Coaches code of conduct

I hereby pledge as a Catholic Youth Organization Coach to abide by the following CYO rules and regulations and the CYO Sportsmanship Code of Conduct for Coaches. 

This code is considered supplemental to each parish’s expectation for the conduct of its volunteers and agents. 

Remember to do all for the glory of God. 



• Interscholastic competition exists for students to foster sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork; coaches should set an example of good sportsmanship. 
• Coaches must complete all requirements for coaching as set forth by their parish and the CYO.
• Coaches are to comply with all parish and league rules and directives 
• Every child is equally important. 
• Coaches must make every effort to ensure that players receive a fair amount of playing time. 
• Coaches faithfully represent and practice the teachings of the Catholic Church with integrity in word and action.
• Coaches should always conduct themselves as an example of Christian behavior, both on the field/court and away from it. 
• Coaches should be supportive and encouraging in everything they do and say; they should never assault others verbally or in writing. 
• Coaches should promote children’s competence through positive strategies and refrain from practices that belittle and humiliate children. 
• Coaches should address concerns to officials in a calm manner during dead ball situations. Coaches should address their players in a manner consistent with how a reasonable person would expect their own children to be addressed. 
• A coach is never to address a player from another team unless in a sincere congratulatory or helpful tone. 
• Conduct which falls outside that listed at a practice is subject to disciplinary measures from the parish.
• Conduct that falls outside that listed at a game is subject to disciplinary measures from the CYO.
• Coaches model healthy and positive behaviors with minors. Procuring, providing, or using alcohol and/or controlled substances for or with minors in unethical and prohibited. 
• Coaches are aware they have considerable personal power because of their ministerial position. Therefore, they will sustain respectful ministerial relationships, avoiding manipulation and other abuses of power. Physical, sexual, or romantic relationships between an adult volunteer and a minor are unethical and are prohibited.
• Coaches are aware of and comply with all applicable parish, organizational, and/or diocesan policies with special attention to sexual misconduct, safety transportation, parental permission, and medical emergency policies. 

After the scheduled contests all coaches, players, and spectators must refrain from confronting the Game Officials about the outcome of the contest. Any person who refuses to follow this rule will be suspended from coaching, playing, or attending CYO contests. Concerns regarding the game or officials must be directed to the league Director. 

I understand that ultimately all of my team’s players, coaches, and spectators are my responsibility.