​In 2006, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles​ (ADLA) requested that all coaches involved with the after-school sports program of an Archdiocesan school be trained with respect to three areas: 

 A. Safe boundaries with the youth

 B. Health and safety concerns 

C. Character development of all participants  

 ​At the request of the ADLA, the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) researched various programs and recommended the Play Like a Chamion (PLC) program created by the Center for Ethical Education at the University of Notre Dame. The ADLA accepted the recommendation and in the fall of 2006, CYO introduced the PLC workshop as part of its coaching certification program.

Prior to coaching or assisting in any practice, game or competition of any sort for a School, an individual must obtain either a Coaching Certification Card or a Temporary Coaching Certification Card. 

PLC certification is mandatory for all coaches who are actively involved at coaching with a School in ADLA. CYO will offer training and certification to any coach that is active with a School that participates in CYO and/or its’ affiliated programs and partners as per Article III, Section 1.

In order to obtain a Coaching Certification Card, the coach must fulfill the requirements listed under the Temporary Coaching Certification Card AND attend the Archdiocesan Coaching Certification Program, PLC workshop. The Coaching Certification Card is valid for two (2) years from the date of the workshop attended. In order to obtain a Coaching Certification Card, the following requirements must be fulfilled: 

1. Sign the Coaches Conduct form and submit to CYO 

2. Obtain live scan fingerprinting and submit a Fingerprint Verification form signed by the principal of the School  

3. Attend PLC Course

4. Submit a $32 processing fee made payable to CYO 

Upon receipt of all these items, CYO will issue a Coaching Certification Card that allows the individual to coach or assist in any practice or game. 

Coaches may receive a Temporary Coaching Certification Card which is valid for only four (4) weeks from the date that CYO receives the required three items listed previously. All coaches are required to have in their possession a valid CYO Certification Card during any CYO game or competition in which they are coaching. A game official, Competition Director, CYO Staff or a certified coach from the opposing team may request to see a CYO Certification Card prior to or after a game/competition. If a card is not presented, the coach will be declared ineligible to coach. If a CYO certified coach from the School is not present, the team will be declared ineligible and the game/competition will be declared a forfeit. CYO recommends that coaches carry their CYO Certification Card or a photo image of the Card with them at all times to avoid any problems. 

​​​Letters signed by a School Administrator will not be accepted in lieu of a CYO Certification Card. Replacement of a destroyed, lost or stolen CYO Certification Card requires a $17.00 processing fee. CYO Certification Cards are non-transferable. Violation of this section will result in immediate expulsion from the CYO program. CYO reserves the right to revoke any CYO Certification Card at any time and to refuse to certify anyone it deems unfit.