CYO / R.E.A.C.H. Athletics
Basic Handbook
Philosophical Statement of the CYO/ REACH League
Our purpose is to provide
an opportunity for young people to play sports by participating in any or all of the above programs in a county structured
environment, which works closely with the individual parish teams. We are here
to foster the development of the whole child in the sense of a sound mind in a sound body.
The aim is to develop the physical well being of our youth and to develop and have particular athletic skills. We emphasize the importance of a Christian atmosphere, one in which the players, coaches
and fans will be able to see Christ reflected in each other. We aim to do this in the most pleasant and safe surroundings
available and with the complete cooperation and support of those adults who share our aims for our young people.
THE OVERRIDING RULE OF OUR ATHLETIC
PROGRAM
We are all working with
young people. Although there are specific and thorough guidelines named herein,
we always are within the general rule that all of our actions are to be guided by the common sense rules of fair play. Also, it makes our jobs easier if we constantly keep in mind that we are here for
the youth as models of Jesus Christ to be emulated.
Archdiocesan Structure
The CYO/Youth Ministries
includes within its athletic program the current sports of: Basketball, Baseball, Softball and Volleyball, which operate within
the enclosed guidelines.
County Coordinators
Each county will
have a sports coordinator. The coordinator will be responsible for making the
schedule, securing officials and for being a contact person in that county (training, paperwork, etc.).
Section 1: Residence
1. Parish CYO programs may be open to youth who meet one of the following criteria:
a. Catholic School: All youth
(Catholic or Non-Catholic) who attend the parish Parochial school.
b. Religious Education:
All youth (Catholic or Non-Catholic) who are currently regularly attending the parish religious education classes and have
done so the entire previous school year (or who attended the parish Catholic school the previous school year and are currently
regularly attending the parish religious education classes). Such youth must
present a letter annually, signed by the religious education coordinator certifying regular attendance prior to the beginning
of the season. Such youth may be removed at any time by the Religious Education Coordinator of the parish for lack of attendance. Under this criterion (b), youth may not play for a different parish than the previous
season without permission of the parish Athletic Director from the previous season. Must file form QII with CYO office.
2.
Youth may participate
for a parish only if they meet the residence criteria above. Waivers may not be granted by a parish or by a league because
of the lack of a program in a parish. Only the Archdiocese CYO/ Youth Ministry
Office shall determine criteria and may grant permission individually for participation of a Catholic child from a parish
too small to host a CYO program (Must file form Q1 with CYO/ Youth Ministry Office)
3. The residence of a child is the residence of the parent(s) or guardian(s)
with legal custody of the child and with whom the child resides.
4. The parish Priest Moderator/Athletic Director/Youth Minister shall provide
substantial proof of residence upon request of the league or the Archdiocesan CYO/ Youth Ministry Office.
5. Change of residence:
a. Before start of season
– if a player moves out of his/her parish before August 1 (Fall Sports), November 1 (Winter Sports), or March 1 (Spring
Sports), he/she is ineligible to play with his/her old parish.
b. After start of Season
– if a player moves on or after August 1, November 1, or March 1, he/she may participate with his/her old parish team
or he/she may join the team of his/her new parish. If he/she chooses the latter,
he/she may not return to his/her old parish team. (This rule will only be valid for current season and player must
file form Q1 with CYO/ Youth Ministry Office).
Section 2: Grade
1. A young person may participate in a (grade classification) higher than the
actual grade in which he/she is enrolled only if they are too old for competition in that grade classification.
Note: If a participant moves up to a higher-grade
classification he/she will be guided by all other
eligibility provisions for that grade classification.
Section 3: Age Limitations (Grammar)
1. Any participant who is 15 years of age prior to September 1st of
the current school year is not eligible to compete in 5, 6, 7 & 8 grade Volleyball, 7/8 grade Basketball, 6/7/8 grade
Baseball, 6/7/8 grade Softball.
2. Any participant who is 13 years of age prior to September 1 of the current
school year is not eligible to compete in: 5/6 grade basketball.
3. Any participant who is 11 years of age prior to September 1 of the current
school year is not eligible to compete in 3/4th grade basketball.
4. Eligibility for leagues below the 3rd grade classification will
be governed by grade requirements and not by age.
5. No young person may play in a grade classification lower than the one they
are eligible for.
Section 4: Proof
of Age
1.
All ages shall be verified with proof of age. The following are valid as proof of age:
a. Birth certificate or photo copy
b. Baptismal certificate or photo copy
c. Legal proof of birth or photo copy
d. For Catholic school students only, annual certification from official
school records by the Catholic school principal. This is accomplished by annually completing the form located on the reverse
of the official CYO Roster, (Use form QIII).
e.
In exceptional cases a signed statement of principal
or religious education coordinator attesting to date of birth-one name per statement. (Use form QII).
2.
Parishes shall turn in to the CYO/Youth Ministry office
proof of age along with team rosters before the first league game of that team. Youth who have not submitted legal proof of
age to the league shall be considered ineligible players until that proof is supplied.
(Remember use of ineligible player(s) may result in a forfeit for each game until resolution).
Section
5: High School Divisions
1. Boys/Girls (Freshman-Sophomores) All participants are to be 9th or 10th grade students and not have reached their 17th
birthday by September 1st of the current school year.
2. Boys/Girls (Juniors-Seniors) All participants are to be 11th
or 12th grade students and not to have reached their 19th birthday by September 1st of the
current school year.
3.
Players are not to be Freshman,
Junior Varsity,Varsity or professional players of the current season.
a. Definition of High School and Professional player: A freshman, junior varsity, varsity or professional
player is one who is a member if a JV, Varsity, or Pro team on or after September 15 (Fall Sports) December 15 (Winter Sports)
and March 15 (Spring Sports) of the season in which he/she is competing.
b. Tryouts of High School teams: Prior to September 15 (Fall Sports), December 15 (Winter Sports) or March 15 (Spring Sports,
no person who is either a member of or trying out for a Freshman, JV or Varsity team is to compete in a CYO/ Youth Ministry
league game. Such a person is ineligible and the team is subject to forfeiture
of any game in which those players’ name is listed in the official scorebook.
c. If a dispute arises as to players’ Freshman, JV, Varsity or Pro Statues,
it is to be resolved by the League Manager in consultation with the AD and/or coach of the Freshman, JV, Varsity or Pro Team
in question.
Section 6: Composition
of Teams
1. Each parish should insure that in each grade classification and each sport,
all parochial school and religion education young people who sign up and fulfill program requirements will be placed on a
team and will participate.
2. Parishes should insure that parish affiliated youth have a fair opportunity
to participate in CYO/ Youth Ministry programs. Parishes should insure that sign
ups are advertised for parish affiliated youth. Returning players do not have
priority in team positions over parish affiliated youth.
Section 7: Roster
1. Adding Players to Roster: The deadline for adding players to the roster shall be the day before the first league game of that team. Youth who move into the parish after the deadline may be added to the roster. All eligibility requirements and documents must be presented to the Archdiocesan office prior to player
participation.
2. Once a player commits himself/herself to a roster, he/she must remain on it
until the end of the season, unless otherwise provided for in these bylaws. A
player may play on only one REACH/CYO team per sport.
Section 8: “All Play Rule”
The “all play
rule” guarantees each young person a minimum amount of playing time.
In addition, in each game, each player shall play the minimum time equal to the time of one quarter. Athletic Directors shall monitor their program’s coaches for compliance. Repeated violation shall be a breach of sportsmanship. Coaches,
under the supervision of their Athletic Directors should be certain that all players receive playing time beyond the minimum.
Section 9: Expected
Behaviors
The REACH/CYO Athletic
Ministry is a program that, through the vehicle of sports, aids youth to become better Christians and to become friends
with other young people throughout the Archdiocese. CYO/Youth Ministry activities
should be examples of the meaning of Christian sportsmanship. The guiding principle
behind the enforcement of this code is that the behavior of everyone involved in CYO/YM Athletics should not detract from
the youth’s enjoyment of the sport. It is the goal of the Office of Sports
and Spirituality to have the coaches, fans and players react to each other as if Jesus himself were standing there, and to
see His reflection in each other.
1. Acceptable Standards of Coaching Behavior
a. Set a good example for participants and fans to follow, exemplifying the highest
moral and ethical behavior.
b. Respect the judgment of officials and abide by the rules of the event.
c. Treat opposing coaches, participants, and fans with respect.
d. Instruct participants in sportsmanship and demand they display good sportsmanship;
Coach in a positive manner, reflecting Christian values.
e. In basketball and volleyball remain seated on the bench at all times except
in the instances in the National Federation for Catholic Youth Sports Rulebook.
2. Penalties
a. Any coach ejected from a game because of unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended
for the next two games and may be subject to additional penalties.
b. Any coach who physically or verbally abuses another person may be suspended
for the remainder of the season and may be disqualified from all further CYO/Youth Ministry Athletic Programs.
c. Any coach who physically or verbally abuses an official during or after a
game is suspended for the remainder of the season and is disqualified from all further CYO/Youth Ministry Athletic Programs.
3. Acceptable Standards of Participant Behavior
a. Treat opponents with respect; shake hands prior to and after contest.
b. Respect the judgment of officials and abide by the rules of the contest.
c. Accept seriously the responsibility of representing the school and parish
by displaying positive behavior at all times.
d. Play in a positive manner, reflecting Christian values. Do not bait or taunt opponents.
4. Penalties
a. Any player ejected from a game because of unsportsmanlike conduct will be
suspended from the next 2 games and may be subject to additional penalties.
b. Any player who physically abuses another player, participant, or official
is suspended from playing for the remainder of the season and is disqualified from all further CYO/Youth Ministry athletic
competition.
5. Acceptable Standards of Spectator Behavior
a. Remember that the players are youth and are playing for their enjoyment, not
yours. Remain seated in the spectator area during the games.
b. Respect decisions made by contest officials.
c. Be a role model by positively supporting teams and not shouting instructions
or criticism to the players, coaches or officials. Do not coach from the stands;
Make no derogatory comments or gestures to players, coaches, parents of the opposing team, officials or league administrators.
6. Penalties
a.
Participating teams and their coaches are responsible
for the conduct of their spectators.
b. An official, their team coach, a league administrator or the host gym supervisor
can remove any spectator who displays poor sportsmanship from the facility.
c. Any spectator who interferes with the conduct of a CYO/Youth Ministry activity
may at the discretion of the spectator’s parish, league, or the Archdiocese of Newark CYO/Youth Ministry, be barred
from attendance at subsequent CYO/Youth Ministry athletic events.
7. Enforcement
a. The parishes and leagues, under the supervision of the Archdiocese of Newark
CYO/Youth Ministry Office, shall enforce this code. Complaints regarding
violations of this code shall first be brought to the attention of the athletic directors of the parishes/schools involved.
Coaches, participants or spectators may be placed on probation or suspended from all further CYO/Youth Ministry athletic competitions
for their actions.
8. Definition of Verbal/Physical
a.
Verbal Abuse is the use of language to manipulate, control, ridicule, insult,
humiliate, belittle, vilify, and show disrespect and disdain to another, and is often a component of other types of abuse.
Verbal Abuse is comprised of any of the following:
-
Accusing / Blaming: Accusing
and blaming another for ones own outbursts, expressions of anger, bad moods, mistakes, and failures. Example: "If
you weren’t so lazy, forgetful, sloppy, and inattentive, I wouldn't get so mad!"
-
Covert / Subtle
Seemingly sincere, expressed in a loving and
concerned manner, but placing all blame and fault on the other person in an excusive or condescending manner. Example:
"It's OK, we have problems talking to each other because you really aren't capable of understanding the whole picture.
I'll just compensate for that."
-
Denial
The inability to admit and take responsibility for ones actions
and words concurrent with accusations and blame directed at the one abused. Examples: "I never said that, you can't
get anything straight", "You’re lying, making that all up to make me look bad", "Where did you get that crazy
idea?"
-
Discounting / Dismissiveness
Denigration and/or denial of the experience, skills, maturity,
and abilities of another; often marked by distortion and/or fabrication. Examples: "You call that art? Even a chimpanzee
could do better than that!", "You so dumb you couldn't even add up two and two and get four!"
-
Judgmental Criticism
Criticism that goes beyond neutral and/or constructive
verbal correction of erroneous actions; comprised in part of ridicule, name calling, denigration, and/or humiliation. Examples:
"What are you, stupid? Can't you ever do anything right?", "You didn't even finish college, you're just a quitter
and a failure"
-
Humiliation
Public or private intentional shaming and embarrassment
of any kind. Example: "oh, you need to be tolerant of him, he doesn't know any better"
-
Manipulation
Appealing to and/or using another's sense of
responsibility or obligation to achieve a personal goal. Example: "If you cared for the youth, you would...
-
Name Calling / Epithets
All name calling, and epithets directed at another are abusive.
-
Ridicule
Making fun of and otherwise "putting down"
another person or group based on their appearance, gender, competency, beliefs, ethnicity, culture, or religion. Example:
"He will never amount to anything because he is just a <fill in the blank>"
b.
Physical Abuse is the non-consensual infliction of pain and bodily harm to
another. Examples:
-
Physically hitting,
striking, slapping, or pushing another as an expression of frustration, impatience, dislike, anger, or fear; throwing an object
at or using an object to hit another.
Section 10: Schedules
Schedules are prepared
by the Director of Sports and Spirituality in conjunction with local coordinators. It
is the responsibility of each coach or athletic director to provide the director with a list of dates that a team is unable
to play. This list must be submitted by the deadline indicated for each sport. Dates submitted after that time will no be accepted.
1. Regular Season
Games
will be scheduled within the counties by the county coordinators and sent to the Archdiocesan Office for further review and
final publication.
2. All-Star Game
For
the time being the All-Star Game and selections for all sports will cease until further notice.
3. Post Season
The
Post Season will begin on the Monday following the last scheduled game of the season in the league. Each county will have individual county playoffs in which every team will qualify for the playoffs. Each county may be broken up into divisions, depending on the number of teams participating. The playoff format is done in single elemination.
4. Timeframes for the season
a.
Fall Sports will run from October
until the weekend before Thanksgiving.
b.
Winter will run the first weekend
after the Thanksgiving day weekend until the end of February. All playoffs will
be completed by the last day in February.
c.
Spring sports will run from
the end of March until the end of May with all playoffs ending by the last day in May.
Section 11: Protesting
a Game
Coaches may protest a
game for a rules violation only. A game may not be protested because of a disagreement
with the officials’ judgment on a play. When protesting a game, the following
procedure must be adhered to...
1. The coach must inform the official.
2.
The official will indicate the protest in the scorebook
or on the score sheet.
3.
The official must then inform
the opposing coach.
** If the protest is withdrawn, this must be noted
in the same fashion as above. **
4.
After a game is in protest,
the coach making the protest must call the Director of Sports and Spirituality (201-998-0088 ext. 4153) within 24 hours of
the protest.
5.
A formal letter explaining the
grievence and a fee of $25 must be sent to the Archdiocese CYO/Youth Ministry
Office, 499 Belgrove Drive, Kearny,
07032 before any decision is made.
6.
After reciving the letter a
decision will be made within two days of the director receiving the protest.
7.
Once a decision has been reached,
the director will notify both coaches and the official.
a.
If a team loses its protest,
that team will NOT be refunded the $25 Protesting Fee.
b.
If a team wins the protest,
the game will be played from the point of the protest being made and the team will receive a refund of the $25 protesting
fee.
Section 12: Coaching Eligibility
All coaches must be at
least 21 years of age and affiliated with the parish or school in some way (teacher, parent, etc). In order to transport players, however, drivers must be 24 years of age and possess a valid driver’s
license. Coaches who are under 24 years of age MAY NOT transport players. All coaches and assistants must have their credentials on file at the Archdiocese
CYO/Youth Ministry Office. No one is permitted on the players’ bench
or dugout except players and approved coaches on file with the Archdiocese CYO/Youth Ministry Office. The following credentials must be on file at the Archdiocese CYO/Youth Ministry Office,
1. Every coach for any sport must have completed the Rutgers S.A.F.T.Y Clinic.
2. Every coach must complete the American Sports Education Program’s
online Coaching Essentials course and the specific sport course(website – www.asep.com)
3. All coaches and volunteers for any sport must adhere to the “Prevention
of Abuse of Minors: Guidelines for working with minors,” (Policies on Professional and Ministerial Conduct; VII). A copy of these records is required.
a. Completion of a standard application that includes authorization to conduct
criminal background checks.
b. Reading and signing an agreement to abide by the Archdiocesan Code of Ethics for Church personnel.
c. Cooperating, as necessary, with a criminal records check in accordance with
Archdiocesan policy. This criminal records check shall be conducted prior
to employment, ministry or volunteer work.
d. Attendance at the “Protecting God’s Child Workshop,” as
set forth in the Archdiocesan requirements.
4. Each coach and athletic director must attend the opening rules interpretation
meeting, held at the Archdiocesan Youth
Retreat Center in the beginning
of the season.
5. Failure of any of these four equals automatic suspension of coaching and possible
loss of team eligibility to compete in the season.
Section 13: Officials
Officials have been trained
by their respective associations and have been given a copy of the REACH/ CYO rules and standards. Coaches, players and parents are expected to show proper courtesy and respect to all officials. Individuals who show disrespect to the officials will be ejected from the game and face possible exclusion
from all future REACH/ CYO sports events. (See Section 9: Expected Behaviors).
1. Officials Fees
a. Referees and Umpires are paid by each team. The current
fee schedule is as follows.
-
Baseball:
$40 per umpire per game
-
Softball:
$25 per umpire per game
-
Basketball: $35 per referee per game
-
Volleyball:
Section 14: Cheerleaders
Cheerleaders
are invited to cheer for their teams. All cheerleading coaches must have attended
Protecting God’s Children Seminar prior to the start of the season. The
cheerleading coach must check in at the scorer’s table before the game starts.
Cheering squads are responsible for providing their own sound system and music. Cheerleaders may sit on the sidelines
or in a neutral sport (endzones, stage, etc.). Cheerleaders may NOT sit on the
team bench. Cheering squads may not go onto the court except during halftime. Each squad will have a maximum of two minutes for a halftime routine.
Section 15: Uniforms
All
players are required to wear the proper uniform for their sport. Each uniform
must have a number on the back. Numbers may not be duplicate on one team. Player names are optional on the uniform. Proper
uniforms include:
1.
Basketball: Jersey or teeshirt, shorts
2.
Baseball: Jersey or teeshirt, longpants, cap
3.
Softball: Jersey or teeshirt, shorts or longpants, cap or visor
4.
Volleyball: Jersey or teeshirt, shorts, knee-pads.
All
players are to wear socks and the approriate footware for their sport. Metal
spikes on cleats for baseball and softball are not allowed. Rubber or hard plastic
spikes are the only permitted spikes on cleats. Coaches are not required to wear
uniforms but may do so if they wish.
Section 16: First Aid Kits
Each
team is expected to have a first aid kit with them at all games. It is strongly
suggested that all coaches be trained in CPR and Basic First Aid.
Section 17: Sports Fees
1. Entrance Fee
a. Entrance fee
for each team is a $150.00 per team. All fees must be paid prior to the start
of the league. Failure to provide entry fee will result in elimination from league play.
Additionally, each parish will provide a league-binding fee to insure compliance
with Archdiocesan policies and procedures. The binding fee is a $100.00 per parish and will be refunded provided no team from their parish forfeits a game or is disqualified
from any game for unsportsmanship behavior.
2. Fee
a. ALL teams are responsible for their
readiness to play at the appointed time and have one game fee ready to pay one official.
If one official shows then he is entitled to both game fees. Failure to make payment to the official will be reported
to the league and will result in forfeiture of the entire league binding fee from the parish. Before the team may play the next game, a new binding fee of $100.00 must be paid. The second offense will
result in the disqualification from the league.
b. Parishes offering gyms for use by the league will provide their own site supervision
and are encouraged to open refreshment areas for visiting fans.
c. ALL teams will supply an official scorekeeper and timer to be based at a scorer table in the center of the gymnasium
or other place designated by the referee.
3. Roster and League Fees
a. All rosters and league fees must be in the CYO/ Youth Ministry Office by the designated dates.
b.
Any forms or fees NOT in the office
at this time will result in the team being excluded from the season play.