BALLOTING FOR BOOKINGS

SportSG trialling system until May 31 for eight sports at various facilities islandwide

- Deepanraj Ganesan

In a bid to create a level playing field for users looking to book public sports facilities, Sport Singapore (SportSG) is currently piloting a beta version of its updated booking system.

The "ActiveSG Beta" has introduced a balloting system for high demand, peak-hour slots for eight sports badminton, basketball, football, hockey, pickleball, table tennis, tennis and volleyball.

Open to all ActiveSG members with Singpass, the slots are being offered in various facilities in Bishan, Choa Chu Kang, Clementi, Jurong and Pasir Ris, as well as primary and secondary school halls.

If implemented in the future, it will replace the existing system where users have to secure slots on a first-come, first-served basis when the booking window opens.

In response to queries from The Straits Times, a SportSG spokesperson said on March 4 that the pilot is part of its continued efforts to enhance its system. It will run from March 1 to May 31.

"The balloting feature is aimed at helping to reduce the stress of booking ActiveSG sports facilities during peak hours, while mitigating the impact of errant behaviour," added the spokesperson. "This beta version will allow SportSG to gather feedback from users and improve on the new system, before it is introduced sometime next year."