Respect
Evangelization
Acceptance
Competition
Holiness

The purpose of the CYO/YM Sports and Spirituality Office is to promote developmental and educational leagues with the aspect of spirituality.  This is

1.              Remember that the league is one of education and development.  Learning and safety come before winning.  Anything that compromises the learning and fun of the game to the children will not be tolerated. 

2.              To teach the children, coaches and fans to see Christ in their opponents.  How would they act differently if it was the actual figure of Jesus on the court or sitting next to them and how does Jesus reflect in each other. 

3.              Competition is healthy when it is presented in a sportsmanship way.  Competition is secondary to Safety, Learning and Spiritual Aspects.  “Winning at all costs” will not be tolerated.

Implementation

1.              At the very minimum a representative for each parish must attend the ONCE A YEAR ALL COACHES MEETING held for all sports in November.  

2.       At least one service project, reflection experience, or other such activity should be performed by each team to qualify for playoffs. 

3.              Before each season a rules interpretation meeting will be held and every coach MUST attend.

4.              Every coach must complete the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. course and Protecting God’s Children.  Basketball Coaches for the 2008-2009 Season must complete an online "Catholic Coaching Principles class."   All other leagues will need to follow in 2009-2010 season.

5.              Everything will be centralized out of the CYO/YM Office.

6.              Unsportsmanship by coaches, fans, players will be dealt with in suspension.  If the same team continually commits fouls then they risk banning from playoff games and possible season.