June nsga now pdf by NSGA

VOLUME 2 NO.3 JUNE 2014

CREATING A GOLD STANDARD A LOOK BACK...

B1LLY BEANE SPEAKS NUMB3RS DATA BREACH BREAKDOWN:

Protecting More than Just Your Data

Preview of 2014 Research

page 6

table of contents

GOLDEN MOMENTS FROM THE 50TH ANNUAL MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND 16TH ANNUAL TEAM DEALER SUMMIT Shellie Pfohl, the Executive Director of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, kicks off this year’s Management Conference before a packed house in Indian Wells, California.

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Association News NOW

INSIGHTS NOW

MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND TEAM DEALER SUMMIT RECAP

LOCKER ROOM NOW

EXPERTS NOW

Looking back at the inspirational messages from this year’s Management Conference NSGA names new Board members; Cyndi Boehm celebrates 40th anniversary A look at how the 2014 NSGA Research offerings can help your business 6 7 8 10 11 12 14 16 18

Moneyball with Oakland Athletics General Manager Billy Beane Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray provides a spark A photographic look at The Business of Fun Renowned author Carmine Gallo on the impact of Steve Jobs An Unstoppable ending with former NCAA wrestling champion Anthony Robles A look at the 59th Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony All-Star Awards and College Scholarship winners are announced What you can do to prevent a data breach Team dealers engaged by discussion topics

News from the NFHS/NCAA Rules Conference in Indianapolis Q&A with attendees at this year’s Management Conference and Team Dealer Summit

NSGA NOW June 2014

CEO CORNER

Competition is a Great Source of Inspiration

NSGA OFFICERS

Sports and business are competitive arenas filled with inspirational stories. Almost all of them include overcoming obstacles on the way to success.

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Randy Nill Nill Bros. Sports, Kansas City, KS

TREASURER/CHAIRMAN-ELECT David Labbe Kittery Trading Post, Kittery, ME

PAST CHAIRMAN Ken Meehan Dunham’s Sports, Troy, MI

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Salvador Colom Deportes Salvador Colom, San Juan, PR

Dale Donaldson Mallard’s Source for Sports, Castlegar, British Columbia, Canada

Pat Donnelley Donnelley Sports, Twin Falls, ID

Rhett Johnson Johnson-Lambe Co., Raleigh, NC

Cathy Pryor Hibbett Sports, Birmingham, AL

Pete Schneider Athletic Dealers of America, Melbourne, FL

Rob Summerfield MC Sports, Grand Rapids, MI

STAFF Matt Carlson President & CEO

Meghan Beach Marketing and Membership Program Manager

Dustin Dobrin Director, Research & Information

Marty Maciaszek Director, Communications

Katie Nemec Director, Marketing, Social Media & Special Events

Darlene Plunkett Director, Business Development

Nick Rigitano Research and Information Analyst

Chuck Suritz Director, Education & Strategic Planning

We heard three of these kinds of speakers at our 50th annual Management Conference and 16th annual Team Dealer Summit at the end of April who left a lasting impression on our attendees in Indian Wells, California. Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray, Oakland Athletics General Manager Billy Beane and former NCAA champion wrestler Anthony Robles all shared moments of their challenging journeys. McGillivray provided a great mix of humor and humility at the All-Star Awards Luncheon, which took place just one week after the far-from-ordinary 118th running of the Boston Marathon. McGillivray joked about always being the last kid picked or the one who didn’t make the cut for teams. But he didn’t let those setbacks keep him from becoming, as he put it, the original “Forrest Gump” by running across the country in 1978. A recent health scare and the tragic bombings that occurred at the finish line during the 2013 Boston Marathon have only strengthened McGillivray’s determination. Beane is now well-known outside of baseball circles after being portrayed by Brad Pitt in the movie “Moneyball,” but his success story is hardly Hollywood fiction. Beane’s major-league baseball playing career as a hot prospect who didn’t live up to expectations proved to be a foundation for his second career, where he helped change the way professional sports are analyzed and scrutinized. Beane showed how the Athletics have been one of baseball’s most successful franchises in the last 15 years despite a payroll that pales in comparison to some of the sport’s big spenders. Robles’ story of becoming a champion, even though he was born without a right leg, was remarkable. He recounted all the difficulties he faced – on and off the wrestling mat – and how none of it would stop him from his ultimate goal. Robles encountered his share of skeptics and doubters, but he also had many supporters who were there to lift him up at the times he needed it most. Everyone has moments in their lives similar to the ones experienced by Dave McGillivray, Billy Beane and Anthony Robles. That is why we bring in people like them to the Management Conference. Their success stories can definitely be a source of education and inspiration, and we hope you translate their stories to both your business and personal lives. Don’t shy away from the competition and the obstacles. We will share a little bit of their knowledge, as well as that from some of the other fantastic speakers at the Management Conference, in this issue and future ones of NSGA NOW. There were also great social events which gave members of the Sporting Goods Industry the opportunity to connect. If you couldn’t make it this year, we hope the stories and pictures inspire you to join us May 3-6, 2015 for the 51st annual Management Conference and 17th annual Team Dealer Summit at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas. It’s a great way to stay on top of your game in our constantly evolving industry. Best regards, Matt Carlson President & CEO

Larry Weindruch Director, Team Dealer Division

Dan Wiersma Chief Financial Officer

Marty Maciaszek

Matt Carlson

Editor/Publisher

President & CEO

NSGA NOW (ISSN 1045-2087) is published bi-monthly for members of the National Sporting Goods Association, 1601 Feehanville Dr., Suite 300, Mount Prospect, IL 60056-6035; Phone: (847) 296-6742; 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 Mount Prospect, IL 60056 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NSGA NOW, 1601 Feehanville Dr., Suite 300, Mount Prospect, IL 60056-6035. © by NSGA 2013. Printed in the USA.

June 2014 NSGA NOW

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NSGA Names Two New Board Members; Executive Committee Structure Set Pat Donnelley (Donnelley Sports) and Rob Summerfield (MC Sports) have been elected as new members of NSGA’s Board of Directors and Dave Labbe (Kittery Trading Post) has been elected as Treasurer/ChairmanElect. The new Board members started their three-year service terms on June 1.

Pat Donnelley

“Pat and Rob will be great additions to a Board that has been engaged and willing to do what they can to keep NSGA and the Sporting Goods Industry moving forward,” said Matt Carlson, NSGA President and CEO. “We are excited about the expertise and energy Pat and Rob will bring to the Board.” Donnelley is the Owner/Partner of Donnelley Sports, a team dealer which has been in business since 1975. Donnelley Sports has three locations in southern Idaho and also does business in Nevada.

Rob Summerfield

Dave Labbe

“I am thrilled to have a chance to play a bigger role in what NSGA wants to accomplish to keep our Industry thriving,” Donnelley said. “There are many challenges for those of us on the team dealer side of the business and I want to do what I can to help our members from that area of the Industry.” Summerfield is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for MC Sports, a full-line retailer that was founded in 1946 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and now has 75 stores in seven states in the Midwest. Summerfield has worked with MC Sports for 25 years.

merfield said. “I am looking forward to continuing the great relationship NSGA has had with MC Sports, which includes CEO Bruce Ullery’s service as NSGA Chairman of the Board (2007-08).” Labbe joins the Board’s Executive Committee. Labbe is the Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration and the Chief Financial Officer of Kittery Trading Post, which has been a sporting goods fixture in southern Maine since 1938. During Labbe’s 28 years at Kittery, the store has grown from 20,000 to 100,000 square feet and from 100 to 300 employees. Labbe will serve on the Executive Committee with new Chairman of the Board Randy Nill (Nill Bros. Sports) and Past Chairman Ken Meehan (Dunham’s Sports). “Dave has been a great asset to the NSGA Board. He has a tremendous vision for the Association and the ways it can benefit members of the Sporting Goods Industry,” Carlson said. “We’re pleased that Dave will have a major role in NSGA’s future.” Past Chairman Jeff Rosenthal (Hibbett Sports), Jeff Brusati (T&B Sports) and Robert Frennea (Academy Sports and Outdoors) reached the end of their terms of service on the NSGA Board. “We want to thank all three of them for their efforts on the NSGA Board,” Carlson said. “We look forward to continuing our relationships with them and their businesses.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to help NSGA achieve its goals of making our Industry better,” Sum-

Cyndi Boehm Celebrates 40 Years with NSGA There have been a lot of changes at the National Sporting Goods Association and in the Sporting Goods Industry since 1974. Cyndi Boehm has been around to see all of them take place. Boehm, who is NSGA’s Database Manager, recently celebrated her 40th anniversary with the Association. She was honored for her milestone with a luncheon that included colleagues and family members.

Cyndi Boehm, third from bottom left, celebrates 40 years with NSGA staff.

“Cyndi’s dedication and devotion to NSGA has been exemplary,” said NSGA President and CEO Matt Carlson. “To work for the Association and its members for four decades is a tremendous achievement. It says a lot about Cyndi’s loyalty at a time where many people routinely switch jobs every few years.”

In 1992, Hibbett’s Mickey Newsome led a group of attendees on a mountain climbing expedition as a conference activity.

insights now

Updated Insights into Participation/Purchase Trends, Demographics & Cross Participation Now Available cency and cross-promotional opportunities.”

SPORTS PARTICIPATION IN THE UNITED STATES www.nsga.org

NSGA recently released the 2014 editions of its Sports Participation and Sporting Goods Market reports - must-have documents for any organization looking for key insights into the Sporting Goods Industry. For more than 30 years, NSGA has been the Industry’s leader in providing reliable research and information to sporting goods executives. NSGA’s Director of Research & Information Dustin Dobrin said, “This longest-standing, industry-leading study is an essential tool for any organization interested in gaining an understanding of trends and key drivers of sports participation and consumer sporting goods purchases. It is also very beneficial to companies looking to identify sporting goods category adja-

Topline insights from the reports include the following: Sports Participation in the US: Participation in sports/recreational activities slowed in 2013, as only one-third of the sports/activities tracked by NSGA experienced participation growth vs. 2012. The bright spot was the Snow Sports segment, which increased in participation by 5.3% and benefited from more favorable weather conditions. Overall declines occurred in key segments such as Team Sports (-1.8%), Fitness Activities (-2.2%), Shooting Sports (-6.3%), Wheel Sports (-8.5%), and Outdoor Activities (-9.3%). Sporting Goods Market: Consumer-reported retail sales of sporting goods apparel, equipment and athletic footwear increased 3% in 2013. Sales increased in all three segments of the Sporting Goods Industry with footwear leading the way at 4%. Equipment and apparel increased 3% and 1%, respectively. From an outlet perspective, full-line sporting goods stores were the leading channel of pur-

chase for sporting goods equipment and footwear. Within the equipment segment, specialty sport shops and discount stores had the second- and third-largest shares, and in the footwear segment, discount stores ranked No. 2 and on-line sites were No. 3. The Sports Participation in the US report provides participation trends and key demographic/geographic drivers of participation for 51 different sports and recreational activities. Additional reports are also available to better understand cross participation between sports/activities and lifecycle demographics. The Sporting Goods Market report provides sales trends, channels of purchase breakouts and product demographics for more than 130 product categories. As part of NSGA’s research offerings, an easy-to-understand, quick-view snapshot is provided for each sport/ activity. As an example, the Sports Participation report includes snapshots that allow users to easily see a 10-year participation trend (when available) in addition to key demographic and geographic drivers of participation. For more information on each report and to purchase your copies today, please visit www.nsga.org/research.

4% 3% 2% 1% 0

TOTAL SPORTING GOODS

EQUIPMENT

FOOTWEAR

APPAREL

NSGA’s now famous research was first revealed at the 1970 Management Conference at the Princess Hotel in Hamilton, Bermuda.

April 2014 NSGA NOW

Serving the Sporting Goods Industry Since 1929

2014 Sporting Goods Industry Research Now Available! NSGA’s Sports Participation Series: 2014 Edition

Sports Participation: Historical Participation Member: $395* Non-Member: $595*

Sports Participation in the United States Member: $395 Non-Member: $595

Sports Participation: Lifecycle Demographics Member: $295 Non-Member: $395

Sports Participation: Cross Participation Member: $195 Non-Member: $295

Sports Participation: Single Sport Member: $195 Non-Member: $295

Discount Bundle Pricing Also Available! • Sports Participation in the U.S. & Cross Participation: Member $445, Non-Member $695 • Sports Participation in the U.S. & Lifecycle Demographics: Member $495, Non-Member $745 • Sports Participation in the U.S., Cross Participation & Lifecycle Demographics: Member $545, Non-Member $795 Generate the Following Key Insights & More! • Participation Reach: Are more or less people participating in a sport/recreational activity?  Historical participation figures are provided back to the 1980’s when available! • Participation Frequency: Are people participating in a sport/recreational activity more or less frequently? • Demographics/Geographic/Socioeconomics: Who and what parts of the U.S. are driving participation in a sport/recreational activity? • Cross Participation: Which sports/recreational activities tend to be participated in by the same person?  Cross Participation figures can be used to identify category adjacency and cross promotional opportunities! *Only available for sale to purchasers of Sports Participation in the United States 2014 Edition

NSGA’s Retail Sales/Financial/Other Custom Research

Sporting Goods Market 2014 Edition Member: $295 Non-Member: $395

• Consumer-reported retail sales of 91 types of equipment and 25 styles of athletic footwear; also includes demographics

Sporting Goods Market Historical Consumer Purchases Member: $395* Non-Member: $595*

• Consumer-reported retail sales back to the 1980's (when available); figures provided in an Excel file

2013 Cost of Doing Business Survey Member: - Retailer: Free - Team Dealer: Free - Other Member: $295 Non-Member: $395 • Most up to date comparative financial benchmarks within the industry for use by sporting goods stores and financial firms

2013 Team Dealer Outside Sales Compensation Survey Member: - Retailer: Free - Team Dealer: Free - Other Member: $95 Non-Member: $195 • Benchmarks compensation and benefits among team dealers with outside sales associates

*Only available for sale to purchasers of Sporting Goods Market 2014 Edition

For additional details, please visit www.nsga.org/research, call (847) 296-6742, ext. 1170, or email ddobrin@nsga.org. NSGA NOW June 2014

conference recap now

Billy Beane: The Man Behind Moneyball By Marty Maciaszek

most successful sports franchises despite going from one of baseball’s highest payrolls in the early 1990s to currently one of the lowest. Many of Beane’s philosophies - of using metrics and data to your advantage are applicable to the Sporting Goods Industry and many other businesses. They were also popularized by the book “Moneyball,” and then the movie where Brad Pitt played Beane. “Now we are a very functioning business where we make money every year and we don’t spend more than we have,” Beane said. “Metrics are the big thing. We had to turn a subjective process into an objective process.”

Billy Beane discusses the professional baseball world with conference attendees.

Billy Beane is a numbers guy. So, the Oakland Athletics General Manager wasn’t about to alibi as he posted his career numbers on the screen during his Tuesday morning keynote speech at the 50th annual Management Conference and 16th annual Team Dealer Summit in Indian Wells, California. “That’s essentially Chapter 11 (bankruptcy) if you’re a baseball player,” Beane said of hitting .219 with 3 homers and 29 runs batted in during his six-year bigleague career. “I was a classic case of an overvalued asset.”

“We were looking at the wrong things,” Beane said. “Sports are very intuitive and it was almost if, to become a jockey, you had to be a horse first. We needed somebody to do the math and we essentially copied Wall Street.” There were many doubters as Beane began to use a more analytic approach to evaluate players and construct teams. Many of the critics have been quieted as the Athletics have become one of the

As a result, there are more Ivy Leaguebusiness types in charge of baseball front offices. “The legacy of the book is it allowed really, really smart people to get into the business,” Beane said. “Now it’s a meritocracy where the best and brightest are part of our business. Ten years from now I won’t be smart enough to apply for my own job.” However, that may not be entirely true considering Beane’s innovative background.

Beane was taken with the 23rd overall pick in the 1980 amateur draft by the New York Mets. Also taken by the Mets that year with the first overall pick was Darryl Strawberry, who hit 335 career homers in a 17-year career that was hampered with off-the-field issues. Beane had the classic traits old-school baseball scouts looked for in players as a tall, good-looking three-sport athlete. Beane’s own personal experiences made him realize changes were needed as he transitioned from the playing field to the front office with the Athletics.

Conference attendees were entertained as Billy Beane talked about his experience revolutionizing the business of baseball.

In 2007, Art Holst – a legend in the speaking industry – shared his many entertaining and humorous experiences as a former member of the National Football League’s officiating staff.

conference recap now

Dave McGillivray: A Man on the Run By Meghan Beach

would his personal charge instantly change the life of a Management Conference attendee?

Dave McGillivray challenges conference audience members to reach their goals.

Imagine running into a crowded room filled with hundreds of your peers all standing, clapping and cheering you forward. Clayton Osborn of Game Gear experienced just this, running into the packed All-Star Awards Luncheon on Monday, April 28 at the Management Conference and Team Dealer Summit in Indian Wells, California. Osborn was picked out of the audience with no idea he was going to run through the crowd and on to the stage to meet Dave McGillivray, Boston Marathon Race Director. McGillivray placed a medal around Osborn’s neck, looked him in the eye and said, “Now, go earn one for yourself.” He challenged Osborn to run a marathon of his own and to experience the sensation of running through a cheering crowd once more. He asked for Osborn to mail back the inspirational medal he received that day, once he had replaced it with one of his own, with one that signified real accomplishment. Osborn, who originally had no intention of running a marathon, later turned to me and said, “Well now I have to run a marathon. It’s a personal charge from Dave McGillivray himself.” So who is Dave McGillivray? And why

In 1978, Dave McGillivray ran across the entire United States, from Medford, Oregon, to his hometown of Medford, Massachusetts. In total, he ran 3,452 miles and ended by running through his very own cheering crowd before a Red Sox game in Fenway Park. Just two years later, McGillivray ran the entire length of the East Coast because he wasn’t tired just yet. He then climbed the entire Empire State Building in less than 14 minutes, ran across the United States again because, well, why not, and finished a triathlon where he ran for 24 hours, biked for 24 hours and swam for 24 hours. To top it all off, he runs his birthday age in miles every year on his birthdate.

thropist and an internationally renowned motivational speaker. However, all McGillivray will tell you he does is to “help raise the hopes and self-esteem of thousands of people in America.” “That is what I do,” McGillivray says. “And that is what you do as the Sporting Goods Industry.” McGillivray challenges everyone to do the same, to go for their dreams and to accomplish their goals. It is easier than you think. “All of us have one thing in common: we woke up this morning,” says McGillivray. “What happens the rest of the day is in our hands.”

McGillivray endured all of the above solely for the purpose of raising money for charities. He is dedicated to the Jimmy Fund, which raises funds for adult and pediatric cancer care and research. He has even run the Boston Marathon blindfolded to raise money for the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, Massachusetts. The list of athletic accomplishments continues on, yet as he spoke of all these experiences, McGillivray’s one unifying message resonated throughout the crowd.

Dave McGillivray has run 129 marathons and 41 consecutive Boston Marathons. (c) Dave McGillivray Sports Enterprises

“We should always set goals for ourselves rather than limitations,” he said, “If you are afraid, you will never get anything done.” McGillivray grew up constantly being the “last pick.” He was always too short or too skinny to play. McGillivray used these setbacks as springboards and fiercely dedicated his life to staying competitive and reaching his goals. According to McGillivray, “There are no mistakes, only lessons.” Now he is the Boston Marathon Race Director, Founder of Dave McGillivray Sports Enterprises, a highly active philan-

McGillivray with recipients of the Jimmy Fund. (c) Dave McGillivray Sports Enterprises

During the 1971 Management Conference in Miami, participants were able to watch as a wildfire set ablaze the Everglades.

The Business of Fun

Having time for some fun and games is one of the great aspects about the Management Conference and Team Dealer Summit. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a look at some of the social activities that gave attendees the chance to relax and unwind but also establish relationships with other members of the Sporting Goods Industry.

The 90-degree Palm Springs heat was no deterrent to the group which participated in the second annual Mr. Newsomeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Neighborhood Walk. Twenty attendees took advantage of the chance to get some late-afternoon exercise on Monday with Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Famer Mickey Newsome (back row, fourth from left).

Jeff Wheeler of Implus Footcare gets ready to unleash a booming tee shot during the NSGA Golf Tournament.

Dick Coffey, left, of Olympia Sports and Clayton Osborn of Game Gear display their U.S. Open intensity early Sunday morning during the second annual NSGA Tennis Clinic.

Attendees flock to the Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit in order to escape the daily grind and to build relationships with Industry peers in a relaxed setting. Pictured here, NSGA golf tournament participants pause during their game of golf to enjoy the view.

John Lassiter of Midwest Sporting Goods rolls the dice at the inaugural Casino Night and Wine Tasting as Jason Murphy of Stahlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and Kevin Reber of Russell Athletic watch.

Jon Zieve, Mike Lund and Lori Lund of Epicor enjoy some success during the inaugural Casino Night and Wine Tasting.

The Sunday night poolside reception at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa was a great opportunity for catching up or making new connections.

NSGA President and CEO Matt Carlson shows off the Canadian Olympic hockey jersey given to him by NSGA Board Member Dale Donaldson from Source for Sports. Carlson and Donaldson had a friendly bet on who would win the Olympic Gold Medal between Canada and the United States.

From left, Ivar Azeris (Clausen Miller), Rich Hartley (The Graphic Edge), Steve Jones (Hibbettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) and David Frank (Augusta Sportswear) won the NSGA Golf Tournament with a 57, which is believed to be a tourney record, in the scramble format on the Indian Wells Celebrity Course. Don McClelland (Sportline, Inc.), Randy and Lisa Ruch (Schuylkill Valley Sports) and Pete Schneider (Athletic Dealers of America) took second in a tiebreaker at 62. Frank won the longest drive competition and Jim Blauvelt (D&H Distributing) took closest to the pin honors.

conference recap now

Carmine Gallo: The Steve Jobs Plan for Success By Marty Maciaszek

you have to ask, ‘What business am I in and how can I communicate and express that passion.’” Right alongside passion is vision. Gallo talked about the importance of a vision to move brands and inspire “evangelists” such as Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, who was inspired by Jobs. “You need to ask yourself, ‘What’s our vision,’” Gallo said. “A vision leads to a different set of results.” Then there is creativity, which Gallo referred to as “kick-starting your brain.” He showed how the Apple Store’s “Genius Bar” was inspired by the Apple team’s visit to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. “Innovation means taking ideas from different fields and applying them to your company and product,” Gallo said.

Carmine Gallo Speaks About Innovative Practices on Monday, April 28.

And Gallo said great innovators understand the customer experience. Gallo discussed how Starbucks Chairman and CEO Howard Schultz and Virgin Group Founder and Chairman Richard Branson

have been two of the best in the business at grasping this concept. AT&T also learned that if the customer is greeted within 10 feet or 10 seconds of entering one of its stores it makes a difference. “You’re acknowledged and they know you are there,” Gallo said, “and they are taking care of you and they want your business.” Hiring fearless employees, mastering your message and empowering and encouraging your teams are also key components to Steve Jobs’ philosophies for success. “You need to start dreaming bigger about every face of your organization,” Gallo said.

“You can’t inspire a team if you aren’t inspired yourself.” - Carmine Gallo

Carmine Gallo has his own Jobs plan. “What the world needs is more Jobs …. Steve Jobs,” Gallo said. “Steve Jobs never thought average thoughts.” Gallo, the best-selling author of The Apple Experience, The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs, interviewed hundreds of successful professionals to gain a better understanding for the innovative ideas that made Jobs successful. Gallo shared many of these ideas at the Management Conference during an engaging session that showed the ways business owners can create an innovative and creative atmosphere. Gallo’s passion for his subject was perfect for the first Steve Jobs principle he shared – Passion is Everything. “You can’t inspire a team if you aren’t inspired yourself,” Gallo said. “As a leader

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Bill Hunt of Champro Sports shares innovative ideas about how to be more successful as a business and as an industry.

One of the many highlights during the 1985 Management Conference in San Diego was a magic show by Steve Higgins. Higgins was also featured on the “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson.

conference recap now

Anthony Robles: A Champion Who Never Gives Up By Meghan Beach

closing session of the Management Conference and Team Dealer Summit on Wednesday, April 30. And according to Robles, it all began with his mother. Robles’ mom gave birth to Anthony at the young age of 16 and doctors were baffled when her baby was born with only one leg. Unfortunately, he was born missing his entire leg up to his hip bone, so wearing a prosthetic leg was nearly impossible. However, his mother pushed him to never give up. He recalls her saying, “You were made that way for a reason. You just have to go out there and find out what that is.” That reason turned out to be wrestling. Weighing in at only 90 pounds and often finishing last, Robles’ wrestling career looked as if it was ending before it could even begin. Instead he practiced at a pace, level and frequency that went above what every other competitor was doing. He knew he had to push himself harder just to be able to compete.

a high school wrestler – who would like to remain anonymous – who got into a motorcycle accident and lost his left leg. When he woke up in the hospital and discovered what had happened he turned to his family and said, “It’s OK, now I can wrestle like Anthony Robles.” Robles hopes to change the perspective of similar athletes with disabilities nationwide. In addition to serving as the youngest active ESPN analyst, Robles travels across the country as a motivational speaker in order to use his story as a platform for change. “I want to encourage you to go after your goals and to face your challenges,” says Robles. “There will always be challenges to overcome, it’s how you face them that counts.”

“I had to learn a new style of wrestling, because no one has ever coached someone with one leg,” said Robles. Anthony Robles provides the inspirational sendoff to this year’s Management Conference.

This isn’t just another feel good story about an underdog victory. It is a story about frankly doing what every single person said could not be done, and one mom and one son not taking no as an answer. Let’s start with a question: How do you wrestle with only one leg? That is the very serious question Anthony Robles had to wrestle with every day in his mind. How do you compete in a sport that, in its simplest form, physically requires something that you do not have? Anthony’s answer: “It’s not what is, but what can be.” Anthony Robles walked attendees through his life struggles during the

He finished high school with a perfect record, two state championships and a high school national championship under his belt. Despite proving his ability, college recruiters still could not look past his disability and size. According to Robles, Division I schools simply said, “We just can’t spend the money on him.” Robles response was to not back down. “I will just have to walk on to a team then,” he says.

Anthony Robles celebrates with his mother after winning the NCAA Division I Championship.

Robles walked on to the Arizona State wrestling team and proved he was “unstoppable.” With the help of his family and coaches, he was able to become a three-time All American and the 2011 NCAA National Champion. Now, Robles is an inspiration to all athletes with disabilities. With a huge smile on his face, Robles retold the story of

Anthony Robles beats the odds, wrestling with only one leg for Arizona State.

In 1967 the Management Conference was held next to the Hawaiian Open Invitational Golf Tournament, a Pro-Am tournament televised live on NBC. The grand prize was $100,000.

conference recap now

Silberman, Zide Inducted into Hall of Fame By Marty Maciaszek

Ira Silberman, the other member of the Hall of Fame Class of 2014, was inducted for the 27 years he spent with Diversified Products. Silberman was unable to attend the ceremony but sent along a video thank you message. BSN Sports’ Jim Hoff, who worked with Silberman at Diversified Products, accepted the Hall of Fame plaque on Silberman’s behalf. “As a designer, I always hope our Industry stays on the leading edge of product development and safety,” Silberman said in his Q&A. “As an American citizen and manufacturer, I hope that our government and all industries recognize – and act – to reverse the loss of our world competitive position for U.S. owned manufacturing in this country.”

John Zide, son of 2014 Hall of Fame Inductee Bob Zide, delivers a heartfelt speech to conference attendees during the Annual Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony, celebrating the lifetime accomplishments of leaders, innovators and icons in the Industry.

The magnitude of becoming a member of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame was displayed by the family of 2014 inductee Bob Zide at the 59th Annual Induction Ceremony Dinner on April 29 in Indian Wells, California.

Williamson, in a Q&A before the Hall of Fame ceremony. “Championships are not won by athletes sidelined with injuries. Bob Zide knew sports. He’s played, coached, and officiated sports and managed leagues his whole life.”

The inductions of Silberman and Zide brought the total number of Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Famers to 159. The Class of 2015 will be announced later this summer and nominations for the Class of 2016 are open until March 16, 2015. For more information you can visit www.nsga.org/halloffame. Bob Dickman was honored as his fouryear term as Hall of Fame Committee Chairman ended. Dickman received a

Zide made a big impact on the performance and safety of athletes in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia during the 45 years he ran Zide’s Sport Shop before he passed away in 2003. Fran Davis of Twin City Knitting gave a heartwarming introductory speech that touched on how his business relationship with Zide extended to their families as well. Some of the tears shed by the 12 members of Zide’s family in attendance for the ceremony were clear evidence of how touched they were by the event. Zide’s son John followed with an emotional acceptance speech. “Bob knew that staying healthy wasn’t just good for the athlete – it was good for the team, too,” said Zide’s daughter, Lori

From left, Dino Dennis, Bob Puccini and Douglas Martin learn more about the career of Class of 2014 inductee Ira Silberman before the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony.

1972 was the first year the conference was officially titled “The Management Conference.” 412

plaque for his service from newly elected Committee Chairman Cathy Pryor. The Hall of Fame dinner also featured an “In Memoriam” look at members of the Industry who passed away in the past year. Pete Schneider, the President of the Athletic Dealers of America and

Outgoing Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Bob Dickman receives a plaque honoring his service during his four-year term from newly elected Committee Chairman Cathy Pryor.

Accepting the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame plaque on behalf of Class of 2014 inductee Ira Silberman is former Diversified Products colleague Jim Hoff (left), with Committee Chairman Bob Dickman.

a member of the NSGA Board of Directors, announced that the ADA’s James Brine Memorial Scholarship to attend this year’s Management Conference went to Mike Gonsiewski of Kampus Klothes. The NSGA Golf Tournament awards were also presented.

John Zide (center) accepts the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame plaque on behalf of his late father Bob Zide from Bob Dickman (left) and Fran Davis (right).

Pete Schneider, President of Athletic Dealers of America (ADA) and a member of the NSGA Board of Directors, announces Mike Gonsiewski of Kampus Klothes as the winner of the 2014 ADA James Brine Memorial Scholarship to attend the Management Conference.

NOMINATE THE 2016 CLASS OF LEADERS, INNOVATORS & INDUSTRY ICONS The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame includes more than 150 of the industry’s pioneers and leaders. Do you know an industry icon who should be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the sporting goods industry? Nominate them for the 2016 class of the Hall of Fame! Deadline is March 16, 2015

Getting together for a photo following the Induction Ceremony were Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Famers (from left), Conny Klimenko (2005), Curt Mueller (2002), Mickey Newsome (2007), Hank Derleth (2009), Randy Ruch (2012) and Ted Stahl (2011).

Visit www.nsga.org/halloffame for all of the information today!

Legendary sports broadcaster Merle Harmon spoke at the Management Conference in 1989. 4

conference recap now

Industry Leaders Recognized with Third Annual All-Star Awards By Meghan Beach

their support of community activities, organizations and events. The Community Collaboration All-Star Award is given to retailers and team dealers who have demonstrated a strong record of financially supporting local causes and by organizing or participating in activities meant to support a cause that builds community in their area. Their involvement has a measureable impact on the organizations and events they have supported. NSGA is pleased to recognize Fleet Feet Sports and New Balance as the 2014 NSGA Community Collaboration All-Star Award recipients.

Fleet Feet and New Balance won the 2014 Community Collaboration All-Star Award. Luke Rowe, right, of Fleet Feet accepts the award with NSGA Chairman of the Board Ken Meehan.

An annual highlight of the Management Conference and Team Dealer Summit is the chance to come together as an Industry to recognize outstanding accomplishments and contributions made by peers.

Fleet Feet Sports and New Balance were chosen to receive the award because of their collaboration on No Boundaries, a walking and running 5K training program for beginners. Created in 2008, No Boundaries inspires new runners and walkers to get active and directly helps people become more fit and healthy. Dave Shelbourne, Channel Manager at New Balance Athletic Shoe explains: “It has been an honor for us to be a part of this remarkable program since its incep-

tion seven years ago. By helping lead its participants to healthier, more active lifestyles, No Boundaries not only changes people’s lives, it is no exaggeration to say that it saves lives. Fleet Feet Sports is a tremendous partner and we are thrilled to be a part of helping them earn this special award.” The program began with only a few hundred participants. In 2013, an estimated 15,000 participants from No Boundaries crossed the finish line. In addition, more than 300 people coach the participants and more than 1,000 participants mentor first-timers to achieve fitness goals they never even imagined were personally possible. Luke Rowe, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Fleet Feet Inc., states: “Through our partnership with New Balance, the No Boundaries 5K Training Program has helped tens of thousands of individuals get moving, make friends and even overcome major life challenges. We hope to change many more lives in years to come.” The second category of awards recognizes companies that implement

Attendees at the Third Annual All-Star Awards Luncheon on Monday, April 28, were inspired by the innovative and charitable acts done within the Sporting Goods Industry, as NSGA announced the three winning companies. According to NSGA’s President & CEO Matt Carlson, “The worthy recipients of this year’s All-Star Awards have gone above and beyond supporting the Sporting Goods Industry. It is a tremendous honor to recognize their contributions at our annual Management Conference and to celebrate their accomplishments with their Industry peers. We all stand together to congratulate Fleet Feet, New Balance and OrderMyGear.” The first category of awards recognizes businesses that go above and beyond in

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OrderMyGear won the 2014 Industry Catalyst All-Star Award. From left are OrderMyGear’s Len Critcher and Kent McKeaigg, NSGA Chairman of the Board Ken Meehan and OrderMyGear’s James Skidmore.

In 1969 at the Carefree Inn in Carefree, Arizona, NSGA hosted the first “Joint Conference of Sporting Goods Manufacturers, Retailers and Team Distributors.”

measures to advance and spark innovation in the Sporting Goods Industry. The Industry Catalyst All-Star Award is given to companies who have a dramatic impact on the industry, raising the standards of excellence through innovative products, use of technology and culture. Winners may also demonstrate a dedication to encouraging sports participation in new ways. NSGA is proud to announce OrderMyGear as this year’s NSGA Industry Catalyst All-Star Award winner for its innovative software program. OrderMyGear was chosen to receive the award for its big impact on modernizing the industry – particularly on the team business side. It has eliminated the inefficiencies and headaches of processing orders on paper and instead, created customizable software that meets the needs of sales representatives, teams, clubs and schools. Ultimately, OrderMyGear has directly helped local team dealers leverage their relationships to sell more and save time. According to Kent McKeaigg, founder of OrderMyGear, “We are excited to be named the 2014 NSGA Industry Catalyst Award winner. We are grateful for our dealers and the role they have played in our growth. Our roots and com-

mitment to this industry run deep and being recognized by the NSGA is an enormous honor.” The 2014 award winners were chosen by a committee of NSGA members based upon nominations received in late 2013. If you are interested in nominating a fellow peer for their inspiring work, please visit www.nsga.org/allstarawards. Nominations for the 2015 All-Star Awards may be made beginning August 4, 2014. Winners will be presented with their awards at next year’s NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit, May 3-6, 2015 in Austin, Texas.

President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition Challenges the Industry to Get More People Active By Meghan Beach

Shellie Pfohl kicks off the Management Conference with a call to action. If there is someone in the Sporting Goods Industry who is making a difference you can nominate them for the 2015 All-Star Awards. Visit www.nsga.org/allstarawards.

College Scholarship Recipients In 2014, NSGA provided 13 college scholarships to current or previous employees of its member retailers and team dealers:

Charles Bailey – University of Arkansas at Little Rock Benjamin Carloni – Xavier University Derek Davis – Minnesota State Henry Dickman – University of Notre Dame Anne Donnelley – University of Idaho Brandon Francis – Henderson State University Zachary Greenfield – University of Pittsburgh Margaret Gonsiewski – West Virginia University Madison Mills – University of Southern California Michael Monte – University of Florida Kelsey O’Dell – Baker College Marissa Osmundson – Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Linley Stockman – William Woods University

Shellie Pfohl, Executive Director of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, spoke out at the Management Conference and Team Dealer Summit to get Industry members more involved in ending the epidemic of inactivity in the United States. According to Pfohl, as a member of the Sporting Goods Industry you can have a direct impact on getting our nation active again. “Sports is the pipeline for getting kids active,” Pfohl charges. “It is the role of sports to establish gateway behavior … to create the understanding of the importance of staying active and to manifest the born desire to move.” And besides, “active kids and adults are better for your bottom line,” said Pfohl. By helping individuals become active, the Sporting Goods Industry can directly benefit through increased sales.

Madison Mills

“I am so thankful to be a recipient of this scholarship! This means so much to both myself and my family, and I truly appreciate the generosity of NSGA.” - Madison Mills, University of Southern California

“We as a Nation have to focus on getting people moving,” challenges Pfohl. “That is our charge as an Industry.”

“You can be the catalyst.” - Shellie Pfohl

The 2009 Conference focused on the spiraling economic recession and how businesses could take on the challenges of a difficult economy.

technology now

Data Breach Breakdown

How to Protect More Than Just Your Data By Meghan Beach

Inga Goddijn speaks to attendees about the importance of data security.

You sit down at your desk in the morning with your first cup of fresh, hot coffee and log into your database to check sales. Nothing is there. All you can see is an encrypted mess that means nothing to you but disaster. What do you do now? What is this going to mean for your customers?

A breach can be as small as an employee email containing confidential information that gets into the wrong hands, or as large as a mass credit card breach, such as the one that occurred at Target.

the same security for their data. To make matters worse, data hacking is also often automated, so your business does not even have to be specifically targeted in order to be breached.

Last year, credit and debit information of more than 40 million customers of Target was stolen during the busiest three-week shopping period of the year. The breach successfully captured data stored on the magnetic stripes of card readers at Target cash registers across the United States. According to Goddijn, Target’s data breach is one of the largest breaches in American consumer data history.

“It is not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when,” according to Goddijn. In 2013 there were an average of 61/2 breaches a day.

Hackers are not picky with who they target, however. Data breaches can happen to every company of any size. And smaller retailers do not have an advantage over larger corporate chains. Unfortunately, small businesses are often easier to hack and therefore targeted more often because they cannot afford

And data breaches almost always cost more than just loss of data. “The driving force behind any breach is its ability to compromise customer trust,” says Goddijn. “Just think of Target,” Goddijn says. “Even though everything has been fixed since the breach, Target profits are still down. Even the most rational person still hesitates to hand over their credit card at this point.”

NSGA gathered experts John Webb Jr., Chairman and CEO of Emery & Webb, and Inga Goddijn, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Insurance Services, at this year’s Management Conference and Team Dealer Summit to help you skip the first step of panic and jump right into action to resolve any data breach issue. According to Goddijn, a data breach can be an intentional or even unintentional security incident in which any type of protected or confidential information is stolen. Data breaches can involve a variety of information stored, including your customer credit card or bank information, personally identifiable information (PII), or your company’s intellectual property, data reports and trade secrets.

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During the 1981 Management Conference at Sea Island, Georgia, attendees were ahead of the curve learning how to computerize their inventory and business as technology was first becoming available.

According to Goddijn, “Customer confidence is not easily replaced.” So how can you protect yourself? And if a breach does occur, how can you control the costs and limit loss? According to Goddijn, the key is “communication, process control and planning ahead.” The first step is knowing the ins and outs of your data process: where things are stored, who uses the data, how often they access it and from where. It is key to really understand how data moves throughout your business process. If you maintain an up-to-date, comprehensive understanding of your data then it is much easier to control your data processing and to instantly know when a problem has occurred. Goddijn recommends finding out where you are possibly vulnerable in order to “know what is coming, prepare how you are able to address the situation and create a timeline for customers to expect a full recovery.”

WE WIN WITH TRUST

The second step is to create an incident response team. Establish key players from your team with pre-training and delegated responsibilities for how to respond to a breach. Companies that already have best practices in place are able to respond quickly, eradicate the threat and accomplish greater damage control to their overall image. According to Goddijn, the key action steps any business takes when experiencing a data breach is “over-communication, open communication and followup communication.” The third step is to prepare a business continuity plan. It is essential to back up data storage in case your main processor goes down in order to limit any business interruption. In addition, it is key to have a backup server ready for the possibility of your website undergoing an attack. A single interruption to your business can be extremely detrimental to your profits, especially if you run daily transactions. As a result, having backups

on hand is necessary to any risk management policy. Goddijn and Webb also strongly recommend seeking third party help with creating your contingency plans in order to ensure that you are covering all your bases. It is essential for businesses to have a comprehensive liability policy to help avoid data breaches and assist with damage control once vulnerable. Every company needs a plan to prepare themselves for the incident, how the company will respond publicly and how to cover costs. More often than not, the high costs associated with a breach vastly outweigh the initial costs of a simple liability policy. Overall, the best way to mitigate attacks is to run regular backups and testing of your data. Keep your systems up to date and monitor interactions as much as possible. And always remember the golden rule of data: if you don’t need it don’t keep it!

BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT CHAMPION TEAMS DO.

Your business relies on trust. Trust that the order will arrive on time. Trust that the inventory is in stock. Trust that we’re available whenever you need us. It’s through a passionate belief in high quality and unmatched service that Holloway has been a trusted supplier since 1946. VISIT US AT hollowayusa.com AND EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF.

we win with trust.indd 1

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The first cooperative Conference between NSGA and the Canadian Sporting Goods Association was in 1977 at the Place Bonaventure in Montreal, Canada.

locker room now

Personal Touch Highlights 16th Annual Team Dealer Summit By Meghan Beach

site, automates customer communication and sets reminders to ensure no customer and/or prospect are forgotten once the sale is made. More often than not, however, a CRM can only be as good as the data you maintain. According to Marks, “it is essential to create a culture in your business that emphasizes the importance of data and makes inputting/updating data a daily routine.” Gene Marks discusses the latest in technology at the 16th Annual Team Dealer Summit on April 28.

The 16th Annual Team Dealer Summit in Indian Wells, California, was all about the personal touch. Each morning, participants were able to sit down together to interact directly with equipment managers and key experts in technology, retirement planning and legal issues. Speakers focused on audience questions to address individual concerns, allowing participants to walk away from the Summit feeling heard, knowledgeable and ready for action. One of the most popular sessions was “How to Maintain a Personal Touch in the Technological Age,” led by Gene Marks, a noted expert in the field of technology as a columnist for the New York Times, Forbes, Inc., The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur Magazine and more. As he walked throughout the audience, actively engaging each listener with their needs, he touched upon five main ways to maintain that personal touch: one, get a Constituent Relationship Management System (CRM); two, educate and nurture your customer base with personalized communication made possible by CRM systems; three, have a mobile website compatible for all mobile devices; four, update your content and messaging and use your mobile device to stay active; and five, always be connected. Marks emphasized the need for a CRM that collects information from your web-

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Marks continued by providing recommendations for programs that can help each business with email, print, mobile and video marketing as well as top systems to help with advertising, payments, document management, outsourcing and more. Another popular Team Dealer session was “Planning for Your Retirement and the Future of Your Business.” Small business owners were eager to learn more about retirement options and to hear recommendations for a smooth succession planning process, or the transfer of a company to new ownership.

Inc., broke down the details of how an ESOP works: contribution or dividends from the company go into the ESOP, the ESOP then purchases stock and provides money back to the company which can then deposit the earnings at the bank and/or to the shareholder as tax-free contributions. The advantage to an ESOP is that it is 100% tax free; it is a shareholderdirected process with company control over timing and it helps to ensure the legacy of your company. The disadvantages are that it is a complex process that involves seller notes or guarantees, and it is regulated. Another popular session was “Legal Issues Facing Team Dealers,” which discussed in detail how to best deal with non-compete covenants, trade secrets and key products liability issues for the Sporting Goods Industry.

During the session, Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Famer Randy Ruch used his experience of retiring from the business he founded, Schuylkill Valley Sports, as a real-life example of what happens to a family-owned company during this transition, and the best practices he learned as a result. According to Ruch, “A tipping point for your retirement plan is how much control you have over it, the length of time you can keep it and your ability to stay independent.” Ruch cautions, “The important thing to look at when investing is shareholder liquidity.” After much research and deliberation, Ruch decided that an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) was the best option for his company. Attorney James M. Steiker, SES Advisors

Randy Ruch discusses his own experience of retiring from his business by using an ESOP.

Ivar Azeris, Partner at Clausen Miller P.C. and the counsel for NSGA, discussed how to draft enforceable post-employment restrictions, such as non-compete clauses, in order to protect your business’ interests. Azeris laid out what courts would consider as “reasonable” provisions to non-compete clauses, such as trade secrets, proprietary information, time constraints and geographic restrictions.

The first Universal Sports Code Structure (USC) was announced by NSGA, Ski Industries America (SIA) and SMART, Inc. at the Management Conference in Itasca, Illinois, in 1986.

A key concern for Team Dealers, according to Azeris, is protecting your customer lists, which include pricing and preferences. He described how to help establish this confidential information as a trade secret. Todd Murphy, Partner at Clausen Miller P.C., then walked participants through product liability issues crucial to small businesses trying to expand, minimize risk and grow relationships within the Industry. Murphy emphasized the importance of product liability in the Sporting Goods Industry in particular, stating “…it is critical that all entities understand the law, the avenues for recovery, useful defenses and some of the methods of risk allocation. This is especially true in the context of sporting goods, due to the level of high risk physical activity and breadth of consumer use.”

Murphy used numerous case studies in order to drive home his point. For example, anonymous manufacturers and team dealers of an aluminum baseball bat were found liable for youth league injuries because of the bat simply working as intended – increasing the exit-speed velocity of a baseball after it is hit.

stood and talked about shared experiences and concerns. “The Team Dealer Summit is great for networking and brainstorming with other dealers and vendors,” says Pat Venteicher, The Graphic Edge.

As a result, it is critical for Team Dealers to understand how to handle receipts and/or notices of claims, who can be liable under law in the distributive chain, and the ins and outs of your warranties, indemnification clauses and your overall risk allocation. The Summit concluded with a rousing interactive panel discussion titled “Working with Equipment Managers.” Attendees poured into the room for the opportunity to ask individualized questions key to their own business’ success. It was team collaboration at its best as participants

Peter Derleth of Ripon Athletic leads a panel discussion of equipment managers at the Team Dealer Summit.

Recap of NFHS/NCAA Rules Meeting By Marty Maciaszek

At the annual rules meeting held by the NCAA and NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) on April 22 in Indianapolis, the NFHS indicated its baseball and field hockey rules committees may ask NOCSAE to develop standards for baseballs, field hockey balls and field hockey goalie masks. NFHS rules editors indicated that the time frame for changes to occur would be one year to create a Draft Standard and a second year for the Standard to be finalized. Once that happens, each sport’s rules committee would consider a motion to make it mandatory for the specific piece of equipment to meet the NOCSAE standard at the time of manufacture. If you want to give us your opinion on the issue and which school year you would prefer to have these rules implemented (2018-19, 2017-18, 2016-17), please contact us at lweindruch@nsga.org or mmaciaszek@nsga.org. Boys lacrosse: Effective in 2017-18, double zero, 01, 02, 03, etc…. are not legal numbers. Volleyball: Effective July 1, 2016, the

libero shall wear a uniform top immediately recognized from all angles as being in clear contrast and distinct from the other members of the team. The libero and/or his/her teammates shall wear a solid-colored uniform top. Track and field: Pole vault planting box padding meeting the ASTM standard will be required for the start of the 2014-15 season. Wrestling: The hair cover shall be attached to the ear guards beginning with the 2014-15 season. The wrestling rules committee is not in favor of going to a two-piece uniform. Water polo: Effective July 1, 2015, only school logos and mascots can be placed on the players caps. Required numbering includes a number on the middle portion of the cap.

NCAA Baseball: The NCAA said its changes to flat-seamed baseballs for postseason tournaments in 2015 will apply to Division I, II and III. A decline in home runs and offense at the Division I College World Series led to the change.

Soccer: There are no restrictions on the color of the ball to be used, and a player’s uniform may have the institution’s name, nickname or mascot on the front and /or back and the player’s name on the back of the jersey. Players may wear devices for monitoring and accumulating data to monitor performance during games and members of the coaching staff listed on the game roster and on site can communicate with each other via electronic devices.

NOCSAE Manufacturers of protective equipment will need to get third-party certification to receive NOCSAE approval, according to NOCSAE Executive Director Mike Oliver. Oliver said NOCSAE will work with the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) to determine cost increases and he said the policy will go into effect sometime in 2015. “We’re sensitive to the increased expenses being passed down to retailers and team dealers,” Oliver said. “We don’t want this to eliminate anyone in the chain.”

Bermuda 1965: NSGA offered “Two for the Price of One” registrations in honor of the first combined retail and team dealer conference. The special event was a “Rum Swizzle” Party!

EXPERTS now

Hear What Others Are Saying About the Management Conference and Team Dealer Summit By Meghan Beach

What do you like best about the Management Conference? Ron Stein, Frank’s Sport Shop “What I like best about the Management Conference is the ability to have face-to-face conversations with both suppliers and [retailer] peers.”

What keeps bringing you back year after year? Bob Fawley, Capitol Varsity Sports, Inc. “The Management Conference provides the opportunity to interact with key industry individuals and discuss ways to make my business better utilizing their expertise.”

What is most notable about the Management Conference? Michael Jacobsen, Formula4Media “It’s about the people. Most of the people I know in the Industry I’ve met here. It’s the only place for everyone – team dealers, retailers and manufacturers – to co-mingle. I get a lot of my best story ideas right here for the whole year. There’s no place like it.”

What do you get the most out of attending the Management Conference? Brett Stahl, Stahls’ “The Management Conference is a great place to build upon new business plans and to test out potential business strategies with Industry leaders.”

What makes the Management Conference unique to other conferences? Mike Gonsiewski, Kampus Klothes “Everyone here seems more willing to share so it is a great place to meet people and get new ideas.”

What should those who have never been to a Management Conference know about it? Peter Derleth, Ripon Athletic “The best thing about the Management Conference is the ability to meet as an Industry, build relationships, and spend some time on your business while away from your business.”

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The Tuesday night reception dinner and show for the 1990 Management Conference was held on the Opryland USA’s General Jackson Showboat.

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