Rules and Regulations
A. Designation
While the Diocese of Allentown does not offer its own soccer league, CYO programs may participate in established leagues, while adhering to CYO standards. Each participating CYO program is to designate one Adult Coordinator.
B. Rosters
Each District Commissioner must submit completed Fall rosters to OYYAFM by September 15th. Spring Rosters are due April 1st.
Programs that offer Soccer during both the Fall and Spring Sports Seasons:
- For the Fall Sports season, all teams will submit complete rosters with the appropriate requirements for each coach (including Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest).
- For the Spring Sports Season, all teams will resubmit to the District Commissioner/ Diocesan CYO Office a copy of the Fall Sports rosters with the participation of each player and coach verified. In the event that a coach is added to a roster, a new roster will need to be completed and submitted to the Pastor for final approval and all requirements fulfilled. Upon approval, this roster will then be forwarded to the District Commissioner/Diocesan CYO Office.
Programs that offer Soccer during only one Sports Season:
- All teams will submit complete rosters with the appropriate requirements for each coach (including Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest) during the season in which they participate (ie, Fall or Spring).
C. Eligibility
Eligibility rules apply as per the designation of the parish CYO program and the league in which a team participates.
D. Game Rules
Rules for game play will be determined by the league in which a CYO parish program participates. Any rules or standards in contradiction with Catholic principles and values should be discussed with the CYO district Commissioner AND district Priest Chaplain.
E. Playing Time
Reasonable efforts should be made to allow all student participants an opportunity to play during the course of scrimmages and games. CYO seeks to form youth through active participation in athletic competition.
F. Videotaping
Under no circumstances may a school administrator, coach, student athlete, or spectator visually record (regardless of the medium) a contest that does not involve their CYO team. In particular, filming or videotaping for scouting purposes in any season by any party is strictly prohibited.
The purpose of such a policy is not only for the protection of our student athletes, but also to uphold a rightly ordered perspective on competition. As members of a Catholic organization, we should seek to maximize our knowledge and ability through exceptional preparation and real-time adaptation.
