COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates and Resources
Hello Blaze Basketball Families,
We hope you are having a great holiday weekend so far!
I am sending you an updated email to give you more specific details about Blaze Team Basketball.
I do want you to know that the coaches and I have read the responses to the survey that was sent out earlier in May. After reviewing the surveys together, the coaches and I decided we need to give you more information before we can get final responses from each of you about the season.
Many of your responses were tentative and pending on how the world will shift this summer. It's almost hard to respond to everyone individually, as we realize you may need even more information from other coaches (in addition to ours) in order to make the best decision moving forward.
Below you will find details regarding your Blaze 2020 season practice and tournament schedule.
Here is what we know:
1) We are shifting your season to be June/July, and for some, to end early August:
2) Your practices would start in June at the Community First Champion Center. Please click on this LINK to see your two day per week practice schedule.
- For 14u girls - 2024 - we may be moving the one practice away from Sunday - we will let you know this week what that practice change will be
- Practice schedules will start getting posted to Team Snap this week.
3) Your Tourney schedule would start in mid or late June
4) Your Practices and Tourneys would continue in July
5) Your Practices and Tourneys would end the last weekend in July or 1st or 2nd week of August (depending on the team).
- We know current 8th grade boys going into 9th grade start football the first week of August
- We know current 8th grade girls going into 9th grade start volleyball the second week in August
- We know there may be some young athletes whose soccer season is now cancelled and baseball and softball seasons are still pending, as those coaches figure things out themselves 🙂
6) Before practice starts we will send you more details on what to expect with hosting practices at the Champion Center. We will be taking a Step 1, 2, 3 approach in this Phase 1 of practices. Our goal is to get our athletes re-integrated into society and basketball safely and strategically. We will not be doing any 5v5 right away until we know that each athlete on the team is ready. We will build up using individual skill development and then 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 actions at the beginning. How quickly we move through these phases will be assessed by the coaching staff of each team during practices. Please make sure to communicate with your coaches directly on this once we kick off the season!
7) Most Tournament Directors have their final tourneys posted. There are some Direcotors who have not updated their websites even if they have chosen to not run their tourney! Typically those Directors who may have cancelled are ones who run a tourney once per year out of a public school.
- Right now, Directors who have private venues are providing events.
- The only private venue in Wisconsin who is still under some restrictions is the Barn at Lake Part in Menasha (due to volleyball club rules) and Sports Enhancement Academy in Dane County (Stoughton and Verona). Matt Slaby of SEA is just waiting to have those restrictions lifted. Every tourney director we are working with have implemented some sort of adjustement or plan with their event, and we will only attend tournaments where we know the county is open and Directors have a safety plan in place.
8) As coaches we need the beginning of next week to finalize our tournament schedule moving forward and make sure that we have a good competitive plan in place for EVERY team. Please expect a tournament schedule no later than Thursday, May 28th.
9) Because the number of weeks of our schedule needs to be shortened somewhat, we are working on adding in a 3v3 league (1x per week) for added competition in June to help the kids get the dust shaken off their legs and the rust shaken off their skills. Catching passes may find some butter fingers the first couple of weeks, and we get that!
10) We will continue to provide virtual training online with our Pros Brett Wittchow and Laken James.
11) The atheletes will be able to use their FREE training sessions from their team fees to get additional time at Blaze putting up shots and working more on their skills.
12) We will push out 1on1 and small group appointment opportunities that your athlete can sign up for for additional cost and they can use either for face to face or virtual training.
13) Once we send your teams final schedule out, we will then ask you for your FINAL input 🙂 Please encourage any other coaches/sports that your athlete will be involved in, to have their schedules complete by next week. Please share what your Blaze schedule is (as you know it today) with your other school/summer sport coaches so you keep an open line of communication going and so all can prepare.
14) If you asked for a refund initially with our early May survey, we have been in communication with a couple of you already. The rest of that group I will be sending an email out to you today.
Our goal is to provide every opportunity possible for your athletes to work back into their game.
Another goal is to provide flexiibility with multiple opportunities that will work for you and your families schedule.
I love the concept of offering live practices, 3v3 competition, and virtual training as part of your basketball season this year! Expect our virtual training to ramp up and in multiple ways for athletes as we add mental and leadership training in as well as our skill workouts!
We have so many athletes and so many different circumstances. If you want to respond, I ask that you respond to us at team@blaze365.com and copy your head and assistant coach in that email as well. We will be tracking all things Blaze Team Basketball through our Zendesk communication system this season, so we don't lose track of everyone's position personally.
I went from a controlled email inbox to one of those nightmarish inboxes overnight when COVID hit. If for some reason I haven't responded to you personally on an item, I apologize, but will find it as things settle down, become more manageable now, and I start to dig out.
Thank you again for participating in the first ever State of Blaze update this week. And thank you for being patient with us as we work through this situation carefully.
For now, please enjoy your gorgeous weekend and family!
Always Blazing,
Coach Lisa and our amazing Blaze staff
#BeTheFlame
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing and going to the bathroom.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Take the daily symptom assessment before checking-in. Take your temperature with a thermometer, and assess yourself for the following symptoms. If you have the following symptoms, stay home.
- Fever - must be fever (99.5 degrees) free for 72 hours
- Persistent cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Muscle Pain
- Sore Throat
- Loss of taste or smell
- Close contact with positively tested or suspected COVID-19 patient
- International travel in the past 14 days
- Sign off on our COVID-19 waiver (available to download on May 25, 2020 on our website - blaze365.com/fitness and blaze365.com/basketball. Copies will be available at our front desk as well. It will speed up the process if you have the waiver signed ahead of time. The waiver only needs to be signed once for each person.)
- IMPORTANT: Please ensure all of your information - especially address, phone number, email address, emergency contact and profile photo are up to date in your MindBody account!!
- There will be no lingering inside Blaze. Our lobby and bistro area are closed. You will enter at your workout or hoops time and leave the facility promptly after your session ends.
- You will have to wait outside the Blaze facility on the designated spots before your session.
- A Blaze staff member will let you in the building and check you in at the start of your session.
- At the end of your reservation, you will gather your belongings and exit the gym or fitness center through the designated doors.
- Locker rooms will NOT be available and that means there will be NO access to showers at Blaze during this first phase of re-opening.
- Water fountains/bubblers will NOT be available so please bring your own water.
- Bring your own ball for sports reservations.
- Masks are optional at Blaze Sports & Fitness. If you prefer to wear one, please do.
- Blaze staff will be cleaning high touch surfaces throughout the day.
- The Blaze facility will be CLOSED Saturday afternoons and CLOSED all day Sundays for deep cleaning.
- Each person can only book 1 fitness class OR 1 open fitness time per day
- For open fitness sessions, you will be in the facility for 1 hour at the max and that includes entering the facility, cleaning the equipment in your station before AND after your workout, and exiting the facility. Best to plan for a 40-45 minute workout.
- If you schedule a class or open fitness session and don't show up, you will be charged a no-show fee ($18 fee for a missed class and $10 fee for a missed open fitness session).
- If you do not need the 5 am and 6 am classes, please save those times for our members that need to be to work bright and early
- The Blaze doors are locked and class participants wait on the marked spots outside the main entrance doors. The instructor will open the doors at the class start time.
- Bring your own water and towel for sweat, if desired. Bring your own yoga mat if desired.
- We recommend warming up on your own in advance of the class as there will not be time allotted for our usual warm up.
- Please watch our demo videos on the Blaze Groupies Facebook page in advance of your class.
- Each person can only book 1 fitness class OR 1 open fitness time per day
- For open fitness sessions, you will be in the facility for 1 hour at the max and that includes entering the facility, cleaning the equipment in your station before AND after your workout, and exiting the facility. Best to plan for a 40-45 minute workout.
- If you schedule a class or open fitness session and don't show up, you will be charged a no-show fee ($18 fee for a missed class and $10 fee for a missed open fitness session).
- The Blaze doors are locked and open fitness participants must wait on the marked spots outside the main entrance doors. A Blaze staff member will open the doors at the session start time.
- Bring your own water and towel for sweat, if desired. Bring your own yoga mat if desired.
- We will have 3 hoops available for rental - the North hoop and South hoop in the gym and the Skills Lab hoop.
- MUST register in advance. NO WALK-INS!
- Registration opens 48 hours prior to the start time and closes 2 hours prior to the start time of a session.
- Limit of one person per hoop (a parent can accompany a child and a sibling can accompany a child - max of 3 family members per hoop).
- You MUST bring your own basketball.
- Limit: 1 hour of Open Hoops time per person per day
- Dr. Dish and Blaze equipment will NOT be available during this time.
- Bookings will be available in 1 hour time slots
- You will be charged a No-show fee of $10 if you book an Open Hoop session and do not attend.
- There will be no lingering at Blaze.
- You have to wait outside the facility before your session.
- A Blaze staff member will let you in the building and check you in at the start of your session.
- You will go to your court through the designated doors and set your belongings at your court.
- At the end of your reservation, you will gather your belongings and exit the gym and the facility through the designated doors.
- Water fountains/bubblers will NOT be available so please bring your own water.
- If kids are dropped off for Open Hoops time, they MUST be picked up promptly when their session ends.
Hello Blaze Family,
From our staff to all of you, we hope you are staying safe and healthy, and getting through the tumultous times we are in.
The sun is shining, and there are many things we can be thankful for!
We've had our fitness program shifted online through Facebook to keep our members active!
Our Wisconsin Blaze Pro men are taking a needed break but still training. They had an extremely successful first year in the American Basketball Association league being the first basketball team to compete at the Community First Champion Center, and volunteering to those in need in the the community.
All of our volleyball coaches wrapped their seasons up providing an opportunity for ongoing challenges through our Blaze VolleyOn programs, and connections via zoom with the athletes, while we were waiting for more confirmations from the state. Unfortunately, the volleyball season was cut short, but it didn't overshadow how successful the program was with the time we had and the competitive level we were playing at. We have an outstanding group of volleyball coaches, athletes, and parents!
Our Basketball staff did the same for challenging athletes to stay active with the Blaze On Basketball program, turned virtual trainings Live on YouTube, as well offered more competitive and fun trainings using the Home Court app.
Personally, I have been connecting with our older athletes regarding their recruiting journey and for those on the Path program, started interviewing them recently to help promote them to college programs of interest. Here is an example of Lexi Day's interview.
I have been on many video meetings over the last two months gaining a better understanding of the virus and disease, as well as what business and safety measures we need to put in place for the safe return of our families and athletes. We had a plan in place ready to go back in March and we've spent more time adjusting the finer details and re ready to return to work.
I am on many calls through the week, but two repeating Basketball Director specific calls addressing the state of the pending basketball season. One is with Sports Directors across the country, and a few weeks ago, I banded our Basketball Directors together from across the state of Wisconsin to help support and provide strategies to keep our industry going. In addition I have connected with State Senator Roger Roth's team and Representative Jeremdy Thiesfeldt, Assembly District 52 out of Fond du Lac. After a couple of discussions, Jeremy tasked me with coming up with a plan for all sports and fitness businesses. We need all our businesses to have a plan of action as we had limited to no guidance from the state that pertain to the specific needs of our industry.
Our plan is called Wisconsin SMART Start. Please review this guide. It will give you a better understanding of the level of leadership and ability Blaze is so well known for. It will show you how much we care for our families and put your safety first. We know we can provide you with a SMART Start, phased approach, to your sports and fitness routine that has brought you health, joy, and entertainment that is such a part of your everyday lives.
You can find notes from our Basketball Directors meeting along with the videos of those meetings if you so choose to watch.
This coming week, we will continue to have our Blaze staff meetings, along with a special Basketball Coaches meeting to finalize our preparations to open using the WI SMART Start plan. With this time, we will continue to prepare for the launch of our pending basketball season.
To all the families who participated in our basketball survey earlier this month, response emails will be going out this week.
On Monday, I will be sending out a zoom meeting invite to all of Blaze for later on in the week, to provide an update on the State of Blaze, when we expect to open, how we will open, what our new guidelines will be, and answer any questions you may have.
As an organization we are mandated to follow state authorities, local municipalities, the DPI, WIAA, AAU, NCAA, USA Volleyball, and Badger Region Volleyball. But we have it handled. 🙂
We are tentatively working towards A LIMITED start date of Tuesday, May 26th. But there's a lot of legal factors at play before we can give you a final confirmation of that. We will let you know for sure next week if that is the case.
When we do open, it will be a phased come-back for individuals and teams, and you can find more about that in the Wisconsin SMART Start plan. We need to be safe and creative on our come back, and as we finalize plans with our team coaches, we will share those plans with you.
For now, turn off the tube, and continue to enjoy your family and this amazing weather. We have been blessed with more time, and despite any political chaos, our faith and family does not need to be shaken.
Keep in prayer; we've got this.
We will Blaze with you next week!
Respectfully,
Lisa and your amazing Blaze staff!
Your WORD is a lamp for my feet, and a light on my path. - Psalm 119:105
Side note for Basketball athletes: As of May 25, if your entire team does not register through the Home Court app invite we sent you, we will combine different teams on that app. The cost to provide access to for each team doesn't work if only 1 or 2 people on a team are using it. I sent team snap emails and texts with specific invites to each team separately, so if you/your athlete are not registered, make sure to do that by May 25th. Thanks!
Dear Blaze Basketball Family,
We pray this email finds you in a place of peace.
The state of our basketball season continues to be in question as the timetable of when we will be able to come back is still unknown. We may be able to be in small groups, but not large right away. With dwindling spring and summer time frames, it's clear we will not be able to come back in full in a manner we expected. We are in a certain situation at this time, that we have to choose to fold or forge forward. Blaze never folds, because we serve and live by a greater standard and for a greater purpose. As an organization we are strategically approaching our situation and making adjustments and changes for you.
I was asked to join along with other Directors/Owners from across the country in a peer group setting weekly so we can maneuver this storm together. I have been with that group for a month now. Depending on what state those coaches or directors are in, the situation for them is much varied and the expected outcomes are on both ends of the spectrum.
Some school districts and universities (depending on the state and county), have shut down their school systems through the summer. But not all. This really puts into question what kind of team travel we expect to see in June and potentially in July.
There are clubs who depend on schools as their source of practice space, and if their schools are shut down through summer, those coaches have already chosen to cancel their seasons. There are others who have their own facility or access to space outside school systems and are planning on providing some sort of season for their teams, but what that looks like is still unknown at this time. Those coaches are providing or will be providing online training in place of their regularly scheduled face to face practice/training sessions.
As far as tournaments, Directors are either cancelling their tournaments, or pushing them into July or August. As an organization we have decided to move our Hardwood Hustle tournament (scheduled June 5-7th) to July 31-August 2nd. We believe it's too risky physically and financially at this time to hold it in June. Teams are already asking for refunds out of fear, uncertainty, or lack of capability to find practice space so soon for a June 5th-7th tourney.
Any tournament emails I have received from Directors that are hosting their tourneys in mid to late June are planning on cutting back on spectators and number of teams. If there are any that run and we do partake in them, it would be a tournament in the state, later in June at the earliest (June 20th or June 27th). That's the earliest date I expect our teams and the majority of our families on a team, would feel comfortable attending a large public tournament. But the survey I am sending to you today, will help us verify that for each team.
I have also been in conversations with college coaches on a daily basis. Some college coaches think there will be somewhat of an NCAA viewing period for high schoolers, and others are hearing don't count on it.
Together my peer group from states such as WA, CA, IL, MN, NY, MA, IN and CO, have shared ideas, strategies and more on how we can continue to serve our athletes and families moving forward.
We know these are difficult times, especially through the changes. We know all our families have been impacted in some way, physically, mentally, emotionally, economically, and socially. Blaze has too. But we have faith that God can help us not only weather the storm, but help us move forward stronger than ever because we are His warriors.
We can conquer this time together. We have the opportunity now to cut away what isn't in our control, what isn't working or of God, refine what is, move forward together in His favor, and usher in a new life that will produce far greater reward than what we've ever experienced before. A reward that goes beyond finances but is priceless.
Please review our most recent
Blaze Video Update on 4/26/20 and fill out the
Basketball Survey by Friday, May 1, 2020
Please review the survey in advance so you can talk it over with your family. If you have any questions about finances, please reach out to Jenny Moeller at accounting@blaze365.com
At this time we are planning on providing a modified season with the program fee you have paid in already,, by serving you and your athlete with a variety of online trainings now, modified face to face practice sessions to abide by state law in late May/June (if restrictions cut into our ability to host a team over 10), fewer tournaments later in summer (earliest would be late June).
Right now - our next strategic priority will be providing a slate of comprehensive online programming for athletes to choose from, focused on skills, IQ, leadership, and more. We know in this time there will be changes, but we believe this can be one of the most fruitful and rewarding times of our lives.
If for some reason you choose to back out of our upcoming season at this time, we will discover that through your responses to this survey and we will reach out to you individually.
Let's focus on what we can do!!! We always prepare for the worst, and pray for the best!
Reminder to our High Schoolers!!!! THIS IS THE TIME TO BE WORKING ON YOUR RECRUITING JOURNEY!!! YOU CAN DO EVEN MORE NOW!
We pray you will consider your responses carefully, to help keep us Blazing On, and being a light in the community. We miss our Blaze family so deeply. And we want to be here for you now and in the future. We ask that you come alongside us in some manner. Whether it's by acknowledging these modifications and partaking in them, donating to our 501c3 Blazing Hearts, or applying your program fee to other services if you must back out of the season.
We look forward to continuing to serve you and your families in any capacity possible.
We are praying for you, your families, your financial situation, and your health.
With love and determination,
Lisa Van Wyk and Your Blaze Staff
Blaze Sports & Fitness
Wisconsin Blaze
Wisconsin Blaze Pro
#BeTheFlame
"Therefore I remind you to keep aBlaze the gift of God that is in you, through the laying on of my hands, for God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love and a sound mind."
- 2 Timothy 1:6a, 7 (HCSB)
- Level II (7th grade & older) - 9 am - 12 pm
- Level I (6th grade & under) - 1 pm - 4 pm
We understand the inconvenience this may cause some athletes and families and appreciate your continued support as we do our best to ensure the health and safety of our athletes, staff, and families.
All the best,
Hello Blaze Families,
I write to you with a very saddened heart, and a bit of an inflamed disposition as well.
In the past couple of hours, many of you I'm sure have heard that Governor Evers superseded and extended the Safer at Home Order #12 (effective March 24, 2020 and ending Friday, 8am, April 24, 2020) with the Safer at Home Order #28 until Tuesday, May 26th at 8am. In this new Emergency Order, there have been more clarifications and regulations implemented for both essential and non-essential busineses.
I do know that Governor Evers is trying to do what he thinks is best for our communities. Personally, however, from my analysis, I was quite surprised that the decision to extend our stay at home order was rolled out in this manner. I understand the desire and need for a slow comeback, and I welcome it. But I found this order was not one for a slow comeback. Instead, it was another order that continues to restrict movement for our entire state.
This of course, greatly impacts all our families, teams, fitness members, and staff.
This impacts our entire community in many ways. Some family members have fallen ill, some even have passed, and all of us were forced to adjust the way we work, IF we work, play, communicate, and interact with each other.
Unfortunately, in the media, I am seeing such division over political lines. I am not one to take sides over Democratic or Republican parties. I try to steer from political arguments, because I don't think it's worth losing friends or family over, especially my Blaze family! I have never voted by color, but instead, because of my personal upbringing, and now my public and private experiences, I have always voted for someone who I believe would be the leader we needed at the time we needed them.
I believe in leaders who care about the people, and do what's right for the people first, and make decisions that will stand the test of time. That's what we at Blaze will provide for you.
Today, there are four aspects of our business I will address for you.
Volleyball, Basketball, Sports Training, and Fitness Training
Volleyball and Basketball Teams.
At this time, all team practices and tournaments are cancelled through May 26th. If you have scheduled any hotels during this time period, cancel them accordingly.
Please give us time to wait for USA Volleyball, Badger Region, the NCAA, and the American Athletic Union, to respond to this new government order. As members, we do follow their guidelines and want to make sure that we have that in place before moving forward with any options we had drafted back in March. We do know that this emergency order has completely impacted our ability to run the season we initially had in place, and limits our flexibility moving forward.
We know this recent order will also impact tha ability for Badger Region to host any Volleyball Championships at the end of May.
I expect a swift response from our sports organizations by next week, albeit each state has new timelines, I'm sure they will provide some response.
Sports and Fitness Training
Starting on March 11th, the first time we knew we had to respond to this pandemic and potential shutdown, our Blaze staff worked even harder to get ahead of different timelines we might be faced with.
As an organization, we had created an incredible safety-first approach to allowing no more than 6 people in any space at any one time in our Blaze facility. We knew our families and kids still needed some place to go, something to do, some place to play, run, jump, shoot, pass, and lift. I still believe this is a necessity for our clients mental and physical health.
I want all of my families to know, I will be digging further into these orders, and believe there is the potential to provide limited gym options to our families. As a staff, we will review both orders and all those enacted in between the two again, determine the feasibility of this, and enact our plan with the social distancing measures recommended to all essential businesses.
We will always do what's best for our families and what makes the most sense. This is why we continue to provide FREE online fitness training for our members, basketball and volleyball training tips, and continue to reach out to our teams via zoom and/or email. We care for you beyond the gym.
Some people may find my review and handling of order #28 questionable. This is a decision led by me with much regard to what I know about Microbiology, Immunology, and the recent pandemic data. What comes from our final decision as a staff on how we will respond to order #28 may provide options for those who want to stay home, and those who need to literally exercise their freedoms. If you feel safer at home, it's okay to stay at home. But if you need space, I want to provide that. I take full responsibility for any and all who are in disagreement.
I do question authority. I have seen abuse of power all along in my life, so I am careful to watch people and analyze actions critically. So I implore my athletes, question everything we do. Question me! Question your coach, ask why, and be critical thinkers. Gain knowledge and wisdom. Keep your eyes and ears open. Be strategic. I want them to be thinkers. I don't ever want our athletes to just regurgitate what they hear, but make sure it makes sense. Speak up and use your voice. May this always protect them and their families. But in the end, always do what's best for your families.
At this time, please do not email and ask what we will be doing with memberships and team fees. We know many people are concerned about their finances, and rightly so.
At this point, we had placed all unlimited memberships on pause.
Our staff plans to meet again next week, and will review the situation at hand, as well as how this extension impacts our individual members and teams, make decisions in the best interest for all our families, and share what your options will be.
We appreciate your patience during this time, and will get back to you as soon as we are ready to provide more answers and options for you.
Respectfully,
Coach Lisa
#BeTheFlame
Hello Blaze Basketball Family,
We hope everyone is staying strong during these uncertain times.
I am sending an encouragement through a song from Psalm 46:1 to remember, that "God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. We have nothing to fear. This is a time we can Actively Be Still, and know He's got it handled."
Our team is ACTIVELY Being Still. We are communicating, doing what we can now, but with a peace of mind and heart, that everything will be okay in the end.
We've had to make some hard decisions as an organization, as I'm sure you have as well. But, we will get through this time, and continue to be the light. That's what we do as a Blaze family!
With the Governor’s new "Safer at Home" Order in effect until April 24, 2020, Blaze Sports & Fitness will remain closed and all Blaze sports events including tournaments, practices, skills classes, individual training sessions, and open gyms will be suspended until April 24th.
We continue to remain hopeful that we will be able to host a full 2020 Wisconsin Blaze Basketball season, with a modified schedule for all teams. Blaze staff are working to adjust schedules in the following way:
Practices begin the week of April 27th
No change to the number of tournaments provided; all tournaments take place between May and extend later into June/July
As this is an ever changing situation, this schedule is subject to change at any time and we ask for your continued patience and understanding. The health and wellbeing of our athletes, coaches, families, and staff remain our number one priority.
We will continue to communicate with you as this situation develops and we receive guidance and information from health officials. In the meantime, please continue to join us in staying optimistic that our AAU basketball season will happen.
For now, please continue to follow us on social media as we continue to post encouragements and at home training tips to our athletes that they can use at home.
We wish you and your family health, safety, and security.
Continue to #BeTheFlame
Always with Love,
Lisa Van Wyk
Blaze Sports & Fitness
Wisconsin Blaze
#BeTheFlame
To our Blaze Fitness family:
As you know, we made the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily close Blaze Sports & Fitness last week. We appreciate the grace you've given us over the past week as we work to figure out the best steps forward at this time of uncertainty.
We value all of our clients - you are like family to us! With that in mind, effective today, Blaze Fitness is PAUSING ALL of our memberships until further notice. What does this mean? It means that you do not have to do anything - you will not be charged for your monthly membership as of today.
Once we are able to re-open Blaze Sports & Fitness, we will turn your membership back on. If anyone would like to continue their membership payments during this challenging time, our small business would greatly appreciate it. This would help support our instructors and help us in providing our online workouts. To continue your membership payments, please email accounting@blaze365.com.
For our clients with 10-packs or packages for personal training, we will be extending the expiration date for your sessions based on the length of time we are closed.
I am happy to let you know that we are posting DAILY workouts (Monday - Saturday) on our Blaze Groupies closed Facebook group. This is different than our Blaze Sports & Fitness Facebook page. If you aren't a member of our Groupies group, simply send us a request to join and we will add you - there is NO COST. Even though we can't workout together at Blaze, we can still workout and encourage each other online!
Please visit www.blaze365.com for more information on our updates regarding COVID-19.
We absolutely cannot wait to re-open our doors and welcome all of you back to Blaze Sports & Fitness - hopefully soon! Until that time, you are all in our prayers and I know we will get through this together!
I find encouragement at this time in the bible verse that is at the heart of our Blaze organization, "Keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you, for God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love and sound judgement." - 2 Timothy 1:6-7
Our hearts and our prayers are with you.
Chris Weister
Wellness Director
Blaze Sports & Fitness
920.750.5180
chris@blaze365.com
Blaze Sports & Fitness will be closed until further notice.
We ask for your continued grace as we work to move forward.
To Our Blaze Sports & Fitness and Wisconsin Blaze family:
In our commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for all of our athletes, coaches, staff, and families, we believe at this time the safest course of action is to CLOSE Blaze Sports & Fitness through March 31.
We acknowledge that this unprecedented situation calls for us to be “part of the solution” to protect the health of our community.
We will be providing online fitness workouts Monday through Saturday on our Blaze Fitness groupies Facebook group - simply send a request to join the group - there is no cost. We will also be posting basketball and volleyball at-home training tips on our Wisconsin Blaze Facebook page to help our athletes stay active during this time.
Please visit www.blaze365.com for more information on our updates regarding COVID-19.
We look forward to re-opening our doors and welcoming all of you back to Blaze Sports & Fitness soon!
I find encouragement at this time in the bible verse that is at the heart of our Blaze organization, "Keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you, for God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love and sound judgement."
2 Timothy 1:6,7 (HCSB)
Our hearts and our prayers are with you.
Lisa Van Wyk
Founder & President
Blaze Sports & Fitness
Wisconsin Blaze
Dear Blaze Sports & Fitness Family,
The team at Blaze has been closely monitoring the ever-changing COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation, and remains committed to providing high-quality services to all of our clients and families. We have reviewed current recommendations and guidelines from health officials. With these in mind, the following changes will take place at Blaze Sports & Fitness:
- Blaze Sport & Fitness will be CLOSED to all athletes, coaches, members, and personnel Monday March 16, 2020 and Tuesday, March 17, 2020
- This includes all levels of Blaze Membership (Basic, Ultimate and Plus)
- Blaze Group Fitness classes are suspended through March 26, 2020
- Blaze Sports activities including practices, group and individual trainings, tournaments, games, and open gyms are suspended through April 6, 2020
We understand the inconvenience this may cause some athletes and families and appreciate your continued support as we do our best to ensure the health and safety of our athletes, coaches, staff, and families. We also understand that you may have questions. We promise to provide answers to those as we have them. In the meantime, you can expect additional information from us regarding memberships by Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
We will continue to communicate with you as this situation develops and we receive guidance and information from health officials. In the meantime, please stay tuned to our website (www.blaze365.com) and social media channels for up to date information and direct your questions to team@blaze365.com.
Be the flame,
Lisa
Hello Blaze Family,
With the Governor's order for all schools to close beginning March 18, 2020 through April 6, 2020, we have made the difficult decision to suspend all Blaze sports events including tournaments, practices, skills classes, individual training sessions, and open gyms through April 6, 2020.
We remain hopeful that we will be able to host a full 2020 Wisconsin Blaze Basketball Season, with a modified schedule for all teams. Blaze staff are actively working to adjust schedules in the following way:
- Teams that are in 7th grade and under
- Practices begin the week of April 6th
- No change to the number of tournaments provided; all tournaments take place between April 18th and mid June
- Teams that are in 8th grade and above
- Practices begin the week of April 6th
- No change to the number of tournametns provided; tournamnts to take place between April 18th and extend later into June/July
As this is an ever changing situation, this schedule is subject to change at any time. We ask for your continued patience and understanding. The health and wellbeing of our athletes, coaches, families, and staff remain our number on priority.
We will continue to communciate with you as the situation develops and we receive guidance and information from health officials. In the meantime, please stay tuned to our website (www.blaze365.com) and social media channels for up to date information. Please direct your questions to team@blaze365.com.
Thank you,
Gage Moede
Basketball Director
Wisconsin Blaze
Hello everyone,
Last night we received notification from Badger Region regarding expanded precautionary measures. USA Volleyball has banned all events, including but not limited to tournaments, practices, individual training sessions and anything covered by USA Volleyball insurance through March 31, 2020. Read the full release here: http://badgervolleyball.org/badger-region-covid-19-response/
The third weekend of Badger Region Championships and the Dale Rohde Memorial Tournament scheduled for March 28-29, 2020 are now postponed. The Region has committed to making every effort to reschedule these events, including High Performance tryouts. Information on this will be shared as it becomes available.
Additionally, with the Governor’s order for all schools to close beginning March 18, 2020 through April 6, 2020, we have made the difficult decision to suspend all Blaze sports events including tournaments, practices, skills classes, individual training sessions, and open gyms through April 6, 2020.
Early next week, I will be in contact with individual teams who were slated to wrap up their season during this time to discuss plans moving forward.
Thank you all for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate these ever-changing and uncharted waters. Certainly, this is not the way any of us anticipated or wanted the season to wrap up, but your support has helped make this situation that much easier.
We will continue to communicate with you as the situation develops and we receive guidance and information from health officials. In the meantime, please stay tuned to our website (www.blaze365.com) and social media channels for up to date information.
All the best,
Emma
Good morning! Per the email we sent on Thursday, March 12, 2020 - based on recommendations set by our sports governing bodies and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Wisconsin Blaze is suspending all sports events, practices, trainings, and camps through March 26, 2020. We understand that this is an ever changing situation, and will continue to monitor and follow guidelines issued by state and local health officials.
The Champs Basketball Camp scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2020 will be RESCHEDULED to Saturday, March 28, 2020 from 1 pm - 4 pm.
Your athlete will be automatically signed up for the new date and time.
If you would like to cancel the camp, please email schedule@blaze365.com or call 920.750.5180 and we will be more than happy to cancel your athlete's camp registration and provide a refund.
We understand the inconvenience this may cause some athletes and families and appreciate your continued support as we do our best to ensure the health and safety of our athletes, staff, and families.
We will continue to communicate with you as this situation develops and we receive guidance and information from health officials. In the meantime, please stay tuned to our website and social media channels for up to date information and direct your questions to team@blaze365.com.
- Volleyball team practices
- Basketball team practices
- Sports Skills Trainings
- Sports Camps
- Sports Open Gyms
- Youth Flex Classes
- Pro Basketball team practices
- Basketball parent meetings
Badger Region Events Suspended through March 26
Good afternoon volleyball families,
Today, we received communication from Badger Region with expanded precautionary measures regarding COVID-19. Please review the press release here: http://badgervolleyball.org/2020/03/12/badger-region-announces-update-to-covid-19-response-and-postponement-of-events
At this time, all events, including the first two weekends of Badger Region Championships and the FVP Classic #6 are suspended. Information regarding any potential rescheduling of these events will be provided at a later date, as we receive guidance from Badger Region. For now, we recommend that all teams attending Badger Region Championships March 13-14 and 21-22, including anyone attending High Performance tryouts on March 13, contact the hotels directly to work through cancellations. We echo Badger Region’s call for patience and courtesy while working with those involved.
Practices, trainings and open gyms are cancelled through March 26. We will continue to monitor recommendations and comply with those as they come out. An announcement about resuming practices will be made at a later date.
Thank you for your understanding. You can expect additional information and details from Blaze as this situation develops. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out with questions.
WI Blaze Pro Game Cancelled
ATTENTION: Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the ABA has postponed playoffs until further notice. Our game vs. the Illinois Panthers on Sunday, March 15th has been CANCELLED due to the outbreak. Please contact proteam@blaze365.com with any questions!
COVID-19 Cancellation Policy: Blaze now requires a 12 hour cancellation notice to avoid being charged for attending a class or training session. If you are sick or quarantined, please let us know and we will do our best to cancel you out of a class or training without a charge. We encourage you to stay home if you do not feel well.
As the Covid-19 situation continues to develop, we will continue to follow guidance from these organizations:
