Many captains and players have asked the question about using Acton fields (e.g. Elm or NARA) for team practices that are not slotted or scheduled.  Even for just a few folks on the team to get together and take some batting practice.  The requests sound reasonable, so I contacted Acton Recreation get clarification of such rules, and here’s a FAQ you can go by:

Q:       Can our team use NARA Park field on (e.g.) Saturday for a team practice at 330pm-530pm?

A:               You must first contact AASL league officials who need to request a field permit for that time. 

Q:       I’ve seen Elm Street is empty on (e.g.) Sunday evenings around 5pm, can we take some BP there without hassles?

A:              You must first contact AASL league officials who need to request a field permit at that time.

Q:       Why do I need to get everyone involved and have a field permit just for a few folks to gather at the field and hit it around?

A:              You need a field permit because playing under the AASL umbrella and any organized leagues/team requires permits (permission) to use a Town field.  Acton Recreation has clarified this position as follows, “Players should have a permitted time. Organized play (leagues/teams) need a permit.  There have been times when folks show up who have been approved for use of an area and unpermitted folks are using the fields – this creates issues for our department.   This situation would be different if it were a father /son throwing a ball around or a couple of people.”

Q:       So does that mean two or three of us can use the field (without a formal permit) and take some BP or try out a new bat, or break in a new glove for an hour or so?

A:              This is a reasonable question, and falls within the phrasing above so would not necessarily require a formal permit.  Be advised, however, that if any other organized band of people showed up at the field, they could take it over as they presumably would have a permit.  Please be courteous and leave the field immediately and respect their permit, or share the field if possible.

Any other questions?  Please contact AASL league officials or the Acton Recreation Department directly at 978-264-9608 or by email (Acton Recreation Department).