Entering students in other leagues

We noticed in the July 30, 2020 edition of The Badger Beacon that the BRYFVL plans to allow private school teams to enter the league.  This email is in no way an attempt to dictate how the BRYFVL should be run nor which teams it should allow in.  It is also not an attempt to deny a parent the opportunity to seek an athletic experience for his / her child.  However, we would like you to be aware of our policy addressing groups of students who choose to play in non-Archdiocese of Milwaukee sanctioned leagues and how our policy may, or may not, impact the BRYFVL.  The policy applies to elementary (grades 3K – 8) schools only.  Our high schools follow the rules and regulations of the WIAA.

We do not have any objection or prohibition on our students playing as a team in a non-Archdiocese of Milwaukee sanctioned league, but the teams may not in any way represent their school.  The following excerpt from Policy 6145.2 addresses this:

All practices and games (independent, league and tournament) must take place during the defined sport season in accordance with the Archdiocesan Sports Standardized Schedule.

This prohibits all schools and parishes from providing coaches, equipment, parish/school names, liability insurance, parish funds, and practice and/or game facilities to their parish/school-based teams to continue play outside the defined sports season. This includes any organized activity such as practices, drills, scrimmages, games, etc.

A group of students (two or more) who attend the same parish/school may participate in a non-archdiocesan sponsored league, such as a recreational league.  However, they may not in any way give the appearance of sponsorship by the parish/school.  This means they may not use the parish/school’s name, colors, athletic team nickname, or any name with an obvious connection to the parish/school.  They may not use any parish/school equipment or be coached by the same person(s) who would coach them in an archdiocesan league.  These prohibitions extend to all grade levels.

Given that we have cancelled our fall athletics season, we consider any athletics to be outside the defined sport season. 

We do want to emphasize that any team wishing to join the BRYFVL, or any similar league, is free to do so but will not have any liability insurance coverage from their school or the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.  We also respectfully request that any team in the BRYFVL not use its school name, nickname, nor wear any uniform that would reasonably be associated with that school.

We sincerely hope that your upcoming season goes well, that all athletes have a positive experience, and that all are able to participate safely and be healthy.