FAQs

About CYO and Eligibility

What is CYO?

Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) uses sports to help young people build skills, friendships, character, and Christian sportsmanship. Trinity League CYO brings together participating parish basketball programs in the East Bay.

Who is eligible to play CYO basketball with Trinity?

Eligibility follows Diocese of Oakland CYO policy and each participating parish program. Trinity girls basketball currently serves grades 4–8. Contact your parish athletic director to confirm boundaries, registration, and grade eligibility.

Do I have to be a member of a Catholic parish to play CYO?

Not necessarily. Eligibility is based on applicable diocesan and parish requirements, which may include parish boundaries or other participation criteria. Your parish athletic director can confirm your child’s eligibility.

What if my child is new to basketball?

New players are welcome. Coaches focus on fundamentals, teamwork, confidence, and sportsmanship while helping players develop at their own pace. Ask your parish program about available teams and age groups.

Program Administration and Coaching

Who administers Trinity League CYO?

Participating parish programs organize registration, teams, and volunteer coaches. The league coordinates competition among those programs. Start with your parish athletic director for team matters; league questions can be sent to admin@trinityleaguecyo.com.

Who coaches the CYO teams?

Coaches are parish-approved volunteers who support skill development, teamwork, and a positive faith-centered experience. They must complete applicable diocesan and parish requirements before coaching.

Why doesn’t CYO hire or pay coaches?

CYO is built around parish service and volunteer participation. Coaching arrangements and volunteer requirements are administered by each parish program; ask your parish athletic director for its current policy.

Team Formation and Playing Time

How are teams selected or formed?

Each parish forms teams based on registration, grade level, available coaches, gym capacity, and CYO requirements. Trinity League does not assign individual players. Your parish athletic director can explain its placement process.

What are player evaluations or tryouts?

Some parish programs may use evaluations to understand players’ experience and help form teams. Timing and placement methods vary by parish; ask your parish athletic director for details.

Are there different levels of play in CYO?

Divisions and competitive formats depend on the season, grade, and available teams. Your parish program can explain the divisions offered to your child’s grade.

Can a player’s team or division change in a future season?

Yes, team formation is reviewed each season. Placement depends on parish registration, grade, roster needs, and the competition format for that year.

What is the policy on playing time?

Coaches follow the current Diocese of Oakland CYO all-play participation rule and any approved league provisions. See the Diocese Basketball Rules page for the specific minimum participation requirements.

Season Schedule and Game Locations

When does the regular season start, and where do we play?

Season dates and game locations are published on Trinity’s Schedule page when confirmed. Games may be held at gyms across participating CYO communities.

How are game schedules and locations decided?

Schedules depend on participating teams, gym availability, and league coordination. Assignments can change; check the current Schedule page and your coach’s updates before traveling.

Rules and Regulations

What do registration fees cover?

Fees are set by each parish program and may cover facilities, equipment, insurance, officials, and other program costs. Contact your parish athletic director for the current fee and what it includes.

May players wear jewelry?

No. The diocesan basketball rules prohibit jewelry during games. Players should remove jewelry before arriving and review the current safety rules with their coach.

Do players need unique uniform numbers?

Follow the current diocesan uniform requirements and your parish team’s roster instructions. Ask your coach to resolve duplicate or missing numbers before game day.

What are the uniform requirements for game day?

Review the uniform section of the Diocese Basketball Rules and follow your coach’s home/away instructions. Bring the assigned uniform and check undershirts or accessories for compliance.

Volunteering and Parent Involvement

What volunteer help is needed?

Parish programs rely on volunteers for coaching, scorekeeping, timekeeping, gym support, and other roles. Requirements and sign-up methods vary by parish; ask your parish athletic director.

Is there a code of conduct for parents and spectators?

Yes. Spectators should encourage players, respect officials and opponents, and follow gym directions. Read the CYO Code of Conduct before attending games.