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Code of Conduct - Spectators

Last Revised on August 08, 2022

The purpose of CYM athletic programs is to promote Christian attitudes while encouraging healthy physical activity by the youth of the Diocese.

Parents and spectators have a strong influence on the behavior and attitudes of our youth athletes and those adults are held to a high standard of conduct. Spectators must remember that their behavior influences not only their children’s behavior, but also a coach’s willingness to volunteer, a referee’s willingness to officiate and a parish’s desire to host teams.

Spectators are expected to:
 
Spectators are not expected to:

 

Unsportsmanlike conduct can include (but is not limited to):

*CYM will monitor conduct before, during and after all athletic contests, including events that occur in public places (such as parking lots, restaurants, etc.)

 

Incidents of poor sportsmanship or unruly conduct will not be tolerated. Violations of this code of conduct may result in disciplinary action taken by the CYM Office that could include probation/warnings, temporary or permanent suspensions or even dismissal of the team from the league.


If any spectator is ejected from any parish or CYM athletic contest, whether sponsored by CYM or not, that spectator is banned from (at a minimum) the next two (2) athletic contests played by that team, or if the team does not play in two more contests, then the next two contests played by the athlete with whom the spectator is associated, regardless of the sport. The CYM Director of Youth Sports reserves the right to increase the punishment depending upon the situation.


Athletic Associations are encouraged to share these spectator conduct policies with all families and should ask guardians to be sure they share with other family members and friends that may be in attendance at any athletic contest.

Related Policies:

Spectators may not file complaints with CYM concerning game officials, coaches, players, or other spectators. Only the head coach of a team may file a complaint. If a spectator has a complaint, he or she must wait 24 hours after the game, then bring the complaint to the head coach and/or the parish/school AAP/AD. The head coach and AAP/AD will review the matter and decide how to proceed, including whether to bring the complaint to CYM. 2127

Spectators should remember that they represent their parish/school just as much as team members or coaches. Parents, guardians, other family members and friends must be models of sportsmanship for all of our athletes. Adults are expected to demonstrate positive support for all players of both teams and treat all coaches, officials, and other spectators with respect at practices or contests. 2121

If a spectator attends an athletic contest when restricted from doing so, that spectator's team will forfeit the contest (or, if the team lost, will have its playoff win count reduced by one). A second occurrence will result in the team's exclusion from playoffs, or in the case of a non-playoff team, termination of the team's season. 2123

Coaches and/or athletic associations are responsible for ensuring a spectator ban is enforced, and are expected to assist and cooperate with a referee, sports coordinator or Advisory Committee member who attends the game and acts to enforce a spectator ban. 2124

Repeated or continuous inappropriate spectator conduct may result in sanctions against the team or athletic association, including forfeits, exclusion from playoffs, or dismissal from the league. 2126