Hats off to the Newton County Recreation Commission for finding a way to make youth sports pay for itself.

Like everyone else, the recreation commission is facing tough times, but last week the board worked out a plan that will allow the youth sports to fund themselves, including financial aid for the families that need it.

Fantastic. Sports are a great outlet for our youth and county programs are needed now more than ever.

They go about it the right way, too, letting the families pay back the aid by selling raffle tickets. We would suggest also having them help out and give back by helping to clean up or providing other help to the recreation facilities, but that's a quibble.

We also would suggest that families pay what they can for the programs they are using and reserve the financial aid for the families most in need. Such abuse could mean the end for a worthwhile program for those who truly need the help.