The overall objective of Catholic elementary school sports is to provide each student with a positive Christian athletic experience through instruction, development, practice and game participation. Although a reasonable competitive approach is encourages, a win-at-any-cost philosophy is not.

It is extremely important that each school provide some way for every interested student to be able to participate. This can be done, by having an additional team to serve students unable to make the more competitive team. This would eliminate any necessity to "cut" students out of a sports program.

The following guide is provided:

3rd and 4th Grade - Introductory Levels
At this level, any sports program offered is strictly introductory and developmental. Basic skills and fundamentals should be taught. There is no scorekeeping in any games until end of the year tournaments.

5th and 6th - Junior Varsity Levels
Every student should have a place to play and playing time should be as equal as possible. There must be a team available for all students even if you have to provide a second team.

7th and 8th - Varsity Levels
Varsity teams may be formed on the basis of player proficiency, allowing players to compete at a level appropriate to their development.

There is no guarantee of equal playing time, but every school is asked to provide a second team so that no student is excluded from playing. Every effort should be made so that every player has some playing time in every game.

Player Movement
A player may be permitted to play up to a higher level, but never played down to a lower level.

Responsibility of Student Participant
Players must realize: attendance, behavior, effort and attitude are factors that may affect their playing time.

If a Catholic school does not have a team in a particular sport, it may get permission for their students to join a neighboring Catholic school's team in that sport.

Boys should play on boy's teams and girls should play on girl's teams when available. A co-ed sport, such as, soccer is designated by the Diocesan Athletic Director. When there is no access to a sport by one gender, the individual student may participate in the other gender's program with the pastor and principal's consent.