What "Registration Deadline" means to me

Okay, give me a chance to explain how things work here at the recreation department. We really do try to get the word out to each and every parent and child about out programs. Our brochure comes out two times per year. We do send out Public Service Announcements. When there are specific deadlines to certain programs, we send postcards to past participant. We also ask the schools to make announcements. Every year I have the problem of late registrations that can really make a mess of the organizational part of the programs.

Why do we have a deadline anyway. Well, some of the programs we offer, we really don't care if there are last minute registrations. When we have a program that is sufficiently filled we encourage more. The more the merrier! If a program does not fill and is canceled, that cancellation could have been avoided with earlier registrations.

Art classes, well, that's a no brainer. There are a lot of art supplies that need to be on hand and late registrations make it impossible for the art teacher to have the supplies needed for that late registar.

Now let's get into the big stuff. Basketball and baseball registrations. These are a couple of our big programs and they need a lot of organization. Uniforms need to be ordered, equipment needs to be bought, volunteer coaches need to be found, gyms need to be set up through the schools for practices and games need to be scheduled with other towns. By the time practices start, all this work has been done. It is very hard to have over 10 players on a team because each new player cuts down on play time of the other players who have signed up on time.

I guess my question would be what would be a good way for us to get the word to you about activities for your child? We are using email newsletter more and more and I really find them to be an efficient way to traffic information your way. Please, if you would like to receive our email letters, send us your email address and be sure to add our email to your address book so the newsletter won't get bounced.

As a parent, please be aware of activities and the deadline date for registrations. While I do have a hard time saying "no" to anyone, the extra players on a team can put a burden on the volunteer coaches and make it less fun for the other players. If you sign up earlier for these activities, more teams can be formed and more fun can be had for all!

Register early and register often!