Frequently Asked Questions

Where do we play?

Our games take place on Saturday mornings at a location that is TBA.

Where do I park and is there a Parking Fee?

Parking is free, but please adhere to all signs and follow the traffic cones.  The parking lot has a one-way entrance and one-way exit, and the speed limit is SLOOOOW. Do NOT block entrances to overflow parking. Please remember N Zone Sports Lakeland serves families with young children who are coming and going from 8am – 2pm.  

COVID-19 UPDATE: 

Florida recommends, but no longer requires face coverings for the general public. Several cities and large counties, including POLK had mask requirements, but Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order May 3 that suspended all local COVID-19 restrictions in the state, including mask rules, effective immediately.  HOWEVER, please do not let your guard down. Limit spectators to 2-3 per family, keep unvaccinated, vulnerable populations at home, wear masks if needed, do not attend practices/games if you are sick, and please let us know if you have tested positive for Covid-19. Once you have registered your player(s), you agree to the PLAY AT YOUR OWN RISK liability terms & conditions. 

We (N Zone Sports) will continue to provide hand sanitizer to all coaches, have hand sanitizer on site, and provide standard 3-ply masks for those who may need one.

Can I smoke on the premises?

NO. Absolutely NO SMOKING on the designated N Zone Sports Lakeland home field. This includes the spectator viewing areas, by the trees, or anywhere close to the children and families we serve. While this an outdoor venue, during our League Events, we reserve the right to ask anyone who wants to smoke to do it in the parking lot, AWAY from others, or in their own vehicle, so long as it isn't near the front parking lot. No exceptions. 

ALCOHOL?

It's a shame we even have to address this, but we do. The answer is NEVER. You will be told to LEAVE immediately if you are caught drinking alcohol on the premises (even if you do throw it out). 

Are pets allowed?

We love the fur babies so yes, but pets are allowed ONLY under the following conditions:

• Must always be leashed and kept under control.
• Must be up to date on vaccinations and have a current rabies tag.
• Pets are not allowed on sidelines under any circumstances. You may sit with your pet on either end-zone of the playing field, but they cannot be within reach of players, coaches, or officials.
• Pets must be picked up after.
• If your pet appears to be too anxious around crowds or is seen jumping on passers-by, you will be asked to take your pet home.

What does my child’s registration include?

Your child’s registration includes a certified N Zone Sports jersey, socks (for soccer players only), a Weekly Value Award, and an N Zone Sports Participation Medal. 

Will my child receive a trophy?

For players ages 5 & up, our 7-week Season includes Consolation, Play-off, and Championship games at the Season Finale (last week of the season). Each age-bracket competes for 1st and 2nd place, where trophies are awarded.  *This does not include the N Zone Junior Program (ages 3-4). All N Zone Junior Participants receive a trophy.

What athletic gear do I need to provide?

Cleats, mouthpiece, athletic shorts, and shin guards for soccer. Mouthpieces are mandatory for flag football, but only recommended for soccer. Shin guards are mandatory for soccer. *Flag football shorts cannot have pockets.

*Why are flag football players required to have shorts without pockets?

Pulling flags is fun! Getting a finger caught in the pocket while doing so is NOT! This is an especially important safety rule our Officials monitor. If needed, pockets can be taped at the N Zone Sports tent. Come by and see us! 

What is done about the ants?

Please watch your step and watch your children! Spring & Fall in Florida = ANTS. Lots of ants. We treat the mounds directly on Fridays and then again on Saturday mornings where needed. Please know that it is IMPOSSIBLE to get rid of the ants. When a mound is treated, they just pick up and build another one right next to it. We constantly treat so please let us know if you see a live ant bed.  Thanks!

Cowbells on sidelines?

Never. These are acceptable at a large stadium, but not on the sidelines of rec league. Thank you!

What days/times are practices held?

Practices are not prescheduled in our league. At the Season Meet n’ Greet event, your player’s Head Coach will coordinate with team parents on which day of the week works with everyone's schedule. Please keep in mind, practices are encouraged, but not mandatory for anyone. If there is a schedule conflict, please let us know in advance. 

How long is the Sports Season?

The season is 8 weeks long, which includes one Meet n’ Greet event, 6 weeks of games, and a Season Finale reserved for Play-off and Championship games. 

How long are games?

Games include two 20-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime. This does not include overtimes or shoot-outs. An average game is about an hour long. The N Zone Junior Program (3&4 years of age) runs for approximately 45-50 minutes. 

What time do games begins?

Schedules vary, but we host Saturday morning games from 8:30am – 2pm. These times are subject to change. Schedules will be posted a week ahead of the Season Opener.

Does the N Zone Junior program have practices and games?

No. Our N Zone Junior program was created to introduce young children, ages 3 & 4, to the fundamentals of sports. This includes skill drills, lots of running, relays, and fun! Towards the end of the season, once they learn the basics, scrimmages do take place under the direction of our Junior Program Director. Parents are encouraged to get involved and applaud these little tykes’ best efforts on the field! No need to keep score when everyone’s a WINNER! 

Does your league have double-header games?

YES! Scheduling is based on participation. After open registration has concluded, we may end up with an uneven number of teams in one or more age brackets. In this case, separate divisions and even double-headers are required to balance the standings. Please KEEP THIS IN MIND BEFORE REGISTERING.

My child has never played sports before. Is N Zone Sports safe for beginners?

N Zone Sports is a perfect league for sports fans of all levels!  Our sports are non-contact and teams consist of players with mixed experience levels, from beginner to advanced. While understanding the importance of the competitive spirit, we recognize our ultimate priority lies in teaching fundamentals, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Does my child need to try-out to be on a team?

No. N Zone Sports is a recreational league with a healthy competitive atmosphere. Try-outs are never required. In fact, we encourage players of all experience levels to Get Out N’ Play! Every child will receive playing time.

Will games be cancelled due to rain?

WE DO PLAY IN RAIN. (Junior division does not) 

Inclement weather will be watched closely and in the event heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected, games may be cancelled in advance. However, light rain does not warrant a cancellation. Field conditions will always be checked for safety hazards due to rain. Cancellations may not be announced until 7am on the morning of scheduled games or games may be delayed for later in the day. We will be sure to stay in close communication with everyone. All coaches and customers will be directed to our website for these announcements. 

Will there be a make-up day if games are cancelled?

Our season includes a tentative Make-up/Rain Day in the event we have a cancellation. This takes place on the Saturday following the originally scheduled Season Finale (unless that Saturday is a Holiday, then it is the weekend after that). Please see the current season's schedule for make-up dates so that you can plan accordingly. 

How can I find out my child’s team schedule? 

Schedules will be posted online approximately one week before the season begins. You can check schedules by logging into your N Zone Sports account. If you have children in different sports, both schedules will appear. N Zone Junior does not have a posted schedule.

How do I reset my Password on my N Zone Sports Account?

Go to our page at https://nzonesports.com/lakeland , Click on the LOG IN button on the upper right-hand corner of the screen, then click on the “Reset My Password” link. Enter the email address you used to register with and click on √ DO IT. If you have forgotten your Username, email us at lakeland@nzonesports.com and we can provide you with it. We can also reset your password manually if needed. Let us know how we can help!

What are the age brackets for soccer/flag football?

Our age brackets are determined by participation.  Age brackets are typically:

• Soccer: 5-7, 8-10, 11-14
• Flag Football: *5-8, 9-11, 12-15

Bracket ages are subject to change.

Where can I find the rules for soccer/flag football?

Please email us for a copy of the rules.

How can my student sign-up for Volunteer Hours?

Please email lakeland@nzonesports.com with the following information and an N Zone representative will contact you:

• Volunteer name, grade, and school
• Parent/Guardian contact information

It is so hot! Can I set up a canopy tent for shade?

Yes! Canopy/tents for shade can be set up along any end-zone, but NOT on sidelines. They must be set up at least 8ft from the field of play. The safety of our coaches and players are our top priority. Exceptions may be made for the teams’ sidelines, but this is at the discretion of the N Zone Sports South Shore Owner/Operator.

If my child forgets his mouthpiece or shin guards, can they still play?

Mouthpieces (flag football) and shin guards (soccer) are mandatory. Officials will monitor this vital safety rule closely. Children will not be able play without them. Mouthpieces are sold at the main N Zone Sports tent on Saturday mornings for $3.00. Cash only. We do not sell shin guards. 

Does my child/family have to participate in fundraising?

No, never. 

Do you offer a sibling discount?

Yes. Discounts vary depending on the number of siblings. Email us at lakeland@nzonesports.com for more information.

Do you offer a military discount?

Yes! Please email us at lakeland@nzonesports.com and tell us which service we can Thank You for!

Do you have a lost and found?

Yes. Please stop by our tent on Saturday mornings for Lost and Found. Items not picked up by the end of the Season will be donated or discarded. *DO NOT BRING VALUABLE OR HIGH-PRICED EQUIPMENT, ELECTRONICS, BIKES, GAMES, ETC. to the field, as we are not responsible in any way if it gets lost, broken, or stolen.

How can I communicate with my child’s Coach?

N Zone Sports will provide you with your Head Coach’s and Assistant Coach’s (if applicable) contact numbers at the Meet n Greet event. During the event, you will be introduced to your child’s coach(es) and teammates. Head coaches will be sure to have your direct contact information and collect any important/vital information pertaining to your player. 

My child cannot attend the Meet n Greet event. How do I know who his/her coach is?

Your player's Coach will reach out to you. N Zone Sports will also provide you with your Head Coach’s contact information, if needed. Please let us know if you are unable to attend or missed it for any reason. 

Can my child play on the same team as a friend?

We love to see kids playing the sport they love alongside their buddy, however, making new friends is super fun, too! Therefore, please submit your request on your registration form and we will do our best to accommodate. Please note, special requests are not guaranteed. 

Can I request a specific coach?

Like our buddy request above, we love to see kids playing the sport they love under the direction of their favorite Coach, however, learning from a different coach this season is super fun, too! Therefore, please submit your request on your registration and we will do our best to accommodate. Please note, special requests are not guaranteed and all sales are final. If your child does not end up on a specific team, the sale is still final. 

Are Volunteer Coaches Background Checked?

Yes. We use Background Screeners of America to run a National Criminal History Check.

Can I sign my child up for more than one sport in a season?

While we can appreciate the enthusiasm of your player, it is not recommended. Games are scheduled by age group and all sports games run simultaneously. For more information, please give us a call at 813-586-3663.

I have children in different age groups/sports playing this season. How will I know I won’t miss any games?

Sibling athletes rock! We know some of our families include 2-3 children playing different sports, on different fields, and in different age brackets, but please know it is a great possibility games will run simultaneously. We cannot guarantee your players will not be playing at the same time on different fields.