St. Thomas More
Athletics

• Shin guards: Required at all practices and games. Must be commercially manufactured and completely covered by socks.
• No jewelry: Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watches. Tape over jewelry is not acceptable. Exception: Medic Alert Bracelets.
• No barrettes or hair clips. Elastic headbands up to 2 inches allowed.
• Spectators: Must remain on the opposite side of the field from coaches and players. Only 1 coach and 1 assistant allowed on the coaching side. No exceptions.
• Substitutions: Unlimited, at any stoppage in play. Player must wait for referee signal before entering.
• Slide tackling: Only allowed in U12 and U15 divisions.
• 4-goal margin rule: If score exceeds a 4-goal margin, coaches are encouraged to rotate dominant players or play short. CYSL is a recreational league — a win of 10–0 is not good sportsmanship.
• Referee authority: The referee's judgment is not to be challenged. Touching, grabbing, or pushing an official is a misdemeanor and cause for dismissal from the league.
• Game cancellations: Decision made by 7:00 AM on game day. Check cysl.net. Coaches relay to team — do not contact the league directly.

• No goalkeepers. No player may remain positioned in front of the goal during play.
• No scores are kept.
• No penalty kicks or direct kicks. Fouls result in an indirect free kick from the closest point on the penalty area line.
• No offside called. Offensive players may not intentionally station themselves in an offside position for advantage.
• On free kicks and corner kicks, opposing players must stand at least 4 yards from the ball.
• On goal kicks, the opposing team retires to the halfway line and waits until the ball moves out of the penalty area.
• No referees — coaches determine who acts as referee before each game.
• First 3 weeks: players given a second chance on improper throw-ins after the referee demonstrates the correct technique.

• 5v5 maximum. 4 field players + 1 goalkeeper. Minimum 3 players to start.
• Goalkeepers are allowed but not required.
• No offside violations.
• No slide tackling.
• Goal kicks may be taken anywhere within the penalty area.
• First 3 weeks: players given a second chance on improper throw-ins.
• First offense: player may be warned rather than receiving a caution. A Red Card may not be issued for a first offense.
• Field dimensions: approximately 25–35 yards × 15–25 yards.

• 7v7 maximum. Minimum 5 players to start.
• Build-out line: A line painted across the field equidistant between the penalty area and the halfway line. When a goal kick is called or the goalkeeper takes possession, the defending team must move behind the build-out line until the ball is played out of the penalty area.
• Offside uses the build-out line — not the halfway line. Attackers cannot be penalized for offside between the halfway line and build-out line. No offside between the halfway line and the build-out line.
• No punting or drop kicks by the goalkeeper. Penalty: indirect kick for the opposing team.
• No slide tackling.
• First offense: player may be warned rather than cautioned. Red Card may not be issued for a first offense.

• Playing time: Every player must play a minimum number of minutes per game. Coaches are responsible for tracking and enforcing this.
• Sportsmanship: PAL is a recreational parochial league. Coaches are expected to model and enforce respectful conduct toward officials, opponents, and spectators.
• Fouls: 5 fouls disqualifies a player. Double bonus on the 5th team foul per quarter (varies by grade — confirm with coordinator).
• Timeouts: 3 timeouts per game. All carry over to the second half. 1 additional timeout per overtime period.
• Overtime: 2-minute overtime period. Additional OT periods if still tied.
• Zone defense: Check with your Sport Coordinator — zone restrictions vary by grade and division.
• Scoreboard: A trained volunteer must operate the scoreboard at every home game. See Playbook tab for training.

• No full-court press defense at any time.
• Lowered rim (8.5 ft for 3rd, 9 ft for 4th) — confirm with host gym before game.
• Smaller ball (size 5) for both grades.
• Emphasis on fundamentals and equal participation — not competition outcomes.
• No 3-point line.

• 5th grade: press allowed in second half only.
• 6th grade: full press allowed.
• Standard 10-foot rim for both grades.
• No 3-point line for 5th or 6th grade.
• Girls use size 6 ball; boys use size 7 (6th grade).

• Full NFHS-based rules with PAL modifications.
• 3-point line in effect.
• Full-court press allowed.
• 4 × 7-minute stop-clock quarters.
• If leading by more than 20 points in the second half, clock runs continuously until the lead drops below 20.

Under the authority granted by the Parish Pastoral Council of St. Thomas More Parish, the St. Thomas More Athletics Club is a Parish Committee established to carry out the duties as outlined in the following Bylaws.

This organization shall be called the St. Thomas More Athletics Club, hereinafter referred to as the Club.

• To promote athletic participation of children of all abilities throughout STM School and Parish.
• To develop and foster a Christian approach toward true sportsmanship and fair play.
• To provide a safe and healthy environment for all Club programs.
• To provide leadership and coaching that emphasizes health, safety, enjoyment, and athletic development while nurturing Catholic faith and ideals reflective of STM Parish.
• To maintain a fiscally sustainable athletic program that maintains and strategically develops the athletic facilities for generational success.

• Primary source of contact for all school and parish athletic programs.
• Determine physical and monetary needs; prepare yearly budget prior to May.
• Set rules for participation in parish and school sports activities.
• Responsible for operation and maintenance of athletic facilities.
• Storage and accountability of all athletic equipment and uniforms.
• Follow STM parish club guidelines per "Midtown Catholic Club Guidelines and Best Practices."
• May grant 8th grade graduates Athlete and Sportsmanship of the Year awards ($500 each) if enrolled in a Catholic high school.

Any person 19 years or older who (1) is a registered STM parish member, (2) has a child in STM school or athletics, or (3) is a member of STM staff is eligible. Register at any Club meeting or by emailing the Secretary.

Officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Faith Coordinator. These officers constitute the Executive Board, elected annually. The Board has power to transact routine business, determine routine policies, select and empower coordinators/coaches, and act in cases of emergency.

Annual election held during the regular April meeting. Nominations accepted in March and April. Newly elected officers take office at the close of the May meeting. Terms are one year. No member may hold more than one office at a time. Officers elected by ballot; majority vote of members present.

• President: Presides at all meetings, enforces Bylaws, appoints special committees, represents Club at Parish Council. Must approve expenditures.
• Vice President: Assumes President duties in absence. Must approve expenditures.
• Secretary: Keeps minutes, maintains files, posts meeting notices in Bengal Newsletter and STM website, acts as parliamentarian. Must approve expenditures.
• Treasurer: Receives and holds all funds, pays bills, provides written financial report at each meeting. Must approve expenditures.
• Faith Coordinator: Opens and closes each meeting in prayer, incorporates Catholic faith and STM values into the Club and Athletics program.
• Expenditures: All expenditures must be approved by the President, Treasurer, and one other officer via email to STM Accounting Coordinator with each position replying approve.

Regular meetings held monthly at the school. Summer meetings (June–August) on an "as requested" basis. Announced in the Bengal Newsletter and STM Church Calendar. Agenda sent 10 days in advance; meeting notice given at least 20 days in advance. Roberts' Rules of Parliamentary Procedure govern all meetings.

10 members present constitutes a quorum at any regular or special meeting. 3 members constitute a quorum at any officer Board meeting.

Bylaws may only be amended at a regular monthly meeting following a successful two-thirds vote. Amendments must then be presented to and approved by the Parish Pastoral Council and Pastor before being officially adopted.

Participation is an opportunity, not a right. Players are students first and athletes second. Officers may suspend or remove any student or parent from participating based on academics or behavior. Any such decision may only be appealed to the Pastor. No refunds in the event of suspension or expulsion.

This is not an exhaustive document and shall be updated by Club Officers as needed. The goal is to make it easier for Club Officers to operate consistently and to provide details that will help new volunteers feel confident in running for an office position. All officers, coordinators, and coaches have a responsibility to uphold the Bylaws, the Code of Conduct, and Club Guidelines and Best Practices when representing STM Athletic Club and STM Parish.

• Monthly Meetings: Responsible for scheduling, holding, and running regularly set monthly meetings throughout the year.
• Special Meetings: Call special meetings as needed to deal with issues requiring lengthy discussion or a vote that would change how the club currently operates.
• Nominations & Elections: Let people know nominations take place in March and April. Accept nominations from the floor. Ensure someone runs for each office.
• Coaches & Coordinators: Fill and manage sport coordinator roles. Ensure all coaches are Safe Environment Trained — email the parish office a list of all coaches, assistant coaches, and parent volunteers. Maintain an annual roster with Name, Phone, Email, Address, Safe Environment Training expiration date, Sport, and Grade Coached. Work with coordinators to confirm coaches are identified for each team.
• Expenses: Follow Club Guidelines. Expenditure approval can be as simple as an email with Officers cc'd and the STM Accounting Coordinator describing the expense — other Officers reply to approve.
• Culture: Maintain a positive culture. Avoid situations with Conflicts of Interest. It is only church league sports — it should be social and fun.

• Fill in for the President if they are unable to fulfill their duties.
• Coaches & Coordinators: In tandem with the President, maintain an annual roster of sport coordinators and coaches. This should be as simple as a spreadsheet or Google Doc. Review it together regularly.
• Uniforms: Work with the uniform coordinator to confirm sports have the uniforms they need, returned uniforms are properly stored and inventoried.
• Field and Sport Equipment: Help coordinators and coaches ensure everyone has access to needed equipment. Document what was given, to whom, and when it was returned. Ensure all equipment is organized and stored properly.
• Between Meetings: Keep track of items each officer, coordinator, or coach is supposed to follow up on. Follow up to ensure timely completion.
• Members: Help the Secretary organize and document membership.

• Meetings: Provide meeting notices posted on the STM website, Bengal News, and STMA Facebook Page. Act as Parliamentarian — make sure motions are heard and voted on appropriately. Take written minutes at all meetings. Submit minutes via email to Parish Secretary, Parish Council, and post on website.
• Correspondence: Maintain all correspondence and paper files. Convert to electronic files when possible. Use a USB or Google Drive that can be easily transferred to the next Secretary.
• Information: Update and maintain the STM website and STMA Facebook Page with current information. Collect current info from each sports coordinator and update accordingly.
• Membership: Create a membership document. Members can join at a meeting or by emailing the Secretary. The VP assists with this.

• Money In: Receive and submit payments to the Parish Office for deposit. Document each transaction: Amount received, from where, for what, who it was delivered to, and when.
• Money Out: Follow Club Guidelines and Best Practices. All expenses must be approved by the President and Treasurer.
• Reports & Budget: Request P&L reports from STM accounting coordinator. Reconcile P&L with budget and bank statements. Develop budget with officers for next year. Submit budget before May for approval. Include big projects or future expenses.
• Projects: With other officers or the building and grounds committee, identify bigger projects and upcoming maintenance. Prioritize based on need and impact. Work with Building and Grounds, Parish Council, and Finance Council to budget accordingly.
• Meetings: Report most recent P&L YTD and Monthly Detailed P&L at each meeting.

"Club" means an organization authorized by the SJA Pastor to undertake activities by or on behalf of the Parish. "Club Bylaws" are guidelines that larger clubs develop and get approved by the parish council. "Club Account" is a bank account to record financial transactions related to Club activities.

The Club President guides the Club according to the Club Mission/Bylaws and is accountable for revenue and expenditures. The Club Secretary is responsible for monitoring all revenue and expenditure activity and advising the President if an account is or threatens to be inadequate for known liabilities. The Business Manager is responsible for setting up each Club Account.

• All Clubs incorporated under the parish nonprofit status are subject to the rules of the Archdiocese of Omaha.
• All revenue received must be promptly deposited to the Club Account. Two club members should be involved in any activity involving receipt/counting of cash.
• Cash retained by a Club should be kept to a minimum.
• Expenditure thresholds: Clubs with average daily balance under $15,000 can spend $500 on any one project without requesting authorization. Clubs with balance over $15,000 can spend $3,000 without authorization.
• The Club President can approve expenditures up to $500. Expenditures above the approval threshold require a majority of the board.
• Larger groups that purchase items regularly may opt to have a credit card. A monthly accounting must be submitted to the parish office with receipts. Submit to STMaccounting@midtowncatholic.church
• SCRIP gift card purchases are encouraged when buying items from retailers. Up to $200 in SCRIP cards can be requested without preauthorization.
• Use Form 13 tax exempt document to avoid sales tax when appropriate. The only time sales tax should be paid is when items are to be resold (e.g., concessions).

• Club President or designee must coordinate facility availability with Parish staff.
• Clubs are responsible for proper use of Parish facility — return it to proper configuration, order, and cleanliness.
• Doors should not be propped open during events. Ensure facility is fully secured at the conclusion of a Club event.
• Clubs are responsible for assuring that guests behave properly and are restricted to the immediate event area.
• A Club sponsoring an event that encourages public participation must obtain a short-term liability insurance policy naming the Parish and Archdiocese as beneficiaries.

• Any adult affiliated with a Midtown Catholic club that has direct contact with children for extended periods must take part in Safe Environment Certification.
• As a faith-based organization, all meetings, events, practices, and games should begin with prayer.
• All club representatives/coaches must remember they represent Midtown Catholic. Humbleness, respect, and hospitality are key characteristics.
• All club meetings should be scheduled and added to the parish calendar well in advance.
• Alcohol should not be permitted during an official meeting but may be included before or after.

The Saint Thomas More Athletic Club is committed to providing a safe and fun environment in which children can play sports at a recreational or competitive level. The Athletic Club relies solely on volunteers to teach, coach, mentor, organize, and discipline children ages 3 to 15.

• Obtain Safe Environment Training Certification issued by the Archdiocese of Omaha, prior to the start of practice, and maintain the certification for the duration of their sport.
• Set a good example for players and spectators to follow.
• Instruct participants and spectators in proper sportsmanship responsibilities.
• Respect the integrity and judgment of all game officials.
• Avoid coaching behaviors that could incite fans.
• Refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Enforce penalties for participants who display unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Adhere to the Bylaws of the Saint Thomas More Athletic Club.
• Adhere to "playing time" guidelines of each league (CYSL, PAL, CYO, etc.). If the league does not have a playing time policy, adhere to the STM Athletic Club Policy: on any team with 11 players or less, each player participates in the equivalent of one quarter per game. On any team with 12 or more players, each player participates in at least 4 minutes per game.

Includes but is not limited to: fighting, verbal abuse or dissent toward an official or opponent, racial or ethnic slurs, inappropriate comments construed as sexual harassment, profanity, obscene gestures, flagrant and violent fouls, taunting, trash talk, cheating, throwing or abusing equipment, and physical intimidation or abuse of an official or opponent.

• Any coach ejected from a competition shall be suspended from coaching for a minimum of one game.
• Any coach ejected a second time in the same season shall be suspended from coaching for the remainder of the year/season as a minimum.

• Complaints by any league against a coach representing STM will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the Officers of the STM Athletic Club.
• Complaints by any parent/guardian against a coach will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the Officers.
• Complaints against opposing coaches or referees should be made to the chairperson of the respective sport, who will report directly to the league commissioner.