As the Minnesota winter community-based youth hockey and basketball seasons begin in the midst of a pandemic, it is imperative that all players, coaches, parents, officials, and the associations that serve them take the ability to participate seriously. Minnesota Hockey and Minnesota Youth Athletic Services (MYAS) are two of the largest youth sports organizations in the state, and oversee the sports of hockey and basketball, respectively, throughout the state of Minnesota.
Collectively, Minnesota Hockey and the MYAS have created a joint partnership, which generates a unified voice to push for compliance of COVID-19 Safety Guidelines. This unified voice will be centered around messaging directed at the thousands of youth hockey and youth basketball teams throughout the state. Following all COVID-19 Safety Guidelines from the MDH and our respective organizations are an expectation for all participants, coaches, parents and officials. This guidance must not be taken lightly.
The consequences for not following the guidelines will impact everyone involved in youth sports. Many participants are looking forward to participating in events, leagues, and tournaments this winter. We don’t want to see those things lost because safety guidelines were not taken seriously. It is imperative that everyone involved is a “Good Teammate” and demands that teammates are doing what it takes to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and keep our kids playing.
Priorities for being a “Good Teammate”:
Keep our kids playing – Be a “Good Teammate”!
Glen Andresen
Executive Director
Minnesota Hockey
Dawson Blanck
Executive Director
MYAS