A. Game Conduct:

1. The OLLAC will follow the abuse guidelines of the archdiocese with regard to conduct. In addition, the OLLAC believes it is extremely important that the players, coaches, and parents realize they represent the parish at athletic activities. As the players compete, their demeanor, along with that of the coaches and parents, will be interpreted by the general public as an extension of the parish. The OLLAC expressly believes that the following behaviors are not acceptable by players, coaches, parents, and supporters:

a. Foul and abusive language or behavior

b. Temper displays (including throwing, kicking or hitting of an object)

c. Embarrassing a player by reprimanding him/her in front of peers and spectators.

d. Demeaning comments to, or yelling at, umpires, referees, etc. This undermining of

authority is inappropriate.

B. Injuries:

1. League rule: Any bleeding must be stopped before a player can participate in the game.

2. OLLAC: Coaches will take the following steps in the event of an injury:

The Executive Board will consider and get back to the committee with a response.

Suggestions included following the RICE method : Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

Making sure every coach has ice during practices and games. The Board will discuss with Father Rudemiller. Making sure coaches have access to phones during practices and games. Reviewing rules with coaches about number of adults at practice and what to do in the case of an emergency.

C. Weather Conditions:

1. League rule: The home team has the power to decide whether conditions of the field and weather are safe for play. After the start of the game it is the decision of the referee.

2. OLLAC:

a. In the event that our coaches disagree with the decision by either the home team or the referee, they would address the disagreement immediately with those individuals. Should a decision be made to play the game when the OLLAC coach disagrees due to player safety, the coach would forfeit the game and the OLLAC would file a protest with the league.

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C. 2. (cont)

b. In the event of visible lightening, coaches will direct children to a safe area of cover. No player should return to the field/leave safe cover for 20 minutes following the last visible lightening.

D. Coach Selection:

1. A list will be provided at each sign-up for individuals interested in volunteering to coach. The Commissioner along with the Volunteer Coordinator will review the list and make every effort to assign individuals to a coaching position.

2. All coaches must agree to recognize the leadership of the Head Coach, abide by the guidelines for conduct, and act in accordance with the mission statement as stated in the OLLAC By-Laws.

E. Parent & Player Responsibility:

1. A student will be released from practice time due to homework difficulties and/or illness on an occasional basis. However, repeated occurrences will result in a discussion between coach and parent(s).

2. Children can be dropped off at practice or at a game only when the coaches have arrived. Pick-up should be at the set time.

3. Siblings are not the responsibility of coaches or players during practices or games.

4. The league schedule is available at the beginning of the season, and parents are expected to familiarize themselves with the schedule in order to assure prompt attendance at each game and to allow discussion of scheduling conflicts with the coach in a timely manner.

Track & Field and Boy's Volleyball are an exception as games for team sports at OLL take precedence over Track & Field Meets and Boy's Volleyball Games.

5. Academic Standards and School Conduct: The OLLAC will cooperate with the administration and parents regarding grades and behavior at school in relation to the participation of the student in OLLAC activities.

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L. Volunteers:

Volunteers are a vital part of our athletic program. All members are encouraged to participate. The Volunteer Coordinator and Committee will assist with volunteer endeavors in all aspects of OLLAC activities including coaching, tournaments, fundraising, committee membership, and Commissioner positions.

I. Football

A. Player Eligibility:

Eligibility rules are stated in the OLLAC By-laws. However, the league does form a "pool"of eligible players from parishes who do not sponsor football programs. These children are placed on teams based on the needs of the teams. The children must belong to a Catholic parish. It is at the commissioner's discretion to accept a child from the player "pool." OLLAC has not historically had the need to do this because of the large number of players from the parish.

B. Playing Time:

1st & 2nd Grades: Each child will play a minimum of 50% of every game. In the event there are too many children to divide the time into exactly 50% for each child, the amount of playing time will be balanced accordingly to give equal playing time to each child.

3rd & 4th Grades: Each child will play a minimum of a continuous quarter of scrimmage plays on both offense and defense in every game.

5th & 6th Grades: Each child will play a minimum of 9 plays in every game.

7th & 8th Grades: We will follow league rules for playing time.

Any position such as team captain will be assigned on a rotating basis to the players for both practices and games for all grade levels.

C. Enrollment:

1. League rule: no roster additions after third scheduled league game

2. OLLAC encourages early sign-ups and team membership from the first practice.

D. Multiple Teams:

1. League rule: none except that child can change teams prior to third scheduled league game due to school change or weight.

2. OLLAC discourages children from playing any other sport during football.

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E. Uniforms:

1. League: Each parish has "reserved" school colors. Any change is by league approval.

All other equipment is as required by Ohio High School Rules.

2. OLLAC: All teams have the same uniform unless we are in a "buying" program.*

Ohio High School Rules are followed for equipment.

F. Team Selection:

1. League Rule: Allows four teams per school based primarily on grade with restrictions due to age and/or weight.

2. OLLAC: All players are placed on teams by grade, age and weight.

G. Volunteers:

Coaches - number of head coaches needed each year

number of assistant coaches needed each year

Concessions - number needed per game

Homecoming

H. Tournaments:

Tournament participation is determined by the league according to win-loss records.

There is no fee for the play-offs.

II. Soccer

A. Player Eligibility:

Eligibility rules are set by the league (SAY). The player must reside in either:

- the Residential District which is WCBM (Westwood, Cheviot, Bridgetown, & Mack) or

- the Organizational District which is Our Lady of Lourdes.

B. Playing Time:

Every player should be allowed maximum participation. Every player must be allowed to play the equivalent of one-half of every game (SAY: Rule 12, Participation #1).

C. Enrollment:

Please see Attachment 1. (Consult Commissioner for Attachment 1)

Additions can be made to a roster no later than 13 days after that team's first league game. However, no new signups will be accepted after July 1^st that would put any team beyond (17) players. Exceptions only at the commissioners direction and must be approved by the athletic club executive board. (Amended August 2002)

D. Multiple Teams:

Please see Attachment 1.

E. Uniforms:

Soccer uniforms are replaced all at one time with a uniform shirt that should have a minimum life of 5 years. There are yearly replacements as needed. (Exception: High School and Lollipop who wear T-shirts).

F. Team Selection:

Please see Attachment 1.

G. Volunteers:

Coaches - 1 head coach and 1 assistant coach is needed at the time of the draw. A second assistant coach can be added after the draw.

Uniforms - to assist with dispersing, collecting, and determining need for replacement.

Drinks & Snacks - team parent to organize

H. Tournaments:

Preseason - OLLAC pays for one preseason tournament per team. Participation in a preseason tournament is at the discretion of the coach.

Post-season - OLLAC pays for one post-season tournament per team. Participation is at the discretion of the coach. The league championship tournament does not have a fee.

III. Track & Field

A. Player Eligibility:

1. Eligibility rules are stated in the OLLAC By-laws. An exception can occur when a child's "home" school does not offer Track & Field. The League and Executive Board of the OLLAC would have to approve the child's participation on the OLL Track & Field team. Once approved, the child would pay a participation fee but not a membership fee.

2. A child does not "play up" unless a team can not be fielded without additional players.

B. Playing Time:

K-4th Grades: The children decide in which events they want to participate.

5th-8th Grades: At this age the participants performances are scored and/or timed. Participation is then based upon effort and performance and availability of participants. Each child is encouraged to participate in 3 events.

C. Enrollment:

There are no deadlines for participation because of competition with other sports.

D. Multiple Teams:

You can participate in other OLL team sports. Participation in those takes precedence over Track & Field.

E. Uniforms:

T-shirts are provided by OLLAC and are expected to last a minimum of 2 years.

F. Team Selection:

See Playing Time above.

G. Volunteers:

Meets: to assist coach with running the meets; for every 5 children participating, you need one adult volunteer at CYO meets. Positions include: running a stopwatch, raking the pits, passing out ribbons, spotter, clerk of courts, ribbon box manager, escort to events.

H. Tournaments:

NA

IV. Basketball (Girls)

A. Player Eligibility:

Children of registered members of the parish or children who attend OLL School are eligible. Any exceptions must be petitioned to the league and voted upon.

B. Playing Time:

The League rule is one quarter. This does not have to be a continuous quarter. OLLAC recommends coaches play the children for more than one quarter to give the players more equitable playing time.

C. Enrollment:

Children can be added to the roster up to a league specified date, usually around

March 15.

D. Multiple Teams:

1. Players may not play on more than one team.

2. OLLAC rules require the commitment be to the OLLAC sport. If a child chooses to play select basketball or another sport outside of OLLAC, they must abide by the rules stated in the current OLLAC By-Laws.

E. Uniforms:

Players can wear compression shorts if they are all of like color and are a uniform color. A plain white T-shirt can be worn under the uniform.

F. Team Selection:

1. League Rule: see Attachment 2

B team selection: The players remaining after selection of A and B-1 teams are chosen in a draw. Each is rated on a scale of one to three by the coaches, then the coaches divide the teams as evenly as possible according to those ratings.

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F. Team Selection:

2. There are two open gyms and two try-outs.

B team selection: (Contd.)

Each coach picks in an order that gives them a first pick every third round. An effort is made to place even numbers by grade levels on a team, and ratings by position are also considered. The coach and one assistant coach can protect their daughter.

G. Volunteers:

Coaches: As a general rule, coaches do not coach their own daughters at the 5th and 6th A level and at the 7th and 8th grade for any level. Coaches are asked back or offered openings at other levels if they request them and the request does not involve them coaching their daughter at a 7th and 8th grade level or a 5th and 6th grade A level.

Uniform Coordinator: to coordinate efforts to get uniforms out to players and turned back in to coaches as well as consult with the commissioner on condition of uniforms and need for replacement or addition of uniforms.

Tournament: to assist the tournament director in soliciting volunteers for the various activities of the tournament including concessions, collection, raffles, and announcing games.

H. Tournaments:

Typically each team is in 4-5 tournaments. Availability of tournament spots varies between "A" and "B" teams because of the larger number of "B" teams vying for tournament spots.

V. Softball

A. Player Eligibility:

League rules require a player to be a registered parish member or to attend the parish school. In the case of an in-season transfer, the player has an option of playing for either parish. In-season is considered six weeks before the first scheduled game. The league also reserves the right to listen to all petitions of players requesting to play on different teams.

B. Playing Time:

A continuous batting order is in place at each level for both fast and slow pitch. All team members must be played at least two innings on defense. Playing all team members is strictly enforced by the league. The commissioners encourage equal playing time at all levels.

League rules state that a player can be disciplined by not allowing her to play in a game. However, the coach must inform the opposing coach and the umpire of this decision prior to the start of the game. Once a player is disciplined she can not enter the game for any reason.

C. Enrollment:

The League specifies a date each year when all rosters must be turned in to the Scheduling Committee. Team rosters must be in by the second game of the season. The commissioners recommend a cut-off date for sign-ups prior to the end of March when the team numbers must be turned into the league.

D. Multiple Teams:

This is not addressed in the league rule book. OLLAC by-laws are followed.

E. Uniforms:

All girls must wear shirt and pants of identical color and style. All uniforms must have a visible number either on front or back of the uniform. No type of jewelry is permitted to be worn on the playing field.

Uniform purchases are currently on a two year rotation. Grades 5/6 & 7/8 were purchased in 1998 and will probably need replaced in 2000. Grades 1/2 & 3/4 are being purchased in 1999 and will probably need replaced in 2001. The uniform shirts for all grades have been purchased by sponsors. The sponsors have the option of displaying their logo on the uniform shirt, but the OLL logo remains on the front of the shirt. Uniform pants are part of the budget. Hats have been optional but have also been obtained through donations. When donations are made to any team at any grade level it is approved through the OLLAC.

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F. Team Selection:

Grades 1/2: The teams are divided by coach selection with no ranking of players by skill.

Grades 3/4: The teams are divided by first ranking the girls by skill level then having each coach take a turn selecting a player. Coaches take turns selecting first in the selection rounds. The players are ranked based on the knowledge of their play by previous coaches.

Grades 5/6 & 7/8: The league voted in fast pitch only at this level in 1999. Players and parents have been asked for their input on level of play, "A" or "B," during this initial period when fast pitch has been introduced for the first time to many of the players. Work-out days are held to allow coaches an opportunity to observe and work with the players so that teams can be divided equitably such as in the instance where there will to be two fast pitch teams at one level, "A" or "B," or in the instance that teams are divided into "A" and "B" levels.

If there will be two teams at the same level the same team selection procedures applied in grades 3/4 would apply. The teams are divided by first ranking the girls by skill level then having each coach take a turn selecting a player. Coaches take turns selecting first in the selection rounds. The players are ranked based on their performance workout days.

G. Volunteers:

Coaches: Parents are asked to volunteer at sign-up time to assist with coaching. Typically there are just enough volunteers for head coaching positions, and no selection process has to take place. Head coaches are given a list of parents who volunteered to be assistant coaches and are asked to identify who will be their official assistant coach. The head coach can protect both his daughter and the daughter of his

assistant coach in any draft. Once teams are selected, the coaches are given the names of other parents who volunteered to assist and are asked to contact them to identify responsibilities for practices and games and to encourage their participation as well as identify a second official assistant coach. In the case of more volunteers for head coaches than positions available, the commissioners would speak to each volunteer to determine their interest and commitment as well as their experience and history. Selections for head coaching positions would then be made by the commissioners.

Uniform Coordinator: to coordinate efforts to get uniforms out to players and turned back in to coaches as well as consult with the commissioner on condition of uniforms and need for replacement or addition of uniforms.

H. Tournaments:

After the regular season, the GWAC will sponsor a double elimination (two-and-out) tournament for all leagues. All teams are automatically entered in the tournament with no additional entry fee. Any team not wishing to participate must notify the league

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G. Tournaments (contd.):

secretary prior to the conclusion of the regular season to avoid being assessed for the tournament games scheduled but not played. Regular season rosters are to be used for the tournament with no exceptions.

VI. Volleyball

A. Player Eligibility:

Western Athletic Conference rules apply.

B. Playing Time:

Each player must participate the equivalent of one game at all levels.

C. Enrollment:

Number of teams must be turned in by mid-February. No additions after ___

game.

D. Multiple Teams:

Commissioner recommends no more than two sports per season.

E. Uniforms:

OLLAC provides T-shirts. The shirt must have numbers on the front and back. The participants typically wear their gym shorts for track & field events.

F. Team Selection:

4th grade is instructional- teams are divided by coaches.

Beginning at 5th grade there are "A" and "B" levels of play. The teams are divided into 5/6th and 7/8th grade "A" and "B" teams. The coach of the "A" team at each level selects first with monitoring by the commissioner. The "B" teams are divided evenly by the coaches with the remaining players.

G. Volunteers:

Coaches - The Commissioner selects coaches from those who volunteer at sign-ups.

H. Tournaments:

A. Player Eligibility:

Member of the parish.

B. Playing Time:

4th grade instructional - the Commissioner encourages coaches to play girls as evenly as possible. They have one hour to play.

"A" and "B" levels:

5/6th - The rule is a one game equivalent, but there is no definition of a game. Some coaches play girls a continuous game while others rotate girls in and out during a game.

7/8th - The rule is a one game equivalent, but there is no definition of a game. Some coaches play girls a continuous game while others rotate girls in and out during a game.

Tournaments - Commissioner recommends the coaches follow league rule.

Playing time is affected by number of players, therefore Commissioner recommends 9 as the ideal number of players. More have been placed on "B" teams due to late sign-ups. Cut-off for sign-ups could eliminate this problem.

C. Enrollment:

Number of teams must be turned in by scheduling date. Players can be added to the roster up until the first game.

The Commissioner would like to put a cut-off date for sign-ups to eliminate problems with too many players on a team.

D. Multiple Teams:

The season overlaps slightly with soccer. Players are told soccer comes first.

E. Uniforms:

Shirts and shorts are replaced on a ten year rotation. They will probably need replaced in 2001. The players can wear bike shorts, but they have to be a team uniform color and everyone has to wear them.

F. Team Selection:

4th - divided by height and size

5/6th & 7/8th: One open gym and one try-out is held. "A" team coach selects first. "B" team coaches select girls in an alternating fashion based on skill levels.

G. Volunteers:

Coaches - the Commissioner tries to get individuals who are familiar with the sport such as college students who have played at Lourdes. Assistance is needed for recruiting coaches.

Volunteers are needed to stay in the gym with the coach during practices.

H. Tournaments:

All teams get in tournaments available for their level of play. At 5/6, the "A" team gets into one more tournament than the "B" teams because of availability. No difference at the 7/8th level. The St. Dominic tournament is during the holidays. The choice to play is left up to the coaches.

IV. Basketball (Boys)

A. Player Eligibility:

Boys Western Basketball Conference rules state the following:

Each player, in order to be eligible, must be currently enrolled in the school of the league entry he represents; or his parents or custodial guardian must be a registered member of the parish and must reside within the parish boundaries, and he must attend CCD classes at the parish. High school players must play for the parish from which grade school they graduated or his parents or custodial guardian must be registered members of the parish and reside within parish boundaries of the team he wishes to play for. If a player and his team violates this rule, the team will forfeit all games in which the alleged player participated. In case of in-season transfer, the boy has the option of playing for either team.

B. Playing Time:

The League rule is a continuous quarter.

The Commissioner's rule is equal time for 4th grade and continuous quarter for 5th-8th.

At third grade the commissioner recommends everyone play equal time. This is not governed by Western Conference rules.

C. Enrollment:

Children can be added to the roster up to January 1. The Commissioner recommends ending enrollment prior to the first week of November.

D. Multiple Teams:

OLLAC rules require the commitment be to the OLLAC sport. If a child chooses to play select basketball or another sport outside of OLLAC, they must abide by the rules stated in the current OLLAC By-Laws.

E. Uniforms:

The Commissioner is in the process of making sure all uniforms are reversible. The suggestion is to order 10-20 new uniforms each year. This includes shirts and shorts. Warm-ups are a lower priority. If they are ordered the commissioner recommends ordering these without numbers on them.

F. Team Selection:

1. League Rule: There must be an "A" level at 5-6 and 7-8.

2. There are two practices. "A" and "B" team coaches are present at the practices to observe the players. All boys must try out for the "A" team. 10 boys are selected for the "A" team at each grade level. The remaining players are then divided into combo teams by draft with each coach taking a turn selecting a player until all players have been selected at each combo level.

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F. Team Selection (Contd.):

3. At the 4th grade level the coaches and commissioner(s) try to come to a consensus about an even division of the boys by skill level. Height is a significant factor as well in dividing the teams at this level.

G. Volunteers:

Coaches: They are solicited at sign-ups. The Commissioners encourage avoidance of "A" team coaches coaching their own sons. Parents do coach their own children as assistants or "B" level coaches.

Uniform Coordinator: to coordinate efforts to get uniforms out to players and turned back in to coaches as well as consult with the commissioner on condition of uniforms and need for replacement or addition of uniforms.

Tournament: to assist the tournament director in soliciting volunteers for the various activities of the tournament including scorekeeping, concessions, collection, raffles, and announcing games.

H. Tournaments:

Each school limits the number of teams that can be submitted to their tournament. Therefore, tournament participation is subject to availability and coaches preference. Accessibility to tournaments is made available to combo teams as equally as possible, but there are often conflicts because of players and/or coaches being gone over the holidays. The same is true for "A" teams. Due to availability, the "A" teams may get more tournament opportunities. More gym space and the availability of Northern Kentucky tournaments may help to make the situation more equitable. Third grade is not Western Conference. The only tournaments available are St. Lawrence and St. Martin's.

I. Practices:

Later practice times are used for the 7/8 teams. They do get a little more practice time than the younger teams. There are two practice times per week. Every age has equal time. Gyms used include OLL, West High, Sports mall, and Bridgetown Jr. High.

IV. Baseball

A. Player Eligibility:

League : Greater Cincinnati Knothole Official Rules - 199, Rule 5

Commissioner: Every OLL child is eligible to play Knothole baseball for OLLAC if enough children sign-up to constitute a team. An attempt is made to recruit players if enough do not sign-up. They are first recruited from OLL and then from other parishes who do not have enough players to form a team. Occasional, OLLAC places players with other parish teams for this reason. If OLLAC has a full roster, players from other parishes will not be accepted.

B. Playing Time:

League: District 20 Knothole Rules, 1999 Special Rules and Regulations, page one, (National #1), and page six, rule #2 (attached). G.C.K.C. Rule #18 applies to players on Class D-2, C-2, B-2, and A.

Commissioner: OLLAC teams follow league rules.

Guidelines Committee recommends a minimum playing time on defense of 2 innings. This is one inning more than league rules and the same minimum number of innings as softball.

C. Enrollment:

League: Player contracts must be turned into the District Supervisor prior to the first game. Late sign-ups are covered by G.C.K.C. rule #6.

Commissioner: Preferably at scheduled sign-ups, however, sign-ups are usually accepted up to the district preseason meeting, one week prior to the first game. Team contracts are turned in at this meeting. Late sign-up could affect a players ability to play on an OLLAC team due to team quotas.

D. Multiple Teams:

League: G.C.K.C. rules #1 (b) and #24

Commissioner: OLLAC By-Laws

E. Uniforms:

League: requires a uniform shirt with a unique number printed on it for each player. No metal spikes are allowed until Class A (14 & 15 year olds).

Commissioner: OLLAC provides a uniform shirt, pants and belt to all players. All playing equipment excluding personal player's gloves are provided by OLLAC. Hats and socks are provided at a reduced cost of $5.00 and $3.00 respectively and are optional purchases.

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F. Team Selection:

League Rule: There is no rule beyond an 11 player minimum and 20 player maximum per team.

Commissioner: This is usually determined by the coaches who, typically, are familiar with the

players and are most capable of determining player ability and playing positions. For example, all teams must have a player able to play catcher, pitcher, first base, etc.

Division into levels of play (eg. B1 vs. B2):

League: no rules beyond player eligibility rules

Commissioner: Selected by the "A" team coach, usually in concert with his assistant coaches and "B" team coaches. However, the "A" team coach does have the final decision based on their evaluation of the player's ability. All players within a playing class (D,C,B,A) are eligible to play on the "A" or National #2 level. In class D (ages 6 through 9) OLLAC has never had a player younger than eight play at the National #2 during the current Commissioner's tenure. The other classes are only grouped by two years and all players are eligible to play on the "A" team.

G. Volunteers:

Coaches:

League: none as long as the coach is not under a District or G.C.K.C. suspension

Commissioner: Coaches are selected based on personal interviews with the Commissioner and/or the assistant Commissioner, by interviewing other parishioners regarding their observation of the individual as a coach in another sport, and by observation of the person as a volunteer at the intramural level. The final decision in selection of coaches is the Commissioner's. Selected coaches, unless they have extensive prior experience, are assigned to "B" level teams for at least one year. Desired tenure of an "A" level coach is two years at one age level. Actual desired tenure is longer, but, due to the fact that most coaches are fathers/mothers, continued coaching at one age level would conflict with game times of their children.

H. Tournaments:

Follows G.C.K.C. rules for tournament play.

I. Practices:

League: none

Commissioner: All teams receive two practices a week. Selection is made by starting with the oldest "A" level team (A-2) selecting one practice time followed by the other "A" teams, then by the oldest "B" team (B-2) followed by the other "B" teams. It continues in this manner through D level for one practice time. The process begins again for the second practice time. No team receives a second practice time until all teams have selected a first practice time.