Athletic Field Use Capacity: ENH 991/EP246, 10/2004

Abstract

A common question is how much play can a field withstand? There is no definitive answer to that question because field wear is influenced by so many variables. Schools and municipalities are facing increasing legal questions and liability regarding injuries associated with poorly designed, constructed, or maintained facilities. There is a struggle to accommodate all participating groups without damaging the fields. If fields are overused, then the likelihood of a player becoming injured due to poor field conditions increases. This document is ENH 991, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date October 21, 2004.