SPORTS AT LAKE FOREST HIGH SCHOOL

Lake Forest High School seeks to provide all students with opportunities to engage in athletic activities that enrich their educational experience. Athletics help to develop the core values of respect, responsibility, fairness, trustworthiness, caring, and good citizenship.

Lake Forest participates in the following sports represented by the North Suburban Conference:

BOYS Baseball Basketball Cross Country Football Golf Lacrosse Soccer Swimming & Diving Tennis Track & Field Volleyball Water Polo Wrestling Special Olympics-    Bocce (Fall) Special Olympics-    Basketball (Winter) Special Olympics-    Track & Field      (Spring)

GIRLS Badminton Basketball Cheerleading Cross Country Field Hockey      (IHSFHA) Golf Gymnastics Lacrosse Pom/Dance Softball Soccer Swimming & Diving Tennis Track and Field Volleyball Water Polo Wrestling Special Olympics-    Bocce (Fall) Special Olympics-    Basketball (Winter) Special Olympics-    Track & Field      (Spring)

Try out information, for all sports, will be listed on the Athletic home page  www.lakeforestschools.org/schools/lfhs/athletics

Anytime you have questions, please call the Athletic Office
@ (847) 582-7700.

LAKE FOREST HIGH SCHOOL
SPORT SEASON START DATES

Season start dates will not begin before the IHSA permissible dates. There may be instances that start dates could be later. These will be determined by the athletic director and coaching staff. Please check the Lake Forest High School Athletic website www.lakeforestschools.org/schools/lfhs/athletics
for the most current start dates.

ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION SPORT SEASON START DATES (2020-2021)

Most Lake Forest High School sports are governed by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). Information regarding eligibility, residency, transfers, etc. is published in the IHSA Handbook and online at www.@ihsa.org

DUE TO COVID19 - THE IHSA HAS PROPOSED THE FOLLOWING REVISION FOR THE 2020-2021  SPORT SEASONS AS FOLLOWS:
SPORT	TRADITIIONAL SEASON	REVISED  20-21 Season	TENTATIVE TIMELINE
Boys/Girls Golf	FALL	FALL	Mid August to end of October
Girls Tennis	FALL	FALL	Mid August to end of October
Boys/Girls Cross Country	FALL	FALL	Mid August to end of October
Girls Swimming & Diving	FALL	FALL	Mid August to end of October
Boys/Girls Basketball	WINTER	WINTER	Mid November to Mid February
Wrestling	WINTER	WINTER	Mid November to Mid February
Boys Swimming & Diving	WINTER	WINTER	Mid November to Mid February
Competitive Cheerleading	WINTER	WINTER	Mid November to Mid February
Competitive Dance	WINTER	WINTER	Mid November to Mid February
Girls Gymnastics	WINTER	WINTER	Mid November to Mid February
Football	FALL	SPRING	Mid February to end of April
Boys Soccer	FALL	SPRING	Mid February to end of April
Girls Volleyball	FALL	SPRING	Mid February to end of April
Girls Field Hockey	FALL	SPRING	Mid February to end of April
Sideline Cheerleading	FALL	SPRING	Mid February to end of April
Sideline Pom/Dance	FALL	SPRING	Mid February to end of April
Girls Badminton	SPRING	SPRING	Mid February to end of April
Boys/Girls Water Polo	SPRING	SPRING	Mid February to end of April
Baseball	SPRING	SUMMER	Beginning of  May to end of June
Softball	SPRING	SUMMER	Beginning of  May to end of June
Boys/Girls Track & Field	SPRING	SUMMER	Beginning of  May to end of June
Girls Soccer	SPRING	SUMMER	Beginning of  May to end of June
Boys Volleyball	SPRING	SUMMER	Beginning of  May to end of June
Boys/Girls Lacrosse	SPRING	SUMMER	Beginning of  May to end of June
Boys Tennis	SPRING	SUMMER	Beginning of  May to end of June

 

ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION RULES

The success of the LFHS Athletic Program depends on the cooperation of the athletes, the parents, and the Athletic Department. It is important that you read and understand the following statements. All athletic participation paperwork must be completed and in the athletic office by the first day of practice of the athlete's specific sport season.

Every athlete must adhere to the code of conduct. Failure to adhere to participation rules or falsification of any information is subject to disciplinary action.

EXTRACURRICULAR
CODE OF CONDUCT 

(ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR EITHER
BOE POLICY 7:300 OR 6:190)
 

PHILOSOPHY

The Board of Education, Administration, Faculty, Coaches,  and Sponsors/Supervisors of Lake Forest High School believe that all students who participate in athletics and extracurricular activities and clubs represent our highest standards, including our core principles: responsibility/accountability, integrity, acceptance, and empathy. Participation in a sport, club, and/or activity enhances the overall high school experience and provides exceptional life-learning opportunities. Students should strive to obtain personal excellence in anything they participate in at Lake Forest High School.The code of conduct specifically establishes high expectations and standards for all participating students. These expectations embody a total lifestyle approach with an emphasis on respect for self, others and property; loyalty to self, teammates, coaches, sponsors/supervisors, and school; support for the ideals of true citizenship; and maturity to fully accept choices made and the consequences they carry. The effectiveness of this code is dependent on a collective commitment from students, parents, and school personnel, along with a proactive approach to prevention and assistance. While we strive for success in anything we do, we are mindful that how we represent Lake Forest High School is equally important.

PARTED AND SCOPE

The Code applies to student conduct on and off campus, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year. Consequences are cumulative, regardless of category, beginning with the student's and parent's initial signing of this code and continuing throughout the student's entire high school career. If the percentage of the sport season, extra-curricular activity, and/or club is less than the percentage of ineligibility stated for the violation, then the suspension will be extended to the student's next sport season or club/activity. Coaches and sponsors/supervisors cannot enforce more severe consequences for a violation covered under this code of conduct.

EXTRACURRICULAR CODE VIOLATIONS

Athletics and student activities are an integral part of the total educational process, but all are a privilege. Insubordination, poor sportsmanship, anti-social behavior or violation of policies and rules is detrimental to the individual, team, and school community. Upon a violation of this code, the student will be provided oral or written notice of the Code Violation. The student needs to arrange a meeting with the Athletic Director and/or Assistant Athletic Director and/or Student Activities Director to discuss the athletic code violation, receive explanation of evidence, present his/her version of the incident, and receive the appropriate consequence.

APPEAL PROCESS

Any student-athlete that feels his/her rights have been violated may appeal the consequences.The student must submit to the Principal or designee of District 115 a written rationale for the appeal within three (3) calendar days of the violation consequence. The Principal or designee will convene a committee which will uphold or deny the appeal within three (3) calendar days of receiving the appeal. This committee will consist of the Principal or designee, two (2) coaches, and two (2) students.The student will remain under the violation consequence imposed and follow the provisions set throughout the appeal process.

OVERVIEW

All reports of suspected violations of the Code will be reported to the Athletic and/or Student Activity Director as appropriate and will be promptly reported to the Principal and investigated by the administration.  After an alleged violation of the Code has been verified by school personnel, judicial or law enforcement agency, the appropriate disciplinary consequence will be imposed by the Athletic and/or Activity sponsor, subject to review and final decision by the Principal.  Previous extracurricular code violations and disciplinary code violations may be taken into consideration when determining consequences.

GENERAL IMPLEMENTATION

The Code applies to all activities/athletics in which a student participates. As a result, consequences will be assigned to every extra-curricular.  A student leadership role will be evaluated upon each offense with the possibility of removal at any time.  The term activity or athletic team encompasses all co- or extra-curricular organizations which are not operating or which may be created after this policy is in effect. Consequences for multiple violations must be served consecutively.  A suspension will be carried over from one sport or activity season into another, or from one academic year into the next.  If a student cannot fulfill a suspension in the current sport or activity, the remaining consequences carry over to the next season/activity.  School officials are not expected to monitor off-campus, non-school activities.  However, violations of Categories II and III of the Extracurricular Code will be subject to the consequences stated in the Code regardless of the place or time of such violations throughout the calendar year, or whether such violations occurred at school, school related on non-school related activities provided that such violations are reasonably confirmed by a preponderance of facts including information from police reports.  Unsubstantiated information (i.e. rumors and/or hearsay) will be reported/shared with parents. The Principal or Principal's designee will notify legal authorities of all evidence and reports of all illegal activity if warranted.  A student charged with any illegal activity by the police may face immediate consequences as outlined by the student extra-curricular code.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Lake Forest High School students will adhere to the following requirements:

1. Demonstrate respect for staff and students by interacting with others appropriately, exhibiting sportsman-like behavior, using acceptable, non-offensive language, and refraining from verbal abuse;
2. Refrain from engaging in or being a party to acts of theft or vandalism at any time;
3. Assume and abide by the responsibilities of membership in a particular group as established by the sponsor and leaders of that group.
4. Conduct oneself in an appropriate and responsible manner.

EXTRACURRICULAR
CODE OF CONDUCT MENU - ATHLETICS

I (We) have read the Athletic Code of Conduct of Lake Forest High School. I (We) understand the categories of violations and consequences for failure to comply with this code of conduct. By signing the front of this card, we understand the Categories and Consequences of the Lake Forest High School Code of Conduct.

Extracurricular Code of Conduct may be viewed/downloaded here.

1. Students must pass twenty-five (25) credit hours of high school work per week. Generally, twenty-five (25) credit hours is the equivalent of five (5) .5 credit courses (2.5 full credits) or other combinations if lesser credit course.
2. Student must have passed and received credit toward graduation for twenty-five (25) credit hours of high school work for the entire previous semester to be eligible at all during the ensuing semester
3. Physical Education (PE) Waiver - only JR and SR rostered athletes are eligible for the PE waiver and will receive credit for their Wellness requirement for that semester, provided that they complete their sport in good standing and attend their athletic study hall daily (Attendance in Athletic Study Hall WILL BE TAKEN).
4. Managers are NOT eligible to receive PE waiver or be considered for an athletic study hall.
    

   ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES

   
   The athletic office pulls grades every Thursday from Power School. Grades are again verified on Friday. On Friday afternoon, letters are mailed home that will affect the following week athletic eligibility (Monday – Saturday).
   
   1st offense> (week one)
   Letter sent home: Notification sent to Parents, Coach, Counselor, Athletic Director
   Follow Student Athlete Sign-Off (SASSO) Procedures (Options attached)
   Athlete will not be able to participate in contests that week (M-Sat.) but is allowed to practice.
   
   2nd consecutive offense> (week two)
   Letter sent home: Notification sent to Parents, Coach, Counselor, Athletic Director
   Follow Student Athlete Sign-Off (SASSO) Procedures (Options attached)
   Athlete will not be able to participate in contests that week (M-Sat.) but is allowed to practice.
   
   3rd consecutive offense> (week three)
   Letter sent home: Notification sent to Parents, Coach, Counselor, Athletic Director
   Follow Student Athlete Sign Off (SASSO Options listed below)
   Athlete will not be able to participate in contests that week (M-Sat.)
   Including a Team Suspension. At this time, NO games and NO practice will be allowed. Athlete has one more week to pull their credits up to a 2.5.
   
   4th consecutive offense> (week four)
   After four consecutive weeks, if the athlete is still not passing, the athlete will be removed from the team. All PE requirements will need to be addressed and will be the athlete’s responsibility to make up any classes. Also, the athlete will be unable to attend the end of season team banquet and will not finish the season on the final roster.
   
   If an athlete is ineligible one week, but gets their grades above the 2.5 weekly credits, the following week without reaching 4 consecutive weeks, they are reset to 1st offense status. (ie; ineligible weeks 1 & 2, grades ok week 3, returned to eligible status, ineligible week 4- this would be treated as a new 1st offense.)

 
STUDENT-ATHLETE SUPPORT SIGN-OFF PROCEDURES (SASSO)

1. Athletic Eligibility Letter, Student-Athlete Support Sign-Off Form (SASSO), and Academic Support Options will be communicated by email and/or US mail to student-athlete, parent(s), teachers, coaches, Sport-Specific Academic Liaison, counselors, deans, and support staff once a student-athlete is determined to be academically ineligible by the Athletic Office.
2. Student-Athlete will attend three (3), thirty (30) minute subject specific support sessions in any of the classes showing deficiency during the week of ineligibility.
3. Student-Athlete will secure staff signatures on the Student-Athlete Support Sign-Off Form (SASSO) indicating when and where the academic, subject-specific support took place.
4. Student-Athlete will return the completed Student-Athlete Support Sign-Off Form (SASSO), with appropriate signatures, to the Athletic Office by the end of the week of ineligibility.
5. Athletic Office will record and track support services being used to assist student-athletes.
6. Failure by the Student-Athlete to attend/receive the requested academic support within the week will result in make-up support sessions being required.

Academic Support Options for Students (example)

• Peer Tutoring – Resource Center
• Before – After School Silent Study
• Department Resource Centers
• Personal Learning Time
• 1-on-1 with Classroom Teacher
• After School Executive Functioning Tutoring

An updated list of locations and times is available in the athletic office.

Obtain a copy of the Student-Athlete Support Sign-off Form (SASSO) here.

Participation in athletic activities is a privilege. As representatives of Lake Forest High School, student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that meets the highest standards at all times.

It is the goal of Lake Forest High School to provide all students with opportunities to engage in extra-curricular activities that enrich their education and further develop the core values of respect, responsibility, fairness, trustworthiness, caring and good citizenship.

The skills of good sportsmanship and proper behavior are learned by engaging with others, modeling good behavior and by careful instruction. It is the responsibility of the administration, staff, coaches, parents and the community at large to create a climate that fosters the development of these skills by encouraging and modeling positive and appropriate behavior within the sporting environment while striving for excellence.

Expectations for the behavior of athletes, coaches and parents at athletic contests, practices and events are outlined below:

THE ATHLETE

Student-athletes who choose to participate in any sport must agree to read, sign and abide by the athletic code of conduct as a condition of participation.

The code of conduct establishes high expectations and standards for all participating student-athletes. These expectations embody a total lifestyle approach with emphasis on respect for self, others and property, loyalty to self, teammates, coaches and school, support for the ideals of true sportsmanship and maturity to fully accept all choices made and the consequences they carry.

The effectiveness of this code depends on a collective commitment from students, parents and school personnel, and a proactive, positive approach to prevention and assistance. Athletes will be governed, at the minimum, by the Athletic Department training rules. Each head coach may establish additional rules for his/her team regarding curfew, attendance, personal conduct and personal appearance. The full text of the athletic code of conduct, including consequences for violations is available on the website at lakeforestschools.org/schools/lfhs/athletics and in this publication.

THE COACH

Coaches are required to abide by the following code of expectations:

• I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating support for all athletes, coaches and officials at all games, practices and other events.
• I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.
• I will treat each player as an individual and do my best to provide a safe environment for all players.
• I will teach my athletes to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts with civility and without resorting to hostility or violence.
• I will be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach, and I will teach these rules to my players.
• I will do my best to ensure that the sport is enjoyable for my players and remember that the game is for the athletes and not the adults.
• I will be a positive role model for my players and not engage in any unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, layer or parent. I will treat everyone with respect and civility.
• I will demand a drug, tobacco and alcohol-free sports environment from my players and refrain from their use at all events.
• I will establish open lines of communication with players and their parents so everyone understands expectations and can express concerns.

Coaches are also expected to communicate to athletes and parents their coaching philosophy, expectations for all team members, locations and times of practices/contests, team rules and requirements, emergency procedures in case of injury and consequences for violations of rules.

Failure to meet these expectations may result in disciplinary action or dismissal.

THE PARENT

Parents of student-athletes are required to abide by the following code of expectations:

• I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating support for all athletes, coaches and officials at every game, practice or other athletic event.
• I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child and other student-athletes ahead of any personal desire to win.
• I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.
• I will support coaches and officials working with my child to provide a positive, enjoyable experience for all.
• I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of athletes.
• I will treat other players, parents, coaches, fans and officials with respect and refrain from verbal indignities.
• I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts with civility and without resorting to hostility or violence.
• I will respect the coaches and officials and their authority during games and will not question, discuss or confront coaches at the game site.
• If I have issues or concerns to discuss, I will take time to speak with the coach at an agreed-upon time and place.
• I will do my best to ensure that the sport is enjoyable for my child and remember that the game is for the athletes and not the adults.
• I will demand a drug, tobacco and alcohol-free sports environment for my child and refrain from their use at all events.

Failure to meet these expectations may result in disciplinary action.  Consequences may include: removal from the practice/contest/event, written reprimand, one-game suspension, season suspension or one-year suspension.

ATHLETIC FORMS

You will receive an email with an “InfoSnap” code that will enable you to electronically complete your athletic form registration. These forms are available in the athletic office and on the athletic website.
 

Student/Athletes who choose to try out and compete on an interscholastic team must have the following on file before they are eligible to try out for a team:

1. Physical
   1. A physical is valid for 395 days from the date of issue per Illinois High School Association (IHSA) by-laws and must be signed and dated by a doctor or nurse practitioner.
   2. A physical must remain valid through the participation of any sport.
2. Athletic Participation form – which will include Steroid Consent / Code of Conduct Consent
3. Concussion information form
4. Emergency information form

ATHLETE/PARENT/COACH COMMUNICATION

The LFHS Athletic Department encourages open communication among athletes, parents and coaches. Both athletes and parents are urged to discuss their concerns with the coach in the appropriate setting and at the appropriate time.

Note to parents: Appropriate concerns to discuss with the coach include mental or physical treatment of your child, strategies for improving your child’s performance and behavior issues affecting your child. Issues not appropriate for a parent to discuss with coaches include playing time, starting positions, team strategy, play calling and other student-athletes.

ATTENDANCE/PRACTICES: VACATION/SCHOOL CLOSING

All team members are expected to attend all practices and tryout days. During all three sports seasons, practices are regularly scheduled during times when school is not in session. Practice schedules are determined by the coaching staff, and coaches decide who plays. We strongly request that arrangements be made to ensure that the athletes attend all practices and games during vacation periods. It is understandable that athletes who practice or compete during this time will likely move ahead of those who are not present. All athletes should be cognizant of their commitment to both their coaches and teammates.

Written or verbal communication must be made with the head coach of the program by the athlete prior to any missed practices or games due to extraordinary circumstances.

It is also assumed that athletes will be diligent when it comes to honoring their commitment to attend practices and contests during times when school is in session. The Athletic Department does not condone missing school under any circumstances except family emergencies. Students are expected to be in attendance each day in order to participate in a practice, contest or school sponsored trip.

BOOSTER CLUB

The Lake Forest High School Booster Club supports and encourages the athletic, social and other extracurricular activities of Lake Forest High School students. It also provides moral and financial support to encourage and enlarge extracurricular activities for the benefit of all students. Numerous opportunities exist to participate in the LFHS Booster Club. Information about membership, the Team Mom Program and other activities sponsored each year is sent home annually.

The Lake Forest High School coaching staff recognizes the importance and value of the Booster Club’s support and encourages all parents to be a part of this organization.

CELEBRATIONS

While athletes, coaches and fans are excited in victory, Lake Forest High School recognizes that certain types of celebrations may be disrespectful or dangerous. Lake Forest High School Athletic Department encourages appropriate celebrations.

CHANGING SPORTS

If a coach cuts a student from a team the student may try out for another team or program in that sports season, provided that tryouts for the second sport have not been concluded. An athlete who quits one sport to join another (in-season) may do so, as long as the new coach agrees to accept the athlete.

COEDUCATIONAL INTERSCHOLASTIC COMPETITION

Forest High School will provide opportunities for separate but comparable athletic opportunities for both boys and girls, in accordance with all local, state, and federal guidelines concerning transgender participation and affirmative action.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROCESS

Although it is desirable for concerns to be addressed initially between athletes and coaches, occasionally situations arise where conflicts are not resolved by this interaction. The District has established a conflict resolution process for these types of athletic concerns.

Athletes or their parents should first seek to resolve disagreements with the coach. If issues remain unresolved, the matter should move to the Athletic Director for mediation and further discussion. If resolution is still unreachable, the athlete may enlist the aid of the Student Advisory Team, who will meet with the athlete and the Coach. Issues still unresolved will go to the AD and the head coach. The Principal and Superintendent will become involved only after the parent and athlete have followed the prescribed procedure. The athlete may invite an advocate to attend these meetings at any step of the process. A list of possible invitees is included on the conflict resolution chart. A copy of this chart follows:

CUT POLICY

In some sports, cutting a team down to manageable size is necessary. Each of Lake Forest’s sports programs will have its own policy on choosing teams, but all sports should use these principles as a determinate for squad retention: talent, ability, potential, attitude, attendance, and discipline. Athletes should be reminded that they are evaluated on a daily basis.

 

EQUIPMENT/UNIFORMS

A specific uniform/equipment date is set for each sport once the team roster is complete.  An athlete is responsible for each uniform/item of equipment issued to him/her.  Everything issued is recorded and MUST be returned.  Any school issued uniform/item of equipment that is not returned at the conclusion of each season will result in an invoice being issued for the full replacement costs.  An athlete with an outstanding invoice for any unreturned uniform/equipment will not be permitted to participate in another sport until all issued items are returned.  If you are found to have unauthorized equipment, it will be taken from you and disciplinary action may be taken

Please take care of your uniform/equipment.  Considerable resources are expended to outfit each team; we hope you will take pride in it.  Hang up your uniform/equipment and see that it is cleaned as directed.  Wear it ONLY at authorized Lake Forest contests or practices unless approved by the coach.

Student are not allowed to enter equipment rooms except when personally supervised by the equipment manager or with their coach.

INTRAMURAL ACTIVITIES

Intramurals are open to all students with the exception of “in-season” athletes, who may not participate in their same sport (i.e. a member of an interscholastic basketball team may not be on an intramural basketball team, or participants in tackle football may not participate in flag football). Different activities are scheduled throughout the year. 

RSCHOOLTODAY-NOTIFY ME

The athletic office/coaches use the rSchoolToday link – which is found on the athletic web page under "Additional Reminders." Once you choose
SIGN UP HERE FOR "NOTIFY ME" IN RSCHOOLTODAY.
This will enable you to receive text messages to your cell phone and/or receive email reminders and notifications before events and of any schedule changes.

ROSTERS/SCHEDULES

Team Rosters and athletic schedules are available on-line at www.lakeforestschools.org/schools/lfhs/athletics

SPORTS PARTICIPATION FEE

There is a sports participation fee of $235.00 per sport which will be invoiced from the business office once the student makes the final team roster. Fees can be paid online at www.lfhs.org. Questions? Please contact the district Fee Specialist at 847-604-7437, LFHS West Campus, 300 S. Waukegan Rd.
PLEASE REMEMBER – The Sports Participation fee is separate from any money that might be collected from Team Parents for additional needs that the team might have during the sport season, including but not limited to: snacks, drinks, team dinners & banquet expenses

STUDENT PASSES

Lake Forest High School students may purchase student activity cards at the beginning of the school year. This pass can be used for admission to all Lake Forest High School athletic events. Parents that purchase the appropriate booster club pass will be allowed admission to home LFHS Athletic Events when the pass is presented at the door or gate.

The IHSA establishes admission prices for all levels of IHSA State Tournaments. LFHS Activity Cards and Booster Club passes are not valid for these events.

TRAINING ROOM, INJURIES, INSURANCE

Our training room provides athletes with equipment and facilities to prevent injuries and to provide first aid treatment. Please do not consider the training room a lounge or meeting place. Go there only when necessary. Do not carry training supplies out of the room. Please do not use supplies to repair equipment or uniforms. We need your cooperation to keep the appearance of the training room neat and orderly. Students are expected to notify their coach when using the services of the trainer.

The School District provides catastrophic insurance coverage, as required by law, for students participating in sanctioned athletic events and activities.  If desired, an additional Supplemental Accident Insurance Plan is available for purchase - contact the athletic office for details.

TRANSPORTATION POLICY

Please be aware of the policies about transportation of student-athletes to and from Lake Forest competitions.

1. Lake Forest provides transportation to and from all athletic contests, and all athletes are required to utilize school transportation. Athletes may not participate in an away contest if they drive themselves to the event, or if they use alternate transportation without prior permission of the Athletic Director.
2. Most of our transportation is provided through Olson Bus Company. Lake Forest High School also uses 14 passenger white buses and school vans. Only coaches and approved employees may drive these vehicles, meeting the requirements established by the Board of Education.
3. Bus drivers are not allowed to stop at residential streets or make other intermediate stops to allow students to leave the bus because they might be closer to home. Students are expected to ride the bus back to school.
4. In the event that a parent may NEED to take their child home (or with them) after an away contest due to an extenuating circumstance(***), the parents MUST do the following:
   
   a. They need to email the level coach 24 hours in advance and get Coach approval
   
   b. Once the Coach approves and notifies the athletic office, the parent must submit a written or emailed note to the athletic office for us to keep on file PRIOR to the game
   
   c. They MUST sign their son/daughter out with the coach on site the day of the contest prior to leaving

**** Extenuating circumstances are not designed to be matters of convenience ****

 

Any other travel concerns will need to be discussed/approved with the athletic director

5. 
   When traveling to away activities, athletes must remember that they represent LFHS and should dress and act appropriately. Coaches may direct athletes as to what actions and dress requirements are expected.

WEATHER-RELATED CANCELLATIONS

If there are weather-related cancellations for athletic contests, every attempt will be made to announce the cancellation by 2:00 pm the day of the contest. Information regarding cancellations will be updated on our website. Coaches will determine practice times on days of cancellations in conjunction with the athletic office and communicate those changes to their athletes.

WEIGHT ROOM

The weight room is supervised and open to high school students during the school year Monday – Friday from 3:30–5:00 pm. Students are not allowed to use the weight room or the gyms unsupervised. This procedure is strictly enforced.

ALL ATHLETES SHALL RECEIVE THE INDICATED AWARDS IF THEY COMPLETE THEIR SPORT SEASON IN GOOD STANDING. THE SEASON WILL BE CONSIDERED COMPLETED AT THE END OF THEIR LAST CONTEST.

FRESHMAN AWARD
a) Numerals will be presented to freshmen after participation in their first sport.
b) If freshmen participate and receive the award for the Varsity team, they shall also receive their numerals if they have not received them for any other sport.
c) A certificate of recognition will be awarded if a freshman participates in more than one sport during the year.

SOPHOMORE/JUNIOR VARSITY AWARD
If these are distinct and separate teams, they shall receive the following awards:
a) Small chenille LF will be awarded after participation at this level for the first time.
b) Succeeding Soph/JV levels for any other sport will receive a certificate of recognition.
c) An athlete that is brought up to the varsity level and is a participant for 50% of the time shall receive the Varsity award. If they are not a participant at this level for 50% of the time, they shall be presented the lower-level award.

VARSITY AWARD
a) Large chenille LF and sport pin will be awarded after participation at varsity level for the first time.
b) Succeeding Varsity levels for any other sport will receive a Varsity Certificate and sport pin.

SPECIAL AWARD
Anyone having participated for four years, at any lower level, shall receive the varsity letter and appropriate sport pin in their senior year. This does not qualify recipient for All Academic honors; it is strictly recognition for four years of participation.

MANAGER AWARD
Managers at all levels shall receive a “MGR” pin.

CAPTAIN’S AWARD
Captains at the Varsity level only shall receive a Captain’s pin.

“MOST IMPROVED” AWARD
A player or players shall be selected by the coaches or team members to receive this award at all levels: Special paper certificate.

“MOST VALUABLE” AWARD
Varsity player or players only (not to exceed two unless approved by the Athletic Director) shall be selected by the coaches or team members to receive this award: Special certificate.

SPECIAL AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS
At the coach’s discretion, the coach may wish to select certain athletes for special awards.

NSC ALL-ACADEMIC AWARD
Presented to Juniors and Seniors on a Varsity team who have a 4.5 GPA Cumulative grade point or better.

A copy of the 2021-22 IHSA Bylaws may be viewed/downloaded here.

IHSA PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING SUBSTANCE TESTING POLICY

At their June 2017 meeting, the IHSA Board of Directors decided to discontinue the association's performance-enhancing substances (PES) testing program, beginning with the 2017-18 school term.  In making the decision to discontinue the program the Board believes the testing program had been successful in curbing the use of PES's by student-athletes in Illinois.  While the Testing Program has been discontinued, the Policy itself and the requirements concerning coaching education, however, remain intact so administrators need to ensure their coaches are completing the online PES training program in the Schools Center.  Coaches need to complete this program once for their coaching career.
The IHSA Board of Directors and its Sports Medicine Advisory Committee do not condone the use of performance-enhancing substances and remind coaches of their responsibility to ensure student-athletes train following safe and legal methods.  Student-athletes are advised to only take medications and supplements as prescribed by a licensed physician.  Deviating from that puts a student-athlete at risk to violate the association's PES Policy.

https://www.ihsa.org/Resources/Sports-Medicine/PerformanceEnhancingDrugsSteroidEducation
https://www.ihsa.org/Resources/Sports-Medicine/PerformanceEnhancingDrugsSteroidEducation/SteroidEducationUnits
https://www.ihsa.org/Resources/Sports-Medicine/PerformanceEnhancingDrugsSteroidEducation/IHSAPerformanceEnhancingSubstancePolicy
https://www.ihsa.org/documents/sportsMedicine/current/IHSA%20Banned%20Drugs.pdf

IHSA CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

https://www.ihsa.org/Resources/Sports-Medicine/Concussion-Management
https://www.ihsa.org/Resources/Sports-Medicine/Concussion-Management/Stakeholder-Responibilities
https://www.ihsa.org/Resources/Sports-Medicine/Concussion-Management/Health-Care-Provider-Information
https://www.ihsa.org/Resources/Sports-Medicine/Concussion-Management/Concussion-Resources

CONCUSSION INFORMATION SHEET

A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly. In other words, even a “ding” or a bump on the head can be serious. You can’t see a concussion and most sports concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek medical attention right away.

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

• Headaches
• "Pressure in head"
•  Nausea or vomiting
•  Neck pain
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Blurred, double or fuzzy vision
•  Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling sluggish or slowed down
• Feeling foggy or groggy
•  Drowsiness
• Change in sleep patterns
• Amnesia
• "Don't feel right"
• Fatigue or low energy
• Sadness
• Nervousness or anxiety
•  Irritability
• More emotional
• Confusion
• Concentration or memory problems (forgetting game plays)
• Repeating the same question/comment

 

Signs observed by teammates, parents and coaches include:

• Appears dazed
• Vacant facial expression
• Confused about assignments
• Forgets plays
• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily or displays uncoordination
• Answers questions slowly
• Slurred speech
• Shows behavior or personality changes
• Can't recall events prior to hit
• Can't recall events after hit
• Seizures or convulsions
• Any change in typical behavior or personality
• Loses consciousness

WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF MY CHILD KEEPS ON PLAYING WITH CONCUSSION OR RETURNS TOO SOON?

Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury. There is an increased risk of significant damage from a concussion for a period of time after that concussion occurs, particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one. This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even to severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and even fatal consequences. It is well known that adolescent or teenage athletes will often fail to report symptoms of injuries. Concussions are no different. As a result, education of administrators, coaches, parents and students is the key to student-athlete’s safety.

IF YOU THINK YOUR CHILD HAS SUFFERED A CONCUSSION

Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the game or practice immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical clearance. Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours. IHSA Policy requires athletes to provide their school with written clearance from either a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches or a certified athletic trainer working in conjunction with a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches (such as those employed by LFHS) prior to returning to play or practice following a concussion or after being removed from an interscholastic contest due to a possible head injury or concussion and not cleared to return to that same contest. In accordance with state law, all IHSA member schools are required to follow this policy.

You should also inform your child’s coach and the LFHS Athletic Trainers if you think that your child may have a concussion. Along with other assessment tools, the sports medicine staff at LFHS uses a computerized testing program called ImPACT to measure your child’s brain function and status to help ensure they do not return to play too soon. This test may be used post-concussion without a baseline, or the athletic training staff may acquire pre-injury baseline information, through questionnaires, computer assessments, and family histories, from you and/or your child, to help them assess your child in the event treatment is needed. All such information will be held confidential and shared with LFHS and medical personnel on a “need-to-know only” basis. Remember it’s better to miss one game than miss the whole season. And when in doubt, the athlete sits out.

For current and up-to-date information on concussions
you can go to:

https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/index.html OR
Contact one of the athletic trainers at (847) 582-7397

For information on NCAA college-bound student/athletes Division I, Division II and Division III college requirements, please refer to the following website for the most current information:

http://www.ncaa.org

Please refer to the following website for the most current information and requirements for NAIA college-bound student/athletes:

http://www.naia.org/

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How do I sign up for a sport?

A: You will register for sports in the summer when you receive an email with your InfoSnap Code from the business office.This is the best and efficient way to register. If you do not register electronically you will have to come to the athletic office and obtain your required paperwork to sign up.

Q: Once I sign up does that mean I made the team?

A: NO

Q: What kind of paperwork needs to be completed before a student can tryout for a sport??

A: You will receive an email with an “InfoSnap” code that will enable you to electronically complete your athletic registration.These forms are also available on the school website:
http://www.lakeforestschools.org/schools/lfhs/athletics
Select the Athletic Documents tab.  Forms can also be obtained in the athletic office.

Student/Athletes who choose to try out and compete on an interscholastic team must have the following paperwork on file before they are eligible to try out for a team:

1. Physical that is not older than 1 year before the first day of tryouts and through the participation of sport season of any rostered athlete (IHSA will allow an additional 30 days past physical expiration date)

2. Athletic Participation form – which will include Steroid Consent / Code of Conduct Concussion information form

3. Emergency information form

Q: If I don’t have all my forms in, can I still try out?

A: NO

Q: What costs are there?

A: There is a sports participation fee of $235.00 per sport which will be invoiced from the business office

Q: If I don’t pay my uniform fee, will I still get one?

A: NO

Q: What other costs are there?

A: There is a sports participation fee of $235.00 per sport which will be invoiced from the business office once the student makes the final team roster. Fees can be paid online at www.lfhs.org. Questions, please contact the district Fee Specialist at 847-604-7437, LFHS West Campus, 300 S. Waukegan Rd.

PLEASE REMEMBER – Sports Participation fee is separate from any money that might be collected from Team Parents for additional needs that the team might have during the sport season, including but not limited to: snacks, drinks, team dinners & banquet expenses.

Q: If I don’t pay my sports PARTICIPATION fee, can I try out for another sport?

A: NO

Q: If I quit my sport at any time, will I have to make up my PE requirements?

A: YES - All Athletes are required to finish their sport in “good standing.” That includes finishing the season.

Q: Are all practices at the High School (East Campus)?

A: NO - Many of our sports hold their practices at West Campus, as well as other off-site venues (ex: golf course).

Q: How do I get to West Campus?

A: If you are a licensed driver, you may drive. If you don’t have a license, we have shuttle buses that leave from East Campus and go to West for drop-off only. Athletes should make arrangements for pick up. Check with your coach on days and times shuttle buses run.

DOWNLOAD A COPY OF SCOUT TRAILS, which contains LFHS Competition Sites, Opponent School Sites, Golf Courses and Parks & Forest Preserves.