Overview: The Universal Guidelines serve as the foundational lens through which all CYM sports rulebooks and policies should be understood and applied. This guiding framework assists coaches, spectators, and all members in the overall administration and organization of the program within our community. In addition, this promotes integrity, honesty, and accountability within a program dating back over 90 years.
In youth sports, particularly those under the umbrella of Catholic Youth Ministry Sports, rules and policies are not solely about regulation; they are about safety, fairness, and character development. Every rule, eligibility standard, disciplinary procedure, and athletic policy exists to foster an environment where young athletes can thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This environment also fosters a byproduct for all, and can be mirrored by adults.
The rules and policies set forth are anchored in the belief for a more organized and structured model, designed to cultivate values such as integrity, respect, fairness, and self-discipline among all involved. They should be taken seriously and with the utmost respect towards the spirit of the game.
The following provides general guidelines and policies that cover the scope of all sports offered within CYM Sports. These shall stand alongside each sports-specific handbook, to form the governing document of the individual sports programs.
10.1.1 General Guidelines
- 10.1.1-1 Rulebooks for sports are the official publications of Catholic Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Wilmington, and shall be followed.
- 10.1.1-1.1 All previous rulebooks are rendered invalid at midnight on July 31st of each calendar year.
- 10.1.1-2 Rulebooks may not be altered, modified, suspended, or changed without the expressed written consent of the CYM Sports Coordinator.
- 10.1.1-1.2 The CYM Sports Coordinator may refer rule interpretations to the Athletic Advisory Committee at any time.
- 10.1.1-3 Rulebooks may be altered, modified, or amended by CYM sports-specific Coordinators from the CYM office if, in the opinion of the CYM-appointed coordinator(s), is deemed necessary for the safety of student-athletes, or further rule clarification required.
- 10.1.1-4 The CYM Sports Coordinator may revise, modify, suspend or add an addendum to any sports-specific rulebook, if deemed necessary.
- 10.1.1-5 CYM Sports and the Diocese of Wilmington reserve the right to add-on, modify, postpone, or cancel any season.
- 10.1.1-6 Any Catholic parish or school in the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington is welcome to join any CYM league or CYM activity registration.
10.1.2 League Guidelines
- 10.1.2-1 All CYM league, playoff, and championship scheduling will take precedence and be played at their scheduled time.
- 10.1.2-1.1 CYM Sports Leadership will not revise, nor adjust league scheduling for high school, club, parish, school or travel sports events.
- 10.1.2-1.2 CYM Sports Leadership will not revise, nor adjust playoff scheduling for high school, club, parish, school or travel sports events.
- 10.1.2-1.3 CYM Sports Leadership will not revise, nor adjust championship scheduling for high school, club, parish school or travel sports events.
- 10.1.2-1.4 CYM Sports Leadership will not revise, nor adjust any sport schedules for affiliated program tournaments or eligibility requirements.
- 10.1.2-1.5 CYM Sports Leadership may adjust any sports schedule for affiliated programs, provided schedule development has not occurred, the instance is a isolated occurrence, and/or appropriate rationale is available to suggest a change. (ex. funeral, severe weather, public health concerns, rescheduling of parish-based youth event)
- 10.1.2-1.6 Failure to adhere to the schedule as posted may result in forfeit, official and facility penalties, and/or referred for disciplinary actions.
10.1.3 Divisional Guidelines
10.1.4 Postseason Guidelines
10.1.5 Championship Guidelines
10.1.6 Score Submission Guidelines
10.1.7 Uniforms Guidelines
10.1.8 Sportsmanship Guidelines
10.1.9 Communication Guidelines
10.1.10 Medical Guidelines
- 10.1.10-1 Injuries, other than head injuries, will only be reported at the parish/school athletic association level and not to the CYM Office. (2223.9.17)
- 10.1.10-1.1 Athletic Associations are directed to implement policies and maintain records to deal with player injuries and ensure player safety. (2223.9.17)
- 10.1.10-1.2 The CYM Office, or any game official, reserves the right to remove a player from a game if the player appears to be hurt or otherwise playing under unsafe physical conditions. (2223.9.17)
- 10.1.10-2 An athlete that has asthma may not practice or play in games/athletic contests unless the coach has possession of an inhaler, with the athlete’s name inscribed on the inhaler, and the athlete is able to administer the inhaler without aid. (2223.9.17.1)
- 10.1.10-3 An athlete that is allergic to bee stings and has a history of anaphylactic reaction may not practice or play in games/athletic contests unless the coach has possession of an EPI-PEN with the athlete’s name inscribed on the EPI-PEN and the athlete is able to administer the EPI-PEN without aid. (2223.9.17.2)
- 10.1.10-4 All CYM coaches are responsible for reading and being familiar with the “Concussion Handout for Parents” and making certain all parents/guardians of team members have a copy of this handout. (2223.9.17.3)
- 10.1.10-4.1 In the event an athlete receives a potential head injury during a practice or game/athletic contest the athlete must be seen by a physician who is required to clear them to return to play. (2223.9.17.3)
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury.
Signs and symptoms may show immediately or may not appear for 24-48 hours.
Please promptly refer to concussion training procedures through NFHS training.