SMG CYO Sports
Guiding Principles for Player Evaluations & Team Formation
The purpose of the SMG CYO evaluation and team formation process is to create balanced, competitive, and faith centered teams that promote:
• Player development
• Sportsmanship
• Fellowship and inclusion
• Positive experiences for student athletes, families, and volunteer coaches
Every decision is made with the goal of serving both the individual and the parish as a whole.
Guiding Principles
At Saint Maria Goretti, our CYO sports programs our designed to support formation, fellowship, and fair competition. Team formation is a complex, delicate, and prayerful process designed to serve all student-athletes, not just a few, while honoring the mission of our parish and school.
These guiding principles outline how evaluations are conducted and how the final team decisions are made for CYO sports.
1. Evaluation Purpose
The purpose of evaluations is to:
• Properly placing players in environments where they can grow, contribute, and have fun playing their sport
• Create teams that are balanced, competitive, and help each player develop
• Ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency across all teams and grade levels
• Support positive relationships between players, families, coaches, and the parish community
Evaluations are not just about scoring and ranking players, but about determining the best team fit for each one.
2. Evaluation Process
Evaluations all follow the similar format for each sport.
Skill-Based Stations
Players will rotate through varying drills to demonstrate their range of skills.
• Fundamental skills (dribbling, passing, shooting, serving, etc.)
• Athleticism (movement, coordination, effort)
• Coachability and engagement
Neutral evaluators observe and record:
• Scores
• Notes
• Initial team placement suggestions
Live Play Scenarios
To supplement drill based evaluations, we introduce live ball play.
• Scrimmages
• 1 vs 1, 3 vs 3, 5 vs 5, etc.
These live settings help evaluators
• Game awareness
• Decision making
• Competitive instincts
• Sportsmanship
• Team dynamics
3. Role of Evaluators
Evaluators are instructed to:
• Remain as neutral and objective as possible
• Focus on observable behaviors and skills
• Provide honest feedback, notes, and team placement suggestions
Evaluator scores and recommendations are valued inputs, however they are not the only determining factor in the final team placement.
4. Additional Factors Considered in Team Formation
Final team decisions are based on a combination of evaluation data and program wide considerations, including:
Skill & Development Level
• Overall evaluation scores
• Performance in live play situations
Team Fit, Team Needs & Team Size
• Positional skill and size balance
• Leadership and complementary skill sets
• Creating teams that work well together
• Maintaining healthy roster sizes when possible
Volunteer Parent Coaches
• Availability and placement of volunteer coaches
• Ensuring coaches are supported and teams are sustainable
Diversity & Fellowship
• Encouraging inclusion and community
• Avoiding clustering that isolates or discourages participation
• Supporting the broader parish mission beyond wins and losses
5. League Structure Considerations
In all CYO leagues, the CYO assigns divisions (A, B, C) for each age group.
• SMG teams are formed to align with those league structures
• Team placement decisions aim to honor both competitive balance and participant experience
• We work with CYO to make sure that all teams are placed in the appropriate leagues and divisions within their parameters.
• SMG teams are formed to align with how CYO and other parishes are structured.
6. The Decision-Making & Discernment Process
Once evaluations are complete:
• Evaluation results are reviewed and discussed with evaluators.
• Scores, notes, and placement suggestions are analyzed and discussed.
• Multiple team breakdowns may be considered before final decisions are made.
• Including grade level team formation.
-Considered when it creates a more appropriate competitive environment, supports player development, and/or better aligns with ministry goals.
• Discernment is an important final step to ensure that our evaluation and placement process will support our mission for all student athletes.
7. Commitment to Clarity & Community
We understand that team placement can be emotional for families. Our commitment is to:
• Communicate clearly
• Act consistently
• Uphold the mission of SMG and CYO sports
• Foster an environment of trust, respect, and shared purpose
While no system is perfect, every decision is made with care, integrity, and the best interests of the children and program in mind.
Questions are always welcome, and feedback is valued, but we ask for grace and understanding as we navigate a complex process designed to serve many, not just a few.
Thank you.
Sean Bird
Director of Sports Ministry
Saint Maria Goretti