS)
Event Date(s): March 3-4, 2012
Deadline: Monday, February 20, 2012
MYAS Rec State Basketball Championships
Event Date(s): March 17-18, 2012
Deadline: Friday, February 24, 2012
Midwest Regional Swim Meet
Event Date(s): March 31-April 1, 2012
Deadline: Monday, February 27, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational
Event Date(s): March 31-April 1, 2012
Deadline: Monday, March 19, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver
Event Date(s): April 7, 2012
Deadline: Monday, March 26, 2012
Gopher State Baseball League 9u-15u AAA/AA/A
Event Date(s): April-August
Deadline: Friday, March 30, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational
Event Date(s): April 14-15, 2012
Deadline: Monday, April 2, 2012
North Star Baseball League
Event Date(s): April-August
Deadline: Friday, April 6, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational
Event Date(s): April 21-22, 2012
Deadline: Monday, April 9, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational
Event Date(s): April 28-29, 2012
Deadline: Monday, April 16, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Savers
Event Date(s): May 5 & 6, 2012
Deadline: Monday, April 23, 2012
MYAS Gopher State 3rd-4th Grade Spring Basketball Championships
Event Date(s): May 12-13, 2012
Deadline: Monday, April 30, 2012
MYAS Gopher State 5th-12th Grade Spring Basketball Invitationals
Event Date(s): May 12-13, 2012
Deadline: Monday, April 30, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Boys' 5th-6th Grade Spring Basketball Championships
Event Date(s): May 19-20, 2012
Deadline: Monday, May 7, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Girls' 5th-12th Grade Spring Basketball Championships
Event Date(s): May 19-20, 2012
Deadline: Monday, May 7, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Boys' 3rd-4th & 7th-12th Grade and Girls' 3rd-4th Grade Spring Basketball Invitationals
Event Date(s): May 19-20, 2012
Deadline: Monday, May 7, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver
Event Date(s): May 26, 2012
Deadline: Monday, May 14, 2012
Gopher State Baseball League 16u-17/19u
Event Date(s): June-July
Deadline: Friday, May 18, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Boys' 7th-12th Grade Spring Basketball Championships
Event Date(s): June 2-3, 2012
Deadline: Monday, May 21, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Boys' 3rd-6th & Girls' 3rd-12th Grade Spring Basketball Invitationals
Event Date(s): June 2-3, 2012
Deadline: Monday, May 21, 2012
MYAS Night at the Water Park of America - April 15, 2012
It's back by popular demand! On Sunday, April 15, the MYAS will have exclusive use of the Water Park of America from 5:00-9:00pm. Admission is just $8 per person, a $20 savings off the regular price!
The WPOA is located in Bloomington at the intersection of I-494 and Highway 77, just northwest of the Mall of America.
Tickets are limited so don't delay! Invite your family and friends to this fun event - it's a great end of the winter sports year team party. For more information, please click here.
MYAS Night with Gopher Women's Basketball Team
The MYAS Night with the Gopher Women's Basketball Team took place on Thursday, January 19 and was a huge success! The Gophers got a big win over the Michigan State Spartans and 202 MYAS participants were there to enjoy it.
The Albany Huskies and Chanhassen Storm girls' 4th grade teams battled on the Williams Arena floor during a halftime scrimmage, and then after the game all of our participants got a chance to meet Head Coach Pam Borton, all of the Gopher women's players and Goldy Gopher. We'd like to thank all of them for making it a night to remember!
To view more pictures from the Night with the Gophers please visit the MYAS Facebook page.
Borton's Bench Notes
Having one of Minnesota's best high school players and now one of the Big Ten's best guards wearing a Minnesota jersey is so rewarding and the fans have more than embraced Lakeville North's Rachel Banham.
We are in the middle of the Big Ten season and it brings out a lot of emotions for coaches, players and fans. It is an exciting time of year for us and the competition is second to none! The energy, passion and emotion that the players display on the hardwood each game day is energizing to see.
For the fans, the excitement of filling Williams Arena with enough energy to be the sixth person in the stands for the Gophers is what makes each home game special. For the players, playing Big Ten basketball on the big stage and wearing the Minnesota jersey is what they have dreamed about their entire lives. For the coaches, it is a great rush and why we prepare 12 months a year.
There are excellent coaches in the Big Ten, great players and different and contrasting styles, and that is what makes each and every game the biggest game of the year!
We have an exciting team and we are currently #1 in league standings in rebounding, defensive field goal percentage and three-point shooting percentage.
Rachel has been remarkable in just her rookie season! She has already been named a four-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week, as well as Big Ten Player of the Week. She has been a special player to coach, and she has only just begun her career at Minnesota! She's not only been embraced by our fans, but also the media and the entire state of Minnesota. Rachel has shown that she can be a difference maker at the University of Minnesota in many ways and she is one of Minnesota's best.
I hope to see you in the stands at Williams Arena, where you will help make a great game-day experience for our players and a tough place for opponents to play.
Off to watch some more film on our next Big Ten opponent. Go Gophers!
Sports Medicine Tip
Hip Joint Pain
By Lindsey Halcrow, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC
Fairview - University Orthopaedics Therapy Center
Hip impingement (also known as femoroacetabular impingement or FAI) is condition caused by too much friction at the hip joint. It is especially common among athletes in sports that involve repetitively flexing the hip at deep angles with pivoting on the leg such as hockey, dance, football, soccer and martial arts.
About femoroacetabular impingement
Impingement or pinching of the hip joint occurs because of abnormal bony surfaces that have developed on either the socket (acetabulum) or the ball (femoral head) of the joint. This excessive bone rubs during hip movement creating friction and wearing away of the cartilage (smooth, soft covering over the end of the bone in the joint) or the labrum (soft cushion lining the socket for joint stability).
Labral tears are quite common in people with FAI. They often occur with a specific event that can be remembered by the individual - such as with a quick turn, kick, or sudden stop and pivot, creating a "popping" or "giving way" feeling inside the joint. This often can be accompanied by painful clicking or popping feeling deep inside the hip joint.
It is not known whether FAI is a condition one is born with or if it gradually develops over time, specifically during growth periods. Most believe it is a combination of genetics and environment.
Symptoms range from mild discomfort with certain movements such as the hockey goalie butterfly position or high kick in dance to severe pain with simple activities like walking, sitting or even pain at night.
How to prevent FAI
It hasn't yet been proven that FAI can be prevented. However, it's suggested that athletes vary the type of sports played to provide a change of pace for the bony growth occurring during adolescence or limit the amount of hours spent participating in high risk sports.
How to treat FAI
FAI is not always symptomatic. Some athletes may have FAI on both hips and not have pain. However, it is a condition that when symptomatic, can cause additional problems in the hip joint. A proper evaluation by an orthopaedic or sports medicine trained physician is important if FAI is suspected.
It is possible to treat FAI without surgery. A good physical therapy or rehabilitation program focusing on core and trunk musculature and especially hip strengthening can improve symptoms. A well-trained therapist or athletic trainer can also look at particular movement patterns in the athlete that may be causing additional problems leading to impingement.
When to see a doctor
When hip pain limits the ability of an athlete to play and/or limping or loss of normal joint motion occur, seek the advice of a qualified health care provider.
About the author
Lindsey Halcrow, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC cares for patients at the University Orthopaedics Therapy Center in Minneapolis, MN. She also provides athletic training coverage for the Institute for Athletic Medicine.
Then and Now - by Larry Gallagher
DO YOU KNOW...
This month's column will be somewhat different than many in the past. I will be comparing historical facts to the present, and I will be using a number of ideas about baseball's past to point out something in the present day.
So here goes with some "Do You Know?" ideas about the game of baseball.
Do you know which team's lineup had the most future Hall of Famers in one regular season game?
The 1927 Yankees, often considered the greatest team in history, had six Hall of Famers among their players, while the Yankees of 1928 had a total of nine (Ruth, Gehrig, Lazerri, Combs, Hoyt, Durocher, Pennock, Dickey and Covelski). The 1933 Cardinals had eight and other teams with seven future Hall of Famers include the 1926 and 1927 Giants, the 1934 Pirates and the 1927 and 1928 Athletics. Each of the 1930-33 Yankee teams had nine Hall of Famers on the roster at the same time.
But it was the Philadelphia Athletics who fielded the lineup in question, in the ninth inning of their game on June 11, 1927. The outfield consisted of Ty Cobb in right, Al Simmons in center and Zack Wheat in left. Jimmie Foxx played first, Eddie Collins was at second and Lefty Grove was pitching in relief. Cy Perkins was catching and batting seventh when Mickey Cochrane pinch-hit for him, which - very briefly - created a lineup of seven future Hall of Famers.
The most in two lineups in the same game occurred on May 24, 1928, when a record 13 future Hall of Famers took the field as the Yankees played the A's. This number did not include nonplaying Hall of Famers Herb Pennock and Stan Covelski, managers Miller Huggins and Connie Mack, or umpires Tommy Connally and Bill McGowan. The 13 players were Combs, Durocher, Ruth, Gehrig, Lazerri and Hoyt for the Yankees and Cobb, Speaker, Cochrane, Simmons, Collins, Grove and Fox for the A's.
Do you know which player is credited with developing the curveball?
Credit usually goes to William Arthur "Candy" Cummings, who first began noticing that he could throw a curveball in 1864 when he was 16. Two years later, Cummings was pitching for the Brooklyn Excelsior's Juniors and told no one, not even his catcher, of his discovery. Catchers stood well in back of the batters and took pitches on the bounce so that Candy's slants did not cross up his battery mates. The rules of the day allowed for batters to call for "high" or "low" pitches, and required that pitchers throw underhanded with no quick wrist turns. As a curveballer, Cummings did not follow that part of the rule. He gripped his curveball so hard that he wore a leather glove on his pitching hand to protect it from blisters. He once snapped off a vicious curve that broke his wrist.
In 1872 Candy's curve earned him a 33-20 won-lost season record with the New York Mutual. He won 16 games for the Hartford Blues in 1876 and also became the first pitcher to win two games in the same day. In 1877 he became the president/pitcher heading the International Association, the first minor league, and pitched for the Cincinnati Reds. But his skills were not what they once were and he finished with a 5-14 record with the Reds. He retired after that year.
There has also been some support for Fred Goldsmith as the inventor of the curveball. He made his first recorded demonstration on August 18, 1870. The story is that Goldsmith, embittered at not getting credit for inventing the curveball, was found on his death bed in 1939 holding a faded newspaper clipping of his demonstration. Coincidentally, 1939 was the same year that Candy Cummings was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Do you know who was the only player to win a batting title in his first two years in the majors?
Not only did Tony Oliva of the Minnesota Twins win the title in 1964 and 1965, he is also the only rookie to ever win a batting title. Along with Dick Allen, Oliva collected more than 200 hits his rookie year of 1964 and his total of 217 set an American League rookie mark. Oliva won the title in 1964 with a .323 average and had a total of 374 bases. He led AL hitters the following year with a .321 average. This was the second of his three batting titles. Oliva finally succumbed to injuries with deteriorating knee problems.
Bubbles Hargrave was the NL leader in 1926 with a .353 average, despite going to bat just 336 times. By current rules, top honors would have gone to Paul Waner (.336). With 526 at-bats, he was the league's fifth best hitter but was only one of five to go to the plate more than 336 times. One reference book gives the title to Waner, although the rules of that time stated that a player qualified for the title if he appeared in at least 100 games. An exception to this rule was made in 1938 when Jimmie Foxx was given the batting title over Taffy Wright. Wright appeared in 100 games but had just 263 at-bats.
In 1941, in his first full season in the majors, Pete Reiser led the NL in hitting and slugging percentage. Many considered him a rookie that year, even though he had nearly half a season with Brooklyn the year before. It wasn't until 1957 that "rookie" was given an official definition. The current rule specifies that a player will be considered a rookie unless he's been to bat 130 times, pitched 50 innings or accumulated 45 days or more on the active roster in any previous season.
Summary
We have looked at three different "Do You Know" scenarios from the past that now influence future generations of baseball players. Like rules of the past, the game has evolved in many aspects such as styles of play, equipment and field changes, player free agency vs. staying with one team, gambling scandals, steroid use, and so on. I did not choose to overlook the darker side of the game, but I do wish to focus on the good the game has done for almost all of us as players, fans, umpires, etc.
For the past 50+ years I have been first of all a player and then an umpire, and then also a coach and a fan. This is a great game and like any other institution, it is only as good as the people in the game. I like to believe that 99% of these people are out to see the game played correctly and legally. As an umpire it is my role to see that it is played that way.
More MYAS Discount Tickets!
The MYAS is working with both Nickelodeon Universe and the Minnesota Twins to provide discount ticket options to our participants, coaches and officials.
Nickelodeon Universe
All-day ride wristbands are only $22 (normally $29.95). No date restrictions - order as many as you want. For more information, click here.
Minnesota Twins
We have reserved a large block of tickets for two different games (see below). If interested in tickets, please e-mail Dan Craighead at dc@myas.org.
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Friday, July 13 vs. Oakland Athletics at 7:10pm; Skyline Deck
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Friday, August 10 vs. Tampa Bay Rays @ 7:10pm; Home Plate View Area
MYAS Gopher State Wrestling
The entry deadline for the 2012 MYAS Gopher State Wrestling Nationals is fast approaching; it is Wednesday, February 1 at 3:00pm. We are expecting 1,200 wrestlers this year, so don't delay! Please click here to access the registration information.
The Gopher State Wrestling Nationals have earned the reputation of being the toughest and best run tournament in Minnesota. In 2011 we had 1,008 registered wrestlers. The tournament has drawn wrestlers from Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Louisiana, Michigan, Wyoming and California. Wrestlers from all states are eligible to participate in all Gopher State wrestling events.
The 2012 Nationals are scheduled for February 11-12. The tournament will once again be held at Monticello High School, which is quite possibly the best wrestling facility in the state.
We have some exciting announcements for the upcoming tournament. Some of them include full mats for grades 3-8, bigger brackets and bigger awards. Click here to view all of the changes.
Also posted on the MYAS website is an article titled "The History of the MYAS Individual Wrestling Tournament." It chronicles the growth of our wrestling program since its inception in 2002. Click here to view the article.
The Gopher State Wrestling program has seen tremendous growth since its inception in 2002. We thank you for your participation and look forward to another great season. To access more information on our wrestling events, please click here. You may also contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
Midwest Regional Swim Meet
Registration is now open for the 2012 Midwest Regional Swim Meet. This year's entry deadline is Monday, February 27; the meet will be held on March 31-April 1 at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center.
We are very excited about the changes to our registration process and look forward to expanding the meet. Please make sure to visit the Meet web page for more information and updates. Information regarding the Meet Banquet at the Mall of America will be available soon.
There is also a limited supply of apparel items remaining from the 2011 Midwest Regional Swim Meet. These items are being offered at a greatly discounted price! Click here for available items and ordering instructions or contact Jessica Christopherson at jessica@myas.org or 763-746-1733.
MYAS Grade State Basketball Championships
The MYAS is gearing up for another phenomenal year of Grade State Basketball Championships. Every day brings in more and more entries and we anticipate that we will have yet another record-setting number of participating teams.
The entry deadlines are fast approaching - the girls' deadline is Friday, February 3 and the boys' deadline is Friday, February 10. All of the pertinent information is available on the Grade State web page, including detailed entry instructions and forms. Don't let the opportunity for your team to participate pass you by!
Note to Coaches: Remember to go to the Coaches Control Center on the home page of the MYAS website, complete your online roster and print out a copy. When your roster is completed, you will see which players need grade verification. Then send your roster and applicable grade verifications to the MYAS along with your other entry materials on/before the deadline.
The 2012 tournaments will take place on March 3-4 (girls) and March 10-11 (boys). We hope to see you then for another exciting wrap-up of the winter traveling season. The MYAS Grade State Basketball Championship - no other experience compares!
MYAS Rec State Basketball Championship
The registration deadline for the 2012 Rec State Basketball Championships is just around the corner! The deadline is Friday, February 24 and the event will be held on March 17-18. Sites for this year's tournament include the Colin Powell Center in Minneapolis, Osseo, St. Louis Park and others as necessary.
New for 2012! The Rec State Championships will feature a division for boys and girls in the 3rd grade. Therefore, athletes in grades 3-12 will now have the opportunity to compete for a state title against other kids in their same grade.
More information and entry materials are available on the Rec State web page. You may also contact Kevin Wilson at 763-746-1712 or kevin@myas.org with your questions.
MYAS Basketball Tournament Scheduling Services
The MYAS wants to help your basketball organization with our Tournament Scheduling Service package, which is certain 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:
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complete your tournament schedules
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post your tournament schedules online
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provide you with a copy of the schedules
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provide you with brackets to post at your site(s)
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provide you with score sheets for every game
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provide you with 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.
Each year, more and more tournaments utilize the MYAS Scheduling Services. We are confident that all of them will be repeat customers.
For more information about our scheduling services and to read testimonials from past customers, please click here. You may also contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org with your questions.
MYAS "Travel Lite" Basketball Programs - Save Time & Money
We often hear from coaches and parents who comment on how basketball tournaments consume an entire weekend. In an effort to give back some of that time to families, we branded some of our events as MYAS "Travel Lite."
Benefits of Travel Lite include saving time and saving money on admission fees, concessions, travel and lodging. MYAS Travel Lite programs include the Winter Jamboree, Super Saver Tournaments and the Gopher State Winter Basketball League.
For more information on MYAS Travel Lite, please contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
Gopher State Spring Basketball
Wow - where has the time gone? It's already time to register for this year's Grade State Championships in early March and the Gopher State Spring Basketball season begins the last weekend of March. We are really excited about our 2012 tournament schedule, which includes two-day events, one-day Super Savers, 3 on 3 tournaments, a four-game guarantee tournament and a new 3 on 3 summer league in August, and we're even hosting the USSSA 2012 Northern National.
USSSA Northern Nationals * June 21-24
We are excited about USSSA's leadership having the vision to change the way they run their national tournament. Over the past few years, we have seen almost all national events move to the southeast corner of the country, making it difficult for many teams to even enter a national event. The USSSA wants to change that.
Here is what they have set up for this year. There are six "regional" national tournaments. For the Division II and III teams that participate, these events will be their National Championship. The 6th-11th grade Division I teams that participate will be competing for the chance to move on to the USSSA's Tournament of Champions to be held in early August in Kansas City, MO.
The top two finishers in each 6th-11th grade Division I tournament will advance. Each qualifying team will have their national tournament entry fee paid for and will receive some travel expense money to go to Kansas City. Teams may participate in any of the six "regional" national events, but they can only qualify for the Tournament of Champions at one event.
Gopher State "All-Star" Weekends * July 19-22 (girls) * July 26-29 (boys)
Big changes are being made to our All-Star Weekend format. For the past two years, we have relied on our spring coaches to nominate the top players in their grade level to participate in the All-Star Weekend. In 2012, the nomination process will involve any youth coach (winter or spring), travel director, high school coach or spring club director. We are searching for the top boys' and girls' players from across the state in the 7th-11th grades.
This year's All-Star Weekend will begin with two days (Thursday and Friday) of skills camps, skills testing and college preparatory classes and information for both players and parents. The skills camps will be run by junior college and various All-Star Weekend coaches. Teams will be put together during the skills camp portion of the weekend. Ideally, this will even out the talent on the teams and create competitive games throughout the weekend. All players will have two games on Saturday and two on Sunday.
NEW FOR 2012 - 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 on Sunday evenings throughout the month of August. Watch for more information on the MYAS website in the coming weeks.
Tryouts
Some teams are already being formed and tryouts are being set. Go to the "Resource Center" on the MYAS home page and then click on "Try-Outs" to see which clubs have posted their information. If your club/team is holding tryouts for the spring season and your team(s) will be playing in the Gopher State program, please contact the MYAS office and we will advertise your tryouts for free.
New to Spring Basketball?
Come to one of our spring basketball informational meetings to find out everything regarding the Gopher State Spring Basketball season. We will be holding two metro area meetings. Details are still being finalized, so keep checking back here for dates, times and locations. Coaches - receive your 2012 spring Coach Pass FREE ($5 value) just for attending!
If you want to play great competition and 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 is the place to play!
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 is attempting to make a throw-in and Player B1 is applying a great deal of pressure through the boundary-line plane and waves his/her hand in an effort to prevent the pass. The action takes place on a court which has more than three feet of unobstructed space outside the boundary line. What is the ruling?
2. The sideline is very near the spectators, leaving little space out of bounds for Player A1 to make a throw-in. As a result, the administering official has directed Player B1 to move back a step to give the thrower some room. (a) As soon as the ball is handed or bounced to A1, B1 moves right back to the boundary line in front of A1; or (b) A1 attempts to complete the throw-in just inside the boundary line and B1 moves to his/her original position in order to defend. What is the ruling in each case?
3. Thrower A1 inadvertently holds the ball through the end line plane during a throw-in. Player B1 is able to get his/her hands on the ball and A1 cannot pull it back. What is the ruling?
Gopher State Baseball Winter Training Opportunties
Gopher State Winter Training opportunities are designed to develop the skills of aspiring youth baseball players in Minnesota. Once again this year, we have partnered with the Minnesota Twins to promote their training camps and Training Academy.
The 2011-12 "one-day" Gopher State Camps will also be available in January through March. Erik Lovdahl will direct the Pitching, Battery Mates and Tryout Prep Camps and the Champlin Park High School coaching staff will direct an Overall Skills Camp.
New for 2011-12! The MYAS has also partnered with PHD Baseball to offer the Gopher State Winter Training Series at the new Vadnais Heights Sports Center. Training will be available on Saturday nights from 7:00-9:00pm. The dome is a 100,000 square foot, state of the art training facility with 65' clear ceilings. Individual skill development is emphasized in a station to station training environment. You are able to work on infield, outfield and hitting along with long toss throwing at every session.
For more information, including registration information for all the MYAS/Gopher State Winter Training opportunities, please click here. Sign up today!
Play Ball! Minnesota Baseball Coaches' Conference
The Play Ball! Minnesota Baseball 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 the MYAS baseball staff provides to all head coaches in the Gopher State Baseball League.
This year's conference has been set for March 31, 2012 at Target Field. Look for more details about the conference on the MYAS website by late January or early February. If you have questions, please contact Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions Qualifiers Posted
The 2012 Gopher State Tournament of Champions AAA/AA/A qualifiers are now posted on the MYAS Youth Baseball Tournament Listings page.
Each invitational tournament that has been awarded GSTC qualifier status is designated with a "YES" in the right hand column. All qualifiers provide automatic berths to teams placing 1st or 2nd in their tournament. All other teams receive points that will be used to award at-large GSTC berths at the end of the season.
If you have questions regarding the specifics of a tournament, please click on that individual tournament's link and contact the listed Tournament Director for assistance.
Good luck with all of your tournament registrations and off-season workouts. The summer baseball season is quickly approaching!
Gopher State Baseball League
The MYAS is looking forward to the start of the 13th season of the Gopher State Baseball League. In 2012, look for new teams from central Minnesota and more teams from existing member associations.
All Team Entry Packets and Enrollment Forms will be available on the GSBL web page and will be emailed to current association Presidents/Travel Directors no later than Friday, February 10. If you need to be added to the distribution list or are new to this role on your association baseball board, feel free to email Dawson Blanck and provide him with an updated contact for your association.
Continue to check the GSBL portion of the MYAS website for all up to date information as we near the 2012 baseball season. To view the 2012 MYAS Baseball Calendar, please click here.
Additional Features in 2012
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"A" level leagues
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Updated Stat Package
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July 24: 15AAA Play Ball! MN Championship game vs. Metro Baseball League
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August 10-12: 14AAA, 14AA, 15AAA and 15AA Gopher State All-Star Series
Team Enrollment Deadlines
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9u-15u teams * March 30, 2012
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16u & 17-19u teams * May 18, 2012
Scheduling Sessions
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9u-15u * April 14, 2012
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16u & 17-19u * May 24, 2012
2012 MYAS/Gopher State/USSSA Bat Standards
Over the past few years the USSSA, national governing body for the majority of MYAS/Gopher State baseball programs, has developed baseball bat performance standards. Please click here to view complete information about the new bat standards for 2012.
North Star Baseball League
The MYAS baseball staff is looking for any community in-house programs that are interested in pairing up with their neighboring communities to enhance the "recreational" or "in-house" experience for their participants.
For the past six years the MYAS has administered the North Star Baseball League, which currently has 11 member communities. The NSBL features an affordable league administration fee, customizable online schedules, online field maps and a standings page that is updated daily.
For more information on the NSBL, please contact Tony Groff at 763-746-1728 or tony@myas.org.
USSSA Gopher State Baseball Midsummer Classic
Minnesota USSSA baseball is proud to announce its 2012 schedule. We look forward to the Gopher State Midsummer Classic tournaments that will combine great teams, venues and host organizations to offer an outstanding experience for everyone involved. This is a tremendous event to participate in regardless of whether you intend to advance to a USSSA World Series/National Tournament or to earn a berth to the Gopher State Tournament of Champions (GSTC) in July.
The Midsummer Classic has also been designated a "Double Points" tournament toward the GSTC. For example, if 12 teams participate in a Midsummer Classic, your team will earn six points just for playing in the tournament. This Double Points Tournament may propel a team with enough points late in the season to receive one of the few at-large GSTC berths. Please click here to view a complete point breakdown.
All dates and sites for the Gopher State Midsummer Classic are now available, including registration information. Register early to secure your spot in this premier event. Applications are available on the Minnesota USSSA/Gopher State Midsummer Classic web page. Continue to check the page for updated information.
Gopher State Baseball Umpire Clinics
The MYAS is looking forward to our 2012 Gopher State Umpire Training Clinics, and we hope you will be able to attend one of the dates. With the baseball season looming on the horizon, we are gearing up for another phenomenal year.
This year's Umpire Training Clinics will offer seven dates to choose from during the months of March, April and May. All of the pertinent information is available by clicking here. We will see you at one of the clinics when we kick off the 2012 baseball season.
Gopher State Baseball August Competitive League
The Gopher State August Competitive League will be offered on August 12, 19 & 26, 2012. This league is open to all 10-15 year old AAA and AA traveling teams and any 16u and 17-19u team. Teams will play six competitive matchups (doubleheaders each Sunday) even after the spring/summer season is over. This will bridge the gap between the spring/summer season and the Gopher State Fall Baseball League.
More information will be available on the League web page in the coming weeks. If you'd like more information, please contact Eric Rathke at 763-746-1730 or eric@myas.org.
MYAS Latest News (as of 1/26/12)
MYAS News
Baseball News
Basketball News
Wrestling News
MYAS Calendar (as of 1/26/12)
Saturday-Sunday, January 28-29, 2012
St. Paul Humboldt Basketball Hoop Fest (admin. by MYAS); various grades/divisions
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Gopher State Baseball Winter Training Camp; Pitching/Throwing; Northwestern College, Roseville
Monday, January 30, 2012
Fridley Eye of the Tiger Basketball Tournament (admin. by MYAS) entry deadline (Feb. 11-12 event)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Wrestling Nationals entry deadline @ 3:00pm (Feb. 11-12 event)
Friday, February 3, 2012
MYAS Girls' Grade Basketball State Championship entry deadline (Mar. 3-4 event)
Saturday, February 4, 2012
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament; various grades/divisions; Bloomington Kennedy HS
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Gopher State Winter Basketball League play date; various grades/divisions/sites
Sunday, February 5, 2012
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament; various grades/divisions; Colin Powell Center, Mpls.
Monday, February 6, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Winter Basketball Classic entry deadline (Feb. 18-19 event)
Friday, February 10, 2012
MYAS Boys' Grade Basketball State Championship entry deadline (Mar. 10-11 event)
Saturday-Sunday, February 11-12, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Wrestling Nationals; various grades; Monticello High School
Saturday-Sunday, February 11-12, 2012
Fridley Eye of the Tiger Basketball Tournament (admin. by MYAS); various grades/divisions
Monday, February 13, 2012
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament entry deadline (Feb. 25 & 26 events)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Wrestling K-6 Team Tournament entry deadline @ 3:00 (Feb. 26, event)
Saturday-Sunday, February 18-19, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Winter Basketball Classic; various grades/divisions/sites
Saturday-Sunday, February 18-19, 2012
Gopher State Winter Basketball League 3-game tournament; various grades/divisions/sites
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Gopher State Baseball Winter Training Camp; Battery Mates; Northwestern College, Roseville
Monday, February 20, 2012
St. Louis Park Grade State Boys' BK Tune-Up (admin. by MYAS) entry deadline (Mar. 3-4 event)
Monday, February 20, 2012
MN Twins Presidents' Day Youth Baseball Training Camp; National Sports Center, Blaine
Friday, February 24, 2012
MYAS Rec State Basketball Championship entry deadline (Mar. 17-18 event)
Saturday, February 25, 2012
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament; various grades/divisions; Irondale HS
Sunday, February 26, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Wrestling Team Tournament; grades K-6; Anoka High School
Sunday, February 26, 2012
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournament; various grades/divisions; 43 Hoops Academy, Hopkins
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Gopher State Baseball Winter Training Camp; Overall Skills; Champlin Park HS
Monday, February 27, 2012
Midwest Regional Swim Meet entry deadline (Mar. 31-Apr. 1 event)
Saturday-Sunday, March 3-4, 2012
MYAS Girls' Grade State Basketball Championships; various grades/divisions/sites
Saturday-Sunday, March 3-4, 2012
St. Louis Park Grade State Boys' BK Tune-Up (admin. by MYAS); various grades/divisions
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Gopher State Baseball Winter Tryout Prep Camp; Northwestern College, Roseville
Saturday-Sunday, March 10-11, 2012
MYAS Boys' Grade State Basketball Championships; various grades/divisions/sites
Saturday-Sunday, March 17-18, 2012
MYAS Rec State Basketball Championships; various grades/divisions/sites
Monday, March 19, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational entry deadline (Mar. 31-Apr. 1 event)
Monday, March 26, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver entry deadline (Apr. 7 event)
Friday, March 30, 2012
Gopher State Baseball League 9u-15u AAA/AA/A team enrollment deadline
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Play Ball! Minnesota Coaches' Conference; Target Field
Saturday-Sunday, March 31-April 1, 2012
Midwest Regional Swim Meet; various ages; University of Minnesota Aquatic Center
Saturday-Sunday, March 31-April 1, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitationals; various grades/divisions
Monday, April 2, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational entry deadline (Apr. 14-15 event)
Friday, April 6, 2012
North Star Baseball League team enrollment deadline
Saturday, April 7, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Savers; various grades/divisions
Monday, April 9, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational entry deadline (Apr. 21-22 event)
Saturday, April 14, 2012
MYAS Wrestling Tournament of Champions; grades K-8; St. Michael-Albertville
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Gopher State Baseball League 9u-15u scheduling sessions
Saturday-Sunday, April 14-15, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitationals; various grades/divisions
Sunday, April 15, 2012
MYAS Night at the Water Park of America; 5:00-9:00pm
Monday, April 16, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational entry deadline (Apr. 28-29 event)
Thursday, April 19, 2012
North Star Baseball League scheduling session
Saturday-Sunday, April 21-22, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitationals; various grades/divisions
Monday, April 23, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver entry deadline (May 5 & 6 events)
Monday, April 23, 2012
Gopher State Baseball League 9u-13u coaches' meeting
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Gopher State Baseball League 9u-13u play begins
Thursday, April 26, 2012
North Star Baseball League coaches' meeting
Saturday-Sunday, April 28-29, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitationals; various grades/divisions
Monday, April 30, 2012
MYAS Gopher State 3rd-4th Grade Spring Basketball Championship entry deadline (May 12-13 event)
Monday, April 30, 2012
MYAS Gopher State 5th-12th Grade Spring Basketball Invitational entry deadline (May 12-13 events)
Monday, April 30, 2012
North Star Baseball League play begins
Monday, April 30, 2012
Gopher State Baseball League 14u-15u coaches' meeting
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Gopher State Baseball League 14u play begins
Saturday, May 5, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Savers; various grades/divisions
Saturday-Sunday, May 5-6, 2012
Gopher State Baseball Spring Invitationals; various ages/divisions/sites
Sunday, May 6, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Savers; various grades/divisions
Monday, May 7, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Boys' 5th-6th Grade Spring Basketball Championship entry deadline (May 19-20 event)
Monday, May 7, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Girls' 5th-12th Grade Spring Basketball Championship entry deadline (May 19-20 event)
Monday, May 7, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Boys' 3rd-4th & 7th-12th Grade and Girls' 3rd-4th Grade Spring Basketball Invitational entry deadline (May 19-20 events)
Saturday-Sunday, May 12-13, 2012
MYAS Gopher State 3rd-4th Grade Spring Basketball Championships
Saturday-Sunday, May 12-13, 2012
MYAS Gopher State 5th-12th Grade Spring Basketball Invitationals
Monday, May 14, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver entry deadline (May 26 event)
Monday, May 14, 2012
Gopher State Baseball League 15u play begins
Friday, May 18, 2012
Gopher State Baseball League 16u-17/19u team enrollment deadline
Saturday-Sunday, May 19-20, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Boys' 5th-6th Grade Spring Basketball Championships
Saturday-Sunday, May 19-20, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Girls' 5th-12th Grade Spring Basketball Championships
Saturday-Sunday, May 19-20, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Boys' 3rd-4th & 7th-12th Grade and Girls' 3rd-4th Grade Spring Basketball Invitationals
Saturday-Sunday, May 19-20, 2012
Gopher State Baseball Spring Invitationals; various ages/divisions/sites
Monday, May 21, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Boys' 7th-12th Grade Spring Basketball Championship entry deadline (Jun. 2-3 event)
Monday, May 21, 2012
MYAS Gopher State Boys' 3rd-6th & Girls' 3rd-12th Grade Spring Basketball Invitational entry deadline (Jun. 2-3 events)
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Gopher State Baseball League 16u-17/19u scheduling session
Answers to Basketball Rules of the Month
The answers below are derived from the most recent edition of the National Federation of State High School Associations Basketball Rules Book, Basketball Case Book and/or Rules by Topic publication.
1. Team B is warned for violation of the boundary line. The warning is reported to the scorer and to the coach and applies for the rest of the game. Any subsequent delay-of-game situation by Team B shall result in a technical foul charged to Team B (Case Book 7.6.4 Situation C, page 63).
2. In (a), it is a violation by B1 and will result in a warning for Team B which is reported to the scorer and to the head coach. Any subsequent delay-of-game situation or noncompliance with the verbal order will result in a technical foul charged to Team B. In (b), B1 is expected to stay back one step unless the throw-in is attempted there (Case Book 7.6.4 Situation D, pages 63-64).
3. A held ball is called, resulting in an alternating-possession throw-in. If the original throw-in is an alternating-possession throw-in, Team A still has the arrow following the held ball (Case Book 7.6.4 Situation F, page 64).
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:
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General Liability
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Sexual Misconduct
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Participant Accident
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Directors & Officers Liability
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Crime/Embezzlement
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Automobile
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Umbrella
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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
The MYAS is very appreciative of the support we receive from our numerous sponsors, and we would like to encourage you to support them whenever possible. Their generosity benefits you, our participants, as it helps us keep our entry and participation fees as low as possible. Please click here to view our current sponsors.
MYAS Membership Meetings
MYAS membership meetings are held at our offices (1011 Osborne Road NE; Spring Lake Park, MN 55432) on the last Tuesday of each month at 9:00am (unless notified otherwise). All MYAS members are welcome to attend.
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