Basketball Rules and Bylaws

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
MONROE COUNTY
CYO BASKETBALL RULES
2022–2023 Season

Philosophy:

  • CYO basketball is intended to provide young athletes with an opportunity to
    develop, improve their basketball skills, have fun and play the game in an
    environment that promotes Catholic values and sportsmanship. It provides for the
    development of young people’s spiritual, emotional, social, and physical potential.
  • Young athletes who play CYO basketball at this level are playing for both the love
    of the game and to experience a fair competition in a safe and holy environment.
    Coaches and Assistant Coaches should always put the experience of the players first
    in their instruction and coaching. In this league, games will be officiated by two
    diocesan–paid referees.
  • Coaches and referees should have a conversation prior to the game to clarify
    understanding of these rules.

Equipment:

  • Regulation equipment is used. A regulation sized ball is required.
  • Girls’ Team will use 28.5” ball / Boys’ Team will use a 29.5” ball
  • Sneakers are required to participate in a CYO Basketball practice or game. (Crocs
    are not allowed)
  • No Jewelry is allowed at practices or games. Officials will not stop the clock to
    remind players to remove any jewelry.

Officials:

  • All 5/6, 7/8, & High School games will be provided two referees assigned by the
    Diocese of Rochester CYO. Only the two officials are allowed on the court.
    Officials must be certified by a Board, or correctly documented through the diocese
    to be compensated & approval by the CYO Coordinator of Sports. (Including for
    any CYO tournament)

Player Eligibility:

  • If a player elects to play for their school’s modified team, they can also
    play CYO but must have a written permission slip signed by the Schools
    Head Basketball Coach sent to the CYO Coordinator of Sports.
    Matt.

For 7/8 CYO Teams:

  • The player becomes ineligible if they are dual participants with School
    Basketball & CYO without the accepted permission slip. They will no
    longer be allowed to play for CYO for the remainder of the season.
  • No player can play for more than one CYO team.
  • Any player enrolled in grades 9–12 is ineligible to play 7/8 CYO

    basketball.

  • 7th and 8th graders may only play CYO 7/8 ball for two years.
    EXCEPTION: If a boy/girl began playing 7/8 ball while in 6th grade,
    they may play for a third yea    r.

For 9/12 CYO Teams:

  • Eligibility rules for high school players will be governed by the Section
    V eligibility rules and NYS Public High School Athletic Association rules
    except for the following exceptions/additions:
  • Players must be enrolled in grades 9–12 and must be carrying at least four
    academic subjects.
  • No player may participate if he/she has reached his/her 19th birthday.
  • If a player elects to play for their school’s JV or Varsity team, they can
    also play CYO but must have a written permission slip signed by the
    Schools Head Basketball Coach sent to the CYO Coordinator of Sports.
    Ma
  • The player becomes ineligible if they are dual participants with School
    Basketball & CYO without the accepted permission slip. They will no
    longer be allowed to play for CYO for the remainder of the season

Team Eligibility:

  • Players must be registered members of sponsoring parish/Seton for at least one year
    unless the player has had a physical address change within the last year.
  • Teams must register players from their own parish first.
  • No player may be cut from a parish team to accommodate a Catholic non–
    parishioner/student.
  • A minimum of 66% (two–thirds) of each team roster must be composed of registered
    parishioners/students from the sponsoring parish. If a roster cannot be filled in this
    way, Catholic non–parishioners who live within the parish boundaries may be
    offered a chance to play. Rosters must include information about the “sending”
    parish.
  • If your team includes any dual participation athletes who play both School ball
    (Modified, JV, or Varsity) they will be placed in the AA division.
  • If a player does not complete the correct procedures by disclosing his dual
    participation and failed to turn in a permission slip signed by the head coach, that
    player will be disqualified from CYO, and the coach will be under probation.
  • You must have 7 eligible players on the bench to participate in any CYO Game.

NOTE: Any violation of team or player–eligibility rules may result in suspension of the
player/coach and/or team from further CYO play for part of the remaining season and/or
into the next season.

Schedules:

  • The CYO league schedules a 11–game season.
  • Each head coach is responsible to submit a team rating/roster form before the season
    starts. (November 11th, 2022)
  • The ranking of each team by the coach and approved by the Athletic Director. The
    coach must be direct and honest.
  • There will be NO changing on divisions once the schedule is established.
  • If you do not know how to rank your team properly, reach out to other Parishes and
    teams in your division to better evaluate your ranking.
  • Coaches may NOT make changes to the schedule.
  • The chain of command for coaches to receive permission upon any rescheduling,
    coaches must follow: Coach contacts Athletic director, the Athletic director contacts
    the Coordinator of CYO for approval. This must happen within 48 hours of the
    scheduled CYO event.
  • Participation in CYO athletics must never interfere with players’ academic
    responsibilities or with participation in parish religious education or youth ministry
    activities. Coaches are expected to be attentive to this standard.
  • All CYO Athletics games must start at or after 1:00pm on Sundays.
  • Any team that fails to show for league–scheduled game without proper
    communication to the CYO Coordinator of Sports will be fined $100.00.

Rules:

Code of Conduct

  • Coaches, players, and parents are required to sign a Code of Conduct. Behavior
    contrary to the Code and/or unsportsmanlike conduct may result in Technical Fouls
    or disciplinary action. Trash–talking and rough play on court may result in removal
    from the game and/or suspension of the game by officials. The Diocesan
    Coordinator of Sports, in consultation with the CYO Advisory Committee, will
    make binding determinations of penalties/suspensions for repeated misconduct by
    players, coaches, teams or fans.

Rules for Grades 3/4– Boys, Girls & Co–Ed:

  • Each game consists of two (2) 20–minutes halves, with a running clock.
  • Clock Stops on Free Throws, Timeouts, Injuries & The clock will stop at the last two (2) minutes of the game. (Regular Game Play)
  • If point differential is 15 points or more, Last two (2) minutes remains a running clock.
  • Each player MUST play four to five (4–5) consecutive minutes per half and sit out four to five (4–5) consecutive minutes per half. (A discussion with officials and coaches is had pre–game)
  • Each Team is awarded two (2) 1–minute Timeouts per Half.
  • At the 3/4 level coaches are awarded another 30–second timeout per Half.
  • The scoreboard will NOT be reset each quarter, score will be kept throughout the game– unless the discrepancy is over 20 points.
  • After any shooting foul, the team receives 1 point and 1 foul shot.
  • The last two (2) minutes of game play no points are awarded for a foul.
  • Keep track of Personal Fouls, after five (5) they will be disqualified. Team Fouls will not be tallied for 3/4 level.
  • Foul shots are taken 3 feet closer than the regulation foul line. The foul line can be adjusted by the coach for special circumstances.
  • Technical Fouls– If any player/coach receive one (1) Technical foul they are warned and sit out the rest of the game. If they receive two (2) Technical Fouls (2) then they are removed from the CYO program. If a player is given a Technical in the last few minutes of the 2nd half, they would miss the next scheduled game.
  • All Technical Fouls will be reported by the officials to the official assigner who reports to the Diocesan Coordinator of Sports.
  • Overtime is two (2) minutes running clock. If it is still a tied game, another two (2)–minute period will be played until there is a winner.
  • Three–point shots in 3/4 basketball is ALLOWED!

Rules Regarding Defense 3/4 Level:

  • Defense is within the 3–point zone. Defense can be extended to half court only to stop a fast break. Once the fast break is stopped, the defense must return to within the 3–point zone. Defense must wait until the ball breaks the 3–point line (no reaching over) before attempting to steal the ball. No pressing is allowed.
  • If a steal occurs outside the zone, play is stopped, and ball is awarded back to the offense at the spot where the steal occurred.
  • Defense can be extended to half court during the last two minutes of each half.
  • Each of these infractions is at the discretion of the official as to whether it is a warning or a foul for free throw purposes.
  • This is an instructional & developmental level.

Diocese of Rochester CYO Basketball Rules Grades 5/6 Boys, Girls, & Co–Ed:

  • Each game consists of two (2) 20–minutes halves, with a running clock.
  • Clock Stops on Free Throws, Timeouts, Injuries & The clock will stop at the last two (2) minutes of the game. (Regular Game Play)
  • If point differential is 15 points or more, Last two minutes remains a running clock.
  • Each player MUST play four to five (4–5) consecutive minutes per half and sit out four to five (4–5) consecutive minutes per half. (A discussion with officials and coaches is had pre–game)
  • Each Team is awarded two (2) 1–minute Timeouts per Half.
  • Overtime is two (2) minutes running clock. If it is still a tied game, another two (2) minute period will be played until there is a winner.
  • After any shooting foul, the team receives 1 point and 1 foul shot.
  • A three (3) point foul– and player made the shot player they receive 1 foul shot. (No points)
  • A three (3) point foul– and player did not make the shot they receive 2 points and 1 foul shot.
  • Keep track of Personal Fouls, after five (5) they will be disqualified.
  • After seven (7) Team Fouls, team is in the Bonus– Team will get 1 & 1. No points awarded for fouls while in the Bonus. Referring too common non–Shooting fouls.
  • Half–court press is only allowed until the last minute of the game and overtime, at which time a full–court press is allowed. Any team ahead by 10 or more points may not full–court press.
  • For foul shots, shooters will be allowed to go over the shooting line if need be.
  • The Shooter is the only player that needs to wait until the ball hits the rim before releasing.
  • Technical Fouls– If any player/coach receive one (1) Technical foul they are warned and sit out the rest of the game. If they receive two (2) Technical Fouls (2) then they are removed from the CYO program. If a player is given a Technical in the last few minutes of the 2nd half, they would miss the next scheduled game.
  • All Technical Fouls will be reported by the officials to the official assigner who reports to the Diocesan Coordinator of Sports.
  • Each player MUST play a minimum of four to five (4–5) consecutive minutes upon entering the game, in both halves of the game.
  • Each player MUST sit four to five (4–5) consecutive minutes of each half.

Diocese of Rochester CYO Basketball Rules 7th–12th Grade Boys & Girls

  • Each game consists of two (2) 20–minutes halves, with a running clock.
  • Clock Stops on Free Throws, Timeouts, Injuries & The clock will stop at the last two (2) minutes of the game. (Regular Game Play)
  • If point differential is 15 points or more, Last two minutes remains a running clock.
  • Each Team is awarded two (2) 1–minute Timeouts per Half.
  • Overtime is two (2) minutes running clock. If it is still a tied game, another two (2) minute period will be played until there is a winner.
  • After any shooting foul, the team receives 1 point and 1 foul shot.
  • Keep track of Personal Fouls, after five (5) they will be disqualified.
  • After seven (7) Team fouls– in the Bonus they get 1 and 1 (no point) Referring too common non–Shooting fouls.
  • After ten (10) Team fouls–In the Double Bonus– If it is a common foul 2 shots are awarded (no point).
  • A three (3) point foul– and player made the shot player–1 foul shot awarded.
  • A three (3) point foul– and player did not make the shot– 2 points and 1 foul shot is awarded.
  • The Shooter is the only player that needs to wait until the ball hits the rim before releasing.
  • Technical Fouls– If any player/coach receive one (1) Technical foul they are warned and sit out the rest of the game. If they receive two (2) Technical Fouls (2) then they are removed from the CYO program. If a player is given a Technical in the last few minutes of the 2nd half, they would miss the next scheduled game.xiv. All Technical Fouls will be reported by the officials to the official assigner who reports to the Diocesan Coordinator of Sports.
  • All members of a high school team MUST play at least four–five minutes
    per half.

Protests

  • Teams may only protest eligibility and interpretation of rules. Judgment calls are not a reason for protest.
  • All protests must be signed by the Athletic Director and/or the Pastor/Pastoral Administrator or Parochial Vicar.
  • Game protests must be received at the diocesan CYO office within two business days of the date of the game being protested.
  • Game protests must be initiated at the time of the infraction by notifying the officials who will mark both scorebooks.
  • The game must be postponed until the protest is concluded.
  • No eligibility protests can be submitted after January 1, 2023.
  • Protest letters must contain as much proof as possible pertaining to the alleged infraction of the rules. Protests should be submitted along with a money order in the amount of $75.00, made payable to the Diocese of Rochester. This bond will be returned if the protest is sustainable.
  • Decisions regarding protests are made by the Diocesan Coordinator of Sports and with advice from the CYO Advisory Committee.

Gym Time

  • All parishes are expected to offer enough gym time to schedule all home games on the home court.
  • Gym availability should be dictated by half the amount of CYO teams participating at the home parish. (i.e., if you have 10 teams, you must submit 5 open gym slots each weekend)
  • Each slot is 1 hour & 15–minute intervals.
  • If a parish is unable to offer sufficient home time for each team, some teams may have all home games scheduled at another facility and charged $100 per game.

COACHES: Qualifications/Responsibilities/Supervision

Coaches Qualifications

  • The registered coach of a team must be at least 21 years of age.
  • All Coaches and Assistant Coaches must be credentialed by the Diocesan Department of Catholic Schools and wear their credentials for all games and practices. All coaches must be CaSE–trained, have a current background check, and complete a CPR/Frist Aid/AED Training.
  • If Coaches do not fulfill all Credential requirements and start coaching, they will be suspended for 10 consecutive days. No Exceptions!
  • Coaches must exemplify the behavior of a committed Christian adult and witness to the philosophy of Youth Ministry by:
    • Recognizing the purpose of CYO Athletics is to promote the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, social, and physical well–being of each player.
    • Offering opportunities for players to live out their faith by participating in celebration of the Eucharist, prayer, and service.
    • Emphasizing the ideals of ethical conduct, sportsmanship, and fair play.
    • Encouraging leadership, initiative, and good judgment by all players.
    • Remembering that an athletic contest is only a game and that most school–aged players play for fun.
    • Encouraging friendly and respectful attitudes and behaviors between visitors and host.

Coaches Responsibilities

  • To maintain appropriate conduct of his/her players always including games, practices, and team travel.
  • Explaining the spirit, philosophy, and rules of CYO basketball to all parents and fans.
  • The final score of the game. If a team is ahead by a comfortable lead (20 points), CYO coaches are expected to substitute bench players, stop pressing, stop fast breaks, slow down defense, etc.
  • If a team runs up scores by a large margin, and wins by more than 30 points, the Diocesan Coordinator of Sports may take action to investigate the game. This can include moving the team to a higher division or suspending the team for some or all the season.
  • Giving all forms for the team to their Athletic Director before the start of the season and for keeping the material updated throughout the season, including permission slips, and signed Codes of Conduct.
  • Submitting the score to the Parish/Diocesan School Athletic Director & enter them into the Activity Scheduler per Parish.
  • Adhering to the rule of no practices or games scheduled before 1:00pm on Sundays.
  • Supervising pickup of players by the adults who are authorized to pick them up. Players can never be left alone to wait for “rides” or pickup at the end of games or practices.

Coaches/Event Supervision

  • There must be two people aged 21 over and two credentialed coaches present for all games and practices. If these adults are not Coaches or Assistant Coaches, they must be compliant with diocesan standards for volunteers and approved by the CYO Coordinator of sports.
  • The Coach or an adult as described above must be always with the team. There should be an appointed Event Manager at all CYO games.
  • The Event Manager could be a Coach, if you are the Manager on site, you need to make yourself known to the officials prior to each game.
  • You must wear CYO Credentials visible for all to see.
  • Event Managers are responsible for the fans, sportsmanship, reporting any incidents, and overall safety of the Parish Facility during a CYO event.
  • Contact Brooke England @ 585–208–4020 for any immediate concerns.

Transportation

  • It is the policy and practice of the Diocese of Rochester that parents/guardians are responsible for arranging transportation for their children to and from parish/school sponsored events.
  • If a Coach does arrange and/or provide transportation to and from events for players on his/her team, he/she is bound by the diocesan transportation policy and must have an annual DMV check and meet minimum standards for insurance and safety.


All coaches are responsible to abide by CYO Bylaws
Place a copy of the rules and regulations at the Score Table
Review all rules with officials pre–game