About CYO Sports

A Catholic Youth Organization Sports program justifies its existence, and the sacrifice and expense it entails, only if it helps young people practice and live Gospel values through their athletic experience

As with any ministry to our youth, the three goals of a CYO Sports program are the same as enumerated in Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry:

• To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.
• To draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community.
• To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.

In CYO Sports programs, emphasis rest on the number of games won or lost, but on the participants' attitude in victory or defeat. Learning how to lose is just as important as learning how to win. Learning how to win graciously is more important than winning itself.

CYO Sports programs serve the needs of all youth and reflect the diversity of the community. It enables the gifted to excel, the less gifted to participate and improve. "Star" athletes and teams do not receive exclusive attention.

Principles of fair play and sportsmanship must govern every game. Dishonesty has no place in Catholic-sponsored competition. Competitors must not borrow from professional sports questionable techniques for winning at any cost.

All participants should have the respect of others on their own team and the opposing team. Competitors should regard the opposition as friends, not enemies.

CYO participants should have a spirit of loyalty to Catholic ideals, to parish, to coach, and to the team. They should learn patience with and tolerance of those with less ability. They should feel grateful to all who make the program happen. Speech and actions should reflect Christian values.

At times, during the heat of competition, a participant may temporarily forget some rule of conduct. Prompt correction can turn even failures into learning experiences. (NFCYM)