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Welcome to the April 30, 2010; 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 at the lowest possible cost and partially fund this newsletter, and certain sponsors will be featured.
Dan's Notes - from Executive Director Dan Klinkhammer
PLAYING TIME DEBATE
In my article last month ("Rec vs. Traveling") I apparently hit a nerve with a few people when I said, "Another thing that both parents and kids need to remember is that playing on a travel team is a privilege, not a right. Athletes have to earn a position on the team; they are not entitled to it." If my fading memory is correct, we received more requests to reprint that article than any other in the past. I must admit that I was somewhat flattered when the publication Let's Play Softball/Baseball called and asked for permission to print the article. My wife quickly planted my feet firmly back on the ground by reminding me that the last publication to reprint one of my articles was Better Homes and Gardens. I guess I won't be giving up my day job anytime soon!
So as a follow-up to the rec versus traveling scenario, I thought I'd address one of the most debated topics in youth sports: playing time. I recently read an article in a national newsletter that was addressing the issue of playing time. In a nutshell, there are two opposing philosophies on this issue. One side says that kids need to learn that the world is a very competitive place, and they need to realize they will be competing with the rest of the world and only the cream rises to the top.
The other side says hey - these are kids who are still in the process of developing their physical and mental attributes. You develop much faster playing in real competition as opposed to riding the bench while other more talented players represent your team on the field or court.
I pride myself as being something of an "old schooler." In other words, I don't apologize for saying that kids need to earn their way through life. I don't apologize for thinking that all of our little "snowflakes" might need a good kick in the rear from time to time. I don't apologize for believing that some parents hurt their children more by "helping" them than if they would let the kids learn something by failing. I don't apologize for thinking that some kids are spoiled rotten. And I don't apologize for thinking that some parents are so blinded by their love that they can't see the forest beyond their little sapling. So with all of my "stand up for yourself, quit crying, suck it up" mentality, I was a little surprised when I found myself on the "everybody has to play" side of the fence. Read on.
Just for the record, this debate isn't intended to discuss playing time issues for recreational players. It has long been standard practice that kids playing in local in-house programs should be treated equally in every way. In my mind, the only reason to take playing time away from a rec player is because they refuse to come to practice.
Today's debate is focused on kids playing on travel teams. How much playing time should they be guaranteed? Should they get equal playing time? Do you play to win or do you play to develop? How much playing time is enough? How much is too much? What other factors (besides talent and desire) should determine playing time?
I don't have enough time or space here to address all of these questions in great detail, so I'll just touch upon the ingredients that swung me over to the side of the fence that says they all need to play. Once again, I'm trying to simplify this very complex issue and my answer revolves around the word "FUN!" If a kid isn't having fun, they aren't going to stay engaged very long. Kids have fun when they play. They don't have fun watching from the bench. They don't have fun when they realize that they only get to play when it's "garbage" or "blow-out" time. To prove my point, all I have to do is point to a recent youth sports study that simply stated, "82% of the kids surveyed said that they would rather play and lose than sit on the bench and win
." Hear ye, hear ye! All kids want to play and if they don't get to play, they are going to quit.
Now that I have endorsed the concept of everyone getting to play, let me make it perfectly clear that I did NOT
say that everyone on a travel team should get equal playing time. In my opinion, that's the big difference between rec and travel ball. Just as I believe that a position on a travel team must be earned, I also believe that playing time on a travel team must be earned. However, I don't think that talent is the only criteria for establishing who plays a lot and who plays a little. If I were coaching a travel team today, I'd take into consideration factors other than raw talent, speed and size to make that determination. I think that desire, dedication, dependability, attention, attitude and understanding of the game are all variables that need to be considered when you are trying to determine who plays and when they play. But the absolute bottom line is that they all need to play and if you want me to be specific, I'd say that every kid on a travel team should be playing at least 25%
of the time.
Some of the real hard-line old schoolers will probably scoff at my suggestion that even the least talented player on the team should be playing at least 25% of the time. They will always refer back to the notion that the world is a very competitive place and these kids need to understand they will be in competition with everyone else once they are turned loose into the world. While that's very true, the difference is that when we turn them loose on the world they will no longer be kids. They will be adults, which is a big difference from being 12 years old and wondering who you are and what you are going to grow into.
Kids are going through a very difficult developmental stage of their life and it's unfair of us to treat them like adults knowing they are not fully developed. As youth sport providers, it is my job and your job to provide these kids with an environment where they can develop into the best they can be. And nobody becomes the best they can be by sitting on the bench. It's just that simple.
Dan's Tip of the Day: There are lots of ways to determine playing time and still keep the peace on your travel team. Here's one method that seems to work for a lot of teams: determine which is more important to you - tournament play or league play. Once that is determined, you can play your "studs" in the more important competitions and use your weaker players in others. But in the end, everyone is getting an opportunity to play and everyone is getting an opportunity to see the game from the sidelines.
Lastly, the playing time decision should be a team decision, or at the very least the coach needs to share their philosophy with all the kids and parents. You will all need to be on the same page no matter what method you use. In my opinion, the only way to keep them all playing is to let them all play!
MYAS Group Events
TWINS GROUP TICKETS AVAILABLE
The MYAS has acquired 400 tickets to the Twins/White Sox game on Thursday, July 15, 2010. Tickets are located in the upper level between home plate and third base. We still have approximately 200 seats left but they are expected to sell quickly! Please click here to download the order form.
THANK YOU WATER PARK OF AMERICA
The MYAS would like to thank the Water Park of America for hosting our group on Sunday night, April 11. More than 1,200 people attended this event and all had a great time. We may be doing another event with the WPOA in the fall - stay tuned to www.myas.org for details.
Borton's Bench Notes
During our spring workouts this year, our team has focused on an area that we needed to grow and get better at besides conditioning, skill workouts and weight training: Developing leaders and leadership. It's been one of the most important and fun things we've done since I've been here. As a team and program we felt like we needed to teach our players to become better leaders, have a better understanding of what is expected from each of them as a teammate, as a captain, and what we expect as coaches. The players have really taken advantage of this and we've had very healthy discussions on the topics of how to be a leader, what type of leaders they are, what commitment means to them and where confidence comes from.
The question we asked our players in last week's class was, "What does commitment mean to you for this program?" I will share one of the player's answers, and it was "passion." She was going to show her passion and her strength to be able to be our floor leader, to be the one to win games for the team during crunch time, to lead during the tough times and to have the strength to be able to do that consistently and not let her team down.
Accepting that responsibility is a great place to start in becoming the leader that every team needs to have in order to be successful. Thinking and saying it is the first step; actually doing it and being consistent in the effort is where the passion and strength will come in. I hope you are teaching your young players to be leaders.
Go Gophers!
Sports Medicine Tip
Important Safety Tips for Emergencies
By Kevin Ronneberg, M.D., Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care
Sports are fun for the athletes involved as well as for spectators! But when an emergency occurs, it's important to react quickly and safely. Here are some tips to ensure a successful outcome.
Allergic Bee Sting
A first time bee sting can be challenging because the victim may not know if they are allergic or what symptoms to watch for. It's important to note that an allergic reaction to an insect sting varies for each person but generally the more rapid the onset of symptoms, the more severe the reaction.
Symptoms can include itching, hives, flushing of the skin, tingling or itching inside the mouth, nausea or vomiting. The most serious allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis which can be fatal. Difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, swelling of the tongue, dizziness and fainting are signs of a severe allergic reaction. Severe reactions usually occur within minutes and could be delayed for up to 24 hours.
If any allergic symptoms occur, call 911 immediately. If a serious sting reaction occurs, seek medical attention, even if epinephrine is used and all seems stable. An allergic reaction can progress and become more serious after epinephrine has worn off. People who know they are seriously allergic to insect bites must carry epinephrine at all times.
If the stinger remains in the skin, it should be removed by gently lifting it using a fingernail, credit card or flat edge to flick the stinger out of the skin. Avoid pinching the stinger to remove it as pinching may cause venom release.
Loss of Consciousness
Loss of consciousness occurs when there is decreased blood flow to the brain. It can be caused by a number of things including shock, insulin reaction, choking, heart/respiratory problems, concussion, internal injuries or heat stroke and should be taken seriously.
When someone loses consciousness, check the ABCs - Airway, Breathing and Circulation. If the person is not breathing and there is no pulse call 911, find an AED (arterial defibrillator) and begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
Fainting is not normal, although the cause may not be serious. When in doubt, call 911. It is always appropriate to seek medical care.
If the episode of loss of consciousness is short-lived and the person returns to normal function with no evidence of injury, parents should review the occurrence with their primary care physician.
Asthma Attack
A severe asthma attack often occurs with few warning signs and can happen quickly and progress rapidly to asphyxiation. A severe attack does not respond to the typical use of inhaled bronchodilators.
A severe attack may include these symptoms:
- Persistent shortness of breath and the inability to speak in full sentences
- Feeling out of breath even while lying down
- Chest may feel closed and lips may have a bluish tint
- Agitation, confusion or inability to concentrate
- Shoulders may appear hunched and neck muscles strained to breathe
Note that wheezing and coughing may not be present with a severe asthma attack due to the lack of air in and out of the lungs during the attack. Severe asthma attacks are life-threatening. Call 911 immediately.
About the author
Kevin Ronneberg, M.D., provides non-surgical orthopedic and sports medicine care to patients of all ages at Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care in Wyoming, MN, where he also serves as Medical Director - Clinical Operations. He provides care for a broad spectrum of muscle, bone and joint conditions with the goal to maximize performance, prevent injury and return individuals to sport and daily life activities as quickly as possible.
Dr. Ronneberg is medical director for the Chisago Lakes Triathlon, associate medical director for the Twin Cities Marathon and a member of the medical team for the USA Cup Soccer Tournament. He is team physician for Forest Lake, Chisago Lakes, North Branch and Centennial High Schools and provides physician coverage for Minnesota State High School League tournaments and local endurance races including running, cross country skiing and triathlons.
At Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care we specialize in muscles, bones and joints. Convenient locations. One number to call. 612-672-7100. fairview.org/fsoc
Then And Now - by Larry Gallagher
A TOUR OF FORMER TWIN CITIES BASEBALL PARKS
With all the hullaballoo about the new Target Field, I thought I would take you on a tour of Twin Cities baseball parks of the past. I am going to limit the tour to just a couple in detail (Lexington Park in St. Paul and Nicollet Park in Minneapolis) and others just in passing.
First off, the Fort Street Grounds were home to the St. Paul major league team in the 1884 Union Association. They were the first major league team in Minnesota but never really played a major league game in this park. Next there was Athletic Park in Minneapolis, which was not home to a major league team but which did host a major league game in 1891. The Minneapolis Millers team played in this park from 1889-1896. Before playing at Athletic Park, the Millers played in some other unnamed Minneapolis parks. Milwaukee, a major league team in the American Association, played Columbus in a game at Athletic Park in 1891 because they expected bad weather in Milwaukee.
In 1894 a new minor league - the Western League - was formed. This league eventually became the American League with Ban Johnson as its first president. Minneapolis was a charter member of the Western League and St. Paul joined the next year; neither team was a member when it became the American League. Charles Comiskey owned the St. Paul franchise until he moved it to Chicago where it joined the American League. The Dale and Aurora Grounds were the home for the St. Paul team in 1895. However, because the city of St. Paul had a ban on Sunday games, Comiskey had to build another park across the river to house his team and it was called State Street Park - home to the Saints on Sundays until 1896.
Lexington Park was then built and was home to the Saints from 1897-1956, when Midway Stadium was built. (Lexington had to be rebuilt in 1915 after fire destroyed most of it.) St. Paul had another park too, the Downtown Ball Park or Pillbox, but it didn't last long.
Nicollet Park was built in Minneapolis in 1896 and also lasted 60 years. Nicollet was built outside of downtown Minneapolis, at the corner of Nicollet Avenue and Lake Street in south Minneapolis. The entrance to the park was on the corner of Blaisdell & 31st Avenue. The park was spacious compared to the small Athletic Park in downtown Minneapolis and had its own "Green Monster" in right field (although it was not really green because that is where the scoreboard was). The right field wall was only 279 feet down the line from home plate and was 30+ feet high. This ballpark lasted quite a long time, until Metropolitan Stadium was built.
Nicollet saw many future and former big league players take the field. Ted Williams, Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda all played there. When I was 11 years old, I had the opportunity to watch Willie Mays make a wonderful catch in right center field, make a 360-degree turn and throw a runner (who had tagged up at third) out at the plate by at least five running steps. The runner himself just stopped in amazement that the throw was even made, because up until that time outfielders didn't even attempt to make the throw.
Let's go back to St. Paul's Lexington Park now. It was located at the corner of Lexington and University Avenue and had an idiosyncrasy of its own in right field. There was an approximately three-foot high contoured embankment that was next to impossible to run up against to make a catch. The fence down the line was 365 feet deep.
Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges and Don Zimmer played at Lexington. Zimmer once led the league in home runs and being hit by the pitch. In fact, he has a steel plate in his head from a terrible bean-ball incident he had while he was with the Saints.
I had the opportunity as an American Legion player to play at Lexington in its last year of existence. The Columbia Heights American Legion team won the District 10 playoffs for the first time ever and we went to the 1956 State Tournament. We lost 7-1 in the first round to the eventual champions, North End. I made an error as catcher by not being able to see my pitcher's throw home for a possible bases loaded double play. The throw came out of the background that was a white advertising on the outfield wall and I never saw the ball until it hit my mitt and I had to chase it down near the backstop.
In 1957 the American Legion State Tournament was moved to the new Midway Stadium and we had the chance to play there too. Once again we lost to the eventual champions in the first game of the tournament. Mankato won and went on to play in the national tournament with only 11 players.
Back to Nicollet now, where Joe Hauser of the Millers set a record in 1933 for hitting 69 home runs, breaking his own record of 63. A total of 50 home runs were hit at the friendly confines of Nicollet Park that year. This held up for many years in Minor League baseball until the "steroid years."
One of the finest treats during the years of Nicollet and Lexington Parks was what became known as the "Streetcar Series" on the three holidays of Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. In the morning and early afternoon there would be a game at one of the parks and then, later in the day, there would be a game at the other park. I had the good fortune of being able to attend one of these series before the teams moved out of these parks and the franchises were lost to Major League Baseball.
Another thing that was lost when big league baseball came to Minnesota was the great rivalry between the Saints and Millers fans. It was mostly in jest, but there were many fans in each city that just plain hated the other team and their fans. I believe there is still some carryover today when we speak about Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Midway Stadium was built to house the Brooklyn Dodgers when they were planning to move to Minnesota, and Metropolitan Stadium was built to house the New York Giants when they were expected to move to Minneapolis. However, Walter O'Malley of the Dodgers and Horace Stoneham of the Giants worked out a deal for the teams to go to Los Angeles and San Francisco, and we were stuck with our stadiums. Carl Yastrzemski played at the Met during 1958 before we got the Washington Senators to come to Minnesota. He was a shortstop then and moved up the next year to play left field for the Boston Red Sox when Ted Williams retired.
Well, enough of going down memory lane. Once the Senators moved here in 1961 and we had Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, much of Minor League Baseball died out in this area and the growth of amateur baseball began anew. I bet most of you don't know that in Minnesota we have more baseball teams per capita than any other location in the United States. This proves that Minnesota fans are the most knowledgeable baseball fans and participants in our great nation.
I have always believed that the heart of our nation was and still is in the heart of the great game of baseball. There are so many baseball phrases that we continue to use in our everyday language - phrases such as "touching all the bases" when writing a business contract; "give me a ballpark figure" when we are asking how much something might cost; when referring to someone who is not quite right in the head we might say they are "off the wall" or "out in left field"; or in an argument we might "throw someone a curve ball."
Someone once said that if you want to understand America, you must first understand baseball. I believe this is still true today.
I will continue to speak about some aspect of baseball in upcoming issues this summer, until I turn to football in August. Have a great summer on the baseball diamond!
Midwest Regional Swim Meet Apparel Sale
There is a limited supply of apparel remaining from the 2010 Midwest Regional Swim Meet, and it is being offered at discounted prices. Please visit the Midwest Regional page of the MYAS website for a list of what is still available.
If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Christopherson at jessica@myas.org.
MYAS Gopher State 7 on 7 Passing League
The second annual Gopher State 7 on 7 Passing League, which is designed for 7th grade through high school football teams, will commence this summer. League play will begin the week of June 7 and will wrap up the week of July 26.
This year's league will offer two playing sites. Both sites will be limited to a total of 12 teams and the entry deadline is May 31, so be sure to sign up soon. Please keep checking the football portion of the MYAS website, as new information will be posted periodically. You may also direct your questions to Eric Rathke at 763-746-1730 or eric@myas.org.
Football Rules of the Month
In our ongoing education mission, we would like to highlight three basic high school football rules. The answers appear later in the newsletter (see "In this Issue" for the link).
1. With fourth and one from Team A's 47, quarterback A1 keeps the ball and is downed very near the line to gain. When the down ends, the ball in possession of A1 is: (a) positioned so that its long axis is diagonal to the sideline; or (b) positioned so that its long axis is parallel to the yard line. A measurement is requested. What is the ruling in each case?
2. Following a third down play, the officials do not measure as the referee judges the line to gain has not been reached. Team A lines up in punt formation. Just before assuming his set position, the captain of Team A requests a measurement. What is the ruling?
3. With first and 10 from Team A's 4-yard line, Player A1 is tackled and the ball is lying on the 5-inch line with its axis parallel to the goal line. How is the ball to be spotted?
MYAS Grade State Basketball Championship Apparel Sale
Prices have been SLASHED on all remaining 2010 MYAS Grade State Basketball Championship apparel! Please click here to access a list of items still available.
Gopher State Spring Basketball
The 2010 Gopher State "Quest for the Rings" Spring Basketball Championships are right around the corner. The girls' and boys' 9U-10U championships will be held on May 1-2 and the boys' 11U-12U and girls' 11U-19U championships are scheduled for May 15-16. The 2010 championship season concludes on June 5-6 with the boys' 13U-19U events. We hope your team is signed up to play for the chance to win the championship rings from Jostens!
After the Spring Championships, get your team ready to compete against teams from around the Midwest in the MYAS Gopher State "Border Battle" tournament on June 19-20. There are also many more Gopher State invitational tournaments for you to play in throughout the summer.
It has been great watching all the teams playing spring basketball so far this year. There are so many talented teams and players participating at all age levels that Minnesota should continue to be a hotbed for college recruiters for years to come.
We'd like to once again sincerely thank you for your participation in MYAS tournaments this spring and we wish all of you good luck in your upcoming tournaments. Remember to have fun, play fair and take it hard to the rack! We look forward to seeing you in the gym.
MYAS Gopher State Basketball Prep Showcase
The 2010 MYAS Gopher State Prep Showcase will be held on July 17-18 at Lakeville South High School. We are pleased to announce that we have two teams from Australia coming to play in this event!
We have added an open division for summer teams in addition to the separate small school (A and AA) and large school (AAA and AAAA) championship brackets that are offered. Come compete this summer in the air conditioning at Lakeville South High School in front of college coaches and recruiters!
Prep Showcase brochures were mailed to every high school in the state. If you haven't received your brochure or are interested in receiving further information, please contact Rich Penick at 763-746-1724 or rich@myas.org.
MYAS Gopher State Fall Basketball League
Information for the 2010 MYAS Gopher State Fall Basketball League is posted on the MYAS website. Last year we had more than 425 registered teams in grades 4-12. The Fall League was developed as and is intended to be a "tune-up" for winter travel/school basketball, and it is always our hope that teams will enjoy the experience the league provides.
Mark your calendars now and make your plans to join us on September 19 & 26 and October 3 & 10. Come see why the Gopher State Fall Basketball League is the largest fall basketball league in the state!
Second Session for High School Teams: In an effort to bridge the gap between the end of the Gopher State Fall Basketball League and the start of the high school season, we have created a Second Session. Now teams have the opportunity to play right up until their tryouts. Players can work on their skills and conditioning and coaches will be able to observe the players in game situations. The Second Session is not a league - your team can play on any or all five of the available dates in October and November.
For more information on the Gopher State Fall Basketball League and/or the Second Session, please click here. You may also contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org with your questions.
MYAS Winter Basketball Jamboree
The MYAS Winter Basketball Jamboree was created to provide newly formed traveling basketball teams with an opportunity to play multiple scrimmage games in one day. We had a whopping 96 boys' and girls' teams particpate in the inaugural event, and the 2010 Jamboree should feature another great day of youth basketball!
The Winter Jamboree is for boys' and girls' teams in grades 4-8. This year's event will be held on Saturday, October 30 at the Bloomington Jefferson HS/Activity Center, where there are seven full-sized wood courts under one roof! More detailed event information will be available in the coming weeks.
If you would like more information in the meantime, please contact Jeremy Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
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 has been disqualified from the game for committing their fifth foul or a flagrant foul. The coach of Team A is notified and then the official instructs the timer to begin the replacement period. The player is then notified of the disqualification. The coach of Team A rises from the bench and: (a) talks until the sounding of the 5-second warning horn with the four remaining players who have gathered near the boundary; (b) immediately sends Player A6 to the table to report in. The coach then wishes to gather the players at the sideline for a conference; or (c)
sends Player A6 toward the table but the timer indicates the 20 seconds have expired before A6 gets there. What is the ruling in each case?
2. Player A5 has just received their fifth foul of the game. Player A5: (a) is erroneously permitted to remain in the game for another two minutes before the scorer realizes the mistake; or (b) leaves the game after the coach is notified of the disqualification. At the intermission between the third and fourth quarters, A5 reports as a substitute and subsequently enters the game. What is the ruling in each case?
3. The bonus is in effect and while the ball is in flight during a try for a goal by Player A1, Player A2 charges into Player B1. Following this there is a basket-interference violation by: (a) Player B2; or (b) Player A3. What is the ruling in each case?
Gopher State Baseball League
The MYAS baseball staff would like to welcome all of the participating teams to the 11th annual Gopher State Baseball League (GSBL), and we'd like to thank the coaches for volunteering their time. We hope that you will be satisfied with the product and take pride in being part of the GSBL, which is the culmination of our best ideas.
We are very proud of this league and the high regard it has earned in youth traveling baseball in its first decade of existence. The 2010 version of the GSBL stretches east to west 170 miles and north to south 120 miles, encompassing 57 youth baseball associations. This league comprises the Upper Midwest's largest representation of communities in a traveling baseball league.
We would like to salute each of the new GSBL member associations, their coaches and the teams that represent them. We would also like to extend a hearty welcome to all first-year coaches as you begin your tenure as youth traveling baseball coaches, and we can't forget the grizzled veterans who round out the coaches in the league. We want to thank you for being the backbone of the GSBL over the past few years. At the MYAS, we feel that the experiences and opportunities available to all GSBL participants provide a lifetime of memories.
We wish all the teams the very best as they embark on this season, and we hope they enjoy the GSBL as we celebrate more than a decade of quality professional youth baseball administration of the league. Welcome to the "GSBL Nation!"
Please click here to access 2010 GSBL information. If you have questions, comments or concerns or would like more information about the league, please contact GSBL Commissioner Dawson Blanck at 763-746-1719 or dawson@myas.org.
Gopher State Baseball Umpire Clinics
All umpires are welcome and encouraged to attend a Gopher State Umpire Training Clinic. These clinics are designed to provide umpires of all abilities the opportunity to enhance their skills and/or become educated in the finer points of umpiring. They will feature hands on instruction for plate and base umpires.
If you are a beginner umpire or need more work with mechanics and positioning, these clinics will be perfect for you.
Space is still available in the remaining clinics. Feel free to print the registration form and bring it with you to a clinic along with payment. You may also email Jeremy Barbe to confirm your arrival and reserve your spot.
2010 Gopher State Umpire Training Clinics
May 1 * 1:00-5:00pm * Eden Prairie, Miller Park
May 8 * 9:00am-1:00pm * Rogers High School Fields
May 22 * 9:00am-1:00pm * Fridley Little League Fields
Every umpire who attends a clinic will receive an additional $6 per game for the 2010 Gopher State Baseball League. A $4 per game bonus will apply for the Gopher State Spring Training Series, Gopher State Spring Invitationals, USSSA State Tournament, Gopher State Tournament of Champions, MYAS Rec State Baseball Championships and Gopher State Fall Baseball League. With MSHSL registration, another $1 will be added to the per-game total.
Each season we are very fortunate to have instructors who are excited to share their umpiring experiences with our Gopher State Umpires. Don't take this training opportunity for granted - it offers a wealth of education and instruction.
For more information, including clinic dates, sites and maps/directions, please visit the Gopher State Umpire Training Clinic web page. You may also contact Jeremy Barbe at 763-746-1731 or jbarbe@myas.org.
Gopher State Baseball Spring Invitationals
The MYAS Gopher State Baseball Spring Invitational schedule is posted and some divisions are filling up quickly! These events are set up as two-day GSTC qualifying tournaments taking place in early to mid-May. All teams are guaranteed three games and the top two placing teams will earn an automatic berth to the Gopher State Tournament of Champions.
The 10AAA, 11AAA, 12AAA and 14AAA tournaments will also be Global Sports World Series Qualifiers. These tournaments are your chance to earn a national tournament berth in Minnesota this season.
We still have limited availability in the 2010 Gopher State Spring Invitationals, so get your team signed up today!
10AAA & 10AA * May 15-16 * Fridley
11AAA & 11AA * May 15-16 * St. Cloud
12AAA & 12AA * May 15-16 * St. Cloud
14AAA * May 15-16 * Brooklyn Park
14AA * May 15-16 * Shoreview
You can find out more information on the Spring Invitational web page or by contacting Tony Groff at 763-746-1728 or tony@myas.org.
Minnesota USSSA Baseball
Minnesota USSSA State Championships will take place at multiple venues on the weekends of June 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 and 25-27, 2010. This tournament allows all participating teams to take advantage of the benefits of USSSA baseball. These qualifying tournaments are an excellent way for teams (10-19U AAA & AA as well as 10A-14/15A) to advance to a World Series/National Tournament and earn points through USSSA. Last year, 203 teams competed for an opportunity to earn a berth to a USSSA World Series and/or the Gopher State Tournament of Champions.
Applications are available on the USSSA State Baseball Championship portion of the MYAS website. All 2010 USSSA State Championships are filling up fast so don't hesitate to sign up today!
For updated information on USSSA baseball in Minnesota, continue to check the Minnesota USSSA baseball web page.
Gopher State Baseball Tournament of Champions
Gopher State Tournament of Champions (GSTC) qualifier time is already here! Just as a reminder, all tournaments that are designated as GSTC qualifiers on our youth baseball tournament web page will have the opportunity to award two automatic berths to the 2010 Gopher State Tournament of Champions. Teams finishing in third or fourth place may have berths passed down to them if either of the top two placing teams are not able to participate in the GSTC.
Keep up to date on tournament standings on the GSTC Standings Page that will be updated continuously as the tournament season progresses.
Good luck to all the teams in the qualifying season, and we hope to see you in the 2010 Gopher State Tournament of Champions!
MYAS Rec State Baseball Championships
Here's a great opportunity for all in-house/recreational baseball teams to participate in a State Tournament! The Rec State Championships will be held on July 30-August 1 and will feature six divisions and a three-game guarantee.
This will be the first year we will be offering a 16-18U division! All of the details are available and eligibility questions can be answered on the Rec State Baseball web page.
Last year we saw 128 metro area teams in five different age divisions have a blast competing for a state championship title. Reserve your local in-house/recreational teams a spot in the 2010 Championships! The brochure is available by clicking here. Each tournament is limited to the first 32 teams.
For the fourth year, the Ramada Mpls. NW/Grand Rios will be the proud sponsor of the Championships. They will have awesome room rates with water park passes available for your entire team's year-end celebration.
We are excited for another year of fun and competition at the 2010 Rec State Championships. Please contact Jeremy Barbe at 763-746-1731 or jbarbe@myas.org for more details on this great event!
MYAS Latest News (as of 4/29/10)
2010 Grade State Basketball Apparel Sale
2010 Gopher State Baseball League
Basketball Tournament Openings
Miracle Field Event Fundraiser - April 30, 2010
July 15 Twins vs White Sox Group Tickets For Sale
Basketball Jamboree Info
Midwest Regional Swim Meet Apparel Sale
2010 Youth Baseball Tournaments & GSTC Qualifiers
Free tickets to select Gopher baseball games
Are you looking for a basketball team to play on?
Insurance - USSSA Basketball
MYAS Calendar (as of 4/29/10)
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Gopher State Baseball Umpire Training Clinic; Eden Prairie Miller Park
Saturday-Sunday, May 1-2, 2010
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Championships; boys/girls 9U/3rd-10U/4th; various sites
Saturday-Sunday, May 1-2, 2010
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational Tournaments; various ages/divisions & sites
Saturday-Sunday, May 1-2, 2010
Gopher State Baseball Spring Invitationals; 13AAA & 13AA; Andover & Mahtomedi
Monday, May 3, 2010
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational Tournament entry deadline (May 15-16 event)
Monday, May 3, 2010
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Championship entry deadline; boys 11U/5th-12U/6th and girls 11U/5th-19U/Sr. (May 15-16 event)
Monday, May 3, 2010
MYAS/Midwest Elite Basketball Challenge entry deadline (May 14-16 event)
Monday, May 3, 2010
Gopher State Baseball League 14U-15U Mandatory Coaches' Meeting; 7:00pm @ Ramada Mpls. NW
Monday, May 3, 2010
North Star Baseball League 13U/7th Grade play begins
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Gopher State Baseball League 14U play begins
Thursday, May 6, 2010
MYAS Basketball Officials Video Clinic; Columbia Heights
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Gopher State Baseball Umpire Training Clinic; Rogers High School
Saturday-Sunday, May 8-9, 2010
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational Tournaments; various ages/divisions & sites
Monday, May 10, 2010
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational Tournament entry deadline (May 22-23 event)
Monday, May 10, 2010
North Star Baseball League 14-15U/8th-9th Grade play begins
Friday-Sunday, May 14-16, 2010
MYAS/Midwest Elite Basketball Challenge (hosted by MN Magic); boys 13U/7th-19U/Sr. Division I & II; Bloomington
Saturday-Sunday, May 15-16, 2010
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational Tournaments; various ages/divisions & sites
Saturday-Sunday, May 15-16, 2010
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Championships; boys 11U/5th-12U/6th and girls 11U/5th-19U/Sr.; various sites
Saturday-Sunday, May 15-16, 2010
Gopher State Baseball Spring Invitationals; 10-12AAA & AA and 14AAA & AA; various sites
Monday, May 17, 2010
USSSA Basketball National Qualifier entry deadline (May 29-30 event)
Monday, May 17, 2010
Gopher State Baseball League 16U-17/19U entry deadline (play begins June 7)
Monday, May 17, 2010
Gopher State Baseball League 15U play begins
Friday, May 21, 2010
USSSA Baseball State Championship entry deadline (play begins on various dates)
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Gopher State Baseball Umpire Training Clinic; Fridley Little League Fields
Saturday-Sunday, May 22-23, 2010
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational Tournaments; various ages/divisions & sites
Saturday-Sunday, May 22-23, 2010
Gopher State Baseball Spring Invitationals; 15AAA & 15AA; Coon Rapids & Fridley
Monday, May 24, 2010
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Championship entry deadline; boys 13U/7th-19U/Sr. (June 5-6 event)
Monday, May 24, 2010
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational Tournament entry deadline (June 5-6 event)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Gopher State Baseball League 16U-17/19U scheduling sessions; 6:00pm @ Ramada Mpls. NW
Saturday-Sunday, May 29-30, 2010
USSSA Basketball National Qualifier; boys/girls 9U/3rd-19U/Sr.; various sites
Monday, May 31, 2010
Gopher State Football 7 on 7 Passing League entry deadline (play begins June 7)
Monday, May 31, 2010
MYAS Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver entry deadline (June 12 event)
Answers to Football Rules of the Month
The answers below are derived from the most recent edition of the National Federation of State High School Associations Football Rules Book and/or Football Case Book.
1. The ball must be aligned so the long axis is parallel to the sideline in both (a) and (b) prior to measurement. The referee will place his hand at the foremost point of the ball when it became dead and rotate the ball so that its long axis is parallel to the sideline and there is no gain or loss in distance. Following the rotation, measurement will be to the foremost point of the ball (Case Book 5.3.2 Situation A page 38).
2. The request is denied for two reasons. The captain must make a request for measurement before the ball is marked ready for play, and no measurement is made if it is obvious the line to gain has not been reached (Case Book 5.3.2 Situation B page 38). Comment: In any situation where there is doubt, officials should measure. Following measurement in a side zone, the chain should be used to place the ball at the inbounds line (Rule Book 5-3-2 Note page 50).
3. The referee will, by rule, rotate and place the ball so that its rear point is not penetrating the plane of Team A's goal line. The ball is rotated with its rearmost point moved just forward enough so it isn't touching the goal line. Team A gains a few inches in the process (Case Book 5.3.4 Situation A page 39).
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 Rule Book, Basketball Case Book and/or Rules by Topic publication.
1. Legal in (a), as long as a substitute reports in during the next 15 seconds. In (b), play will resume as soon as A6 has reported to the scorer. In (c), a technical foul is charged directly to the coach (Case Book 10.5.2 Situation B page 90).
2. In (a), as soon as the error is discovered, the player is removed from the game; no penalties are assessed. In (b), A5 will not actually "participate" until the ball becomes live. If detected prior to the ball becoming live, A5 would be directed to the bench and no penalty assessed unless the official deemed it was a deliberate attempt to circumvent the rules. If detected after the ball becomes live, it is a technical foul charged directly to the head coach. The player is immediately removed from the game and Team B is awarded two free throws and the ball (Case Book 10.5.3 Situation page 90).
3. In (a), both the foul by A2 and the violation by B2 are penalized, but in the reverse order of occurrence. Two points are first awarded to Team A because of the violation by B2. B1 is then awarded a one-and-one. Had the bonus not been in effect in (a), Team B would have been awarded the ball out of bounds at its end line where the basket was awarded. In (b)
, there are no rule complications. The violation by A3 caused the ball to become dead. Ordinarily, the ball would go to Team B out-of-bounds at the spot nearest the violation. However, this penalty is ignored because of the penalty enforcement for the foul by A2 (Case Book 10.6.1 Situation B pages 90-91).
If you have questions about these or other basketball playing rules, please contact Buddy Hemric at 763-746-1717 or buddy@myas.org.
Important Association Services That Work!
The Minnesota Youth Athletic Services offers three important services:
1. Association and Player Sports Accident Insurance Coverage
Association liability and player accident insurance are always concerns for youth sports organizations in our increasingly litigious society. Some associations spend a lot of money and others go into denial and “run naked” without even minimal liability coverage for their members. Yet if insurance is not obtained, the personal assets of the individuals running the association may be at risk. Many sports facility managers, especially municipalities and schools, will not permit the use of their property or facilities unless it can be demonstrated that youth sports associations are covered under an insurance policy. Without insurance, the opportunity for young athletes to compete in organized sports programs may be substantially limited.
The MYAS has partnered with J.A. Price Agency, an insurance company which has access to dozens of other insurance companies and can handle any type of business or personal insurance needs that your association/board of directors may require. The insurance provides options for all types of needs within your association/community. This coverage is an advantage no amateur sports organization should be without!
Examples of coverage include but are not limited to:
- General Liability
- Sexual Misconduct
- Participant Accident
- Directors & Officers Liability
- Crime/Embezzlement
- Automobile
- Umbrella
- Workers' Compensation
General insurance questions should be directed to Bob Blomster at 952-253-4311 or bob.blomster@japrice.com.
2. Criminal Background Checks
How do we protect our children? Reports of sexual predators and child abuse involving the clergy, day care workers and youth volunteers are all too familiar. Unfortunately, this includes a disturbing number of youth sport coaches who have a history of incidents of sexual misconduct and/or violence. This is a complex issue and many youth sports organizations are unclear about what to do or how to approach this threat, yet they must take proactive steps to prevent their children from becoming innocent victims. Don’t put your children at risk!
In addition, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that $50 billion is lost annually due to employee theft and fraud. Youth sports associations must protect themselves from this threat as well. Don’t put your association at risk!
Fortunately, youth sports associations now have a simple and inexpensive tool to avoid some of society’s worst fears. The MYAS, with its partner Trusted Employees, has designed a criminal background check system that offers three affordable options to youth sports associations. Trusted Employees, a local Twin Cities company, incorporates a “user-friendly” process combined with flexible information delivery to make this system easy and inexpensive for your organization. For more information, please contact Mike DeWane at 952-393-1929 or mike@myas.org.
3. Coaching Education Program
The MYAS has partnered with the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) to offer youth sport associations and their coaches the Coaching Youth Sport education program designed specifically for youth coaches. It provides coaches with a solid foundation in coaching principles, sport first aid and sport-specific techniques and tactics. These courses are available for baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball and wrestling and can be delivered in the classroom or online. For more information, please contact Mike DeWane at 952-393-1929 or mike@myas.org.
MYAS Sponsors
MYAS Membership Meetings
MYAS membership meetings are held at our offices (4111 Central Avenue NE; Columbia Heights, MN 55421) on the last Tuesday of each month at 9:00am (unless notified otherwise). All MYAS members are welcome to attend.
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