Mission

The mission of the Saint Peter’s Parish CYO program is to further develop boys’ and girls’ bodies, minds and spirits through healthy athletic competition. Our athletes are taught to respect the sport, their opponents, and their coaches. CYO athletics is open to students attending St. Peter School and children of parishioners of Saint Peter’s Capitol Hill, St. Patrick’s, St. Joseph’s, St. Mary Mother of God, St. Frances de Sales and St. Dominic’s.

Goals of the Program

1. Positively develop character through athletics and fitness:

• By teaching and laying the foundation of leadership qualities and sportsmanship for all students.
• Through the use of positive teaching and coaching from all coaches and staff.

2. Contribute to St. Peter School and community morale among students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends.

• Encourage students of all walks of life and ability to participate through promoting an environment of inclusion.
• Create an atmosphere of camaraderie through competition and sportsmanship.

3. Create a collaborative working environment in an effort to achieve excellence in competition, on and off the court/field, and in the classroom.

• A balanced culture that promotes success in athletics and academics.
• Support healthy competition that is consistent with academic excellence, critical thinking, introspection and a presupposition of goodness in others.

Program Overview

Saint Peter’s is a member of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), which is part of the Archdiocese of Washington. The team sports that are offered through CYO at Saint Peter’s are:

• Cross Country (Fall)
• Basketball (Winter)

 The program strives to compete at all levels of competition provided by the CYO and to choose the appropriate teams necessary to compete as representatives of St. Peter School and Saint Peter’s Parish.

Participant Eligibility

The following details the list of participants who are eligible to participate in CYO at Saint Peter’s. (Please note that the CYO league rules for participation are also applicable):

• Students attending St. Peter School
• Children of parishioners of Saint Peter’s Capitol Hill
• Children of parishioners at St. Patrick’s, St. Joseph’s, St. Mary Mother of God, St. Frances de Sales and St. Dominic’s.
• Former students at St. Peter School

Academic Eligibility

St. Peter’s School students must maintain a passing grade in conduct and academics to be eligible to play CYO sports. Failure in these areas disqualifies the student from CYO sports for that marking period. Students who are suspended or expelled from school will lose eligibility from the CYO athletic program for school year. Parental support of these requirements is expected.

Coach Eligibility

Saint Peter’s CYO is a volunteer-driven program and we can never have enough volunteers! We’re always looking for members of the Parish and parents of participants to offer their time as coaches. 

In order to participate as a coach or assistant coach with the CYO program, volunteers must be Virtus-trained, pass a background check, and be fingerprinted. These requirements are in place as part of the Archdiocese of Washington’s new Child Protection guidelines. No volunteer or parent will be permitted to engage in any official capacity with the program until these requirements are met without exception.

Team Selections

Saint Peter’s CYO believes that every child should have the privilege to play and participate in any sport that child selects.  Saint Peter’s CYO will attempt to properly place a child with a team that best suits that individual.  Depending on the sport and grade level, groups of athletes will be evaluated individually by the coaches and outside assessors.  Additionally, in keeping with doctrine set forth in the CYO Handbook, teams will be divided to match the league’s prescribed criteria.

Prior participation in CYO activities will also be a consideration in team placement. The Athletic Director and coaches will do our best to place all participants in the appropriate level of competition.

Code of Conduct for Participants and Parents 

• Participants/athletes are taught to respect the sport, their opponents, game officials, and their coaches.
• Participants should behave according to the rules of their sport(s) and of the Parish, and should avoid conduct that demeans, harasses, and threatens any person. For example: Physically or verbally abusing another person; using profane language or gestures; demeaning or belittling another person; making derogatory comments; and engaging in conduct intended, or so reckless as to cause harm to another.
• The conduct of all participants should reflect the fact that Parish athletic programs are first and foremost an educational experience. Coaches and student athletes should focus on developing skill, experience, and character. Student athletes should not allow their participation in athletic programs interfere with their other educational activities.
• The conduct of all participants should reflect the fact that by their participation in student athletic programs sponsored by Saint Peter’s, they are representing the Parish and school. As a result, participants are expected to exhibit a higher standard of behavior than might be expected of other students, staff and faculty, and to avoid conduct that is likely to appear improper.
• Parents and guardians of student athletes should consider these rules when considering their own conduct during practices and games.
• Any coach or spectator ejected from an event is subject to a fine from the Archdiocese/CYO office and will not be permitted back on the field until a letter, explaining your actions, from the Parish Priest and the fine are received by the CYO office.

Code of Conduct for Coaches 

All of the above principles apply with special significance to coaches because of their influential role in the lives and careers of student athletes, and the fact that they represent the Parish in dealing with student athletes, opposing teams, officials, sports organizations, and the public.

Coaches are also subject to the following rules:

• All participants should treat one another and all other people with dignity and respect.
• Athletic programs by definition require coaches to interact physically and vigorously with student athletes. However, conduct that is verbally or physically threatening or abusive, belligerent, or harassing is never appropriate and should not occur at any time.
• Coaches should not take advantage of their relationship with, and influence over, student athletes for personal advantage. This principle not only prohibits financial and sexual relationships with student athletes, it also requires coaches to avoid undue influence or control over matters outside of the student athlete’s participation in athletic activities, such as social and extracurricular activities and personal relationships.
• Coaches should not in the performance of their duties, by words or conduct, manifest prejudice or bias based upon race, sex, religion, age, disability, national origin, or sexual orientation, and should not permit those under their control to do so.
• Coaches may establish team policies, provided they are consistent with this Statement and other applicable requirements. Team policies should be in writing, approved by the Athletic Director, and should be provided to each member of a team. Team policies should not conflict with this Statement, other Parish or CYO policies, or other applicable requirements.

Saint Peter’s CYO Program Calendar At-A-Glance

August 

• Cross Country registration

September 

• Cross Country season
• Basketball registration opens

 October

• Cross Country Championships
• Basketball coaches meeting

November 

• Basketball Practice begins

 December

• Basketball season opens for all Mid-Atlantic and Tournament teams

January

• Basketball season opens for all Non-Tournament teams

February 

• Basketball playoffs for all teams

March 

• Basketball season concludes for all teams