To tie in with the transfer between the old and the new sports and recreation services booking system, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department announced that it will implement transitional arrangements of booking for its facilities.

The new intelligent sports and recreation services booking and information system, SmartPLAY, will officially be launched at 7am on November 9 to replace the current Leisure Link Computerised Booking System which will stop operation from November 6.

For the available sessions of turf soccer pitches on or before November 16, the existing arrangements of online balloting via Leisure Link will remain unchanged. For the sessions of turf soccer pitches from November 17 to 21, online balloting will be suspended.

After the implementation of SmartPLAY, available sessions within seven days from the current date will be open for booking from November 11 to 15 on a first come, first served basis.

Regarding the balloting for the available sessions of turf soccer pitches after November 22, users can submit a balloting application for available turf pitches via SmartPLAY's dedicated website and mobile app, or the Smart Self-service Stations at leisure venues within 14 to 20 days before using a facility.

At present, balloting applications for booking of non-fee charging recreation and sports facilities are handled by District Leisure Service Offices. Users should submit their applications at least one calendar month before use.

After the launch of SmartPLAY, most of these applications will be transferred to the new system for handling. The public can book sessions of non-fee charging hard-surface ball courts after January 1, 2024.

During the transitional period, balloting applications for sessions in December will be allocated in accordance with the existing mechanism. The public can submit balloting applications on or before October 31, or book the remaining sessions in December starting November 20.

Starting December 13, the existing arrangements of booking of turf soccer pitches through online balloting will be combined with the balloting application for non-fee charging hard-surface ball courts for processing as a single application.

Currently, Leisure Link patrons must fill in the patron numbers of four other users when submitting balloting applications for turf soccer pitches. The hirer and three of the users named in the application must check in and be present during the use of the booked session.

To further combat suspected touting activities, the arrangements will be extended to the booking of turf soccer pitches on a first come, first served basis after the launch of SmartPLAY on November 9.

The department reminds the public that starting from November 9, people must register with the new system and complete an identity authentication process before using it to enrol in programmes and book leisure facilities. Existing Leisure Link patrons must also re-register their accounts on the new system.

Those who have successfully registered as SmartPLAY users by November 5 and have completed authentication are automatically entitled to enter the lucky draw with an opportunity to win prizes.