December 26, 2011-- Minnesota Team Handball will host the 2012 edition of USA Team Handballs 44th Club National Championships at the University of Minnesota the weekend of May 18-20, 2012.

In 2012, the USA Team Handball season will wind its way through much-anticipated stops in North Carolina, Illinois, New York, Utah and many other locales.

When the season finds its way to the Twin Cities next May, a series of competitions are scheduled to take place:

- Men's Elite Club National Championships (10 teams) - defending champions: NYC THC

- Men's Open Club National Championships (TBD) - defending champions: NYAC

- Women's Open Club National Championships (TBD) - defending champions: Chicago Inter

- Boys & Girls Youth Regional Championships (TBD) - new event

As defending champions, New York City THC are granted an automatic berth in the 2012 Mens Elite Nationals, as is host club Minnesota Team Handball. The Elite winner is considered the true USA National Champion and the competition features more stringent rules for player and club eligibility. New York City has won three of the past four national titles.

The other clubs around the country will compete for eight remaining Mens Elite berths in a playing format devised in the summer of 2011 by the Competition Committee. All clubs are invited to compete in the U.S. Open division on both the Men's and Women's side.

Additionally, clubs will be provided financial incentives to bring teams to compete in the Women's and a Youth Divisions. It is anticipated that top Youth teams (age bracket TBD) will have more than one opportunity to compete in a year-end tournament as College Nationals, which is set for April 12-15 in Richmond, Virginia, will also have a Youth division.

2012 Nationals will be produced in partnership with PSA Events. Sponsorships are available. Tournament costs and additional details will be announced at a later date.

More: http://usateamhandball.org/news/2011/12/26/minnesota-to-host-usath-national-championships/45970?ngb_id=42

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