Hastings Youth Athletic Association

Greetings HYAA Baseball Families,

We have an update regarding the baseball season.  Please read this email carefully and fill out the form at the link.  We need all families to fill out the form in order to proceed with the baseball season and form teams.

Last week the HYAA Board of Directors made the decision to refund all registration and DIBS fees for baseball and softball, due to the cancellation of the softball season and the likelihood of a drastically shortened baseball season. 

We now have a firm plan from MBL/MYAS regarding a shortened baseball season.  Please read the information regarding this shortened season below.  When finished reading, please fill out the form at the link to indicate whether your baseball player(s) will participate in the shortened, summer season.  Final approval for games to resume is still pending, but all indications from MBL is that the greenlight will be coming before the end of June and a July start date for a season will happen.

Season Dates: July 6th – August 14th

Games: 12 game guarantee

Tournaments: Possible depending on ability of local associations to host tournaments. 

Fees: $150-$200 per player (HYAA is working to keep fees as low as possible for this shortened season and has decided to waive the $30 program fee.) Actual fees will be communicated before the start of the shortened season and will be collected as team fees, check or cash). There will be an additional fee for any tournaments teams may play in.

COVID 19 Safety Guidance:  HYAA will implement the mandatory guidelines as outlined in the Safe Play: Back to the Diamond COVID 19 Safety Guidelines.  HYAA will advise teams to also adhere to the recommended best practices.  Parents and athletes will be required to read and sign an agreement to follow these guidelines in order to be placed on a team. See specifics at this link:  http://myas.org/media/5456/baseball-and-softball-restart-1.pdf

Practices:  Practices will begin as soon as possible, likely within the next week to 10 days.  HYAA must receive approval from the City of Hastings to resume practices and athletes must be placed on teams before practices can start.

DIBS:  DIBS checks will not be collected for the shortened season.  HYAA is hoping to host two baseball tournaments.  Any DIBS completed for these two tournaments will be applied toward next season’s DIBS requirement.

Season Commitment: Due to the shortened season, we need to avoid scheduling conflicts as much as possible and need families to commit to the full season.  A yes for the season means being available for any games scheduled between July 6th and August 14th, plus possible tournaments.

Please fill out the survey and as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, June 5th.  See link below for survey.  https://forms.gle/fxSboe4Z7vDF6UDt6

We understand that not all families will feel comfortable allowing their child to play this season due to COVID 19.  As we have stated in numerous emails prior to this one, your decision to have your child play, or not, this season will have no impact on their team placement next year.

Thank you for sticking with us through this long email! We will be seeing you on the field very soon.

HYAA Board of Directors

Please see the letter below for our latest update.

Also, please note that refunds will include refunds for DIBS buyout paid at registration.  Softball DIBS checks will be shredded.  Baseball did not collect DIBS checks.

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!