CYO Code of Ethics:

CYO athletic competition is a means of developing youth and giving them the opportunity to enjoy healthful sports.  The most important lesson is CYO sports should be, whether you win or lose, that you learn to respect opponents, officials, and spectators.

It is important that all concerned with the CYO athletic program follow this code:

• To emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play
• To demonstrate courtesy to opponents and officials
• To respect the integrity and judgment of officials
• To recognize that the purpose of competition is to promote physical, mental, moral, social and emotional well-being of the players
• To remember that a game is only an activity and not a matter of life or death for player, coach, school, parish, official or fan

Players should:

• Know and demonstrate the fundamentals of sportsmanship
• Curtail fellow teammates whose behavior is unbecoming
• Respect the property of hosts and the decision-making responsibilities of officials
• Show respect for injured opponents
• Not applaud errors of opponents or penalties inflicted on them
• Not heckle, jeer, or intentionally distract members of the opposing team
• Never criticize fellow competitors or the coach for losing
• Respect the judgment and strategy of the coach and not be a second guesser
• Demonstrate appropriate behavior before and after contests

Coaches should:

• Always set a good example for others to follow
• Teach the values of honest effort in conforming to the spirit as well as the letter of the rules
• Instruct the players of their sportsmanship responsibilities
• Discipline those players who display poor sportsmanship behavior and remove players who flaunt disciplinary action
• Be a gracious host to opponents and treat them as you would want to be treated
• Provide opportunities for social interaction among coaches and players
• Respect the officials' judgment and interpretation of the rules and lead by example to the players
• Help players in recognizing the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco use
• Promote the entire CYO program of the parish or school and not just the program in which the coach is involved

Parents and Fans should:

• Be courteous to players, coaches and fans of opponents
• Cheer a good play by an opponent
• Not applaud errors of opponents or penalties inflicted on them
• Serve as a role model for the players
• Respect the property of your own facility and that of your opponents

Consequences:

Any players, coaches or spectators who are not living up to the CYO Code of Ethics will be subject to immediate suspension or expulsion for CYO competitions.  The head coach is ultimately responsible for the conduct of his or her players and assistant coaches.  The head coach and any parish administrators in attendance at a game are asked to be responsible for the behavior of their fans.