May 20, 2020 league status update by President, Nolan Mast.
Season Update
Season Update
April 2, 2020
To our OHYSA Community,
On Tuesday, March 31, Governor Abbott released further state-wide guidelines for social distancing in order to minimize social gathering and limit in-person contact with people not in the same household. This order extends previous restrictions through the end of April, and specifies that schools will be closed until May 4. Accordingly, OHYSA is also extending our season suspension until May 4.
OHYSA is committed to working on the best possible outcome for our players and their families. Even with the timeline of the current order we believe that continuing the season is viable, but also acknowledge that more changes at the local, state or federal level may make that impossible. The Board and Commissioners are considering all potential options, whether that may be a shortened season continuation or the possibility of season cancellation.
We recognize that this may be vague and many – if not most – of our families would like something more concrete. However our mission at OHYSA is to provide young men and women with the opportunity to play baseball and softball, and we aren’t quite ready to give up on that yet.
Season Suspened due to Covid-19
Season Suspended due to covid-19
March 14, 2020
To our OHYSA Community,
The Board and Commissioner spent Friday in consultation with youth sports stakeholders locally and nationally, as well as in reviewing updated information from local, state and national health officials.
In an effort to contain community spread, OHYSA Board Members and Commissioners have made the difficult decision to further suspend the Spring season through Sunday, April 5th.
Please understand that we are not alone in that decision. Many of the leagues with which our teams interlock have been directed by their governing bodies to do the same.
As of this writing, USA Baseball has canceled or postponed all clinics and tryouts through April 15, PONY Baseball and Softball and Little League Baseball and Softball have directed teams to delay all activities until April 6, and UIL has suspended all sanctioned activity through March 29.
During the suspension our previous directive regarding all team meetings – games, scrimmages, practices, etc. – will remain in effect. Our goal during this time is to limit community spread. While we cannot police the actions of all 1000+ members of our Oak Hill community, as a Board we would like to stress that attempts to circumvent this prohibition are not in keeping with the purpose of the season suspension, nor in the best interests of any of our players, coaches, volunteers or their own family members.
We are actively reviewing the total number of games already played by team, facility resources for making up canceled games, and how best to serve the many children in our organization who just want to play ball.
Understandably, there are a lot of moving parts to this decision and we are still working out details. At a minimum, in addition to games and practices, we are canceling the Softball Mid-Season tournament, and Picture Day will be either postponed or canceled outright as well.
Please remain patient as we strive to make the best decisions for your children and the health of our community.
Positive Coaching Alliance Events
Positive Coaching Alliance Events
DOUBLE-GOAL COACH® Event
Our first interactive workshop, titled “DOUBLE-GOAL COACH®” will be February 9, 2020 from 3pm – 5pm at the Austin Oaks Church.
Our Association has made a significant financial investment in these workshops. This is an investment of the future of our organization, starting with our front line leaders and coaches, through our parents, and everybody involved.
This event is required for all badged Coaches from our 6U to 14U leagues, which will include the Head Coach, Priority Assistant, Assistant Coaches and Bench Coaches (any coach who normally requires a badge during the season).
This interactive workshop begins by defining the DOUBLE-GOAL COACH® as someone who strives to win and works to prepare his/her team to play at its highest level, and at the same time, teaches life lessons (teamwork, dedication, bouncing back from mistakes, etc.) to his/her players.
Upon course completion, each coach will be a certified DOUBLE-GOAL COACH®, equipped to pursue both winning and the more important goal of teaching life lessons through sports.
RSVP Below.:
Frequently asked questions:
What happens if I have plans for February 9 and can’t attend?
We have alternative options available if you cannot attend this event. Please RSVP below and we will get back to you with the next steps.
Is the February 9 event required by all parents?
No, this event is just for Coaches that would normally have a badge during the season.
Please make every effort to make this event.
What should I expect from this event?
We’ve had 1 coach already complete this course and said, “Hey Nolan, I completed the PCA course a few nights ago and was very pleasantly surprised and impressed with the curriculum. I expected a cheesy/check-the-box type of “training” but came away with a lot that I will use (focusing on effort, emphasis on learning/improvement/mastery over talent and “flushing” mistakes).”
Are Wee Ball Parents required to attend?
No. Although not required, Wee Ball Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Parent Workshop, February 23 from 3-5pm at Austin Oaks Church.
This event is geared towards parents. We highly encourage your attendance at this workshop.
Everyone wants to win. That’s the first goal in sports. But in youth and high school sports there is a second, more important goal, teaching life lessons through sports. In this workshop, parents learn why and how to focus on that second goal. This workshop conveys the essence of the philosophy and several tips and tools parents can use to help their children get the most from youth and high school sports.
Save the date!
Umpire Clinic
Umpire Clinic
Play Ball!
OHYSA is now recruiting umpires for the upcoming spring season. Come be a part of the game and help everyone enjoy the spirit of competition.
- No prior experience is needed!
- You must be at least 12 years old to start umpiring games.
- Training and mentoring will be provided.
Umpire Clinics
- Who: All new & returning baseball & softball umpires
- When: Saturday, February 15 @ 12PM
- Where:
- Pinto field – for new umpires and those with less than ONE year (2 complete seasons) of experience
- Bronco field – for umpires with over ONE year (2 complete seasons) of experience – bring a mask & glove
Contact the UIC at [email protected] for additional information.
Holiday Gift Guide
With the Holidays approaching, the Oak Hill Staff curated some of our favorite training aids, books, as well as upcoming baseball and softball camps. Happy Holidays!
Training Aids
Hecostix
The HecoStix is a hand-eye coordination gadget that encourages a high level of focus. This is a very fun backyard training aid that passively activates brain muscles. Coaches, this is a solid tool to incorporate this into your stations. USA Baseball's Collegiate team used the Hecostix throughout their summer. Great tool for all levels. Oak Hill Families will receive 10% off their purchase by clicking on this link.
Anywhere Ball
A good back-yard ball that helps keep windows together. The Anywhere ball gives you feedback if the ball is "squared". If the ball is mis-hit, the ball will lose its shape and not have a true flight. The Anywhere ball also has seams, which can let you break off some curve balls! Available at Amazon
Reaction Ball
The SKLZ reaction ball will provide an unpredictable bounce. If your player can field the reaction ball, they will be able to play on any field! Available at our sponsor Academy Sports!.
Bats
Most retailers have discounted the 2019 and 2018 bats. Many of our sponsors, such as Dicks Sporting Goods, will price match if you find the bat elsewhere.
Softball guidelines:
All softball bats used must be ASA approved with the barrel of the bat not to exceed 2 1⁄4”.
Baseball guidelines:
2 5/8 allowed at 8U.
2 ¾ allowed at 9U and above.
The bat must be stamped with USA Baseball or USSSA. USSSA bats will have more “pop” than USA Baseball bats.
Young player Books
There Goes Ted Williams
Childrens book that tells the amazing story of how Ted Williams served his country and hit over .400!
Available at Amazon.
Throw like a girl
Amazon best seller by Softball Superstar Jennie Finch. Available at Amazon
MLB All Stars 2019: The Ultimate Baseball Coloring Book
Coloring book that features high quality illustrations. Learn about the stars of today! Available at Amazon.
Coach/Parent Books
The Arm
A great historical account of the evolution of baseball. Includes the origins of Tommy John Surgery, Contract Negotiations, over-use tales, and arm care.
Available at Amazon.
The Complete Guide to Pitching
Derek Johnson, Pitching Coach for the Cincinnati Reds, set the trend of Major League Teams hiring College Pitching Coaches. Good book to learn modern pitching philosophies. Available at Amazon.
Astroball
Solid book that on the history of the Houston Astros and how they chose unconventional practices to start their dynasty. Available at Amazon
Camps
Positive Coaching Alliance Partnership
Oak Hill Youth Sports Association has established a 3 year partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), a national non-profit developing “Better Athletes, Better People” by working to provide all youth and high school athletes a positive, character-building sports experience.
Papa Noel’s Christmas Trees
Can you believe it’s already that time of year again?!?! The BIG white tent you’ll see is our friends from Papa Noel Christmas Trees, who are back again and will open for business on Saturday, November 23rd!
Please support them and let them know you play at Oak Hill!
Registration open for our 3rd Annual Golf Outing
Registration is now open for our annual Golf Tournament fundraiser. Enjoy a day of golf, lunch, dinner and silent auction benefiting Capital Improvements at the complex.
Learn more about our 3rd Annual Golf Outing.
Visit Lil Doddy After the games
Our friends from Lil’Doddy have invited us all to enjoy 10% off our meals when you show up with a kid in their Oak Hill uniform!
Thanks again for your continued support Lil’Doddy and welcome to the neighborhood!