A. ST. ALBERT’S CYO ATHLETIC PROGRAM

1. Approval for the St. Albert’s CYO Athletic Program has been granted by our pastor, Monsignor Paul Dougherty.

2. St. Albert’s CYO Athletic Program is a chartered member of the Archdiocesan Youth Ministry Program. St. Albert’s is a member of Region 11 of the Archdiocesan Youth Ministry Program.

3. Athletic Programs sponsored by St. Albert’s CYO shall at all times reflect the CYO Mission Statement of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The mission statement appears on page 1 of this handbook.

4. The overriding motivation of the St. Albert’s CYO Athletic Program is the involvement of as many students as possible in athletic competition within a Christian context. Through CYO sports, students are provided with opportunities to grow in their faith through the guidance, direction, and coaching of adult Christian men and women; to form friendships, and to deal graciously with both victory and defeat. It is understood though, that this type of development isn’t automatic - that it takes place only if highly motivated, well-trained, adult leaders head the program at the parish, regional, and Archdiocesan levels.

B. ST. ALBERT’S SPORT PROGRAMS

The following sports programs are offered at, or through, the St. Albert’s CYO program:

1. FALL SPORTS:

Varsity Volleyball (Girls - grades 7 & 8)

• Travel teams

• Regional teams

Junior Varsity Volleyball (Girls – grades 5 & 6)

• Travel teams

• Regional teams

Varsity Football (Boys - grades 7 & 8; a co-sponsored sport with other parishes)

Varsity Cheerleading (Girls - grades 7 & 8)

Junior Varsity Cheerleading (Girls - grades 5 & 6)

Little Gators Cheerleading (Girls – grades 1 to 4)

Varsity Soccer (Boys 7th & 8th grades)

• Travel teams

• Regional teams

Junior Varsity Soccer (Boys 5th & 6th grades)

• Travel teams

• Regional teams

Varsity Soccer (Girls 7th & 8th grades)

• Travel teams

• Regional teams

Junior Varsity Soccer (Girls 5th & 6th grades)

• Travel teams

• Regional teams

Intramural Soccer

• K-2 (co-ed) • 3-4 (co-ed)

2. WINTER SPORTS

High School Basketball (Boys 11th & 12th grades)

High School Basketball (Boys 9th & 10th grades)

High School Basketball (Girls 9th through 12th grades)

Varsity Basketball (Boys 7th & 8th grades)

• Travel teams

• Regional teams

Junior Varsity Basketball (Boys 5th & 6th grades)

• Travel teams

• Regional teams

Varsity Basketball (Girls 7th & 8th grades)

• Travel teams

• Regional teams

Junior Varsity Basketball (Girls 5th & 6th grades)

• Travel teams

• Regional teams

Intramural Basketball (Co-ed; K-2; 3-4)

Swimming (Co-ed; K-9th grades)

3. SPRING SPORTS:

High School Volleyball (Co-ed grades 9-12)

Varsity Baseball (Boys 7^th & 8th grade)

• Travel teams

• Regional teams

Junior Varsity Baseball (Boys 5^th & 6th grade)

• Travel teams

• Regional teams

Varsity Softball (Girls 7th & 8th grades)

• Travel teams

• Regional teams

Junior Varsity Softball (Girls 5th & 6th grades)

• Travel teams

• Regional teams

Intramural Program

Coach Pitch (3^rd & 4^th grade)

Pitching Machine (Co-ed 2-4 grades)

Girls Softball (2-4 grades)

Tee-ball (Co-ed; K-1)

Track (Co-ed; 4th - 8th grades)

C. REGISTRATION FEE

1. Registration fees (non-refundable) and a uniform deposit fee (refundable) shall be charged for all CYO travel and regional programs. The registration fees and uniform deposit fee shall be recommended by the Treasurer in consultation with the individual sports commissioner.

All CYO travel registration and uniform deposit fees must be approved by the St. Albert’s CYO Board prior to the beginning of registration (and publicizing of registration materials).

2. Intramural registration fees (non-refundable) shall be charged for all sports programs. There is no uniform deposit requirement for intramural sports, unless the CYO Board and individual sports commissioners deem it necessary for a specific circumstance.

The registration fees for the Intramural program shall be recommended by the Treasurer in consultation with the individual sports commissioner & Athletic Director.

All intramural fees must be approved by the St. Albert’s CYO Board prior to the beginning of registration (and publicizing of registration materials).

3. Additional fees may be required for purchase of additional sports equipment specific to a sport. Coaches will notify parents of any additional fees prior to sign-ups.

D. OFFICIAL NAME

1. The official name for St. Albert’s Athletic Teams shall be “St Albert Gators.”

2. The name “St. Albert Gators” is reserved for official CYO athletic game use, or approved tournament.

E. OFFICIAL SEASON

1. Opening Date: With or without coaches, St. Albert CYO is not permitted to train or practice before the dates listed below. Offenders are ineligible for Archdiocesan and/or regional competition.

Fall Sports: August 1 (Football - August 15)

Winter Sports: November 1

Spring Sports: March 1

2. Closing Date: The official closing date for any season is the day on which the Archdiocesan champion, or in the absence of Archdiocesan play-offs, the Area or Regional champion is determined. The only exception to this rule is basketball which will close at the end of the month of February.

F. STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

2. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

a. All players are to be registered members of the parish (Catholic).

b. Provided the participant meets all other eligibility standards, a resident of a parish with no team may play for one and only one geographically adjoining parish within the region.

c. Prior to September 15 (Fall Sports), December 15 (Winter Sports), or March 15 (Spring Sports), no person who is a member of or trying out for any High School - Freshman, J.V., or Varsity Team is to compete in a CYO league game in the same sport (e.g. CYO basketball and High School basketball). Such a person is ineligible and the team is subject to forfeiture of any game in which that player’s name is listed in the official score book.

AGE/GRADE REQUIREMENTS

Students must meet the age and grade requirements for each sport as follows:

d. Grade School - Class “D” - All participants are to be 7th or 8th grade students who have not reached their 15th birthday before January 1 of the current school year.

e. Grade School - Class “E” - All participants are to be 5th or 6th grade students who have not reached their 13th birthday before January 1 of the current school year.

f. 6th grade students may play for a Class “D” team only if the school does not have a Class “E” team.

g. Grade School - Class “F” - All participants are to be 3rd or 4th grade students who have not reached their 11th birthday before January 1 of the current school year.

h. High School Boys - Class “B” - All participants are to be 11th or 12 grade students who have not reached their 19th birthday before January 1 of the current school year.

i. High School Boys - Class “C” - All participants are to be 9th or 10th grade students who have not reached their 17th birthday before January 1 of the current school year.

j. High School Girls - All participants are to be 9th to 12th grade students who have not reached their 19th birthday before January 1 of the current school year.

k. For intramural programs, if a parent feels that their son/daughter is physically and psychologically capable of transferring to an upper grade team (e.g., a 2nd grader playing on a 3rd grade team) parents can discuss this with the sports commissioner and the coaches involved. Based on the approval of all parties involved (parents, student, coaches, commissioner), the transfer can take place.

Proper behavior, attitude and full participation in the student’s school program is a major requirement to participate in the St. Albert’s CYO Sports program. Participation in the CCD classes is required. Suspension or expulsion from an educational program (either St. Albert’s or another school program) will result in a suspension and/or expulsion from the St. Albert’s CYO program.

NOTE: Section G covers the most commonly asked questions about Student Eligibility. Additional rules and regulations concerning Student Eligibility can be found in the Archdiocesan CYO Athletic Handbook. Contact a St. Albert’s CYO board member if additional information or clarification is necessary.

G. STUDENT SUSPENSION/EXPULSION

To be a member of the St. Albert’s CYO Athletic Program is a privilege - not a right. When a boy or girl puts on a St. Albert’s CYO uniform, he/she represents a long standing tradition at St. Albert’s and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Therefore, in order to safeguard the integrity of the CYO program, he/she is expected to act in a Christian manner, to honor the CYO Code of Conduct, and to contribute to the overall good of the St. Albert’s CYO Sport Program.

1. SUSPENSION

A serious infraction of St. Albert’s CYO policy or the CYO Code of Conduct may result in the suspension of the student/player. There are two types of suspension. One is a suspension levied by a coach due to misconduct either during a game or practice. The other type is a suspension that is determined by the St. Albert’s CYO Board due to multiple incidents of game misconduct, school-time misconduct, or violations that have ramifications beyond the St. Albert’s CYO Program (e.g., serious damage done to school or church property). A review of the incident will be conducted by the St. Albert’s CYO Board. If a student receives a suspension from the St. Albert’s CYO Board, the following additional sanctions shall be imposed.

a. If the infraction involves monetary retribution for damages incurred, it is the responsibility of the student/player’s family to make the payment. The player will remain on probation/suspension until the full payment is recovered.

b. The student/player is ineligible for All Star play in any recognized CYO sport during that year.

c. The student player remains on probation for the entire sports season. If another infraction occurs; be it minor or major, the student/player will be expelled from CYO sports for that school year.

d. The student/player is ineligible for the “Donahue Award” and any other team or individual award given by the St. Albert’s CYO Board.

2. EXPULSION

a. If a student/player has committed a serious infraction that is considered criminal in nature, the St. Albert’s CYO Board reserves the right to dismiss him from CYO sports for that school year.

b. Any student/player who is expelled from his/her school will be dismissed from CYO sports for that school year.

c. A student/player must reapply to the St. Albert’s CYO Board in order to regain their playing status after the term of expulsion is completed. The St. Albert’s CYO Board reserves the right to decline this application.

d. All final decisions concerning expulsion, including CYO Board decisions, are subject to the approval of the parish pastor.

H. PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Parents must attend the pre-season Parent Meeting designated by the Commissioner of the sport. At this meeting the coach(es) will introduce himself/herself and his/her assistant coach(es), explain the needs of the team, and notify you of any additional equipment fees if necessary. This will also give you an opportunity to inform the coach of any special needs your child may have.

2. Parental support of all St. Albert’s CYO activities is critical in order to provide a smooth running program for your children. Please attend the scheduled general meetings throughout the year to stay informed. Please volunteer your time and service to help our board members and coaches as often as possible. Yes, we are talking to you! We would like to have two parent volunteers for each team.

3. It’s especially critical that you model good sportsmanship for your child. “Being a good sport” is much easier said than done - just look at the examples of certain professional and collegiate coaches and athletes who do the opposite. It’s crucial that you maintain a cool head and a healthy attitude towards sports if you expect your child to.

4. Encourage your child to play sports, but don’t pressure. Let your child choose to play - or to support the team from the sideline - if he/she wants.

5. Help your child to set challenging but realistic goals, rather than focusing only on “winning the game.”

6. Help your child meet responsibilities to the team and to the coach.

7. Turn your child over to the coach at practices and games, don’t meddle or coach from the sidelines.

8. Supply the coach with information on any allergies or special health conditions your child has. Make sure your child brings any necessary medication to practices and games. A medical clearance form must be completed each year for children and teenagers participating in the CYO program.

I. PARENT COMPLAINTS

1. Parent complaints concerning specific coaches, board members, game officials, team players, or other CYO personnel should be directed to the current St. Albert’s CYO Athletic Director by means of a letter. An arbitration meeting or other type of response will be conducted depending on the nature/gravity of the complaint. CYO Board decisions on a parent’s complaint will be final.

2. Parent’s concerns/complaints regarding general CYO policies can be addressed at any scheduled St. Albert’s CYO general meeting. Parents bringing a concern/complaint are asked to give ten (10) days written notice (prior to the next scheduled Board meeting) specifically asking to be placed on the agenda and detailing the nature of the concern (in writing).

J. COACHES’ QUALIFICATIONS

It is a requirement that any coach of St. Albert’s CYO be a mature person with coaching experience and/or a working knowledge of the sport they wish to coach. Keeping in mind the enormous influence which a coach exercises upon the participants in the CYO program, it is a chief responsibility of the parish CYO to properly screen prospective coaches. Interviews by the St. Albert’s CYO Board will be conducted for all existing and new coaching candidates. CYO sport teams, when left in the hands of irresponsible adults, are more harmful to participants than if there were no program at all. A parent/guardian questionnaire will be introduced and serve as one resource in the overall evaluation of a coach.

K. COACHES’ AGE REQUIREMENTS

1. Grade School - Class “D,” “E,” and “F” - All head coaches must have reached their 21st birthday prior to the official start date of the sport season.

2. High School - Class “B” and “C” - All head coaches must have reached their 25th birthday prior to the official start date of the sport season.

L. COACHES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

1. A CYO coach is primarily a minister of youth with a gift of reaching out to young people through athletics. Often times we are uncomfortable with the term “ministry.” Basically it means to serve others. Your commitment as a CYO coach is a testimony to your goodness and belief that athletics serve as a ministry in the total development young people.

2. Responsibilities of the St. Albert’s CYO coach include:

a. All coaches must be of good Christian and moral character.

b. All coaches must attend a Coaches Accreditation Seminar sponsored by the Archdiocesan CYO Office. As per Archdiocesan regulations, all St. Albert’s head coaches and their assistant coaches must be accredited. All head coaches and assistant coaches are given a one year grace period to become accredited.

c. All coaches must be knowledgeable of all aspects of the Archdiocesan CYO Athletic Handbook and make sure that all rules and regulations are faithfully observed. Coaches must also be familiar with St. Albert’s rules and regulations concerning the CYO program.

d. Head coaches must attend any pre-season coaches meeting at the time and place designated by the Archdiocese Regional Athletic Director.

e. Head coaches must attend any St. Albert’s CYO meeting designated by the St. Albert’s CYO Board.

f. Head coaches must conduct a pre-season Parent/Coach Meeting to introduce themselves and their assistant coaches, to notify parents of any additional equipment fees, and to ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities.

g. Commissioners must collect team registration fees prior to the start of their sport season. Commissioners may not use registration fees to offset additional costs, such as uniforms or equipment fees.

h. Head coaches must submit their team roster to the current St. Albert’s CYO Athletic Director by the deadline date established by the St. Albert’s CYO Board of Directors. Please note that rosters must be on time in order to submit them by the deadline date established by the Archdiocesan Regional Commissioner. Late rosters may result in a team suspension for the current season. It is recommended that rosters be submitted to the Athletic Director five (5) days prior to regional deadlines so that working parish residency requirements can be verified.

i. Commissioners and head coaches must submit written budget proposals for equipment and uniform needs at the Pre-Season Coaches Meeting designated by the St. Albert’s CYO Board of Directors. Budget proposals may not be considered after that meeting.

j. Head coaches must distribute and collect team uniforms and equipment. All uniforms and equipment must be accounted for and placed in the CYO storage room immediately after the close of the sport season. The CYO storage room is located in the gym. Contact the Athletic Director for access to this room.

k. All coaches and assistant coaches must have on file in the Parish Center state police and child abuse background checks. If an interested coach/assistant coach fails to comply with this requirement, he/she will not be permitted to participate in the CYO program. It is the coaches/assistant coaches responsibility to initiate this process prior to the start of the sport that he/she is interested in coaching. The filing and fee reimbursement process will be reviewed with all coaches/assistant coaches by the sport’s Commissioner and the Athletic Director.

l. All coaches must take care not to schedule practices, games, or other events that will interfere with holy days, religious duties and classes.

m. All coaches using the gymnasium must comply with all parish policies concerning its care. See Section “P” of this handbook for additional information.

n. All coaches must inform the St. Albert’s CYO Board of any misconduct by players that is in violation of CYO rules.

o. All coaches must implement and monitor the conditions of a student suspension if mandated by the St. Albert’s CYO Board.

p. All coaches must agree to honor these and any other items listed in the latest Coaches’ Responsibility Contract.

M. COACHES’ SUSPENSION/EXPULSION

The St. Albert’s CYO Board of Directors is empowered to relieve a coach of his/her position if found to be in violation of Archdiocesan CYO and/or St. Albert’s CYO policy. If a coach is suspended, St. Albert’s CYO Board of Directors reserves the right not to renew his/her coaching eligibility. Some specific violations are listed below:

1. Failure to inform the St. Albert’s CYO Board of any infraction by a coach or player against the CYO Code of Conduct.

2. Failure to comply with any St. Albert’s CYO Board sanctions for a player’s suspension or expulsion.

3. Failure to comply with any St. Albert’s CYO Board decision concerning Parent/Coach complaints.

4. Failure to comply with any St. Albert’s CYO Board or St. Albert’s Parish/School Administration Directive concerning the use of the gymnasium or other school property.

5. Failure to attend the coaches’ accreditation program within the required time frame.

6. Failure to complete the state police criminal background check process, including having a copy of the report on file in the Parish Center.

7. Failure to follow an approved administrative directive of the St. Albert’s CYO Board.

8. Failure to comply with the CYO Code of Conduct (as presented in the CYO Athletic Handbook) or an offensive action as presented in Section O of this handbook.

N. TOURNAMENT GAMES (COACHES INFORMATION

1. St. Albert’s CYO follows the Archdiocesan CYO mandates regarding tournament play. Any coach interested in participating in official CYO Tournament Games must comply with the following:

a. Each team is limited to participate in one (1) tournament per season. The registration fee associated with the tournament will be assumed by the St. Albert CYO general fund.

b. Any coach wishing to participate in any tournament must submit a request and a budget to the St. Albert’s CYO Board no later than two weeks before the tournament.

c. Any coach requesting the use of the St. Albert’s gym for a tournament game must first review all details (e.g. time, dates, duration, teams involved) with the Athletic Director, who in turn will review the request with the Priest Moderator and/or Pastor. No commitment should be made to host a tournament game until all approvals are received from the Priest Moderator and/or Pastor. If and when a tournament is approved, it is the responsibility of the CYO Board to insure the security of the gym with appropriate adult supervision during the entire time that the gymnasium is in use.

d. The St. Albert’s CYO Board reserves the right to limit the financial support given to teams for tournament play. If a team surpasses this limit, it becomes the coaches’ responsibility to collect additional moneys from team members.

O. CYO CODE OF CONDUCT - COACHES AND PLAYERS

1. OFFENSIVE ACTIONS

No Coach or Player is to:

a. Refuse to abide by an official’s decision.

b. Be guilty of objectional demonstrations by throwing equipment or any other forceful action.

c. Be guilty of heaping personal verbal abuse upon any official for any real or imaginary wrong decision or judgment.

d. Be guilty of an abusive verbal attack upon any player, opposing coach, official, or spectator.

e. At any time lay hands upon, push, shove, strike, or threaten to strike an official, coach, or spectator.

f. Be guilty of physical attack as an aggressor upon any player.

2. PENALTIES

a. Violation of articles “a-d” - minimum automatic five game suspension for CYO league and/or play-off games. No one may serve as a coach in a different class (age group) of the same sport while under suspension.

b. Violation of articles “e-f” - by coach - suspension of offending coach for one full calendar year for all CYO sports.

c. Violation of article “e” - by a player - suspension of offending player for one full calendar year in that particular sport.

d. Violation of article “f” - by a player - suspension for ten CYO league and/or play-off games.

e. If suspended coach(es) or player(s) disregard stated penalties, when properly notified by the commissioner, the team is to be permanently suspended from league competition for one full calendar year in that particular sport.

f. If necessary, penalties will carry over into the next season.

g. Appeals - follow Archdiocesan CYO Athletic Handbook instructions.

h. These penalties may be amended in the section on individual sports rules of the Archdiocesan CYO Athletic Handbook.

P. USE OF GYMNASIUM

1. GYM KEY AVAILABILITY SCHEDULE

a. The gym key is at all times held by the rectory. Sign the key out and return to the rectory.

b. In the event of an emergency whereby the key holder isn’t able to open the gym, the Athletic Director of the CYO should be contacted.

2. GENERAL GYM USE POLICIES

a. The use of the gymnasium by a CYO representative is for official CYO Business, games, practices and events only.

b. The gym cannot be opened for any game, practice or other event while Mass is in progress. The gym is closed on Saturdays 5:00 - 6:30 p.m., Sundays and holydays 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and no team or other large gathering is permitted. There are no exceptions to this rule.

c. There will be CYO gym schedules assigned prior to the first event of the school year. All games, practices and events must be scheduled through this person. No one for any reason is able to use the gym without first scheduling it. There are no exceptions. Any requests for gym time then should be communicated to the gym scheduler as soon as possible, preferably 48 hours ahead.

d. Coaches must report any damage or vandalism to the gym while it is in their care.

e. Coaches and Board Members must acknowledge that the first priority for the use of the gym is for the church and school needs. In case of emergencies or other major events, the gym may need to be closed without notice.

f. If St. Albert’s is closed due to snow or inclement weather, then the gym is also closed. Coaches must cancel any scheduled game or practice.

g. Children are not permitted to play in hallway area outside of the gym. Parents will be responsible for any misconduct or damage caused by their children in this area.

h. Food and drinks are not permitted in the gym at any time.

i. Coaches are responsible for making sure they have left the gym clean and properly locked.

j. The gym is used by many groups within the parish. When another group enters the gym it should be in good order. Everyone needs to be working together to make sure the gym is taken care of.

Q. ST. ALBERT’S CYO ATHLETIC BOARD

1. MEMBERSHIP (St. Albert’s CYO)

a. Athletic Director

b. Assistant Athletic Director

c. Treasurer

d. Secretary

e. Sport Commissioners

f. Additional At-Large Members

2. DESCRIPTION

a. The St. Albert’s CYO Athletic Board, over which the Priest Moderator and Pastor has a veto, has general control over the parish CYO sports program. This board which is known as the St. Albert’s CYO Board of Directors, comprises interested adults who are willing to commit to the overall good of the CYO sports program and its related activities.

3. DUTIES

a. Supervise the overall parish grade school and high school athletic program.

b. Represent the best interest of the parish CYO by being a voice of the parish and not an individual with a one-sided or one-sport point of view.

c. Attend all meetings of the board.

d. Vote on important issues involving the parish CYO.

e. Recruit coaches.

f. Recruit board members.

g. Supervise gyms.

h. Raise funds to cover league fees, referee fees, equipment costs, etc.

i. Recommend nominees and provide for appropriate awards.

j. Study and approve a required budget from each coach.

A set of by-laws have been adopted and are in place to assist and guide the governance of the St. Albert’s CYO program.

R. STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT

St. Albert’s is a stewardship parish. The CYO Board encourages all student athletes to consider ways that they can contribute their time, talent, and treasure for the benefit of the parish and the greater community that we serve. Teens are particularly encouraged to become involved with the Youth Ministry Group and to become actively involved in its outreach programs.

The CYO Board and program participants assist in the preparation of the Annual CYO Mass. Board members and volunteers are required to plan for this liturgy (usually scheduled for early June) by the prior August to avoid scheduling conflicts.

S. CYO FUND RAISING

1. St. Albert’s CYO is a non-profit organization. Fund-raising is a critical component to the continuation of our sports program. All CYO board members, coaches, and team parents are asked to become involved with helping the CYO achieve its goals throughout the year. Please volunteer your time and service when asked. The board welcomes any ideas or comments concerning fund-raising activities. The criteria for any fund-raising event are as follows:

a. A summary of the proposed fund raising event(s) (including purpose and application of funds) must be submitted in writing to the CYO Board. Following Board review, the proposed event will be submitted to the Priest Moderator and Pastor for their approval.

b. All events must have an appointed chairperson willing to follow through with all conditions and requirements of a particular fund-raiser.

c. Anyone interest in running a fund-raiser must submit a written proposal for board approval prior to the purchase of any related material. CYO Board policy requires a thirty (30) day minimum notice of any intended event.

d. Children cannot participate in any fund-raiser that requires door to door solicitation.

T. CYO DANCES

1. DESCRIPTION

a. St. Albert’s provides a dance for 7th and 8th grade students. This is an excellent opportunity for your child to socialize with his/her peers. A disc jockey is employed to play popular music. Dances are usually held once a month on Friday nights 7 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the school auditorium. The admission fee is determined by the CYO Board at the beginning of each year. Parent chaperones are always needed. Please try to volunteer your time to chaperone at least once during the school year.

2. GUIDELINES FOR CHAPERONES

a. All chaperones should arrive at the gym by 7:00 p.m.

b. One chaperone will be stationed at all doors and throughout the auditorium on a rotation basis.

c. At least eight (8) chaperones are required.

d. Chaperones are to report directly to the CYO Dance Director any incident or problem. Only the CYO Dance Director or a person appointed by him/her can make announcements on the P.A. system.

e. Chaperones are asked to stay when the dance is over to help clean the gym and/or direct crowd and traffic control outside.

3. GUIDELINES FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

a. Any child found misbehaving, using foul language, fighting, smoking or involved in any other type of inappropriate behavior will be expelled from the dance. The child’s parents will be called to pick them up immediately.

b. Any child caught deliberately vandalizing property will be reported to the child’s parents and to police. Parents will be held financially responsible for any damage.

c. No child is permitted to leave the dance before 10:00 p.m. for any reason unless his/her parent or guardian comes to the door to pick him/her up. Any child caught leaving early will be reported to the child’s parents and will not be permitted to attend the next dance.

d. These rules were established with your child’s safety in mind. Please stress the importance of respect for parent chaperones, other children and school property at all times.

A. ST. ALBERT’S CYO ATHLETIC PROGRAM

1. Approval for the St. Albert’s CYO Athletic Program has been granted by our pastor, Monsignor Paul Dougherty.

2. St. Albert’s CYO Athletic Program is a chartered member of the Archdiocesan Youth Ministry Program. St. Albert’s is a member of Region 11 of the Archdiocesan Youth Ministry Program.

3. Athletic Programs sponsored by St. Albert’s CYO shall at all times reflect the CYO Mission Statement of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The mission statement appears on page 1 of this handbook.

B. ST. ALBERT’S SPORT PROGRAMS

1. FALL SPORTS:

3. SPRING SPORTS:

C. REGISTRATION FEE

D. OFFICIAL NAME

1. The official name for St. Albert’s Athletic Teams shall be “St Albert Gators.”

a. A boy or girl who attends their parish school may participate with their parish school team.

a. All players are to be registered members of the parish (Catholic).

b. Provided the participant meets all other eligibility standards, a resident of a parish with no team may play for one and only one geographically adjoining parish within the region.

AGE/GRADE REQUIREMENTS

d. Grade School - Class “D” - All participants are to be 7th or 8th grade students who have not reached their 15th birthday before January 1 of the current school year.

e. Grade School - Class “E” - All participants are to be 5th or 6th grade students who have not reached their 13th birthday before January 1 of the current school year.

f. 6th grade students may play for a Class “D” team only if the school does not have a Class “E” team.

g. Grade School - Class “F” - All participants are to be 3rd or 4th grade students who have not reached their 11th birthday before January 1 of the current school year.

h. High School Boys - Class “B” - All participants are to be 11th or 12 grade students who have not reached their 19th birthday before January 1 of the current school year.

i. High School Boys - Class “C” - All participants are to be 9th or 10th grade students who have not reached their 17th birthday before January 1 of the current school year.

j. High School Girls - All participants are to be 9th to 12th grade students who have not reached their 19th birthday before January 1 of the current school year.

a. If a player moves out of his/her parish before August 1 (Fall Sports), November 1 (Winter Sports), or March 1 (Spring Sports), he/she is ineligible to play with his/her old parish.

c. These rules apply to both grade school and high school students.

1. SUSPENSION

a. If the infraction involves monetary retribution for damages incurred, it is the responsibility of the student/player’s family to make the payment. The player will remain on probation/suspension until the full payment is recovered.

b. The student/player is ineligible for All Star play in any recognized CYO sport during that year.

c. The student player remains on probation for the entire sports season. If another infraction occurs; be it minor or major, the student/player will be expelled from CYO sports for that school year.

d. The student/player is ineligible for the “Donahue Award” and any other team or individual award given by the St. Albert’s CYO Board.

a. If a student/player has committed a serious infraction that is considered criminal in nature, the St. Albert’s CYO Board reserves the right to dismiss him from CYO sports for that school year.

b. Any student/player who is expelled from his/her school will be dismissed from CYO sports for that school year.

c. A student/player must reapply to the St. Albert’s CYO Board in order to regain their playing status after the term of expulsion is completed. The St. Albert’s CYO Board reserves the right to decline this application.

d. All final decisions concerning expulsion, including CYO Board decisions, are subject to the approval of the parish pastor.

8. Supply the coach with information on any allergies or special health conditions your child has. Make sure your child brings any necessary medication to practices and games. A medical clearance form must be completed each year for children and teenagers participating in the CYO program.

J. COACHES’ QUALIFICATIONS

L. COACHES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

2. Responsibilities of the St. Albert’s CYO coach include:

a. All coaches must be of good Christian and moral character.

c. All coaches must be knowledgeable of all aspects of the Archdiocesan CYO Athletic Handbook and make sure that all rules and regulations are faithfully observed. Coaches must also be familiar with St. Albert’s rules and regulations concerning the CYO program.

d. Head coaches must attend any pre-season coaches meeting at the time and place designated by the Archdiocese Regional Athletic Director.

e. Head coaches must attend any St. Albert’s CYO meeting designated by the St. Albert’s CYO Board.

f. Head coaches must conduct a pre-season Parent/Coach Meeting to introduce themselves and their assistant coaches, to notify parents of any additional equipment fees, and to ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities.

g. Commissioners must collect team registration fees prior to the start of their sport season. Commissioners may not use registration fees to offset additional costs, such as uniforms or equipment fees.

i. Commissioners and head coaches must submit written budget proposals for equipment and uniform needs at the Pre-Season Coaches Meeting designated by the St. Albert’s CYO Board of Directors. Budget proposals may not be considered after that meeting.

l. All coaches must take care not to schedule practices, games, or other events that will interfere with holy days, religious duties and classes.

m. All coaches using the gymnasium must comply with all parish policies concerning its care. See Section “P” of this handbook for additional information.

n. All coaches must inform the St. Albert’s CYO Board of any misconduct by players that is in violation of CYO rules.

o. All coaches must implement and monitor the conditions of a student suspension if mandated by the St. Albert’s CYO Board.

p. All coaches must agree to honor these and any other items listed in the latest Coaches’ Responsibility Contract.

1. Failure to inform the St. Albert’s CYO Board of any infraction by a coach or player against the CYO Code of Conduct.

2. Failure to comply with any St. Albert’s CYO Board sanctions for a player’s suspension or expulsion.

3. Failure to comply with any St. Albert’s CYO Board decision concerning Parent/Coach complaints.

6. Failure to complete the state police criminal background check process, including having a copy of the report on file in the Parish Center.

7. Failure to follow an approved administrative directive of the St. Albert’s CYO Board.

1. St. Albert’s CYO follows the Archdiocesan CYO mandates regarding tournament play. Any coach interested in participating in official CYO Tournament Games must comply with the following:

a. Each team is limited to participate in one (1) tournament per season. The registration fee associated with the tournament will be assumed by the St. Albert CYO general fund.

b. Any coach wishing to participate in any tournament must submit a request and a budget to the St. Albert’s CYO Board no later than two weeks before the tournament.

d. The St. Albert’s CYO Board reserves the right to limit the financial support given to teams for tournament play. If a team surpasses this limit, it becomes the coaches’ responsibility to collect additional moneys from team members.

O. CYO CODE OF CONDUCT - COACHES AND PLAYERS

a. Refuse to abide by an official’s decision.

b. Be guilty of objectional demonstrations by throwing equipment or any other forceful action.

c. Be guilty of heaping personal verbal abuse upon any official for any real or imaginary wrong decision or judgment.

d. Be guilty of an abusive verbal attack upon any player, opposing coach, official, or spectator.

e. At any time lay hands upon, push, shove, strike, or threaten to strike an official, coach, or spectator.

f. Be guilty of physical attack as an aggressor upon any player.

a. Violation of articles “a-d” - minimum automatic five game suspension for CYO league and/or play-off games. No one may serve as a coach in a different class (age group) of the same sport while under suspension.

b. Violation of articles “e-f” - by coach - suspension of offending coach for one full calendar year for all CYO sports.

c. Violation of article “e” - by a player - suspension of offending player for one full calendar year in that particular sport.

d. Violation of article “f” - by a player - suspension for ten CYO league and/or play-off games.

e. If suspended coach(es) or player(s) disregard stated penalties, when properly notified by the commissioner, the team is to be permanently suspended from league competition for one full calendar year in that particular sport.

f. If necessary, penalties will carry over into the next season.

g. Appeals - follow Archdiocesan CYO Athletic Handbook instructions.

h. These penalties may be amended in the section on individual sports rules of the Archdiocesan CYO Athletic Handbook.

a. The gym key is at all times held by the rectory. Sign the key out and return to the rectory.

b. In the event of an emergency whereby the key holder isn’t able to open the gym, the Athletic Director of the CYO should be contacted.

a. The use of the gymnasium by a CYO representative is for official CYO Business, games, practices and events only.

b. The gym cannot be opened for any game, practice or other event while Mass is in progress. The gym is closed on Saturdays 5:00 - 6:30 p.m., Sundays and holydays 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and no team or other large gathering is permitted. There are no exceptions to this rule.