MYAS Update - Minnesota Youth Athletic Services

Minnesota Youth
Athletic Services:
MYAS Update
Youth Sports
Done Right
Dan’s Notes — from Dan Klinkhammer, Executive Director
February 16, 2015
Clubs vs. Community Associations
Please bear with me as I begin this
commentary with a brief history lesson.
Twenty-five years ago, we were the guys
that were trying to build the AAU basketball
program in Minnesota. In the early going,
we met with a lot of resistance from high
school basketball coaches. They were very
hesitant to encourage the creation of nonschool or non-community based teams.
Their biggest fear was that these “club
teams” would interfere with the status quo
of youth basketball in Minnesota.
Specifically, they did not want club
basketball to replace the winter season
school and/or community basketball
programs that existed throughout the
entire state. Those school/community
based teams were viewed as the backbone
of youth basketball in the Gopher State.
“For the sport of
basketball, we
have literally
created a
situation where
kids, coaches and
parents can have
their cake and
eat it too!”
I won’t bore you with all of the naysaying
that we heard, but 25 years later I can tell
you that some of the fears were unfounded
and others were very real. In the end, we
struck a very “unofficial” deal with the
concerned high school coaches. We agreed
to promote and develop club basketball as
an “out of season” opportunity only. By
doing so, we were able to keep the regular
winter basketball season (November to
March) open to school or community based
teams only. In other words, clubs had to
function during the spring, summer and fall
months but would not be able to find a
place to play during the regular winter
season. This formula has worked very nicely
for the past 25 years and I expect it to
thrive for quite some time. For the sport of
basketball, we have literally created a
situation where kids, coaches and parents
can have their cake and eat it too!
We heard a lot of the same fears and
criticisms from high school baseball
coaches when we jumped into the world of
MYAS Update
traveling and recreational baseball. So we
designed our baseball program to be very
similar to our basketball offerings. In other
words, participation in the regular
Minnesota youth baseball season (April
through early August) was restricted to
school or community based teams. Club
teams were not allowed to participate in
MYAS leagues or tournaments that were
designed strictly for community or school
based teams. As a result, athletes had to
play with their local baseball teams and
then wait for the off-season to play any
type of club baseball. Note: To the best of
my knowledge, all of the baseball league/
tournament providers in Minnesota have
adopted very similar eligibility criteria for
participation in their leagues and
tournaments. This system has worked very
well for the past 25 years—until now. Read
on.
Frankly, we were one of the first
organizations to see the value in club
baseball, but only if the programs were
conducted during the off-season. We have
always believed that kids get better when
they practice and play more. In my opinion,
there is nothing wrong with kids wanting to
play any sport outside of the regular season
if it’s their idea and they’re not being
driven by Mom or Dad, or by some club
director who just wants to fill their pockets
with your cash. There can be many positive
outcomes from participating with a club
during the off-season. Most coaches will
tell you that athletes usually make the most
progress during the off-season and then
fine tune their skills during the regular
season. So in our opinion, club baseball
does have its place – just not during the
regular summer baseball season.
Continued on page 2
Special points of
interest:
 Trusted Coaches
Verification Program
available now! (p. 7)
 MYAS Weekend at
Water Park of
America (p. 5)
 Save 20% at Dick’s
Sporting Goods
Shopping Event (p. 2)
 Thank you to all of our
sponsors! (p. 19)
Inside this issue:
Midwest Regional
Swim Meet
3
Midwest Wrestling
Tour Recap
3
Borton’s Big Picture
by Pam Borton
6
Trusted Coaches
Verification Program
7
MYAS Event Calendar 8-9
MYAS Basketball
Programs
10
&
12
Then and Now
by Larry Gallagher
1415
MYAS Baseball
Programs
1617
Page 2
MYAS Update
Dan’s Notes — continued from page 1
“...the MYAS was
created to be a
service
organization, with
our primary clients
being community
youth sport
organizations.”
The baseball scenario is different
than basketball because of our
short summer season. As a
result, it would appear that
some of the baseball clubs want
to recruit kids and conduct their
programs into that April through
early August timeframe. We
think that is a very bad idea.
Why? Read on.
If school/community baseball is
the backbone of youth baseball
in Minnesota, then why would
anybody want to take kids out of
the school or community
baseball programs? Some club
directors would plead their case
as being a better option, with
better coaching, more games,
more opportunity to play at a
higher level of competition and a
better chance of being seen by
college scouts. While some of
that may be true, the
overwhelming reason for clubs
jumping into the regular summer
baseball is because they can
make money doing it. FYI, I
recently had a Minnesota club
director tell me, “I need to make
an extra $3,000 this summer and
that’s why I’m advertising
summer teams this year.” As
shocked as I was to hear him
verbalize that, I can at least give
him credit for telling the truth.
You can’t paint all of the baseball
clubs with the same brush. Some
of them are providing valuable
off-season training and playing
opportunities that do help kids
reach their maximum potential,
but others are in it for all the
wrong reasons. We will be happy
to help well-intended clubs
create training and playing
opportunities but we won’t lift a
finger to help any club that
wants to infringe upon those
school/community organizations
that offer summer traveling
teams. We will not assist
anybody in recruiting players
away from any bona fide school
or community based baseball
programs. It’s that simple.
For what it’s worth, this struggle
between clubs and communities
has been a big concern in the
world of girls’ fast pitch softball
for quite some time. It’s a mess
with a lot of hard feelings and
confusion. We are hoping to
avoid that same scenario in
youth baseball.
Lastly, the MYAS was created to
be a service organization, with
our primary clients being
community youth sport
organizations. However, we can
also offer up some
administrative assistance to
basketball and baseball clubs;
but we draw a red line that we
will not cross whenever we see
clubs doing harm to our primary
clients.
Save the Date — Dick’s Sporting Goods Shopping Event
Save 20% on the Gear You Need for the Season at DICK’S Sporting Goods!
DICK’S Sporting Goods has once again stepped up as a supporter of the MYAS! Dick’s has
offered you, as an MYAS participant, their deepest discount (20% off everything in the store).
The event will take place on 3/21/2015 & 3/22/2015 at any Minnesota Dick’s Sporting Goods
location (10 AM - 7 PM Both Days). On these dates, DICK’S will offer our families and
participants 20% OFF EVERYTHING IN THE STORE (excluding guns / ammunition). The link
below will allow you to access the coupon for this discount-shopping event. We encourage you
to pass this flyer along to the other families in your program. Print the coupon and present it
at the register during checkout to receive the 20% discount. Coupon is good during event
dates/times only.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS YOUR 20% OFF COUPON
Please make sure to show your support of this great sponsor by choosing Dick’s Sporting Goods
as your preferred sporting goods retailer!
MYAS Update
Page 3
Midwest Regional Swim Meet
Registration is now open for the 2015 Midwest
Regional Swim Meet! This year’s entry deadline
is March 9. The meet will be held March 28-29,
2015 at the University of Minnesota Aquatic
Center. This meet has traditionally drawn over
1,000 swimmers from numerous states. The
meet will continue to be very competitive with
two full days of action! Please make sure to visit
the Midwest Regional web page for additional
information and updates.

Before the swim meet kicks off this year, make
sure you take full advantage of all the pre-meet
opportunities on www.myas.org:
If you have any questions, please contact Pat
Reese at 763-746-1731 or patrick@myas.org.


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
We Got Game Sports Photography is
currently taking preorders to have your
swimmer photographed throughout their
meet experience.
If you want to skip the admissions line at
the meet, presale admission passes are
being sold.
Lastly, make sure to get your presale
apparel to guarantee you get the style and
size you want.
Midwest Wrestling Tour Events — Season in Review
Listed below are some highlights from the past
MWT season.



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The 2014-15 season was made up of the
Hawkeye Nationals (Waterloo, IA),
Badgerland Nationals (La Crosse, WI) and
Gopher State Nationals (Monticello, MN).
Wrestlers from the following states
competed in the 2014-15 season:
Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois,
Michigan, North and South Dakota,
Nebraska, Missouri, California, Ohio,
Indiana, Kansas and Colorado.
A total of 144 wrestlers earned the coveted
MWT Belt.
A total of 198 singlets were awarded to the
champions at the three MWT events.
deadline for the
2015 Midwest
Regional Swim
Swimmers will be able to submit their art to
design the cover of the 2015 Midwest
Regional Swim Meet program.
Parents can give their swimmer a
personalized “Shout-Out” that will run in
the program.
The Midwest Wrestling Tour (MWT)
encompassed the Gopher State Nationals, the
Badgerland Nationals and the Hawkeye
Nationals and showcased the phenomenal youth
wrestling that the Upper Midwest has to offer.
Highlighting the Tour is the prized MWT Belt,
which is presented to wrestlers who place first
through sixth at EACH of the MWT events. The
quality of the belt is consistent with the custom
medals that the wrestlers covet so much.
The entry

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

Dan Gable signed autographs for over two
hours at the Hawkeye Nationals.
The Badgerland Nationals were featured on
a local television newscast in La Crosse, WI.
The Hawkeye Nationals drew 650 wrestlers
in its first year.
The 2015 Badgerland Nationals had 260
more wrestlers participate than last year.
The Gopher State Nationals drew 1,100
wrestlers, as it does each year.
We have built some great momentum as
we begin to plan for the 2015-16 season.
A big thank you goes out to everyone who
helped make the 2014-15 MWT a huge success!
Please visit the new Midwest Wrestling Tour
website for more information, tournament
results and photos. You may also contact Jeremy
Innes at 763-746-1720 or jeremy@myas.org.
Meet is Monday,
March 9!
Page 4
MYAS Update
Goldy’s Locker Room:
A Minnesota Business for Minnesota Families
February 2015
Goldy’s Locker Room is a Minnesota based specialty retail company with nearly 30 years of history in the Twin
Cities. We are committed to keeping our customers looking great in the latest trends with high quality apparel
designed for Minnesota sports fans. As the official apparel vendor for the University of Minnesota, we provide all
the apparel concession at the University of Minnesota men’s and women’s sporting events. We are licensed by the
NCAA to produce University of Minnesota merchandise and carry our own line of private label apparel which
includes sweatshirts, t-shirts, and active wear. This allows us to offer an exclusive and expansive selection of
Gopher products. These designs are created by our team of graphic artists and embellished in our west metro
production facility. The combination of our high-quality garments and careful craftsmanship results in outstanding
products you and your family will enjoy wearing.
Goldy’s Locker Room is also a leading merchant of Minnesota pro-team apparel. There are 12 locations around
the metro area, including Hockey Minnesota in the MOA, Name of the Game in the Burnsville Center, and our
flagship store at the TCF Bank Stadium. Whether you’re looking for Gophers, Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves,
Twins, St. Paul Saints, or the Swarm, Goldy’s Locker Room offers something for every sports fan. Make Goldy’s
Locker Room your one-stop-shop for the whole family! Click here for a complete list of locations.
Goldy’s Locker Room is a proud sponsor of MYAS and invites you to come check us out! We carry an extensive
line of hometown team apparel for the whole family, including women and children. We offer more than just
Minnesota Gophers items. You’ll find the latest styles and trends for the Twins, Wild, Timberwolves, Vikings,
Saints, and even the Swarm! You can also visit us on-line at www.goldyslockerroom.com to purchase University of
Minnesota apparel and novelties.
Follow us on
MYAS Update
Page 5
MYAS Weekend at Water Park of America
It’s almost time for one of the most popular events on the MYAS calendar! Thousands
of people have attended our Water Park of America Weekends in past years and the
feedback has always been very positive. Once again we are able to offer wristbands
for the low price of $10 each. The regular price is typically
around $25 per person so the savings are tremendous.
Please click here for the event flyer and registration form.
You are welcome to bring as large of a group as you want,
and feel free to pass on this offer to others you know who
might be interested. Thanks so much to the Water Park of
America for allowing us to do this great promotion once
again! We hope to see you there!
“YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.”
Sometimes paying the “lowest price” can be
extremely short-sighted. For example, some of
our competitors sell their “Large” pizzas for
$5.99 (if you buy two) or even $5.00. But what
are you paying for? A lot of doughy crust, lowgrade meats, slimy veggies and a coating of
tomato sauce. To stay in business, these
places only buy lower grade ingredients and
store it in massive warehouses, thousands of
miles away. They scrimp on the portions they
put on your pie, because they have to. But
DAVANNI’S isn’t about cheap. Our deep dish
and thin crusts are made fresh at our own,
local Oven Hearth Bakery in Saint Paul. Our
traditional crusts are hand pounded after you
place your order! DAVANNI’S uses only the
highest quality, locally sourced ingredients.
And we pile ‘em on. And on. Also, the other
guys won’t point out that their “Large” is
actually the same size/weight as our
“Medium.” In fact, if you weighed one of their
“Larges” vs. one of our “Mediums”, ours
would probably weigh more. You teach your
kids to compete hard. You work your butt off
coaching. You don’t cut corners. You don’t
take short cuts. So, why “celebrate” a victory
or a championship with a crappy pizza?
Doesn’t that cheapen your victory? But hey,
we CAN help you pay less. Contact me at
thuberty@davannis.com. I’d love to send you
some loyalty coupons to reward you for
rewarding your kids.
Your Spring Break Purchases Can Benefit the MYAS!
Heading out of town for Spring Break? Beach or mountains, shop for
apparel, gear and travel with iMyne and you'll earn automatic donations
and cash back for the MYAS. Use our link to get started: https://imyne.com/MYAS. Your favorite
retailers like Target, REI, Hotels.com, Nordstrom, Kohl's, Macy's, Amazon and 100s more all
participate! Join us and shop your heart out with iMyne for the MYAS!
Page 6
MYAS Update
Borton’s Big Picture
Leadership Sports Winners Academy for Girls — LSWAG
By Pam Borton, Founder
“Our girls are
the future. Let’s
build them up,
inspire them,
and support
them.”
Building confidence and courage is one of the most important things
we can do for our young people. This is the number one aspect that
many girls lack growing up and struggle with throughout their young
lives and into adulthood. It is important for parents, teachers and
coaches to instill confidence and courage in your kids at a young age.
There is so much research about positive psychology and focusing on
strengths instead of the things someone cannot do.
We start developing our youth in sports at a young age in every sport imaginable. The
Leadership Sports Winners Academy for Girls (LSWAG) is committed to developing leadership
skills and building confidence in our girls. This is so important to our future in balancing
leadership in companies and organizations across the country with more women in leadership
positions. There will be more women leading and LSWAG will play a role in preparing them.
I continue to hear stories from parents and their daughters about situations they are put in by
their coaches, other girls, their friends, and other parents. Our girls are the future. Let’s build
them up, inspire them, and support them. Tearing them down, humiliating them in front of
others, or failing to develop them as whole people is not preparing them for success.
The Leadership Academy will be held in the spring and fall this year: April 24 & 25 in Eden
Prairie, and on dates TBD in September. We have great partnerships and tremendous support
for LSWAG; our mission and values align with many in the community. Our focus is developing
and coaching leadership and fitness for our youth – our future generation of leaders.
I hope to see your daughters at the next Leadership Academy for girls. Building confidence
and putting them in leadership positions now is only preparing them for a successful future.
Spring LSWAG: Twin Cities Orthopedics Facility – Eden Prairie
Friday, April 24: 6:00-9:00pm & Saturday, April 25: 9:00am-12:00pm
Grades 5-12
http://lswag.org
Executive Director:
Jennifer Hartigan
Jennifer@lswag.org
Founder:
Pam Borton
pam@pambortonpartners.com
MYAS Update
Page 7
Trusted Coaches Verification Program
The Minnesota Youth Athletic Services is
proud to present the Trusted Coaches
Verification Program. This program has
been built to offer the most up-to-date
training tools necessary for youth
coaches to be able to provide our
athletes the safe, positive and productive
experience they deserve. It is also
designed to allow administrators the
ability to monitor and manage their
coaches participating in this program.
The Trusted Coaches components include
a nationwide background check, statemandated concussion training, a first-aid
training course, and the Positive
Coaching Alliance “Double Goal” coaches'
education program. This entire program
is delivered online and can be completed
at each volunteer coach’s own pace.
The MYAS is proud to see this program
come to fruition but we could not have
created it without our “Trusted” Partners
that have helped us build, mold and
present this online training tool for any
youth volunteer coach. Our partners
include the Positive Coaching Alliance,
At Premium Waters, we think that our
success is not just measured in dollars and
cents but to be truly successful, we need to
be an active participant with you, our
customer. You can be sure that we’re not
just in your community; we’re a part of it,
which is why we are proud to announce our
partnership with Minnesota Youth Athletic
Services and Wisconsin Sports Services as
the Official Water Sponsor. You may
recognize a few of our superior brands,
the National Sports Center, Fairview
Sports and Orthopedic Care, the
Minnesota Recreation and Park
Association, and the Wisconsin Park
and Recreation Association.
We are also excited to announce
that 16-year veteran of the MYAS
staff, Dawson Blanck, has been
reassigned as Executive Director of
the Trusted Coaches Verification
Program. Dawson previously held
the titles of Gopher State Baseball
Commissioner and MYAS Baseball
Director. We are excited to see him
in this role and feel that it is a great
fit for him because of his experience
as a youth sports administrator,
coach, and former athlete.
Please log on to the TC website at
www.trustedcoaches.org to view the
entire Trusted Coaches program. If
you would like more information
regarding the Trusted Coaches
Verification Program, do not hesitate
to contact Dawson Blanck at
dawson@myas.org or 763-746-1719.
Chippewa Springs, Kandiyohi and Nature’s
Crystal.
We know your health is important to you so
quality is our top priority. We maintain high
standards with protected sources, rigorous
purification processes, reliable sanitization
and testing procedures, and strict quality
control measures. Feel free to check out our
website, www.premiumwaters.com, for
further information.
“This program has
been built to offer
the most up-to-date
training tools
necessary for youth
coaches to be able to
provide our athletes
the safe, positive and
productive
experience they
deserve.”
Page 8
MYAS Update
MYAS Calendar of Events
February
21
MYAS Travel Lite Super Saver Basketball Tournament; various grades/divisions/sites
March
4
7
7-8
9
13
14-15
16
21-22
22
23
28
28
28
28-29
29
29
30
30
Entry Deadline: MYAS Rec State Basketball Championships (March 21-22 event)
MYAS Travel Lite Boys Super Saver Basketball Tournament; various grades/divisions/sites
MYAS Girls Grade State Basketball Championships; various grades/divisions/sites
Entry Deadline: Midwest Regional Swim Meet (March 28-29 event)
Entry Deadline: Gopher State 3v3 Spring Basketball League (March 29, April 12/19/26 play dates)
MYAS Boys Grade State Basketball Championships; various grades/divisions/sites
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver (March 28 & 29 events)
MYAS Rec State Basketball Championships; various grades/divisions/sites
Gopher State Baseball Winter Training Camp; ages 6-14; 1:00-4:00pm; Fridley HS
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver (April 4 event)
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver; various grades/divisions/sites
Play Ball! Minnesota Baseball Coaches’ Conference; 8:00am-3:00pm; Target Field
MYAS/Gopher State Umpire Training Clinic; 9:00-11:30am; Elk River
Midwest Regional Swim Meet; boys/girls 8U-18U; University of Minnesota Aquatic Center
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver; various grades/divisions/sites
Gopher State 3v3 Spring Basketball League play date
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational (April 11-12 event)
Entry Deadline: Gopher State Baseball League (9u-14u teams)
April
4
4
6
11
11-12
12
13
13
13
18
18-19
19
19
20
21
22
23
23
23
25-26
26
27
28
29
29
29
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver; various grades/divisions/sites
MYAS/Gopher State Umpire Training Clinic; 9:00-11:30am; Shoreview
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Spring BK “Ronald McDonald House” Invite (April 18-19 event)
Gopher State Baseball League scheduling session; 9u-14u; 8:30am-3:00pm; Banquets of MN, Fridley
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational; various grades/divisions/sites
Gopher State 3v3 Spring Basketball League play date
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball “Spring Challenge” (April 25-26 event)
Entry Deadline: Gopher State Baseball League (15u teams)
Entry Deadline: North Star Baseball League
MYAS/Gopher State Umpire Training Clinic; 9:00-11:30am; Fridley
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball “Ronald McDonald House” Invite; various grades/divisions/sites
MYAS/Gopher State Umpire Training Clinic; 1:00-3:30pm; St. Cloud
Gopher State 3v3 Spring Basketball League play date
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver (May 2 & 3 events)
Gopher State Baseball League 9u-12u coaches’ meeting; 7:00pm; Embassy Suites Mpls North
MYAS/Gopher State Umpire Training Clinic; 6:30-9:00pm; White Bear Lake
Gopher State Baseball League 9u-12u play begins
North Star Baseball League scheduling session; 6:00-9:00pm; Embassy Suites Mpls North
Gopher State Baseball League scheduling session; 14/15A & 15u; 7:30-8:30pm; Embassy Suites Mpls N
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball “Spring Challenge”; various grades/divisions/sites
Gopher State 3v3 Spring Basketball League play date
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Spring BK “Box Out Breast Cancer” Invite (May 9-10 event)
Gopher State Baseball League 13u-14u coaches’ meeting; 7:00pm; Embassy Suites Mpls North
North Star Baseball League coaches’ meeting; 6:00pm; Embassy Suites Mpls North
Gopher State Baseball League 15u coaches’ meeting; 7:15pm; Embassy Suites Mpls North
Gopher State Baseball League 13u-14u play begins
MYAS Update
MYAS Calendar of Events
May
2
2
2-3
3
3
4
4
4
9-10
11
11
16-17
16-17
16-17
18
18
19
20
23
25
25
26
27
30-31
30-31
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver; various grades/divisions/sites
MYAS/Gopher State Umpire Training Clinic; 9:00-11:30am; Lakeville
Gopher State Baseball Spring Invitational; 13AAA, 13AA
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver; various grades/divisions/sites
MYAS/Gopher State Umpire Training Clinic; 1:00-3:30pm; Eden Prairie
North Star Baseball League play begins
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Boys/Girls Spring BK Championships, grade 3-6 (May 16-17 event)
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational, grade 7-12 (May 16-17 event)
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball “Box Out Breast Cancer” Invite; various grades/divisions/sites
Gopher State Baseball League 15u play begins
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver (May 23 event)
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Championships; boys/girls grade 3-6; various divisions/sites
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational; boys/girls grade 7-12; various divisions/sites
Gopher State Baseball Spring Invitationals; 10AAA-12AAA, 10AA-12AA, 14AAA, 14AA; various sites
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Girls Spring BK Championships, grade 7-12 (May 30-31 event)
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational, misc. grades (May 30-31 event)
Gopher State Senior Baseball League scheduling session; 6:00pm; Embassy Suites Mpls North
MYAS/Gopher State Umpire Training Clinic; 4:00-6:30pm; Spring Lake Park
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver; various grades/divisions/sites
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Boys Spring BK Championships, grade 7-12 (June 6-7 event)
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Invitational, misc. grades (June 6-7 event)
Gopher State Senior Baseball League coaches’ meeting; 6:00pm; Embassy Suites Mpls North
MYAS/Gopher State Umpire Training Clinic; 4:00-6:30pm; Spring Lake Park
MYAS/Gopher State Girls Spring Basketball Championships; grade 7-12; various divisions/sites
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Invite; boys grade 3-12, girls grade 3-6; various divisions/sites
June
1
1
1
6-7
6-7
8
10
12-14
13
15
19-21
20
23
26-28
27
29
30
Gopher State Senior Baseball League play begins
MYAS/Gopher State Umpire Training Clinic; 4:00-6:30pm; Spring Lake Park
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver (June 13 event)
MYAS/Gopher State Boys Spring Basketball Championships; grade 7-12; various divisions/sites
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Invite; boys grade 3-6, girls grade 3-12; various divisions/sites
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver (June 20 event)
MYAS/Gopher State Umpire Training Clinic; 4:00-6:30pm; Spring Lake Park
Gopher State Baseball Midsummer Classic; various ages/divisions/sites
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver; various grades/divisions/sites
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver (June 27 event)
Gopher State Baseball Midsummer Classic; 13AA, 14AA; various sites
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver; various grades/divisions/sites
Entry Deadline: Gopher State Tournament of Champions (“AA” teams)
Gopher State Baseball Midsummer Classic; various ages/divisions/sites
MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver; various grades/divisions/sites
Entry Deadline: MYAS/Gopher State Spring Basketball Super Saver (July 11 event)
Entry Deadline: Gopher State Tournament of Champions (“AAA” & “A” teams)
Page 9
Page 10
MYAS Update
MYAS Grade State Basketball Championships
The MYAS is looking forward with excitement to the 2015 Grade State Championships, and
we hope to see you at this year’s event! We are witnessing yet another record-setting year,
as we are once again up in numbers of registered teams. When all is said and done, we will
end up with more than 1,400 girls’ and boys’ teams vying for a State Championship title!
The 2015 Grade State Basketball Championships will take place all across the metro area on
March 7 & 8 (girls) and March 14 & 15 (boys). All of the pertinent information – including
divisions of play, playing locations, links to maps, tournament schedules, etc. – is (or soon
will be) available on the Grade State web page.
The MYAS Grade State Basketball Championships – no other experience compares!
MYAS Rec State Basketball Championships
The registration deadline for the 2015 Rec State Basketball Championship is just around the
corner – Monday, March 2 – so don’t miss your chance to participate! This year’s
tournament will be held on March 21-22 at various metro area locations.
The Rec State Championship is held for boys' and girls' teams in grades 3-12 that participate
in a city park and recreation, community education or in-house program. Teams in 10th-12th
grade that participate in an in-house or high school intramural program are eligible to
participate. No traveling teams are permitted to play in this tournament! The make-up of
each team will be verified by their league director or supervisor of park and recreation.
Please click here for more Rec State information, or contact Kevin Wilson at 763-746-1712
or kevin@myas.org.
Basketball Rules Quiz
In our ongoing education mission, we would like to highlight three basic high school
basketball rules. The answers appear on page 15.
1. Player A1 steps on the free-throw line before releasing the ball in an attempt, after which
Player B1 disconcerts. What is the ruling?
2. As Player A1 starts the free-throwing motion, Player B1 hurriedly raises his/her arms. In
the judgment of the official, the action of B1 disconcerts A1 and causes the attempt to miss
the basket ring. What is the ruling?
3. While Player A1 is attempting a final free throw, (a) Player B1 enters the lane too soon
followed by Player A2, both of whom are in a marked lane; or (b) B1 on a marked lane space
enters the lane too soon, then the shooter A1 steps on the free-throw line while releasing
the throw. What is the ruling in each case?
MYAS Update
Page 11
Page 12
MYAS Update
MYAS/USSSA Gopher State Spring Basketball
We are excited to introduce the
following changes to our Gopher State
Spring Basketball program.
Now FOUR Divisions of Play!
Division 1 – Elite
This is the highest level of play,
consisting of the top teams from across
the state and beyond.
Division 2 – A
This is the next highest level of
competition, which includes the
majority of community-based "A"
teams and those "all-star" teams that
are unable to compete with Division 1
teams.
Division 3 – B
This division is for the majority of
community-based "B" teams from the
winter season.
Division 4 — C/Rec
This division is for the majority of
community-based "C" and "Rec" or “Inhouse" teams from the winter season.
USSSA Team Membership
The USSSA team membership fee is
included in your tournament entry fee.
Once the MYAS office has received a
spring tournament entry fee, we will
register your team for your 2015 USSSA
team membership. Teams that need
proof of liability insurance (which is
included with your team membership)
or teams that want to purchase the
optional USSSA Sports Accident
Insurance should contact the MYAS
office and we will forward a copy of
your 2015 USSSA membership and login information for the USSSA website.
You will not need to provide proof of
USSSA
team
membership
at
tournament check-in, as we will handle
it on our end.
Coach Passes
The 2015 coach pass fees are included
in your tournament entry fee. Coach
passes will be given to you at team
check-in for your first Gopher State
spring basketball tournament. Each
team will receive up to three coach
passes. The passes are good for the
entire spring basketball season and
they will get you through admissions at
any Gopher State spring basketball
tournament. A coach pass is required
to sit on the team bench. If you lose
your coach pass, you will be required to
pay a $50 replacement fee.
Grade Verification
Proof of grade does not need to be
provided at team check-in. However,
we ask that you have grade
documentation with you at the
tournament in case a grade eligibility
protest is filed. At the time of a protest,
you must provide the necessary grade
documentation for your players. Please
see the Gopher State Spring Basketball
Handbook for further explanation of
the grade eligibility protest. We will
accept any document or ID from the
school that indicates the player’s name
and grade.
Code of Conduct – New Procedure
Signatures for your team’s Code of
Conduct should be completed on a
printed copy of your online roster
(entered via the Coaches Control
Center at www.myas.org).
MYAS Update
Page 13
► CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF COPY OF THE AD / ORDER FORM
◄
Page 14
MYAS Update
Then And Now — By Larry Gallagher
What Do You Do When an Umpire
Is Injured and Cannot Continue?
For as long as baseball has been around, there
have been many times when the game
umpires were not able to start, continue or
finish a game due to injury or illness. What is
an acceptable procedure for handling these
situations? Well, history (precedent) teaches
us that there are many options. One of them is
to cancel the game. However, as in show
business, the old adage is “the show must go
on.” So in baseball, “the game must go on”
also.
This article will explore many of these options
and some interesting things that have taken
place as a result. Few if any want the game to
be cancelled, so in most situations the teams
would agree on a player, parent or spectator in
attendance to continue the game in the place
of the injured or ill umpire. However, in many
situations there are two or more umpires and
therefore, the rest of the crew would continue
the game as if they did not have the one
member missing.
“…in show business,
the old adage is ‘the
show must go on.’ So
in baseball, ‘the game
must go on’ also.”
Rule 9.02b in The Official Rules of Baseball says
no umpire may be replaced during a game
unless he is injured or becomes ill. In the Major
Leagues, this occurrence happens without
many repercussions as there are four umpires
assigned to all league games and six in all the
playoffs and World Series.
In 1935, Jocko Conlan was a backup outfielder
with the Chicago White Sox. It was a very hot
and humid day in St. Louis when the White Sox
were in town for a doubleheader at
Sportsman’s Park and playing the St. Louis
Browns (later the Baltimore Orioles). After the
first game, umpire Red Ormsby was overcome
by the heat and this left his partner Harry
Geisel to umpire the second game by himself.
Conlan had a sprained thumb and was not able
to play anyway, so he volunteered to do the
bases. Ormsby was still too ill the next day to
umpire. Conlan ended up subbing for him
again and was paid $50 by the American
League. Because of this opportunity, Conlan
decided that at the end of the 1935 season he
would retire as a player and pursue umpiring.
The next year he umpired in the New YorkPennsylvania League for $300 a month. In
1941, after a five-year stint as a minor league
umpire, Conlan was hired as a regular umpire
by the National League. He stayed at the job
for 25 years, distinguishing himself not only for
his umpiring skills but for making all calls with
his hand and wearing a bow tie during games.
He also has the claim of being the last National
League Umpire to wear the outside protector.
He was selected to the National Baseball Hall
of Fame as an umpire in 1974.
Now let’s explore what has been done besides
reverting back to just one umpire or reducing
the crew of umpires by one umpire. In some
instances with only one umpire the game has
been cancelled, but in most cases an assigner
was called and another umpire was brought
into the game. Sometimes the teams decided
to have a fan come onto the field to finish the
game or they appointed a player to finish the
game as we saw in the case of Jocko Conlan.
Sometimes both managers went behind the
mound; each called the game only when their
team was on defense.
In the minor leagues when a crew of two was
reduced to one for a game, each team
supplied a base umpire and then the game was
completed with three umpires. The one
assigned to the game did the plate and the
other two (one from each team) did the bases.
There is no formal rule that umpires must
rotate their jobs, working the plate one day
and then doing the bases the next day.
However, in the days when Bill Klem (HOF
umpire) worked, it took 16 years before he
chose to have his partner work the plate. He
was a very well respected umpire but he was
also very protective of his job as the umpire-in-
MYAS Update
chief and had an ego to go with it.
Anyway you might slice it, for the games to
continue after an umpire’s injury or illness, a
decision must be made as to how the game
will be umpired to its conclusion. From this
writer’s viewpoint, the best scenario would be
to postpone the game if there was no suitable
umpire to finish it. However, in some instances
that would not work. So the best solution
would be to get some player(s) to finish the
game or an impartial fan that was capable of
handling the job.
At the amateur level, there is little money
involved in the wins and losses, so it would be
appropriate to make sure you get the best
solution to the problem at the time. If the
game has to be completed on that day, then in
my estimation the best solution would be to
have a player from each team handle the
responsibilities.
Here is to looking forward to the 2015 baseball
season with great expectations. I will be
starting my 55th year as a high school umpire
this year. Let’s hope and pray for a much
Page 15
better spring than the past two springs have
been. Also, stay healthy so no one has to finish
your game for you.
“Anyway you might
slice it, for the games
to continue after an
umpire’s injury or
illness a decision must
Editor’s Note: On January 22, 2015, Larry
Gallagher became the recipient of the Play
Ball! Minnesota Terry Ryan Award as a
“Friend of the Game.” This award caps off a
lifetime of excellence for Gallagher, as an
athlete, teacher, coach, umpire and mentor.
After 50+ years and numerous accolades both
on and off the field, he is showing no signs of
slowing down.
Congratulations, Larry! Here’s to many more
years on and off the diamond!
Answers to Basketball Rules Quiz (page 10)
The answers below are derived from the most recent edition of the National Federation of State High
School Associations Basketball Rules Book, Basketball Case Book and/or Rules by Topic publication.
1. The ball became dead when A1 violated by stepping on the line; therefore, the action of B1 is not a
violation. The ball is awarded to Team B out of bounds at the spot nearest the violation (Case Book
9.1.3 Situation F, page 72; Rule Book 7-5-2, pages 50-51; Rule Book 9-1-3e Penalty 1, page 54).
2. As soon as the ball misses the ring, it becomes dead. Since the free thrower A1 violated following
disconcertion, a substitute free throw is awarded (Case Book 9.1.3 Situation G, page 72; Rule Book 9-1
-3a Penalty 4c, page 55).
3. In (a), the violation by A2 is ignored and, if successful, the goal shall count and the violation by B1,
shall be ignored. If the try is unsuccessful, the ball shall become dead when the free throw ends and a
substitute free throw shall be attempted by A1 under the same conditions as those for the original
free throw. In (b), a double violation is called and the ball is put in play using the alternatingpossession procedure. COMMENT: Any time the defense violates first, followed by a violation by the
free-throw shooter, the officials should consider the possibility of disconcertion (Case Book 9.1.3
Situation H, page 72; Rule Book 9-1 Penalty, page 55).
If you have questions about these or other basketball playing rules, please contact Buddy Hemric at
763-746-1717 or buddy@myas.org.
be made as to how
the game will be
umpired to its
conclusion.”
Page 16
MYAS Update
Gopher State Baseball League
The MYAS baseball staff is looking forward to the 16 th season of the Gopher State Baseball League!
In 2014, the Gopher State Baseball League had record participation numbers and we look for continued
growth in 2015. With increased participation in the 9U league, “A” level leagues, and new teams/
associations, 2015 looks to be an exciting year for youth baseball in Minnesota.
All team entry packets/enrollment forms will be available on the Gopher State Baseball League portion
of the MYAS website and were emailed to current Association Presidents/Travel Directors. If you need
to be added to the distribution list or are new to this role on your association baseball board, feel free to
email Pat Reese (patrick@myas.org) to provide him with an updated contact for your association.
Continue to watch the Gopher State Baseball League portion of the MYAS website for all up to date
information as we near the 2015 season.
Team Enrollment Deadlines:
9u-14u teams – March 30, 2015
15u teams – April 13, 2015
16u and 17-19u teams – May 15, 2015
Scheduling Sessions:
9u-14u – April 11, 2015
15u – April 23, 2015
16u and 17-19u – May 19, 2015
Don’t forget about our Gopher State All-Star Series on August 7-9, 2015 for 13AAA, 13AA, 14AAA, 14AA,
15AAA and 15AA teams and the Play Ball! Minnesota championship game vs. Metro Baseball League for
14AAA and 15AAA league champions.
Play Ball! Minnesota Baseball Coaches’ Conference
The Play Ball Minnesota! Baseball Conference brings together both new and experienced coaches from
the Gopher State Baseball League and other youth baseball organizations to learn new ways to teach
their athletes the skills they will need to succeed. The MYAS baseball staff provides this coaches' training
service to all GSBL head coaches as part of their entry in the league. The 2015 conference has been set
for March 28 at Target Field. Keep watching www.myas.org for more details about this conference.
Gopher State Tournament of Champions (GSTC) Qualifiers
All AAA, AA, and A Gopher State Tournament of Champions qualifying tournament designations are
now posted in the MYAS baseball tournament listings at www.myas.org. Each invitational tournament
that has been awarded GSTC qualifier status is designated on the top of each age division tournament
page under the MYAS listings pages.
All GSTC qualifiers are provided two automatic berths to teams finishing in first or second place at
their tournament. All other teams will receive points that will be used to award at-large GSTC berths at
the end of the season. Do not hesitate to sign up today for a GSTC qualifier that provides traveling
teams an opportunity to participate in our premier event, the 10 th annual Gopher State Tournament of
Champions.
Please check out the Youth Baseball Tournament Listings on the MYAS website today!
MYAS Update
Gopher State Baseball Spring Invitationals
We still have some openings in the 2015 Gopher State Baseball Spring Invitationals. All divisions qualify
teams for the Gopher State Tournament of Champions (GSTC)!
All Spring Invitational tournaments are Saturday-Sunday only and all teams play both days regardless of
how they finish in pool play. Some divisions will fill quickly so please get in contact with Tony Groff at
tony@myas.org or 763-746-1728 with any questions regarding the events.
Openings:
10AAA & 10AA – May 16-17 in St. Cloud
11AAA & 11AA – May 16-17 in St. Cloud
12AAA & 12AA – May 16-17 in Buffalo
13AAA & 13AA – May 2-3 in Anoka/Ramsey
14AA – May 16-17 in Robbinsdale/Golden Valley
Visit the Gopher State Baseball Spring Invitational web page by clicking here.
North Star Baseball League
Community Directors, we are now accepting North Star Baseball League registrations. Last year’s North
Star Baseball League saw 19 different associations and 88 teams participating in the 7 th/13U and 8th9th/14-15U divisions. Get NSBL entry forms along with the league rules, dates to remember and
everything else North Star on our league web page.
Important Dates to Remember:
Team Registration Deadline – April 13, 2015
Scheduling Session – April 23, 2015
Coaches’ Meeting – April 29, 2015
This is a 16-game league that provides in-house and recreational teams the opportunity to travel and
play against other communities of similar playing ability. Contact Bobby Strickland at bobby@myas.org
for additional information on this league.
USSSA Gopher State Midsummer Classic
USSSA Minnesota Baseball is proud to announce its 2015 schedule. We look forward to the 2015 Gopher State
Midsummer Classic tournaments that will combine great teams, venues, and host organizations to offer an
outstanding tournament experience for everyone involved. This is a tremendous event to participate in regardless
of whether you intend to advance to a World Series/National Tournament or your team’s only intention is to earn
a berth to the Gopher State Tournament of Champions in July.
The Gopher State Midsummer Classic has also been designated a "Double Points" tournament toward the GSTC.
For example, if 12 teams participate in a Midsummer Classic, your team will receive six points just for participating
in the tournament. This "Double Points" Tournament may propel a team with enough points late in the season to
receive one of the few "at-large" berths that are awarded for the GSTC in July.
Register early to secure your spot in this premier event. Applications are available in the USSSA Baseball/Gopher
State Midsummer Classic web page.
All dates and sites for the Gopher State Midsummer Classic are now available, including all registration
information. For updated information on USSSA Baseball in Minnesota, continue to check the Minnesota USSSA/
Gopher State Midsummer Classic baseball portion of the MYAS website.
Page 17
Page 18
MYAS Update
MYAS Update
Page 19
The Minnesota Youth Athletic Services, Inc. (MYAS) was organized in 1991 as a
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the delivery of youth sports services
to young athletes, coaches and parents. The MYAS is Minnesota’s largest multiMinnesota Youth Athletic Services
1011 Osborne Road NE
Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
Phone: 763-781-2220
Fax: 763-781-1922
Web: www.myas.org
sport organization focused solely on youth athletics, with more than 150,000 kids
participating in our programs each year. We are a central clearinghouse for youth
sports, serving as an information channel linking hundreds of youth associations,
coaches, and thousands of parents.
Youth Sports Done Right
MYAS membership meetings are
held at our offices (1011
Osborne Road NE; Spring Lake
Park, MN 55432) on the last
Tuesday of each month at
9:00am (unless notified
otherwise). All MYAS members
are welcome to attend.
MYAS Staff:
Dan Klinkhammer
Executive Director
Dawson Blanck
Trusted Coaches Executive Director
OUR GOALS
Dan Craighead
Director of Business Development
Debbie Dahl
Gambling Manager
Mike DeWane
President; Education Director
Siri Forde
Office Manager; Newsletter Editor; HR

To promote sportsmanship, teamwork and cultural interaction through youth sporting
competition

To provide the highest quality athletic programs for Minnesota’s young people

To link regional volunteer youth sports programs with others statewide
Tony Groff
Senior Program Director
Buddy Hemric
Associate Director of IT; Officials Training
Jeremy Innes
Senior Program Director
Dara Northfield
Chief Financial Officer
Rich Penick
Associate Director of Basketball
Joanne Powell
Administrative Assistant
Eric Rathke
Senior Program Director
Patrick Reese
Program Director
Bobby Strickland
Program Coordinator
Kevin Wilson
Senior Program Director
We believe that participation in athletics is one of the healthiest and most cost-effective
options for helping young people make good choices about life’s many decisions. Youth
athletics, with its significant volunteer base, taps into the best that American culture has to
offer. When conducted properly, athletics help young people:

set goals that are worthy of their time, energy and focus.

achieve a sense of accomplishment and self esteem and learn valuable leadership
skills.

establish personal standards of excellence.

unite in group goals and common commitment.

build skills in empathy, humility, generosity and compassion.

learn life lessons both on and off the field of play.