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
- 10.1.3-1 The CYM Sports Office retains the right and sole discretion for the placement of teams in a division.
- 10.1.3-1.1 The CYM Sports Office will not change teams that are placed in a division after a division or sport schedule has been developed and/or posted.
- 10.1.3-1.2 Once a team is placed in a division, either by request of local program or the affiliated CYM Coordinator, the team is to remain in that division for the duration of the season, regardless of imbalances or results.
- 10.1.3-2 The CYM Sports Office reviews and utilizes results from the previous program year to determine the recommended placement of teams in a division.
- 10.1.3-2.1 The CYM Sports Office and sport affiliated CYM Coordinator(s) may ask for recommendations from coaches regarding their teams, but this is not guaranteed each season.
- 10.1.3-2.2 In the event of an imbalanced schedule or results, it remains the responsibility of the coach to provide a positive and healthy experience. Recommendations may include the scheduling of scrimmages or placement in tournaments at lower level.
- 10.1.3-2.3 At the review of the sport affiliated CYM Coordinator(s), a team may be moved for postseason.
- 10.1.3-2.4 At the review of the sport affiliated CYM Coordinator(s), a program failing to meet a deadline may be eliminated from considerations in the program league, or be placed with a reduced schedule.
- 10.1.3-3 The CYM Sports Office may grant exceptions to teams, based on the knowledge of that program’s experience level, for determining and placing in divisions prior to the season. (i.e. smaller school vs. larger school; historically successful programs vs. introductory programs)
- 10.1.3-4 The CYM Sports Office will not have play-in games prior to season for determining divisions.
10.1.4 Postseason Guidelines
- 10.1.4-1 The CYM Office will determine playoff alignment for all sports. (2022.08.15)
- 10.1.4-2 Each sport may have their own set of rules around team that are eligible or ineligible for playoffs. (2022.08.15)
- 10.1.4-3 Required qualifications that apply to all sports include: less than two forfeits for any reason(s) and no team suspensions due to ejections, ineligible players or actions by coaches, players or spectators. (2022.08.15)
- 10.1.4-3.1 There is no individual athlete qualifications. The office may institute such qualifications at any time from the last, previous established policy (i.e. August 15th 2022).
- 10.1.4-4 CYM will have playoffs for most varsity sports. (2022.08.15)
- 10.1.4-4.1 All postseasons will be a single elimination brackets, utilizing standings kept throughout the season. (2022.08.15)
- 10.1.4-4.2 Playoff seeding will be based off team records. (2022.08.15)
- 10.1.4-5 In the event of a tie-breaker in total wins and/or points for determining seeding, CYM utilizes third-party verification to make determinations
- 10.1.4-5.1 The following is the generally accepted tiebreaker applied to all sports, all divisions, in their respective order: 1) Total Wins, 2) Head-to-Head, 3) Lowest Number of Forfeits, 4) Coin-Toss.
- 10.1.4-5.2 Ties for final regular season league standings or playoff seeding will not require a play-in contest. (2022.08.15)
10.1.5 Championship Guidelines
IN-DEVELOPMENT
10.1.6 Score Submission Guidelines
- 10.1.6-1 All Head Coaches are required to provide a valid email, through the CYM Registration process to receive auto-generated score emails.
- 10.1.6-1.1 AARs and/or coordinators may request to be listed as the secondary contact for auto-generated score emails.
- 10.1.6-1.2 AARs and/or coordinators must list the Head Coach as “Coach” in order to properly be listed and receive communication.
- 10.1.6-2 Head Coach for the winning team shall submit the score at the conclusion of the game, via auto-generated score submission.
- 10.1.6-2.1 Head Coach for the losing team may submit the score at the conclusion of the game, via auto-generated score submission, but not required.
- 10.1.6-2.2 In the sport of volleyball, only the number sets won should be included (ex. 2-1, 2-0)
- 10.1.6-3 All teams are required to submit scores, regardless of a divisions without standings or postseason, for the purposes of divisional alignments for the following year.
- 10.1.6-3.1 At the request of a Tournament Organizer, the CYM Sports Office may provide tournament with standings and scores for the purposes of organizing those tournament in divisions such as high school, junior varsity, or pre-jv.
10.1.7 Uniforms Guidelines
- 10.1.7-1 All players are required to wear the appropriate equipment for respective sports, and shall be deemed part of the uniform.
- 10.1.7-2 All player uniforms are required to include a jersey, shorts/pants, socks, and suitable shoes for their sport.
- 10.1.7-2.1 All teams are required to possess matching home and away jersey, reversible, or alternative shirt for competition.
- 10.1.7-2.2 Teams listed as the home team shall wear dark jerseys.
- 10.1.7-2.3 Teams listed as the away team shall wear white/light color jerseys.
- 10.1.7-3 All player uniforms require a number to identify the participant, and must be the specifications of NFHS if appropriate (ex. basketball).
- 10.1.7-4 Apparel under the jersey must meet the specifications of their respective sports (ex. basketball, soccer).
10.1.8 Sportsmanship Guidelines
- 10.1.8-1 The home team is responsible for leading the Sportsmanship Prayer, prior to the start of the game.
- 10.1.8-1.1 At a location where speakers are available, the following should take place:
- The Sportsmanship Prayer is read aloud to all coaches, players, and spectators at the site of competition.
- Immediately following as teams have final pregame meeting, the Sportsmanship Pledge should be read aloud to spectators.
- 10.1.8-1.2 An alternative prayer among teams can occur at the conclusion of the game, provided it is the last game at a facility or off to the side.
- 10.1.8-1.1 At a location where speakers are available, the following should take place:
10.1.9 Communication Guidelines
- 10.1.9-1 The Athletic Association Representative (AAR) is the established contact for the CYM Office and Diocesan CYM Sports Leadership.
- 10.1.9-1.1 The AAR of an affiliated program is required to be included on all correspondence and messages regarding CYM games, events, and activities along with all concerns, unless expressed otherwise.
- 10.1.9-2 All individuals must respect a 24-hour no contact rule, prior to voicing a concern or opinion.
- 10.1.9-2.1 In the event of an emergency, the AAR shall reach out to the CYM Office.
- 10.1.9-2.1 In the event of an emergency, a coordinator or coach shall reach out to the recognized CYM sport Coordinator for resolving.
- 10.1.9-3 All communication, either written or verbal, must be aligned with CYM policy standards and must remain respectful within policy and mission.
- 10.1.9-4 All communication must follow strict communication guidelines and pathways, provided by the CYM Communication Matrix:
- Youth participants should communicate with parents regarding questions, clarifications, request and/or concerns.
- Parents should communicate with coaches regarding questions, clarifications, request and/or concerns.
- Coaches should communicate with Coordinators, if applicable, regarding questions, clarifications, request and/or concerns.
- Coordinators should communicate with the respective affiliated CYM Coordinator and/or AAR regarding questions, clarifications, request and/or concerns.
- The AAR should communicate with the respective affiliated CYM Coordinator and CYM Sports Coordinator. In some instances, when appropriate, should also communicate with their local leaders, including pastor or principal.
- 10.1.9-5 Representatives of an affiliated program (participant, volunteer, coach, administrator) can be held liable for violations to agreements signed on the CYM registration.
- 10.1.9-5.1 The CYM Office reserves the right to request a phone call regarding communications.
- 10.1.9-5.2 The CYM Office reserves the right to request a meeting regarding communications.
- 10.1.9-5.3 The CYM Office reserves the right to seize communications, if continued communication is disruptive.
- 10.1.9-5.4 The CYM Office reserves the right to discipline accordingly regarding communication failures or inappropriate communications.
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 Mouth guards are required for all participants with metal dental appliances, and are recommended for all contact sports.
- 10.1.10-4.1 Mouth guards may be of any color, including clear or white.
- 10.1.10-4.2 Participants that do not have a mouth guard, but have braces are prohibited from participating without the required mouth protection.
- 10.1.10-5 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)
- 10.1.10-5.1 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.
10.1.11 Weather Guidelines
- 10.1.11-1 The CYM Sports Coordinator, in consultation with affiliated CYM Coordinators, will make a decision on the postponement of all CYM athletic contest due to inclement weather, driving conditions or field conditions. (2022.08.15)
- 10.1.11-1.1 A decision made by the CYM Office to postpone a contest is not reversible by any other authority. (2022.08.15)
- 10.1.11-1.2 A coach may NOT postpone a scheduled contest unless authorized by CYM for any reason, including weather.
- 10.1.11-1.3 A decision on practices due to weather or field conditions will be left to each individual parish and school. (2022.08.15)
- 10.1.11-1.4 Coaches and/or Coordinators should review 7.0 Protocols and Procedures as it relates to cancellation of games and rescheduling process.
- 10.1.11-1.5 Diocesan CYM Sports Leadership can not guarantee an athletic contest will be made-up, depending on various factors. Best efforts will be made to accommodate a program-wide weather postponement, provided available facilities and field permits are available, along with officials.
- 10.1.11-2 Any sign of lightning or sound of thunder requires all activities outdoors to cease immediately. (2022.08.15)
- 10.1.11-2.1 Players, coaches and families must be moved off the practice, game, or meet area and are encouraged to move inside or to their cars. (2022.08.15)
- 10.1.11-2.2 The athletic event may not resume for a minimum of 30 minutes from the last sound of thunder, or the last sign of lightning. (2022.08.15)
- 10.1.11-2.3 If, after an hour 60-minutes, play has not resumed, the athletic contest will be abandoned.