Code of Conduct

Saint David C.Y.O. Code of Conduct

The CYO Program is a means for our youth to use their God given talents to play sports, while at the same time carrying out the ministry of Jesus Christ.  The conduct of the Team Member, Coaches, Parents and Fans should reflect the dimensions (Spiritual, Cultural, Social, Athletic and Service) that the St David CYO program embodies.  Conduct other than exemplary on the part of anyone involved in any capacity in the Saint David CYO Program simply will not be tolerated.  In order to continue to build the reputation of our Program the following expectations are stated:

All team members of St. David CYO Program are expected to be registered and active members of our parish.  Team members are expected to attend Mass every Sunday.  Those team members who attend public school are expected to regularly attend CCD classes if offered for their grade.

Team Members

Acceptable standards of participant behavior include:

  • Treat opponents with respect; shake hands prior to and after contests;
  • Respect the judgment of officials and abide by the rules of the contest;
  • Accept seriously the responsibility of representing the school or parish by displaying positive behavior at all times;
  • Play in a positive manner, reflecting Christian values. Do not bait or taunt opponents’
  • Participate in the CYO Team Service Project and attend the Team Mass.

Coaches and Assistant Coaches

Prior to coaching an Archdiocesan CYO sanctioned team, all persons must meet the following requirements.

  • Attend in-person the CYO Coaches Orientation seminar or take the online Catholic Coaching Essentials before coaching AND attend the Coaches Orientation during the first year of coaching CYO sports.
  • Attend the Protecting God’s Children Orientation.
  • Obtain a State Police Criminal Background Check and Child Abuse Background Check (5 year renewal);

Acceptable standards of coaching behavior include:

  • Set a good example for participants and fans to follow, exemplifying the highest moral and ethical behavior;
  • Respect the judgment of officials; abide by rules of the event;
  • Treat opposing coaches, participants and fans with respect;
  • Instruct participants in sportsmanship and demand they display good sportsmanship;
  • Coach in a positive manner, reflecting Christian values;
  • Promote CYO as a Ministry by promoting prayer (before or after games), team liturgies, service project and reflection.
  • Coaches involved in the Saint David CYO Program are to be registered, preferably, in the parish of Saint David, active members of our parish who attend Sunday Liturgy and Men/Women of outstanding reputation.

Parents and Spectators

Acceptable standards of spectator behavior include:

  • Remember that the players are not small adults but children who are playing the game for their enjoyment.
  • Respect decisions made by contest officials;
  • Be a role model by positively supporting teams and by not shouting instructions or criticism to the players, coaches or officials. Do not coach from the stands;
  • Make no derogatory comments or gestures to players, coaches, parents of the opposing team, officials
  • It is recommended that all children under the age of 12 be escorted to the bathroom (home or away games) by their parent or guardian.
  • No persons may enter the stage area in the St David gymnasium.
  • No loitering or horseplay in the areas outside of the gymnasium.
  • No ball playing or horseplay in the gymnasium while games are in progress.
  • All parents with children involved in the Saint David CYO Program are expected to be registered and active members of our Parish who attend Sunday Liturgy.

Objectionable Behavior

No CYO athlete, coach, parent or spectator is permitted to:

  • Refuse to abide by an official’s decision
  • Display objectionable behavior by throwing equipment or any other forceful action.
  • Heap verbal abuse upon any athlete, spectator, coach or official.
  • Lay hands upon, push, shove, strike, threaten to strike or physically attack an athlete, coach, spectator or official

This list is not exhaustive.

Any athlete, coach, parent or spectator who violates the above rules will be reviewed by the Saint David CYO Board.  Any objectionable behavior may result in a suspension from CYO activities.

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Monsignor Richard Bolger

Pastor, St David Parish

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Father Anthony Rossi

Pastor, St David Parish

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David Dombrowski

President, St David CYO