Catholic Youth Organization (CYO)
Mission Statement
The Diocese of Greensburg CYO is dedicated to teaching youth the values of sportsmanship, competition, and teamwork in alignment with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Our program fosters an inclusive and developmentally oriented sports culture, where fair play, respect, kindness, and discipline are paramount. With the support of coaches, parents, and the school community, we aim to instill confidence and a sense of values in our youth, preparing them for a lifetime of positive experiences.
Brief History of CYO
In 2016, the Diocese of Greensburg began its partnership with the University of Notre Dame’s Play Like a Champion Today program. This program provides training to coaches to help them be ethically responsible sports leaders who foster sports programs that promote both character development and athletic growth.
Developmental Approach
There are multiple divisions within the CYO structure, and the approach to each division is slightly different.
- JJV – Grades 3rd/4th: CYO rules specify that students in the JJV Division are to receive equal, or as close to equal as possible, playing time. CYO’s goal with the JJV Division is strictly on player development. A coach’s goal at this level should be to give all players even playing time, as well as to rotate players into as many positions as possible. All children progress physically and athletically at a different pace. Focusing any player at a specific position, due to them being either above or below average at that position, prohibits their growth as a complete player. Every effort should be made to be as equitable as possible to players at the JJV level. Coaches should never prioritize winning games over player development at this level.
- Some sports also have a K-2 Division. CYO specifies the same approach at the K-2 level as we do with our JJV Division.
- Some sports also have a K-2 Division. CYO specifies the same approach at the K-2 level as we do with our JJV Division.
- JV – Grades 5th/6th: CYO rules specify that students in the JV division are to receive guaranteed playing time (reference the CYO Handbook). During the regular season, we encourage coaches to try to be as equal as possible in distributing playing time. This helps to ensure that student-athletes at all skill levels continue to develop. It may be more natural at this level to start to specialize in positions to some degree, but it is also still encouraged to rotate players through as many positions as possible. Regular season records do take on more importance at this level since they are used to seed tournaments, but the primary focus remains on player development. Additionally, the reps gained during regular season games can make all players stronger for the end of season tournaments.
- During the end of season tournaments, coaches may have more flexibility to adhere to minimum playing time, rather than striving for equal time. The wins during the end of season tournaments carry additional weight, so there is some shift in priorities during the tournaments. However, coaches must continue to be aware of their roles as leaders that student-athletes look to in terms of behavior towards their own players, opponents (both players and coaches), spectators, and officials. It is expected that coaches will continue to act in accordance with all policies stated in the CYO Handbook.
- During the end of season tournaments, coaches may have more flexibility to adhere to minimum playing time, rather than striving for equal time. The wins during the end of season tournaments carry additional weight, so there is some shift in priorities during the tournaments. However, coaches must continue to be aware of their roles as leaders that student-athletes look to in terms of behavior towards their own players, opponents (both players and coaches), spectators, and officials. It is expected that coaches will continue to act in accordance with all policies stated in the CYO Handbook.
- Varsity – Grades 7th/8th: CYO rules specify that students in the Varsity division are to receive guaranteed playing time. The amount of guaranteed playing time is less than what is listed for the JV Division (see the CYO Handbook). During the regular season, we still encourage our coaches to have players play above the minimum suggested time. Players should continue to develop in this division, and your role as a coach should keep you focused on this player development.
- The approach to the end of season tournaments is the same in the Varsity division as it is in the JV division. There is a natural shift to put more of a focus towards winning games, but coaches must continue to act in accordance with all policies stated in the CYO Handbook.
CYO Athletic Director for the Diocese of Greensburg:
Aaron Detwiler
724-837-0901 x1128
[email protected]
