Question 1

How can I reach someone in the Athletics' Division?

Accepted Answer

You can call their main telephone number at (813) 635-3500. Or you can email them at prk-fields@hcfl.gov

Question 2

How many athletic fields does Hillsborough County’s Parks and Recreation Department manage?

Accepted Answer

The Department has the largest field management program in the state of Florida with over 290 fields. Interactive Field Reservation Map.

Question 3

Do athletics trainers or coaches need a permit to train athletes at Hillsborough County sports complexes and parks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, any organized or paid training, practices, or games held on a field or open space require a permit. Permits can be obtained by emailing prk-fields@hcfl.gov.

Question 4

Can pets accompany visitors to Hillsborough County Sport Complexes?

Accepted Answer

While we appreciate your love for animals, please note that pets are not permitted inside Hillsborough County sports facilities. However, we warmly welcome service animals as defined by the ADA. Service animals include trained dogs (including those in training) that assist individuals with disabilities. Service animals must remain under the control of their owners throughout their visit.

Question 5

What is TEAM HC?

Accepted Answer

The Hillsborough County's TEAM HC Program offers local travel ball teams a valuable opportunity for player development and safety. With two two-hour practices per week and six eight-week sessions, the program provides access to groomed and lighted fields, along with cost-effective practice space.

Through consistent practices, structured training, and a strong emphasis on player development and safety, this program is ideal for those seeking to enhance their team's skills while ensuring a secure playing environment.

Join the TEAM HC Program and empower your team to excel throughout the year.

Question 6

How do I rent a field?

Accepted Answer

To inquire about field rentals and availability, please email our staff at PRK-Fields@HCFL.gov.

Question 7

What is organized play?

Accepted Answer

Organized Activity (as it pertains to sports field use) refers to any scheduled, structured, or coordinated use of a field involving multiple participants for a common purpose. This includes, but is not limited to:

Team practices or games
League or tournament play
Training sessions or clinics
Camps, tryouts, or scrimmages
Activities led by a coach, trainer, or instructor (paid or volunteer)
Any use that is pre-planned and not considered casual or spontaneous public recreation

All organized activities require prior approval and a reservation or permit issued by Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation.

Question 8

Do you have a list of all your rental fields?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can view all of our rentable fields on this Interactive Fields Map.

Question 9

What’s the cost to rent a field?

Accepted Answer

The cost to rent a field is $30/hr plus tax, per BOCC policy. A full day per field is $275.

Question 10

Does the full-day rental include field prep?

Accepted Answer

Clay fields will be dragged and ready for play. Renters are responsible for their own field markings (Foul Lines, Batter’s Boxes, Football Hash Marks, Soccer Lines, Lacrosse Lines, etc).

Question 11

Do I need to fill out a special event application for my rental?

Accepted Answer

If your rental is for a fundraiser, large gathering, or other organized event that will bring in spectators or the general public, you must fill out a special event application.

Question 12

Is alcohol allowed?

Accepted Answer

Question 13

Can I bring a vendor to my rental reservation?

Accepted Answer

Vendors are welcome at your event, depending on what the company will vend there may be a fee of $50.00 to be paid by each vendor to the County. They also need to submit a Hillsborough County vendor packet.

Question 14

Are bouncy houses allowed?

Accepted Answer

Bounce houses are allowed at some sites, but they must be on the County Approved Bounce House Vendor list

Question 15

Can I cook food at my event?

Accepted Answer

No outside cooking. You may use approved County food vendors. Contact Athletics staff for approved food vendors.

Question 16

Are lights included with my rental, if so, how do they come on?

Accepted Answer

Lights are included with athletic field rentals at sites with lighting.

Question 17

Can I just rent a portion of the field?

Accepted Answer

No. You must rent the entire field.

Question 18

Who do I need to contact for gymnasium, picnic shelters, open field space, or non-athletic field rentals?

Accepted Answer

If you are interested in a rental at one of the facilities listed below, please contact All People's Life Center at (813) 744-5978 for additional assistance.

All Peoples
Jackson Springs
Northdale
Westchase
Gardenville
Emanuel P. Johnson
Ruskin
Mango

Question 19

Do I need insurance to rent a field?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The insurance requirements vary depending on the circumstance, but generally the insurance requirements are as follows:

General Liability for $1,000,000/occurrence
Participant/Student Accidental Medical for $10,000
Additional insured, “Hillsborough County BOCC 601 East Kennedy Boulevard Tampa FL 33602"

Question 20

Where can I get the required insurance?

Accepted Answer

You can acquire the proper insurance from most insurance companies. Search the web for “Insurance for youth or adult sports teams.” It is fairly inexpensive and easily acquired.

Question 21

Do you accept participant liability waivers?

Accepted Answer

Generally we do not accept liability waivers and we require rentals to have liability insurance.

Question 22

What other requirements are there for coaches?

Accepted Answer

Concussion education training, and if they are a team then they also need volunteer training and AED, CPR & First Aid Training, and Heat Illness Training.

Question 23

Does Hillsborough County provide equipment? (Goals, nets, etc.) If so, what site provides this.

Accepted Answer

In most cases, goals, nets and other sport specific equipment is not supplied by the County. Renters are responsible for bringing and removing their own equipment.

Question 24

What sports are pre-lined on Synthetic fields?

Accepted Answer

Most of our rectangle synthetic turf fields are lined for soccer and lacrosse.

Question 25

Can I add lines on Synthetic Fields?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not allow renters to add lines to synthetic turf fields.

Question 26

Who paints lines on grass fields?

Accepted Answer

The renters are responsible for painting the fields.

Question 27

Why do I need to be Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Background checked?

Accepted Answer

Having an FDLE background check is a state law and a necessary requirement for volunteering with Hillsborough County's Parks and Rec Athletic Division for several important reasons:

Safety and Security: Hillsborough County's Parks and Rec Athletic Division prioritizes the safety and well-being of all participants, especially when it involves working with children or vulnerable populations. Conducting background checks helps ensure a safe environment by screening volunteers for any criminal history that may pose a risk to participants.
Legal Compliance: Conducting background checks aligns with legal requirements and best practices in many jurisdictions. It helps the division meet its obligation to protect individuals from potential harm and minimizes the liability associated with negligence or inadequate vetting processes.
Quality Assurance: Implementing a thorough screening process, including background checks, helps ensure that volunteers have the appropriate qualifications and character traits to work effectively with participants in athletic programs. It contributes to maintaining the quality of services offered by the division.
Volunteer Program Integrity: The background check requirement demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a reputable volunteer program. It helps prevent individuals with a history of misconduct or criminal behavior from participating in roles that involve direct interaction with program participants, thus safeguarding the division's reputation.

Question 28

How do I sign my child up for a youth-sport league in Hillsborough County?

Accepted Answer

Hillsborough County offers a variety of youth sports leagues through the Recreation Division, such as soccer, flag football, ball hockey, and basketball. Register for an HC Youth Recreation League.
Additionally, thousands of youth athletes compete in leagues managed by Hillsborough County’s 55+ non-profit partner Youth Sports Organizations (YSOs). Visit our Partner Youth Leagues page to learn more about the sports and leagues provided by our YSO partners.

Question 29

Does Hillsborough County provide sports programming for adults.

Accepted Answer

Hillsborough County manages adult flag football, basketball, kickball, and softball leagues at sites across the County. Register for an Adult Recreation League.

Question 30

How can I find more information on Recreation programs and events?

Accepted Answer

Our Recreation division offers programs such as, After-school, Summer Camp, Youth and Adult Sports Leagues, community events, and more. Find more information about our Recreation division here. If you need further assistance with Recreation programs or events, email Recreation_Admin@HCFL.gov, or call 813-744-5978.

Athletic FAQs

Frequently asked questions regarding athletics in Hillsborough County

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