Skip to content

9) Athletics: 8.0 Playing Field, Mission Field

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 OffensesMinimum Game(s) SuspensionDisciplinary Action ReferralAdditional Action
Insulting, Belittling, Insinuating or Taunting Behavior towards Administrators, Coaches, Officials or Student-AthletesTBDTBDTBD
Harassment, Intimidation, Retaliation, Abusive, or Threatening (Non-physical) LanguageTBDTBDTBD
Aggression, Attacking, Derogatory, Cyberbullying, Doxing or Threatening LanguageTBDTBDTBD
Offensive or Discriminatory ActTBDTBDTBD
Continued violations of Non-Physical OffensesTBDTBDTBD
Non-Physical Offenses
(Affiliated Programs)
Minimum Game(s) SuspensionDisciplinary Action ReferralAdditional Action
Failure to show for scheduled gameForfeitCharged and assessed fees for officials and facilities (if applicable)N/A
Physical OffensesMinimum Game(s) SuspensionDisciplinary Action ReferralAdditional Action
Minor Deliberate AggressionTBDTBDTBD
Pushing, Grabbing, Pulling, Squeezing, Pitching, Lightly Slapping, Use of Object in Non-striking Manner, or physical property damageTBDTBDTBD
Hitting, Punching, Elbowing, Kicking, Biting, Spiting, Choking, Tackling, Throwing, or Use of Object or any part of body in Striking Manner.TBDTBDTBD
Unsportsmanlike Offenses (Players)Corrective ActionAdditional 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 (Coaches)Corrective ActionAdditional Actions
Confrontation with another coach, player, spectator, or official (non-physical)TBDTBD
Confrontation with another coach, player, spectator, or official (physical)TBDTBD
Unsportsmanlike Offenses (Spectators)Corrective ActionAdditional Actions
Arguing with officials, offensive language, or similar unsportsmanlike conductEjection from Site of CompetitionBanned from being at the site and property of competition for two games
Unsportsmanlike Offenses
(Affiliated Programs)
Corrective ActionAdditional Actions
Illegal/ineligible Use of Player(s) in Practice(s) or GamesForfeit(s) Game(s) where illegal/ineligible player is used.Referral to Athletic Advisory Committee