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Participation in any CYM Athletic program is not based solely on
Religious affiliation. Parishes/Schools are encouraged to establish
guidelines for participation and can include factors such as number of
teams/participants, budgetary considerations, facility availability and
similar considerations. These guidelines should be clearly stated and
properly followed.
ATHLETIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Athletic Advisory Committee is a committee appointed by the CYM
Advisory Board and supports the efforts of the Office for Catholic Youth
Ministry of the Diocese of Wilmington in maintaining quality athletic
programs while fostering Christian attitudes. The primary goals of the
Athletic Advisory Committee are to review and formulate athletic policy
for recommendation to the Advisory Board and to promote wholesome,
competitive sports programs.
The members of the Athletic Advisory
Committee represent many segments of the community and various parish
athletic programs. The members function to ensure compliance with rules
within the context of the basic philosophy of CYM and to respond to
member parishes and their needs.
All rulings by the Athletic Advisory Committee are subject to review by
the Advisory Board at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
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COACHES CONDUCT
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In addition to those items, mentioned in For the Sake of God's Children,
the Diocesan Charter, CYM mandates the following:
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If the actions or attitude of a coach are found to be detrimental to the
athletes or the CYM program, that coach will be subject to review and
discipline. Disciplinary action can range from counseling, probation,
suspension or dismissal, depending upon the circumstances.
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All written and signed complaints about a coach will be referred to the
Athletic Program Coordinator who will, when appropriate, notify the
coach that a written complaint has been received. After consultation
with CYM director, the coach and complainant will be notified of the
action taken.
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Any coach who verbally or physically mistreats an official or behaves in
an unsportsmanlike manner at any time during the season may be suspended
from coaching all CYM sports
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All suspensions are for a period of up to twelve (12) months from the
time of the infraction.
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A suspension may be appealed by a coach.
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Appeals, including a request for a hearing, must be submitted in writing
along with any supporting documentation.
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All documentation will be reviewed by a sub-committee of the Athletic
Advisory Committee (AAC) consisting of the Chairperson of the AAC and
two (2) additional members. A hearing will be held if determined
necessary by this sub-committee.
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Upon completion of the period of suspension, a coach must request
reinstatement in writing to the CYM Athletic Advisory Committee. The
letter must indicate that the suspended coach has reviewed and will
support the Statement of Purpose and Philosophy of CYM Athletics. The
letter must be co-signed by the pastor/principal of the parish/school
where he/she will be coaching.
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Under normal* circumstances, a coach may not be permanently dismissed
from coaching CYM sports without a fair hearing conducted by the
Athletic Advisory Committee. The coach will be afforded the opportunity
to present testimony on his/her behalf. The decision of the AAC calling
for the dismissal of a coach will require a review and concurrence of a
majority of the Advisory Board.
*There may be circumstances where the facts are clear that warrant an
immediate dismissal of a coach from the CYM Athletic Program (e.g., acts
of violence, excessive use of profanity, continued unsportsmanlike
conduct, intentional abuse of another person, etc.). The decision to
immediately dismiss a coach for such behavior is made by the CYM
Executive Director in consultation with the Athletic Program Manager.
Such a decision is final.
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Any disciplinary action of a coach will result in written notification
to the coach, the parish/school Athletic Association President/Athletic
Director and the pastor of the parish or principal of the school.
See Also: Section regarding the EJECTIONS of a coach in this handbook.
COACHES LIABILITY
Although liability issues and concerns dealing with volunteer coaches
are not as demanding as those for paid coaches, it is always important
to act in a reasonable and prudent manner when performing the duties
associated with coaching. Volunteer coaches’ liability issues are
addressed in Title 16 of the Delaware Code. The Code states, in part:
Limitation on Liability of Non-Profit Sports Programs
(SEQ 5_0 \* alphabetic \r 1a) Uncompensated qualified staff - Any person
who renders services without compensation as a member of the qualified
staff of a non-profit sports program shall not be liable under the laws
of the State for civil damages resulting from any negligent act or
omission of such qualified member occurring in the performance of any
duty of such qualified member.
Coaches should be reminded that, even though limitations on liability
are addressed in the Delaware Code, total avoidance from any conduct
that could be considered reckless and adherence to the CYM Coaches’
Memorandum of Understanding, should minimize the potential for
litigation in this area.
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SPECTATOR CONDUCT
The purpose of CYM athletic programs is to promote Christian attitudes
while encouraging healthy physical activity by the youth of the diocese.
Spectators must realize that they represent the parish/school just as
much as team members or coaches. Unsportsmanlike conduct, including but
not limited to, objecting to decisions of game officials,
disrespectfully addressing a game official, using inappropriate
language/gestures, interrupting a contest by going on the floor or field
or approaching a game official or coach will not be tolerated. Incidents of poor
sportsmanship/unruly conduct will result in disciplinary action taken by
the Office for Catholic Youth Ministry.
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If a spectator is ejected from ANY parish or CYM athletic contest,
whether sponsored by CYM or not, the spectator is banned from the next
athletic contest played by that team. (See
Ejection section for
additional information)
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Any spectator who verbally or physically mistreats an official or
behaves in an unsportsmanlike manner at any time may be banned from
attending CYM athletic contests for a period of time to be determined by
the CYM Office. Monitoring of the team by the parish/school athletic
association will be required. The Chairperson of the Athletic Advisory
Committee will be notified.
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Violations of a ban will result in game(s) being stopped and a forfeit
awarded to the opposing team. Two (2) forfeits during a season will
result in a team’s dismissal from the league.
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Improper conduct of spectators at any CYM athletic contest may result in
sanctions to the team or the athletic association of that team. Serious
or repeated spectator problems with the same parish/school program will
result in a hearing before the Athletic Advisory Committee.
Spectators are not permitted to file complaints concerning the
performance of game officials. Only the head coach may file a complaint.
Coaches and/or Athletic Association Officers are to review this
spectator conduct section with parents/guardians of all players.
PLAYER CONDUCT
Incidents of improper conduct by players before, during and/or after a
CYM athletic contest may result in disciplinary action taken by the CYM
Office. Disciplinary action can range from counseling, probation,
suspension or dismissal depending upon the circumstances. Please note:
Coaches are required under the Volunteer Covenant to communicate to
players the rights and responsibilities of individuals on the team.
FILING A
COMPLAINT
As stated above, only a head
coach may file a complaint about an official. If a problem exists with a
coach, only a head coach (usually of an opposing team) may file a
complaint. Assistant Coaches may not file complaints with CYM about
players, officials, or other coaches.
Parents may file a written complaint or concern about a coach or other
spectators or about the behavior of players during a CYM competition.
All concerns and complaints must be submitted in writing and must be
signed. Emails may be sent to
catholicyouth@cdow.org.
CYM will do everything within its power to see that all conflicts are
resolved amicably. Please note that it's primary goal will always be to
have conflicts resolved on the parish level.
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ATHLETIC PROGRAMS BY SEASON
FALL SEASON
a. Football – Junior Varsity and Varsity
b. Soccer - Junior Varsity and Varsity (Co-ed)
c. Volleyball - Junior Varsity, Varsity & Senior (Girls)
d. Cheerleading - Junior Varsity and Varsity
e. Cross-Country - Junior Varsity and Varsity (Boys and Girls)
WINTER SEASON
a. Boy’s Basketball - Junior Varsity, Varsity, Intermediate and Senior
(High School)
b. Girl’s Basketball - Junior Varsity, Varsity, and Senior (High School)
c. Wrestling - Varsity (Boys)
d. Cheerleading - Junior Varsity and Varsity
SPRING SEASON
a. Baseball - Varsity (Co-ed)
b. Softball - (Slow-pitch) - Junior Varsity (Girls)
c. Softball - (Fast-pitch) - Varsity only (Girls)
d. Track and Field (Boys and Girls)
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