Parish Coordinator Registration

Acknowledgement of Safe Environment Compliance

The mission of the NY Archdiocese’s Safe Environment Program is to insure the safety of children and young people who have been entrusted to our care in our parishes, schools, religious education classes, CYO, and other programs.

The NY Archdiocese Safe Environment Program requires that all CYO Coaches/Volunteers who work with minors submit the following to their Parish Safe Environment Administrator for CYO:

• Authorization for Background Check
• Safe Environment Questionnaire
• Certificate of Completion of Safer Spaces Training

By checking this box, I acknowledge that I have completed these requirements listed above or are currently in the process of completing the requirements in coordination with my parish coordinator/athletic director. I understand that I am not permitted to work with minors until these requirements have been fulfilled.

For our community partners/programs (any non-catholic school or organization) not in the Archdiocese of New York network, you acknowledge your program will provide documented confirmation that your organization meets the same level of background checks and training and that all of your volunteer coaches have successfully completed the equivalent requirements. 

Acknowledgement of Eligibility Rules (County and Arch)

I have read and understand the Eligibility Rules found on the CYO New York website at www.cyony.org and my affiliated County Eligibility rules. I agree that I will abide and uphold these eligibility rules for the integrity of the organization and in the best interest of fair play for all participants. Should I have any questions pertaining to eligibility, I will contact the County Director/Commissioner before accepting any participant into my program.

Acknowledgement of Play rules (County and Arch)

I have read and understand the game play Rules found on the CYO New York website at www.cyony.org and my affiliated County play rules. I understand the the County rules override, the general Archdiocese CYO Basketball rules during the county regular season. I agree that I understand and will abide and uphold these game play rules for the integrity of the organization, my program and in the best interest of fair play for all participants.

Catholic Youth Organization Code of Conduct / penalties / enforcement

CYO of the Archdiocese of New York, Inc. Code of Conduct

I acknowledge that I have read, understand and will abide by the CYO code of conduct to help ensure a safe playing environment for all.

The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), through the vehicle of sports, provides youth with an opportunity to practice Christian attitudes and responsibilities and to become friends with other children throughout their dioceses. CYO 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 should not detract from the children’s enjoyment of the sport.

1. COACHES

Acceptable standards of coaching behavior include:

• Set a good example for participants and fans to follow, exemplifying the highest moral and ethical behavior.
• Respect the judgment of officials and abide by rules of the game.
• Treat opposing coaches, participants and fans with respect.
• Instruct participants in sportsmanship and demand they display good sportsmanship.
• Coach in a positive manner, reflecting Christian values.

In basketball, remain seated on the bench at all times, except in the instances in the National Federation Basketball Rule book.

Penalties:

Any coach ejected from a game/match because of unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended for the next two games/matches and may be subject to additional penalties.

Any coach who physically abuses another person may be suspended for the remainder of the season and disqualified from CYO participation.

Any coach who physically abuses an official will be suspended for the remainder of the season and may be disqualified from CYO participation.

2. PLAYERS

Acceptable standards of participant behavior include:

• Treat opponents with respect, shake hands prior to and after a game.
• Respect the judgment of officials and abide by the rules of the game.
• Accept seriously the responsibility of representing the school or parish by displaying positive behavior at all times.
• Play in a positive manner, reflecting Christian values. Do not bait or taunt opponents.

Penalties:

Any player ejected from a game/match because of unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended from the next game and may be subject to additional penalties.

Any player who physically abuses another player, participant or official may be suspended from play for the remainder of the season and may be disqualified from CYO competition.

3. SPECTATORS

Acceptable standards of spectator behavior include:

• Remember that the players are children and are playing for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Remain seated in the spectator area during the games.
• Respect decisions made by game officials.
• Be a role model by positively supporting teams and by 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 administrator.

Penalties:

Participating teams and their coaches are responsible for the conduct of their spectators.

Any spectator who displays poor sportsmanship may be removed from the facility by an official, their team coach, a league official or the host gym manager.

Any spectator who interferes with the conduct of a CYO activity may, at the discretion of the spectator’s parish, league, or CYO Board, be barred from attendance at subsequent CYO activities.

4. ENFORCEMENT

The parishes and leagues, under the supervision of the CYO of the Archdiocese of New York Office, will enforce this code.

Complaints regarding violations of this code shall be first brought to the attention of the parish/school coordinators of the parishes/schools involved.

Coaches, participants or spectators may be placed on probation or suspended from CYO activities for their actions. been fulfilled.

Social Media Policy Agreement

The CYO of the Archdiocese of New York recognizes the advancement of technology and how it can affect in a positive way the lives of those participating with CYO.

We also recognize the following:

• Words transmitted using the internet and related technologies are considered “published materials”, and, as such, are available for worldwide access, and in addition are considered “public documents”;
• Using this technology to publish opinions and comments which are obscene, works against the values of dignity and respect for each person, or brings harm or ridicule to the individuals targeted as well as to our CYO community and is contrary to the mission of the CYO.
• The values and dignity and respect for every person apply to all our contacts and interactions with each other – whether in person at games, practices or events, or by virtual means;
• Therefore, The CYO of the Archdiocese of New York prohibits players, coaches, spectators and family members from using technology in irresponsible or negative ways related to their CYO participation.
• The CYO will hold all users of the technology responsible for their published words if they can be determined to adversely affect individuals, teams, parishes or schools, sports or CYO officials, team members or families.
• Those affiliated with CYO who do use technology in a manner that is contrary to our mission will face disciplinary action up to and including suspension/dismissal.

I (We) have read the CYO Social Media policy and I (We) agree to follow these guidelines in my (our) participation in all CYO activities.

THE CYO PARISH COORDINATOR/ATHLETIC DIRECTOR CHECKLIST

The CYO PARISH COORDINATOR/ATHLETIC DIRECTOR role is vital to the success of a sports program but also for the associated parish/school community. The CYO Parish Coordinator/AD is responsible for organizing and overseeing the CYO athletic program in their parish/school. She/he is responsible to the pastor and/or the Catholic school principal. All parishes/schools participating in CYO must have an parish coordinator/athletic director, appointed by the pastor and/or principal. CYO Parish Coordinators/Athletic Directors should work with a parish/school CYO board and other delegated volunteers to fulfill the following responsibilities, Below is a checklist to review to help implement a successful program. Please check off that you have reviewed the below:

1. Ensure the Catholic Christian philosophy of the CYO program is followed.
2. Recruit and train qualified coaches for all teams. Provide coaches with coaches certification workshop and diocesan Safe Environment information. Ensure that all coaches are certified to coach in all CYO sanctioned leagues and meet diocesan Safe Environment requirements.
3. Conduct coaches information meetings for all coaches, prior to and during each season, to discuss rules and rules changes, league information, CYO and coaching philosophy, and other necessary information. 
4. Facilitate effective communication: Publish and maintain a parish/school CYO Website. Receive information from the CYO Office and from the league then disseminate this information.
5. Ensure compliance with diocesan Safe Environment policies and that a minimum of two adults is present at all CYO activities.
6. Arrange preseason parent information meetings, either one meeting for all teams or coordinate individual team meetings. Attend parent meetings as necessary. Check to be certain that all teams have hosted parent meetings.
7. Represent the parish in CYO league meetings (or arrange for a representative) and contribute to league activities.
8. Be knowledgeable of rules: the CYO bylaws, league bylaws, rule exceptions and rules of the sport. 
9. Check player eligibility ensuring that all players comply with CYO Eligibility Rules prior to participating.
10. Organize the parish/school athletic program including: Arrange for registration of team players: distribute registration materials, set time and location for registration. Arrange for on-line registration, if desired acquire and maintain equipment including team equipment, first aid supplies and uniforms. If there is a parish gym facility, be active in helping to maintain it. Schedule practices and arrange for practice facilities. Review league schedules with all coaches.  Ensure funds are managed with annual budgeting and effective accounting policies.  Arrange fundraising for support of the program.
11. Check parish and school activity calendars to avoid schedule conflicts. Avoid time conflicts with other parish programs. Do not allow CYO activities prior to noon on Sundays.
12. Work with parish leaders to promote the CYO program as a youth ministry. Meet at least annually, with the pastor, Catholic School principal to discuss the CYO program.
13. Evaluate coaches and teams after each season, consulting with parents and players
14. Delegate: Select, train and delegate to an Assistant Athletic Director. Organize a parish/school CYO Board. Enlist capable volunteers for support.