Please note that some provisions of these policies are temporarily adjusted for public health reasons. Please see the Play It Safe page for additional information.
Effective for all new permit requests
Sports organizations, both amateur and professional, community groups and individuals from DC and beyond may request field time using the following permitting process.
Field time will be allocated for sports activities, community activities, such as pick-up games and informal recreational use, and events, including programming organized by Events DC. In allocating field time, preference will generally be given to organizations that serve local youth.
CRYSP DC, a nonprofit organization, is the operator of The Fields at RFK Campus, which were built and are owned by Events DC. Events DC is the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, and owns and/or manages several key facilities in the District, including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, RFK Campus, Nationals Park. CRYSP DC was formed in 2010 to advocate for more playing space in DC — particularly for youth sports.
About The Fields at RFK Campus
The Fields at RFK Campus includes three high-quality lighted turf fields, a covered pavilion, a playground, restrooms, and a parking lot. Fields 1 and 3 are identical fields that each contain one full-sided soccer field measuring 110 x 70 yards. Inset are two small-sided soccer fields measuring 75 x 50 yards. These two fields can be rented for a variety of sports, including soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and ultimate frisbee. Fields 1 and 3 may also be rented as half-fields in order to ensure optimal field usage and accommodate as many participants as is feasible. Field 1 is the farthest north, and Field 3 is the farthest south, closest to RFK Stadium.
Field 2 includes two 60’ baseball diamonds and a full-size soccer field with two small-sided inset soccer fields with the same dimensions as Fields 1 and 3. The overall space available on Field 2 is about 190 yards x 90 yards. Field 2 can be rented as a whole field, or divided into two little league baseball fields — 2a and 2b — as marked on the signage.
The Fields provide patrons, especially local communities and DC residents, with a quality and reasonably-priced venue for sporting activities and programming, such as soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and other sports. Events DC, the owner of the fields, envisions a vibrant destination offering an array of sports, entertainment, cultural, and recreational programming and, together with CRYSP DC (operator of The Fields) plans to take innovative and creative approaches to better serve Washington, DC.
Fee Schedule
The Field Use Hourly Rates published below are subject to change at any time.
Field Use Hourly Rates During Peak Periods
Field Use Hourly Rates During Non-Peak Periods
Rate Period Definitions
Peak Periods include the Fall season, which generally runs September through November, and the Spring season, which will generally be March to mid-June. Non-Peak Periods include the Winter season will generally be from December through February, and the Summer season, which will generally be from mid-June through August.
Field Rate Category Definitions
In order to determine the applicable patron rate category, the following definitions shall apply to the terms contained in the Fee Schedules:
Additional Fee Schedule Information
Field Use Allocation
Field time will be allocated for permitted sports activities and for community activities, such as pick-up play and informal recreational use. Some time will also be reserved, as needed, for events, including programming organized by Events DC and third-party events. A schedule showing times allocated for each type of access is posted online at RFKfields.com.
The key priorities for use of The Fields are to provide scheduling and play-time opportunities as follows:
The application review process is designed to provide equitable access to field time, with an emphasis on time for local and youth programming, and an effort to balance applications for large blocks of field time with time for smaller requests.
Application Process/Requirements
Season schedules will be published regularly at RFKfields.com, including the dates for the quarterly Permit Application Windows, when organizations and individuals can apply for permits, and when permits will be issued. Field patrons may sign up for emails about permit windows and important dates at RFKfields.com.
How to Apply
In order to apply for field use, please visit RFKfields.com to complete the online application process after the quarterly Permit Application Window opens. Please include information about your organization, including: youth/adult, DC-based/outside of DC, time and date of event, etc. Organizations should provide as much detail as possible about the amount of time they request, their preferred dates/times, and their flexibility, as many applicants will request the same time slots. Specific instructions pertaining to applying during the Post-Application Window can be found below.
Once the Permit Application Window closes, CRYSP DC will begin the evaluation process. During that process, organizations may be asked to provide additional documentation to establish their fee category. Additional fees may be required, or access denied or revoked, if it becomes clear that the permitted patron does not meet the criteria for the fee category that is indicated in its application. If a club or league does not have a current membership roster at the time the permit application is submitted, it should provide the most recent roster (no more than one year old) from the same activity at The Fields. A club or league must have held this activity previously at The Fields or in the surrounding area to be eligible for the Qualified Community Rate; a roster may be required when the club or league has completed its sign ups.
Once field time is approved by CRYSP DC, applicants will receive notice via email and must sign the use agreement within three (3) business days of this notification. Invoices must be paid in full within seven (7) business days by credit card or eCheck. If the invoice is not paid within seven (7) business days, the applicant may lose the assigned time slot as that field time will be made available to other applicants.
Permitted patrons are expected to notify CRYSP DC in the event that paid-for time will not be used. CRYSP DC reserves the right to re-allocate that time to other patrons. At no time will patrons receive a refund.
CRYSP DC reserves the right to revoke permitted time at any time, for any reason whatsoever. For additional information, see Permit Violations below.
Post-Application Window
After the Permit Application Window ends and permits are issued and paid, CRYSP DC will publish a calendar showing permitted uses, scheduled Community Uses, and remaining available field time. CRYSP DC will then accept additional permit applications, including from applicants that missed the Permit Application Window deadline, on a rolling basis, awarding permits on a first-come-first-served basis, subject to availability and at least two weeks in advance. During this time, applicants may apply for one individual time slot or multiple time slots.
Requirements for Permitted Patrons
Permitted field patrons will be required to submit proof of insurance for players, coaches and any other participant engaging in activity at The Fields, prior to beginning any activity on the field. Specific insurance requirements will be emailed to applicants at the time of permit approval and may also be posted online at RFKfields.com.
Event/Tournament Applications
For organizations seeking field time for events or tournaments, and any activities involving spectators or alcoholic beverages, please email thefields@cryspdc.org at any time to inquire about availability. Depending on the size and scope of these events, they may be referred to Events DC.
For events, especially larger events, rates, terms and conditions may vary from the published rate structure on a case-by-case basis due to the additional staffing, maintenance, medical, security and other services that may be required.
Community Use
Community Uses are informal sports and recreational activities open to area families, community organizations, individuals and other groups, including permitted sports activities that are free to participants and/or open to the public, as well as less formal, non-league sports and recreational activities sponsored by area community organizations, groups and individuals. Examples may include “pick-up games,” free fitness classes, public school team practices, and other hosted but free activities.
CRYSP DC will schedule Community Open Play – unprogrammed free play on otherwise unreserved fields. CRYSP DC may also schedule time for sport-specific Pickup Play. Both Community Open Play and Pickup Play will be free and open to the public and will appear on the calendar at RFKfields.com.
Private sports organizations and other organized groups may not hold recurring practices or games during Community Use time. Individuals or organizations may not conduct commercial recreational activities or other paid services during Community Use time. For more information on Community Uses, please see the Community Use Policy.
Weather policy
In the event that lightning is observed at or near The Fields, the entire facility will be closed for 30 minutes; the 30-minute clock will be restarted after each subsequent observance (if applicable). The Fields may also be closed due to snow/ice accumulation and other emergencies at the discretion of CRYSP DC or Events DC. Field staff will announce field closures via the public announcement system and on the weather line, (202) 539-9555. All players, spectators and others must follow the instructions of The Fields staff and vacate the fields. Staff may reopen the park after lightning or other weather hazards have passed, but all decisions of The Fields staff are final and within their sole and absolute discretion.
With the exception of lightning, snow/ice accumulation, and other extreme weather conditions, decisions about playing during inclement weather are up to permitted patrons, at their own discretion and their own risk. Patrons may not shovel snow off the field at any time.
Schedule Adjustments
If playing fields are closed due to inclement weather or other emergencies, the permitted patron may request to reschedule league games. In the event that permitted field time must be rescheduled at the sole and absolute discretion of CRYSP DC or Events DC, the patron will receive credit toward future field time and CRYSP DC will make every effort to reschedule the patron during the applicable season. At no time will CRYSP DC issue refunds to any patron.
Permitted patrons are expected to notify CRYSP DC in the event that paid-for time will not be used. CRYSP DC reserves the right to re-allocate that time to other patrons. At no time will patrons receive a refund.
Field Conditions and Cleaning Deposit
If a permitted patron arrives at its designated field and finds it in a substandard condition due to trash, other items/equipment on or off the field, or any damage to the field, please inform field staff immediately. Failure to do so may result in the patron being held responsible for the substandard condition.
Once a permitted patron takes possession of the field, the patron is responsible for cleaning up after their activities or event and leaving the field in as-good or better condition than when they arrived.
On occasion, and if the patron plans to hold any ancillary activities other than strictly playing the identified sport, CRYSP DC may require the patron to pay a cleaning deposit prior to engaging in any activity on the field or other areas of the facility. The circumstances under which a cleaning deposit will be required shall be made on a case-by-case basis but include the presence of outside food and beverages. In the event that CRYSP DC requires the patron to provide a cleaning deposit, the deposit will be refunded as quickly as possible after the event, assuming the field(s) is/are in the same condition after the event as before it. A deposit will not typically be required for routine amateur sports.
Permit Violations
When exercising a permit at The Fields at RFK Campus, the Patron and its participant coaches, staff, players, parents and any and all other attendees must comply with both the established Facility Use Policies (see below) and any and all additional District of Columbia Ordinances and Public Health Guidelines in effect. Failure to do so may result in a fine for the violation and/or the cancellation of the permit without refund. Three violations within a year will result in the suspension of any and all permits for the following year.
First Observed Violation: Violation is documented with picture/date by field staff. Permit POC is given first warning via phone call that staff observed the participant’s violation, and such violations may not continue. Follow up email includes documentation, an invoice for the fine, and information on repercussions of second and third violations.
Second Observed Violation: Violation is documented with picture/date by field staff. Permit POC is given notice via email and phone call that the staff observed the participant’s violation in a second instance, and such violations may not continue. Follow up email includes documentation, an invoice for the fine, and information on the repercussion of a third violation.
Third Observed Violation: Violation is documented with picture/date by field staff. Permit POC is given notice of termination of permit without refund, via phone call and email. The patron’s next seasonal permit application will be considered AFTER ALL other applicants.
CRYSP DC reserves the right to revoke permitted time at any time, for any reason whatsoever.
Facility Use Policies – The Fields at RFK Campus
Unless otherwise provided, the following Use Policies are in effect. Campus patrons are responsible for adhering to these Use Policies and all applicable federal and District of Columbia laws at all times; Failure to do so may result in being asked to leave the campus.
served basis for youth/families OR adults as published schedule indicates
Unless otherwise provided, the following Use Policies are in effect:
ADDITIONAL PLAYING FIELD RULES
The following activities or items are prohibited on the playing fields:
PLAYGROUND RULES & POLICIES
The playground area, open from dawn to dusk daily, is designed and designated for youth, ages 12 and under, with adult supervision. This area, including the playground picnic area (tables next to the playground, under the shaded structure), is for everyone’s use on a first-come-first-served basis. Patrons are expected to be neighborly and share the area. Being the first does not mean being the only.
Patrons may have small birthday parties and other informal social events at the playground picnic area for up to 20 people, for up to two hours, using up to four tables, as long as patrons do not prevent shared use by others who are already there. There is no charge for this use.
Patrons who wish to reserve space at these tables may visit the field office up to 48 hours in advance of their party/gathering. The same 20-person/two-hour/four table limit applies to these reservations.
Patrons assume their own risk when using the playground and the tables next to it.
Report any concerns to uniformed field staff, who will facilitate the use of the playground and the tables next to the playground.
PAVILION USE
Music is permissible with a permit between the hours of 9 am to 8 pm, Sunday to Thursday, and 9 am to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday. Amplification is limited to two speakers facing east (toward the river); subwoofers and low base are prohibited.
WEATHER POLICY
The safety of our participants and staff is our number one priority.
Fields and Office Closures
Call the weather hotline, 202-539-9555, ext. 1, to check whether playing fields and/or the office at The Fields at RFK Campus are closed.
In the event of inclement weather, including lightning, snow and/or ice accumulation resulting in unsafe road, sidewalk and parking lot conditions, The Fields may be closed. Decisions about closure are at the sole discretion of CRYSP DC, the operator, or Events DC, the owner.
Patrons may not shovel snow off the field at any time.
In the event that lightning is observed at or near The Fields, the entire facility will be closed for 30 minutes; the 30-minute clock will restart after each subsequent observation of lightning. Field staff will announce field closures via the public announcement system and on the weather hotline, 202-539-9555, ext. 1. All players, spectators and others must follow the instructions of The Fields staff and vacate the fields. Staff may reopen the park after lightning or other weather hazards have passed, but all decisions of The Fields staff are final and within their sole and absolute discretion.
Patron responsibility
With the exception of closure by CRYSP DC or Events DC, decisions about whether to play during inclement weather are up to patrons, at their own discretion and their own risk.