Catholic Youth League (CYL)

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MESSAGE FROM THE LEAGUE

Time Well Spent

Nothing motivates children like family participation and encouragement. Parents must be their children's role models and, therefore, must spend interactive time with them in order to nurture a cohesive family unit. The Catholic Youth League was organized to provide the younger Catholic school community with a time and place for parents to introduce their children to sports and allow them to mature athletically at their own pace. Your family will be richly rewarded for the time spent in this endeavor.

Setting the Standards

Moms and Dads, you must set the example, not just for your children, but for all the game-day parents on both competing teams. When organizing the CYL, a number of goals were set in the league's Statement of Purpose. One of those was to instill within each child a sense of self-discipline, responsibility, confidence, and self-esteem. Another was to create a learning environment, structured in an atmosphere of fun and encourage by friendly competition. To accomplish these goals, parent must exercise self-discipline themselves.

The CYL is not a highly competitive league. Rather, it is meant to provide an alternative environment for children to enter athletics without the pressure of having to be No. 1 or "The Best". CYL emphasizes teamwork and fair play above winning. The CYL encourages families from opposing teams to introduce themselves, to congratulate something done well by the opposing team and, in general, to foster a good Catholic family community atmosphere. There is time for highly competitive leagues as your children get older. The CYL wants to create a good foundation for your child's athletic future.

Parental Participation

The Catholic Youth League operates through parental participation in all events we provide. Children in the lower grade levels will receive their sports training and education from parents acting as teachers and role models. Your participation in CYL activities are voluntary and we wish for you to adhere to the following:

Never force a child to play if they don't want to.
CYL sports are primarily for the children's enjoyment.
Teach and demonstrate to children to play by the rules.
Teach your child that doing your best as a player and team is equally important as winning.
Teach children the value of compassion in Sports and Life.
Give positive reinforcement to your players and other teams players.
Applaud all good plays and efforts for both teams.
Do not yell at children for making mistakes.
If your child makes a sports mistake, first point out the good things they have done before discussing the mistakes, and always do it at home.
Coaches, Officials, and Parents NEVER-NEVER-NEVER question, discuss, or confront each other at the game field about the game. When you get home, use the phone.
Treat all players as you would like to be treated if you were playing.
A parent should play with and practice with their child. Each child wants their parents to be interested in what they do and share in what they learn.
Make every effort to attend and help at your child's practice and games.

If you are not happy with what happens at a game or practice, call your coach at home and discuss it, never discuss it at the field. If you're not happy with your coach's answer, call your CYL Director.

Hostility

All forms of hostility toward a referee, coach, child, or opposing-team parent are unacceptable, and have no place in this league. In the event someone strongly disagrees with a call made or with a coach's decision, it is imperative that the disagreement or concern be discussed in a relaxed manner via telephone sometime after the game. NEVER create a scene or express your displeasure during a game or in front of children. Parents, encourage those around you to remain calm in the event someone gets upset; remind them why we're here. A lot of effort can be set back by one inconsiderate parental temper-tantrum. The league reserves the right to prohibit any obnoxious or offensive person from being a spectator at any CYL function. Please think before you act, and have a great season.