Pre-released for: August 1st, 2025
10.4.1 General Guidelines
- 10.4.1-1 If a rule in the sport of cross country is not specifically addressed or contained herein, NFHS (“Federation”) rules shall be applied.
- 10.4.1-1.1 DIAA guidelines may be referred to and applied in certain situations when deemed appropriate.
- 10.4.1-1.2 No coach or coordinator at the affiliate level shall alter, revise, or change any rules prior to, during, or after the conclusion of competition.
- 10.4.1-2 The CYM Sports Coordinator is the lead rules interpreter for the sport of cross country within CYM Sports programming.
- 10.4.1-2.1 Interpretation of all CYM Sports rulings and governing rules for the sport of cross country will be declared final by the CYM Sports Coordinator.
- 10.4.1-3 The CYM Cross Country Coordinator is the lead representative and organizer for the sport of cross country within CYM Sports programming.
- 10.4.1-4 The Cross Country Ambassador is the lead advocate for all affiliate coaches within CYM Sports programming.
- 10.4.1-4.1 Head Coaches may suggest rule changes to the Cross Country Ambassador or CYM Cross CountryCoordinator prior to or after season.
10.4.2 Administration of Cross Country
- 10.9.2-1 A team registration is required to consist of 4 participants minimum in order to compete in CYM Sports Cross Country.
- 10.9.2-2 Teams are placed in divisions in accordance with section 10.1 Universal Guidelines.
10.4.3 Host Directors
- 10.4.3-1 Host directors are required to provide details of their meets to CYM and affiliated-programs no later than 2 weeks prior to a meet.
- 10.4.3-2 Host directors should tally scores and provide information to CYM for publication.
- 10.4.3-3 Host directors will investigate complaints of rule violations during a face and, after reviewing facts, will have the authority to leave results as they stand, adjust finish order, or disqualify a runner.
- 10.4.3-4 If CYM Sports Leadership deems appropriate, representative entities may step in for assessment in cross country meets hosted at the local level.
- 10.4.3-4 Host directors are responsible for ensuring that any 3rd graders at a starting line are far enough from 6th graders to allow separation.
10.4.4 Competition
- 10.4.4-1 Race lengths should be set appropriately to the age and level of participants, time of year, and location (hills, obstacles, etc).
- 10.4.4-1.1 Varsity races should be between 2.0 and 2.25 miles. JV races should be between 1.0 and 1.4 miles.
- 10.4.4-2 Two age-appropriate spotters at each relevant location along a course are required.
- 10.4.4-3 Two age-appropriate sweepers following the last runner of a race are required.
10.4.5 Postseason & Championships
- 10.4.5-1 Cross Country Championship(s) are sponsored and sanctioned in accordance with section 10.1 Universal Guidelines.
- 10.4.5-2 To be eligible for CYM Cross Country Championships, an individual must meet all criteria set forth within the cross country handbook.
- 10.4.5-2.1 An individual must run in a minimum of 3 races listed on the official regular season schedule, and be verifiable by the host director(s).
- 10.4.5-2.2 An individual whom began a race, but could not finish due to injury or illness will count towards total. An individual whom does not finish due to departing early or stopping, will not count towards total.
- 10.4.5-2.3 CYM Sports Leadership may approve exceptions if the minimum number of races required has not been met.
- 10.4.5-3 Top five runners for each team will determine team scoring for the CYM Championship.
- 10.4.5-3.1 Runners from each team after the 7th position for that team will not impact team scoring.
- 10.4.5-4 Varsity teams may be divided into two divisions for championships.
- 10.4.5-4.1 If there is a split championship, based on the number of individuals on a team roster, AND there are an even number of teams, the split will be half less one for Division I.
- 10.4.5-4.2 If there is a split, based on the number of individuals, AND there are two or more teams with the same number of individuals, AND tied for the last spot in Division I, all of those teams shall be assigned to Division I.
- 10.4.5-4.3 If a team is placed in Division II and wishes to move to Division I, they must inform the CYM Sports Coordinator and CYM Cross Country Coordinator within one week from the time divisions are to be announced.
10.4.6 Additional Rules: Phantom Runner
- 10.4.6-1 CYM contest permit “Phantom” runners to allow team competition for teams with less than minimum runners.
- 10.4.6-1.1 The first phantom will count as the last runner completing the face +1; the second counting as last runner +2; etc.
- 10.4.6-1.2 Each team requiring a phantom with be given the same number(s).
- 10.4.6-1.3 If a tie between a team with no phantom and team with phantom occurs, the tiebreaker goes to the team without a phantom.
- 10.4.6-1.4 If a tie between teams with unequal number of phantoms occurs, the tie breaker goes to the team with fewer phantoms.
- 10.4.6-1.5 If a tie between teams with equal number of phantoms occurs, the tie breaker goes to the team with the best scoring runner.
10.4.7 Additional Guidelines: Non-CYM sponsored Programs
- 10.4.7-1 Parishes and School programs not sponsored by the Office for Catholic Youth Ministry may participate in CYM-affiliated program meets, provided they meet all requirements.
- 10.4.7-1.1 Non-CYM programs must provide proof of liability insurance to the host director of meet prior to the date of meet.
- 10.4.7-1.2 Sponsored CYM affiliated program director agrees to non-CYM participants participation.
- 10.4.7-2 Parishes and Schools not sponsored by the Office for Catholic Youth Ministry may only participate in two CYM-affiliated meets per season.
- 10.4.7-2.1 Non-CYM programs are prohibited to participate in CYM Championships.
- 10.4.7-2.2 CYM Coaches will meet after the announcement of schedule, and determine which meets non-CYM teams may participate.
- 10.4.7-3 Individuals must run for their CYM team in any meet sponsored by the CYM program, and may not run for the non-CYM program during those event dates.