The Catholic Youth Organization sponsors the following Athletic Programs in the Diocese of Allentown.
While the Diocese does not offer its own soccer league, parishes may participate in outside leagues. In this case, all teams are still required to fulfill Diocesan CYO guidelines and policies.
Any questions, please contact our office at [email protected].
Fall Sports
1. Eligibility
All grade school boys and girls as in Rule A.
All teams must submit a team roster to OYYAM by September 15th.
In addition to the Head Coach, it is recommended that each team have a at least 1 chaperone (who has all safe environment clearances) per every 10 players.
2. Divisions
8 Divisions (4 boys, 4 girls)
1. Kindergarten to Grade 2
2. Grade 3 to Grade 4
3. Grade 5 to Grade 6
4. Grade 7 to Grade 8
3. Courses
Division 1 ½ Mile Fun Run
Division 2 1 Mile
Division 3 1 1/2 Miles
Division 4 2 Miles
4. Stipulations
1. Must comply with Diocesan rule on insurance and eligibility and have permission slip signed by parents or guardian.
2. Must compete on grade level.
3. No pacing of runners is allowed during any meet.
5.. Awards
Medals will be presented to the top 5 finishers in each division.
A team plaque will be awarded to the 1st place team in each division, and each member of the team will receive a first place team medal.
*The same rules and regulations apply for both boys and girls volleyball
1. Designation
Each district is to designate one Adult Commissioner for each league.
2. Rosters
Each District Commissioner must submit to OYYAM completed Fall rosters by September 15. Spring Rosters are due April 1st
3. Deadline
All Fall rosters are frozen as of October 1. Spring rosters are frozen on April 15.
NOTE: Districts failing to comply with Rule 3 (pertaining to tournament playoffs) are eliminated from consideration for Diocesan competition.
4. Game Rules
According to current National Federation Rules (PIAA), a net height of 7'4" for girls and 8' for boys still applies for grade school.
5. Playing Time
The following rule is intended to ensure that all participants, regardless of their skill level, are given the opportunity to play in every match:
- Only players that meet all eligibility requirements, both team-specific (such as required attendance at practices) and diocesan, may be allowed to play in any match.
- Varsity
- Coaches are encouraged to give every player an opportunity to participate in all matches in some capacity. Though not mandated, when a participant signs up for the CYO program they expect, and have the right, to play in all matches. Coaches must encourage and instruct all the young athletes if they are to have a rewarding experience in sports.
- JV
- Any player in uniform for a match must be given an opportunity to play at least one game in each match.
- Any player that did not play in the first game of the match must be included in the starting line-up for the second game of the match
- All players MUST serve at least once during the match.
- Infractions of the playing time policy will result in a warning for the 1st offense:
- If witnessed by a designated representative of CYO, a warning will consist of a verbal address to the coach following the contest in question.
- If the 1st offense is not witnessed by a designated representative of CYO, an investigation will be conducted. If it is found to be a valid offense, a warning will consist of a verbal address to the coach via a phone call. After the coach has received the warning, any subsequent verifiable offense of the playing time policy will result in a forfeit of the match and suspension of the coach.
- A 2nd verifiable offense of the playing time policy in the same season (including playoffs) will result in a forfeit of the match for the team, two-match suspension of the coach, and the coach will need to meet with the District Commissioner and a diocesan CYO Administrative Official before coaching in the subsequent year.
- Any coach suspended from coaching a team is not eligible to be present as a fan for that CYO event.
6. Diocesan Playoffs
First weekend in November for girls Fall volleyball. None for Spring volleyball.
- A Libero player is not to be used in any game.
- Warm-up Time: 2 minutes shared warm-up time - pepper on own side of net, followed by team winning coin toss gets 4 minutes of full court warm-up, followed by team losing coin toss gets 4 minutes of full court warm-up.
- Matches 1-10 will be one 25-point game (starting at 4).
- The winning team must win by 2 points but will only play to 27. Then the first team reaching 27 is considered the winner.
- The teams with the top two overall round robin records will play a championship match. The championship match will consist of two games to 25 (starting at 4 and capped at 27) and, if necessary, one game to 15 (beginning at 0 and capped at 17).
- Championship Round Tie Break Rules:
- In the event that more than two teams qualify for the championship match
- 2 teams tie for Second Place – The two teams will play one 15-point game beginning at zero and capped at 17 points. The winner moves on to play the first place team in the championship match.
- 3 teams tie for First Place – Straws will be drawn to determine which team moves on to the championship match without having to play a play-in match. Short Straw wins. The two remaining teams play one 15-point game beginning at zero and capped at 17 with the winner moving on to the championship match.
- In the event that more than two teams qualify for the championship match
7. Eligibility (See Eligibility Rules 1 to 4)
Eligibility for JV volleyball is grades 5 and 6. Eligibility for Varsity volleyball is grades 6 through 8. Any player who is in 6th grade and is listed on both JV and Varsity rosters, and is a starter for the JV team, will not be allowed to start for the Varsity team. If that said player is a Varsity starter then they shall only play Varsity sports.
8. Dates
Practice may not begin before August 1 for the Fall season and March 15 for the Spring season. All practice, games, etc. must end the first weekend in November/third week in June respectively.
9. 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.
1. Designation
While the Diocese of Allentown does not offer its own Golf league, CYO programs may participate in established leagues, while adhering to CYO standards. Each participating CYO program is to designate one Adult Coordinator.
2. Rosters
Each District Commissioner must submit completed Fall rosters to OYYAFM by September 15th.
All teams will submit complete rosters with the appropriate requirements for each coach (including Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest).
3. Eligibility
As a Varsity sport, only 7th & 8th grade boys and girls are able to participate. The “Eligibility Standards” section of the CYO Rules and Guidelines handbook must be followed. Further eligibility rules apply as per the designation of the parish CYO program and the league in which a team participates.
4. 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.
5. Practice and Competition
Practice may not begin before August 1st for the Fall season. All practice, games, etc. must end by the first weekend in November.
Practices and competitions will be held at local public golf courses, and will be arranged by the coaches and/or District Commissioner.
There is currently no Diocesan Championship Tournament organized by the Diocese of Allentown Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry/CYO.
6. 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.
1. 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.
2. 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).
3. Eligibility
Eligibility rules apply as per the designation of the parish CYO program and the league in which a team participates.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
Winter Sports
1. Mission
Cheerleading is a sport which has the primary purpose of supporting and promoting spirit for the CYO activities. It also is to provide a strong foundation of cheer skills development. This means that all Cheerleading squads will act in a matter of a true sport’s team and cheer at all of their team’s games for the season they are rostered. Failure to do so will result in elimination for competition eligibility as “Competition-only” Squads are prohibited.
2. Designation:
Each district is to designate one Adult Commissioner for each league.
3. Eligibility:
All coaches and players must adhere to all DIOCESAN rules, guidelines, eligibility standards, program identification and sponsorship qualifications regardless of when and where they are cheering, performing or practicing. See the CYO handbook for eligibility rules.
4. Divisions:
A) Varsity: grades 8th, 7th, 6th and 5th
B) Junior Varsity: grades 6th, 5th and 4th
C) Biddy: grades 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st
5. Practices may not begin before:
A) FALL cheerleading: August 1st
B) WINTER cheerleading: October 20th
C) SPRING cheerleading : March 15th
6. Practices, etc. must end by:
A) FALL cheerleading: 1st weekend in November
B) WINTER cheerleading: 3rd weekend in March (exception for State playoffs)
C) SPRING cheerleading : 3rd weekend in June
7. Rosters:
A) Each District Commissioner must submit completed rosters to the Diocesan Direct Service Administrator by December 1st.
B) All rostered coaches for a Mounting squad must have current certification from a national cheerleading organization including NCA, UCA, USG, and AACCA. You must contact your District Cheerleading Commissioner for approval of certification from any other organization. All rostered coaches must provide proof of certification to the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry with the team roster.
C) The District Cheerleading Commissioner for a Mounting Squad will indicate on the roster that all coaches listed are currently certified.
D) Coaches for a Mounting squad must renew their certification every year.
E) Cheerleading squads submit separate rosters for each Division and /or if they are cheering during more than one season.
F) All rosters are frozen as of January 1st.
8. Jewelry
Cheerleaders will not be able to wear jewelry. Medical bracelets are exempt from this rule but must be taped to the wrist for all cheerleading activities.
9. Hair
Cheerleaders' hair of shoulder length or longer must be pulled back in a ponytail or braid.
10. Makeup
Cheerleaders' make-up must be modest and age appropriate, which is at the discretion of the coach and / or parents. Uniforms must be appropriate in style and length. No bare midriff allowed.
11. Coaches are responsible for their cheerleaders’ conduct.
The following must be adhered to:
A) No booing
B) No show of poor sportsmanship
C) No kicking of benches and/ or bleachers
D) No Cheering during a foul shot time for either team. Foul shot time is defined as when the player
and/or players approach the foul line area until the clock starts again and/or the game is over.
12. Pom-poms
Pom-poms for indoor usage are not allowed on the playing floor at any time except at half-time of games.
13. Signs and/or banners
Signs and/or banners where permitted, may be attached to walls etc. with masking tape and must be removed completely before leaving the playing area. Signs may only be used as a prop by the cheerleaders.
14. Coexist with players
Both cheerleading squads may be on the playing area for pre-game warm-ups and/or opening and/or closing game ceremonies provided that they do not interfere with the players during the warm-up.
15. Outdoor
For outdoor cheerleading activities, the cheerleading area is behind the players’ bench and at a safe distance from the sideline boundary of the field of play. It is the responsibility of the coaches to ensure that the area is safe for cheerleading.
16. Indoor
For indoor cheerleading activities, the cheerleading area will be the bleachers and/or a safe distance from the sideline boundary of the field of play while the game action is going on. Seated bench cheers are permitted at any time, excluding during foul shot time.
See Item 11-D. Standing sideline cheers are allowed only during a dead ball, while the clock is stopped and excluding during foul shot time. No mounts are permitted on the sideline at any time prior to, during or after the game.
17. Protocol for order
Cheerleading Protocol states that the visiting squad should cheer first then followed by the home team. This protocol should be followed when squads are allowed on the playing area, except for item 14.
18. Spotters
All tumbling must be performed without the aid of spotters. Also, no layout or twisting flips allowed.
19. Tumbling
The following tumbling skills will be permitted as follows:
A) Biddy level: Only cartwheel, split, forward and backward roll regardless of the status of the squad.
B) JV and Non-mounting Varsity Squads: All of the biddy level plus round off, handstand and backbends
C) Varsity Mounting Squads: All of the biddy level, JV and Non-Mounting Varsity Squads plus back and front walkover, back and front handspring and back tuck
20. Basic Mount Definitions:
A) Base: support person maintaining weight bearing contact with the cheering surface
B) Flyer: an individual who is supported off the cheering surface by one or more bases
C) Back Spot: a cheerleader who provides non-weight bearing support during the stunt and aides in the mounting and dismounting of a flyer during the stunt
D) Extensions that have weight bearing points of the flyer over the head of the base are not permitted.
21. Mounts will be allowed according to the following guidelines:
A) Safety is our first priority. No cheerleader is to perform a mount that exceeds their ability.
The following are strictly prohibited at all levels:
1. Extension mounts (with the exception of an extended chair mount)
2. Basket toss
3. Sweep, flip or twisting dismounts
4. Pendulum or table top mounts
5. More than one flyer per mount
6. Unguided dismounts (with the exception of a pop to cradle for varsity)
7. Moving mounts which do not have a back spot
8. Bases providing primary support for more than one flyer
B) No mounting is allowed at all for Biddy level
C) JV and Non-Mounting Varsity Squads must maintain one foot on the floor at all times during the creation of mounting formations.
D) JV Mounting Squads may mount to a 1-½ person’s height level. Flyer’s feet must not be higher than ½ of the standing height of the base. Standing base must maintain hand to body contact with the flyer at all times.
E) Varsity Mounting Squads may mount to a 2 person’s height level. Flyer’s feet may not be higher than the shoulder of the standing height of the base. One foot must remain no higher than shoulder level when the mount is set.
All mounts at this height level require having a back spot. The only allowable dismounts at this level are a step off, stomach/shove wrap or a pop to cradle dismount.
F) Pyramids and/or formation s may interconnect mounts. However, each mount group must be able to perform the stunt as an individual group. Flyers must receive primary support from the bases in their mount. Connection to mounts must be superficial.
22. Routines
Routines must be appropriate for family viewing. Any vulgar or suggestive movements, words or music will result in elimination. This includes but is not limited to:
No tear-away uniforms or removal of clothing is allowed.
No pelvic thrusts, body waves/rolls, extreme hip gyrations, upper body movements that have a sexual connotation.
No bending with bottom facing the audience
No sticking out tongue or any facial expressions or movements of a sexual nature.
District Competition & Diocesan Finals
All Divisions
1. Grade School Division (Grades 5 through 8). Squads must have an eligible roster on file with the Diocese. JV cheerleaders must be submitted on a separate roster.
A. No cheerleader younger than fifth grade will be able to compete in the District and Diocesan Cheerleading Competition.
B. All cheerleaders rostered for a Varsity squad must compete on the same squad and team at the District and Diocesan Cheerleading competitions. (Only exception will be for disciplinary dismissal, illness, or injury,) Creation of a ‘Competition Squad’ is strictly prohibited.
C. Practice for the competition may not begin until Oct. 20
2. There will be no limit to the number of cheerleaders on a squad. All cheerleaders must be listed on the roster and filed correctly with the Diocese.
3. Squads will designate as either a Mount or Non-Mount squad for competition. Qualified mount squads may elect to enter either category but may not enter both.
4. Each district will designate only one representative to the Diocesan Finals for each of the three divisions: Cheerleading Non-Mount, Cheerleading Mount & Pom Dance Divisions.
5. Cheering positions will be drawn on the day of competition. Coaches will sign in at the registration table immediately upon arrival and meet with the moderator to draw positions.
6. No specialty items such as flowers, gloves, etc. may be worn during the squad’s performance. No jewelry of any kind may be worn by the participants with the exception of medically necessary bracelets. (See basic Cheerleading rules) Team mascots are prohibited. Pom poms are permitted ONLY during the Pom Dance Division. Signs are permitted ONLY during the Cheerleading Divisions.
7. The Title and Artist of ALL music used in competition must be submitted to the Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry a minimum of 30 days prior to the Diocesan Competition for approval. Music for the District and Diocesan competitions must be the same. Failure to have your music approved will result in disqualification from the Diocesan competition.
8. Maximum time for each competition routine will be 2 ½ minutes.
Cheerleading Divisions: Cheerleaders may start in formation on the floor. Time begins with the start of music or the first cheer motion or vocals. Time ends with the finish of all music, cheer motions, or vocals. Music, signs and megaphones are allowed. Music may not exceed 1¼ minutes.
Pom Dance Division: Time begins and ends with the music; cheerleaders may take positions on the floor prior to start of music. The squad MUST have poms in hand for a minimum of 1½ minute. Five points penalty will be deducted from the squad’s final score in the round if the above rule is not followed.
9. Maximum time for each exhibition routine will be 1 ½ minutes. All rostered age divisions are invited to participate in the exhibition portions of the Diocesan Competition but are not eligible for competition awards. The exhibition is solely for the purpose of additional squads to showcase their talents and so they experience a competition at this level to encourage future participation.
Rules for individual division:
A. Cheerleading – Both Divisions: Each squad will perform a routine with cheers, mounts and dance. Cheerleaders will be judged during the entire performance time.
B. Cheerleading Non-Mount Division: Squads must maintain one foot on the floor at all times during the creation of formations. Jumps and tumbling are permitted as set forth for Non-Mounting squads in the Diocesan Cheerleading Rules.
C. Cheerleading Mount Division: Squads may only perform mounts which comply with criteria set forth in Diocesan Cheerleading Rules. Jumps and tumbling are permitted as set forth for Mounting Squads in the Diocesan Cheerleading Rules.
D. Pom Dance Division: Mounts are prohibited for all squads in this division. Squads must maintain one foot on the floor at all times during the creation of formations. Jumps and tumbling are permitted to the level of Non-Mount Squads as set forth in the Diocesan Cheerleading Rules for ALL squads participating in the Pom Dance Division regardless of squad status (Mount/Non-mount).
10. Disturbances and Interruptions
Disturbing or interrupting the performing squad in any manner is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. Other than during a squad’s performance, cheering by squads is limited to response cheers, practice, and intermissions. A penalty of five (5) points will be deducted from the final score of all divisions participated in by a squad who violates this rule.
11. Judges
There will be no more than 5 judges. High and Low scores will be eliminated. The remaining scores will be totaled. Do not round or average scores. Only judges and the event moderator will have access to the score sheets.
Each district will supply one judge for Diocesan competition. Each judge will be deemed eligible under these standards:
~Cannot be related to any member or coach of any squad.
~Cannot be in any way responsible for the choreography of any dance or cheerleading routine
~Must have a minimum of two (2) years of cheer or dance experience at the high school level or higher
~Will not have any CYO suspension or other disciplinary action on record.
12. Penalties
Penalties for violation of the above rules are assessed by the moderator after the judges have scored. A five (5) point penalty is assessed to the final score for each violation. Any protest regarding a squad’s performance must be made to the moderator during the intermission immediately following the division. No protest is to be made in the presence of the judges.
13. Ties
In the event of a tie in the first place position the high and low score are added back into the raw scores of the squads involved in the tie and all scores added. The new total is used to determine a 1st and 2nd place team. At the District Competition, it is recommended that the tie breaker rule is only implemented in the case of a first place tie. Ties for 2nd or 3rd should remain, giving all squads awards.
14. Decisions
All decisions of the judges and competition moderator will be final.
15. Innapropriate Behavior
Inappropriate behavior, as deemed by the judges, will result in elimination.
*These rules apply to both boys & girls, high school & grade school basketball events.
1. Designation
Each district is to designate one Adult Commissioner for each league.
2. Rosters
Each District shall submit grade school rosters to OYYAM by December 1st.
High School and biddy development rosters are due January 1st.
3. Deadline
All rosters are frozen on December 15th for grade school teams and January 15th for high school and biddy development teams.
NOTE: Districts failing to comply with Rule 3 (pertaining to tournament playoffs) are eliminated from consideration for Diocesan playoffs.
4. Game Rules
According to current National Federation Rules (PIAA), unless otherwise modified here.
Throughout the basketball season, referees are only permitted to officiate two games/per day across the Diocese.
5. Playing Time
The following rule is intended to ensure that all participants, regardless of their skill level, are given the opportunity to play in every game:
- Only players that meet all eligibility requirements both team-specific (such as required attendance at practices) and diocesan, may be allowed to play in any game.
- Varsity
- Coaches are encouraged to give every player an opportunity to participate in all games in some capacity. Though not mandated, when a participant signs up for the CYO program they expect, and have the right, to play in all games. Coaches must encourage and instruct all the young athletes if they are to have a rewarding experience in sports.
- JV
- Any player in uniform for a game must be given an opportunity to play at least half of any game.
- Playing time does not need to be consecutive within a game, but should total to equal half of the time allotted for each game.
- Biddy
- District rules apply to playing time at the Biddy level.
- If no playing time rules exist at the District level, then equal playing time should be distributed to all players.
- Substitutions should be made at regular intervals.
- Infractions of the playing time policy will result in a warning for the 1st offense: A 2nd verifiable offense of the playing time policy in the same season (including playoffs) will result in a forfeit of the match for the team, two-match suspension of the coach, and the coach will need to meet with the District Commissioner and a diocesan CYO Administrative Official before coaching in the subsequent year.
- If witnessed by a designated representative of CYO, a warning will consist of a verbal address to the coach following the contest in question.
- If the 1st offense is not witnessed by a designated representative of CYO, an investigation will be conducted. If it is found to be a valid offense, a warning will consist of a verbal address to the coach via a phone call. After the coach has received the warning, any subsequent verifiable offense of the playing time policy will result in a forfeit of the match and suspension of the coach.
- Any coach suspended from coaching a team is not eligible to be present as a fan for that CYO event.
6. Diocesan Playoffs
First or second full weekend in March to be determined annually by the State CYO Basketball Tournament Dates.
Timekeepers and scorekeepers for the Diocesan Playoffs need to be at least 16 years old.
Three officials will be used at all Diocesan Playoff games.
7. Eligibility
Eligibility for JV basketball is grades 5 and 6. Eligibility for Varsity basketball is grades 6 through 8. Any player who is in 6th grade and is listed on both JV and Varsity rosters, and is a starter for the JV team, will not be allowed to start for the Varsity team. If that said player is a Varsity starter then they shall only play Varsity sports. Eligibility for Biddy basketball is grades 1 through 4. See Handbook for eligibility rules.
8. Dates
Practice may not begin before October 20. All practices, games, etc. must end the second weekend in March (with the exception of those advancing into State playoffs.)
9. Modification-Bench Rule for Use at State Tournaments Only
The old PIAA "Seat Belt" bench rule will be in effect at all CYO State Tournaments. Coaches are expected to coach the game while being seated on the bench at all times. The only exception is for time outs.
10. 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.
Basketball Sportsmanship Rule
Grade School
IN any game with a 20 or more point lead, NO FULL OR HALF COURT PRESS BY EITHER TEAM is permitted. Any team with a 20 or more point lead must take out AT LEAST 2 STARTERS from the game. Any opposing coach, who feels an honest attempt was NOT made to follow the above, should notify the District Commissioner within 48 hours and address the complaint in writing to the District Executive Board
High School
IN any game with a 30 or more point lead, NO FULL OR HALF COURT PRESS BY EITHER TEAM is permitted. Any team with a 30 or more point lead must take out AT LEAST 2 STARTERS from the game. Any opposing coach, who feels an honest attempt was NOT made to follow the above, should notify the District Commissioner within 48 hours and address the complaint in writing to the District Executive Board.
As a result:
1. A hearing will be held with both coaches and the District Board to determine if the complaint is justified and the Pastor will be notified by mail.
2. With a second justifiable complaint, the coach is no longer part of the CYO Program as this is a blatant abuse of the "ideals" and "goals" of the Coaches' Training Program of the Diocese of Allentown.
This rule will be used in diocesan playoff games.
Spring Sports
1. Designation
Each district is to designate one Adult Commissioner for each league.
2. Rosters
Each District Commissioner must submit to OYYAFM completed rosters by April 15. Failure to comply will result in Diocesan ineligibility.
3. Deadline
All rosters are frozen as of April 15th.
Note: Districts failing to comply with Rule 3 (pertaining to tournament playoffs) will be eliminated from consideration for Diocesan competition.
4. Game Rules
All games are to be played under the current PIAA Baseball Rules, except where amended by Diocesan or District rules.
5. Playing Time
- Only players that meet all eligibility requirements, both team-specific (such as required attendance at practices) and diocesan may be allowed to play in any game.
- Coaches must attempt to place each player in attendance on the game roster and in the batting line-up.
- A pitcher removed from the pitching position may pitch again provided that at least one batter has been put out or reached base, or a third out has been made. Other pitching regulations still apply.
- The allowance of courtesy runners in the 7th/8th grade division is a speed-up rule that may be used for the pitcher and catcher. In CYO Athletics, when requested and the umpire grants time out, the last player out who is not also a pitcher or catcher may be inserted to run for the pitcher or catcher.
- Any coach suspended from coaching a team is not eligible to be present as a fan for that CYO event.
6. Pitch Count Regulations
Out of consideration for the safety of our athletes it is the responsibility of each coach to know, understand, and strictly enforce the pitching limitation rules and standards provided by the PIAA. Please contact your district commissioner for copies of said standards.
7. Eligibility
Baseball is a Varsity-level sport in the Diocese of Allentown and therefore limited to students in Grades 6, 7, and 8. Other eligibility rules as outlined in Rule A of the Handbook apply.
8. Playoffs
Diocesan – first or second weekends in June, or at some other time mutually agreeable to all participants before the end of the third weekend in June.
9. Special Game Rules
- The home team will provide the official scorer. The visiting team must verify the score at the end of each inning.
- Free substitution is permitted. The starters will be permitted to return to the game. Those who are their substitutes will not be permitted to return.
- Any unsportsmanlike behavior of a player, such as the violent throwing of helmet or bat or deliberately trying to injure an opponent will result in the offender being removed from the game.
- Players not in the game must remain on the bench or in the warm-up area and at no time while the game is in progress, go behind the backstop. The next batter must be in the on-deck area ready for his time at bat.
- Players at bat and on the bases must wear a helmet. Penalty for refusing will result in being removed from the game. Liners, such as used inside baseball caps, are prohibited. Each team must have at least four helmets.
- Visiting teams at weekend games must be allowed no less than thirty minutes practice – weekday games, no less than fifteen minutes practice time. Common sense should prevail at all times.
- Bases will be established at 80 feet and the mound will be 54 feet from home plate.
- Metal spikes are not permitted.
10. Practice
In order that all teams have a fair chance and equal time to prepare, practice may not start before March 15. All practices, games, etc. must end the third weekend in June.
1. Designation
Each district is to designate one Adult Commissioner for each league.
2. Rosters
Each District Commissioner must submit to OYYAFM, completed rosters by April 1st.
3. Deadline
All rosters are frozen as of April 15th.
4. Game Rules
All games are to be played under the current PIAA Softball Rules, except where amended by Diocesan or local rules.
5. Playing Time
- Only players that meet all eligibility requirements, both team-specific (such as required attendance at practices) and diocesan, may be allowed to play in any game.
- Teams must place every player on the roster and in attendance in the batting line-up.
- It is required that each player plays 2 innings in the field every game, including playoffs. There may be unlimited substitutions.
- A pitcher removed from the pitching position may pitch again provided that at least one batter has been put out or reached base, or a third out has been made. Other pitching regulations still apply.
- Infractions of the playing time policy will result in a warning for the 1st offense:
- If witnessed by a designated representative of CYO, a warning will consist of a verbal address to the coach following the game in question.
- If the 1st offense is not witnessed by a designated representative of CYO, an investigation will be conducted. If it is found to be a valid offense, a warning will consist of a verbal address to the coach via a phone call. After the coach has received the warning, any subsequent verifiable offense of the playing time policy will result in a forfeit of the game and suspension of the coach.
- A 2nd verifiable offense of the playing time policy in the same season (including playoffs) will result in a forfeit of the game for the team, two game suspension of the coach, and the coach will need to meet with the District Commissioner and a diocesan CYO Administrative Official before coaching in the subsequent year.
- Any coach suspended from coaching a team is not eligible to be present as a fan for that CYO event.
6. Eligibility
See handbook for Eligibility rules.
7. Dates
Practice may not begin before March 15. All practices, games, etc. must end the third weekend in June.
8. Special Game Rules
The home team will provide the official scorer. The visiting team must verify the score at the end of each inning. Any unsportsmanlike behavior of a player, such as the violent throwing of a helmet or bat or deliberately trying to injure an opponent will result in the offender being removed from the game.
Diocesan CYO Softball Rules
The Game
PIAA Rules will be followed with the following exceptions:
1. Base Coaches – A team member or rostered adult.
2. There shall be 10 fielding players. No designated hitter or extra hitter allowed.
3. A pitcher who hits 3 batters in one inning or 5 batters in one game will be removed from the game as a pitcher.
4. A batter, who in the opinion of the umpire, deliberately attempts to be hit by a pitch, shall be declared out.
5. Pitching distance -40 feet.
6. PIAA uniform code will not be enforced, but players on the same team should have the same color shirt and have numbers prominently displayed.
1. Eligibility
See Eligibility Rule A in the Handbook.
2. Age requirements:
- 8th grade division: no student may be 15 years of age or older before September 1st of the previous year.
- 7th grade division: no student may be 14 years of age or older before September 1st of the previous year.
- 6th grade division: no student may be 13 years of age or older before September 1st of the previous year.
- Students must be in the 6th, 7th or 8th grade to participate.
In addition, although a separate 5th grade division is not included, 5th grade students are allowed to participate in order to fulfill roster numbers.
3. Roster
All standard CYO roster rules apply. Rosters are due to OYYAM by May 1st.
4. Coaches and Chaperones
In addition to the Head Coach, it is recommended that teams have 1 adult chaperone (in compliance with all safe environment requirements) for every 10 players.
5. Roster Changes
Any changes to the roster that have to be made the day of the meet (except for injury) must be made 30 minutes prior to the meet. These should be kept to a minimum.
6. Non-participants
All non-participants must remain off the field throughout the competition. Participants waiting for their event are asked to wait off the track.
7. Blocks and Spikes
No starting blocks will be allowed. No spikes will be allowed.
8. Pacing
No pacing of runners allowed.
9. Questions
If there is a question regarding an event, the referee should be informed immediately.
10. Precedence
Running events take precedence over field events.
11. Level
All participants must compete on grade level only, with the exception of relays who must compete at the highest grade level of the team.
12. Event maximum
Any student may participate in a maximum of 4 events, but any one parish/school may enter no more than 3 participants per event, except for the 4-person relay.
13. Points will be awarded as follows:
- 1st place - 6 points
- 2nd place - 4 points
- 3rd place - 3 points
- 4th place - 2 points
- 5th place - 1 point
**Exception: Relays will only award 1st place points**
14. Trophy
One team trophy will be awarded within 1 (one) hour of the ending of the final event.
15. Medals
Medals will be awarded for individual places 1-3 (except relays which is only 1st place)
Track and Field Events
8th Grade Boys & Girls
100 meter dash
400 meter run
800 meter run
1600 meter run
800 meter relay
8 pound shot put
High jump
Running long jump
Youth Javelin
7th and 6th grade Boys and Girls
100 meter dash
400 meter run
800 meter run
1600 meter run
800 meter relay
6 pound shot put
High jump
Running long jump
Youth Javelin
