MAY 7, 2012ISSUE 1219

The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry

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NEWS 4 COLLECTIVE BRANDS will be Split in $2 Billion Acquisition 6 PRINCE SPORTS Files for Bankruptcy Protection GILDAN ACTIVEWEAR to Buy Anvil Knitwear 8 DAVID NICHOLS Named President of K-Swiss Brand BY THE NUMBERS 9 REI Shows Progress with Annual Stewardship Report

SPOTLIGHT 10 BROOKLYN NETS… A New Brand is Born in Black-and-White SHOCK DOCTOR Unveils Newly Expanded Baseball Protection Line 11 RAWLINGS NRG Quantum Plus Earns 5-Star Rating BELLYAK KAYAKS

FEATURES 12 OUTDOOR PARTICIPATION Hits Five-Year High in 2011 16 INDUSTRY LEADERS Gather to Discuss Rules at NFHS/SGMA/NCAA Meeting

DEPARTMENTS 22 JOB CLASSIFIEDS SportsOneSource.com

ADVERTISERS 2 SPENCO 4 INJINJI 5 IMPLUS 7 SHOCK DOCTOR 21 SPORTSCANINFO 23 SGB WEEKLY 24 MCDAVID

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Copyright 2012 SportsOneSource, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors to SGB WEEKLY are not necessarily those of the editors or publishers. SGB WEEKLY is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Articles appearing in SGB WEEKLY may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. SGB WEEKLY is published weekly by SportsOneSource, LLC, 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450. Send address changes to SGB WEEKLY , 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450

The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry

MAY 7, 2012ISSUE 1219

Managing EditorThomas J. Ryan (917.375.4699)

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4 SGBWeekly.com | MAY 7, 2012

NEWS NEWS

COLLECTIVE BRANDS WILL BE SPLIT IN $2 BILLION ACQUISITION

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and a pair of private-equity firms agreed to pay roughly $1.32 billion to acquire Collective Brands, Inc. in a deal that will split portions of Collective's business. Including the assumption of debt, the deal is valued at $2 billion.

Along with Blum Capital Partners and Golden Gate Capital, Wolverine agreed to pay $21.75 per share to acquire Collective. The deal was unanimously approved by Collective's board and is expected to close by early in the fourth quarter.

Wolverine will end up with Collective's Performance + Lifestyle Group (PLG), whose brands include Sperry Top-Sider, Saucony, Keds, and Stride Rite. That segment of Collective, which pulled in more than $1 billion in revenue in the last fiscal year, will continue to operate out of Lexington, MA. Wolverine said it paid approximately $1.23 billion, or 10 times PLG's projected 2012 EBITDA, for the acquired brands.

Wolverine called that deal a "transformational acquisition" that will create a $2.5 billion global footwear and lifestyle brand powerhouse across 16 brands that includes Wolverine's star brands - Merrell, Hush Puppies and Sebago.

"Our company is thrilled to add these four iconic brands to our proven global platform," said Blake Krueger, Wolverine Worldwide’s chairman and CEO. "This transaction provides dynamic portfolio expansion and diversification, and significant additional horsepower in five of our targeted growth areas – women's, athletic, casual, kids and retail. This transformational acquisition creates a powerful array of leading lifestyle brands that is balanced across product categories, genders and target consumers, with enormous opportunities for domestic and international growth."

Upon closing, Blum and Golden Gate will acquire Payless and Collective Licensing International, which will have separate headquarters in Topeka, KS, and Englewood, CO, respectively. That segment included more than 4,300 Payless stores globally and generated $2.4 billion in revenue last year.

"We are very pleased to be acquiring one of the largest footwear retailers in the world," said Josh Olshansky, a managing director at Golden Gate Capital. "Payless is exactly the type of company in which we seek to invest - a strong brand with unparalleled global scale at an important inflection point in its evolution. We look forward to having Payless join our portfolio of great retail brands, and to supporting the leadership team as they continue the successful turnaround that is already underway."

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6 SGBWeekly.com | MAY 7, 2012

GILDAN ACTIVEWEAR TO BUY ANVIL KNITWEAR

Gildan Activewear, Inc. reached an agreement with Anvil Holdings, Inc., the parent of Anvil Knitwear, for $88 million. With sales of approximately $200 million in 2011, Anvil is a supplier of basic t-shirts and sport shirts for the printwear market, and is particularly known for its line of 100 percent organic t-shirts.

Gildan said the purchase will immediately provide Gildan with higher market share in the U.S. t-shirt distributor channel.

“We believe that the acquisition of Anvil and the combination of the compatible cultures and strengths of our two companies will position Gildan to further enhance our product offering for our print wear customers and build further on our leadership position in this market,” Gildan President and Chief Executive Glenn Chamandy said.

Prince Sports filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 11 reorganization in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware with a plan that calls for the iconic tennis brand to be acquired by Authentic Brands Group, LLC, the owner of the TapouT brand. The proposed restructuring would relieve the company from a debt burden in excess of $60 million of secured indebtedness.

Prince Sports' portfolio of brands includes Prince (tennis, squash and badminton), Ektelon (racquetball) and Viking (platform/paddle tennis). Its tennis unit recorded $59 million in sales last year, accounting for 83 percent of the company's revenue, according to a court filing. Just over half of Prince's sales come from North America.

In court papers, Gordon Boggis, president and CEO of Prince Sports, Inc., said, "Declines in the global racquet sports market and demand for the industry's products, combined with increased competition over the past five years, have resulted in lower sales of the debtors' prod-uct lines. The downturn in the economy commencing around 2008 has particularly negatively impacted consumer discretionary spending and thus sales industry-wide."

The sale comes after Prince last October hired Robert W. Baird & Co. to pursue a sale of the company. But Authentic Brands stepped in to acquire Prince's secured debt from GE Capital and Madison Capital on March 27 and obtained their previously held liens on substantially all of the company's assets. Authentic, owned by Leonard Green & Partners, owns or licenses the intellectual property rights for the estates of Marilyn Monroe and Bob Marley, as well as the mixed martial arts brand TapouT and clothing brand Silver Star.

Boggis said that despite economic constraints, consumer demand for Prince products and interest in the brand remains strong worldwide.

"Prince is, and will continue to be, a great, global brand in the racquet sports business. This filing does not change that," said Boggis. "We have a long history, and are planning for an exciting future, focused on game-changing, product innovation, engineered to take players' games to the next level. Securing this protection will help us to continue to focus on that vision."

PRINCE SPORTS FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION

NEWS

Photo courtesy of Anvil Knitwear

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INTRODUCING THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE SHOCKDOCTOR TEAM...Akeem Ayers proudly wears our Mouthguards, Core Protective Apparel

and Accessories and Performance Sports TherapyTM products.

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AKEEM AYERSDefensive backTennessee Titans

8 SGBWeekly.com | APRIL 23, 2012

DAVID NICHOLS NAMED PRESIDENT OF K-SWISS BRAND

K-Swiss appointed David Nichols as global president of the K-Swiss brand, effective immediately. He succeeds Steven Nichols, who will remain active in daily company leadership as the chairman of the K-Swiss board of directors and CEO K-Swiss, Inc. David Nichols, the chairman's son, will work from the company's headquarters in Westlake Village, CA, overseeing global functions of the K-Swiss brand including all marketing initiatives.

"I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO HELPING FURTHER THE BRAND’S MOMENTUM ACROSS PERFORMANCE AND

LIFESTYLE CHANNELS, WHILE BUILDING SHAREHOLDER VALUE AND BRAND EQUITY."

-David Nichols, Global President K-Swiss

Nichols has worked full time for the company since 2005 and has served in a number of leadership positions, most recently as the company's executive vice president. Prior to this post, he held posi-tions as the president of K-Swiss Direct and president of European Operations, stationed respectively in the company's Amsterdam and Japan offices. He has been instrumental in the company's reposi-tioning as a global sports brand and remains committed to growing its momentum among the 14 to 24 youth consumer.

In his new post, Nichols will oversee brand functions including product design and development, sales, marketing, operations and investor matters. Nichols is focused on continuing the brand’s momentum in the performance market, while strengthening its lifestyle platform with the launch of the Clean Classic in 2012.

BY THE NUMBERS

14%Adidas Group reported that preliminary first quarter figures are materially above market expectations, as revenues increased 14 percent on a currency-neutral basis in the first quarter of 2012, or 17 percent in euro terms, to €3.8 billion ($5 bn). Growth rates in Greater China and Japan, in addition to TaylorMade-Adidas Golf, were stronger than first anticipated. Gross margin was 47.7 percent of sales, while operating margin improved to 10.7 percent of sales. In absolute terms, operating profit grew 30 percent to €409 million ($536 mm).

19.8%Zumiez, Inc. reported sales for the four-week period ended April 28 increased 19.8 percent to $38.4 million, compared to $32.0 million for the comparable period ended April 30, 2011. The company's comparable store sales increased 10.1 percent for the four-week period on top of a comparable store sales increase of 17.5 percent in the year-ago period.

29%Amer Sports saw its biggest growth during the first quarter occur in Apparel, which was up 29 percent. Overall net sales increased 9.1 percent to €489.8 million ($642 mm) in the first quarter, or 7 percent in currency neutral (c-n) terms. Footwear was up by 13 percent. Sales in the Wilson's Individual Ball Sports business increased 8 percent. Winter and Outdoors net sales were up 8 percent in local currencies despite a 9 percent decline in Winter Sports Equipment. The Americas led growth with 18 percent sales growth.

32%LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. reported sales in the first quarter reached $33.3 million, up 32 percent from $25.2 million in the first quarter of 2011. The company’s first quarter 2012 sales results benefitted from its fiscal calendar which provided four additional business days compared to the first quarter of 2011. Net income was $0.6 million, or 8 cents per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2012, up from a net loss of $0.7 million, or 10 cents per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2011.

19.9%Crocs, Inc. reported revenue for the first quarter of 2012 increased 19.9 percent to $271.8 million, a considerable jump from the $226.7 million reported in the first quarter of 2011. Net income for the first quarter 2012 was $28.3 million, or 31 cents per diluted share, compared to net income of $21.5 million, or 24 cents per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2011. Sales growth during the quarter was driven by Asia and the Americas, which was partially offset by a slight decrease in Europe. Geographically, revenue increased 17.1 percent for the Americas and 40.5 percent for Asia, while revenues in Europe decreased 2.7 percent.

David Nichols, global president of K-Swiss

NEWS

MAY 7, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 9

REI released its sixth annual stewardship report, which details its operational impact on the environment as well as its efforts to pro-tect outdoor natural spaces, and provide an inclusive and rewarding workplace. Highlights of the report include:

SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS• A 3 percent increase from 2010 in REI’s overall absolute climate

impact, but less than the company’s overall growth of 8.4 percent (by sales).

• A decrease in REI’s operational waste, led by recycling efforts in its distribution centers in Sumner, WA and Bedford, PA.

• Twelve new solar power generating installations, bringing REI’s continued investment to 23 stores and one distribution center.

• The lowest use of paper and virgin fiber since REI began report-ing in 2007.

COMMUNITY • $4.48 million in corporate giving granted to more than 330 local

and national nonprofits that share REI’s commitment to care for the great outdoors. The result was 3.4 million volunteer hours to protect and maintain natural spaces and recreational areas.

• More than 540 REI-sponsored conservation projects, includ-ing 35,990 volunteers and 137,089 hours of “sweat equity” on trails, parks, and waterways.

REI SHOWS PROGRESS WITH ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP REPORT

• $445,850 provided by The REI Foundation to nine nonprofits helping to get more young people into nature.

WORKPLACE • An engaged workforce and record low turnover of 26.6 percent,

compared to the average retail industry rate of 63 percent.• Ranked eighth in Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies

To Work For” list.• Training 600 retail store management employees to sustain

and expand REI’s respectful and inclusive workplace and shopping experience – the single largest investment ever made in retail training.

"We recognize there is considerable work to be done in order for us to meet our environmental aspirations," wrote Sally Jewell, REI's president and CEO, in a letter included in the report. "Achieving these goals while we continue to grow to serve our members and community is challenging and requires innovation well beyond our ability to accomplish them independently. We firmly believe that sustainability is a “team sport,” and we will continue to work collaboratively with others to make steady progress."

The sixth annual report covers metrics and actions for 2011 for its headquarters, 122 stores, two distribution centers and as-pects of its supply chain manufacturing. The full report is available here.

SPOTLIGHT

BROOKLYN NETS… A NEW BRAND IS BORN IN BLACK-and-WHITE

The Nets, the professional basketball team that will be moving from New Jersey to Brooklyn next season, last week unveiled a logo and color scheme that played heavily on their new hometown. As part of a complete rebranding for the team, the Nets will have a black-and-white color scheme, which pays homage to the old New York subway signage.

The Nets will have a pair of primary logos. The first features a shield and the name "NETS" accompanied by the letter "B" inside a basketball and "BROOKLYN" underneath. The second features the letter "B" inside a basketball encircled by "BROOKLYN NEW YORK."

Jay-Z, the team’s part-owner, played an instrumental role in the design of the logos.

"The Brooklyn Nets logos are another step we've made to usher the organization into a new era," Jay-Z said in a statement. "The boldness of the designs demonstrates the confidence we have in our new direction. Along with our move to Brooklyn and a state-of-the-art arena, the new colors and logos are examples of our commitment to update and refine all aspects of the team."

SHOCK DOCTOR UNVEILS NEWLY EXPANDED BASEBALL PROTECTION LINE

Shock Doctor introduced its newly expanded line of protective gear specifically designed for baseball players of all ages and skill levels. In addition to mouthguards, performance sports therapy, cups and supporters, and ultra and core compression shorts, the 2012 baseball lineup of protective and performance products includes shirts, shorts and impact gear.

“Our 2012 baseball lineup is the culmination of our dedication to performance and protection and meeting the needs of baseball players everywhere,” said Jay Turkbas, Shock Doctor senior vice president of product development and marketing. “As the skills and performance of athletes at all levels advance, it is more important than ever for Shock Doctor to provide advanced safety products for the player. “

“Shock Doctor has created a new line of baseball gear and by doing so they’ve shown their commitment to helping baseball players perform better and stay protected,” said Carlos Santana, catcher for the Cleveland Indians and member of Team Shock Doctor. The Shock Doctor Velocity Shockskin 4-inch Wrist Band Guards, Ultra Catcher’s Sliding Short with Ultra X-Fit Cup Pocket, a custom mouth guard, and Velocity Motion 360 Shirt will make their debut in the MLB on Santana.

1. Velocity Shockskin Baseball Youth Sleeveless Shirt features integrated dual density Shockskin foam padding secured with high frequency seams positioned on the chest. Pure-Vent and Airflow keep the athlete cool; Motion 360 technology utilizes 4-way stretch mesh for full range of motion. MSRP $50

2. Velocity Shockskin 4" Wrist Band Guards utilize the same Shockskin technology as the youth shirt providing unobtrusive yet protective fielding and batting protection. MSRP $30

3. Ultra Sliding Short with Ultra X-Fit Cup Pocket offers the exclusive X-Fit Cup Retention System securing the cup in a natural position for better fit and range of motion. Integrated hip pads secured by high frequency seams in the sliding zone add protection. MSRP $50

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RAWLINGS NRG QUANTUM PLUS EARNS 5-STAR RATING

Headlined by the highest-possible "Best Available" 5-Star rating for its new Rawlings NRG Quantum Plus football helmet, Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation, received 4- and 5-Star ratings for all three of its adult-sized football helmets. These ratings were included in the latest Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings announced by Dr. Stefan Duma, professor of biomedical engineering and head of the Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences.

In addition to the 5-Star rated NRG Quantum Plus, Rawlings' NRG Quantum and new NRG Impulse football helmets received 4-Star ratings, or a classification of "Very Good" based on this year's study. The complete ratings are publicly available online at sbes.vt.edu/nid.

This marks the first year any Rawlings football helmet was tested and rated as Rawlings' re-entry into the marketplace occurred after Virginia Tech's first ratings were released in May 2011.

"We recommend any of the 4- or 5-Star helmets for players," Dr. Duma said in his study's release. "This is a perfect example of a National Institutes of Health-funded project resulting in translational research."

Only adult-size football helmets available at retail were assessed using the STAR (Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk) evaluation system, developed by Dr. Duma. To date, a total of 15 adult football helmets have been evaluated using more than 2,000 lab tests.

According to the Virginia Tech release, "the process used for evaluating the head protector involves performing 120 impacts on each helmet model at multiple locations and impact energies." Each helmet's assessment is then compared to data collected from more than 1.8 million head impacts experienced by football players in an 8-year span.

"As an industry leader, Rawlings appreciates Dr. Duma's and Virginia Tech's efforts on measuring helmet performance," said Art Chou, Rawlings' senior vice president of product development. "We are constantly working to improve our helmet performance, and we appreciate all approaches that make these improvements easier for consumers to understand."

A water sports enthusiast from Asheville, NC claims to have creating the first kayak you can ride on your stomach. The Bellyak features a planing hull, much like a kayak, that allows quick direction changes and floats the boater over and through the water. There are no straps or skirts to confine you to the boat. Able to tackle rivers, oceans and lakes, the boat is approximately 8 feet long by 24 inches wide, and weighs approximately 30 pounds.

Created by Adam Masters and his wife Anna, Bellyak began with a crazy idea and some duct tape. After a storm, Master’s tight backyard creek turned into a Class II curl. The space was too narrow to use a paddle, so Masters covered the cockpit with a spray skirt and duct tape, hugged the boat tight to his belly and launched into the froth.

“I love traditional white water kayaking,” said Masters, son of Perception Kayak founder Bill Masters. “But I also understand the sport’s steep learning curve. With Bellyak and bodyboating, there’s no spray skirt, no paddle to manage and no feeling of being ‘trapped’ in a boat – it’s a high-fun, low-risk way for anyone to get on the water and get an amazing workout.”

In the roto-molded plastic Bellyak, a rider’s full length is supported so nothing drags in the water allowing riders to use their entire body for maneuverability.

“Bellyak is unique for many reasons, but I love the perspective from down low, just skimming over the water,” said Masters. “The boats are designed to be ridden lying down, on knees or seated, but I prefer the sense of control and the natural connection I experience when riding on my belly.”

Bellyak is launching with two boat styles for this summer – the larger Frequency, for beach surf, to the lake and time on the river, and the more compact Play, for white water or flat spins at the local park-n-play. Both styles of Bellyak fit on a standard kayak roof rack or the back seat of a car.

Play

Frequency

MAY 7, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 11

INTRODUCING BELLYAK

12 SGBWeekly.com | MAY 7, 2012

OUTDOOR PARTICIPATION HITS FIVE-YEAR HIGH IN 2011By Thomas J. Ryan

n 2011, participation in outdoor recreation reached a five-year record in the U.S. providing hopeful evidence for the ongoing move

toward healthier living and active lifestyles according to the 2012 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report.

More than 141 million Americans, or 49.4 percent of the U.S. population, participated in outdoor activities last year, an increase of three million people compared to 2010 and continuing a five-year trend. In addition, Americans made a total of 11.6 billion outdoor outings in 2011, which is 1.5 billion more than the previous year. Annually, participants averaged 82 outdoor outings – from hiking to biking, skiing to paddling.

“This report shows that Americans are getting up and getting outside – a great trend for the outdoor community and the country,” said Christine Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation, which published the report. “We are encouraged by the growing population of active young people, which reflects recent efforts to re-engage and re-inspire America’s youth to get outdoors.”

The research showed increases in youth and young adult participation – continuing an encouraging, yet modest, trend over the last few years. Outdoor participation increased by one percent in every age bracket, 6-to-12, 13-to-17 and 18-to-24 respectively. This accounted for more than four billion outdoor outings for the younger generation with an annual average of nearly 90 outdoor outings. While encouraging, these rates are significantly lower than those recorded in 2006. For example, 63 percent of youth ages

6-to-12 participated in outdoor recreation in 2011, compared to 78 percent in 2006.

The Most Popular activities among young people in overall participation continue to be Running, Biking, Camping, Fishing and Hiking.

The Most Favorite activities as measured by frequency of participation were Running, Biking, Skateboarding, Triathlons and Birdwatching. Interestingly, adults share a passion for similar recreational pursuits.

“We are seeing promising outdoor participation trends among traditional audiences across many recreation activities,” continued Fanning. “However, our preliminary data analysis showed that we are losing ground among minority populations and other important emerging markets.”

I

Source: 2012 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report.

14 SGBWeekly.com | MAY 7, 2012

The overall gain was supported by increased participation in some of the major activities.

Running/Jogging's count increased by 2.6 percent to 50.7 million participants, and is ahead 23.3 percent over the last three years. Closely related, Trail Running participation saw a healthy 9.8 percent increase, to 5.6 million from 5.1 million in 2010 and is ahead 15.5 percent over the last three years.

Triathlon lost some momentum after gaining participants at a blistering pace over the last decade. Traditional/Road Triathlon had 1.4 million participants, down from 1.98 million in 2010 but still went well ahead of the 640,000 tallied in 2006. Non-Traditional/Off-Road Triathlon saw 709,000 participants, down from 929,000 in 2010, again after strong gains in recent years. Adventure Racing also lost some ground, sliding to 1.1 million participants from 1.3 million in 2010.

Camping scored a comeback year with participation in Recreational Camping (within one-quarter mile of vehicle/home) increasing 6.2 percent to 32.9 million. RV Camping grew 5.3 percent to 16.7 million participants. Day Hiking participants increased to 34.5 million from 32.5 million and have steadily grown from 29.9 million in 2006. Overnight Backpacking (more than one-quarter mile from vehicle/home), however, tallied 7.1 million participants, down from 8.3 million, losing some gains in recent years.

Sport/Indoor/Boulder Cimbing participants notched 3.65 million participants, sharply down from 4.8 million in 2010 after holding fairly level over the preceding years. In the traditional/ice/mountaineering climbing category, participant reached 1.6 million, down from 2.2 million the prior year.

Source: 2012 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report.

MAY 7, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 15

Bicycling (road/paved surface), participation grew to 40.3 million, slightly ahead from 39.3 million in 2010. BMX Cycling saw a sharp decline in participants.

Among the 43 outdoor activities analyzed, Kayaking (recreational) saw the largest one-year gain, Climbing 27.3 percent to 8.2 million participants and doubled its overall participation levels since 2006. Coming in third overall was Standup Paddling, with participation growing 18.3 percent to 1.2 million, up from 1.5 million in 2010.

But many watersports activities lost ground. Sharper declines came in Rafting, to 3.8 million from 4.5 million; Surfing, 2.2 million from 2.8 million; and Scuba Diving, 2.6 million from 3.1 million in 2010. Slight drops in participation were seen in Canoeing, 9.8 million from 10.6 million in 2010; White Water Kayaking, 1.5 million from 1.8 million, and Sea/Touring Kayaking, 2.3 million from 2.1 million. Wakeboarding participants reached 3.4 million, down from 3.6 million.

Likely impacted by the mild winter and light snowfall across most of the country, Skiing had a tough year. Alpine/Downhill participants slipped to 10.2 million from 11.5 million in 2010; Cross Country, 4.3 million from 4.5 million; Freestyle, 3.6 million from 4.0 million; and Snowboarding, 7.6 million from 8.2 million. Gains in snowsports were seen in Snowshoeing, increasing to 4.1 million participants from 3.8 million; and Telemarketing (downhill), 2.1 million from 1.8 million in 2010.

The second largest increase in overall participation came in Bow Hunting, Climbing 18.6 percent to 4.6 million. But hunting activities in general drew more enthusiasts. Rifle Hunting, the biggest category, saw participation increase to 10.8 million from 10.2 million, bouncing back from a decline over the 2009-2010 timeframe. Shotgun Hunting saw a sharp increase, perhaps at the expense of Handgun Hunting, which witnessed a small pull back in participation.

Fishing (Freshwater/Other) saw participation increase slightly to 39.1 million from 38.9 million after showing some erosion in recent years. Saltwater Fishing grew slightly while Fly Fishing saw a modest decline.

Skateboarding continued its slide, with 5.8 million participants, down from 6.8 million in 2010 - nearly half off the 10.1 million the activity enjoyed in 2006. ■

Note: The 2012 Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report was derived from almost 40,000 online interviews conducted in January 2012 through early February 2012. www.outdoorindustry.org

16 SGBWeekly.com | MAY 7, 2012

MAY 7, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 17

T he recent NFHS/SGMA/NCAA Meeting, held April 25 in Indianapolis, IN, to discuss rules changes for high school

and college sports was considered a major success by organizers and attendees alike. More than 70 sporting goods industry executives from 40 sporting goods companies and organizations met with the leadership of SGMA, NCAA, and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Attendees took in presentations detailing with upcoming rules changes and ongoing injury studies before participating in sport-specific discussion sessions moderated by NFHS and NCAA officials.

“We were very pleased with the meeting,” said SGMA President Tom Cove in an interview with SGB Weekly following the event. “It included virtually every major team sports company in the United States and gave everyone a chance to identify issues and resolve them through a non-controversial, non-conflict-oriented process. We were very happy with the breadth of subjects which were addressed - everything from football helmets to lacrosse balls to uniform issues, as well as injury statistics.”

NFHS Executive Director Bob Gardner and SGMA’s Cove, both of whom noted the gradually growing attendance at the meeting from year-to-year, opened the day with a welcome, introductions, and updates for their respective organizations. Other featured speakers included Ty Halpin, associate director of playing rules and officiating for

the NCAA, who offered an NCAA update, and Mike Oliver, executive director of the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE), who provided a NOCSAE update. Dr. Tom Dompier, president for Datalys Center for Sports Injury Research & Prevention, and Dr. Dawn Comstock, associate professor of Pediatrics at Ohio State University, gave presentations on injury surveillance systems for the NCAA and NFHS, respectively.

Rules changes were discussed for a myriad of sports, including baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and many others. Attendees were provided with a list of all NFHS equipment, facilities, uniform and rules changes which took effect this school year (2011/12) and which will go into effect in the 2012/13 and 2013/14 school years. The NCAA and the NFHS also presented a list of all the Playing Rules Committees (NCAA) and Sport Rules Committees, staff contacts, and meeting dates.

“This meeting grows in importance every year,” explained NFHS’ Gardner. “This annual meeting allows all parties to interact face-to-face and to build trust with one another. The dialog is beneficial to all parties involved. We are pleased with our strong relationship with SGMA and the growing response we are getting from its membership each year at this meeting.”

During his NFHS update, Gardner said that a “steady increase in participation” had

INDUSTRY LEADERS GATHER TO DISCUSS RULES AT NFHS/SGMA/NCAA MEETING

Tom Cove, SGMA President

Bob Gardner, NFHS Executive Director

occurred in high school sports over the past several years, but also noted that the NFHS is aware that a number of schools have been making cuts as a result of the struggling economy. Due to the economic slowdowns, contributions from booster clubs and corporate organizations meant to support high school sports programs are now more

By Fernando J. Delgado

18 SGBWeekly.com | MAY 7, 2012

important than ever. Gardner also stated that NFHS focuses on three main issues when considering any type of rule change for any sport:

1. Is it in the best interests of the sport? 2. Does it give an unfair advantage to either the offense or defense? 3. Does it impact the sound traditions of the game? Immediately following Gardner, SGMA’s Cove provided the

audience with a preview of SGMA’s upcoming State Of The Industry Report. Highlighting the update was the promising statistic that the sporting goods industry grew by 3.1 percent in 2011. He also made mention of the high cotton prices affecting the apparel market for retailers, team dealers, and consumers, complicating an already difficult economic climate. In regards to sports participation, Cove noted that the sports/activities with the highest percentage growth in participation in 2011 were stationary cycling (group classes), gymnastics, stand-up paddling, elliptical motion trainers, and high impact aerobics.

Cove offered several observations as part of his update, including:• Team sports participation has matured, as participation rates

have plateaued and stabilized; • The peak age group for sports participation is children in

middle school; • Young people start to move out of team sports once they

reach high school; • Basketball is the most popular team sport for children; and • Avid sports and fitness enthusiasts are the foremost groups

driving business in the sports industry. He emphasized that the industry must address the problematic

trend of children participating less during their high school years. “We should be able to do better to keep them in longer,” said Cove during his presentation. “And that’s a goal for SGMA, a goal for our industry, and it’s something that’s good for this country.” Cove pointed out the obesity problem in the United States, evidenced in part through some of the results of SGMA’s comprehensive participation survey, for

which more than 40,000 respondents aged 6 and older across the country replied with their activity levels in 119 sports and fitness activities. A staggering 24 percent of all surveyed replied that they had not participated in any of the 119 activities. He also shared that obesity rates are at an all-time high in the U.S., with obesity directly leading to 8 of the 9 most expensive health care issues in the country. Cove expressed the urgency of encouraging the country’s youth to participate more in sports and fitness activities in an effort to fight obesity.

NOCSAE’s Oliver addressed the concussion issue and the topic of fielders’ helmets for baseball players. Oliver defended the current standard for all helmets, stating that it is a “very effective standard for protecting the head from skull fractures.” He added that the new standard for baseball fielders’ helmets will take effect in January 2013, although no governing bodies in baseball or softball are currently requiring its athletes to wear the helmets.

As part of the NCAA update, the NCAA’s Halpin stated that safety remains the number one priority for any action taken by any of the NCAA’s playing rules committees. When rules changes are considered at the collegiate level, the NCAA prioritizes student-athlete safety, preserving the traditions of a sport, and the enforcement of potential new rules.

The Injury Surveillance System updates for both the NCAA and NFHS included a presentation from Dr. Comstock regarding the NFHS system, which utilizes an internet-based data collection tool known as RIO (Reporting Information Online). “The whole goal was to create a correlation to the NCAA Injury Surveillance System,” said Comstock, who has been analyzing high school injuries since 2005. Her studies aim to collect data to monitor high school injury trends and patterns of injuries over time in an effort to “provide data to help drive evidence-based discussions” for the various rules committees of the NFHS. According to Comstock, from 2005-2011, there were 2.31 injuries to high school athletes per 1,000 athlete exposures. She stated that in most sports, more injuries occur in competition than in practice despite the fact that there are more athlete exposures in practices than in games. According to the studies, high school football has the most injuries, while the most common injuries are ankle sprains/strains and concussions. Comstock also said that 45 percent of all injuries in high school sports result in the athlete missing less than a week’s worth of games and practices.

Following the presentations, attendees were able to join sport-specific discussions broken up into four 45-minute sessions throughout the remainder of the day. Four or five unique discussion groups took place during each session. During two of the sessions, The SportsOneSource Group’s CEO & Chief Market Analyst James Hartford

MAY 7, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 19

offered a presentation detailing the results of the Team Business Athletic Directors Survey.

The annual growth in attendance is encouraging to the leadership of the organizations responsible for hosting the meeting. In 2006, the first year the meeting was held, about 40 to 45 individuals attended. Last year, more than 60 sporting goods industry executives from 33 sporting goods companies and organizations were present, meaning this year’s attendance included roughly 10 more executives and more than a half dozen additional companies. Including media and other guests, total attendance approached 85 people for this year. Such an increase is a reflection of the importance of the event for manufacturers and other groups affected by rules changes. “As the years have gone by, the annual NFHS/SGMA/NCAA Rules Meeting has evolved into an industry gathering where the key decision makers with the NCAA and the NFHS get a chance to establish strong lines of communication with sporting goods manufacturers,” observed Mike May, director of communications for

School Associations and the NCAA because sport governing bodies, sporting goods manufacturers and retailers need to be working together for the best interests of all sports and those that play them.”

SGMA hopes to build upon the momentum of this year’s meeting and continue increasing its scope in the future. “We started several years ago simply to open up communication between manufacturers and high school rule-makers,” shared SGMA’s Cove. “It’s evolved now to include manufacturers, brands, marketers, retailers, buying groups, and on the other side, not only the high schools, but also the NCAA.” Cove added that the meeting has brought in other governing bodies such as U.S. Lacrosse, which was present for the first time this year. “Attendance has increased each year most importantly because we’ve gotten better at focusing on issues that matter to people, and also because we’re bringing in larger groups of stakeholders,” he said. ■

Dr. Tom Dompier, president for Datalys Center for Sports Injury Research & Prevention

SGMA. “And now, NSGA has been invited to this function so more retailers can start attending this event in the future. It’s important for SGMA member companies to have strong contacts with the leadership of the National Federation of State High

Dr. Dawn Comstock, associate professor of Pediatrics at Ohio State University

DR. DAWN COMSTOCK’S STUDIES AIM TO COLLECT DATA TO MONITOR HIGH SCHOOL INJURY TRENDS AND PATTERNS OF INJURIES TO... “PROVIDE DATA TO HELP DRIVE EVIDENCE-BASED DISCUSSIONS”

Ty Halpin, associate director of playing rules and officiating for the NCAA

CHANGES EFFECTIVE 2011-12

Baseball (Rule 1-3-2) - The Bat, which may be a wood or non-wood product, shall be a smooth implement from the top of the cap to the top of the knob. All non-wood bats shall meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard, and such bats shall be labeled with a silk screen or other permanent certification mark.

Boys Lacrosse - All Hollow Cross Handles must have their open end covered with a plastic or rubber end cap manufactured for a lacrosse stick.

Girls Lacrosse - The Goalkeeper’s Stick may be 35.5” to 52” in length (previously 35.5” to 48”). The Goalkeeper’s Helmet must include a chin strap which must be fastened.

Girls Gymnastics (Rule 6-1-3) - Effective July 1, 2012, the landing area for Vaulting shall be a minimum of 18’ x 8’. (Rule 8-1) - Effective July 1, 2012, the landing area at each end of the Balance Beam shall be a minimum of 12’ long x 8’ wide. The working area under the Balance Beam is 15’ wide x 15 ½ ‘ long.

CHANGES EFFECTIVE 2012-13

Football - Effective 2012 new rules will take effect on Football Jerseys; and Football Gloves and Hand Pads must meet the NOCSAE test standard at the time of manufacture.

Girls Lacrosse (Rule 2-13) - Effective 2013, all Shirts must be of a single, solid color.

Ice Hockey (Rule 3-3-2 and 3-3-3) - Leg Pads will be a maximum 11” wide and a maximum 38” long. Blocker Glove Padding will be a maximum 8” wide and a maximum 15” long. Catching Gloves will be a maximum 45” perimeter and a maximum 18” in length across. Wrist Cuffs will be a maximum 4” by a maximum 8”.

Soccer (Rule 4-1-1) - Shinguards must meet NOCSAE specifications. The NOCSAE seal and height range of the player shall appear on the Shinguard. Effective with the 2012 Fall season, the NOCSAE seal and height range shall be permanently marked on the front of the Shinguard. (Rule 4-1-1i1) - Effective with the 2012 Fall season, all Jerseys shall be numbered on the back with a different Arabic number at least 6” in height and on the front (Jersey or Shorts) with the same number which shall be at least 4” in height. Numbers shall be of contrasting color on the Jersey or Shorts and clearly visible.

Track and Field (Rules 7-4-6 and 7-5-11) - Effective January 1, 2013, the High Jump/Pole Vault Crossbar shall be circular. Square with beveled edges or triangular crossbars shall no longer be legal for competition.

CHANGES EFFECTIVE 2013-14

Soccer (Rule 4-1-1b) - Beginning with the 2013 Fall season, the Home Team shall wear solid jerseys and solid white socks.

NO CHANGES

Boys Gymnastics, Spirit and Wrestling - At this time there are no changes in the area of Equipment, Facilities, or Uniforms.

NFHS EQUIPMENT, FACILITIES, UNIFORM AND RULES CHANGES

Changes are in summary form, courtesy of NFHS. Complete rules are available in the currentNFHS Rules Book

20 SGBWeekly.com | MAY 7, 2012

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