How long does it take to process a background check?
It usually takes roughly two to three weeks from the time you submit your application to your parish for your background check to be completed. However, this time frame can vary depending on information submitted by you on the application. Failure to sign a background check request form can significantly delay processing. See the related page below to download the forms you need.
FSGC Checklist
I don’t see my child’s sport listed at cdowcym.org/athletics. How do I register him or her for this sport?
First, you must register for CYM Sports in general, which you can do by clicking “Register here” in the blue box at the top of the page. (For more detailed instructions, see below.) Then, to register for a specific sport, you must contact your child’s parish or school. CYM cannot register your child for any specific sport, give information regarding practice times or locations, or accept funds for registration.
How do I change my child’s Primary Affiliation?
If you are assigned to a parish or school you do not want your child to play for, please email catholicyouth@cdow.org for an Affiliation Change Request Form. This will be sent to you via email. Please return the completed form by fax (302.658.7617) or by email. It will be forwarded to our Director of Athletics, Joe McNesby, and the Athletic Association, who will meet on a set date to discuss affiliation changes. You will be notified of the Athletic Association’s decision via email. Please note that the Athletic Association grants affiliation changes only in special circumstances.
How do I register my child for a specific sport? (e.g. soccer, volleyball, track)?
You cannot register your child for a specific sport through CYM. There is only one registration, a general Online Sports Registration, that, when completed, permits your child to play for CYM teams. To register for a specific sport, you will need to contact the school or parish assigned as your child’s primary affiliation.
How do I get an ID Badge?
To obtain a CYM ID, an adult must first have a cleared backgound that is approved by the Diocese of Wilmington Human Resources office (302-573-3126). Once cleared by the Human Resource office, a request for an ID must be submitted through your parish/school AA President.
All CYM coaches are required to wear the ID badge during all practices and games. A replacement badge is $5 and can be ordered directly by calling CYM.
Those Coordinators of Youth Ministry and Religious Education who wish, may request and ID badge from CYM for their volunteers by sending a list of names, clearance dates (obtained by calling the Human Resource office) directly to CYM. Please allow two to three weeks for processing.
Where can I find CYM sports schedules?
To find a sports schedule, click the “Athletics” link on the menu bar at the top of any page on this site. On the “Athletics” home page, there will be links for the various CYM sports. Once you click the sport, you will find schedules for the various divisions and links showing which teams are in which division. Please keep in mind that schedules that are posted are subject to change. Changes to schedules are communicated through head coaches of teams.
For a quick link, click here.
All monetary transactions between a participant or family and a parish or school program are handled on the local level. Since CYM does not collect money from individuals, we can not offer refunds to participants or families. If you have any questions, please see your child’s coach or the parish/school Athletic Association President.
How do I pay for CYM sports?
The CYM office does not collect money from individuals for any sports program. Instead, individual families pay a fee through the parish or school on whose team a young person will participate. That parish or school is then billed by CYM based on the number of teams in a particular season. All transactions, including refunds, are handled on the parish level. If you have a question, please contact your child’s coach or the parish/school Athletic Association President.
Can my child participate if we live outside the boundaries of the Diocese?
If you live outside of the boundaries of the Diocese, but are registered and participate in a Catholic parish that is inside the boundaries of the Diocese than your child would be eligible to participate in CYM sports.
Does a child have to be Catholic to participate in CYM activities?
No, but please keep in mind that at times your child will be encourage to participate in activities, such as prayers or Mass that are specifically Catholic.
My child is new to CYM athletics – what do I need to do first to sign my child up to play on a CYM sports team?
What sports does CYM offer and are there any rules concerning participation, playing time, etc?
During the fall, CYM offers cheerleading, cross country, football, soccer and volleyball. During the winter, CYM offers boys basketball, girls basketball and wrestling During the spring, CYM offers baseball, softball and track & field.
How do I know that my child will be safe in CYM programs?
The Diocese of Wilmington takes the safety of young people very seriously.
In response to the Charter for the Protection of Children, published in 2002 by the United States Bishops, diocesan officials created “For the Sake of God’s Children.” This documents is the Diocese of Wilmington policy concerning adults that work with children such as volunteers in youth ministry, volunteers in Catholic schools and adults that volunteer to coach in the CYM athletic program. This document outline in detail expectations and requirements that include background checks, signing volunteer covenants and minimum number of cleared adults needed when children are present.
I have a concern with the conduct of my child’s coach, where do I go?
Complaints about coach should be first filed with the Athletic Association leadership of the parish/school. If not resolved at the Athletic Association, the complaint should be directed to the pastor of the parish. In the case of private Catholic schools (ie Mt. Aviat Academy, Nativity Prep, Serviam Academy, St. Edmond Academy, Ursuline Academy), the complaint should be directed to the principal of school. Complaints can also be filed with the Office for Catholic Youth Ministry at catholicyouth@cdow.org however CYM staff reserves the right to return the issue back to the parish/school first.
Can I take my child to any parish to play CYM sports?
No – assignment to a parish are made by the CYM office through the online registration. After completing the online registration, the CYM office will assign a parish school know as a “Primary Affiliation” based on CYM rules. Primary factors include where is the family registered as parish members, where does the child attend religious education classes or where does the child attend Catholic school. If the child is not Catholic and does not attend a Catholic school.
