Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Why does Mahomet Parks and Recreation have registration deadlines?

Mahomet Recreation Department programs service a community of approximately 14,000 people on a fee base cost system due to the lack of a tax-supported Park District. The acceptance of late registrations right up to the start of the season has proven to be an unfair practice to staff, coaches, and players who were trying to organize not only a recreational, but an educational experience for our youth Similar to recreation agencies across the state and nation, the department established registration deadlines that would allow our small staff adequate time to form teams, secure and train the appropriate number of qualified volunteers, and obtain adequate t-shirts and equipment in a timely and cost-efficient fashion. These deadlines have been strictly enforced for the past five years – a procedure that has proven to be beneficial to staff and coaches as they prepare for the teams. Any late registration will be added to a wait list (see "I missed a deadline" FAQ below for details on the wait list.

What can I do to help out Mahomet Parks and Recreation Department?

There are several ways to help our department. Volunteers are the backbone of the organization and nothing we do is possible without committed volunteers. There are also financial needs, for more information on volunteer opportunities and sponsorship/donations contact us at mahometrec@mahomet-il.gov or call us at 586-6025. Ask for Dan or Chris!

What is the difference between and parks and recreation department and a park district? And which is Mahomet?

We are a of the Village Administration,unlike Park Districts, we rely heavily upon participant fees and donations from the community. Park District fees are lower because they receive a broader base of tax dollars to support and fund programs.

I missed the registration deadline, what can I do?

Because programs require ordering uniforms, supplies, time to organize, assign field/court space and hiring additional staff based on enrollment, Registration Deadlines have been established.

If a program deadline has passed, please contact the MPRD office regarding late registration. In some cases, we are able to accommodate those still wishing to participate. A $10 per person, per program late registration fee will apply. There are no pro-rating of program fees for late registration. MPRD reserves the right to waive late fees for programs that have not met the minimum number of participants required to operate the program. MPRD staff reserves the right to start a “wait list” at any point in time following a program deadline.

A registration form must be filled out and submitted, without payment, to be placed on a wait list. When the registration is turned in, it is dated and time stamped. Players on the wait list will be used to fill team vacancies if and when they occur. Once teams are posted and league play has begun, placement off of the wait list is extremely rare. However, if a registered participant withdrawals from the program, the wait list will be considered. Players will be taken in date order off of the wait list and a $10.00 late fee will be accessed. There is no guarantee that a child will be accepted off the wait list. Register early to avoid disappointment. Registration is available 8-12 months in advance of any league program deadline. No exceptions to this policy will be made for late registrations.

I want a refund for a program that I've paid for, what is the refund policy?

A refund application form must be filled out and submitted to the Mahomet Parks & Recreation Department office in order to receive consideration for a refund. We cannot accept telephone Refund Application Requests for ANY Parks & Recreation activity. All requests must be made by mail or in person during regular office hours. • NO refunds on "league" programs once teams are set up and posted on our website. • NO refunds will be given after the start of the program. • NO refunds for certain special events. (i.e.; recreation trips, camps, clinics, contracted classes, etc.) All refunds will not include any online convenience fees and are subject to a $10 Administrative Service Fee (per registration). Except under the following circumstances: • Refund is initiated by the Park & Recreation Department • Doctor's note is submitted with Refund Application Form prior to the start of the program

I want to rent a facility, how can I reserve the space and how much will it cost?

Go to "Forms & Documents" for more information on Athletic Facility and Concessions Use Agreement.

Is there a process for coach selection, or can just anybody do it?

Anyone can do it, and there is a process. We ask all of our volunteers to submit a Background Information Form, which can be downloaded from this website (under forms) or can be picked up from the office. Once a form has been completed, we'll forward the information to Mahomet Police Department for review. Once approved, our volunteer coaches are selected based upon several factors, including past experience, department evaluations, and parent evaluations. Coaches are also asked to attend a training night for which we present sport specific coach training and communicate our philosophy and goals for the program.

I would like to work for Mahomet Parks and Recreation, what opportunities are available?

Throughout the entire year there are always employment opportunities. From officiating to site supervisors to groundskeeping we have a number of opportunities available. All openings are announced right here on the website or you can give us a call anytime throughout the year to find out what needs we have! We are an equal opportunity employer and our wages are very competitve, apply today! Applications and Current Job Openings can be found under "Jobs" on this website.

Why are scholarships available for some programs but not all?

Due to limited funding, scholarships are available for our 5 core youth programs: volleyball, baseball/softball, soccer, flag football and basketball. Participants eligible for consideration for scholarship are those that are currently participating in M-S School District’s reduced lunch program. Every registration will be verified with the School District to confirm eligibility. Because of limited amount of funding that is available for scholarships, all registrations will be processed on a first come, first serve basis. Mahomet Recreation grants two scholarships per child per MPRD calendar year, which consists of our volleyball - basketball seasons.

How do you know if you're a resident or non-resident of the Village?

The Mahomet Parks and Recreation Department is committed to offering Village residents a wide range of services and activities at the lowest overall cost. The Parks and Recreation Department receives a limited amount of tax dollars from the “Village of Mahomet” tax line item, on an annual basis to help administer, develop and maintain our park and play areas. Since the families that live within our corporate limits pay a “Village of Mahomet” tax to help our parks and recreation, the Village of Mahomet Board of Trustees implemented a Non-Resident Fee. The Non-Resident fee contributes to the funding of administration, parks and recreations programs, facilities and services on an equitable basis with residents that pay the Village of Mahomet Corporate tax.

The Village of Mahomet distinguishes Residency or Non-Residency by the “Village of Mahomet” tax line and has nothing to do with the school districts or the public libraries boundaries, they set their own. We hope this helps to explain how the Village determines residency. Please see attached map. (Yellow areas indicate Residents.) If you still are not sure, please don't hesitate to call or email our office. DISCLAIMER Although the information found on this map is believed to be reliable, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information, either isolated or in the aggregate. The user of the information agrees that the information is subject to change without notice. MPRD assumes no responsibility for the consequences of use of such information, nor for any infringement of third party intellectual property rights which may result from its use. In no event shall MPRD be liable for any direct, indirect, special or incidental damage resulting from, arising out of or in connection with the use of the information. http://mahomet.recdesk.com/RecDeskPortal/Portals/13/Village of Mahomet Limits 2011.pdf

How can I contact my coach?

The current season's coaches contact information is available right here on the website under "Rosters" to your left. Find your team and you'll find your coach!

Why is it that only the Coaches phone & email information is posted on the rosters?

Our department chooses not to post the information of our participants to protect their privacy and limit the exposure of our customers on the internet.

I haven't heard from my coach yet and I signed up a long time ago; I see other kids out practicing.

Coaches will contact their players after they have had a coached meeting with the Athletics Coordinator. This meeting is typically 2-3 weeks after the deadline. Occasionally, a team may still be in need of a coach and practices would be on hold until a parent or volunteer steps forward.

Are practices scheduled by Mahomet Parks and Recreation or the coach?

Outdoor sports(soccer, flag football, t-ball, softball, and baseball), practices are scheduled by the coach.Mahomet Parks and Recreation reserves School District and Village Facilities for practices and / or games. This information is passed onto the coach and they are allowed to schedule their teams practices as they see fit.

Can my child play up a grade? I need them to a)because of carpooling, b) so they can play can play with their friends/sibling, c) because they're too good for their age group, etc.

Our goal is to position participation for success. Mahomet Parks and Recreation youth sports leagues are organized by grades and not ages accept 4 year old and 5 year old leagues. Age breaks downs can be confusing as to what day/month/year they have to be a certain age. Playing by grades ensures a similar level of physical and mental maturity among participants and allows kids to play with their classmates. Playing by grades allows kids to play with classmates that may not be able to otherwise.When a child plays up a grade, they are participating against more mature, experienced, bigger, and stronger kids. Although some kids may ready for this challenge of playing up a grade, once an exception is made it is hard to justify saying no to another. Not every child is ready to play up and this is unfair to the child who may not be able to keep up with the older player's.

While we all recognize that children develop at different rates and that some players are more skilled or have had advanced training and experiences, MPRD does not allow players to play out of their age/grade divisions. First, we believe that children are best served by playing with their peers and classmates. There is no evidence that “playing up” increases a player’s chance of success in post-puberty athletics. Secondly, there are practical considerations regarding liability and insurance concerns. Lastly, having an array of talent and ability on a team adds to the overall youth sports experience for all of the players.

In instances when grade cannot be determined by Mahomet-Seymour Community Unit School District #3, participants will be place in league based on their birth date.

My child is young for thier grade/ skipped a grade/ is small for their age, can they play down a year?

Mahomet Parks and Recreation sets up sports leagues by grades not ages, except for some 4 year old and 5 year old leagues in certain sports. Age break downs can be confusing as to what day/month/year they have to be a certain age. Playing by grades allows kids to play with classmates that they may not be able to otherwise. Unfortunately, Mahomet Parks and Recreation does not make any exception for kids to play down a grade.

While we all recognize that children develop at different rates and that some players are less skilled or have had various training and experiences, MPRD does not allow players to play out of their age/grade divisions. First, we believe that children are best served by playing with their peers and classmates. There are practical considerations regarding liability and insurance concerns. Also, having an array of talent and ability on a team adds to the overall youth sports experience for all of the players.

In instances when grade cannot be determined by Mahomet-Seymour Community Unit School District #3, participants will be place in league based on their birth date.

Can I request a certain coach/team/buddy pairing? Or I requested to be with a certain coach/team/buddy and you did not honor that, I want you to make the change…

No requests are guaranteed. To help ensure balanced teams, the only pairing requests that are honored are those of the children of 1 head coach with 1 assistant coach. Furthermore, consistent with our philosophy, we want to encourage social development (i.e. make some new friends). Finally, often times when such requests are made the coach/child requested may not be coaching/participating or is in a different age group. Any Requests made at registration for certain teammates, coaches, etc. are discouraged and NEVER guaranteed.