The Minnesota youth basketball landscape has changed dramatically since MYAS hosted its first Minnesota Youth State Basketball Championships (now known as MYAS Grade State Basketball Championships) 35 years ago. From administering Minnesota AAU events between 1992 and 2006, to launching the Gopher State Spring Basketball Series two-plus decades ago, we have witnessed — and helped shape — the game’s rapid growth. Today, the landscape is more crowded than ever, particularly from late March through June, with a surge in teams, tournaments, and competitive opportunities across the state.

There are also more age groups. More levels. And more offerings such as "circuits" and "showcases" at local, regional, and national levels.

More isn't necessarily a bad thing. But there's something else that's happening more and more, and I'm not seeing action toward a solution. The Minnesota youth basketball community is facing increasing conduct-related incidents at events, and the protocols for de-escalation and addressing violations are inconsistent. As a result, it's creating a "Wild West" environment.

So, what's the solution?

I'm not claiming to have the answer but I have some thoughts, and I strongly believe leaders and stakeholders need to come together to figure some out because the stakes are just too high.

Let me start by making this clear: MYAS events aren't perfect. But we have a code of conduct, we are intentional in communicating that code of conduct, and we try to enforce that code of conduct policy when incidents do inevitably arise. However, development and enforcement of a code of conduct isn't always a given at youth basketball events, and many are just "hoping" for the best and not preparing for the worst.

If a team or a coach is the root of a problem at one event, they may carry those issues to another that is organized by a different basketball event operator, because there are currently no checks and balances in place during the spring/summer season.

By no means am I suggesting that a coach or team that has one issue should be punished indefinitely. But other organizers and tournament directors should at least be aware of incidents and issues pertaining to a specific team or coach and then be able to proactively plan for or address any concerns.

Could an alliance be formed among spring and summer basketball operators to establish a unified system for managing conduct, accountability, and officiating?

Such a collaboration could track incidents involving individuals or teams and share relevant information among event operators, helping to ensure fair and consistent enforcement of conduct standards. Additionally, this alliance could standardize game fees and expectations for game officials across all events.

This approach would not only strengthen the integrity of the basketball environment, but also address safety and compliance concerns from host venues, fostering greater trust and long-term partnerships.

This would reinforce the importance of a collaborative spirit to foster integrity and, most importantly, create a safe and positive environment for all roles of the youth basketball experience, from players to officials to parents and facilitators. Youth sports are a vital part of community life, and it's on all of us to engage, uplift, and protect the principles of fair play and respect.

Let's not allow historical tensions and challenges obstruct us from addressing these increasingly alarming issues. This is too important to let pride or personal problems to stand in the way.

If you have ideas or suggestions, please feel free to message me.

Other MYAS Tidbits

• There's a lot of excitement around youth tackle football and the new Gopher State Football League that we're a part of, along with the other leagues that we're helping manage. The Gopher State Football League will have over 30 associations and 200-plus teams; we recently unveiled the new logo and landing page, and enrollment opens June 2nd.
• We're working in conjunction with two individuals who previously ran other youth football leagues, so it's a blending process, but I'm pleased that things are going well after four meetings with youth football leaders and numerous internal meetings and strategy sessions as we prepare for the 2025 season.
• Baseball is going well, but we are still seeing a slight decline in leagues for players 15 and older. That isn't a surprise, since people face options like club teams or offerings through their high school programs, such as Jr. Legion or Legion, rather than maintaining the option for traditional community-based youth baseball associations.
• We're honored that the family of Mike DeWane, a longtime MYAS leader, has asked for memorial donations to our MYAS Community Impact Fund in lieu of flowers.