TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcoming Letter....................................................................................................................... 3

General School and Athletic Information............................................................................. 4

Athletic Philosophy.................................................................................................................... 5

Athletic Department ................................................................................................................. 6

Athletic Director......................................................................................................................... 6

Athletic Board............................................................................................................................. 7

Coaching Staff.......................................................................................................................... 10

Code of Conduct

Athletes...................................................................................................................................... 12

Parents....................................................................................................................................... 14

CYO Policies and Procedures (On file in school office)

A MESSAGE FROM ST. MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL – ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN

This handbook is being presented to you because your son or daughter desires to participate in interscholastic athletics at St. Mary Catholic School. You have also expressed your willingness to permit him or her to compete. Your familyºs interest in this phase of our school program is gratifying. We believe that participation in sports provides a wealth of opportunities and experiences that assist students in personal growth and development.

The St. Mary Catholic School is interested in the development of young men and women through athletics. We feel that a properly controlled, well-organized sports program meets studentsº needs for self-expression, mental alertness and physical growth. It is our hope to maintain a program that is sound in purpose and will further each studentºs educational maturity.

Likewise, we believe that you have committed yourselves to certain responsibilities and obligations as parents or guardians of an athlete. We would like to take this opportunity to acquaint you with specific policies that are necessary for a well-organized program of athletics.

It is the role of the Athletic Department to create rules governing interscholastic competition. These rules need broad-based community support to be fully effective. This is achieved only through communication between the Athletic Department and the parents or guardians of our athletes. It is our hope to accomplish this objective through this athletic handbook for students, parents and coaches.

Yours in scholarship, sportsmanship and success,

Greg Carnacchi Robert Anderson

Principal Athletic Director

St. Mary Catholic School St. Mary Catholic School

GENERAL SCHOOL AND ATHLETIC INFORMATION

This book is designed to give the St. Mary Fighting Irish athletes, parents and coaches knowledge of the policies, procedures, goals and expectations of our St. Mary Catholic School Athletic Program.

In this program of team participation, athletes not only develop mentally and physically, but also broaden their concepts of teamwork and sportsmanship. With these thoughts in mind, interscholastic athletics have been included in the total educational program at St. Mary Catholic School.

SCHOOL CONFERENCE:	CYO – Catholic Youth Organization
SCHOOL NICKNAME:	The Fighting Irish
SCHOOL COLORS:	Royal Blue and White

SPORTS OFFERED AT ST. MARY SCHOOL:

Basketball

Junior Hoopers, Co-ed Intramural 2^nd and 3^rd grades

Boysº Hoopers, Instructional League 3^rd and 4^th grades

Girlsº Hoopers, Instructional League 3^rd and 4^th grades

Boysº Junior Varsity, CYO 5^th and 6^th grades

Girlsº Junior Varsity, CYO 5^th and 6^th grades

Boysº Varsity, CYO 7^th and 8^th grades

Girlsº Varsity, CYO 7^th and 8^th grades

Bowling

Co-ed Junior Varsity, CYO 5^th and 6^th grades

Co-ed Varsity, CYO 7^th and 8^th grades

Co-ed Cheerleading, Intramural 1^st thru 8^th grades

Co-ed Softball, Intramural 3^rd thru 8^th grades

Co-ed T-ball, Intramural K thru 2^nd grades

The CYO may offer additional sports programs at other parishes and schools within the area – if your athlete is interested in playing a sport that is not offered here at St. Mary, please contact the schoolºs Athletic Director to explore other opportunities.

Equipment and Uniforms

All athletes are responsible for all uniforms and equipment received. If uniforms or equipment are lost, athletes are responsible for replacing the lost items. Participation in the next eligible sport will not be allowed until an athlete's uniform or equipment has been accounted for. A uniform return night will be held at the end of each sport for the return of all equipment/uniforms.

Annual Sports Banquet

The Annual Sports Banquet is held for all athletes at the end of the school year. Athletes and their parents are invited.

Physicals

Sports physicals are mandatory for all students in the St. Mary Athletic Program. Athletes (cheerleaders are included), must complete and return a physical form before they are allowed to participate in their sport. One physical will suffice for all sports for a school year as long as it occurred after April 18^th. Any exceptions to sports participation should be noted on the form.

Fundraisers

Fundraisers are an important aspect of the athletic program at St. Mary. The Cookie Dough sales in Fall and Spring are the only planned fundraising to subsidize the St. Mary Athletic Program. Volunteers will be needed throughout the year to assist with these events. The fundraiser program along with the participation fees help to defray the costs of the athletic budget.

Participation Fees/Refund Policy

The cost of the athletic budget is partially defrayed by a fee per sport per athlete. This fee helps cover equipment, uniforms and gym/facility rentals. This fee needs to be paid prior to issuance of any equipment/uniform. Checks should be made payable to St. Mary School.

If an athlete decides to drop from the sports program, the following refund policy will apply:

If the athlete decides to drop from the program prior to the start of the season – Full Refund of Fees

If an athlete needs to drop from the program due to medical reasons –
Refund to be approved by the Athletic Board

All other reasons will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Athletic Board

ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY

St. Mary Catholic School is committed to offering an athletic program that facilitates the spiritual, emotional and physical growth of our young athletes. We will provide our athletes the opportunity to:

Utilize the talent and ability that God has given them
Develop good sportsmanship, teamwork and individual responsibility
Develop as a Christian young man or woman
Learn integrity and quality in all that they do

St. Mary School offers a variety of athletic programs, each which have goals of their own. However, all programs share the following philosophy:

At the FIRST, SECOND and THIRD GRADE LEVEL, our goals include:

Introduction to the sport and rules
Developing basic skills
Maximum participation is encouraged
Learning to be part of a team

At the FOURTH, FIFTH and SIXTH GRADE LEVEL, our goals include:

Developing basic skills
Maximum participation is encouraged
Learning the value of team play

At the SEVENTH and EIGHTH GRADE LEVEL*, our goals include:

Enhancing skills and techniques
Developing specific positioning and game skills
Learning the value of each role on the team
Preparing for high school athletics – skills, positioning and discipline

*Coaches at the 7^th and 8^th grade level are dedicated to preparing our athletes for high school athletics

Under specific circumstances, younger athletes may be given the opportunity to play at higher levels. The opportunity is initiated by the coaches involved. It must be accepted by the athlete, parents and the Athletic Director.

Concerns

If at any time during the season there are concerns about the sports programs, please contact the coach first. Most concerns are handled more efficiently and effectively at this level. If this does not prove to be effective, please bring your concerns to the attention of the Athletic Director.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

The Athletic Department is supervised by the Athletic Director with direction from the Pastor and the school Principal. The Athletic director is assisted by the Athletic Board.

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

An Athletic Director shall be appointed by the Pastor/Principal of St. Mary Parish. The term of the Athletic Director shall be 3 years, renewable at the discretion of the pastor and with the agreement of the athletic director.

The position for Athletic Director shall be well advertised for no less than two months prior to consideration of the candidates.

The athletic director will have the broad responsibility of maintaining a proper relationship between the religious and academic goals, objectives and priorities of the St. Mary Catholic School and the athletic pursuits of its students.

The athletic director will be directly accountable to the Pastor/Principal and the Athletic Board. The athletic director will attend all Athletic Board meetings and will be available to make appropriate reports to the Board.

The athletic director will coordinate all athletic programs. This means:

Securing contracts for all athletic programs and connected events after prior consultation with the pastor and the Athletic Board;
Keeping financial records for the St. Mary Athletic Department;
Formulating all school announcements to keep the student body informed and proud of the schoolºs various athletic events;
Scheduling all sign-up opportunities for students;
Scheduling and rescheduling all athletic contests where applicable and coordinating practice time;
Confirming officials or referees for scheduled events, in association with the CYO Athletic Association;
Securing all gyms, fields, etc. This precludes others from doing the same;
Acting as the liaison with outside school officials/administrators;
Overseeing the purchase of all uniforms, equipment and supplies as determined by the annual budgetary process;
Drawing all checks as needed;
Collecting, storing and accounting for all uniforms, equipment and supplies of the program;
Reporting to the St. Mary Pastor, Principal and Athletic Board any behavior judged inappropriate according to Catholic school standards; and
Meeting with the coaches of a particular sport at least once a season.

ATHLETIC BOARD

The St. Mary Athletic Board (referred to as the ÑBoardæ) is a representative group of five or six individuals whose primary purpose is to review and advise on all matters which affect the working order of the athletic programs of St. Mary Athletic Department.

Representation on the Athletic Board lasts for a three (3) year period. To involve greater community participation while ensuring continuity of purpose, membersº terms are staggered. At a time convenient to the Athletic Board, the board shall vote for the new board members in a closed meeting. The candidate(s) must have a majority vote for acceptance.

The Board is an advisory committee to the Athletic Director, recommended by the CYO, and is intended in the spirit of genuine collaboration to assist the pastor and school administration in fulfilling their underlying spiritual and academic responsibilities.

The Board is organized to advise the Athletic Director and assist in managing and maintaining the St. Mary Athletic Department with the use of Boosters and by outreach programs aimed at the Alumni of the parish. To communicate, to defray the workload, to generate income, to create a sense of pride and spirit in what we do and who we are.

The Board is divided into five (5) major areas to assist in managing the Athletic Department; these areas are as follows:

Structure
Communications
Fundraising
Manpower
Awards/Recognition

Each area has an assigned Coordinator or Committee Chairperson and are in no way expected to carry the load of work outlined for the committee.

Structure

No organization can function without consistency, without a plan and without a vision.

The Structure Committee assists in proposing and reviewing the guidelines and rules by which athletic programs at St. Mary Parish operate; including, but not limited to, student athlete academic standards; as well as athlete, parent and coaches code of conduct policy.

The Structure Committee is also continually evaluating the rules by which the athletic program exists and the Athletic Departmentºs policy and procedures to ensure that they are compliant with the current school and CYO mandates. The Committee will carefully document any changes and in turn lend the program creditability, consistency and fairness.

The Structure Committee will also liaison between the school administrators and the Athletic Department to assist in verifying the eligibility of the athletes with regards to appropriate grades and conduct, assist in the notification of ineligibility and the consequent reinstatement of privileges once an athlete has earned them.

The Committee will also focus on the Athletic Departmentºs calendar and assist in communicating its plans with the parish at large to avoid scheduling conflicts for the parishºs limited resources.

Communications

ÑIf a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to witness it – did it make any noise?æ‰We all know the importance of communicating accomplishments and expressing our needs and the Athletic Department is no different in its need to connect.

The Communications Committee addresses the needs of the Athletic Department on communicating athletic program information to the St. Mary Parish community as well as the Metropolitan area. The committee develops strategies for accomplishing the task of awareness and understanding and will focus on promoting the Athletic Department at St. Mary Open Houses, school brochures and at various parish functions.

The Committee coordinates and oversees the writing and delivery of news articles and information to the appropriate Parish outlets.

Fundraising

It takes resources to run a successful athletic program.

The Fundraising Committee functions to see that the Athletic Department obtains the resources it requires to operate at appropriate levels. Developing and coordinating effective fundraisers that generate income without over-taxing our athletes, parents and community. The Committee will also try to seek assistance and support from area businesses surrounding the St. Mary Parish community.

Manpower

In many ways, having the people on hand to do the work is as great a resource as money.

The Manpower Committees goal is to adequately staff all games, events, fundraisers that benefit the Athletic Department. The Committee is focused on developing a solid pool of help which should include, but not limited to, a pool of prospective candidates for coaching and coordinating positions from which the Athletic Department can draw from to run the various sports teams.

The Committee also recruits for the Boosters, a system of volunteers that can easily, quickly and fairly be obtained to handle the tasks at hand.

The Boosters

The Boosters is anyone who supports, in any way, St. Mary Athletics and volunteers their time to promote and make St. Mary Athletic Department a success. Areas of volunteering include fundraisers, athletic games and other various events throughout the year.

Awards/Recognition

Part of the growth process for athletes, parents and coaches is the recognition that follows for the hard work and progress attained. Part of the reward, a small perk, for those that volunteer is the recognition for their gift of time and effort.

The Awards/Recognition Committee is responsible for making sure all participants within the Athletic Department activities are shown appreciation for their contributions each season. Much of this will be realized at the end of the year Athletic Banquet.

The Committee oversees and coordinates the Athletic Banquet. With input from the Athletic Director and Athletic Board Members-at-large, policy is developed to appropriate awards for the athletes that are consistent from year to year. Along with participant recognition, so too is it important to gain recognition for the program itself. The Committee is responsible for seeking Ñrecognitionæ from the business community with advertising in the event programs and banquet ad booklets and archiving team photos, event photos and various forms of documentation to provide appropriate recognition for the athletic program itself.

HEAD COACH/ASSISTANTS

All coaches at St. Mary are volunteers. Coaches shall be responsible to the Athletic Director for the total operation (collecting all physicals, fees, etc.) of their respective sports programs. All coaches shall act as official representatives of the school/parish as they carry out their interscholastic athletic responsibilities. All coaches will be responsible for the normal duties required of interscholastic competition, those duties described in the coachesº job description, and/or any duties delegated by the Athletic Director.

Head Coach/Assistant Coaches

Represent St. Mary in interscholastic activities
Conduct their work within the framework of the goals of the school, the policies and procedures of the Athletics Department, diocesan policies, and state statutes
Determine team selection fairly
Strictly enforce eligibility rules
Consider athletics as part of the total educational program, encouraging athletes to work to their maximum ability in academics and Christian behavior, as well as in sports
Exhibit proper and exemplary behavior at all times
Implement the Code of Conduct for all athletes
Be entirely responsible for the supervision and guidance of students in their charge
You will recommend student recognition and will be concerned that school or rented facilities are properly respected
Ensure all equipment and uniforms are safeguarded from loss or damage and that they are returned at the end of the season
Pray before and after every game

Elementary students are at an age when they should enjoy the opportunities associated with sports and team play. Coaches should not prohibit an athlete from participating in another sport and should avoid pressure tactics that discourage free choice among the young.

Coaches should publicly shake hands with opposing coaches and should ask their players to shake hands with the opponents after the game; coaches and players should behave with courtesy at all times

Coaches should be extremely discrete with reprimanding athletes in front of spectators. Coaches should also be sensitive with criticism in front of peers.

Use of profanity should never be used by a coach. It will in no way improve a teamºs performance. It will only lose respect for the coach and encourage team members to use the same kind of language.

CYO Coachesº Responsibilities

A CYO coach is primarily a minister to youth, with a gift of reaching out to young people through athletics.

CYO coaches must be of high school age or older. An adult coach (18 years of age or older) must be present and responsible for the team at all times.

Responsibilities of the CYO Coach include:

Be knowledgeable of all CYO Athletics and make sure that all rules and policies are faithfully observed.
Attend a preseason coaches meeting at the time and place designated by the CYO Athletic Director for the respective sports.
Conduct pre-season meetings of parents/coaches to ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities.
Make sure the roster form for the team is filled out correctly and submitted to the CYO office on time.
Determine the eligibility of each player on the team through the Parish/School.
Conduct themselves in a Christian manner that will reflect credit on their Parish/School and the CYO, ensuring team member and followers to do the same.
Teach and guide the youth on the ream with a sense of fair play, sportsmanship and acceptance of winning and losing in accordance with Christian ideals.
Be responsible for the actions of the team members and followers from the Parish/School
Take special precautions to protect all valuables and clothing of players. Be certain that playing conditions are safe for play. Take special precautions to ensure a safe playing environment. Maintain an adequate first aid kit and keep medical forms readily available. Provide required safety equipment in good repair and make certain that the players properly use them.
Take care not to schedule practices or events that will interfere with religious duties and classes.

Adult Supervision

The CYO recommends a FEMALE ADULT be present on the bench, in the locker room, and suggested to be at all practices in a girls team has a male coach or coaches. Vice versa if a boys team has a female coach or coaches, a MALE ADULT be present on the bench, in the locker room and be at all practices.

STUDENT MANAGERS

Student Managers, if warranted, are selected by and at the discretion of, the head coach. They participate in assisting the coaches with practice and game preparation.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Athletes

Athletes are responsible for developing the necessary self-discipline to attain and maintain the appropriate mental and physical condition required for peak performance. Another responsibility you assume as an athlete is to your school. Since more is expected of you than other students in matters of school citizenship, leadership, and personal sacrifice, athletes will be expected to make a sincere effort to achieve and maintain a satisfactory scholastic standing in the classroom.

As an athlete, you will have sacrifice in terms of time, effort and other outside activities. Frequently, our conduct and attitude both on and off the field contribute to judgments made by students and community about our school. Such a responsibility requires that you engage only in activities which bring credit to yourself, your family and your school/parish. You may quickly recognize that you are a model for younger athletes and as a model; it is natural that they emulate your attitude and actions.

The following are specific responsibilities for each St. Mary athlete. Additional responsibilities may be given by each individual coach.

CYO POLICIES: As a St. Mary athlete, you must adhere to all CYO policies.
GOOD STUDY HABITS: Education is the key to success for your future. Adequate study time is required for good grades. Your primary responsibility is to fulfill your highest potential as a student first and athlete second (See Eligibility Rules).
PRACTICE ATTENDANCE: a) When accepting the responsibility of participating as an athlete in any of our sports, you are responsible for being present at all set meetings, practices, and games unless excused by a doctor or have prior consent from your coach; b) Having an unexcused absence could result in disciplinary action by the coach.
INJURIES: Injuries should be given immediate attention. Please notify coaches of any injuries or illnesses as soon as possible.
DRESS AND APPEARANCE: Take pride in your appearance. You should look as well off the field as on. Whenever you are before the public, you reflect your school/parish and community. Your appearance shall be clean and neat and conform to the sport and individual rules.
GOOD CITIZENSHIP: As a member of an athletic team, you are expected to be a lady or gentleman in class, around school and away from school.
ATTITUDE: Your appearance, talk and actions may influence peopleºs opinion of you, your team and your school. Once you have volunteered to be a member of our team, try to do what you are capable of and what is expected of you.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE: The use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and non-professionally prescribed drugs or medications cannot be a part of the athleteºs life either during or out of season. The harm you do by the use of these substances is not only to your health. You may harm the team, the sport and your school. No drinking of alcoholic beverages, use of tobacco, or possession of narcotics will be tolerated at any time during the season or out of season. The guidelines regarding this are listed in the Student Handbook. Substance abuse will result in disciplinary action taken by the Principal, as well as discipline taken by the Athletic Director and coach.
QUITTING A TEAM: If an athlete quits a team during the season for other than an injury related cause, they will not be recognized at the annual Sports Banquet as participating in that sport.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

All St. Mary athletes should conduct themselves in a Christian manner. Respect, in work and action, for teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials is expected at all times. All athletes will follow the school, team and CYO rules. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action from the Principal, Athletic Director or Coach.

ELIGIBILITY

All St. Mary Catholic school students and St. Mary grade-school aged parishioners are in danger of becoming ineligible to play sports if they receive a failing grade (below 70%) or any Unsatisfactory (U) on their progress reports or report card. If receiving a failing grade or unsatisfactory mark, the student is put "on notice". As St. Mary Athletics and the subsequent games played are defined as educational activities, it is expected that parents will take an active role in their child's athletic participation and how it relates to their academic status. It is expected that parents, students, teachers and coaches will all work together reviewing the athletes' grades and working towards meeting expected levels of academic achievement in an appropriate period of time. If the grade has not improved in that period of time, the student on notice will be ineligible to participate until expectations are met. It is the students' responsibility to communicate with parents, coaches and the teacher regarding academic status and athletic eligibility. If the student is passing and/or conduct has improved substantially during this period of time that they are on notice, the teacher will give the student a dated note/documentation with the new grade and/or conduct marks and the student will deliver to parents and coach. At no time is the student who is failing and officially ineligible allowed to participate in games or at practice until academic expectations are met and properly communicated to all involved. Students on disciplinary probation may be ineligible to play sports during the probationary period.

Parents

TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR PARENTS WITH ATHLETIC CHILDREN

I. Make sure your children know that win or lose, scared or heroic, you love them, appreciate their efforts and are not disappointed in them. This will allow them to do their best without a fear of failure. Be the person in their life they can look to for constant, positive reinforcement.

II. Try your best to be completely honest about your children's athletic capability, their competitive attitude, sportsmanship, and actual skill level.

III. Be helpful, but don't coach them on the way to the rink, pool or track or on the way back or at breakfast and so on. It's tough not to, but it's a lot tougher for children to be inundated with advice, pep talks, and often critical instructions.

IV. Teach them to enjoy the thrill of competition, to be "out there trying", to be working to improve their skills and attitudes. Help them to develop the feel for competing, for trying hard, for having fun.

V. Try not to relive your athletic life through your children in a way that creates pressure; you fumbled too; you lost as well as won. You were frightened; you backed off at times; you were not always heroic. Don't pressure them because of your lost pride.

VI. Don't compete with the coach. The coach should be an authority figure; your competing will make the athleteºs behavior run from enchantment to disenchantment with the sport, team, etc.

VII. Don't compare the skill, courage, or attitudes of your children with other members of the team, at least within their hearing.

VIII. Get to know the coach so that you can be assured that the philosophy, attitudes, ethics, and knowledge are such that you are happy to have your child under this leadership.

IX. Always remember that children tend to exaggerate, both when praised and when criticized. Temper your reaction and investigate before overreacting.

X. Make a point of understanding courage and the fact that it is relative. Some of use can climb mountains and are afraid to fight. Some of us will fight but turn to jelly if a bee approaches. Everyone is frightened in certain areas. Explain that courage is not the absence of fear but a means of doing something in spite of fear or discomfort. The job of the parents of athletic children is a tough one, and it takes a lot of effort to do it well. It is worth all the effort when you hear your youngster say, "My parents really helped, I was lucky in this."

Center for Sports Psychology, Colorado Springs, Colorado

CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT LEAGUE MANUAL

GENERAL INFORMATION/MEMBERSHIP

All Catholic Parishes or Catholic Elementary Schools/Academies within the Archdiocese of Detroit have the privilege of being members of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). Members may remain in good standing, providing they abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the CYO.

The CYO Athletic Department Director will schedule events and administer the rules and regulations.

SPORTSMANSHIP

An act of conducting oneself in a true Christian manner regardless of any and all extenuating circumstances. The Parish/School will be held responsible for the behavior of its coaches, students, participants, and spectators.

PURPOSE OF CYO ATHLETICS

1. To re-affirm and expand our commitment and involvement in the promotion of quality

athletics for all of our member Parishes/Schools of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

2. To regulate competition among member Parishes/Schools of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

3. To provide opportunities for participation and competition based on the education and physical well being of all participants.

4. To insure a fair and equal opportunity for all member Parishes/Schools of the Archdiocese of Detroit and their participants to experience positive opportunities in athletics.

5. To promote safety, crowd control, sportsmanship and sports education.

CYO ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR

The CYO Athletic Department Director shall be in control of all athletic contests and events. The CYO Athletic Department Director shall have full authority to enforce and interpret all rules and regulations. The final decision on all matters not covered in the CYO league manual shall be decided by the CYO Athletic Department Director.

SERVICES

Services provided to the members of the CYO:

1. Athletic programs are coordinated and implemented through the CYO Athletic Department Director. The CYO Athletic Department Director, under the supervision of the CYO Executive Director, carries out the policies of the agency set by the CYO Board of Directors.

2. To assist Parishes/Schools of the Archdiocese of Detroit in planning and developing athletic programs by:

a. Building levels of competition.

b. Scheduling of league and assisting with non-league scheduling.

c. Contracting and assigning officials.

d. Assisting in obtaining athletic sites.

e. Promotion and management of play-offs and championship events.

f. In-service/education of coaches and athletic directors.

ROLE OF THE CYO ATHLETIC TASK FORCE

1. Recommend policy and procedure changes to the CYO Board of Directors.

2. Assess the recreational and athletic needs of elementary and junior high school aged youth within the six county area of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

3. Strive to develop and maintain a comprehensive athletic program, which respects the individual dignity of every athlete.

4. Maintain rules and regulations that ensure fairness in competition and safety for the athletes involved.

5. Respond to requests for modifications of rules and regulations from members of the CYO and other community organizations.

6. Maintain the promotion of Christian values, fair play, sportsmanship, and leadership consistent with the vision of the agency.

7. Seek the greatest good for the greatest number so as to ensure that competition is conducted in a sportsmanlike atmosphere.

8. Provide advice and support to staff in the achievement of objectives.

Ad Hoc Sub-Committee:

(Members appointed by the CYO Board of Directors President and the Athletic Task Force Chair).

1. Interpret eligibility and playing rules.

2. Review and issue rulings on protests and disputes.

3. Act as an appeal body, imposing and enforcing penalties for violations.

PASTOR/PRINCIPAL

The Pastor is the chief authority of their respective Parish/School and is directly responsible for the athletic program. The Pastor may designate the Principal as chief authority. It is the duty of the Pastor/Principal to derive from the athletic program a full measure of educational value in developing good sportsmanship.

PARISH/SCHOOL ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

The Parish/School Athletic Director is the official representative of the Parish/School activities. The Athletic Director represents the Parish/School coaching staff and athletes, implements and carries out the policy of administrating the Parish/School athletic program. The Athletic Director has the responsibility to conduct the Parish/School's athletic programs in accordance with league regulations.

CYO LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS

These rules and regulations apply to all member Parishes/Schools of the Archdiocese of Detroit for both boys and girls athletic competition. Parishes/Schools that sponsor teams voluntarily accept as binding all rules and regulations.

1. Manager/Coach of teams is responsible to the CYO Athletic Department Director, Pastor, Principal, and Athletic Director.

2. Final Management is under the direction of the CYO.

3. Noisemakers are prohibited at all indoor CYO sporting events. Noisemakers include, but are not limited to: megaphones, thundersticks, cowbells, sirens, clackers, cans/bottles with marbles, rocks or coins inside, and various other creative devices.

4. Video Taping - Parishes/Schools not in an event or contest may film or videotape contests/events. This applies to all member Parishes/Schools in competition against other member Parishes/Schools.

5. Score Reporting – By Monday morning each Parish/School must send in the results of all CYO home games from the previous week regardless if you won or lost by mailing, faxing or emailing the CYO Weekly Home Game Score Report Sheet to:

CYO Athletics 313-963-9791

305 Michigan Avenue OR or OR athletics@cyodetroit.org

Detroit, MI 48226 313-963-7179

It is the Athletic Directors responsibility to ensure that all CYO home game scores are being reported to the CYO Office.

6. Coaches of Teams:

A. Head Coaches must be 18 years of age or older - a person 18 years of age or older must be present at all activities (i.e. games, practices).

B. Coaching staff members may be reprimanded, censored, placed on probation or suspended for violation of the rules and regulations or for poor sportsmanship, by the CYO Athletic Department Director or CYO Athletic Task Force.

C. Athletic Directors and Coaching staff members are required to attend scheduled meetings called by the CYO Athletic Department Director. Athletic Directors and/or Pastors/Principals will be notified of meeting attendance. Repeated absence could result in progressive penalties.

7. Sportsmanship:

A. The Parish/School and its athletic staff will be held responsible for the behavior of its coaches, athletes and spectators. Principles of good sportsmanship and Christian values must be foremost in athletics.

B. Teams should not run up a score in any sport at any level. In one-sided games, it is ethical that the team with the advantage use substitution, altered play and sportsmanlike conduct to avoid injury, embarrassment and harassment of members of competing teams.

C. All athletes and parents/guardians should be informed of the specific expectations with regard to sportsmanship, conduct, and behavior. Forms are available from the CYO office and are to be completed for every athlete and kept on file at the Parish/School.

8. Officials:

The CYO shall assign all officials for league home contests in all sports, unless there is no assignor for that sport, then home teams will have to obtain their own officials. The CYO will also assign all non-league officials, with advance request. Home teams will have the option of obtaining their own MHSAA (FIFA - Soccer) registered officials for Baseball, Cross Country, Softball, Soccer, and Track.

Home team pays officials no more or no less than the set CYO fees. In the event a contracted basketball official does not show up for a game, the home team shall compensate the official who works the game alone with additional monies totaling ½ the fee.

The CYO does not view game video tapes to review officialsº calls or interpretations of the rules.

9. Schedules:

A. Date, time, and site of league contests shall not be changed after the Final Schedule is printed without the approval of:

1. CYO Athletic Department Director.

2. Payment of previous contracted officials to the CYO office.

3. Approval of competing teams.

B. All changes in schedules must be approved by the CYO Athletic Department Director. In his/her absence the CYO Athletic Assistant Director may grant approval.

C. Cancellations of contests can only be made when emergency conditions exist and the cancellation or change is approved by the CYO Athletic Department Director.

3. The CYO Athletic Department Director may approve and grant cancellation when judged necessary.

E. Check with your competing team one (1) week in advance to see if all necessary arrangements have been made for your contest: time, place, seating, admission, color of jerseys, parking, locker rooms, crowd control, security, etc.

F. It is a violation of CYO regulations for a Parish/School to schedule a contest in an attempt to alter the "next contest or day of competition penalty" imposed for ejection. Questionable judgements to the published schedule shall be determined by the CYO Athletic Department Director.

G. Sunday Morning Game Policy - The CYO upholds the importance of worship and the responsibility of athletes to participate in Sunday liturgy which includes vigil masses offered on Saturday after 4:00 p.m. In order to further Catholic life and practice among athletes, the CYO will schedule games on Sunday after 12:00 p.m. If a game is to begin before noon, the Pastors of the competing CYO Parish/School teams are to agree to the starting time in writing. (Form to be submitted with team registration sheet).

10. Ejections:

Any player, coach or spectator ejected from one (1) game will serve a minimum mandatory suspension of at least one (1) game. Any player, coach or spectator receiving a second (2^nd) ejection will serve a minimum mandatory suspension of at least two (2) games. The suspension will be served during the next regularly scheduled CYO game (including play-offs). Ejected athletes may attend the suspended game(s) in street clothes. Ejected adults are not permitted to attend suspended game(s). Parish/School Athletic Directors are responsible for monitoring ejection(s) and enforcing game suspension(s).

Any player, coach or spectator receiving a third (3^rd) ejection will serve a mandatory suspension for the rest of the season.

11. Forfeits, Canceling a Sport or Team:

A. Penalties for forfeits: A program once indicating participation in a sport, to the CYO office, failing to fulfill any scheduled contests may be fined. In the event any Parish/School forfeits more than three (3) contests in one (1) year, that team may not be eligible to compete in league championships at that seasons end or on a league championship basis for one (1) year, in that sport.

B. Parishes/Schools canceling a sport, after the preliminary schedules have been printed, shall forfeit any entry fee.

C. When a team is dropped after alignments have been printed, the Pastor/Principal must sign and send a letter to the CYO Athletic Department Director stating the reason the team is discontinued. The Parish/School must also notify all opponents.

12. Financial:

A. Passes: No passes will be honored, except the passes issued by the CYO Athletic Department Director. These league passes are to be honored at any game, either league or non-league and are to be used by the Coach/Pastor/Principal only.

B. Admission Maximum Fees: Students $2.00

Adults $3.00

Family $8.00

Children eight (8) and under are to be admitted FREE when accompanied by a parent. Members of the clergy are to be admitted without charge upon identification.

13. Limitations of Competition:

SPORT

SCRIMMAGES

DAILY LIMITATIONS

WEEKLY LIMITATIONS

Baseball

XXXXXXXXXXXX

2 games per day

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Basketball

XXXXXXXXXXXX

1 game per day

2 games per week

Bowling

XXXXXXXXXXXX

3 games per day

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Cheerleading

XXXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Cross Country

XXXXXXXXXXXX

1 meet per day

2 meets per week

Football

1 pre-season

1 per week in-season

1 game per day

1 game per 5 days

Lacrosse

1 per week in-season

1 game per day

2 games per week

Soccer

XXXXXXXXXXXX

1 game per day

3 games per week

Softball

XXXXXXXXXXXX

2 games per day

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Track

XXXXXXXXXXXX

1 meet per day

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Volleyball

XXXXXXXXXXXX

18 games per day

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Æ THE CYO WEEK IS DEFINED AS MONDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

14. Tournament Participation:

All tournaments sponsored by CYO Parishes/Schools must have the approval of the CYO Athletic Department Director and be registered with the CYO office. These rules apply to both 5/6^th and 7/8^th grade teams.

A. Baseball & Softball Tournaments:

1. No tournaments are permitted during the regular season.

2. One (1) pre-season and one (1) post-season tournament is allowed.

3. No CYO team may participate in any post-season tournament as long as they are still participating in the CYO play-offs. Dual participation in post-season tournaments is prohibited.

B. Basketball Tournaments:

1. One (1) pre-season, one (1) Christmas, and one (1) post-season tournament is allowed.

2. Tournaments are limited to eight (8) teams and participating teams are limited to three (3) games.

3. No games are permitted after the date of the CYO Basketball Championships.

4. No CYO team may participate in any post-season tournament as long as they are still participating in the CYO play-offs. Dual participation in post-season tournaments is prohibited.

C. Soccer Tournaments:

1. No tournaments are permitted during the regular season.

2. One (1) pre-season and one (1) post-season tournament is allowed.

3. Tournaments are limited to eight (8) teams and participating teams are limited to three (3) games.

4. No CYO team may participate in any post-season tournament as long as they are still participating in the CYO play-offs. Dual participation in post-season tournaments is prohibited.

D. Track & Cross Country Invitationals:

1. No invitationals are permitted during the regular season.

2. Teams may participate in one (1) pre-season invitational.

3. 5/6^th grade participants may participate in one (1) post-season tournament as long as they do not participate in the CYO Championship meet.

E. Volleyball Tournaments

1. No tournaments are permitted during the regular season.

2. One (1) pre-season and one (1) post-season tournament is allowed.

3. No tournament should exceed eight (8) hours in length or extend beyond 8:00 p.m.

4. Tournaments are limited to twelve (12) teams.

5. The number of games in a day may not exceed eighteen (18).

6. No CYO team may participate in any post-season tournament as long as they are still participating in the CYO play-offs. Dual participation in post-season tournaments is prohibited.

15. Play-offs and Championships:

A. A CYO member team, participating in play-offs, may not schedule a contest at play-off or championship sites without the written approval of the CYO Athletic Department Director.

B. Parishes/Schools may not schedule any non-league contest at any level on the dates of play-offs or championships in that sport.

16. Awards:

A team award will be given to each Parish/School winning their respective division title. Awards may by picked up at the CYO office after the season is completed in that sport.

17. Eligibility: (Participants Membership/Enrollment)

The following athletes are eligible for CYO League Membership:

A. In Parish/School Ruling:

1. Registered Catholic members of a sponsoring Parish.

2. A student of a sponsoring Catholic Parish Elementary

School.

3. A student of a sponsoring Archdiocesan approved

Catholic Elementary School or Academy.

B. Out of Parish/School Ruling:

In the event that a member/student is not eligible under A. 1, 2, or 3 above:

A participant whose home Parish or School/Academy does not sponsor a sport is eligible to participate with an adjoining Parish or School/Academy under the following guidelines:

1. A statement verifying that the participant is registered in the adjoining Parish must be signed by the Pastor of the adjoining Parish (Form A) OR

2. A statement verifying that the participant attends the adjoining Catholic Parish Elementary School must be signed by the Principal of the adjoining School (Form A) OR

3. A statement verifying that the participant attends the adjoining Archdiocesan approved Catholic Elementary School or Academy must be signed by the Principal of the adjoining School (Form A).

FORM A: Must be submitted to the CYO office along with the team registration sheets.

NOTE: The CYO Athletic Department Director is empowered to determine Parish/School eligibility when no adjoining Parish/School sponsors such an athletic program.

4. Once a participant qualifies and plays, under guidelines B. 1, 2, or 3, then for the balance of that School year, that participant MUST play all other sports for that same Parish/School if he/she qualifies under the exception. In the event, that same Parish/School does not sponsor a team in that later sport the participant may re-acquire eligibility under the exception. (A participant can only qualify and play in one adjoining Parish/School when the home Parish/School does not offer a particular sport).

When in doubt as to the eligibility of an athlete, check with the CYO Athletic Department Director after consulting the league manual. Parishes/Schools may not agree to waive any rule and play athletes who are not eligible.

C. Registered Membership Limitations:

No CYO player may be a registered member of more than one (1) Parish at the same time. In the event that a player is registered in two (2) Parishes, the CYO Athletic Department Director will determine which registration is valid and where the athlete is/was eligible.

D. Dual Membership Ruling:

In the event that a participant is qualified to play with both a Parish and School, that participant may initially choose to play with either, but must participate with the initial choice for the balance of the School year, for all later teams as long as the initial choice sponsors a team.

E. Eligibility Requirements for CYO Purposes:

1. Catholic is defined as a person who is baptized Catholic OR

2. A person, according to the norms of RCIA:

a. Has celebrated the Rite of Acceptance into the Catechumenate OR

b. Preparing for reception into full communion with the Catholic Church who has celebrated the Rite of Welcoming.

F. Age Limitations:

1. Eighth Grade League: Players whose 15^th birthday falls on or after September 1^st of the current School year are eligible for the balance of the School year. Players cannot be enrolled in any grade higher than the eighth (8^th) grade.

2. Sixth Grade League: Players whose 13^th birthday falls on or after September 1^st of the current School year are eligible for the balance of the School year. Players cannot be enrolled in any grade higher than the sixth (6^th) grade.

G. Sports Registration Sheets:

1. To be eligible, a player must be registered with the CYO.

2. Registration sheets as provided by the CYO, listing eligible players, must be submitted to the CYO office prior to the start of the season, signed by the Pastor/Principal, Athletic Director, and Coach. Caution should be exercised in completing registration forms with accuracy ensuring that only eligible players are listed.

3. Once the season starts, Parishes/Schools will receive a forfeit loss for every game played until the registration sheets are in.

At the discretion of the CYO Athletic Department Director, clerical errors may be corrected.

H. Roster Changes and Play-offs:

1. Eligible players may be added anytime during the regular season but not during the play-offs. Additions shall be submitted to the CYO office, in writing, at least 24 hours prior to participation in a contest.

2. To be eligible for play-offs a player must be added prior to the last regular season game.

3. 5/6^th grade players must participate in at least one (1) 7/8^th grade game in order to participate in the play-offs. (They may not play on two (2) different level teams during a one (1) week period).

4. A player may be moved up from the 5/6^th grade team to the 7/8^th grade team or from a number #2 team to a number #1 team. If the 5/6^th grade player moves back to the 5/6^th grade team, that player must stay there for the remainder of the season, same ruling for the number #2 team players.

I. Physical Examinations/Assumption of Risk Forms:

1. All athletes, participants, and tryout candidates should be informed, in very specific terms, of the possibilities of injury. "Assumption of Risk" forms are available from the CYO office and are to be completed for every athlete and kept at the Parish/School.

2. All athletes participating in athletics must have a current physical examination record on file in the Parish/School office. (Current is defined as on or after April 15^th of the current School year).

J. Scholastic Standards:

Players must maintain proper scholastic standards as established by each Parish/School.

K. Limited Team Membership:

1. A player may not be registered simultaneously with more than one (1) team in the CYO League. After a player has been listed on a team, he/she may not be transferred to another team within the same Parish/School CYO program without permission from the CYO office.

2. A student who, after participating in an athletic contest as a member of a CYO athletic team, participates in any athletic competition in the same sport during the same season, is ineligible. This rule applies specifically to Junior High School, Middle School, Recreation Leagues, P.A.L. Teams, Michigan Youth Teams, AAU Teams/Leagues or any other organized league including organized neighborhood leagues.

3. The spring season rules allow participation in the same sport in other organized leagues with the exception of playing on a Junior High School or Middle School team. This is permitted so that CYO athletes will not be prevented from participating in summer programs.

L. Penalties for Use of Ineligible Player(s):

1. Use of ineligible player(s) will result in forfeiture of all games in which such player(s) participated; awards and trophies shall be returned.

2. Players found to have participated with another team shall be immediately ineligible for the CYO team for the balance of the current season including play-offs.

M. Registration and Transfers:

1. Parish Membership:

In order for an athlete to be eligible to participate, Parish membership must be established on or before the following dates in order for a participant to be eligible to play in the following sports seasons:

May 1^st- Fall Season

July 1^st - Winter Season

Dec.1^st - Spring Season

Transfers: An athlete who transfers after the deadline from one Parish to another Parish is ineligible to participate in an athletic contest, UNLESS the athlete qualifies under one or more of the following exceptions:

Exceptions:

1. An athlete moves into a new Parish with the persons with whom he or she was living during his or her last year.

2. An athlete who has not been living with a parent or parents and moves into a new Parish to reside with his or her parents, the single parent if divorced or legally separated, or only living parent who already resides in the Parish.

3. An athlete is the ward of the court or state and is placed in a Parish by court order. Guardianship does not fulfill this requirement.

4. An athlete transfers to another Parish because his or her Parish ceases to operate.

5. An athlete of parents who are divorced or living under an order for separate maintenance moves from one Parish into a new Parish with or to one of those parents, and the pastor of each of the two Parishes involved approves of and then certifies the reason for the move as it relates to the divorced/separated parents. The transfer is permitted under this exception one time and must be approved by the CYO Athletic Department Director before the athlete competes in athletic competition.

* Athletes qualifying under exception 1, 2, 3, or 4 above may elect to complete the season at the previous Parish attended. However, the next season must be played at the new Parish.

School Enrollment:

Students transferring into a Catholic Grade School shall become immediately eligible to participate in the athletic program of the new School. Students transferring in season (e.g. in the middle of the School year) may elect to complete that season at the previous School attended. However, the next season must be played at the new School.

18. All matters of rules and regulations not covered in the CYO League Manual shall be decided and administered by the CYO Athletic Department Director.

CYO RESTRICTIONS ON COACHES AND ATHLETIC TEAMS:

Æ Each CYO season is defined as beginning on the first allowable day of practice in that sport and ending on the athletes last day of competition in that sport.

1. Out of Season - is defined as a period of time during the School year outside of the CYO defined season for a sport. Sports activities out of season are permitted, provided the following conditions are met:

a. No use of Parish/School transportation.

b. No use of Parish/School warm-ups and/or uniforms.

c. No payment of fees with Parish/School funds.

d. No mandatory practices.

e. No use of Parish/School name or nickname.

f. Outside of the CYO defined season for a sport, a coach may coach in that sport a maximum of three (3) athletes from the same Parish/School from the beginning of the School year through the last day of the School year. (This does not allow two coaches to coach 6 athletes, and so on).

2. Summer - is defined as from the last day of the School year for that student to the first allowable day of Fall practice.

a. No use of Parish/School transportation.

b. No use of Parish/School warm-ups and/or uniforms.

c. No payment of fees with Parish/School funds.

d. No mandatory practices.

e. No use of Parish/School name or nickname.

f. A coach may coach a sport for a maximum of fifteen (15) dates from the same Parish/School from the last day of the School year through August 1.

3. Open Gyms - are permitted but must adhere to the following principles:

a. Diversity of Parish/School students -- open to all students

b. Diversity of activity -- offer a variety of sports activities

c. Athlete conducted -- athletes choose from offered activities. Any coach of a sport who is present shall not coach, instruct, critique, direct, or evaluate.

d. Recreational emphasis -- not an organized program of instruction and/or competition.

4. Conditioning Programs - prior to the start of the season may occur 1 week before the first day of practice but must adhere to the following principles:

a. No sport specific drills or equipment (i.e. no basketballs, football dummies, volleyball net, soccer net).

b. No sport specific instruction.

c. No cuts are made until actual tryouts begin and candidates are given ample opportunity to demonstrate their ability.

VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

Violations of CYO rules, regulations, or sportsmanship standards may subject a member Parish/School, coach, player, individual, team, or program to penalties, included but not limited to, all of the following:

1. Censure

2. Probation

3. Probation without competition

4. Forfeiture

5. Suspension from CYO play-offs for Parish/School, coach, player, individual, team, or entire program.

6. Expulsion

Æ Penalties may be imposed for any number of days, seasons, or years.

SUSPENSION

The CYO shall have the right to suspend members. Members shall not be permitted to compete, in any sport, with suspended members. Individual coaches, athletic directors, sports programs or Schools found in violation of rules and regulations may be censored, placed on probation or suspended.

Members may be suspended for:

1. Violation of the rules and regulations of the league.

2. Violations by Parishes, Schools, individual coaches, and or athletic directors.

3. Non-payment of fees.

4. Failure to carry out a complete league schedule.

5. Failure to fulfill sanctioned CYO commitments and responsibilities.

PROTESTS OF ELIGIBILITY RULES

All protests must be signed by the Pastor/Principal and Athletic Director and filed in writing at the CYO office. It is recommended that protests involving eligibility, be filed prior to the date of the first play-off game.

1. A fee of $25.00 must accompany the protest and will be returned if the protest

is upheld.

2. Decisions of the CYO Athletic Department Director regarding eligibility rules may be appealed to the CYO Athletic Task Force.

3. The CYO Athletic Department Director has the authority and responsibility to review and investigate any rule infractions that may occur.

DUE PROCESS AND APPEAL PROCEDURE POLICY

The purpose of the CYO Athletic Department is to enhance the educational program of its member Parishes/Schools by providing for the best level of athletic competition among them. It shall be the policy of the CYO Athletic Department to provide due process to its member Parishes/Schools in cases where disagreement may exist between the member Parish/School and the CYO office.

INVESTIGATION - The CYO Executive Director or his/her designated representative shall investigate all alleged violations of the rules of the CYO Athletic Department.

DECISION - The CYO Executive Director shall then render a decision in writing within seven (7) days of acknowledgement of the rule infraction. The decision shall be mailed to each party.

APPEALS TO THE ATHLETIC TASK FORCE - Appeals on a matter of interpretation of the eligibility rules or a decision of the CYO Athletic Department Director may be made, postmarked within seven (7) days upon receipt of the decision received by the CYO Executive Director. Upon such notice, the CYO Executive Director shall place the appeal on the agenda for the next CYO Athletic Task Force meeting.

APPEAL DECISION - The CYO Athletic Task Force may adopt the decision of the CYO Athletic Department Director, or may modify it, or may reject it in whole or part. The decision of the CYO Athletic Task Force will be forwarded to all interested parties. Decisions are final.

LEAGUE MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT LEAGUE MANUAL

GENERAL INFORMATION/MEMBERSHIP

SPORTSMANSHIP

PURPOSE OF CYO ATHLETICS

CYO ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR

SERVICES

ROLE OF THE CYO ATHLETIC TASK FORCE

VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

SUSPENSION

PROTESTS OF ELIGIBILITY RULES

DUE PROCESS AND APPEAL PROCEDURE POLICY

REVISED 2006