Beginning June 1st&nbsp;NSAA member schools are permitted to conduct voluntary strength and conditioning sessions.

While permitting school-sponsored summertime conditioning programs, prioritizing the health and safety of all students and staff must remain the focus of each NSAA member school.

Additionally, NSAA member school-sponsored camps and clinics are prohibited in any sport at this time.

Pursuant to the Governor’s DHM, the following activities are prohibited: basketball, cheerleading, football, soccer, and wrestling (“Prohibited Sports”).

NSAA member schools may have open gyms where sport-specific drills are permitted, and sport-specific equipment may be used by individuals except in the Prohibited Sports.

It is the responsibility of each NSAA member school to comply with:

Should the Governor issue further DHMs that would modify the foregoing provisions or other conditions warrant, these requirements will be adjusted.

Any further official updates will be posted on the NSAA website and the NSAA social media platforms.

Beginning June 1st&nbsp;NSAA member schools are permitted to conduct voluntary strength and conditioning sessions.While permitting school-sponsored summertime conditioning programs, prioritizing the health and safety of all students and staff must remain the focus of each NSAA member school.These requirements must be followed:<ol>
 <li>Maintain social distance by being 6 feet apart at all times.</li><li>Groups of&nbsp;a maximum 25 persons (students) or less&nbsp;must be pre-determined50% of rated occupancy does not apply to high school weight rooms per the express directive of the Governor’s office.Member schools located in Hall, Hamilton, Merrick and Dakota counties are limited to groups of 10 students per local directed health measures (DHMs).</li><li>50% of rated occupancy does not apply to high school weight rooms per the express directive of the Governor’s office.</li><li>Member schools located in Hall, Hamilton, Merrick and Dakota counties are limited to groups of 10 students per local directed health measures (DHMs).</li><li>Once groups are determined, students may not switch from one group to another.</li><li>Interaction between groups shall be avoided.</li><li>Sessions can only include weightlifting, running, and exercises designed to promote physical fitness.</li><li>Sport-specific drills are not permitted, and sport-specific equipment may not be used as part of school-sponsored summer conditioning.</li><li>Implement diligent and effective cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched objects and surfaces following the guidance of the CDC.</li>
 </ol>Additionally, NSAA member school-sponsored camps and clinics are prohibited in any sport at this time.Pursuant to the Governor’s DHM, the following activities are prohibited: basketball, cheerleading, football, soccer, and wrestling (“Prohibited Sports”).NSAA member schools may have open gyms where sport-specific drills are permitted, and sport-specific equipment may be used by individuals except in the Prohibited Sports.It is the responsibility of each NSAA member school to comply with:<ol>
 <li>The above requirements; and,</li><li>The NSAA Summer Activities Bylaws.</li>
 </ol>Should the Governor issue further DHMs that would modify the foregoing provisions or other conditions warrant, these requirements will be adjusted.Any further official updates will be posted on the NSAA website and the NSAA social media platforms.

NSAA COVID-19 Update – May 26, 2020

Story by Philip Senff, NPCC Sports Information Coord.&nbsp;

Dehje Belmore, a 5’10” forward for the North Platte Community College Knights, has accepted an offer to continue her basketball and academic collegiate career at McMurry University in Abilene, TX. Belmore, of Denver, CO., graduated with her Associates Degree from Mid-Plains Community College while carrying a 3.55 Cumulative GPA.

Belmore played in 28 games for the Knights this past season while starting in 11. She averaged 3.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while also serving as a team captain. Belmore helped lead the Knights to a 10-21 record during the 2019-20 season along with a Region IX and District F championship.

“We are excited and proud of Dehje on continuing her education and athletic career at McMurry University,” said NPCC Head Coach Jeff Thurman. “She has worked extremely hard in the classroom and on the basketball court to achieve an opportunity like this. Dehje has done so much for our program for the last two years and she deserves this. McMurry is getting a great individual that will make an immediate impact within their program.”

Story by Philip Senff, NPCC Sports Information Coord.&nbsp;Dehje Belmore, a 5’10” forward for the North Platte Community College Knights, has accepted an offer to continue her basketball and academic collegiate career at McMurry University in Abilene, TX. Belmore, of Denver, CO., graduated with her Associates Degree from Mid-Plains Community College while carrying a 3.55 Cumulative GPA.Belmore played in 28 games for the Knights this past season while starting in 11. She averaged 3.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while also serving as a team captain. Belmore helped lead the Knights to a 10-21 record during the 2019-20 season along with a Region IX and District F championship.“We are excited and proud of Dehje on continuing her education and athletic career at McMurry University,” said NPCC Head Coach Jeff Thurman. “She has worked extremely hard in the classroom and on the basketball court to achieve an opportunity like this. Dehje has done so much for our program for the last two years and she deserves this. McMurry is getting a great individual that will make an immediate impact within their program.”

NPCC Knight continuing career at McMurry University

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska State College System will pay $900,000 to settle two lawsuits alleging Chadron State College failed to prevent dating violence that led to a softball player's 2015 suicide.

Chadron State also will conduct suicide training, review its policies, establish a scholarship in honor of Fatima Lissette Larios and maintain a memorial on campus commemorating her life, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/chadron-state-to-pay-900-000-in-settlement-of-title-ix-lawsuit/article_c41b20d0-bfd3-5b5a-88b4-a8d692fc4df3.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">reported</a>.

According to the lawsuits, Larios was beaten and emotionally abused by her then-boyfriend for months, including during violent arguments in an on-campus dorm room that could be heard by others. The lawsuit said Larios' coaches also observed "suspicious bruising" and informed Chadron State's athletic director, who notified the campus Title IX office responsible for investigating instances of sexual and dating violence.

While the Title IX coordinator emailed Larios a copy of the college's policy on sexual violence and harassment and Larios discussed the situation with coaches, her parents' complaint alleged the college failed "to respond to reports of sexual violence or sexual harassment and attend to the needs of the student involved."

An attorney for the state college system, George Martin, said the school was confident that no wrongdoing would be proven in court but wanted to avoid costly attorneys' fees and court courts. He said another goal was to "bring closure to the family, employees of Chadron State College, and her classmates."

Larios' parents said in a statement that the memorial was "a fitting tribute to someone who lived life with passion, purpose and unyielding faith in the power of every person to have a positive impact on those around them."

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska State College System will pay $900,000 to settle two lawsuits alleging Chadron State College failed to prevent dating violence that led to a softball player's 2015 suicide.Chadron State also will conduct suicide training, review its policies, establish a scholarship in honor of Fatima Lissette Larios and maintain a memorial on campus commemorating her life, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/chadron-state-to-pay-900-000-in-settlement-of-title-ix-lawsuit/article_c41b20d0-bfd3-5b5a-88b4-a8d692fc4df3.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">reported</a>.According to the lawsuits, Larios was beaten and emotionally abused by her then-boyfriend for months, including during violent arguments in an on-campus dorm room that could be heard by others. The lawsuit said Larios' coaches also observed "suspicious bruising" and informed Chadron State's athletic director, who notified the campus Title IX office responsible for investigating instances of sexual and dating violence.While the Title IX coordinator emailed Larios a copy of the college's policy on sexual violence and harassment and Larios discussed the situation with coaches, her parents' complaint alleged the college failed "to respond to reports of sexual violence or sexual harassment and attend to the needs of the student involved."An attorney for the state college system, George Martin, said the school was confident that no wrongdoing would be proven in court but wanted to avoid costly attorneys' fees and court courts. He said another goal was to "bring closure to the family, employees of Chadron State College, and her classmates."Larios' parents said in a statement that the memorial was "a fitting tribute to someone who lived life with passion, purpose and unyielding faith in the power of every person to have a positive impact on those around them."

Chadron State to pay $900K in settlement of Title IX lawsuit

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A group of Power Five coaches led by Michigan’s Erik Bakich is proposing a later start to the college baseball season to trim expenses in the post-coronavirus era, make the game more fan friendly and reduce injury risk to players.

Under the&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/eolson/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/M3KFP24J/College%20Baseball%20Model%20-%20UPDATED.pdf" target="_blank">35-page proposal</a>&nbsp;titled “New Baseball Model,” there would be nine weeks of preseason practice instead of five, the regular season would run from the third week of March to the third week of June and the College World Series would wrap up the last week of July. The regular season currently begins the third week of February and the CWS runs into the last week of June.

Past efforts to push back the season were rooted in cold-weather schools’ concerns about competitive equity because they had to travel to warmer climates in the South or West to play games the first month of the season.

The impetus this time is budget management.

“We operate at a significant financial net loss among almost all teams,” Bakich said Friday. “There are only a few that operate where they are actually making a profit or covering their costs. The majority of college baseball is a drain on athletic departments, and in the post-COVID era that is not a good combination when universities are looking to improve their fiscal bottom lines.”

Bowling Green and Furman recently announced they’ve dropped their baseball programs to save money.

Bakich said he, Vanderbilt’s Tim Corbin, Louisville’s Dan McDonnell, TCU’s Jim Schlossnagle and UCLA’s John Savage began looking at changes to help the sport shortly after the college season was shut down because of the coronavirus outbreak in March.

The core group held Zoom calls with coaches from top baseball schools from all regions, and the discussions resulted in the proposal.

Bakich said the next step is to recruit athletic directors who will take up the cause, bring it to faculty athletic representatives and presidents, and get it entered into the NCAA legislative process. The hope is the new schedule would be in place in 2022.

Bakich said five-year attendance trends show college teams draw bigger crowds in April and May than they do in February and March, and the potential is there for even bigger turnouts in June.

“We looked at why that is,” Bakich said, “and even in warm-weather places it’s still cold in March. But it’s also basketball season. A collegiate fan can only invest their energy in so many places.”

The proposal said northern teams could save about $200,000 in travel costs by not having to go South and West early in the season and there would be more regional scheduling.

A 17-year Major League Baseball study showed the majority of arm injuries happen in spring training or shortly after the season starts. Bakich said there are no comparable studies for college baseball injuries because of privacy laws.

“The typical spring training for a professional team is six to seven weeks,” Bakich said. “We as amateurs get less ramp-up time than professional players, and that’s a problem. What we’re doing is flat-out dumb.”

Bakich said players miss one or two days of class each week they travel by airplane for games, and schools on a semester schedule would play about four weeks without academic conflicts if the season started later.

Opponents argue pushing back the season would harm summer leagues like the Cape Cod League. Bakich pointed out that players from about 235 Division I teams — ones that don’t make the NCAA Tournament — will be able to report to their summer teams by late June or early July. Non-Division I players will have opportunities to fill out summer rosters.

There also would be costs to keeping players housed and fed on campuses a month longer.

A later start probably won’t interfere with the MLB draft. College coaches believe MLB is leaning toward holding the draft in July instead of June going forward, and the possibility of minor leagues being contracted could impact the structure for rookie development.

Bakich said the proposal, first reported by D1Baseball.com, has received widespread approval from coaches.

“It is not a one-size-fits-all model,” he said, “but it is a one-size-fits-most. It’s the best thing for our sport and the for the growth of college baseball.”

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A group of Power Five coaches led by Michigan’s Erik Bakich is proposing a later start to the college baseball season to trim expenses in the post-coronavirus era, make the game more fan friendly and reduce injury risk to players.Under the&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/eolson/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/M3KFP24J/College%20Baseball%20Model%20-%20UPDATED.pdf" target="_blank">35-page proposal</a>&nbsp;titled “New Baseball Model,” there would be nine weeks of preseason practice instead of five, the regular season would run from the third week of March to the third week of June and the College World Series would wrap up the last week of July. The regular season currently begins the third week of February and the CWS runs into the last week of June.Past efforts to push back the season were rooted in cold-weather schools’ concerns about competitive equity because they had to travel to warmer climates in the South or West to play games the first month of the season.The impetus this time is budget management.“We operate at a significant financial net loss among almost all teams,” Bakich said Friday. “There are only a few that operate where they are actually making a profit or covering their costs. The majority of college baseball is a drain on athletic departments, and in the post-COVID era that is not a good combination when universities are looking to improve their fiscal bottom lines.”Bowling Green and Furman recently announced they’ve dropped their baseball programs to save money.Bakich said he, Vanderbilt’s Tim Corbin, Louisville’s Dan McDonnell, TCU’s Jim Schlossnagle and UCLA’s John Savage began looking at changes to help the sport shortly after the college season was shut down because of the coronavirus outbreak in March.The core group held Zoom calls with coaches from top baseball schools from all regions, and the discussions resulted in the proposal.Bakich said the next step is to recruit athletic directors who will take up the cause, bring it to faculty athletic representatives and presidents, and get it entered into the NCAA legislative process. The hope is the new schedule would be in place in 2022.Bakich said five-year attendance trends show college teams draw bigger crowds in April and May than they do in February and March, and the potential is there for even bigger turnouts in June.“We looked at why that is,” Bakich said, “and even in warm-weather places it’s still cold in March. But it’s also basketball season. A collegiate fan can only invest their energy in so many places.”The proposal said northern teams could save about $200,000 in travel costs by not having to go South and West early in the season and there would be more regional scheduling.A 17-year Major League Baseball study showed the majority of arm injuries happen in spring training or shortly after the season starts. Bakich said there are no comparable studies for college baseball injuries because of privacy laws.“The typical spring training for a professional team is six to seven weeks,” Bakich said. “We as amateurs get less ramp-up time than professional players, and that’s a problem. What we’re doing is flat-out dumb.”Bakich said players miss one or two days of class each week they travel by airplane for games, and schools on a semester schedule would play about four weeks without academic conflicts if the season started later.Opponents argue pushing back the season would harm summer leagues like the Cape Cod League. Bakich pointed out that players from about 235 Division I teams — ones that don’t make the NCAA Tournament — will be able to report to their summer teams by late June or early July. Non-Division I players will have opportunities to fill out summer rosters.There also would be costs to keeping players housed and fed on campuses a month longer.A later start probably won’t interfere with the MLB draft. College coaches believe MLB is leaning toward holding the draft in July instead of June going forward, and the possibility of minor leagues being contracted could impact the structure for rookie development.Bakich said the proposal, first reported by D1Baseball.com, has received widespread approval from coaches.“It is not a one-size-fits-all model,” he said, “but it is a one-size-fits-most. It’s the best thing for our sport and the for the growth of college baseball.”

College baseball into July? Coaches say it would save money

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Construction on a new home for the University of Nebraska's football program has been delayed in part because of the potential financial fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, the school's athletic director said Friday.

Design work for the $155 million facility is continuing but construction is in "pause mode," Athletic Director Bill Moos said.

Construction was scheduled to begin in June with an expected completion date of June 2022.

The delay comes as college athletic departments await decisions on how, or if, sports seasons will resume in response to the coronavirus.

"Because among other things, we have tremendous budget woes we're looking at,"Moos told&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/football/construction-on-nus-155-million-football-training-facility-to-be-delayed/article_800cd23a-97af-5585-82cb-6f9741d3d613.html#tracking-source=home-just-in" target="_blank">The Lincoln Journal-Star.&nbsp;</a>"You start taking a couple of those (home football games) away, and then you start saying, 'Hey, the stadium can only be 30% full.' You're talking about huge, huge numbers in terms of ... revenue streams."

The 350,000-square-foot facility will provide the football program with a new locker room, strength and conditioning center, athletic medicine facility, equipment room, meeting rooms, coaches' offices and an additional outdoor practice facility. It also will include the training table and academic support facilities for all of the university's student athletes.

The project included building a new track for Nebraska's outdoor track and field program but that project also will be delayed.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Construction on a new home for the University of Nebraska's football program has been delayed in part because of the potential financial fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, the school's athletic director said Friday.Design work for the $155 million facility is continuing but construction is in "pause mode," Athletic Director Bill Moos said.Construction was scheduled to begin in June with an expected completion date of June 2022.The delay comes as college athletic departments await decisions on how, or if, sports seasons will resume in response to the coronavirus."Because among other things, we have tremendous budget woes we're looking at,"Moos told&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/football/construction-on-nus-155-million-football-training-facility-to-be-delayed/article_800cd23a-97af-5585-82cb-6f9741d3d613.html#tracking-source=home-just-in" target="_blank">The Lincoln Journal-Star.&nbsp;</a>"You start taking a couple of those (home football games) away, and then you start saying, 'Hey, the stadium can only be 30% full.' You're talking about huge, huge numbers in terms of ... revenue streams."The 350,000-square-foot facility will provide the football program with a new locker room, strength and conditioning center, athletic medicine facility, equipment room, meeting rooms, coaches' offices and an additional outdoor practice facility. It also will include the training table and academic support facilities for all of the university's student athletes.The project included building a new track for Nebraska's outdoor track and field program but that project also will be delayed.

Construction on Nebraska's football training center delayed

<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/825748894&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/521-marshall-robinson-for-youth-baseball" title="5.21 Marshall Robinson For Youth Baseball" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">5.21 Marshall Robinson For Youth Baseball</a></div></div>

Post Podcast: Marshall Robinson says "Lets play" for youth baseball NP

Girls wrestling has faced adversary the past few years in Nebraska. There has been a growing movement to sanction it as a sport and give the girls their own classes and tournament.&nbsp;

The NSAA board of Directors heard that movement and voted to put it to an assembly vote. There they would decide if the sport becomes sanctioned in the state of Nebraska.&nbsp;

Unfortunately for Girls wrestling the assembly did not agree with the board of directors.&nbsp;

51 members of the assembly gathered, meaning 31 yea votes would be needed to sanction girls wrestling. The final tally was 28 - 23 against.&nbsp;

Nebraska will however see a new sport emerge as the assembly decided to sanction Bowling as a sport, although just barely 31-20 for.&nbsp;

The entire results can be found below:&nbsp;

Girls wrestling has faced adversary the past few years in Nebraska. There has been a growing movement to sanction it as a sport and give the girls their own classes and tournament.&nbsp;The NSAA board of Directors heard that movement and voted to put it to an assembly vote. There they would decide if the sport becomes sanctioned in the state of Nebraska.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The NSAA Board of Directors voted 7-1 to add Girls Wrestling as an emerging sport. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nebpreps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nebpreps</a>&mdash; NSAA (@nsaahome) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsaahome/status/1263521154934996993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Unfortunately for Girls wrestling the assembly did not agree with the board of directors.&nbsp;51 members of the assembly gathered, meaning 31 yea votes would be needed to sanction girls wrestling. The final tally was 28 - 23 against.&nbsp;Nebraska will however see a new sport emerge as the assembly decided to sanction Bowling as a sport, although just barely 31-20 for.&nbsp; The entire results can be found below:&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/sportspdf/NSAA vote may 2020.pdf" width="100%" height="500px">
 </iframe></div>

Girls Wrestling just misses cut again, Bowling sanctioned per NSAA

That was a tweet sent out by Jody Moeller, the Chairman, Nebraska American Legion Baseball after a short session by the board deciding to move forward with American Legion baseball in Nebraska this season.&nbsp;

The Legion will adhere to all the guidelines put forth by Governor Ricketts and plans to open their season on June 18th.&nbsp;

Below is the announcement from NE Legion baseball:&nbsp;

The Nebraska American Legion will host baseball for a regular season only

All items that were previously paid for on the National online registration system will be automatically refunded, you do not need to request it.

There will not be a fee for registration for Nebraska American Legion baseball for 2020. By registering for Nebraska American Legion baseball, you agree to follow all rules, regulations and policies of the organization.

The previously posted 2020 rule book is no longer valid, there will be a revised edition posted when completed and approved. Updated rule book will be online only.

Teams who do not register&nbsp;are not authorized to wear or display either the American Legion emblem or the American Legion baseball patch.

To register for participation in Nebraska American Legion baseball, teams will need to:

- Required: before any practice or play: insurance that includes the following:&nbsp;accidental medical, general liability and&nbsp;cannot&nbsp;exclude sexual abuse/molestation and lists the “The American Legion Department of Nebraska” as an additional insured.

If your insurance does not have sexual abuse/molestation, then you cannot register a team. The Department of Nebraska recommends the use of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandkinsurance.com/" target="_blank">www.kandkinsurance.com</a>; go to the tabs on the left hand side of the screen; click on “sports”; there will be a pop out and you would need to choose “amateur teams leagues and associations” (be sure you chose to add the optional sexual abuse &amp; molestation). The same requirements are required if you choose some other insurance.&nbsp;

- Required before June 18:&nbsp;a copy of your insurance must be sent to the Department no later than June 18.

- Required: fill out and send in the Nebraska registration and roster form no later than June 18&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/f772-2167100/2020_NALB_RegistrationandRoster_2020__final_for_web_.pdf#_ga=2.106438532.685429419.1590000567-575766806.1590000567" target="_blank">(2020 Registration&amp;Roster form)</a>

Registration form and copy of insurance can be sent, via email, fax (402) 464-6330, or mail to; PO Box 5205, Lincoln, NE 68505

- the National form 2 is not to be used, the use of the&nbsp;Nebraska Indemnification form is required&nbsp;for all players and must be on hand at all practices and games. The indemnification from should be retained at the team level for up to 4 years.&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn3.sportngin.com/attachments/document/ece0-2167101/2020_NALB_Player_Agreement__final_for_web_.pdf#_ga=2.106438532.685429419.1590000567-575766806.1590000567" target="_blank">(NALB Player Agreement)</a>

- background checks are required before coaches can participate&nbsp;<a href="https://opportunities.averity.com/Application.aspx?oid=14260" target="_blank">https://opportunities.averity.com/Application.aspx?oid=14260</a>

- Required before coaches can participate: abuse awareness and concussion certificate of training (these are State and Federal Law for youth sports) h<a href="http://www.usabdevelops.com/Legion" target="_blank">ttp://www.usabdevelops.com/Legion</a><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/index.html</a>

- a copy of the most current Nebraska Youth Sports DHS covid-19 guidelines is required to be on hand at practices and games. Check for updates, May 5th guidelines&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/d1d9-2167103/Youth_Sports_Guidelines_5.11.20.pdf#_ga=2.106438532.685429419.1590000567-575766806.1590000567" target="_blank">(Guidelines)</a>

Items that will be further&nbsp;defined once the rule book is completed

- Form 76 is still required but it will be kept at the team level, should there be a conflict between teams on the player, the form 76 will be requested and reviewed by the Athletic Committee for assessment.&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn4.sportngin.com/attachments/document/333b-2167123/form_76.pdf#_ga=2.101733510.685429419.1590000567-575766806.1590000567" target="_blank">(Form 76)</a>

- Since there is no Post-season playoff system for 2020, high school enrollment is mute, however, the total enrollment of all schools remains at the cap of 6000

- pitching rules will remain the same is previously indicated and will be in the new rule book

- re-entry and courtesy runner for regular season will remain the same

- roster size will increase to 24 for 2020 (that will go back to 18 for future seasons unless the National office changes it)

- the use of sunflower seeds and the control of spitting will be left up to the host team, coaches and umpires

- the ejection protocol remains the same.

Recommendations but not requirements

- a covd-19 release form is recommended but not required and kept at team level&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn4.sportngin.com/attachments/document/1aa0-2167135/additional_waiver_2020.pdf#_ga=2.6257588.685429419.1590000567-575766806.1590000567" target="_blank">(team waiver for your use)</a>

- birth cards are optional but the request form should still be submitted this year as the cards are valid for the entire time a player is eligible, so can be used for following seasons.

- Masks worn by players coaches and umpires is recommended but are per the most current government guidelines.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Nebraska American Legion Baseball regular season moving forward after approval by the Dept. Executive Committee tonight.&mdash; Jody Moeller (@JoMoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoMoe/status/1263262833057378305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>That was a tweet sent out by Jody Moeller, the Chairman, Nebraska American Legion Baseball after a short session by the board deciding to move forward with American Legion baseball in Nebraska this season.&nbsp;The Legion will adhere to all the guidelines put forth by Governor Ricketts and plans to open their season on June 18th.&nbsp;Below is the announcement from NE Legion baseball:&nbsp;The Nebraska American Legion will host baseball for a regular season onlyAll items that were previously paid for on the National online registration system will be automatically refunded, you do not need to request it.There will not be a fee for registration for Nebraska American Legion baseball for 2020. By registering for Nebraska American Legion baseball, you agree to follow all rules, regulations and policies of the organization.The previously posted 2020 rule book is no longer valid, there will be a revised edition posted when completed and approved. Updated rule book will be online only.Teams who do not register&nbsp;are not authorized to wear or display either the American Legion emblem or the American Legion baseball patch.To register for participation in Nebraska American Legion baseball, teams will need to:- Required: before any practice or play: insurance that includes the following:&nbsp;accidental medical, general liability and&nbsp;cannot&nbsp;exclude sexual abuse/molestation and lists the “The American Legion Department of Nebraska” as an additional insured.If your insurance does not have sexual abuse/molestation, then you cannot register a team. The Department of Nebraska recommends the use of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandkinsurance.com/" target="_blank">www.kandkinsurance.com</a>; go to the tabs on the left hand side of the screen; click on “sports”; there will be a pop out and you would need to choose “amateur teams leagues and associations” (be sure you chose to add the optional sexual abuse &amp; molestation). The same requirements are required if you choose some other insurance.&nbsp;- Required before June 18:&nbsp;a copy of your insurance must be sent to the Department no later than June 18.- Required: fill out and send in the Nebraska registration and roster form no later than June 18&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/f772-2167100/2020_NALB_RegistrationandRoster_2020__final_for_web_.pdf#_ga=2.106438532.685429419.1590000567-575766806.1590000567" target="_blank">(2020 Registration&amp;Roster form)</a>Registration form and copy of insurance can be sent, via email, fax (402) 464-6330, or mail to; PO Box 5205, Lincoln, NE 68505- the National form 2 is not to be used, the use of the&nbsp;Nebraska Indemnification form is required&nbsp;for all players and must be on hand at all practices and games. The indemnification from should be retained at the team level for up to 4 years.&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn3.sportngin.com/attachments/document/ece0-2167101/2020_NALB_Player_Agreement__final_for_web_.pdf#_ga=2.106438532.685429419.1590000567-575766806.1590000567" target="_blank">(NALB Player Agreement)</a>- background checks are required before coaches can participate&nbsp;<a href="https://opportunities.averity.com/Application.aspx?oid=14260" target="_blank">https://opportunities.averity.com/Application.aspx?oid=14260</a>- Required before coaches can participate: abuse awareness and concussion certificate of training (these are State and Federal Law for youth sports) h<a href="http://www.usabdevelops.com/Legion" target="_blank">ttp://www.usabdevelops.com/Legion</a><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/index.html</a>- a copy of the most current Nebraska Youth Sports DHS covid-19 guidelines is required to be on hand at practices and games. Check for updates, May 5th guidelines&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/d1d9-2167103/Youth_Sports_Guidelines_5.11.20.pdf#_ga=2.106438532.685429419.1590000567-575766806.1590000567" target="_blank">(Guidelines)</a>Items that will be further&nbsp;defined once the rule book is completed- Form 76 is still required but it will be kept at the team level, should there be a conflict between teams on the player, the form 76 will be requested and reviewed by the Athletic Committee for assessment.&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn4.sportngin.com/attachments/document/333b-2167123/form_76.pdf#_ga=2.101733510.685429419.1590000567-575766806.1590000567" target="_blank">(Form 76)</a>- Since there is no Post-season playoff system for 2020, high school enrollment is mute, however, the total enrollment of all schools remains at the cap of 6000- pitching rules will remain the same is previously indicated and will be in the new rule book- re-entry and courtesy runner for regular season will remain the same- roster size will increase to 24 for 2020 (that will go back to 18 for future seasons unless the National office changes it)- the use of sunflower seeds and the control of spitting will be left up to the host team, coaches and umpires- the ejection protocol remains the same.Recommendations but not requirements- a covd-19 release form is recommended but not required and kept at team level&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn4.sportngin.com/attachments/document/1aa0-2167135/additional_waiver_2020.pdf#_ga=2.6257588.685429419.1590000567-575766806.1590000567" target="_blank">(team waiver for your use)</a>- birth cards are optional but the request form should still be submitted this year as the cards are valid for the entire time a player is eligible, so can be used for following seasons.- Masks worn by players coaches and umpires is recommended but are per the most current government guidelines.

Play Ball! NE Legion gives go ahead for the season

<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/825035842&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/520-coach-krebs-welcome-interview-raw" title="5.20 Coach Krebs Welcome Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">5.20 Coach Krebs Welcome Interview</a></div></div>

Post Podcast: St. Pats new Volleyball head coach Maddy Krebs

Even though Governor Ricketts came out earlier this month with guidelines on how to get baseball and softball off the ground this summer, the PVGSA decided to stay safe and cancel their season.&nbsp; Their announcement is below:&nbsp;

Even though Governor Ricketts came out earlier this month with guidelines on how to get baseball and softball off the ground this summer, the PVGSA decided to stay safe and cancel their season.&nbsp; Their announcement is below:&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D10160896054834572%26id%3D288905464571&width=500" width="500" height="299" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

PVGSA cancels summer season

North Platte Catholic Schools is excited to have another alum back on campus. They have hired Maddy Krebs as the St. Pat’s Head Volleyball Coach.

“I’m thrilled to be back at my alma mater,” said Krebs. “I love this school so much!”

Maddy is a 2008 St. Pat’s graduate. She started playing college volleyball at North Platte Community College and finished at Peru State College. She has been coaching club volleyball here in North Platte since 2009. She has coached from the 3rd grade level to 16 and 17 year olds.

Superintendent, Kevin Dodson, shared, “Maddy’s experience and enthusiasm will bring a lot to our volleyball program. It’s always exciting to have an alum return to our school on a professional level. It’s humbling to know that they hold their alma mater with such pride.”

Maddy is married to Koby Krebs and they have two children.

North Platte Catholic Schools is excited to have another alum back on campus. They have hired Maddy Krebs as the St. Pat’s Head Volleyball Coach.“I’m thrilled to be back at my alma mater,” said Krebs. “I love this school so much!”Maddy is a 2008 St. Pat’s graduate. She started playing college volleyball at North Platte Community College and finished at Peru State College. She has been coaching club volleyball here in North Platte since 2009. She has coached from the 3rd grade level to 16 and 17 year olds.Superintendent, Kevin Dodson, shared, “Maddy’s experience and enthusiasm will bring a lot to our volleyball program. It’s always exciting to have an alum return to our school on a professional level. It’s humbling to know that they hold their alma mater with such pride.”Maddy is married to Koby Krebs and they have two children.

NP St. Pats snags alum for Volleyball

NFHS Guidelines on reopening HS athletics 

Phoenix-based sports tourism consultancy the Huddle Up Group, released results of a national study focused on parents of young athletes that play travel sports.&nbsp; The survey, dubbed “Return to Play”, asked five (5) questions specifically targeting parents' view on when and under what circumstances they would allow their kids to return to the playing field.&nbsp;&nbsp; Nearly 2,700 responses were collected from May 5-17, 2020.

Huddle Up Group Founder + CEO, Jon Schmieder, commented on the survey and the results, “We were seeing a lot of information coming out in the media and from some of the national organizations, but it was mostly opinion-based.&nbsp; In the case of the survey data we had seen, most of it was asking the sports organizations what they thought about the future of our industry.&nbsp; Our team thought that the key players in getting sports tourism back on track were the parents.&nbsp; So we set out to specifically ask them when they would put their kids back on the road to compete, and also when and under what circumstances they would do so.”

Virginia Beach Sports Marketing’s Dani Timm commented on the study, “The primary decision-makers or decision influencers in the youth participatory market are the athlete’s parents.&nbsp; It is paramount that a parent feels comfortable with the travel decisions that are being made on behalf of a child’s team or sport.&nbsp; The data that Huddle Up Group is providing is essential in the economic recovery process.”

USA BMX COO John David offered his thoughts, “During these uncertain times, knowledge is power more than ever before.&nbsp; USA BMX is focused on safely returning to normal operations and the data collection by the Huddle Up Group is paramount in our decisions moving forward.”

“The great work that the Huddle Up Group has done will help destinations across the country better determine how and when to host events going forward.&nbsp; By polling parents, the Huddle Up Group has taken the temperature of key decision-makers in the sports tourism industry,” said Matt Ten Haken of the Greater Fox Cities (WI) CVB.

Huddle Up Group is planning a follow-up survey to focus on parent’s views on what essential needs and/or access they will require at a tournament site to allow their kids to travel and participate in events.&nbsp; That survey plans to launch in the coming week.

News ReleasePhoenix-based sports tourism consultancy the Huddle Up Group, released results of a national study focused on parents of young athletes that play travel sports.&nbsp; The survey, dubbed “Return to Play”, asked five (5) questions specifically targeting parents' view on when and under what circumstances they would allow their kids to return to the playing field.&nbsp;&nbsp; Nearly 2,700 responses were collected from May 5-17, 2020.Huddle Up Group Founder + CEO, Jon Schmieder, commented on the survey and the results, “We were seeing a lot of information coming out in the media and from some of the national organizations, but it was mostly opinion-based.&nbsp; In the case of the survey data we had seen, most of it was asking the sports organizations what they thought about the future of our industry.&nbsp; Our team thought that the key players in getting sports tourism back on track were the parents.&nbsp; So we set out to specifically ask them when they would put their kids back on the road to compete, and also when and under what circumstances they would do so.”Key findings included:<ol>
 <li>77.8% of respondents said they would be willing to allow their kids back into travel sports in September and beyond, compared to 48.5% in May.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>82% of parents said they would only allow their kids to participate within a 3-hour drive of home today, with that number gradually decreasing in subsequent months down to 48.5% in September (meaning as time goes, the radius of the competition will get wider).</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Aligning with the regional drive data, respondents were nearly 5-times more likely allow their kids to fly for competitions in September (22.2%) than they are today (4.8%).</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Respondents anticipate that they will travel with 2.5 family members per athlete when competitions commence.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Nearly half of all respondents (48.7%) said today’s market challenges will not impact their sports travel budgets.</li>
 </ol>Virginia Beach Sports Marketing’s Dani Timm commented on the study, “The primary decision-makers or decision influencers in the youth participatory market are the athlete’s parents.&nbsp; It is paramount that a parent feels comfortable with the travel decisions that are being made on behalf of a child’s team or sport.&nbsp; The data that Huddle Up Group is providing is essential in the economic recovery process.”USA BMX COO John David offered his thoughts, “During these uncertain times, knowledge is power more than ever before.&nbsp; USA BMX is focused on safely returning to normal operations and the data collection by the Huddle Up Group is paramount in our decisions moving forward.”“The great work that the Huddle Up Group has done will help destinations across the country better determine how and when to host events going forward.&nbsp; By polling parents, the Huddle Up Group has taken the temperature of key decision-makers in the sports tourism industry,” said Matt Ten Haken of the Greater Fox Cities (WI) CVB.Huddle Up Group is planning a follow-up survey to focus on parent’s views on what essential needs and/or access they will require at a tournament site to allow their kids to travel and participate in events.&nbsp; That survey plans to launch in the coming week.

Group releases survey results from parents on returning to sports

Story by Brent Cobb, McCook Community College Sports Information Director

A former Mid-Plains Community College student and North Platte native has been named the next men’s basketball coach at McCook Community College.

Jacob Brandl, who wore the black and gold of North Platte Community College in 2007-08, has been hired to fill the head men’s basketball vacancy left when former coach Kyle Drennan left after one season to become Director of Basketball Operations at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Brandl, who has been at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D. since 2012, will also serve as MCC’s career coach. He served as Wesleyan’s Associate Head Coach for the past year.

Mcc-Jacob Brandl Photo“I’m very excited and honored to be a part of the McCook family and want to thank Kelly Rippen, Jon Olsen, and the rest of the search committee,” Brandl said. “As a North Platte native and former Mid-Plains student athlete, having an opportunity to come back to Nebraska and be close to home is very exciting for me.”

MCC Athletic Director Jon Olsen said Brandl emerged from a talented list of candidates as the coach who checked all the boxes for what MCC was looking for.

“This was the most impressive pool of candidates I’ve seen for a position in 20 years of being on search committees at different junior colleges,” Olsen said. “For him to come out on top of that, takes something.”

Brandl attended North Platte Community College from 2006-2008 and received his Associate of Arts Degree in 2008. From North Platte he went to Dana College in Blair and later attended Midland University in Fremont where he received a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education as well as a field endorsement in social science and coaching. He went on to Dakota Wesleyan from 2012-2014 where he received his master’s degree in Education Policy and Administration.

At Dakota Wesleyan he was responsible for all players’ eligibility with the NAIA clearinghouse, responsible for all recruit correspondence and databases and recruited players from all areas including 77 student athletes over the past six years. He also served as lead scout for all opponents and game planning, and player development for a team that has made the NAIA national tournament the past six seasons.

“On the basketball side of things Jacob has been on a coaching staff that has taken their team to the national championship game and to the national tournament multiple times during his time at Dakota Wesleyan.” Olsen said. “His role as an assistant has continued to grow there and he understands what it takes to run a successful college program.”  

As a college player at North Platte and Dana, he scored 966 career points, including 221 career 3-point field goals. He started 30 straight games for the Knights and then 59 straight for Dana College.

“Being from North Platte and playing at North Platte Community College, he has a great understanding of Mid-Plains, the area, how our region works, and what it is going to take to win in our region,” Olsen said. “I know he is ready to get to work and I am really looking forward to having him on our staff and working with him.”

Brandl said the family atmosphere at MCC really stood out as a place that he -- and wife Ashley -- wants to be.

“Being a part of a campus that truly backs each other and the student athletes in more ways than one, solidified my decision on wanting to be here,” Brandl said.

The coach looks to play a tough and disciplined brand of basketball, on and off the court.

“Offensively our main objective is to value the ball and defensively giving max effort on every possession,” he said.

Story by Brent Cobb, McCook Community College Sports Information DirectorA former Mid-Plains Community College student and North Platte native has been named the next men’s basketball coach at McCook Community College.Jacob Brandl, who wore the black and gold of North Platte Community College in 2007-08, has been hired to fill the head men’s basketball vacancy left when former coach Kyle Drennan left after one season to become Director of Basketball Operations at the University of Illinois-Chicago.Brandl, who has been at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D. since 2012, will also serve as MCC’s career coach. He served as Wesleyan’s Associate Head Coach for the past year.Mcc-Jacob Brandl Photo“I’m very excited and honored to be a part of the McCook family and want to thank Kelly Rippen, Jon Olsen, and the rest of the search committee,” Brandl said. “As a North Platte native and former Mid-Plains student athlete, having an opportunity to come back to Nebraska and be close to home is very exciting for me.”MCC Athletic Director Jon Olsen said Brandl emerged from a talented list of candidates as the coach who checked all the boxes for what MCC was looking for.“This was the most impressive pool of candidates I’ve seen for a position in 20 years of being on search committees at different junior colleges,” Olsen said. “For him to come out on top of that, takes something.”Brandl attended North Platte Community College from 2006-2008 and received his Associate of Arts Degree in 2008. From North Platte he went to Dana College in Blair and later attended Midland University in Fremont where he received a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education as well as a field endorsement in social science and coaching. He went on to Dakota Wesleyan from 2012-2014 where he received his master’s degree in Education Policy and Administration.At Dakota Wesleyan he was responsible for all players’ eligibility with the NAIA clearinghouse, responsible for all recruit correspondence and databases and recruited players from all areas including 77 student athletes over the past six years. He also served as lead scout for all opponents and game planning, and player development for a team that has made the NAIA national tournament the past six seasons.“On the basketball side of things Jacob has been on a coaching staff that has taken their team to the national championship game and to the national tournament multiple times during his time at Dakota Wesleyan.” Olsen said. “His role as an assistant has continued to grow there and he understands what it takes to run a successful college program.” As a college player at North Platte and Dana, he scored 966 career points, including 221 career 3-point field goals. He started 30 straight games for the Knights and then 59 straight for Dana College.“Being from North Platte and playing at North Platte Community College, he has a great understanding of Mid-Plains, the area, how our region works, and what it is going to take to win in our region,” Olsen said. “I know he is ready to get to work and I am really looking forward to having him on our staff and working with him.”Brandl said the family atmosphere at MCC really stood out as a place that he -- and wife Ashley -- wants to be.“Being a part of a campus that truly backs each other and the student athletes in more ways than one, solidified my decision on wanting to be here,” Brandl said.The coach looks to play a tough and disciplined brand of basketball, on and off the court.“Offensively our main objective is to value the ball and defensively giving max effort on every possession,” he said.

North Platte native takes MCC basketball post

Post Podcast: NP Legion Left field Tate Janas

Legion Head Coach Ty Brockmoller has tendered his resignation after one year as head coach of the North Platte First Nationals.

Brockmoller cited personal reasons for the decision when he informed the Legion board late Thursday night.&nbsp; Legion Board member Anthony Kuhlman thanked Brockmoller for the time he devoted to the program in the past year.&nbsp; The North Platte Legion team was already in the process of finding a replacement for President&nbsp;Bob Lindemeier and will now have to add a Head Coach to their search.&nbsp; The team will have tryouts and first practice on June 1st. They expect to start playing on June 18th.&nbsp;

They are still taking registrations for tryouts. <a href="https://nplegionbaseball.leagueapps.com/clubteams">You can register here</a>.

Legion Head Coach Ty Brockmoller has tendered his resignation after one year as head coach of the North Platte First Nationals. Brockmoller cited personal reasons for the decision when he informed the Legion board late Thursday night.&nbsp; Legion Board member Anthony Kuhlman thanked Brockmoller for the time he devoted to the program in the past year.&nbsp; The North Platte Legion team was already in the process of finding a replacement for President&nbsp;Bob Lindemeier and will now have to add a Head Coach to their search.&nbsp; The team will have tryouts and first practice on June 1st. They expect to start playing on June 18th.&nbsp;They are still taking registrations for tryouts. <a href="https://nplegionbaseball.leagueapps.com/clubteams">You can register here</a>.

NP Legion head coach resigns 

Post Podcast: Legion catcher Bryce Butterfield chats Legion ball and Hershey football

As a result of the Governor’s announcement on May 11, beginning June 1st NSAA member schools are permitted to open weight rooms for voluntary strength and conditioning sessions.

Prioritizing the health and safety of all students and staff must remain the focus of each NSAA member school.

These requirements must be followed when conducting voluntary strength and conditioning sessions:

Additionally, NSAA member school sponsored camps, clinics and open gyms are prohibited in any sport at this time.

Should the conditions warrant, these requirements will be adjusted.

As a result of the Governor’s announcement on May 11, beginning June 1st NSAA member schools are permitted to open weight rooms for voluntary strength and conditioning sessions.Prioritizing the health and safety of all students and staff must remain the focus of each NSAA member school.These requirements must be followed when conducting voluntary strength and conditioning sessions:<ol>
 <li>Maintain social distance by being 6 feet apart</li><li>Follow gathering guidelines of groups of 10 or less students</li><li>Groups of 10 or less must be pre-determined</li><li>Once groups determined, students may not switch from one group to another</li><li>Interaction between groups shall be avoided</li><li>Sessions can only include weightlifting, running, and exercises designed to promote physical fitness</li><li>Sport-specific drills are not permitted, and sport-specific equipment may not be used</li><li>Implement diligent and effective cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched objects and surfaces following the guidance of the CDC</li><li>It is the responsibility of each NSAA member school to comply with the above requirements</li>
 </ol>Additionally, NSAA member school sponsored camps, clinics and open gyms are prohibited in any sport at this time.Should the conditions warrant, these requirements will be adjusted.Any further official updates will be posted on the NSAA website and the NSAA social media platforms.

NSAA Update June 13th - Guidelines for summer workouts

*Editor's Note: May 14th Correction reflects that the message about FNBO was not an email but a text from the board to the coaches of the team.*

North Platte First Nationals development coach Justin Janas has tendered his resignation, effective immediately, and will continue working with the players on an individual basis.&nbsp;

Janas, who has a son on the team, has been working with a core of players since their exit in the district round last season. Janas would hold workouts and drills at the D and N event center every Wednesday and Sunday through all last summer and winter in an effort to help a few players hopefully earn spots on a college roster.&nbsp;

Those workouts would run from July until this March when the weather would start to turn better. At this point, Janas started to hold afternoon opportunities for the team nearly every day in anticipation of the upcoming 2020 Legion baseball season.&nbsp;

Those would last until Governor Ricketts added Lincoln County to his directed health measures which removed all organized sports and directed members of the public to avoid gatherings of 10 people or more and remain at a distance of 6 feet apart.&nbsp;

It was at this point the players started to organize workouts themselves always keeping to the Governors guidelines. The boys would head out to Centennial Park in groups of less than ten and work on conditioning and other individual drills. Janas would attend some of these to ensure the athletes were taking the proper safety precautions and instruct as needed.&nbsp;

During these unofficial workouts, the athletes were observed doing baseball activities and the State Legion board was contacted.&nbsp;

It was in April that Janas received a letter from the State representatives of Legion baseball stating they had no power to govern or enforce anything on the program until May because of an agreement with the NSAA (it would normally be high school baseball). Because North Platte does not have a baseball program, the players were only constrained by the Governor's directive, which according to Janas, they were following.&nbsp;

The players and Janas continued their work for another couple of weeks at Centennial Park.&nbsp;

It was then that area Legion representative Anthony McCreery threatened to have the program suspended if activities did not cease at which point Janas submitted his resignation to the Legion board. Janas would continue working with the boys in a private setting should the athletes wish.&nbsp;

First National Bank (the primary sponsor of the Legion program) was then contacted about the situation.&nbsp;

FNBO responded to the North Platte legion board, who then sent a text message out to their coaches that said:&nbsp;

"Complaints from members of the community have been made about our team practicing. Supposedly whoever is complaining says Legion gear was being worn and Board members were present. They claim they confronted whomever was there but were brushed off. They have told FNBO they are going to the media to call attention to our team as violating the Governor's health directives. Corporate says it has to stop or they will turn it over to their Legal team."

In a response to the North Platte Post, the North Platte Legion board had this to say:&nbsp;

"We as a program have no involvement on the issue at hand. We understand that some athletes are going to a city park, not a sanctioned Legion facility, on their own to play catch. This board has no authority over those athletes as they are acting on their own."&nbsp;

The North Platte First Nationals will hold one day of tryouts on June 1st with the season starting on June 18th. The roster has been expanded this season from 18 to 24. The organization is considering just having one team this year as opposed to a Junior and Senior squad.&nbsp;

The National Legion program has cancelled its entire season but has said teams can play for the sponsors without Legion affiliation. The Nebraska state board says the National board has no authority and will play under the Legion banner this season. The season will play baseball under the new directives set forth by the Governor (you can read those <a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/5eb9c68feb7f17053604b3b8">new guidelines here</a>).

*Editor's Note: May 14th Correction reflects that the message about FNBO was not an email but a text from the board to the coaches of the team.*North Platte First Nationals development coach Justin Janas has tendered his resignation, effective immediately, and will continue working with the players on an individual basis.&nbsp;Janas, who has a son on the team, has been working with a core of players since their exit in the district round last season. Janas would hold workouts and drills at the D and N event center every Wednesday and Sunday through all last summer and winter in an effort to help a few players hopefully earn spots on a college roster.&nbsp;Those workouts would run from July until this March when the weather would start to turn better. At this point, Janas started to hold afternoon opportunities for the team nearly every day in anticipation of the upcoming 2020 Legion baseball season.&nbsp;Those would last until Governor Ricketts added Lincoln County to his directed health measures which removed all organized sports and directed members of the public to avoid gatherings of 10 people or more and remain at a distance of 6 feet apart.&nbsp;It was at this point the players started to organize workouts themselves always keeping to the Governors guidelines. The boys would head out to Centennial Park in groups of less than ten and work on conditioning and other individual drills. Janas would attend some of these to ensure the athletes were taking the proper safety precautions and instruct as needed.&nbsp;During these unofficial workouts, the athletes were observed doing baseball activities and the State Legion board was contacted.&nbsp;It was in April that Janas received a letter from the State representatives of Legion baseball stating they had no power to govern or enforce anything on the program until May because of an agreement with the NSAA (it would normally be high school baseball). Because North Platte does not have a baseball program, the players were only constrained by the Governor's directive, which according to Janas, they were following.&nbsp;The players and Janas continued their work for another couple of weeks at Centennial Park.&nbsp;It was then that area Legion representative Anthony McCreery threatened to have the program suspended if activities did not cease at which point Janas submitted his resignation to the Legion board. Janas would continue working with the boys in a private setting should the athletes wish.&nbsp;First National Bank (the primary sponsor of the Legion program) was then contacted about the situation.&nbsp;FNBO responded to the North Platte legion board, who then sent a text message out to their coaches that said:&nbsp;"Complaints from members of the community have been made about our team practicing. Supposedly whoever is complaining says Legion gear was being worn and Board members were present. They claim they confronted whomever was there but were brushed off. They have told FNBO they are going to the media to call attention to our team as violating the Governor's health directives. Corporate says it has to stop or they will turn it over to their Legal team."In a response to the North Platte Post, the North Platte Legion board had this to say:&nbsp;"We as a program have no involvement on the issue at hand. We understand that some athletes are going to a city park, not a sanctioned Legion facility, on their own to play catch. This board has no authority over those athletes as they are acting on their own."&nbsp;The North Platte First Nationals will hold one day of tryouts on June 1st with the season starting on June 18th. The roster has been expanded this season from 18 to 24. The organization is considering just having one team this year as opposed to a Junior and Senior squad.&nbsp;The National Legion program has cancelled its entire season but has said teams can play for the sponsors without Legion affiliation. The Nebraska state board says the National board has no authority and will play under the Legion banner this season. The season will play baseball under the new directives set forth by the Governor (you can read those <a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/5eb9c68feb7f17053604b3b8">new guidelines here</a>).

UPDATED North Platte Legion Coach resigns 

Post Podcast: NP Legion 3rd base Tyler Tobey ready to get back to work!

NJCAA announced yesterday that they were lifting the in-person recruiting ban, a big step toward getting sports back to normal during the outbreak.&nbsp;

NJCAA announced yesterday that they were lifting the in-person recruiting ban, a big step toward getting sports back to normal during the outbreak.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Official statement regarding the <a href="https://twitter.com/NJCAA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NJCAA</a> recruiting ban in regards to COVID-19 ⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/ERvVYodcOe">pic.twitter.com/ERvVYodcOe</a>&mdash; NJCAA (@NJCAA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NJCAA/status/1259981651549003777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

JUCO Sports takes another step towards normalcy 

&nbsp;Yesterday Governor Ricketts put out a revised health measure that outlines the steps for getting youth sports back into action. You can read that measure <a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/5eb9c68feb7f17053604b3b8"> Here&nbsp;</a>

This comes as good news for the Local Legion baseball team according to board member Anthony Kuhlman.

 "We have always preached to our boys baseball is like life. You will always be faced with adversity, how you work to over that will define who you are. So we will overcome these hurdles and the boys WILL play baseball this summer. " Says Kuhlman.&nbsp;

As of right now, Legion baseball on a national level has been effectively cancelled with the organization earlier this year coming out and saying they will not hold any tournaments at the regional level or higher. They have also come out and said that teams wishing to continue playing this season will be participating in a sporting event not sponsored, nor endorsed in any manner, by the American Legion National Organization. Any baseball team that continues play in the 2020 season must understand that they are not playing as an American Legion National Organization “registered” team.&nbsp;

Here in North platte they intend to play on. The North Platte First Nationals are all eager and excited to get back out on the diamond. They are still holding sign-ups which you can do <a href="https://nplegionbaseball.leagueapps.com/"> online still here&nbsp;</a>

The team fully expects to start practice by June 1st and will play an abbreviated schedule this summer. That schedule is still being worked out by Legion member Brian Butterfield, who is trying to put together a season in just two weeks, a process that usually takes months.&nbsp;

The fight is not over yet for the team however, as this season will be a major blow financially for the team.&nbsp;

"Our biggest hurdle will be the financial part." Says Kuhlman, "The way we raise money for the team is every player sells tickets to home games. We do have a major corporate sponsor in First National Bank that helps with yearly needs but the majority is ticket sales. We also make a little bit from concessions each game, but with the new directives we have a major obstacle to overcome."&nbsp;

Fans of Legion Baseball will still be able to support the team if you want to make a financial contribution you can find the <a href="https://nplegionbaseball.leagueapps.com/pages/contacts">team's contact information here.&nbsp;</a>

&nbsp;Yesterday Governor Ricketts put out a revised health measure that outlines the steps for getting youth sports back into action. You can read that measure <a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/5eb9c68feb7f17053604b3b8"> Here&nbsp;</a>This comes as good news for the Local Legion baseball team according to board member Anthony Kuhlman. "We have always preached to our boys baseball is like life. You will always be faced with adversity, how you work to over that will define who you are. So we will overcome these hurdles and the boys WILL play baseball this summer. " Says Kuhlman.&nbsp;As of right now, Legion baseball on a national level has been effectively cancelled with the organization earlier this year coming out and saying they will not hold any tournaments at the regional level or higher. They have also come out and said that teams wishing to continue playing this season will be participating in a sporting event not sponsored, nor endorsed in any manner, by the American Legion National Organization. Any baseball team that continues play in the 2020 season must understand that they are not playing as an American Legion National Organization “registered” team.&nbsp;Here in North platte they intend to play on. The North Platte First Nationals are all eager and excited to get back out on the diamond. They are still holding sign-ups which you can do <a href="https://nplegionbaseball.leagueapps.com/"> online still here&nbsp;</a>The team fully expects to start practice by June 1st and will play an abbreviated schedule this summer. That schedule is still being worked out by Legion member Brian Butterfield, who is trying to put together a season in just two weeks, a process that usually takes months.&nbsp;The fight is not over yet for the team however, as this season will be a major blow financially for the team.&nbsp;"Our biggest hurdle will be the financial part." Says Kuhlman, "The way we raise money for the team is every player sells tickets to home games. We do have a major corporate sponsor in First National Bank that helps with yearly needs but the majority is ticket sales. We also make a little bit from concessions each game, but with the new directives we have a major obstacle to overcome."&nbsp;Fans of Legion Baseball will still be able to support the team if you want to make a financial contribution you can find the <a href="https://nplegionbaseball.leagueapps.com/pages/contacts">team's contact information here.&nbsp;</a><div></div>

Legion baseball: Baseball is like life, we will play through adversity!

Guidelines for restarting of youth sports in Nebraska

If you're interested here is the link for Coach Chromy's google filter:&nbsp;

<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/816167134&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>If you're interested here is the link for Coach Chromy's google filter:&nbsp;<div><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1RYvRPLx-40e69EYqtxGNyzoF7phhayfV&ll=41.49706187383302%2C-99.75783009999998&z=7"style="color:#FF0000;" align="center"> NSAA High School Football map </a> </div>

Post Podcast: Coach Tyson Chromy talks google fooball project and Bulldog football

UNDATED (AP) — The NFL has set protocols for reopening team facilities and has told the 32 teams to have them in place by May 15.

Commissioner Roger Goodell mapped out several phases of protocols in a memo obtained by The Associated Press. The first phase to deal with the coronavirus pandemic would involve a limited number of non-player personnel. That number initially would be 50% of the non-player employees and up to a total of 75 on any single day being approved to be at the facility. But state or local regulations could require a lower number.

The individual clubs would decide which employees could return to the facility and when, once the buildings reopen. No players would be permitted in the facility except to continue therapy and rehabilitation for injuries that were underway when facilities were ordered closed in late March.

Goodell noted that the league is actively working on the next phase of reopening, which will involve both more staffers and players. He said the players' union is also being consulted on these steps.

In other developments related to the coronavirus pandemic:

— NBA teams have been asked to help the Mayo Clinic with a study that could help researchers come closer to finding a solution to the coronavirus problem. The NBA and its players are partnering with Mayo Clinic officials who need volunteers for a study largely centered around antibodies. Additional goals of the study include being able to identify more patients who could donate plasma and improve care for patients who are dealing with the coronavirus, plus potentially move researchers closer to a vaccine.

— The NBA says some players can voluntarily work out at their team practice facilities starting on Friday, with some very specific conditions and only in places where local and state governments have signed off on such openings. But it’s unclear how many — if any — players will be back on the floor when the league ban gets lifted. Some teams aren’t ready to welcome players back immediately, and many teams aren't allowed to open yet to because of local rules.

— All but one of the 14 schools in the Southeastern Conference have indicated they plan to reopen their campuses for the fall semester, a step widely believed to be needed to resume football and other sports. South Carolina and Tennessee became the latest schools in the nation's top football conference to announce their plans, joining Alabama, LSU and others. Vanderbilt hasn’t announced its plans for the fall.

UNDATED (AP) — The NFL has set protocols for reopening team facilities and has told the 32 teams to have them in place by May 15.Commissioner Roger Goodell mapped out several phases of protocols in a memo obtained by The Associated Press. The first phase to deal with the coronavirus pandemic would involve a limited number of non-player personnel. That number initially would be 50% of the non-player employees and up to a total of 75 on any single day being approved to be at the facility. But state or local regulations could require a lower number.The individual clubs would decide which employees could return to the facility and when, once the buildings reopen. No players would be permitted in the facility except to continue therapy and rehabilitation for injuries that were underway when facilities were ordered closed in late March.Goodell noted that the league is actively working on the next phase of reopening, which will involve both more staffers and players. He said the players' union is also being consulted on these steps.In other developments related to the coronavirus pandemic:— NBA teams have been asked to help the Mayo Clinic with a study that could help researchers come closer to finding a solution to the coronavirus problem. The NBA and its players are partnering with Mayo Clinic officials who need volunteers for a study largely centered around antibodies. Additional goals of the study include being able to identify more patients who could donate plasma and improve care for patients who are dealing with the coronavirus, plus potentially move researchers closer to a vaccine.— The NBA says some players can voluntarily work out at their team practice facilities starting on Friday, with some very specific conditions and only in places where local and state governments have signed off on such openings. But it’s unclear how many — if any — players will be back on the floor when the league ban gets lifted. Some teams aren’t ready to welcome players back immediately, and many teams aren't allowed to open yet to because of local rules.— All but one of the 14 schools in the Southeastern Conference have indicated they plan to reopen their campuses for the fall semester, a step widely believed to be needed to resume football and other sports. South Carolina and Tennessee became the latest schools in the nation's top football conference to announce their plans, joining Alabama, LSU and others. Vanderbilt hasn’t announced its plans for the fall.— The Big 12 has become the first Power Five conference to say it will hold its football media days virtually. About 500 media members are usually credentialed to attend Big 12 media days, which were scheduled to be held July 21-22 at AT&amp;T Stadium near Dallas.— Four MLS teams allowed players to use team training fields for individual workouts on Wednesday. Sporting Kansas City, Atlanta United, Orlando City and Inter Miami let players in for vigorously controlled voluntary workouts on the first day they were permitted by the league. Nashville, Real Salt Lake, LAFC and Houston are among the league's 26 teams that plan to start Thursday, with more lined up next week.— The NCAA has approved a waiver that will allow schools to spend below the minimum level on athletic scholarships required to compete in Division I. The Division I Council Coordination Committee approved two other blanket waivers Wednesday that had been requested by several conferences in recent weeks in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Basketball and football players will be allowed to participate in summer athletic activities without being enrolled in school.— Fans will be allowed to enter baseball stadiums Friday for games in Taiwan for the first time this season. It is part of a gradual easing of restrictions amid the pandemic. The China Professional Baseball League said up to 1,000 people would be permitted to enter ballparks after an agreement between the league and Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center.— A person with knowledge of negotiations tells The Associated Press the Maryland Jockey Club and NBC Sports have set aside three possible dates for the running of the Preakness. The NBC affiliate in Baltimore reported the Preakness will be run Oct. 3. The person tells the AP that is one of the three possible dates, along with one each in July and August. The Preakness was originally set for May 16 as the second jewel of the Triple Crown. The uncertain timeline allows for the possibility of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont being run out of order.— The head of the Australian Open says various contingency plans are being considered for the Grand Slam tournament scheduled for January 2021. They include scrapping it altogether because of the pandemic or allowing just spectators from the host country. Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley tells the Australian Associated Press that tournament organizers have “modeled everything.” He says the “worst-case scenario” is no tournament at all next year. He says the “best-case scenario at this point” is having an Australian Open with only Australian fans. Wimbledon has been canceled for the first time in 75 years, the French Open has been moved from May to September, and a decision on this year’s U.S. Open is expected next month.— The French Tennis Federation says it will refund tickets purchased for the French Open because of uncertainty related to the coronavirus pandemic. The clay-court tournament at Roland Garros was initially slated to be held May 24-June 7 but has been rescheduled for Sept. 20-Oct. 4. The FFT says it “has taken the decision to cancel and refund all tickets purchased for the original dates of Roland Garros.” Refunds will be received by end of May and a new ticketing procedure will be opened if the tournament goes ahead.— Germany’s Bundesliga (BOON’-dehsh-lee-guh) has been given the go-ahead to resume its top two soccer divisions this month. German soccer league managing director Christian Seifert announced Thursday that the Bundesliga season will resume on May 16 with matches played in empty stadiums. The announcement comes one day after Chancellor Angela Merkel (AHN'-geh-lah MEHR'-kuhl) and the country’s 16 state governors agreed the season could resume. The Bundesliga was suspended on March 13 with nine rounds remaining. Seifert says the league will begin again where it left off.— Soccer players in Spain have returned to their team’s training camps for the first time since the country entered a lockdown nearly two months ago because of the coronavirus pandemic. Players for Barcelona, Real (ray-AL’) Madrid, Atlético Madrid and other clubs started preparing for the return to training this week. They are all expected to be tested for COVID-19 and should be cleared to practice once the results are back. Most clubs are expected to resume practicing by the end of the week.— The Spanish soccer federation is proposing an end to this season’s women’s league because of the coronavirus pandemic. The proposal is expected to be approved by the federation’s board on Thursday.— Belgium’s prime minister says all sporting competitions in the country will remain suspended until July 31 because of the pandemic. The Belgian soccer league says it will respect the decision by the national security council. The league recommended last month ending its season with the current standings declared final.— The Turkish soccer league plans to resume on June 12, a month and a half after it was suspended because of the outbreak. The president of the Turkish soccer federation says he hopes to finish the season by the end of July and host the Champions League final in Istanbul in August. The games will be played without spectators and the Turkish health ministry and its scientific advisory council will determine the conditions and guidelines under which the games will go ahead.— WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman expects professional boxing to return without spectators and with judges officiating by video from home. Sulaiman said the World Boxing Council has produced a protocol for fights during the coronavirus pandemic that limit, for instance, a four-fight card to about 40-50 people at a venue. Those numbers include one handler for each fighter, boxing commission supervisors, media and TV production crews.