Botetourt County Parks & Recreation recently announced that early registration for winter athletics will begin on September 1 and will run through September 15. Standard registration goes from September 16 through September 30. All registration prices will be discounted during the early registration period at $65. Prices for registration during the “standard” period are $85.
This winter, the county will offer youth basketball and table tennis leagues. All athletes are required to be age verified before registering. Athletes may move up to the next age group as long as they are no more than one year younger than the minimum age for that group.
Age verification only needs to occur once in the child’s youth sports career. Acceptable documentation to verify age include a birth certificate, an identification card issued by the DMV, or a passport.
CivicRec will not allow a child’s registration for any Botetourt County youth athletics until the age of the participant is verified first. Approved documentation can be verified at the Parks & Recreation office located at 16 East Main Street in Fincastle or at any Botetourt County Libraries branch before September 30, which usually takes 7-10 business days to reach the Parks & Rec office.
Additionally, the county continues offering the 7-8 all-girls league this season while also keeping the co-ed team option. If it is determined that there are not enough girls playing to make an all-girls league, families will then have the choice of receiving a full refund or having their athlete join the co-ed league.
While it may seem early, given that fall sports recently played its first games of the season, the timing is intentional and necessary for parents to be aware of winter sports on the horizon.
Early registration allows the department to plan effectively — securing facilities, organizing teams, recruiting coaches, and ordering uniforms — all of which require weeks of preparation. Registration numbers also help determine if there are enough participants for each sport or age group, or if adjustments need to be made.
With many winter sports beginning as early as November, advance notice ensures families have time to plan around school, work, and other commitments. Ultimately, announcing signups this far ahead helps ensure a smooth and successful season for everyone involved.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
