CYO CODE OF CONDUCT

CYO, through athletic activities, attempts to instill in youth, Christian attitudes and characteristics that will make them better adjusted youth today and adults in the years ahead. Bringing youth together from different schools and social backgrounds in an atmosphere that fosters friendship with opponents and teaches principles of sportsmanship is an important aspect of the program. The following guidelines reinforce that the behavior of anyone involved in the CYO should not detract from the youth’s enjoyment of the sport.

COACHES

• Encourage athletes in a positive manner; use the appropriate language to support an athlete’s efforts.
• Set an example of good conduct; maintain a wholesome and friendly rivalry between teams.
• Give all athletes sufficient playing time.
• Treat all with respect and dignity. Do not shout or make derogatory comments to athletes, coaches, parents, spectators or the officials.
• Do not humiliate an opponent by severely outscoring a team.
• Be humble in winning and gracious in defeat.
• A friendly handshake or positive comment to the opposing coach should be exchanged after a sport event regardless of the outcome.

ATHLETES

• Treat opponents with respect and dignity.
• Give only constructive criticism and positive encouragement to teammates.
• Do not swear or argue about an official’s decision. Only designated athletes, such as a team captain, should question an official.
• Play by the rules, play fair.
• Behave with honesty, straight forwardness and a dignified attitude when others do not play fairly.
• All teams at the conclusion of the sport event should exchange a handshake or cheer.

SCOREKEEPERS/TIMEKEEPERS/OTHER EVENT VOLUNTEERS

Scorekeepers, timekeepers and all other event volunteers are considered officials of the contest and should conduct themselves in an impartial manner throughout the sport event. They should not be coaching the participants, yelling at the participants and/or officials, etc. They are encouraged to show appreciation for an exceptional play during the event.

PARENTS/SPECTATORS

• Remain seated in the appropriate area during the sport event.
• Make only positive comments to athletes, coaches, parents and officials. There is no place in CYO sports for booing and criticizing judgments made by the officials.
• Parents should not interfere with their athlete’s coach. They must be willing to give responsibility for their athlete to the coach during practices and sport events.
• Parents/spectators should not direct any comments or concerns to the game officials at any time. These should be directed through the coaches, who shall direct those comments to the CYO team athletic director.

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

• Each coach is responsible for the conduct of the team members, parents, and spectators. Any coach, athlete, parent or spectator may be cited for unsportsman like conduct by a sport event official, CYO athletic director, or CYO representative including; staff, commission, board members, gym or site monitors.
• At the time of the alleged infraction, the above named are empowered to remove the alleged offender from the facility. If the alleged offender(s) refuse to leave the facility, the sport event will be forfeited in the favor of the CYO team not involved in the infraction.

PRE-SPORT EVENT PRAYER

The visiting team coaches shall bring the teams together before each athletic event to recite the following:

God, as we prepare to compete in this athletic contest,
we ask your help and blessing
that we may compete to the best of our abilities
and with a true spirit of sportsmanship
so that our efforts give greater glory to
You, our Creator.

We ask that you protect us from injury
and help us remember that
our opponents are our brothers as sisters
who are also under your guidance.

For this we pray, Amen.

PRE-SPORT EVENT STATEMENT

In order to set the tone for friendly competition and good sportsmanship, a pre-sport event statement has been developed. It shall be the responsibility of the home team to designate a parent to read the following statement before each CYO athletic contest.

• We will respect and support volunteer coaches and youth and adult referees by remaining in the designated spectator areas.
• We will remember that youth participate for their enjoyment, not ours.
• We will be good role models by treating everyone in the competition with respect.
• We will not make derogatory comments to athletes, coaches, parents, spectators or officials; athletes learn best by example.
• We will teach that teamwork and doing your best are more important than winning. We will applaud good effort by all competitors.
• We will encourage the athletes to improve skills and to be good sports.
• We will also urge them to play by the Spirit of CYO.
• We will make the athletes feel like winners, regardless of the outcome.