CYO Athletics FAQ |
CYO Hotline
585-328-3228 or 800-388-7177 (then press 1375)
Diocese of Rochester
CYO Athletics
Frequently Asked Questions
June 27 & 29, 2006
- Why has the administration of CYO Athletics moved from CFC to the Diocesan Pastoral Center, Department of Evangelization and Catechesis?
- Who made this decision?
- When was it made?
- What does it mean to return to the original roots of CYO?
- What is comprehensive youth ministry?
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What does this change mean?
- What does this change mean for parish or Catholic school based teams?
- What about teams that have been part of CYO Athletics that are not parish or Catholic school based?
- Why will these teams be excluded from the CYO Athletic League?
- How are coaches affected?
- There was some talk about training coaches. Is that still planned?
- There was some talk about training coaches. Is that still planned?
- How many games will be played as part of CYO Athletics?
Why has the administration of CYO Athletics moved from CFC to the Diocesan Pastoral Center, Department of Evangelization and Catechesis?
Ownership of the CYO Athletic Program has always resided at the Diocese of Rochester. For the last five years the Diocese has been cooperating with CFC to strengthen Catholic Identity for CYO Athletics. Sue Versluys has been serving on the Monroe County Athletic Board and has been part of creating a charter that will govern all CYO Athletics in all parts of the Diocese, including Monroe County and the other 11 counties. At this time, administration will move to the Pastoral Center to allow a greater emphasis on Catholic Identity, to return to the roots of CYO as it was originally understood in this diocese, to place CYO Athletics in the context of comprehensive youth ministry, and to make a stronger connection between the parishes that sponsor teams and the diocesan office.
This was a joint decision of Catholic Family Center and the Diocese of Rochester.
The decision was made in early June and communicated to pastors and pastoral administrators, committee members, non-parish sponsored teams and athletic directors as soon as possible.
What does it mean to return to the original roots of CYO?
CYO in Rochester was originally founded (1939) to provide a vehicle for networking opportunities for Catholic Youth to foster these young people to be “of youth, by youth and for Christ.” It was in many ways a precursor to today’s youth ministry.
What is comprehensive youth ministry?
Comprehensive youth ministry recognizes that the making of disciples (of youth) requires forming youth in faith ( in an age appropriate way) while honoring all the dimensions of one’s identity, body, mind and soul. That responsibility is shared by the whole community of faith. Comprehensive youth ministry includes intentional catechesis, that is systematic development of an understanding of what we as Catholics believe and live. Catechesis takes place in many ways, including in athletic competition. Situating CYO Athletics within comprehensive youth ministry allows us to emphasize this aspect of the athletic experience.
There will be some administrative changes. CYO Athletics will be part of the Youth Ministry initiatives of the Diocese of Rochester. Sue Versluys will be the person responsible for CYO athletics’ administration. Bob Huber has agreed to remain as CYO Athletics Coordinator. Steve Legere, a long time diocesan youth volunteer, is serving as transition coordinator of CYO Athletics until July 31.
This program will remain vibrant and will continue to provide our Catholic youth with an experience that truly reflects the philosophy of youth, by youth and for Christ.
For parish and Catholic school based teams, the only change will be in
scheduling the number of games played. There may be some changes in fees, depending on numbers of games scheduled as part of the CYO calendar.
What does this change mean for parish or Catholic school based teams?
We anticipate few changes for parish or Catholic school based teams. There may be some changes in scheduling or fees, depending on the number of games scheduled by CYO Athletics.
What about teams that have been part of CYO Athletics that are not parish or Catholic school based?
Teams that are not parish or school based will no longer be part of the CYO Athletic League.
Why will these teams be excluded from the CYO Athletic League?
Recognizing that the Diocese is returning to the original purpose of CYO, to provide opportunities for youth to grow in their Catholic faith as they participate in athletic competition, it makes sense to return to parish and school sponsored teams.
From a liability and child safety standpoint, sponsoring Catholic teams makes sense. There is better accountability and more opportunity to provide standards for behavior and education for players, coaches and Athletic Directors, and for parents.
Coaches will continue to register their teams, oversee practices and coach games. We will also ask them to participate in an evaluation of CYO Athletics at the end of the season.
There was some talk about training coaches. Is that still planned?
Yes, all coaches and Athletic Directors will be asked to participate in Play Like a Champion a credentialing process created by the University of Notre Dame. Six volunteers have been trained to present the training, and we anticipate several sessions in several geographic locations throughout the year. We anticipate the cost to be about $25 per coach and we expect that the fee will be added to the fee to register teams.
How long will coaches have to complete the training?
We have not established a firm timeline. We will have all the information in place by the middle of August.
How many games will be played as part of CYO Athletics?
Currently teams are scheduled to play in ten games and two tournaments. There may be changes to that as we work to structure the best experience for the players. Presently, all teams are allowed to play up to 30 games a year.
