Coach Resources

In order to coach in CYO Athletic Programs, an individual must meet the following criteria:

1. Head coaches must meet the age requirement of at least twenty-one (21) years old and assistant coaches must be at least eighteen (18) years old and not currently participating or eligible as a participant for CYO. An assistant coach is anyone who works with or instructs athletes on a CYO team for one or more hours a week.
2. All coaches and assistant coaches must meet the requirements of the The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington Child Protection policy including, but not limited to being Virtus trained, fingerprinted and under an active status.
3. All coaches and assistant coaches must complete the Coach Code of Conduct Form and the Coach CYO Participation & Consent Waiver Form. 
4. All head coaches must complete:
   • Play Like A Champion Today's Coaching as Ministry Clinic.
   • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s HEADS UP to Youth Sports: Coaches online concussion training. A copy of your certificate must be emailed to [email protected].
   • National Federation of State High School Associations Heat Illness Prevention online course. A copy of your certificate must be emailed to [email protected].
   • Any additional requirements of their parish.
5. All assistant coaches must complete:
   • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s HEADS UP to Youth Sports: Coaches online concussion training. A copy of your certificate must be emailed to [email protected].
   • National Federation of State High School Associations Heat Illness Prevention online course. A copy of your certificate must be emailed to [email protected].
   • Any additional requirements of their parish.

A CYO coach trains youth athletes in a sport by analyzing their performances, teaching fundamental skills and by providing encouragement while modeling Christ-like behavior and values. All CYO Coaches must meet certain requirements and receive approval from the Parish Athletic Director. Responsibilities include:

1. Abiding by and fully enforcing The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington’s Child Protection Policy.
2. Understanding that CYO Athletics is a ministry and prayer is an important part of it.
3. Treating everyone with respect.
4. Refraining from using physical means against all spectators, players, officials or other coaches.
5. Ensuring that your team plays with the highest level of sportsmanship.
6. Taking responsibility for the conduct of your players, coaches, and parents during all games and practices by ensuring they follow the Code of Conduct set forth by The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.
7. Understanding that both you and your players represent the parish and conduct yourself accordingly.
8. Understanding the rules of the game and have a copy with you at all games.
9. Accepting the official’s decisions.
10. Addressing any issues with the sports commissioner or athletic director who will contact the CYO for any clarifications.
11. Always doing your best to ensure that your players have a fun experience.

Play Like A Champion Today Resources

• Daily Prayers for Champions
• 5 Minute Game Plan
• eBook of Sports Prayers
• Sports Reflections on the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary
• Sports Stations of the Cross Challenge

As part of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington’s commitment to child safety, any adult who seeks employment or volunteer service with an Archdiocesan school, parish, agency, or other ministry that will involve contact with children must, prior to beginning service:

1. Complete the applicable Application for Volunteer Services or Application for Employment;
2. Register online for a child protection workshop;
3. Obtain an authorization form for a criminal background check (fingerprinting) from the employment/volunteer location; and
4. Undergo a criminal background check and have results cleared by the Office of Child Protection and Safe Environment.
5. Employment and volunteer service may start only after the Office of Child Protection and Safe Environment provides notification that the individual has successfully cleared a criminal background check. Education requirements must be completed within 60 days of the start of service, and the Child Protection and Safe Environment Policy read and an acknowledgment form submitted.

Please contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection & Safe Environment at 301-853-5328 or via email if you need any assistance with fingerpringting or Virtus training classes.

Please note that if you need to file a report of abuse, neglect, or misconduct, the Office of Child and Youth Protection & Safe Environment is available 24 hours a day.

By taking this free course—and using what you learn—you will be well-positioned to improve the culture of sports safety and prevent concussion. Your actions can help create a safe environment for young athletes so they can stay healthy, active, and thrive—both on and off the playing field.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the training, you will be prepared to:

• Explain what a concussion is and the potential consequences of this injury,
• Identify at least three concussion signs and symptoms,
• Describe the steps for returning to activity (play and school) after a concussion, and
• Create a plan for how to help keep athletes safe from concussion.

Once you complete the training and post-test, you can print out a certificate and show your league or school you are ready for the season.

You can access this training here:
 HEADS UP to Youth Sports

("HEADS UP to Youth Sports: Online Training for Coaches." CDC TRAIN, https://www.train.org/cdctrain/course/1089818/.)

 Exertional Heat Stroke is the leading cause of preventable death in high school athletics.

To help you minimize the risk of heat illness at your school, this course has designed to provide the fundamentals of a strong heat acclimatization plan and guidelines for limiting activities to account for changing environmental conditions and other contributing risk factors. It highlights the importance of an appropriate hydration plan and establishing an Emergency Action Plan in case of a suspected exertional heat stroke.

You can access this training here:
Heat Illness Prevention Course

("Heat Illness Prevention." NFHS Learning Center, https://nfhslearn.com/courses/heat-illness-prevention-2.)