Hastings Youth Athletic Association

Thank you for your continued patience as we try to determine the fate of our baseball and softball seasons.  We know it is important for you to have answers soon.  The HYAA Board of Directors will meet on May 28th and will make decisions about cancelling or suspending seasons, issuing refunds, or resuming practices and play.  There are many factors which will go into our decision.  The first of which is whether there is a plan and definitive timeline at the state level where organized softball and baseball games are allowed.  HYAA will not return to practice or play unless allowed to by the state and fields in the City of Hastings are reopened.  Other factors weighing into our decision will include the practicality and impact of required safety procedures and tentative schedule of league games.  Most, if not all, tournaments have been cancelled, rescheduled, or indefinitely postponed.

If you would like to review the information regarding the start-up of youth sports at the state level, please see the resources (links) at the bottom of this update.  The information found at the links include the safety guidelines we would need to adhere to if games are allowed to take place and how youth sports fit into the phased reopening of our state.  Phase II of reopening will begin as of June 1st.  Games will be allowed in Phase III and there is currently no timeline for the start of Phase III. 

As a reminder, HYAA is not conducting any type of organized practices at this time.  Coaches and families should adhere to all state and local restrictions and guidance on organized practices, field use, and social distancing.  City fields are not open for organized sports to resume practices or games.

These decisions are difficult and we want you to know that we are carefully weighing all options and will try to make a decision that is best for our athletes, families, and Hastings baseball and softball. 

If you have already determined that your child will not play, please contact HYAA for a full refund of your registration.

Thank you and we hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

HYAA Board

https://mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/stay-safe-mn/stay-safe-plan.jsp

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/youthsports.pdf

The HYAA Board of Directors has made the decision to cancel the In-House softball season for the summer of 2020.  Without a clear timeline for when organized sports may resume and with restrictions of field use still in place, it is not possible to conduct a season this year.  We hope that our youngest athletes and parents understand this decision and we look forward to seeing you on the field next year.  Please continue to check our website for fall and off-season opportunities especially for those who will be old enough to play 8U softball next summer.

Update 5/6/2020

Please read the below letter from HYAA regarding our survey results and updates.

Update 4/28/2020

HYAA would like all families to fill out a short survey to better understand participation and ideas regarding the safety of athletes if play resumes.  This survey will be accessible until May 3rd. 

HYAA Survey - https://forms.gle/sYQgrsnccneJF16r5

A collaboration between multiple baseball and softball agencies have formed the Unified Minnesota Baseball and Softball Community and have released a statement regarding their goals which includes working with state and local officials toward a 2020 baseball and softball season. 

Update - 4/15/2020  -

HYAA would like to update all families regarding the traveling baseball and softball seasons.  The start to the season is delayed, but it is the full intent of Metro Baseball League and Tri County Softball to start the traveling seasons as soon as allowable by federal, state, and local officials.  Once the green light is given, it will be a quick start to the season.  We encourage you to help your athlete prepare for the season – play catch, hit grounders, soft toss, or try to watch a classic game on TV, but please respect social distancing guidelines and remember that group or team practices are not allowed at this time.  Please continue to monitor the HYAA website and Facebook pages for updates.  Traveling Sports Directors will email families with details regarding the start of the season as those details become available.  Stay safe and we hope to be playing ball soon.  Please use the links below to access more detailed information or updates specific to your athlete:

Traveling Softball – https://www.hyaa.info/page/show/248675-traveling-softball

Traveling Baseball – https://www.hyaa.info/page/show/3020814-9u-15u

VFW/Legion Baseball – https://www.hyaa.info/page/show/441813-vfw-and-legion

Metro Baseball League - https://www.mbl.bz/

Tri County Softball - https://www.tricountyfastpitch.com/

Update 3/27/2020 - The City Council voted last night to close all City Parks to large gatherings until May 4th.  This lines up with the Governor's decision to extend distance learning to May 4th as well.  Please see baseball or softball pages for any sport specific information. Thank You!

Update 3/24/2020 – HYAA has formed committee to respond to COVID 19 and its impact on the upcoming baseball and softball seasons. As of now, all activities are postponed, including practices, clinics, and classroom training. Future updates will be communicated via email and posted on the HYAA website and HYAA Facebook page as information becomes available.  

HYAA is asking all members to please help support the many local businesses that contribute to athletics at all levels in our community. 

Thank You!