Overview: The protection of every young person entrusted to CYM Sports is a non-negotiable obligation of the Church and a first principle of Catholic Youth Ministry. Safe Environments in athletics is not an administrative add-on to the program; it is the condition under which competition, coaching, and community may take place at all. Grounded in the Diocese of Wilmington’s For the Sake of God’s Children program, in CYM’s own volunteer and coaching requirements, and in applicable state and federal child-protection law in Delaware and Maryland, this section sets forth the mandated standards that safeguard youth participants and the adults who walk with them. These requirements exist so that every practice, contest, team gathering, and travel arrangement occurs within a culture of vigilance, transparency, and pastoral responsibility.
Every adult who serves in a coaching, administrative, or other volunteer role with regular contact with minors must be fully cleared before participating in any team activity. That clearance includes an approved background check processed through the Office of Safe Environments, completion of required safe-environment training (including VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children for Adults), Concussion Certification completion within two years, annual acknowledgments of diocesan behavioral standards, and any additional CYM or sport-specific certifications. Local Athletic Association Presidents and Athletic Directors share responsibility with the central CYM office for verifying compliance, maintaining records, and ensuring that no uncleared adult is added to a roster or permitted on the field, court, or sideline. Coaches and administrators are required to have all relevant documentation available; they are also bound to the two-adult standard, observable and accountable settings, appropriate physical and digital boundaries, mandated reporting of suspected abuse or neglect, and the ethical standards of Church personnel. These obligations apply equally at the parish, school, and diocesan levels.
This section outlines the layered framework of diocesan policy, CYM procedure, and civil law that together form our safe-environment ministry in athletics guidelines. It names the trainings, screenings, reporting pathways, and environmental knowledge required of every affiliated program. By meeting these mandates with consistency and integrity, CYM Sports protects the dignity of children, supports volunteers in their calling, and gives families confidence that the adults who accompany their sons and daughters have been formed, screened, and held accountable. In this way, Safe Environments becomes more than compliance: it is an act of stewardship that allows the joy of competition and the work of disciple formation to unfold in settings worthy of the young people we serve.
CYM Sports will never sacrifice safety requirements necessary over the pursuit of athletic competition.
4.1 Safe Environment Mandatory Requirements
- 4.1-1 “For the Sake of God’s Children“, or FSGC, is a program by the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington’s Safe Environment Office, and is focused on the continuous development of a safe environment in our communities; the program has three major components:
- Safe Environments
- Conducting background checks for Church Personnel
- Ethical and Behavioral Standards for Church Personnel
- 4.1-2 All volunteer coaches, volunteer administrators, and local athletic personnel are subject to all requirements of the “For the Sake of God’s Children” program, regardless of implementations at the local parish or school level.
- 4.1-2.1 All volunteer coaches must complete VIRTUS Training every three years.
- 4.1-2.2 All volunteer coaches must complete Background Checks every five years.
- 4.1-3 All volunteer coaches, volunteer administrators, and local athletic personnel should review FSGC regularly.
- 4.1-3.1 It is the responsibility of the volunteer participant to fulfill FSGC obligations.
4.2 Adult to Player Ratio
- 4.2-1 As of 2026, an adult to player ratios must be in place, prior to the start of practicing, and must remain intact for the duration of the season.
- Two (2) Cleared Adults : 1-14 Youth Participants
- Three (3) Cleared Adults : 15-25 Youth Participants
- Four (4) Cleared Adults : 26-35 Youth Participants
- Five (5) Cleared Adults : 36-45 Youth Participants
- etc.
- 4.2-2 The local affiliated athletic association representative and head coach are responsible for all events meeting the accepted Adult:Player ratio.
- 4.2-2.1 In the event that an affiliated program, knowingly or unknowingly, places placeholder names or the ratio is not met and athletic programming continues (ie. practices, games, tournaments, etc), the program will be subject to disciplinary actions by the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington and CYM Sports.
4.3 Miscellaneous Safety Guidelines
- 4.3-1 The safeguarding of youth participants is the top priority of CYM Sports, their representatives, and the Diocese of Wilmington.
- 4.3-1.1 Local affiliated programs are mandated to follow all requirements of the Safe Environments Office and state law when it involves the safety of a child.
- 4.3-2 Volunteer Coaches must use proper judgement in consideration with their Volunteer Covenant Agreement.
- 4.3-2.1 Acceptable practices in the realm of youth athletics (communications, stretching, disciplinary exercises) may be inappropriate or in-violation of Safe Environment standards.
Resources
Maryland: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect: https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-protective-services/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-or-neglect/local-offices/
Delaware: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect: https://kids.delaware.gov/family-services/child-abuse-and-neglect-reporting/
Safe Environments Office: https://cdow.org/ministries/safe-environment/about/