About Us

We offer a wide variety of athletic programs to provide young people with a safe and enjoyable athletic experience, stressing skill development and teamwork.

REGISTER FOR ATHLETICS


Our Philosophy

The Lake Forest Recreation Department's Youth Athletic Programs aim to provide young people with a safe and enjoyable athletic experience with an emphasis on sportsmanship and fair play. All participants are instructed in the fundamental skill of the sport, including positioning, rules, and basic strategy.

Every player is given an equal opportunity to participate in games and practices as well as the chance to play various positions. No participant shall, based on race, sex, national origin, or disability, be denied equal access to programs, services, or activities. All players are assured of playing at least 50% of each game with regular practice attendance (except tackle football). Practice = play.


Inclusivity

Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) serves over 1,800 individuals with disabilities through our traditional and cooperative programs. Participants range in age from preschoolers, youth and teens through young adults, adults, and seniors. Programs are offered at park district facilities, schools, our new home in Highland Park, and other locations throughout the northern suburbs. NSSRA's Inclusion support option provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy full participation in partner agency programs while receiving the individualized one-on-one support they need to succeed.

Through its programs and services, NSSRA removes the barriers that might prevent an individual with disabilities from full participation in the fun and richness of experience that life has to offer. For information on Inclusion services or to make arrangements for accommodation, contact City of Lake Forest's NSSRA Inclusion Liaison, Joe Mobile, at 847.810.3941 or [email protected].


Code of Conduct

Participants and spectators are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior. We have established guidelines to ensure safe and enjoyable programs, and additional rules may be developed for particular programs as deemed necessary by the staff. "We honor the game here."

The Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department aims to provide positive experiences in which all individuals are welcome and treated with respect, sensitivity, and fairness. The Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department offers its programs and services to all individuals equally, regardless of age, race, religion, sex, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. The Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to restrict, suspend, expel, or deny participation in any program or service to any person whose behavior materially interferes with or disrupts the quality or the enjoyment of other participants or the ability of staff to conduct or manage the activity or facility.

Unacceptable behaviors include but are not limited to:

  • Use of abusive language or language that is demeaning to others
  • Use of physical force against participants or employees
  • Disrespect towards other participants or employees
  • Damage to or inappropriate use of property, equipment, or facility
  • Behavior that is disruptive or against the law
  • Any other behavior that the Recreation Staff feels is inappropriate or dangerous

Spectators play an essential role in youth programs. Children learn best by example, and good sportsmanship and support by the spectators are expected. Spectators must follow the same Code of Behavior guidelines as participants, and failure to follow these guidelines will result in possible expulsion from the program area.

Unacceptable behaviors include but are not limited to:

  • Use of abusive language or language that is demeaning to others
  • Use of physical force against participants or employees
  • Disrespect towards other participants or employees
  • Damage to or inappropriate use of property, equipment, or facility
  • Behavior that is disruptive or against the law
  • Any other behavior that the Recreation Staff feels is inappropriate or dangerous

  1. First Incident: Verbal warning given.
  2. Second Incident: Written warning; if a minor, then the parent or guardian is contacted and must sign a written warning. Participant must sit out of the activity for a day.
  3. Third Incident: The participant will be suspended or expelled from the program or facility. If a minor, the parent must sign a suspension notice. If an employee, Personnel Guidelines will be enforced.

The severity of the incident or incidents will dictate the severity of the consequences. The Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to determine the refund amount if any. Let's all try to keep the recreation department a safe environment for everyone!