Overview: This section outlines the purpose, structure, and guiding principles of penalties, sanctions, and disciplinary actions within the CYM Sports Program. Rooted in the purpose of forming youth in the spirit of faith, character, community, and good sportsmanship, this framework exists not as a form of punishment but as a means of accountability, formation, and protection. It is not just about the playing field, but our mission field.
The primary purpose of this section is to ensure that all participants, regardless of athletes, coaches, officials, parents, and administrators, uphold the values of respect, integrity, safety, and Christian witness in their words, actions, and interactions. When conduct falls short of these standards, appropriate and fair disciplinary measures are necessary to address the issue, guide correction, and safeguard the dignity and well-being of all involved.
Disciplinary procedures are guided by principles of restorative justice, consistency, due process, and pastoral care. They are designed to:
• Maintain a safe and respectful environment for all participants.
• Provide clear consequences for violations of rules, codes of conduct, or ethical standards.
• Offer opportunities for reflection, growth, and reconciliation.
• Support the authority of the program while modeling Christ-centered leadership and compassion.
All penalties, sanctions and disciplinary actions imposed are subject to adjustment on a case-by-case basis. In some aspects, this is due to time sensitive ruling(s) or through the referrals by the Athletic Advisory Committee.
This section applies to infractions related to player conduct, coaching behavior, spectator interference, eligibility violations, unsportsmanlike behavior, and any actions contrary to CYM policies or the spirit of Catholic teaching. By addressing such matters with clarity and consistency, CYM affirms its commitment to forming young people as empowered disciples on the playing field and off in the mission field, and embodies justice, humility, and love of neighbor.
8.1 Penalties, Sanctions, and Disciplinary Actions
- 8.1-1 The Office for Catholic Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry may refer an incident(s) that do not align with the mission, and/or Confidentiality Agreement, Volunteer Covenant Agreement, and Safe Environments Guidelines for disciplinary sanctions, based on various factors.
| Non-Physical Offenses (Player) | Minimum Game(s) Suspension | Disciplinary Action | Additional Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulting, Belittling, Insinuating or Taunting Behavior towards Administrators, Coaches, Officials or Student-Athletes | Warning | N/A | TBD |
| Harassment, Intimidation, Retaliation, Abusive, or Threatening (Non-physical) Language | 1 | N/A | TBD |
| Aggression, Attacking, Derogatory, Cyberbullying, Doxing or Threatening Language | 2 | Referred to AAC and/or Office for corrective action(s) | Placed on Administrative Suspension; a final determination and report will be provided to AAR |
| Offensive or Discriminatory Act | 3 | Referred to AAC and/or Office for corrective action(s) | Placed on Administrative Suspension; a final determination and report will be provided to AAR |
| Continued violations of Non-Physical Offenses | Referred to Office for Sanctions | Referred to AAC and/or Office for corrective action(s) | Placed on Administrative Suspension; a final determination and report will be provided to AAR |
| Non-Physical Offenses (Coach) | Minimum Game(s) Suspension | Disciplinary Action | Additional Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulting, Belittling, Insinuating or Taunting Behavior towards Administrators, Coaches, Officials or Student-Athletes | Warning | N/A | Placed on Probation for remainder of season |
| Harassment, Intimidation, Retaliation, Abusive, or Threatening (Non-physical) Language | 2 | N/A | Placed on Probation for remainder of season |
| Aggression, Attacking, Derogatory, Cyberbullying, Doxing or Threatening Language | 6 | N/A | Placed on Probation for remainder of season |
| Offensive or Discriminatory Act | Indefinite | Revoked Volunteer Status; Resigning of Agreements | Placed on Administrative Suspension; a final determination and report will be provided to AAR |
| Continued violations of Non-Physical Offenses | Referred to AAC and/or Office for corrective action(s) | Referred to AAC and/or Office for corrective action(s) | Placed on probation for remainder of season for sport(s) |
| Non-Physical Offenses (Affiliated Programs) | Minimum Game(s) Suspension | Disciplinary Action | Additional Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to show for scheduled game | Forfeit | Charged and assessed fees for officials and facilities (if applicable) | Team ruled ineligible for postseason play (after three [3] forfeits) |
| Insulting, Belittling, Insinuating or Taunting Behavior towards Administrators, Coaches, Officials or Student-Athletes, Harassment, Intimidation, Retaliation, Abusive, or Threatening (Non-physical) Language | Investigation; Probation of Individual(s) responsible | Referred to Office for Sanctions | Places sport-specific program on administrative probation for season |
| Aggression, Attacking, Derogatory, Cyberbullying, Doxing or Threatening Language | Investigation; Probation of Individual(s) responsible | Referred to Office for Sanctions | Places sport-specific program on administrative probation for season |
| Offensive or Discriminatory Act | Forfeiture of all remaining game(s) | Ruled ineligible for postseason play | Placed on probation for following program season |
| Continued violations of Non-Physical Offenses | Referred to AAC and/or Office for corrective action(s) | Referred to AAC and/or Office for corrective action(s) | Placed on probation for remainder of season for sport(s) |
| Physical Offenses (Player) | Minimum Game(s) Suspension | Disciplinary Action | Additional Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor Deliberate Aggression | 1 | N/A | N/A |
| Pushing, Grabbing, Pulling, Squeezing, Pitching, Lightly Slapping, Use of Object in Non-striking Manner, or physical property damage | 2 | Season Probation | Referred to AAC |
| Hitting, Punching, Elbowing, Kicking, Biting, Spiting, Choking, Tackling, Throwing, or Use of Object or any part of body in Striking Manner. | Suspended for program year | Referred to office for reinstatement | Placed on probation for remainder of CYM eligibility |
| Unsportsmanlike Offenses (Affiliated Programs) | Corrective Action | Additional Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Illegal/ineligible Use of Player(s) in Practice(s) or Games | Forfeit(s) Game(s) where illegal/ineligible player is used; Team ruled ineligible for postseason play for season. | Referral to Athletic Advisory Committee |
| Unsportsmanlike Offenses (Coaches) | Corrective Action | Additional Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Confrontation with another coach, player, spectator, or official (non-physical) | Three (3) Game Suspension | Probation For Program Year |
| Confrontation with another coach, player, spectator, or official (physical) | Suspension For Program Year | Must be reinstated by AAC and/or Office |
| Unsportsmanlike Offenses (Players) | Corrective Action | Additional Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Technical Foul, Card(s), unsportsmanlike penalties) | 1st – Warning 2nd – Warning 3rd – One Game Suspension 4th – One Game Suspension | Reviewed for increased disciplinary actions. |
| Unsportsmanlike Offenses (Spectators) | Corrective Action | Additional Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Arguing with officials, offensive language, or similar unsportsmanlike conduct | Ejection from Site of Competition | Banned from being at the site and property of competition for two games |