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Coach's Corner
Behind Every Great Team Is Someone Who Showed up First
Whether you're a parent volunteering for your child's team or a community coach with experience to share, this is your home base: interest forms, resources, and everything you need to coach with us.
Volunteer with us
One Mission, Every Coach Matters
You're shaping the experience for hundreds of kids and families each season.
Volunteer
Give Back To The Game
Parent coaches, assistant coaches, and community volunteers make youth sports possible. No certification required. Just a willingness to show up and make a difference.
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Coach your own child's team
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Free coach t-shirt & equipment provided
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End-of-season recognition
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CPR/First Aid training offered
How to get started
Four Steps to the Sideline
The process is the same for volunteer and paid roles. Most applicants are cleared and assigned within two weeks.
01
Submit An Interest Form
Fill out the online coaching interest form. Tell us which sport(s) and age group(s) you're interested in.
02
Complete A Background Check
All coaches must pass a background screening. The district covers the cost and walks you through the process.
03
Attend Coach Orientation
A mandatory session covering park district policies, safety protocols, communication expectations, and your sport-specific playbook.
04
Start Coaching
You'll be matched with a team or program based on your availability, sport preference, and experience level. Equipment and field assignments are provided.
Coach resources
Everything You Need, in One Place
Handbooks, schedules, safety protocols, and practice plans, all available online and updated each season.
Coach Handbook
Policies, emergency procedures, game-day protocols, and parent communication templates.
Field & Gym Schedules
Practice times, facility assignments, and rainout procedures for every season.
Equipment Checkout
Request balls, cones, pinnies, first aid kits, and other gear from the equipment room at the Rec Center.
Drills & Curriculum
Age-appropriate practice plans and skill progressions for each sport, reviewed by our athletics staff.
Concussion Protocol
Required reading. Recognize, remove, and refer. Every coach must know the signs and steps.
Weather & Cancellation Policy
Lightning, heat index, and cold-weather thresholds. How and when to cancel, and how families are notified.
League Documents
League manuals, rules, field diagrams, practice plans, drills, and game schedules. New documents are posted as each season's materials are finalized.
Field Diagrams
Coming soon
Practice Plans
Coming soon
Drills
Coming soon
Game Schedules
Coming soon
What we expect
The Standard We Hold Ourselves To
Our coaches represent the Park District of La Grange. These expectations apply to every coach.
Positive Coaching
Prioritize development and sportsmanship over winning. Every kid plays, every kid learns.
Communication
Respond to parent inquiries within 48 hours. Send weekly practice/game reminders through the team portal.
Safety First
Complete the pre-practice safety checklist. Carry your first aid kit. Know your emergency action plan.
Attendance
Be on-site 15 minutes before every practice and game. Notify athletics staff of any absences at least 24 hours in advance.
Inclusivity
Accommodate all skill levels and abilities. No child is turned away, no child rides the bench all game.
Zero Tolerance
No abusive language, no physical intimidation, no ejections from officials left unaddressed. Violations result in immediate review.
Common questions
Frequently Asked
Don't see your question? Contact the athletics office directly.
Do I Need Prior Coaching Experience?
Not for volunteer roles. We provide orientation, drills, and ongoing support.
Can I Coach My Own Child's Team?
Yes. Most of our volunteer coaches are parents. We do our best to assign you to your child's age group and team.
How Much Time Does Volunteer Coaching Require?
Typically 2-3 hours per week: one practice and one game. Seasons run 6-10 weeks depending on the sport.
What Sports Need Coaches Right Now?
Needs shift each season. Submit an interest form and our athletics coordinator will match you with current openings.
Is There A Minimum Age To Coach?
Volunteer coaches must be at least 18. Junior coach assistants (ages 14-17) can support a head coach but cannot lead a team alone.
What If I Need To Miss A Practice Or Game?
Notify the athletics office at least 24 hours in advance. We'll arrange a substitute or combine groups for that session.
Ready to Coach?
Submit an interest form and our athletics coordinator will follow up within 48 hours.