SGMA Report: Team Sports in the U.S. Are Evolving

Uuu 513 Ab Headshot

Source: Sporting Good Manufacturers Association SILVER SPRING, MD - September 6, 2012 - The forces of supply and demand are having a major impact on team sports in the United States. According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association's (SGMA) annual participation study on team sports -- U. S. Trends in Team Sports (2012 edition) - the number of 6-17 year old children that want to play youth sports is on the rise while overall play in local youth sports leagues is decreasing. This SGMA study indicates that there is a shortage of available facilities and local recreation leagues (a supply issue) and there has been an evolution for team sports, such as basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and baseball, into a tournament and "showcase" based model that puts less importance on regular, local league play (a demand issue).

"The importance and significance of team sports in our lives in the U.S. has never been greater than it is right now and this was reflected in the record number of Americans who watched the Olympic Games on television this summer. Our national interest in the U.S. Olympic teams that competed in basketball, soccer, gymnastics, swimming, and track & field was substantial, to say the least," said SGMA President Tom Cove. "While interest is high in team sports, overall participation in 19 team sports actually declined from 2010 to 2011. It would be great if many of the spectators actually decided to participate as well!" THE GOOD NEWS

Log in to view the full article
Sponsored
DynaDome Transforms Outdoor Pool Into Year-Round Paradise
DynaDome Retractable Enclosures
DynaDome Transforms Outdoor Pool Into Year-Round Paradise
Buyer's Guide
Information on more than 3,000 companies, sorted by category. Listings are updated daily.
Learn More
Buyer's Guide
AB Show 2025 in San Diego
AB Show is a solution-focused event for athletics, fitness, recreation and military professionals.
Nov. 5-8, 2025
Learn More
AB Show 2025