Discount in online signups expected

Columbia County wants to offer an incentive to people who register online for youth sports.

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On July 7, county commissioners likely will approve a resolution allowing discounts for those who register early online for recreation department programs.

Early registration will take place in the week before the sport's normal registration period starts.

"The purpose is basically to get people to register on time and also get them into the mode of registering online, which basically saves staff time," said Barry Smith, the director of Community and Leisure Services.

A child registering early will receive a $10 discount, and each subsequent child in the family will get higher discounts.

By registering early and online, the first child will pay $50, the second child $45 and the third $40.

During normal registration, fees are $60 for the first child, $50 for a second and $40 for each subsequent child.

The county has used online registration for more than a year. Smith said only 24 percent of youth sports participants register online. He said county officials hope the discount increases that number, reducing the workload and staff costs to process registrations in person.

"The more online registration, the more savings we have and can pass along," Smith said.

The resolution for the early registration discounts has not yet been approved, but those who wish to register online can do so by visiting columbiacountyga.gov, then clicking on "Recreation Department" and "Fall registration."

Normal registration for football, baseball, cheerleading and soccer runs July 27 to Aug. 14.