Referees: A Unique Ministry in CYO

CYO officials are at every CYO game or meet: referees in baskeball and volleyball, officials at track and cross country meets. They enforce the rules and ensure fair play, often in a very crowded and loud gym while hearing a variety of opinions about their calls. 

But refereeing in CYO is so much more,  it is a unique opportunity not only to enforce rules but to teach good sportsmanship, calm nervous young players and coaches, and ensure that spectator behavior reflects standards of Christian play.

One outstanding referee is Dennis Flannery in the Southern Alameda County (SAC) League.  Dennis has refereed basketbhall for many years and has served as the head referee in his league. He is currently a varsity level high school girls' basketball coach.  Yet he returns each week in the CYO season to referee third grade games  He interacts with the players, teaching rules but also keeping it fun.  His friendly approach keeps the coaches and families focused on good sportsmanshi and  positive behavior..

CYO has been blessed with many referees like Dennis who consider CYO more than just a sports league but an opportunity for ministry to young people.  Many are former CYO players who come back to stay part of CYO. As our seasons wind down for basketball and volleyball, thank you referees and meet officials for all you do for our young players and runners.

(In the photo, Dennis is in the foreground along with another dedicated,  long-time referee, John Espinoza., at a recent thrid grade game at St. Felicitas, San Leandro.)