Harrisburg Youth Athletics
Harrisburg Youth Athletics partners with the Harrisburg Township Park District providing recreational and travel baseball and softball as well as recreational flag football to the surrounding communities. Come join in on the fun.
2022 HYA Notices
2023 Baseball/Softball Travel Teams
HYA is pleased to announce that in 2023 they will offer tryouts for Travel Baseball and Travel Softball for anyone who participates in the 2023 Recreation League that meet the age requirements.
Tryouts will be offered for Baseball 10U and 12U Teams and Softball 10U and 12U Teams.
Travel teams will continue to play teams in the Southern Illinois area but could travel as far as Evansville IN, Paducah KY, or the St. Louis MetroEast Area.
HYA is also looking at having a 14U Boys Baseball Travel Team as well. More details to come.
Please contact the Park Office (618-252-2111) with any questions.
2022 Flag Football Registration
2022 HYA Flag Football Registration begins today (July 11) and ends on Friday, August 19, 2022. Flag Football is Co-Ed for boys and girls entering 1st through 6th Grades for the Fall 2022 School Year.
All games will be played on Saturdays at the Bill Rice Memorial Soccer Complex. Practices will be at the Soccer Complex or the Shaw Street Practice Facility across from Gibbs Field in Paul Emery Park.
Game Times will not conflict with SYSA scheduled soccer games on Saturdays.
Three (3) Saturdays will be played in the morning session (9:00, 10:00, or 11:00 AM) and
Three (3) Saturdays will be played in the afternoon session (1:00, 2:00, or 3:00 PM).
Registration Fee is $50. After game concession stand tickets will be included in the Registration cost.
Save the Date – HYA will hold a “Skills Camp” on Saturday, August 13th. More details to come.
Participant Registration - 
https://harrisburgparkdistrictsports.sportngin.com/register/form/547447840
Coach Registration - https://harrisburgparkdistrictsports.sportngin.com/register/form/376332523
2021 HYA Notices
10/5/2021 - October Special Board Meeting
There will be a Special Board Meeting for HYA on Thursday, October 7th at 6:45 PM at the Harrisburg Township Park District Office, 921 W. Poplar Street.
7/12/2021 - HYA Flag Football Registration
Registration for HYA Flag Football begins today, July 12, 2021.
All Registrations will need to be completed online. Please visit the following website for links to the Registrations through SportsEngine:
https://harrisburgparkdistrictsports.sportngin.com/page/show/5990616-registration
If you have any questions or issues please call the Harrisburg Township Park District Office at 618-252-2111. Office Hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Also, if you are willing to coach (head or assistant) please fill out the additional Coach Registrations.
2021 HYA Recreation Baseball/Softball Registration
HYA is now utilizing SportsEngine to register umpires for the 2021 Recreation Baseball and Softball Season.
Click Here to register to umpire.
If you have any questions please email bemery@harrisburgpark.net or call the Park Office at 618-252-2111.
More information can also be found at www.harrisburgpark.net/HYA-Umpires
2021 HYA Recreation Baseball/Softball Registration
Click Here to Register for 2021 HYA Baseball / Softball Recreation League
Click Here to Register to Coach/Volunteer for 2021 HYA Baseball / Softball
2020 HYA Notices
HYA Flag Football Updates
8/3/2020 – Flag Football - Harrisburg Youth Athletics (HYA) has made the decision to cancel the 2020 Flag Football Season. Concerns about the health and safety of participants, volunteers, and all community members were at the forefront of the decision. Also, the recently updated Restore Illinois Phase 4 Youth and Adult Sports Guidance does not allow Flag Football games to be played at this time. We look forward to providing Flag Football next year and thanks for all the local support to HYA.
HYA Baseball/Softball Updates
7/20/2020 – Harrisburg Youth Athletics (HYA) has come to the difficult decision that we cannot guarantee we will have HYA Travel Teams for the 2021 Baseball/Softball Season. With the rise in other organization travel teams in our area, we have had a difficult time competing with them to fill our travel team rosters. HYA does not want to guarantee a travel team and then not have enough players tryout to fill the roster. This, along with players not fully committing to the HYA Travel Teams, has been an issue lately. If any travel group would like to remain or form an HYA Affiliated Travel Team for the 2021 Season we would gladly consider that request. Please contact the park office if you would like more information.
6/10/2020 - Refunds - HYA will extend issuing refunds to paid participants of the 2020 Recreation Baseball/Softball Leagues until June 25, 2020. No refunds will be issued after June 25. You must call the Park Office at 618-252-2111 to schedule a pickup time for your refund. Thanks.
5/31/2020 - Harrisburg Youth Athletics has made the decision to cancel the 2020 Recreation Baseball & Softball Leagues. Concerns about the health and safety of participants, volunteers, and all community members were at the forefront of all the decisions. Information from the Restore Illinois Plan was also used as guidance in making decisions. Refund information is listed below.
5/3/2020 - Harrisburg Youth Athletics continues to monitor the updates and guidelines issued by the State of Illinois on youth sports activities and social gatherings. We also continue to have dialog with the Harrisburg Township Park District on when their facilities might start to reopen. Based on the current information available, at this time we are issuing the following update:
HYA Baseball & Softball Programs - HYA has made the decision to suspend all activities through the end of May. The season has NOT been canceled at this time. The HYA Board will meet again on May 31, 2020 to reassess the situation and circumstances related to COVID-19. The health, safety, and well-being of all our children, families, volunteers, and other community members is the top priority of HYA. We hope to launch a revised 2020 baseball/softball season as soon as state and local health officials provide direction and guidance that we can safely host the expected experience in a safe environment. Thank you for your patience and continued support during these challenging times. The potential for a canceled season and refunds will be discussed at the May 31, 2020 Board Meeting. More updates will be available June 1, 2020.
4/6/2020 - At the HYA Board Meeting on April 5, 2020 it was decided to cancel all practices in April and cancel Picture Day on May 2nd. At the May 3, 2020 HYA Board Meeting the Board will reevaluate the situation and decide how to proceed with the baseball/softball season at that time.
3/26/2020 - Your coach will notify you when practices will begin.
The HYA Umpires/Coaches Meeting for March 29th at 2:00 PM has been cancelled.
HYA is not cancelling the baseball/softball season at this time. Weekly and/or daily decisions to postpone practices and/or games will be made as we continue to take the coronavirus circumstances into consideration and as more information becomes available. Please check our webpage www.harrisburgpark.net/HYA and the park Facebook page www.facebook.com/harrisburgparkdistrict/ for updates. If you have any questions please contact the park office at 618-252-2111.
HYA Board Members
Blake Emery, President
Evan Denbow, Vice President
Kyle Harbison, Secretary
Lyndsi Apple
Brad Karnes
Matt Lewis
Lacee Upchurch
Meetings: Typically the first Sunday of each month at 7:15 PM at the Harrisburg Park Office. Exact Meeting dates are listed below. Contact Blake Emery at bemery@harrisburgpark.net for more information or to be put on the agenda.
2022 HYA Board Meeting Dates:
January 2, February 5 - 8:30 AM, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, July 10, August 7, September 11, October 2, November 6, December 4
2023 HYA Board Meeting Dates:
January 8, February 4 - 8:30 AM, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 9, August 6, September 10, October 1, November 5, December 3
Meeting Agendas
Meeting Minutes
History
Harrisburg Youth Athletics (HYA) was formed in 1994. Prior to 1994, Harrisburg had two separate youth athletic organizations, the Kiwanis and Khoury League. The Kiwanis was an in-town league that stressed having fun while playing baseball or softball. Khoury League was a traveling venue that stressed competition and took a more serious attitude toward softball and baseball. The two distinct programs did not work hand in hand and while they were fine programs, did not bring together the community. In fact, there were often debates on which program was better for Harrisburg. In 1994, several community leaders got together and thought about how they could improve community support in relation to the summer sports programs. From this meeting came the idea to combine the two programs and not only strengthen community relations but also our summer athletic programs. The Harrisburg Youth Athletic Summer League was formed. HYA combined the best from each program. An in-town league (for youth that simply want to enjoy playing ball) and a travelling program (for those that took the game more seriously) were formed. HYA decided to affiliate with the Pony Organization. This organization offers structured formats for the in-town leagues and stiff competition for the traveling teams. The success of this program has become quite evident by the success of our school baseball and softball programs.
Mission
The main goal of HYA is to ensure that every boy and girl has an equal chance at playing and enjoying a sports program. The success of HYA is not depended upon one or two select players but rather every youth in the program. Every youth in the program is seen as equally important.
Coaches
Coaches are very integral parts of sports. They provide leadership role models for our youth. HYA tries to provide the most qualified and capable person in that role. Character, leadership abilities, and an enjoyment of sports are determining factors in choosing coaches.
Parents
Parents are the biggest influence upon our youth of today. Parents conduct must be exemplary. How our children see us can be a forewarning on how our children will act. We urge all parents of participating youth to take an active interest in the program. This interest can be as a coach or simply supporting your child’s team. We also urge that every parent take the time to help your child, whether it is talking to them about attitudes and effort or playing catch in the back yard. This time that is taken will mean a lot to your child and may bring pleasant memories in the years to come.
Youth
Youth play a very important role in the success of our programs. We expect the youth to conduct themselves in a mannerly fashion. We also expect the youth to respect their coaches, teammates, umpires, and people attending the games. We hope that by setting positive examples as adults our children will follow suit. We would also like to remind everyone that without the youth there would be no HYA.
Recreation League Baseball & Softball
HYA will offer the following Recreational League Divisions for 2022:
T-Ball
Pre-K and Kindergarten. This is a tee ball program.
7U
Kindergarten and 1st grades. This is a coach pitch program.
9U
2nd and 3rd grades. This is a kid pitch program.
12U
4th, 5th, and 6th grades. This is a kid pitch program.
Fee: $40 per child and $80 family limit.
Season: Practices start in April. Games are played in May and June. There could be between 10 to 15 games scheduled to be played.
See the Registration Info page for more detailed information.
Coaching Information
Coaches are needed. Contact the Harrisburg Township Park Office at 618-252-2111 or office@harrisburgpark.net if you are interested.
HYA schedules all practices and games.
Click Here for Concussion Information.
Click Here for What to Teach Information.
Click Here for League Rules.
Click Here for Abused Children Information.
Umpire Information
Umpires are needed. Contact the Harrisburg Township Park Office at 618-252-2111 or office@harrisburgpark.net if you are interested.
Click Here for more information regarding umpires.
Travel Team Information
2021 Baseball/Softball Travel Team Announcement
7/20/2020 – Harrisburg Youth Athletics (HYA) has come to the difficult decision that we cannot guarantee we will have HYA Travel Teams for the 2021 Baseball/Softball Season. With the rise in other organization travel teams in our area, we have had a difficult time competing with them to fill our travel team rosters. HYA does not want to guarantee a travel team and then not have enough players tryout to fill the roster. This, along with players not fully committing to the HYA Travel Teams, has been an issue lately. If any travel group would like to remain or form an HYA Affiliated Travel Team for the 2021 Season we would gladly consider that request. Please contact the park office if you would like more information.
Flag Football
General Information
Open to all boys and girls in 1st through 6th grade.
Games are held every Saturday and there is one or two practices per week.
Game Times will not conflict with SYSA scheduled soccer games on Saturdays.
Three (3) Saturdays will be played in the morning session (9:00, 10:00, or 11:00 AM) and
Three (3) Saturdays will be played in the afternoon session (1:00, 2:00, or 3:00 PM).
See the Registration Info page for more detailed information.
There are 3 leagues:
1st & 2nd Grade
3rd & 4th Grade
5th & 6th Grade
Coaching Information
Coaches are needed. Contact the Harrisburg Township Park Office at 618-252-2111 or office@harrisburgpark.net if you are interested.
Click Here for Concussion Information.
Click Here for an Example Playbook of flag football plays.
Referee Information
HYA will schedule and pay referees for Flag Football. Contact the Harrisburg Township Park Office at 618-252-2111 or office@harrisburgpark.net if you are interested.
2022 Flag Football League
Harrisburg Youth Association, Inc. (HYA) will utilizes an online registration platform for the youth flag football leagues. The registration platform is called SportsEngine. There are instructions below on how to access the Registration page via computer or mobile device and how to install the SportsEngine App.
Registration for HYA flag football leagues will start on July 11, 2022 and ends August 19, 2022. Late Registrations will be on an as needed basis to fill up any available roster spots and will not be guaranteed a team jersey.
Please call or email the Park Office for more information at 618-252-2111 or office@harrisburgpark.net.
2022 Baseball and Softball Recreation League
Harrisburg Youth Association, Inc. (HYA) will utilizes an online registration platform for the youth recreation baseball and softball leagues. The registration platform is called SportsEngine. There are instructions below on how to access the Registration page via computer or mobile device and how to install the SportsEngine App.
Registration for HYA recreation baseball and softball leagues will start on January 10, 2022 and ends February 18, 2022. Late Registrations will be on an as needed basis to fill up any available roster spots and will be charged a late fee of $10.
Please call or email the Park Office for more information at 618-252-2111 or office@harrisburgpark.net.
2021 Flag Football
Harrisburg Youth Association, Inc. (HYA) has decided to utilize an online registration platform starting in 2021 for the youth Flag Football Leagues. The registration platform is called SportsEngine. There are instructions below on how to access the Registration page via computer or mobile device and how to install the SportsEngine App.
Open to all boys and girls: 1st through 6th grade.
Registration will start July 12, 2021 and end Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Noon.
Teams will be selected by Sunday, August 22, 2021.
There will be a Coach's Meeting on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Park Office Community Room.
Fees: $40 per child
Season: September 11, 2021 - October 16, 2021. Games are held every Saturday during this time.
There are 3 leagues:
1st & 2nd Grade
3rd & 4th Grade
5th & 6th Grade
Registration will be online via the SportsEngine App. More information to come soon.
Please call or email the Park Office for more information at 618-252-2111 or office@harrisburgpark.net.
Baseball & Softball
HYA Baseball & Softball Recreation League Games are played at the Gaskins City Complex located at 1 Felton Road in Harrisburg.
Practices are held at the Gaskins City Complex or at the Shaw Street Practice Fields located in Paul Emery Park.
Flag Football
All games will be played on Saturdays at the Bill Rice Memorial Soccer Complex. Practices will be at the Soccer Complex or the Shaw Street Practice Facility across from Gibbs Field in Paul Emery Park.
Sponsorship Information
Harrisburg Youth Athletics is supported by volunteers and local business and organizations. The strong support of our community and businesses is what makes HYA possible. Please help HYA in any way you can to help support the youth of our community.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Baseball & Softball Team Sponsor $350
Baseball & Softball Field Sponsor $500
Flag Football Team Sponsor $175
Donation Opportunities: HYA - Kiwanis Annual Radio Auction - Donate Items or Cash Donation
Fundraisers: Hold your own fundraiser with proceeds donated to HYA
Advertisement Opportunities: HYA Baseball & Softball Fence Signs (April to July) $100 per year.
HYA Flag Football Fence Signs (September to October) $100 per year.
HYA Important Dates
Recreation League Baseball and Softball Important Dates
Saturday, February 18, 2022 – Last day for Recreation League Baseball and Softball Registration. Late Registrations will only be accepted on an as needed basis and will be charged a late fee of $10.
Week of March 28, 2022 – Practices Begin
April 30, 2022 - Baseball and Softball Picture Day @ Gaskins City Complex
Week of May 2, 2022 – Games will start and continue through end of June 2022
Flag Football Important Dates
Saturday, August 21, 2021 – Last day for Flag Football Registration (8:00 AM to Noon). No late registrations accepted after that date.
Sunday, August 22, 2021 – Head Coaches Meeting at Park Community Room at 2:00 PM to select teams. Head Coaches must attend this meeting.
Saturday, September 11, 2021 – Games Begin
Saturday, October 2, 2021 - Flag Football Picture Day
Saturday, October 16, 2021 – Games End
Always check our website at www.harrisburgpark.net/HYA for updates and information.
HYA Important Dates - 2020
Recreation League Baseball and Softball Important Dates
Saturday, February 22, 2020 – Last day for Recreation League Baseball and Softball Registration (8:00 AM to Noon). No late registrations accepted after that date.
Sunday, February 23, 2020 – Coaches Meeting at Park Community Room at 2:00 PM. Anyone interested in being a head coach or assistant coach must attend this meeting. Will discuss rules, new changes, rate the players, and determine the number of teams for each league. If you do not attend this meeting then there is a chance that you will not be selected as a head coach.
Sunday, March 1, 2020 – Head Coaches Meeting at Park Community Room at 2:00 PM to select teams. Coaches that were selected to be Head Coach must attend this meeting. All teams will be selected, rosters completed, sponsors determined, and uniforms ordered. No new teams will be formed after this final selection.
Sunday, March 29, 2020 – Head Coaches Meeting at Park Community Room at 2:00 PM. This meeting is to inform, assist, and train our coaches as we discuss rules, umpires, and concessions. At this meeting coaches will pick up equipment bag, key, practice schedule, and picture day information. This meeting will also include an umpire clinic discussing what is expected from coaches and umpires. No equipment will be handed our prior to this meeting. Head Coaches must attend this meeting. Anyone interested in umpiring must also attend this meeting.
Week of April 1, 2020 – Practices Begin
Week of May 1, 2020 – Games will start and continue through June 27, 2020.
May 2, 2020 - Baseball and Softball Picture Day
Travel League Baseball and Softball Important Dates
Week of June 22 to June 27, 2020 – Travel Team Tryouts for 2021 Travel Teams
Flag Football Important Dates
Saturday, August 22, 2020 – Last day for Flag Football Registration (8:00 AM to Noon). No late registrations accepted after that date.
Sunday, August 23, 2020 – Head Coaches Meeting at Park Community Room at 2:00 PM to select teams. Head Coaches must attend this meeting.
Saturday, September 12, 2020 – Games Begin
Saturday, October 3, 2020 - Flag Football Picture Day
Saturday, October 17, 2020 – Games End
Always check our website at www.harrisburgpark.net/HYA and our Facebook page for updates and information.