Programs : Athletics : General Info
Athletics FAQsCoach's Eligibility
Directions
Grievances
Job Opportunities
Player's Eligibility
Reporting Your Score
Staff
See Information/Forms on the right for:
- General Forms/Rules
Since 1936, CYO Athletics has provided athletic programs for boys and girls in grades 1-12. Now serving a six county area, CYO Athletics offers programs to over 6,500 young people.
Caring adult volunteers spend endless hours devoted to the development of life skills for their players. All volunteers are eligible to coach when they fulfill their eligibility requirements through their attendance at the leadership training programs. As the heart of CYO Athletics, these role models foster Catholic values when they embrace the "CYO Message".
Purpose of CYO Athletics
The overarching goal of CYO Athletics is to provide as many young people as possible the opportunity to experience spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional growth through participation in a variety of sports. When done with effective leadership, no other learning experience allows young people to acquire so much information about themselves and others.
Committed To Catholic Values
Spirituality
CYO Athletics shall enhance the spiritual development of CYO athletes through their participation in a pre-game prayer, a post game prayer, Team Mass Sunday and teaching our Faith through our example.
Dignity
CYO Athletics shall contribute to the dignity of each athlete by accepting one another through compassion, respect, patience, kindness, humility and understanding.
Inclusiveness
CYO Athletics shall foster the development of inclusive communities with God as their center through the acceptance, uniqueness and appreciation of every athlete as a player on God's team.
Service
CYO Athletics shall nurture a spirit of selfless service by providing opportunities and challenges to children as they learn about themselves and others by becoming more productive members in their parishes and communities.
The theme of CYO Athletics is "Participation is the Name of the Game". Mandatory participation rules for each player in every game strengthen their experience and their character. CYO Athletics provides a drug-free environment for all participants. Each athlete must declare himself or herself drug-free by signing a drug-free pledge before the season. A zero tolerance policy for inappropriate behaviors predicates the expectations for excellence.
The Christ-like aura of the pre-game and post-game prayer recited before every game by each athlete and coach defines the purpose of CYO Athletics. May every CYO experience be filled with child-like memories!
Player’s Eligibility
To participate in CYO Athletic Programs, the athlete MUST meet the following criteria:
The player's parent(s) and/or legal guardian are registered members of the parish sponsoring the team.
- If the parent(s) and/or legal guardians are registered members of more than one parish, the player must designate the parish in which they will participate. The player is not permitted to switch from the designated parish during the course of the school year unless the designated parish does not sponsor a team in the particular sport.
- If two or more parishes combine to sponsor a team, the player's parent(s) or guardian must be a registered member of one of the parishes.
- The player attends the parish grade school.
- The public school parishioner player who regularly attends the parish PSR programs. PSR is defined as the "Parish School of Religion." The player must be enrolled, have acceptable attendance in accordance with the parish PSR policies and live within the parish boundaries.
- If a player attends another parish's grade school, the player may participate in the parish team of the grade school they are attending providing both pastors approve. Both pastors must submit a letter of written approval to the CYO Director of Athletics with the team roster.
- Adjoining Parish
- If a player's parish does not sponsor a CYO team, a player attending the parish grade school is eligible to participate by requesting a SPECIAL APPEALS FORM from the CYO office. After completing and submitting the Special Appeals Form to the office, CYO will direct the player to the closest parish (to his/her address) that is sponsoring a team. NO PLAYER MAY BEGIN PRACTICE WITH AN ADJOINING PARISH UNTIL AUTHORIZED BY CYO.
- If a player's parish does not sponsor a CYO team, a player whose parent(s) and or guardian are members of a parish, is eligible to participate by requesting a SPECIAL APPEALS FORM from the CYO office. After completing and submitting the Special Appeals Form to the CYO office, CYO will direct the player to closest parish (to his/her address) sponsoring a team.
- NO PLAYER MAY BEGIN PRACTICE WITH AN ADJOINING PARISH UNTIL AUTHORIZED BY CYO.
- The Special Appeals Form, completely filled out and signed, must be submitted to the CYO Athletic Department at least fifteen (15) days prior to the team roster deadline date for each particular sport.
- Should the closest adjoining parish from where the player lives be unable to accommodate an applicant, the CYO will direct the player to another adjoining parish.
- The player MUST submit a Special Appeals Form for each sport involving an adjoining parish.
- The player is not permitted to change from one parish to another in a given school year and IS ONLY permitted to revert back to the home parish should the home parish sponsor a team in a particular sport.
- The Special Appeals Form, completely filled out and signed, must be submitted to the CYO Athletic Department at least fifteen (15) days prior to the team roster deadline date for each particular sport.
- If a player's parish does not sponsor a CYO team, a player attending the parish grade school is eligible to participate by requesting a SPECIAL APPEALS FORM from the CYO office. After completing and submitting the Special Appeals Form to the office, CYO will direct the player to the closest parish (to his/her address) that is sponsoring a team. NO PLAYER MAY BEGIN PRACTICE WITH AN ADJOINING PARISH UNTIL AUTHORIZED BY CYO.
- Players residing at Diocesan youth-serving social service agencies, or attending Diocesan educational institutions or Diocesan recognized Community Centers are eligible for CYO athletics. Participants must live within the institution's boundaries or the Center's designated area limits. Players must also regularly participate in an organized on-going religious education program. It is the responsibility of the pastor or Center Director to validate participation in the religious education program.
- A player attending a school or institution designated as a participating school or institution by the CYO Athletic Department in a particular area of the diocese, is eligible to participate in CYO Athletic Programs for the schools or institution the player attends. Should one or all of these schools or institutions elect not to sponsor a particular sport in the CYO Athletic Program, the player may participate for their home parish team if the sport is offered. CVCA has been granted status as a participating school.
- A player moving into a parish during the course of a sports season has the option to play with the previous parish team or with the new parish team.
- An independent team may be allowed to participate in CYO Athletic Programs if they obtain the approval of the CYO DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS. THEY CANNOT PARTICIPATE IN CYO TOURNAMENTS.
- An independent team is eligible for league championship.
- Parish teams are not allowed to enter as independent teams.
- Catholic players must play for the parish before they can play for an approved independent team.
- An independent team is eligible for league championship.
Coach’s Eligibility
COACHES ORIENTATION PROGRAM (4-hour program)
New coaches are required to attend this program.
The Coaches Orientation Program is designed to better educate coaches of today's children for tomorrow's challenges. As an approved program by the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, the Coaches Orientation Program complies with House Bill 350 and provides immunity from lawsuits to volunteer youth coaches.
Rooted in Catholic values, it is our intention to offer an informational and educational leadership-training program for youth coaches. Once a coach accepts a position to coach in CYO Athletics, they accept the responsibility to maintain a standard for excellence. Today's program offers coaches the opportunity to prepare prayerfully and proceed positively as we pursue persistently to live our mission.
Cost is $25.00 (unless otherwise noted) and payable that day upon registration.
- Fall 2008
August 10 @ CYO office, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Winter 2008
October 26 @ Walsh Jesuit, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
SPORTS EDUCATION WORKSHOPS (3-hour program)
The Sports Education Workshop is designed to renew eligibility once a coach has attended the Coaches Orientation Program. Sports Education Workshops (SEW) are sports specific and offered throughout the year prior to the start of each athletic program.
Cost is $15.00 (unless otherwise noted) and payable that day upon registration.
- Summer 2008
Baseball Sports Education Workshop/Coaches Clinic
June 16 @ Pinnacle Sports, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Softball Sports Education Workshop/Coaches Clinic
June 16 @ Pinnacle Sports, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
T-Ball/Coach Pitch Sports Education Workshop/Coaches Clinic
June 16 @ Pinnacle Sports, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Fall 2008
8-Man and 11-Man Tackle Sports Education Workshop/Coaches Clinic
July 29 @ Hoban High School, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Flag Football Sports Education Workshop/Coaches Clinic
July 30 @ Pinnacle Sports, 6:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Cross Country Sports Education Workshop/Coaches Clinic
July 31 @ St. Vincent – St. Mary High School, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Soccer Sports Education Workshop/Coaches Clinic
August 6 @ Walsh Jesuit High School, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Winter 2008
Basketball Sports Education Workshop/Coaches Clinic
October 26 @ Walsh Jesuit High School, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
High School Basketball Sports Education Workshop/Coaches Clinic
November 9 @ CYO office, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Spring 2009
Volleyball Sports Education Workshop/Coaches Clinic
March 15 @ St. Vincent – St. Mary High School, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Track Sports Education Workshop/Coaches Clinic
March 15 @ Hoban High School, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Back to top
Athletics FAQs
How do I register for CYO Athletics?
Boys and girls in grades 1 through 12 can register through their parish Athletic Director or Registrar. Each participant must complete a new registration form for each school year (June through May).
If I do not belong to a Catholic parish or my child does not attend a Catholic school, can my child participate?
Yes, but only in soccer, cross country, track and field, flag football, baseball and chess. Participants must apply and be approved by the CYO Director of Athletics. Each participant must apply by completing the non-parishioner application. Christian school students are eligible pending approval of the Director of Athletics.
How much does it cost?
There is a $40 annual registration fee. This once-a-school-year fee (June through May) allows participants to sign up for as many sports as they choose. Parishes may charge additional fees for uniforms and other pertinent supplies. See your Parish Registrar for actual costs.
Where do we play games? What days are the games?
Games are played at a variety of locations. Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Green, Twinsburg, Wadsworth, Medina, Northfield, and Tallmadge are just a few of the locations. Directions to the sites are available on our website. Games are played Mondays through Sundays.
What additional fees should I expect?
Most teams supply uniforms but parents may have to purchase game shoes and sport-specific safety equipment such as mouthpieces, shin guards, etc.
Who will coach my child?
Volunteer coaches are appointed by each parish Athletic Director. Each coach must be fingerprinted, attend a Virtus program and attend a CYO Coach’s Training Class. Coaches may be the head coach of only one team per season. To volunteer, contact your parish Athletic Director.
Can my child sign up for more than one sport?
Yes, your child may sign up for as many sports as he/she desires. If your child signs up for more than one sport during the same season, conflicts may occur.
There are so many divisions in CYO. How can I find my child’s division?
For a list of divisions by grade, visit the Parent’s Page.
Who should I contact if I have a question about my child’s practice time, coach, playing time, or any other issue?
Contact your parish Athletic Director. CYO does not make decisions in these areas.
My child would like to help at the games. What’s available?
If your child is a high school age student, your child may keep score at the games or officiate for the 1st through 3rd grade programs. Visit the Official’s Academy.
Grievances
A grievance of any official may only be submitted by the head coach or athletic director.
A grievance of any player, coach or spectator for any inappropriate behavior may be submitted by anyone at any time.
All grievances will be investigated and penalties may be imposed as warranted.
Click here to submit a grievance online.
Reporting Your Score
When reporting your score, please state the sport, the division, boys or girls, date, final scores of the two teams that played and any special circumstances you may want to report.
Example:
Soccer
Division I AA
Girls
June 11
St. Amber 14
St. John 12
No official
Send your scores to cyoscores@clevelandcatholiccharities.org.
Back to top
Staff
Mary Ann King, Director of Athletics
Please contact Mary Ann for the following:
- Matters pertaining to softball, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading and tackle football including rules interpretations
- Ruling of grievances
- Matters of CYO Commissioners and site directors
- Interpretations of eligibility, clustering and general rules
- Approval of schedule changes
- Questions and correspondence regarding Athletic Committee
- Administration of Officials Assignors
- All financial matters
- Assistance to parish athletic directors/commissioners/registrars
- Division breakdowns and league placement
- Web page comments and suggestions
- All other not listed
Vic Rosato, CYO Athletic Program Supervisor
Please contact Vic for the following:
- Matters pertaining to baseball, chess, cross country, flag football, soccer, track & field, turkey day and all adult sports including rules interpretations
- Matters pertaining to game day decisions
- Information to the media
- Confirmation of game cancellations
- Coaches Orientation and Sports Education Workshops
- Approval of tournament requests and special appeals
- Acquiring facilities and insurance for facilities
- Officials Academy training, supervision and recognition
- Investigation of grievances and documentation of rulings
- Recruiting volunteers for events, tournaments, and sports
Job Opportunities
League Director Basketball or Volleyball
A League Director is responsible for opening and closing the gym, paying the officials, reporting scores, conducting games and other responsibilities as needed. Interested persons must be over 18. Training is provided.
Basketball begins in early December and ends in early March. Games are held on Saturdays or Sundays; 5–10 games per day. Pay is $7.00 per game.
Volleyball begins in March and runs through early May. Games are held Mondays through Thursdays, 5:30–8:30; 5 games an evening; and Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 a.m.–varies; 5-10 games per day. Pay is $7.00 per game.
For more information, contact Mary Ann King.
Officials
Interested in becoming a CYO official? Men and women are encouraged to officiate youth sports in grades 1 – 8. Officials are needed for soccer, flag football, basketball, baseball, volleyball and fast pitch softball. Interested persons must be in high school or above. Training is provided. Game days and times vary. Average pay is $10 - $20 per game.
For more information, contact Mary Ann King.
Volunteers
Volunteers enhance CYO Athletics by adding a unique personal touch. Volunteers are needed in a number of areas including helping CYO staff register participants, perform data entry and conduct tournaments.
For more information, please contact Mary Ann King.
Back to top