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Welcome to the July 25, 2008; 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; contributions partially fund this newsletter and certain sponsors will be featured.
Dan's Notes - from Executive Director Dan Klinkhammer
THE NEW GUY
In March of 1971, I was drafted into the U.S. Army. I was 18 years old. I didn't know a single person on the bus that transported us from Milwaukee to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. As they processed us at the "Troop Transition Station," I found myself eating and sleeping with 800 strangers. Eventually, we were all assigned to various basic training companies and I found myself spending 24/7 with 250 complete strangers for the next eight weeks. I was alone and very scared of the unknown. So I did what my dad told me to do - "Shut up, pay attention and do your job."
I was drafted during the twighlight days of the Vietnam war and the drill sergeants kept telling us the same thing over and over again. "Don't go AWOL. We aren't sending troops to Vietnam anymore." While that message was somewhat comforting, the smart side of my brain kept telling me that they were just trying to keep us from walking off the base. I never really entertained the thought of going AWOL because I didn't know how to speak Canadian.
Following basic training they shipped me to Fort Polk, Louisiana, for our Advanced Individual Training, or AIT. Once again I had to sleep, eat and train with 250 strangers for the next nine weeks. Fort Polk was a perfect place to train soldiers headed for Vietnam. It was hot - really hot - and it was really, really humid. I was there from May through early July and it was nasty. The entire base was infested with cockroaches, snakes and scorpions. And the drill sergeants kept preaching the same thing. "Don't go AWOL. We aren't sending troops to Vietnam anymore."
After my nine weeks in Louisiana I headed for Fort Knox, Kentucky. As usual, I was tossed into the mix with 40 new strangers. No, I wasn't there to guard the gold. I was sent there to learn how to drive armored personnel carriers (APC's) and tanks. I have to admit that was actually kind of fun. Once we learned the basics of driving those monster machines, they turned us loose on their driving ranges and we spent six hours a day just driving the trails and knocking down trees. APC's are amphibious (they go on land or in water), so after knocking down our share of lumber we'd take them for a swim. I am still amazed at how something that big and heavy can actually stay afloat. Go figure. The training at Fort Knox was much different than basic training or AIT, but the drill sergeants' message was still the same. "Don't go AWOL. We aren't sending troops to Vietnam anymore."
On July 23, I turned 19 years old and received an advance copy of my orders - to report to Vietnam. So much for trusting the drill sergeants, and happy birthday to me!
My 15-day leave went by way too fast, but I made sure to say goodbye to all my family and friends. In my opinion, there is no worse feeling than to turn around at the boarding gate and wave goodbye to your sobbing mom and choked up dad...maybe for the last time. Knowing that you are headed to a combat zone that has already claimed more than 50,000 American lives is different than leaving for college in the fall. A lot different.
I reported to Fort Lewis, Washington, at 4:00am and was on a plane headed for Vietnam the same day. I didn't know a single person on that plane. After brief stops in Alaska and Japan, we finally touched down in Cam Rahn Bay, South Vietnam at around 2:00 in the morning. Our arrival was delayed for about 45 minutes while the air base took its nightly barrage of rocket fire. I'll never forget my first whiff of Vietnam. Everything smelled like garbage and urine. It was pretty obvious that I wasn't in Wisconsin anymore.
Eventually, I was assigned to a mortar platoon on Firebase Rawhide about 20 miles west of DaNang. I was the youngest guy in the platoon and I was a true "newbie." My jungle fatigues were still clean and pressed, my boots were polished and my hair was still military short. When I reported to the platoon leader, all I got was a series of grunts and groans while he pointed his finger in the direction of a guy in the nearest mortar pit. So I went to him and told him I was being assigned to his crew. More grunts, groans and finger pointing followed and I was eventually led to a corner of a sandbag bunker and told I could bunk there - AFTER I cleaned up all the garbage that had been tossed in that direction.
Long story short, my first two or three weeks with my new crew were miserable. Everyone in that platoon had been in Vietnam for at least six months and they were considered to be grizzled veterans of the war while I was the newbie. I really didn't understand what was going on. I was under the impression that we were all in this together and I had never before had any difficulty making friends. Apparently nobody liked newbies and newbies were supposed to be seen and not heard. I listened very carefully when they'd talk about guys who had preceded me. They would talk about the good times and the bad times. They'd talk about the lucky guys who went home after their year-long tour and they'd talk about they guys who went home early, usually in a body bag. They didn't talk much about the combat action they'd seen. Most of them just wanted to forget about those days. All the while keeping me
at arm's distance from them.
Several more weeks went by, then another month passed and one day I noticed I was right in the middle of those same discussions. I had been accepted. Nobody handed me a diploma or declared me acceptable. It just sort of happened and then it dawned on me that these guys had lived the same life together for a long time. They had broken a lot of bread together. They had worked and sweated together. They had taken turns saving each other's lives. They had dodged bullets and shrapnel together. They had a lot of the same memories of good things and bad things. They had great respect for the soldiers who had preceded them. They trusted each other. And then the light went on - now they trusted me!
So what does all this have to do with youth sports? Well, this message is to every kid who has ever moved from one town to another and were forced to start over with new friends, a new school and new teammates. Being the newbie on a team can be very intimidating. Those other kids have known each other for a long time. They know what everyone else can or can't do. They know who will fold when the game is on the line and they know who will rise to the call. They already have stories of shared victory and defeat. They all have the same questions in their minds: Is the new kid going to be clutch or a weenie? Will the newbie help us or hurt us? Is the new guy going to take my spot on the team? Will he practice as hard as he plays? Will the newbie go the extra mile to help the team? Is the new kid a team player or is he all about himself?
Over time, all those questions will be answered - but it will take time. And until your time comes, I suggest that you take my dad's advice: "Shut up, pay attention and do your job!"
In case anyone is wondering, in April of 1972 I became a chosen member of a special forces unit labled Task Force Gimlet, which was the last combat unit that served in Vietnam. After five months of "humping" the mountains, jungles and rice paddies of South Vietnam, I returned home in late August and that's when I learned another fact of life. Moms cry when you leave and they cry when you come home. There's just no getting around it.
Nature's Prime Organic Foods - New MYAS Partner
Nature's Prime Organic Foods is Proud to Announce New Partnership with MYAS
We are very pleased to have been selected by the MYAS as a sponsor/partner. Nature's Prime Organic Foods is located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and provides a complete selection of Certified USDA Organic Meats and Poultry and restaurant quality Seafood from sustainable fisheries. We work with restaurants and caterers in addition to delivering these products directly to the consumer. Our dedication and passion are to educate families all over America about the benefits of better nutrition and the positive impact on both health and the environment by choosing organic foods.
We have taken a special interest in our children and have a wonderful selection of fully cooked/heat and serve products we have specially developed for concessions, vending and school lunch programs. Our goal is to change the way America eats! Our unique fundraising program is designed specifically for youth athletic events, allowing organizations to offer healthier alternatives to the usual concessions stand foods: chips, candy, etc. This program has been designed to give your organization a potential stream of revenue long after the game is over. There are no upfront costs to the program and all products are delivered directly to your organization, saving you time and money.
Nature's Prime Organic Foods will be hosting a series of events around the Twin Cities and you will be able to sample our products and talk to our consultants about the fundraising program. We will be attempting to contact MYAS member organizations over the next few weeks to introduce ourselves. Feel free to contact us with questions.
Nature's Prime Organic Foods
Phone: 952-567-2700
Toll Free: 877-411-1771
Ron Wolfbauer, Marketing Director
Email: ronw@npofoods.com
Phone: 952-567-2700 ext. 16
Charles Ellis, Account Executive
Email: cellis@npofoods.com
Phone: 952-567-2700 ext. 24
Taylor Mathews, Customer Service
Email: tmathews@npofoods.com
Phone: 952-567-2700 ext. 33
"Insurance Coach" (J.A. Price Agency - Bob Blomster)
Complimentary Offer for Business Owners or Managers of Businesses
Due to the great relationship our agency has with everyone at the MYAS organization and all of our athletic organization clients, board members, coaches and family members, we would like to offer something back to anyone who also owns or manages a business. No strings attached! J.A. Price is a large independent insurance agency, headquartered in Eden Prairie, MN, with the tools and expertise to service businesses of all types and sizes that conduct operations in Minnesota, nationally and internationally.
Complimentary offer for the first 10 businesses that contact me by phone or email: One of the following customized Business Policies and/or Manuals will be delivered back to you in a Microsoft Word file so you can make any adjustments you feel are necessary.
- Employee Handbook (This version of the complete 90+ page employee handbook has links in the table of contents that take you directly to the indicated page. Includes appendix. Updated with a new look and 12 new policies, including Overtime Pay, Salary Advances, COBRA Benefits and Background Checks.)
- General Employee Safety Manual
- Construction Employee Safety Manual
- Manufacturing Employee Safety Manual
- Restaurant Employee Safety Manual
- Transportation Employee Safety Manual
- Retail and Wholesale Employee Safety Manual
- Landscape Employee Safety Handbook
- Fleet Auto Safety Policy
- Vehicle Cell Phone/Hand Held Device Use Policy
- Workers Compensation Return to Work Policy
- Business Contingency/Disaster Plan
- General Computer/Email/Internet Security Policy
Our firm invests significant resources for very exclusive rights to customize hundreds of valuable documents for all types and sizes of businesses (human resource forms, safety manuals, employee information notices, industry comparisons and many other insurance and benefits related documents). As an added benefit, the J.A. Price Agency has chosen to make these available to many of our business insurance clients for no additional charge.
We also have the ability to create a cusomized, online OSHA reporting site specifically for a commercial business. We normally offer this to larger clients and it's absolutely incredible for operations with multiple locations or in different states. Authorized users can report new OSHA incidents, update past incidents, and immediately print any necessary OSHA logs and forms.
If you want to get something more back for the thousands of dollars per year you pay in business insurance and benefits premiums, please give me a call as we would be glad to earn you as a valued client.
Thank you for your business at the J.A. Price Agency and all of your continued support of the Minnesota Youth Athletic Services.
Bob Blomster, Vice President
J.A. Price Agency, Inc.
6640 Shady Oak Road, Suite #500
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
800-279-1623
952-944-8790 (phone)
952-944-0097 (fax)
bob.blomster@japrice.com
Then and Now - by Larry Gallagher
Batter-Runner Lane Interference
Here is a rule that is oftentimes misunderstood by players, coaches and umpires. It is the batter-runner lane interference rule. I will attempt to help all of you to better understand this rule in the Federation, NCAA and professional rule books. I will follow the rules part with some historical data about the rule and I will then give some play situations showing when the rule should or shouldn't be enforced.
Federation 8-4-1g states: The batter-runner is out when he runs outside the three-foot running lane (last half of the distance from home plate to first base), while the ball is being fielded or thrown to first base; or 1) This infraction is ignored if it is to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field the batted ball or if the act does not interfere with a fielder or a throw; or 2) The batter is considered outside the running lane lines if either foot is outside either line.
NCAA 7-11p states: In running the last half of the distance from home plate to first base while the ball is being fielded to first base, the batter-runner runs outside the 3-foot restraining line or inside the foul line and, in so doing, interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base, except that the batter may go outside these lines to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball:
- A.R.1 - If the batter-runner runs illegally inside the foul line for the last 45 feet and interferes with the attempted catch of the thrown ball, or is hit by the throw, the batter-runner shall be called out even if the runner is in his approach to the base.
- A.R.2 - The batter-runner is considered outside this 3-foot lane if either foot is outside either line.
- A.R.3 - On a tag play between home plate and first base, a batter-runner may retreat toward home plate to evade a tag, but shall be declared out after touching or passing home plate, or leaving the base line. The ball remains live.
OBR 6.05k states: A batter is out when running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base he runs outside (to the right of) the 3' line or inside (to the left of) the foul line, and in the umpire's judgment interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base (in which case the ball is dead); except that he may run outside (to the right of) the 3' line or inside (to the left of) the foul line to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball.
Rule 6.05k Comment: The lines marking the 3' lane are part of that lane and a batter-runner is required to have both feet within the 3' lane or on the lines marking the lane. The batter-runner is permitted to exit the 3' lane by means of a step, stride, reach, or slide in the immediate vicinity of first base for the sole purpose of touching first base.
As you can see by the rules listed above, each rules-making body states their rule a little differently and except for the last step of the batter-runner, they are nearly identical.
Now let's look at when the runner's lane came into being. The runner's lane as we know it had its origin in 1882. The rules required the line to be drawn from a point halfway between home and first base parallel to and three feet away from the foul line. The only difference in that layout and today's is that the foul line connected the point of home plate with the center of first base; therefore, part of the runner's lane encompassed part of the base. Technically speaking, today's runner's lane runs adjacent to and bypasses first base.
Although umpires were instructed to declare out the runner from home who ran in "fair territory," common sense generally prevailed and the rule was not invoked unless the ball was being fielded to first base when the infraction occurred. In 1891, this philosophy was manifested in a rule amendment which specified that the ball had to be fielded to first for it to apply.
The rule serves two purposes: 1) It prevents a runner from leaving the base path and intentionally crashing into the player covering first base, and 2) It prevents a runner from illegally screening the playing taking the throw at first.
Early in the 1900's more common sense dominated. The rule was reworded to allow the umpire to use his judgment in determining when and if a runner's position out of the runner's lane actually interfered with a fielder taking a throw at first base.
From the beginning in 1882, an exception was made for a runner who found it necessary to leave the runner's lane to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball. Such a runner could not be called out for a lane violation. Professional Interpretation: One factor influencing the umpire's judgment on these plays is the quality of the throw to first base. If a throw which has no realistic chance of retiring the batter-runner is made, the batter-runner shall not be declared out for interference (lane violation) if he is hit by the throw or the fielder cannot make the catch.
The ball MUST be thrown for this rule to be invoked; otherwise it is impossible for him to interfere with a fielder taking a throw. An allowance should be made for the batter-runner to step inside the foul line as he reaches the "immediate vicinity" of first base; otherwise the base is not readily accessible for him to touch since the runner's lane runs adjacent and past the base in foul territory. A batter-runner may be called out for a runner's lane violation when he is out of the lane on either side. This decision is based on where the throw is originating.
PLAY SITUATIONS:
- The batter is called out on strike three, the pitch eludes the catcher and rolls toward the first base dugout. The batter-runner (BR) takes off for first and is running in fair territory when the catcher's throw to first hits him. He has advanced about 2/3 of the way to first when he is struck by the ball. Is he out?
RULING: In this case, the catcher made an errant throw. Although the BR was not in his runner's lane, his position when hit did not interfere with the play. The BR is safe and the ball remains in play.
- The batter bunts the ball down the first base line. He takes off for first as the catcher moves onto the infield to field the ball. The catcher picks up the bunted ball and fires to first. The ball strikes the BR who is running in fair territory about 30 feet before reaching first. Is the BR out or safe?
RULING: In this case, the BR is out for not being in the runner's lane when hit by the thrown ball.
- The batter bunts the ball down the first base line. The catcher pounces on the bunted ball and fires to first. The catcher's throw strikes the BR in the back about 1/3 of the way toward first. Is the BR guilty of interference?
RULING: The BR is not guilty of interference since he had not reached the halfway point to first base. The ball is alive and in play.
- The first batter of the game swings and misses strike three. The pitch gets away from the catcher and rolls toward the screen. The catcher fields the ball and fires to first trying to retire the advancing BR. The ball strikes the BR in the back while he is running 5-6 feet in foul territory as he nears first base. Is he out?
RULING: The BR is obligated to be in the runner's lane when approaching the base. Since he interfered with the fielder taking the throw, he is out for interference.
- There are no runners on base and no outs. The batter strikes out and the catcher drops the ball. The batter takes off for first as the catcher pushes the ball into fair territory in front of home plate. He picks up the ball and fires to first. The ball strikes the BR in the back while he is running in fair territory about 30 feet from home plate. What's the ruling?
RULING: This ball is alive and in play. The BR is not obligated by rule to run in the runner's lane until he reaches a point halfway to first.
- There is a runner on second base and no outs. The batter tops a pitch and it bounces down the first baseline. The BR is running in fair territory as the catcher fields the fair ball and starts to throw to first. He sees the BR halfway to first in fair territory (out of the runner's lane). He cocks his arm to fire...then decides not to throw as he would likely hit the BR. He thinks that the BR will be declared out for being out of the runner's lane en route to first. Is the catcher correct?
RULING: For a BR to be declared out, a throw must be made. The catcher is wrong and the BR is safe.
Sources:
1. Federation, NCAA and Official Baseball Rules Books for 2008
2. Jim Evans Annotated Official Baseball Rules for 1994
3rd Annual Decoys Golf Tournament
The MYAS is looking for foursomes to play in the 3rd Annual Decoys Golf Tournament on August 14 at Tanners Brook Golf Club in Forest Lake. The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Youth Athletic Services and the White Bear Baseball Association. Your $400 entry fee includes lunch, 18 holes of golf, golf cart, range balls, a gift bag, dinner/banquet at Decoys Grill & Bar and the chance to win special prizes!
If you have a team you'd like to enter, or know of an individual or business that would be interested in being a Hole Sponsor (which includes recognition on the golf course and at the dinner/banquet at Decoys), please click here to access the event information and entry application. We hope to see you on the course in August!
Gopher State Junior Golf Tour
It seems to come as a surprise to many people that we have a junior golf program when in fact, we have had a program since 1998. There have been many obstacles along the way in our attempt to build a golf program that not only provides opportunities for boys and girls to compete in tournaments, but also to learn the rules and self-discipline that accompany this difficult game.
In our most recent attempt to draw more participation, we started our season late to avoid conflicts with the Junior PGA program, which comes to an end the first week of August. We even scheduled events into September for the first time. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our first event of the spring at Stonebrooke G.C. and Water's Edge executive course because we only had a total of 10 registrations for the two courses.
We've started to see a few more entries trickle in, but we need more players if our scheduled events are going to occur. Our question has become, "Is there a need for the MYAS to continue offering golf tournaments?" We don't know. Is it simply that people don't know we have a golf program and we need to figure out how to get the information into their hands?
If you have a child who loves playing golf or is just beginning and wants to play a few different golf courses around the metro area, come check us out. Have them call their friends and bring them along. They can meet new friends from across the metro area who also have a passion for chasing that little white ball around the course. Sign them up for one event or sign them up for all that they want to play. We hope to see you on the course!
To view the Gopher State Junior Golf Tour information on the MYAS website, please click here.
Gopher State Volleyball
The Gopher State Volleyball program is expanding! We now have nine events on the calendar for 2008-09 and there may be more to come. The following dates are tentative:
November 2, 2008 * Gopher State Volleyball Championships
January 17-18, 2009 * Winter Carnival Tournament
February 7, 2009 * Gopher State Future Stars Tournament
February 21, 2009 * Block Party
March 7, 2009 * Gopher State Minnesota Showcase
March 14, 2009 * Gopher State Season Finale
March 21, 2009 * Southern Spike Tournament @ Blue Earth, MN
April 4-5, 2009 * Gopher State Tournament of Champions
TBD * Border Battle @ River Falls, WI
If you would like more information on these events or are interested in hosting Gopher State Volleyball, please visit the MYAS volleyball web page or contact Jessica Christopherson at 763-781-2220 x 1733 or jessica@myas.org.
Basketball Rules of the Month
In our ongoing education mission, we will highlight various playing rules in the MYAS Update. This issue features three basic basketball rules.
1. The ball strikes the side edge or top edge of the backboard or passes over the top of the backboard and the ball: (a) came from a throw-in from behind the plane of the backboard; or (b) from a pass or try from the front or back of the plane of the backboard. The ball does not touch any supporting brace. What is the ruling?
2. During a throw-in, Player A1 passes the ball over the braces supporting a rectangular backboard. The ball does not touch any of the braces and is subsequently controlled by Player A2, who throws the ball in Team A's basket. Player A2's thrown ball did not pass over any part of the rectangular backboard. What is the ruling?
3. At Team A's basket, the ball enters the net from below and passes through the basket. What would be the ruling in each of these situations: (a) The officials do not know whether a player from Team A or Team B was responsible; (b) the ball entered the basket after Player A1's pass was deflected by Player B1; or (c) Players A1 and B1 touched the ball simultaneously before it entered the basket.
The answers to these rules questions are posted later in the newsletter (see "In this Issue" for the link). Good luck!
If you have questions about other basketball playing rules, please contact Buddy Hemric at 763-781-2220 x 1717 or buddy@myas.org.
MYAS Gopher State Prep Showcase
If you weren't in attendance at the 2008 MYAS Gopher State Prep Showcase on July 18-20, you missed a great weekend of basketball that featured many good teams and players. To view the results from all of the games, please click on this link and then go to the specific schedule you'd like to see.
Congratulations go out to Eden Prairie, our Boys 4A Champions, who defeated Lakeville North 47-44 in a thrilling double overtime championship game. Defending champion, St. Cloud Tech, squeezed by Eastview 61-58 to capture third place. In yet another close game, Burnsville defeated St. Paul Johnson by the score of 59-58 in the fifth place game.
In the Boys Junior Varsity championship, Eden Prairie showed the depth of their program as the Eagles won another exciting game by defeating St. Cloud Tech 64-63. Forest Lake captured third place by beating Stillwater 53-50.
Congratulations to our Boys 1A/2A Champions, Bethlehem Academy, who defeated Concordia Academy 59-46 in Sunday's championship game. The Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks finished third with a 50-40 victory over St. Agnes. Red Lake beat International Falls 75-55 to take fifth place.
Lakeville North claimed top honors in our Girls Prep Showcase Championship with a 54-40 win over Benilde-St. Margaret's. The MN Stars defeated Stillwater 46-45 in the third place game.
A huge thank you goes out to our hosts, the Lakeville South Boys' Varsity team, for helping us run a great weekend event. We also want to thank all the participating teams and players who gave us a sneak peek at what is sure to be an exciting Minnesota high school basketball season.
If you love basketball, don't miss next summer's MYAS Gopher State Prep Showcase coming July 17-19, 2009, at Lakeville South High School.
Basketball Invitational Tournament Books
The 2008-09 MYAS boys' and girls' basketball invitational tournament books are currently in production and will be available in mid-August.
Included in the books are flyers for 110+ girls' and 130+ boys' invitational tournaments throughout the metro area and greater Minnesota. The books also feature the latest information on MYAS fall and winter basketball programs as well as important information and special offers from a number of our generous sponsors.
If you would like to order one or more copies of the 2008-09 tournament books, please click here to download the order form.
MYAS Gopher State Fall Basketball League
The entry packet for the 2008 MYAS Gopher State Fall Basketball League is now posted on our website. This league was developed as a "tune-up" for the winter travel/school season. More than 450 teams from all across the state participated last year. Mark your calendars now and make your plans to join us this September 21 & 28 and October 5 & 12!
The MYAS is willing to help any team, club or association find players for the Fall League. Each year we receive numerous calls and emails from parents who are trying to find a fall league team for their son or daughter. Simply send an email to jeremy@myas.org and the information will be posted on the MYAS website.
New Second Session for High School Teams: In an effort to bridge the gap between the end of the Gopher State Fall League and the start of the high school season, we have created a Second Session. Now teams will have the opportunity to play right up until 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 new Second Session, please click on the appropriate link.
MYAS Super Saver Basketball Tournaments
Super Saver Basketball Tournaments for the 2008-09 winter basketball season will begin the first weekend in November and conclude the second weekend in March. Registration forms and other tournament information will be posted on the MYAS website in August. Super Savers provide the opportunity for A (advanced), B (intermediate), C (beginning) or Rec (in-house) level teams to play three quality games all in one day. The tournaments are conveniently located throughout the metro area, and games can often be scheduled to meet your needs. For more Super Saver information, please click here.
Host applications and bid information for the 2008-09 Super Saver season have been sent to the hosts of last year's tournaments. If you are interested in hosting, please contact Kevin Wilson at 763-781-2220 x 1712 or kevin@myas.org.
MYAS Gopher State Winter Basketball League
The dates for the 2008-09 MYAS Gopher State Winter Basketball League (formerly the BTBL and GMBL) have been set. League games will be played on December 6 & 20, January 3 & 17 and February 7 & 21. The Winter League provides opportunities for all levels of play. "A" (advanced), "B" (intermediate), "C" (beginning) and "Rec" (in-house) teams can all receive a quality 12-game schedule.
The league deadline has been set for Friday, November 14. Further league information and registration materials will be available in early August. Click on this link to access the Winter League web page and keep checking back for new information in the coming weeks.
Gopher State Girls Basketball Teams at USSSA Nationals
Congratulations to the Lady Lightning 15U Division II girls' basketball team for winning the USSSA National Championship in Tampa, Florida, earlier this month! Shelby Calhoun was named the Tournament MVP while Isis Alexander, Calhoun, Elena Koch, Taylor Meyer and Sara Silber were named to the All American Tournament Team. Team members include Alexander, Calhoun, Jamie Kenealy, Koch, Desiree Loftus, Meyer, Mariah Mincke, Melissa Mortimore, Silber, Paige Steele and Dava White. The Lady Lightning are coached by Lumumba Samuels and won the MYAS Gopher State Spring Championships in May.
Additional congratulations go to the Kats 15U Division II girls' team that placed at the USSSA National Championship. Team members include Kami Binstock, Reed Brown, Taylor Dahl, Carolyn Derksen, Mallory Johnson, Paige Olson, Abbie Anna Rivas, Francisca Rivas, Jaime Sibet, Rachel Usgaard, Kayla Westling and Kristen Winter. The Kats are coached by Juan Rivas.
Other teams that participated in the Girls' USSSA National Championships were:
16U Division II * MN Dynamite * 3rd Place
14U Division II * SE MN Heat * 4th Place
12U Division I * MN Heat Black
12U Division I * MN Stars
Answers to Basketball Rules of the Month
The answers below are derived from the National Federation of State High School Associations 2007-08 Basketball Rules Book, Basketball Case Book and/or Rules by Topic publication.
1. If the backboard in (a) and (b) is fan-shaped, the ball remains alive. If the backboard in (a) is rectangular, the ball remains alive after touching the side edge, but it is a violation if it passes directly over the backboard. In (b), the ball remains alive if it touches the side edge or the top edge if it rebounds and comes down in front of the backboard. The ball becomes dead if it passes over the top of a rectangular backboard regardless of the action which causes it to pass over or whether it comes from the front or back of the plane (Case Book 7.1.2 Situation A page 54).
2. The ball was live and the throw-in ended when it was touched by Player A2; thus Player A2 scored a field goal. This play is somewhat different than those most frequently used, to bring out the point that the ball becomes dead when it passes over a rectangular backboard. The rules do not identify the supports as being part of the backboard (NFHS 5-1 page 42; NFHS 7-1-2b page 50; Case Book 7.6.2 page 58).
3. The ball becomes dead when it enters from below and passes through the basket. In (a) and (c), a throw-in will follow by the team entitled to it under the alternating-posession procedure. In (b), it is Team A's ball for a throw-in, as Player B1 caused the violation (Case Book 9.4 page 70).
If you have questions about other basketball playing rules, please contact Buddy Hemric at 763-781-2220 x 1717 or buddy@myas.org.
Minnesota Sports Medicine Tip
Plantar Fasciitis - Foot Pain That Won't Go Away
Plantar fasciitis, or inflammation of tissue on the sole of the foot, is a common repetitive use injury. It most often afflicts athletes who run, jump or stand for long periods. It also affects people who wear shoes that don't have a back, such as sandals or clogs. A classic symptom is pain in the forward part of the heel. The pain may feel like a bruise from a stone. There may be pain in the arch of the foot. If not treated, the injury will get worse until it becomes disabling.
If you have pain, see a sports medicine physician. Once diagnosed, manage the injury by icing the area several times a day, reducing your activity level and using anti-inflammatory pain medicine. Wear proper shoes and gently stretch the bottom of your foot before you rise from bed in the morning.
To find a qualified sports medicine physician, visit www.mnsportsmed.org. Minnesota Sports Medicine (MSM) is a network of sports and orthopedic physicians who treat athletes at medical clinics throughout the Twin Cities metro area. For more information about MSM, call 612-273-4800.
Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions
We would like to congratulate and thank all of the teams that participated in the Gopher State Tournament of Champions this season! We were able to make it through some rough weather and all of the teams were awesome in making everything work out so we could play a lot of baseball over the two weekends of competition.
The 2008 GSTC champions are:
10AAA -- STMA Knights
10AA -- Minnetonka Big Willow
11AAA -- Burnsville Black
11AA -- Orono Spartans
12AAA -- Brooklyn Park Bulldogs
12AA -- Eden Prairie Black
13AAA -- Shoreview Mustangs
13AA -- River Falls Wildcats
14AAA -- Sioux Falls Cobras
14AA -- Altoona Wildcats
15AAA -- Burnsville Black
15AA -- Burnsville White
Thanks once again for everyone's hard work and support of the MYAS baseball program during the 2008 season! Information for 2009 MYAS baseball tournaments will be available on our website in October.
Gopher State Baseball League
The MYAS baseball staff is currently wrapping up a successful 10th season of the Gopher State Baseball League. We are very proud of this league and we're excited to report that since its inception in 1999, it has become one of the largest traveling baseball leagues in the Upper Midwest.
The 2008 edition of the GSBL has seen many competitive games throughout all ages and levels of play. Teams are currently competing in the single elimination league championships in hopes of earning the title of "League Champions for 2008." Over the past month we have had good weather which as allowed for games to be played and playoffs to remain on schedule. Listed below are the dates, sites and divisions of the 2008 GSBL League Championships.
July 23-24 * Fridley Little League Fields * 10AAA & 10AA
July 23-24 * Northwoods Complex, Brooklyn Park * 11AAA, 11AA, 12AAA & 12AA
July 23-24 * Ham Lake City Park * 13AAA & 13AA
July 25-26 * Siebert Field, University of Minnesota * 14AAA, 15AAA & 15AA
July 28-August 1 * Hargis Park, Bethel University * 14AA, 16U, 18/19AAA & 18/19AA
Thank you to all the GSBL teams for making this season a tremendous success. Congratulations to all of our division and league champions! To view the 2008 GSBL Division Champions, please click on the applicable link: 10U-13U or 14U-15U or 16U-18/19U.
We look forward to serving as your league administrator again in 2009. For more GSBL information, please contact Dawson Blanck at 763-781-2220 x 1719 or dawson@myas.org.
Gopher State Fall Baseball League
The entry deadline for the 2008 Gopher State Fall Baseball League is just around the corner! We would like all team, small group and individual entries submitted to our office by August 15 at 4:00pm. You can find the fall league information posted on the league web page, including all entry forms, a FAQ section and dates for this year's league.
We hope to see all 3,500 participants from last year back again - and then some!
Gopher State Umpire Clinics
Coming in September will be an advanced umpire training opportunity, complete with live teams and cage work. We will be using the two-umpire system only. This training will be limited to the first 30-40 participants.
Training is available for associations interested in having large groups of umpires receive quality, hands-on instruction. The clinics can be customized for your level of umpires. For more information on any of our umpire clinics, please contact Jeremy Barbe at 763-781-2220 x 1731 or jbarbe@myas.org.
MYAS Latest News (as of 7/24/08)
2008 GSTC Championship teams
Gopher State Fall Baseball League information
Gopher State Prep Showcase Results
Results now posted for all GSTC tournaments
Gopher State Fall Basketball League Info Posted
$25 Lower Level Tickets Available for Vikings vs. Seahawks Preseason Game 8/8/08
MYAS Winter Basketball Meeting - Flyer Books
Invitational Basketball Tournament Book order form
Valleyfair Youth Sports Weekend - save up to $14.95 per ticket!
DATES! 2009 Rec State Basketball Championships
Gopher State Football Tournament of Champions
Insurance - USSSA Basketball
MYAS Calendar Updates (as of 7/24/08)
Friday, August 1, 2008
Rec State Baseball Championships begin
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
MYAS Winter Basketball Meeting; Tournament Flyer Books
Friday, August 15, 2008
Gopher State Fall Baseball League registration deadline
Friday, August 29, 2008
Gopher State Fall Basketball League registration deadline
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Gopher State Fall Basketball League begins
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Gopher State Fall Basketball League Session 2 (Oct. 26 play date) registration deadline
Friday, October 17, 2008
2008 Gopher State Volleyball Fall Championships registration deadline
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Gopher State Fall Basketball League Session 2 (Nov. 2 play date) registration deadline
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Gopher State Fall Basketball League Session 2 (Nov. 9 play date) registration deadline
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 a 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 (RHR), 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 Coach Youth Sport education program designed specifically for youth coaches. It provides coaches with a solid foundation in coaching principles, sport first aid and sport-specific techniques and tactics. These courses are available for baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball and wrestling and can be delivered in the classroom or online. For more information, please contact Mike DeWane at 952-393-1929 or mike@myas.org.
MYAS Sponsors
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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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