East Diablo Basketball FAQ:
What are the player qualifications for CYO?
Players must either:
1. Reside within the parish boundaries (See CYO Eligibility link)
2. Attend St. Peter Martyr grade school or any other Catholic religious school
3. Had to attend CCD at the parish the previous school year
Why is East Diablo CYO not open only to Good Shepherd kids and those participating in the CCD program?
Many years ago, the East Diablo CYO program decided to open participation to non-Catholic kids to create a larger, broader, and more competitive basketball program. It makes gym space difficult, but most have found it worthwhile to expand the program to the community.
How does CYO basketball compare to LMYA or MVP/AAU basketball?
CYO basketball tends to be more competitive than LMYA, but less so than MVP/AAU. There are typically 1 or 2 practices per week, depending on the age level. The league stresses Christian behavior from players, coaches, and participants, so good sportsmanship is a focus. There is also a minimum-play rule in CYO that guarantees your player will get playing time.
When do tryouts begin? / How are teams selected?
In August or September, the Athletic Director will schedule tryouts to evaluate playing ability for boys and girls. The intent is to group kids with like ability or interest level. The higher skill/more competitive league is the American League, and those players will be placed on an American team. There can be more than one American team per grade level. The other kids will be placed on a National team.
When does the season start/end?
The season can officially start in September with pre-season tournaments. Practices typically begin around mid-September. Official league games for boys and girls start the first full weekend in November. The final league games finish in February, where the boys' playoffs start right after the season ends. Be prepared to play into March if your team makes the playoffs; girls' teams normally finish playoffs in February.
Do I have to buy a new uniform every year?
It depends. The uniform must fit the child appropriately. At times, teams are split, and when a new player is added to a team who has the same jersey number as another player, the new player must order and pay for a new jersey. This happens rarely, and the player who has been in the league the longest will retain the number.
I’m coaching how do I find out about tournaments?
Reach out to your coach or visit the Oakland Diocese Sports website.
Will CYO reimburse tournament expenses?
CYO will reimburse one tournament fee up to $100, if able. The number of registrations we receive in any given year determines this.
Does the league supply balls?
At the beginning of the season, coaches will receive two new game balls.
What is the correct ball size for my child?
28.5 - for all girls teams and boys teams 3rd to 5th grades
29.5 – for boys teams in the 6th to 8th grades
Do I need to attend any special training for coaching?
CYO coaches and assistant coaches must attend the mandatory coaches’ certification meeting that is held in October each year and be fingerprinted for a background check. Once the league announces the dates, they are sent to coaches. Coaches must also complete the online course - Safe Environment Training: http://www.oakdiocese.org/safe/workshops.htm
