Policies
The following policies and procedures are binding for any participant in any CYC Sports Activity.
Pre-Game Prayers & Procedures
(Established March 2002)
- Prior to the beginning of each CYC game/match, all game participants (players, coaches & officials) will gather at the center circle, home plate or mid court, whichever would apply. This includes tournaments, league play and playoffs.
- The Home Team, as listed on the official game schedule, will lead the prayer; this may be done by one of the coaches, players, parents or representatives from their parish.
- At the conclusion of the prayer, players and coaches from opposing teams will wish each other good luck.
- Teams will then proceed to their team area & proceed to start the game.
- Persons who for religious/personal reasons wish not to participate in the prayer can either stand with their team or remain at their team area during the prayer.
CYC Refund Policy
CYC High School Basketball – A 75% refund will be given to registered individuals canceling before December 1st.
CYC Chess – A full refund will be given to players canceling with 24-hour notice (Friday at 9 a.m. before a Saturday meet).
CYC Membership Fee – All participants of CYC programs are charged a $5 CYC Membership Fee once a school year (August 1 – July 31). This fee is nonrefundable.
*CYC Parish Athletic Association or Member Organizations each have their own refund policies. Please contact the organization you registered with for a refund.
CYC Sports Scheduling Policy
From time to time the CYC office, CYC Sports Districts and our scheduling committees are approached regarding conflicting scheduling between CYC games and parish or school related religious activities or events. Here is the official policy regarding that specific issue as well as commentary on related issues.
NO CATHOLIC YOUTH COUNCIL (CYC) YOUTH (AGES 18 AND YOUNGER) SANCTIONED GAMES ARE TO BE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN PRIOR TO 12:00 NOON ON SUNDAYS.
Anyone seeking an exception to this policy must have the written approval of the Pastor of every parish affected.
Also, the CYC scheduling committees (both Central office and Districts) must be sensitive to and proactive in determining all other possible conflicts with parish or school religious activities. Caution should be exercised when scheduling games so as not to create a conflict between CYC sports activities and Sunday Mass, Holy Days of Obligation Mass, Parish School of Religion classes, Masses of Anticipation, retreats, or other faith-based events. If a problem is discovered after that fact, the district should explore all possibilities with the team regarding re-scheduling.
All steps possible need to be taken to avoid placing young people and their parents in a position where they must choose between these activities.
One other note to keep in mind; some parish-sponsored teams play in leagues and/or tournaments that are not sanctioned or sponsored by the Catholic Youth Council. In these cases, the CYC would have no jurisdiction. Those teams, players, and parents would have to resolve those issues with that organization’s leadership.
Alcohol Policy
Please observe the following revised Guidelines which will go into effect November 1, 2013, regarding the use of alcohol at parish functions. Beverage alcohol, in the Guidelines, refers to wine, beer, straight and mixed liquor, and cordials.
GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF BEVERAGE ALCOHOL
The following guidelines regarding serving beverage alcohol have been developed for all parishes, parish organizations, agencies, and entities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
- All federal, state, and local laws and ordinances must be observed. This includes regulations required for the sale of alcohol, prohibiting the distribution of alcohol to minors and not serving alcohol to intoxicated persons.
- The group or organization sponsoring an activity or event at which alcoholic beverages are to be served must have permission from the pastor of the parish or the director of the agency that hosts the event or activity.
- Alcoholic beverages and food containing alcohol must be clearly labeled or identified as such.
- Alcoholic beverages that are designed to facilitate rapid alcohol consumption, including grain alcohol and shots, are prohibited.
- Whenever alcohol is served, non-alcoholic alternatives must always be offered with equal accessibility.
- The serving or use of alcoholic beverages at events should not be ‘actively marketed’ during the event.
- Alcohol is not to be served to anyone or brought in by someone, including adults, at any event directed primarily to and for minors. This includes elementary and high school events, CYC events, Scouting activities, etc.
- All adults should be mindful of their Christian responsibility to drink in moderation and to give a good example to our youth. “Clergy, employees and volunteers should never be involved with the illegal possession and/or illegal use of drugs and/or alcohol. They must never supply such substances to minors nor may they consume alcohol while functioning in an official capacity with minors. This includes those who are involved with children as coaches or managers of sports teams.” (Code of Ethical Conduct for Clergy, Employees and Volunteers Working with Minors § 4.5)
- Parish and agency leaders are responsible for ensuring these guidelines are made known and observed.
Approved by the Presbyteral Council on September 19, 2013, and Promulgated by Archbishop Robert J. Carlson on November 1, 2013.