November/December 2021

Volume 10 | No. 6 | November/ December 2021

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPORTING GOODS ASSOCIATION

SUPER RETURN Joe Theismann Inspires at Management Conference Team Dealer Baseball Brand Ratings Report Tom Gately Reflects on Career in Snow Sports

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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CEO NOW Duncan Wardle, speaking at this year’s Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit, hit a key point on the important connection between diversity and innovation.

NOW 5 ATomSSOCIATION Gately Reflects on Career in Snow Sports NSIGHTS NOW 8 INSGA Baseball Brand Ratings Report ONFERENCE NOW 10 CScenes from Naples CONFERENCE NOW 12 Joe Theismann on “The Challenge of Change” CONFERENCE NOW 14 Analyzing the Multi-Generational Workforce CONFERENCE NOW 15 How to Find and Retain Quality Employees 2021 NSGA PRODUCT GUIDE 16 See New Products From NSGA Supporters RETAIL NOW 24 How Ready Are You for 2022?

NDUSTRY NOW 26 INJCAA Headwear Partnership; Mueller Refresh of

28 >> ON THE COVER: Super Bowl champion quarterback Joe Theismann during his closing keynote at the 2021 Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit.

30

Quench Gum; New Line of Spalding Basketballs

LOCKER ROOM NOW

NFHS Girls Lacrosse Rule Changes; NCAA Softball Specifications Change for 2024

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT NOW

Give Me Five With Rick Johnson, King Keyser NSGA NOW ®

>> November/December 2021 | 3

CEO NOW Innovation drives growth and helps nimble business owners adapt to any challenge. If you want to survive and grow, adopting

NSGA OFFICERS

innovation techniques is key to your continued success and

Chairman of the Board Pat Donnelley Donnelley Sports, Twin Falls, ID

relevance. We were fortunate to have Duncan Wardle, who knows a little bit about innovation, kick off this year’s NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit and share tactics for building an innovative mindset.

Treasurer/Chairman-Elect Greg Miller Universal Athletic, Bozeman, MT Past Chairman David Labbe Kittery Trading Post, Kittery, ME BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kevin Bezanson Cleve’s Source for Sports, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Bob Fawley Capitol Varsity Sports, Oxford, OH Gordon Geiger Geiger’s, Lakewood, OH David Lynn Dunham’s Sports, Troy, MI Mick Montgomery Denver Athletic Supply, Englewood, CO Ron Rugal B&R Sporting Goods, Shelby Charter Township, MI Jerry Williams Schuylkill Valley Sports, Pottstown, PA NSGA TEAM LEADERS Matt Carlson President & CEO Marty Maciaszek Team Dealer Division, Communications Julie Pitts Director, Public Affairs and President, NSSRA Nick Rigitano Director, Insights and Analysis Jennifer Shaffer Comptroller

Wardle spent three decades at Disney and ultimately led Innovation and Creativity for the organization. He brought unique and creative ideas to experiences that ranged from its theme parks to its movies.

Wardle shares his experiences and ideas through keynotes such as the one he delivered for NSGA. His engaging session got everyone involved in an interactive way which challenged you to think differently about how you go about your business. We’ll create a more extended article about his speech in an upcoming NSGA NOW article, but there are a few highlights I would like to share.

Wardle spoke about exercising your creative muscle, the value of the “naïve expert,” “yes, and…,” and re-expressing the products and services you sell. His innovations tool kit also included “diversity,” saying, “Diversity is innovation. Someone who looks different from you will think different from you.” This means different and innovative ideas can come from everywhere, and if we are not fostering a diverse climate, we may be missing critical potential customers and losing business. Wardle advocated diversity presents a new approach instead of “this is the way we’ve always done it so we’re not going to change.”

If you have concerns about the costs of innovation in business, perhaps consider potential business (meaning profits) you leave on the table by ignoring Wardle’s suggestions. There’s an argument to be made that you can’t afford not to do it. It doesn’t cost you anything to re-express your product along the lines of the example Wardle provided at the conference: instead of a car wash, re-express it as an auto spa … it changes the customer mindset, and they might be willing to spend more at your business.

Are you selling sweatshirts to the booster club, or, team support kits? What do your local high schools call their student sections? If they don’t have a name, create one, and sell kits with that name branded to re-express the products you sell. Are you selling winter boots, or the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors? Wardle recommended selling the experience, not the product.

Wardle challenged attendees: “The opposite of bravery is not cowardice, but conformity.”

Thus, the link between diversity and innovation. Neither is easy to accomplish on its own and certainly not in tandem. The bravery of embracing both concepts could have a rewarding impact on your business.

Let’s be brave in our sporting goods industry and pursue diversity, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it is a strategy to innovate and GROW. Matt Carlson | President & CEO

NSGA collaborates with the National Sports Media Association (NSMA) to help ensure the sports media has the most up-to-date sports participation data available.

4 | NSGA NOW ®

>> November/December 2021

NSGA NOW (ISSN 1045-2087) is published bi-monthly for members of the National Sporting Goods Association, 3041 Woodcreek Drive, Suite 210, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Phone: (847) 296-NSGA (6742); Fax: (847) 391-9827.

Subscription price of $50 per year is included in membership fee. Non-member subscription information available from publisher. Periodical postage paid at Downers Grove, IL 60515 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NSGA NOW,® 3041 Woodcreek Drive, Suite 210, Downers Grove, IL 60515. © NSGA 2021 all rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

ASSOCIATION NOW Gately Reflects on Career, Future of Snow Sports Tom Gately is nearing the finish line of a long career in the snow sports industry. As he prepares for retirement, the president of the Snowsports Merchandising Corporation (SMC) buying group and member of the National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association (NSSRA) Board of Directors took some time to reflect on his career and what the future looks like for snow sports in this Q&A for NSGA NOW with NSSRA president Julie Pitts.

Q:

When did you start at SMC and what positions have you held during your tenure?

A:

It was 1987 when I moved my young family from Vermont in order to take the position of Product Manager at SMC in Massachusetts. I became Managing Director in 1993 and that position’s title was changed to President in 2012.

Q: A:

How long have you been involved in the snow sports industry and what got you started?

After graduating from the University of Buffalo with a math degree in 1975, my sister asked me what I was going to do with the degree. I said I had no clue. She said, “Why don’t you go up to Killington (Vermont) and teach skiing for a year and figure it out?” I thought that was a great idea so I did. I got into ski resort retail after my first winter there. It was a few years later that I attended my first ski show in Las Vegas as a retail buyer. It was through that experience that I became smitten with the industry.

Q: A:

Do you have any predictions about how the industry will change in the next 12 to 36 months?

I’m hopeful that with the influx of new and lapsed skiers entering our sports last winter looking for safe, exhilarating, family outdoor activity that the investment in gear will “stick” and that most will continue on to become lifelong participants.

Q: A:

What have been the biggest challenges for ski and snowboard retailers during the COVID pandemic?

The biggest challenge last year was adapting to the unknown.

Yes, there were good reports from bike and outdoor from the summer of 2020 but nobody was sure whether that enthusiasm would translate to winter activities. There was optimism that the areas would figure it out but still, there was uncertainty. Luckily, specialty retailers do what they do best; they’re extremely nimble and they adapted to meet the challenge.

Q:

What do ski and snowboard retailers need to do to get more participants?

A:

I think specialty retailers do a great job of speaking to their existing customer base. However, they need help reaching non-participants to show them the programs they already have in place - like junior lease programs that make it extremely easy for a family to get started and stay involved.

Q: A:

How has SMC’s mission evolved during your time with the group?

The basic mission hasn’t changed. Our members’ businesses have become increasingly more challenging with the increase in number of distribution channels. We’ve done whatever we can to make their lives easier and represented their best interests to the trade. The goal is to ensure they remain the backbone of the industry.

Q: A:

Why is specialty retail still important for the ski and snowboard industry?

Specialty retailers are the most direct contact with the skiing and riding public. It is where the passion for our sports becomes contagious and we have the best chance to bring in new participants to share in our enthusiasm.

Q: A:

SMC just celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020. What will make it successful in the next 50 years?

I have no doubt that SMC will continue to focus on doing what is right for the snowsports specialty retailer and their vendor partners.

Q: A:

Do you ski and/or snowboard? When did you begin?

I am a lifelong skier. My parents were the ski school at Hartwell Hill in the late ‘50s early ‘60s. It was a small family slope with two rope tows near what is now Nashoba Valley in eastern Massachusetts.

I was a lodge rat and eventually took to the hill. While my parents were giving lessons, they relied on others in the lodge to watch over me. My mom had to pin a sign on my jacket saying “Do Not Feed” as I used to beg for French fries and couldn’t eat my dinner.

Q: A:

What are your plans for retirement?

I plan to spend as much time as possible outdoors. What that looks like, I’m still trying to figure out, but am excited to begin this new adventure.

NSGA NOW ®

>> November/December 2021 | 5

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INSIGHTS NOW

NSGA Report Provides Insight into Baseball Equipment for Dealers, Brands

By Nick Rigitano NSGA Director of Insights and Analysis Team dealers often face the difficult task of evaluating whether to expand or contract their product offerings and which brands they should carry. To make decisions even more difficult, the baseball market is highly saturated with an abundance of brands and products.

To give team dealers a better idea of the brands being carried, along with their ratings for certain attributes for baseball equipment and apparel, NSGA conducted the Team Dealer Trends: Brand Ratings

Team Dealer Trends: Brand Ratings Baseball

Survey in the summer of 2021. Whether an organization is an existing team dealer, a start-up dealer, or a retailer considering the addition of a team component, the resulting insights can aid in understanding the current landscape of the baseball segment.

This includes competition levels serviced, brands carried for select categories and how those brands measure up against others based on certain attributes. This report can also be used by manufacturers to get a better idea of where they stand with their dealer customers.

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nsga.org

Here is a glance at the information contained in the report:

An overall attribute score is also given for each brand based on their average scores among these five categories.

Baseball Sales Overview

This section also includes ratings of brands carried by dealers

This section provides an overview of baseball sales among dealers

based on overall feelings toward them based on a 5-point scale

for the most recent season in 2021. Included is information on the

(5=very positive, 3=neutral, 1=very negative) as shown in Figure 2.

median number of baseball teams serviced by competition level

SanMar received the top spot in this category after dealers carrying

(high school, college, rec league, etc.) and the percentage of baseball sales attributed to each level, along with the percentage of total baseball sales among respondents broken out by product category.

According to the study, the recreational level was the most-serviced level with team dealer respondents servicing a median of 30 teams at this level followed by high school with 25 teams.

the brand rated them most positively (4.50 average). Next were Founder Sport Group (4.45) and Champro (4.42). Rounding out the top five were Augusta Sportswear Brands (4.38) and Jaypro (4.21).

The report is available to NSGA retailer and team dealer members as a complimentary benefit and can be downloaded at the Research Offerings section of the NSGA website (www.nsga.org). Other

Baseball Brands Carried

organizations interested in obtaining the report can contact Nick

This portion of the report examines the average

org or (847) 296-6742, ext. 1080.

number of brands carried by dealers for each of the nine product categories displayed in Figure 1,

Rigitano, NSGA Director of Insights and Analysis, at nrigitano@nsga.

Figure 1

as well as the percentages of brands being carried by dealer respondents for the given categories.

As shown in Figure 1, bats and helmets were the categories in which dealers carried the most brands on average (4.9 and 4.3 respectively).

Dealers carried an average of 4.2 brands for the categories of gloves/mitts and uniforms, followed by 4 brands carried for field equipment. An average of 3.9 brands were carried for catcher’s equipment and performance apparel while 3.8 brands were carried for baseballs. Not surprisingly, dealers carried the least amount of brand options for baseball cleats/ shoes (3.2) given the limited number of brands offering these products through the dealer channel.

This section also includes a look at the percentages of respondents carrying given brands for the

Figure 2

product categories surveyed.

Baseball Brand Ratings The final section of the report explores the ratings given to 31 baseball brands by dealers carrying them, based on five different brand attributes: • value for the price • timely delivery • product innovation • brand-name recognition • sell-through NSGA NOW ®

>> November/December 2021 | 9

CONFERENCE NOW Looking Back at Getting Together Again Virtual meetings were a necessary substitute because of the COVID-19 pandemic but no replacement for a real in-person gathering. That was a common theme expressed during the NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit on September 26–28 in Naples, Florida. Here are some of the scenes of members of the sporting goods industry getting together once again.

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>> 1 Brett Mueller, right, CEO of Team Dealer Summit and Speed Networking sponsor Mueller Sports Medicine, listens during a discussion with David Lynn, President of Dunham’s and NSGA Board Member. >> 2 Gordon Geiger (Geiger’s) and Matt McDanel (Ski Tech) listen to a presentation by Jerome Opon of 290 Sports during Speed Networking. >> 3

teve Hauff (Hauff Sports), left, and S Jim Hoff (JMH Consulting) got together with Dusty Rhodes of Platinum Supporter PROLOOK SPORTS during the Sunday night opening reception.

>> 4 From left, Class of 2020 Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame inductee Peter Capolino (Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia), Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Ken Meehan (Dunham’s Sports) and Class of 2018 inductee Stan Jurga (AllStar Sporting Goods). >> 5 Getting together for a discussion were, from left, Dustin Downing, Sarah Goshgarian Unruh and Matt Kaplan of Platinum sponsor OrderMyGear and Laura St. George of conference sponsor GARED. >> 6 John Scipio, CEO of SV Sports, listens intently during a Speed Networking session with Steve Vogelsang, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Team Sports for Gill Athletics/Porter Athletic.

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>> 7 NSGA Board Members Gordon Geiger (Geiger’s) and Jerry Williams (SV Sports) talk during a networking break.

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>> 8 Attendees listen intently to a presentation with drawings by kickoff keynote speaker Duncan Wardle in the background. >> 9 The Sunday evening reception sponsored by OrderMyGear kicked off this year’s Management Conference and Team Dealer Summit. >> 10 Josh Ellsworth of Stahls’ gives a presentation for attendees on Tuesday afternoon.

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>> 11 From left, Allen Reynolds (Cook’s Sporting Goods), Mike Blythe (Blythe’s Sporting Goods) and Peter Derleth (Ripon Athletic) get ready for an education session. >> 12 From left, Bob Eberly (Team Sports, Inc.), Dan Burke (Burke’s Sport Haven), Keith Manning (Jack Pearl’s Team Sports) and Jim Dusbiber (Champro) talk during a networking break.

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>> 13 Michael Ferri of Founder Sport Group gets a chance to catch up with attendees as the Sunday evening reception sponsored by OrderMyGear.

NSGA NOW ®

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CONFERENCE NOW Joe Theismann Shares Experiences with Change

By Marty Maciaszek NSGA Director of Communications Joe Theismann quickly changed a lot of plays during his decorated career as a college and professional quarterback.

But two very public events that led to life-altering audibles were a big focus of Theismann’s entertaining and energetic closing keynote address, “The Challenge of Change,” at the 2021 NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit in Naples, Florida.

“I don’t look at this as much as change anymore as an opportunity,” Theismann said. “The question is can we capitalize on them?”

Significant change No. 1 occurred for Theismann before his senior year at Notre Dame when he was asked about the pronunciation of his name by sports information director Roger Valdiserri.

Theismann found the question a bit odd as he said “Theese-

“I wasn’t playing that well when I walked into the locker room and sat down and had a heart-to-heart with Joe Theismann. I wanted to assess where I was and the direction I wanted to go in. Normally I would hit the team logo silently as I walked out to the field for the game. That night I hit the logo and said, ‘Tonight, your life is going to change Joe.’” It changed dramatically in the second quarter on a flea flicker play.

The Giants weren’t fooled and Theismann suffered a gruesome compound fracture of his leg when he was sacked by NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor. Theismann’s playing career was over.

“Fifty-five thousand people gave an ovation to this man who thought he needed no one,” Theismann said. “It was an unbelievable experience

man” (like cheese). Valdiserri mentioned the school believed he could win the Heisman Award for college football’s best player and a “Theismann for Heisman” campaign where he changed the pronunciation of his name could help his cause.

“Fifty-nine years ago a brand was created, but it was more of an opportunity,” Theismann said of the name change. “I get that question more than I do about my leg.”

Theismann finished second in the 1970 Heisman voting to Jim Plunkett. His opportunity to start his pro career came with Toronto in the Canadian Football League for three years before he joined the Washington Football Team in the NFL. Theismann became the record-setting leader of a Super Bowl champion, won NFL and Pro Bowl Most Valuable Player awards and was selected as the NFL Man of the Year for his community service and dedication to the health and welfare of children in 1982.

He was preparing for his 163rd consecutive game as a player with Washington on November 18, 1985. Millions of people would be watching the Monday Night Football game against the New York Giants and witnessing significant change No. 2 for Theismann.

“I started to believe all my headlines and thought I was all those things,” Theismann said. “One of the most important things that exists today is the relationship you have with an organization. I got full of myself. I was Joe Theismann, football star. I was the leader, I was the quarterback of the football team and a champion. I became an individual that thought the world revolved around me.

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>> November/December 2021

>> Super Bowl champion quarterback Joe Theismann during his closing keynote at the NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit.

to have my leg broken. With the direction I was going the Good Lord entered and said, ‘Enough.’ I had to start over as a person.

“Once I got hurt I had to be a better person.

My whole world changed but my attitude changed as well.”

Theismann pivoted into an Emmy-award winning career as a football analyst with outlets such as ESPN and the NFL Network.

He became a successful entrepreneur and author, which includes his book How to Be A Champion Every Day, which was released in June 2020. And he shares the lessons he has learned throughout his life with companies and organizations such as NSGA. Joe Gibbs, his Hall of Fame coach, taught Theismann the importance of everyone on

>> Joe Theismann and Class of 2020 Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame inductee Peter Capolino show off their 1982 Super Bowl rings.

a team toward its success. Al Saunders, another ex-NFL coach,

And Theismann talked about all the changes necessitated by the

once mentioned the importance of being part of the “able” family.

COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 and the impact it had on the

“Will they be available, will they be reliable and will they be accountable,” Saunders told Theismann.

Theismann also learned a valuable business lesson from the restaurant which bears his name in the Washington, D.C., suburb of Alexandria, Virginia.

“Customer service is the only reason you’re in business. It’s all about the customer,” he said. “It’s the little things you can do. I have a plaque from 1975 when I got into the restaurant business.

It says, “People Don’t Care How Much You Know Until They Know How Much You Care.”

Theismann shared how enthusiasm, motivation, goal-setting,

sporting goods industry and Management Conference attendees.

“The pandemic has done something to all of us,” Theismann said.

“If it had not occurred all of us would probably be doing the same things we had been doing prior to that.

“The pandemic forced us to look at business relationships and personal relationships and more important our relationship with ourselves. All the pandemic has done for us is allow us to study ourselves as much as our competitors. Look at it as a gigantic bye week where you sort of reload and go forward.

“I look around this room and I don’t see average, I see exceptional.

I see exceptional individuals who have survived a difficult time.”

preparation and hard work lead to success. He told the story of going to talk to the New Orleans Saints and legendary quarterback Drew Brees taking meticulous notes.

He acknowledged Tyler Grogan, the President of Grogan-Marciano Sports in suburban Boston, who was in attendance. Theismann discussed his admiration for Tyler’s dad Steve, the owner of the business, and the toughness he displayed in the Super Bowl XX loss to the Chicago Bears during his long career with the New England Patriots.

Theismann also touched on one of the key issues impacting the sporting goods industry right now.

“How many cargo ships are there sitting off the ports right now,” Theismann asked with a smile. “I can’t get footballs. If anyone can help me with that and the same with jerseys I’d appreciate it.”

>> J oe Theismann gets into telling a story for the audience at his closing keynote at the NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit.

NSGA NOW ®

>> November/December 2021 | 13

CONFERENCE NOW Building an Effective Multigenerational Workplace

By Lizz McCrindle NSGA Marketing and Communications Coordinator At this year’s Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit,

Bridging the recruiting gap

Jeff Butler shared his expertise and provided practicable and

can be a daunting task,

actionable takeaways during his session on Building an Effective

especially when there is

Multigenerational Workplace.

a shortage of workers.

Most business owners will be faced with managing a

Butler recommends using

multigenerational workplace at some point and according to Butler, the key to understanding how to get the most out of each team member is to understand the differences between what each generation expects. The catch is experience determines future success. Younger team members simply do not have the level of experience older team members may have, or more simply, “they don’t know what they don’t know.”

Butler refers to this as “crossing the generational bridge” and one of the main ways he recommends doing that, is by using alignment, or clearly setting the expectations of the environment.

Every relationship has expectations and it is easier for employees to succeed when they clearly understand what is expected from them.

your current employees as referral engines. Your current employees know the “why” for joining your business. Allow them to sell someone on joining your team by sharing their “why.” Butler also suggested asking prospective employees submit a short 30-second video explaining why they are interested in joining

Some examples of setting expectations in the workplace include

your team. This helps filter

work/life balance, work ethic, culture and communication protocol.

out candidates who may

Different generations have different expectations as older

not really be interested in

employees may expect more pay for their work experience and

working for your business

some employees may act as if the rules don’t apply to them or they

and are just looking for

may show up to meetings late. Butler emphasized the importance

any job.

of setting the line as the boss so employees know what will and will not be expected of them and that there will not be surprises.

Most workplaces will inevitably have employees who do not meet

>> Jeff Butler

Butler concluded by talking about the importance of consistently providing feedback to your employees. He recommends providing feedback early on and not allowing it to fester and become a

expectations. Instead of getting angry and frustrated with the

big problem by using the following strategy: positive feedback –

employee, Butler recommends using a checklist protocol to help the

negative feedback – positive feedback. Butler calls this a “feedback

struggling employee stay on task while at the same time providing

sandwich,” because the negative feedback is sandwiched between

the employer with feedback and the ability to monitor the quality

two positive elements, and he recommends providing people with

of work performance. When establishing a culture at your business,

positive feedback in real time.

Butler recommends first setting expectations, followed by defining the values of the workplace and putting it all together to create the culture.

Values and beliefs are the biggest differences between the

Butler also recommends letting employees know when they have made a mistake but doing it in such a way to gain understanding into the process the employee went through and the reasoning behind

generations, according to Butler. He suggests managing these

what occurred. Then the employer can address the problem and

differences by making sure all team members receive equal status.

see if there are shortcomings or ways to improve the environment

This is often one of the most difficult things to manage, but it is

or process to avoid the problem in the future.

achievable by facilitating intergroup cooperation, outlining common goals and by maintaining institutional support for your team.

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>> November/December 2021

Tips for Attracting and Developing a Great Workforce

By Tom Van Jacobs NSGA Marketing Coordinator NSGA hosted the “Lunch

new recruits and referral bonuses to show appreciation for the

and

help at recruiting a new employee.

Learn:

Tips

for

Attracting & Developing a Great Workforce” at the Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit to discuss the challenging employment environment businesses currently face.

Bill Welch, the Business Services Manager for Career Source Southwest Florida, shared insights from his 30-

• Extend the recruiting network: Take advantage of your community and utilizing niche job boards that could narrow your recruiting and find the right people for the industry. Also, connect with schools and the chamber of commerce which could help facilitate the hiring process and find people that would be interested in the sports world.

• Have creative job descriptions: Make sure to have substance to your job postings and do not fake what the position entails.

• Be active with social media: Use other vehicles to connect with your audience and attract younger talent.

• Reach out to a staffing company: If hiring has been difficult to do

plus years of experience in

internally, reach out to a third-party company to help with the

the employment industry.

recruiting process.

Welch has spent the last eight years with Career >> Bill Welch Source, a non-profit workforce development agency which connects employers with hiring needs to qualified professionals.

This session hit on the hot topic for the sporting goods industry of the struggle to get people back into the workforce and retain current employees. The United States unemployment rate is up to 5.9%, but the more concerning figure is the participation rate is only 61.7%. There are more job openings than there are people

Keys to Retention Retention strategies are also vital. Welch broke it down into two sections - improving employee retention from the beginning and having incentives to motivate employees.

It is important to take the time to find the right people the first time, so money and time is saved with training new people and minimizing turnover. It is also important to keep current with the environment when it comes to compensation, benefits and a

to fill those positions.

flexible work schedule.

Welch stated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, people were

Having a comfortable workplace is essential in the current

saving more money from government support programs and have not been engaging with employers to get back to work.

environment and it lets your employees know you care about their well-being. The little things matter, so paying attention to them will go a long way to retaining employees. Promoting from within,

Tips/Strategies for Attracting a Great Workforce

employee’s life are all incentives and motivating factors to help

• Contact your state workforce system: Each state has a workforce

retention. The more employees know about their career path and

succession planning, cross-training and recognizing events in an

system that is a one-stop shop to help with all the hiring needs

what they can do for the company, the more they will stay engaged

and cut training costs. Help focus on the right people to hire

and will be less inclined to look elsewhere for employment.

for your industry.

The hiring process will continue to be an issue in the current

• Employee referrals: Every successful business has referrals

job climate. Focusing on creating an attractive and comfortable

for employees in some fashion. Look for customers becoming

workplace will help grow your bench of employees and retain

employees, keeping an eye out for quality characteristics as

them for the long haul.

they are shopping with you. Use a sign-on bonus to incentivize NSGA NOW ®

>> November/December 2021 | 15

2021 NSGA PRODUCT GUIDE The 2021 NSGA Product Guide gave this year’s Conference & Summit supporters the opportunity to highlight a product for team dealer and retailer attendees.

P L AT I N U M Interested in becoming a 2022 supporter and highlighting your company’s product? For more P L Business AT I N U M information, please contact Hayley Fansler, Development Manager, at hfansler@nsga.org or 224-220-1511.

P L AT I N U M

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Create High-End Embroidered Looks in Seconds. Turn your customer’s brand into a high-end embroidered patch without Embroidered Patches threading a needle.

Embroidered Patches have a slightly raised Create High-End Embroidered Looks in Seconds.

Turn your texture andbrand are available in heat-applied or pressure-sensitive customer’s into a high-end embroidered patch without options. fully embroidered logos and designs cut intoraised custom threadingGet a needle.

Embroidered Patches have a slightly shapes and sizes perfect in forheat-applied totes, bags, or hats, and more. texture and are available pressure-sensitive Embroidered Patches options.

Get fully Embroidered embroidered Looks and designs Turn cut into Jennifer.Johnson@stahls.com |logos Mark.Schwarb@stahls.com Create High-End in Seconds. yourcustom shapes and brand sizes perfect for totes,embroidered bags, hats, and more. https://bit.ly/embroidered-patch customer’s into a high-end patch without Jennifer.Johnson@stahls.com | Mark.Schwarb@stahls.com threading a needle. Embroidered Patches have a slightly raised https://bit.ly/embroidered-patch texture and are available in heat-applied or pressure-sensitive options. Get fully embroidered logos and designs cut into custom shapes and sizes perfect for totes, bags, hats, and more.

16 | NSGA NOW ® November/December 2021 Jennifer.Johnson@stahls.com | Mark.Schwarb@stahls.com https://bit.ly/embroidered-patch

>>

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Infla or a Rec imm Infla rech or a stor imm rech 800 Rec stor Infla 800 or a imm rech stor 800

2 0 2 1 N S G A P ro d u c t G u i d e SPEED NETWORKING AND TEAM DEALER SUMMIT

Recovery Tub

Inflatable ice bath, designed for convenience & ease of use! Perfect for teams or athletes on-the-go. The RecoveryTub™ also makes an excellent emergency immersion tub for overheating players on the field. Each unit includes: tub, rechargeable air pump (with adapters), mesh carry bag for easy travel and storage, instruction sheet, and a puncture repair kit.

800-356-9522 | muellersportsmed.com

S I LV E R I8503

• Mid-profile structured on-field cap with shapeable flat-round visor • Poly/sport blend fabric with perforated sides and back; UV protection and moisture wicking • Athletic performance sweatband with Flexfit® sizing available in XS (6 1/2 - 6 7/8), S/M (7 - 7 3/8), and L/XL (7 3/8 - 7 7/8) graces@capamerica.com | capamerica.com

#J730 / Tech Fleece Men’s Sleeveless Hoodie

Fabric: 100% Polyester Brushed Back Tech Fleece. Weight: 240 gsm / 7.1 oz • Moisture management / anti-microbial technology • Kangaroo pouch pocket • RIB waistband • Drawcord hoodie • Tear-away neck label • Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL 212-221-0221 | https://rb.gy/tf4ewa

Badger Sport Lineup Collection

Performance-lab approved fabrics. Available in Tee, Short, Lightweight Hooded Tee and Fleece Hood. stock@FounderSportGroup.com | FounderSport.com

BP Fleece Hoodie

Made from stretchy NB DRY fleece, the BP Fleece Hoodie lets you move through practice or reps at the gym in cool, dry comfort. This style is inspired by top-tier players who customize the sleeves of their BP gear to play their best. lamont.morgan@newbalance.com | joe.gatto@newbalance.com newbalanceteam.com

VERSA (Pullover) Baseball, Softball Jersey

Ripon Athletic ‘Dyfuze’ 1 piece jersey reversible to 2 different looks.

VERSA jerseys provide classic looks to special designs with same PRO quality and performance. In Sand Knit tradition, fill-ins of 1 available and no service charges.

920-361-1500 | riponathletic.com

NSGA NOW ®

>> November/December 2021 | 17

2021 NSGA PRODUCT GUIDE

BRONZE MATBLAZER™

The MATBLAZER™ shoe helps you keep your mind in focus and ready for the match.

It’s the first wrestling shoe made exclusively for women and it features a lightweight yet supportive fit. Its mesh construction creates strategic airflow to keep your feet comfortable. Meanwhile, the women’s-specific shoe provides better midfoot support and comfort. The circular outsole pattern features a flexible design that delivers good grip and support throughout the match. team-sales@asics.com | https://asics.tv/3fBT3Tp

Freestyle Sublimated Turbo Training Tee

Stay cool and comfortable in our Sublimated Training Tee. Dry-Excel™ Micro Interlock boasts maximum stretch and snag resistance. This semi-fitted T-shirt keeps your temperature down when the pressure goes up. FreeStyle Sublimation lets you create a custom look that will stand the test of time in just a few clicks. Your team colors will stay vibrant wash after wash and wear after wear. Custom elements like names and numbers will never crack or peel as they’re a part of the tee itself! sales@augustasportswear.com | https://bit.ly/3B9WU2z

Breeze - Nano Optics

Breeze always keeps things clear. A pair of advanced glasses that go perfectly with all types of sports and activities. andyg@enjoywinter.com | bliz.com/us

Carbon Flare 3” Telescopic Volleyball System

GARED’s NEW Carbon Flare™ Volleyball System’s lightweight carbon fiber posts are much stronger than steel to easily take on competition play! sales@garedsports.com | garedsports.com

Muscle Blaster Mini

The Jawku Muscle Blaster Mini is the smallest, lightest and most powerful mini in the market. With 40 lbs of pressure and 3 adjustable speed settings, from 1,400-2,800 percussions per minute, the Mini can really help accelerate muscle recovery. The mini is also extremely quiet and is smaller than an iPhone X Max making it easy to take with whenever and wherever you want.

Alan@jawku.com | https://jawku.com/products/jawku-chrome-mini

NEA533 & LNEA533

New Era® Men’s and Ladies Performance Terry Short Sleeve Hoodie. 6.5-ounce, 100% polyester French terry, 3-panel hood, heat transfer label for tag-free comfort, round drawcords with New Era metal tips, raw edge sleeves (NEA533), dolman sleeves with raw edge (LNEA533), black mesh detail underneath the sleeves and hood, front pouch pocket, debossed silicone New Era flag logo on pocket, drop tail hem (LNEA533), 1x1 rib knit hem (NEA533).

800-426-6399 x5213 | sanmar.com

Authentic Soffe Short

Our trademark short is worn by cheerleaders, dancers and gymnasts everywhere, as well as those cheering from the stands. The Authentic Soffe short, also known as the classic cheer short, is the go-to choice for everything from tumble to lounge. This iconic style is known for its exposed white elastic band, v-notch cut out at the side, and just-right length. Wear it as is, or layer up with our compression shorts. Either way, these shorts will take your from sports to chilling in no time.

800-285-4456 | deltaapparel.com

A3 Jock

An adjustable, flexible, and stable groin protector for football, baseball, and martial arts, etc. warlockercs@gmail.com | war-locker.com

18 | NSGA NOW ®

>> November/December 2021

Thank You to our * Conference Supporters

PLATINUM

SPEED NETWORKING AND TEAM DEALER SUMMIT

SILVER

BRONZE

SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDERS

MEDIA

*at time of production

Thank You to our Product Supporters

Save the Date

May 22 – 24, 2022 | Scottsdale, Arizona

Thank You to our * Conference Supporters

PLATINUM

SPEED NETWORKING AND TEAM DEALER SUMMIT

SILVER

BRONZE

SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDERS

MEDIA

*at time of production

APPLY NOW

for a 2022 Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit Scholarship

Scholarship includes: • Registration fee for the 2022 Conference & Summit • Accommodations for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday • Daily breakfasts, luncheons, receptions and Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony

Application deadline is January 21, 2022 Only team dealers and retailers are eligible

Learn more and apply at nsga.org/2022scholarship

A3 Jock FEATURES & BENEFITS

· Protection & Flexibility: 3 layers of protective plates.

First, a protective hard outer shield capable of the worst.

Second, a bridge foam layer to mitigate shocks from multiple directions. Finally, the primary Flex Cup has strategically placed wedges along its edges to flex-move with the user. This patented design (US Patent Number 10,682,563) allows the cup to be tightened against the body preventing undesired shifting while allowing the user to move. There is also a protective plate inside the waist belt to provide extra protection for the abdomen. · Comfort: Designed to be worn over the underwear, eliminating the need for user to wear additional compression shorts. Surrounding the hard protective plates are breathable and comfortable cushions, giving user the feeling of distraction-free freedom. · Stability: The adjustable belt and under-strap provide the ultimate control over the position and tightness of the cup, preventing the cup from shifting during movement or upon impact. · Convenience: During practices or matches, it is a hassle getting in and out of a traditional jockstrap; removing clothes in the middle of practice? Don’t think so! Use the adjustable belt and under-strap to easily wear or remove the cup on the sidelines!

War-locker.com Premier Fighting Championship Middleweight Champ – Yu Ji (Radical MMA NYC)

RETAIL NOW

How Ready Are You For 2022?

By Ritchie Sayner Advanced Retail Solutions According to recent numbers released by Deloitte, retail sales this

It has been touted that thrift shopping, or selling second-hand

holiday season are projected to increase from 7 to 9%. E-commerce

or used clothing, may take over fast-fashion within a decade in

is projected even higher with estimates ranging anywhere from

some stores. Although on the surface this may not look as though

11 to 15%. Given that the increase in seasonal sales last year was

it applies to the typical NSGA retailer, this niche is on the rise in

5.8% during the holidays, this is positive news.

many areas as customers continue looking for “value.”

Fueling the increase is folks getting over their concerns about going out

Value used to refer to price. Today, however, it means more about

and shopping and traveling more. Even more interesting is the “steady

convenience. From liberal return policies, to free shipping for online

decline in the savings rate, which is down to pre-pandemic levels.”

purchases, the customer today is demanding that the shopping

NSGA retailers should be aware there will be continued movement

experience make their lives easier. If not, their default is a world of

toward online buying across all product classifications, which will

Internet shopping that never closes, maintains an infinite selection,

include sporting goods. This should encourage any merchant still on

clearly has the best pricing, and next day delivery…for free!

the sidelines with regard to online to find a way to get in the game.

The use of coupons has proven to be a more effective way of

Clearly retail is still plagued with a multitude of challenges, namely

enticing customers than merely offering a discounted price. A

finding and keeping good help and supply chain interruptions, to name

study by Claremont Graduate University revealed that coupons

two of the more significant ones. Another issue you will soon discover,

create “happiness and health.” Retailers also would be happier

if you haven’t already, is a substantial increase in shipping costs. This

and healthier, at least financially, if they knew that a $25 coupon

coupled with inflationary pressures will force retail prices higher.

is more effective than simply a 25% off coupon. Dollar amounts

Given that as a preamble, there are a few trends in retail that do

are tangible.

seem to be working well which should be considered.

24 | NSGA NOW ®

>> November/December 2021

The Reciprocity Principle Have you ever gone to a Costco on a weekend and been offered a free sample? You probably felt somewhat of an obligation to buy the product, assuming you liked it. They gave you something for free, so therefore you should give something back. That is the Principle of Reciprocity in action. I can speak from firsthand experience that this works and I have the Costco receipts as proof.

Notice how many solicitations for “worthy causes” are in the mail with actual currency inside. I receive several each week that contain not only dimes and nickels, but half dollars and in some cases actual dollars. The senders know that, not only will I take the time to open the letter, but I might engage with their message and send in a contribution. You might find Dr. Robert Cialdini of Stanford University’s book entitled, “Six Principles of Persuasion,” interesting if you would like to learn more about this.

The cosmetic industry has used this marketing concept to their

• Remember the newest, freshest merchandise is the catalyst to

advantage for years. Why you ask? Because it works! What if you were

increased profitable sales. How disappointing would it be for

to offer a free pair of socks or a shoe care product as a promotion?

a customer to make a trip to your store only to be offered last

Perhaps some glove oil with a new mitt or a puck with a hockey stick?

year’s carryover merchandise still at full price?

Shoppers prefer getting something extra for free to getting something cheaper. Over time a retailer’s perceived generosity makes them more likeable and leads to positive brand associations. You have to give to get.

Best Practices to Review As we approach the end of this strange year, with all of the economic unknowns of 2022, there are several best practices that bear repeating:

• Use your merchandise plan as the buying guide that it is. It is a great insurance policy that will help inventory levels stay within a profitable range.

• Seek independent, outside counsel if you need an objective opinion.

Have a happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Holiday Season! Until next year…

•P reserve cash whenever possible.

• Mitigate all unnecessary risk.

• Review expenses monthly looking for pockets of potential savings.

•R eview your P/L and balance sheets monthly.

• Do an annual break-even analysis by store. More often if conditions change.

• Perform a cash-flow exercise through year end. Then do it again with a 5 to 10% reduction in revenue.

• Consider paying people on performance instead of only hourly.

•M ove dead inventory out! Now is NOT the time to have cash tied up in underperforming inventory.

Ritchie Sayner Sayner has spent the past four decades helping independent retailers improve profitability.

In addition to speaking to retail groups nationwide, Sayner is a regular contributor to retail industry publications. Prior to embarking on his retail consulting career, he was the general merchandise manager for an independent

• Perform a thorough brand analysis at year end to make sure all

department store in the Midwest. Ritchie is a graduate of

vendors are performing up to par with YOUR business needs.

the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. He is also the author

•S treamline vendors and assortments while at the same time keeping any possible supply chain interruptions. Narrow and deep always trumps wide and shallow when it comes to

of the book, “Retail Revelations-Strategies for Improving Sales, Margins, and Turnover.” He can be reached though his website at www.advancedretailstrategies.com.

assortment planning.

NSGA NOW ®

>> November/December 2021 | 25

INDUSTRY NOW NJCAA Partners on Headwear, Awards The National Junior College Athletic Associ-

Mueller Announces Refresh of Quench Sports Gum

ation (NJCAA) announced partnerships with

Sports drinks are commonly thought of as a way for

Zephyr to continue as its official headwear

athletes to quench their thirst but there is another

provider and with Levy Recognition to be its

kind of product that's been available since the

official awards supplier.

1970s – Quench® Electrolyte Sports Gum. With a

The NJCAA renewed its partnership with

new formula, look and campaign, Mueller Sports

Zephyr, which partners with major companies such as Lids, Fanatics, and Fanzz to offer exclusive styles. Zephyr will provide the official NJCAA National Championship hats for winning teams while providing discounted team prices for NJCAA members throughout

Medicine is announcing a refresh of the Quench Electrolyte Sports Gum product line. Packed with electrolytes and bursting with flavor, the new Quench Electrolyte Sports Gum is a go-to option for many athletes.

"We know that every athlete is looking for an edge," said John Cayer,

the regular season.

President of Mueller Sports Medicine. "The New Quench Electrolyte

The partnership with Levy Recognition is new for the NJCAA. Levy

Sports Gum quickly eliminates dry mouth so each athlete has an

Recognition is also the awards supplier for the Southeastern

opportunity to achieve the level of performance they desire. This

Conference (SEC), Big East Conference, Sun Belt Conference and

great-tasting gum helps them reach their new peak of performance."

Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN).

The relaunch featured a new and improved product that acts fast to

Spalding Introduces New Line of Basketballs

quench the thirst of athletes with more electrolytes, longer-lasting natural flavors and a softer chew. It is available in variety packs that

Spalding introduced its new TF line

include fruit punch, grape, orange and lemon.

of performance basketballs that are

Mueller Sports Medicine has been a member and supporter of the

engineered for professional, collegiate,

National Sporting Goods Association since

and high school leagues, in addition to

1966 and the late Curt Mueller is a member

recreational and outdoor use. To announce

of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame.

®

®

the launch, Spalding tapped brand

Amer Sports Names Salomon CEO

ambassador Damian Lillard to star in a campaign focused on his love for the game.

Amer Sports Corporation an-

The Spalding® TF® line today is structured for use from outdoor

nounced the appointment of

to indoor, featuring rubber, composite leather and genuine

outdoor sporting goods and sportswear industry executive, and

leather basketball options. The Spalding® basketballs that carry

seasoned global operator Franco Fogliato to the role of President

the TF shield are made with exclusive materials engineered for

and CEO for Salomon, the global outdoor brand specializing in

performance, so athletes can play their best anytime, anywhere.

footwear, apparel and winter sports equipment. The appointment is

Spalding®'s TF® line of basketballs will be used in 20-plus high

effective no later than March 15, 2022. In this new role, Fogliato will

®

school state adoptions, NAIA, NJCAA, NCAA Men's and Women's Conference Championships for the Big Ten, Atlantic Coast

lead the Salomon global expansion to become a leading outdoor, mountain-inspired brand.

Conference, Atlantic 10, Mid-American Conference and Big South,

Fogliato brings more than two decades of sporting goods and

in addition to international leagues and federations, such as the

sportwear industry expertise and executive leadership experience

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. TF® basketballs will be the focus of

to Salomon. He has a proven record of innovative brand-building

Spalding's grassroot engagements, such as the Pangos All-American

and omni-channel transformation at leading global brands,

Camps, AAU World Championships, Lakepoint, Hoophall Classic,

including VF The North Face, the Billabong group and Columbia

and many others.

Sportswear Company and has been based in both Europe and

From past to present, Spalding® peak performance basketballs carry the TF name and Spalding will use the TF basketball platform to ®

®

North America. Most recently, he has served as Executive Vice President Global Omni-Channel for Columbia Sportswear based

continuously innovate to move the game forward. The core TF®

in Portland, USA.

line of basketballs, ranging in price from $24.99 to $149.99, can

Fogliato succeeds Jean-Marc Pambet who returned from retirement

be purchased at www.spalding.com and select retailers.

as interim Leader for Salomon in January 2021.

26 | NSGA NOW ®

>> November/December 2021

The North Face, Spinnova Sign Agreement on Sustainable Products Spinnova and The North Face

months. Wilson's youth programming with the YMCA adds to the brand's ongoing allyship efforts, which also include a high school program with the Thunder Fellows, and a college program – Gigs for Game Changers – with The Winning Edge Leadership Academy.

signed a development agreement

Wilson's programming with the YMCA is expected to reach three

to develop new, sustainable, high-

markets per year, with Los Angeles and Cleveland planned for the

performance textiles for the outdoor apparel category. This starts a journey toward commercializing sustainable products using SPINNOVA® materials and access to the first commercial volumes of SPINNOVA® fibre.

Global textile material demand is increasing at a rapid speed and estimated to be as high as 146 million tons annually by 2030.

Outdoor is a segment of the apparel industry with high growth.

The announced partnership aims to reduce impacts of the textile industry on the environment and the planet’s resources. Through

coming months.

Wilson, Azul 3D Partner on Creation of New 3D-Printed Pickleball Paddled Designs Azul 3D, a 3D printing company, has partnered with Wilson Sporting Goods to create two new 3D-printed pickleball paddle designs that will change the way

their work together, Spinnova and The North Face aim to provide

the sport is played.

the outdoor segment with a sustainable alternative to conventional

The two paddles — the Quiet Paddle, which significantly reduces

textile materials without compromises in technical quality.

the sound from ball hits, and the Custom Core Paddle, which is

SPINNOVA® fibre is produced without harmful chemicals, with minimal water usage and with minimal CO2 emissions. SPINNOVA

®

does not contain any microplastics and is 100% circular.

"It’s our over-arching goal to build more circular products,

completely customizable to a player’s needs — represent a shift in paddle design and in how products can be completely re-thought through additive manufacturing.

the environmental impacts of our products. Spinnova is the ideal

Augusta Launches Freestyle Headwear Design Platform

partner on that journey," said Oliver Lang, The North Face Global

Augusta Sportswear Brands announces its launch of FreeStyle

VP, Product Development, in a statement.

Headwear, a proprietary new custom headwear design platform.

constantly develop innovative materials and to further reduce

Wilson, YMCA Enter Partnership Wilson Sporting Goods entered

a

multi-year

FreeStyle Headwear provides Pacific Headwear customers the ultimate design experience by delivering the freedom to create their style in just four quick and easy steps.

From flat or 3D embroidery, to leather patches in popular shapes

national partnership with

and sizes, FreeStyle Headwear provides an unparalleled, immersive

YMCA of the USA (Y-USA). The three-year agreement provides

3D user experience topped off with a mobile interface that enables

$500,000 in funding each year to enable access to sport for

detailed designs to come to life quickly and easily on any phone

underserved youth. Wilson's programming aims to motivate youth

or tablet.

to actively participate, through exposure to real-life experiences such as panels, career fairs and mentorship, as well as access to courts, fields, events and industry-leading sporting goods.

Wilson and the YMCA started their relationship in early August

"We have taken the immensely successful FreeStyle Sublimation design platform and brought it over to hats for our Pacific Headwear customers," said Dave Elliott, CEO of Augusta Sportswear Brands.

"We’re thrilled to expand this user-friendly platform from sublimation

in Wilson's hometown of Chicago with the YMCA of Metropolitan

to custom headwear, with some exciting plans to expand it even

Chicago. In tandem with The Dreamville Chi-League Powered by

further in the future. Bringing world-class technology to our

Wilson, Wilson hosted three youth clinics led by local trainers and

customers so they can enhance their businesses is a focus for us."

Chi-League organizers, and a Townhall at the South Side YMCA.

FreeStyle Sublimation and FreeStyle Headwear are found on

Proceeds from the storied pro-am at Chicago State University benefit the YMCA.

Augusta Sportswear Brands' website. In addition, these two platforms can be embedded on customers' websites to allow for

While the partnership tipped off with basketball at its core, Wilson

a simple, streamlined way of doing custom business. FreeStyle

and the Y will expand programming into other sports in the coming

Headwear's official launch is September 13, 2021.

NSGA NOW ®

>> November/December 2021 | 27

LOCKER ROOM NOW NFHS Girls Lacrosse Rule Changes for 2022 Player equipment was included in the 19 rules changes in high school girls lacrosse for the 2022 season. The rules changes came after a one-year hiatus from the rules-making process because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rule 2 underwent several alterations regarding equipment, including the new Rule 2-7-7, which permits participants to wear secured, nonabrasive head coverings for religious or cosmetic reasons without first obtaining state association approval.

Beyond a pair of changes permitting hair ties and other soft, non-rigid materials worn on the arm and securely fastened hair adornments (Rule 2-7-5), the other major equipment-related modifications are found in Rule 2-7-3, which allows face masks that are soft and non-abrasive.

Under Rule 2-6-1a, goalkeepers are no longer required to wear shin protectors, as there is no standard for those pieces of equipment.

Goalkeepers still have the option to wear shin protection with padding up to one inch in thickness, which also creates consistency with boys lacrosse.

Additional changes to Rule 2-6-1 detail the additional equipment options for goalkeepers, including a clear, molded and non-rigid

Regarding the video review rule, there is no requirement to use it and it is optional for all schools, conferences and tournaments to implement. Over the past few years, conferences have experimented with video review in conference tournament games, including the Atlantic Coast (ACC), Southeastern (SEC) and Sun Belt conferences during the 2021 season. Softball Rules Committee members received positive feedback about the experimental rule and recommended that video review become a permanent aspect of the game.

Under the new rule, each head coach will have two challenges to initiate a review for the entirety of the game. A coach must verbally or visually indicate a challenge request before the next pitch, before the pitcher and all infielders have clearly vacated their normal fielding position and left fair territory, or before the umpires have left the field of play.

Several conferences, including the Atlantic Coast, Big Ten, Pac-12, Southeastern and Sun Belt in 2021, have experimented with inear communication and other one-way electronic communication devices to call pitches from the dugout the past four seasons.

Shot Clock for Iowa High School Basketball in 2022–23 The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) will use the National Federation of State High School

helmet eye shield, as well as tinted or clear eyeglasses.

Associations (NFHS) allowance

A new equipment option for officials was added as new Rule 2-8-5

for state adoption to introduce

offering the ability to use audible wireless communication devices

a 35-second shot clock for

as a means of adjusting to the increased speed of the game.

varsity basketball, required of

New Specifications for NCAA Softballs in 2024

starting in the 2022–23 season. Use of the shot clock in sub-varsity

New specifications for NCAA softballs go into effect in the 2024 season. The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel also approved implementing video review and allowing coaches to have two video review challenges beginning with the 2021–22 academic year.

participating member schools competition will be allowed but not required. With a date set for statewide implementation, experimental exceptions will not be granted during the 2021–22 regular season.

To encourage standardization among states, 35 seconds was the timing provided by NFHS approval. Further shot clock information and rule implementation will be provided by IHSAA and IGHSAU as it becomes available ahead of the 2022–23 season.

Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and USA

NCAA Baseball Allows One-Way Electronic Communication in 2022

Softball at a maximum compression of 275–375 pounds. The

The use of one-way electronic communication devices for the

specifications take effect January 1, 2024 with a goal of improving

purpose of calling pitches and plays was approved for NCAA baseball

inventory availability and assisting in cost containment.

for the 2022 season. Examples of what could be implemented

The softball specifications will be standardized with the National

28 | NSGA NOW ®

>> November/December 2021

next season include teams being allowed to use an electronic

internal construction utilizes the lightest butyl bladder ever used

display board from the dugout that shows a numerical code to

for volleyball, a blended cotton wrap, and Baden's Stealth Soft-Valve

call pitches and/or defensive plays. Teams also can use a one-way

System, which reduces the amount of exposed valve rubber, for

in-ear communication device that would be limited for use from

truer and more consistent play.

the dugout to the catcher.

NAERA Reconditioning Reminder The National Athletic Equipment Reconditioners Association (NAERA), along with NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOSCSAE) and helmet manufacturers, sent out its annual letter in September on reconditioning and recertification recommendations for football, lacrosse, baseball and softball helmets.

NAERA recommends that during every football, lacrosse, baseball and softball season or practice period, every helmet should be cleaned and inspected regularly by a school or organization staff member with knowledge of manufacturer recommendations. We further recommend every helmet should be reconditioned and recertified annually unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer.

Only a company licensed by NOCSAE can perform the recertification of football, lacrosse, baseball and softball helmets. For a list of NAERA members that are licensed by NOCSAE please visit the NAERA website at www.naera.net. More information regarding NOCSAE and its standards can be found at www.nocsae.org.

NAERA also recommends that nonrecertifiable equipment including football and lacrosse shoulder pads, chest protectors and shin guards be sanitized according to manufacturer guidelines as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Baden Continues as Official NAIA Volleyball

Baden has provided the "Official Women’s Volleyball of the NAIA" since 2017.

NFHS Expands Soccer Goal Partnership with Bison The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has announced a broadened corporate partnership with Bison, Inc., that will make the longtime sports equipment manufacturer the “Exclusive Soccer Goal Partner of the NFHS.” A national leader in the production of safe, durable and innovative sports equipment products, Bison initially rose to prominence as a basketball equipment supplier in 1985, and later became the exclusive NFHS partner for the sport of basketball and part of the original NFHS product licensing program for basketball and volleyball in the mid-1990s. Bison has been a member of the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) since 1985.

Throughout its 35 years in the industry, Bison’s innovative mindset has evolved its product lineup to include a wide selection of volleyball equipment, safety padding and goals for football, soccer and many other sports. The premise for the expanded partnership revolves around Bison’s concentrated efforts to improve both the safety and durability of its soccer goals, which has been a point of focus for the organization since it added soccer goals to its team sports lineup in 2005.

Evidence of this commitment includes innovations such as NoTip™ soccer goals with integrated ballast and transport drums, DuraSkin® padding for soccer uprights, and advanced engineering and fabrication processes for welded components.

“We are proud to take another step forward in our long-established partnership with Bison, Inc.,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, NFHS executive director. “Bison has shown tremendous dedication to improving the interscholastic competitive experience for nearly four decades, and that commitment shines through in the quality, safety and reliability of its sports equipment products.”

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) agreed to terms with volleyball manufacturer Baden Sports to extend the current deal to make it the "Official Women’s Volleyball of the NAIA" through December of 2022. The agreement ensures the Baden “Perfection” volleyball will be used exclusively for NAIA postseason play.

The Perfection VX5EC is Baden's top-of-the-line game ball and is made with full-grain leather tanned for optimal touch and feel. Its

As part of the expansion agreement, which carries a three-year term, Bison will retain its title as an NFHS Corporate Partner on all print and electronic listings and will have the ability to place advertisements in NFHS Network email distributions and printed NFHS rules books. As the “Exclusive Soccer Goal Partner of the NFHS,” Bison will also receive advertising opportunities on soccerspecific webpages of the NFHS and NFHS Learning Center websites.

NSGA NOW ®

>> November/December 2021 | 29

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT NOW

GIVE ME 5 WITH

Rick Johnson

President and Owner, King Keyser, Hinsdale, Illinois

Best Part of Ski and Snowboard Community

Importance of NSSRA/ NSGA Membership

I enjoy outdoor sports enthusiasts. It’s nice

The NSSRA Compensation and Benefits

to work in a laid-back atmosphere.

Survey and access to industry information are very valuable.

Biggest Concerns About the Upcoming Season The merchandise and supply chain issues are very real. Last winter was great for skiing in the Midwest – and most of last year’s merchandise was already produced and the logistics challenge was not as pronounced as it is now. Apparel remains a problem for this year.

On the other hand, COVID really drove the importance of shopping local. I feel lucky to be in the outdoor sports business with the rise of outdoor activities such as biking, snow shoeing and skiing.

Secrets to 70 Years of Success in 2022 Getting Kids Into Snow Sports

owned King Keyser for the past 24 years

Our Trolls Ski & Snowboard Club has

and always pay attention to the needs of the

been very successful at introducing kids

community, including being flexible to change.

to the sport. Last year would have been

King Keyser began as a general sporting goods

We are a family-owned business and have been in this location for 65 years. We have

our 57th year of the program if it had

store and sold a variety of products including

not been canceled due to the pandemic.

firearms and camping equipment. Now we sell

Traditionally, we go to Wilmot and Alpine

outdoor specialty. We are located in Chicago’s

Valley in southern Wisconsin. We currently

western suburbs and had a local bike shop

have third- generation participants in the

around the corner which closed two years

program and most are between 10 and 17

ago. During the pandemic, bicycle shops were

years old. The program really allows kids to

designated as an “essential business” – so to

learn. I started in the program when I was

keep our doors open we adjusted accordingly

8. We plan to go forward with the program

and began to repair bicycles since the local

this year, but it could be subject to change.

shop closed. It was a great decision.

30 | NSGA NOW

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