Team Digital November 2012 by SportsOneSource

NOVEMBER 2012

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Group Publisher Editor In Chief James Hartford james@sportsonesource.com 704.987.3450

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DIGITAL

NOVEMBER 2012

Contributing Editors Aaron H. Bible, Fernando J. Delgado, Charlie Lunan, Matt Powell Creative Director Teresa Hartford teresa@sportsonesource.com 704.987.3450 (x105) Graphic Designer Camila Amortegui camila@sportsonesource.com 704.987.3450 (x103) Advertising Sales Account Manager / Northeast Buz Keenan buz@sportsonesource.com 201.887.5112 Advertising Sales Account Managers / Midwest Barry Kingwill & Jim Kingwill bkingwill@sportsonesource.com jkingwill@sportsonesource.com 847.537.9196 Advertising Sales Account Manager / Southeast Katie O'Donohue katieo@sportsonesource.com 828.244.3043 Circulation & Subscriptions Subs@sportsonesource.com

14 Photo courtesy of Under Armour

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NEWS

4 BSN SPORTS Acquires Hayden’s Sport Center 5 US LACROSSE Awards Physical Education Equipment Grants

FEATURES 6 FOOTBALL UNIFORM GUIDE Keeping it Light 10 FOOTBALL PROTECTIVE GUIDE Hard-Hitting Technology 14 BASKETBALL UNIFORM GUIDE Balling In Style 18 SOCCER UNIFORM GUIDE Looking Good Playing The Beautiful Game

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ON THE COVER - Introducing the next evolution of Riddell Football Helmet Technology, the Riddell 360. Copyright 2012 SportsOneSource, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors to TEAM BUSINESS DIGITAL are not necessarily those of the editors or publishers. TEAM BUSINESS DIGITAL is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Articles appearing in TEAM BUSINESS DIGITAL may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. TEAM BUSINESS DIGITAL is published monthly by SportsOneSource, LLC, 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450. Send address changes to TEAM BUSINESS DIGITAL , 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450

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NEWS

For more information contact 704.987.3450 or sportsjobs@sportsonesource.com

BSN Sports Acquires Hayden's Sport Center BSN Sports, the nation’s largest sporting goods distributor to schools and leagues, acquired Hayden’s Sport Center, the leading independent team distributor in the state of Illinois, late last month. Founded in 1946, Montgomery, IL-based Hayden's is one of the oldest and most successful team sports distributorships in the Midwestern United States. The acquisition - BSN Sports’ fifth in 2012 - represents the company’s continued efforts to expand its geographic footprint throughout the country. In addition to its headquarters in Montgomery, Hayden's operates offices throughout Illinois, including locations in Danville, Rantoul and Springfield. The company services the entire state of Illinois as well as parts of Iowa and Indiana. Adam Blumenfeld, chairman and CEO of BSN Sports, expressed enthusiasm regarding the acquisition. “We are thrilled to welcome the wonderful employees of Hayden's Sport Center to the BSN Sports family,” said Blumenfeld. “Ron Kruse, owner and longtime operator of Hayden's, has also served as the former chairman of the National Sporting Goods Association and was a founding member of the TAG buying group. He is both a special person and industry legend who has built an exceptionally loyal and talented team of sales professionals.” Blumenfeld added that Kruse will remain a valued partner of BSN Sports, while his son, Dave Kruse, will serve on the BSN Sports Management team in Illinois. “This is a milestone day for Hayden’s, our employees and our customers - one that I believe will positively impact the communities that Hayden’s has served for years,” stated Ron Kruse, owner of Hayden's Sport Center. “BSN Sports shares our commitment to exceptional people and unparalleled execution, and now our customers will benefit from the one-stop shop that BSN Sports has impressively built over the years. This includes industry-leading technology, multibranded product solutions, and game changing service from more than 450 sales and support specialists. This is truly a best of both worlds outcome, and one in which the Kruse family is proud to have an ongoing and direct role.”

2012 TEAM BUSINESS DIGITAL

YOUR Daily Online Source for Team Business News and Jobs TEAMBUSINESSUPDATE.COM

US Lacrosse Awards Physical Education Equipment Grants US Lacrosse has selected 74 schools and civic organizations nationwide as 2012 Physical Education Equipment Grant recipients. The schools and organizations will be receiving "soft" sticks and balls to help support the introduction of the sport in their curriculums. The objective of the PE Equipment Grant Program is to initiate, expand, or enhance participation in the sport by helping teachers to introduce lacrosse in the PE classroom and other similar venues. Each equipment grant includes 30 soft lacrosse sticks, 30 soft lacrosse balls, and one copy of the US Lacrosse PE Curriculum Guide and Reproducible packet. In addition, three cities - Roanoke, VA; Auburn, AL; and Liverpool, NY - have been awarded PE training in-service workshops. Each of these workshops could have up to 30 schools and organizations in attendance. "We're excited that this program provides schools and local organizations from coast-to-coast with the opportunity to introduce the sport of lacrosse into their physical education curriculums," said Meghan Mulford, USL's programs manager. "The generous support of our equipment contributor for this program, STX, helps to provide exposure to this fun and exciting sport for many kids that have never seen lacrosse before." Applicants also have the option to request in-service style training from US Lacrosse for educators, coaches, and lacrosse supporters who want to learn how to introduce and safely teach the sport to students. All workshop participants are awarded a full set of equipment for their school or organization.

UPDATE TEAMBUSINESSDIGITAL.COM

Football Uniform Guide

Keeping it By Fernando J. Delgado

n order to deliver – or avoid – hard-hitting tackles on the gridiron, football players are seeking out the lightest, best performing uniforms possible. Looking ahead to Fall 2013, manufacturers are keeping an eye on the trendsetters in the NFL and college football while incorporating new technologies, designs, and colors to the latest football uniforms they are bringing to the marketplace. “The world of uniform design has essentially become a subculture,” said Adam Clement, senior designer/manager, on field at Under Armour. “There’s almost a cult following that pays attention to all the changes and all the fine details in uniforms. It’s made our job exciting because it’s opened the door for designers such as myself, as well as all the other companies, to start doing some fun and different things.” “For football, we’re seeing more and more stretch mesh and a tighter fit jersey,” said Kit Carlson, head of product development for Alleson Athletic. “The coaches are asking for a product that opposing players can’t pull on and tackle, so it’s going tighter and tighter for football uniforms, but the uniforms also have to have stretch and durability. As the product gets tighter to the equipment, you see more abrasion, so you have to have strong, high-bursting fabric that can take that pounding on a daily basis.”

Ryan Brown

Lighter weight is perhaps the most noticeable trend in football uniforms, something that has caught the attention of Ryan Brown, Adidas Group’s business unit director, team sports apparel. “From a football standpoint the hot trend right now is light, tight and right,” said Brown. “Athletes want to have the right fit, the right range of motion, and they want to have a very aggressive, low-profile look to them. We don’t see that trend going away.”

2012 TEAM BUSINESS DIGITAL

Light

To meet demands, Adidas is focusing on seamless jerseys for 2013. “What we’ve found is that football players will sacrifice color-blocking and design aesthetics to be able to achieve that look and the new technology,” said Brown. “From a technology standpoint, the latest and greatest thing in the marketplace right now is the seamless jersey. It is a low-profile, streamlined jersey that allows for that range of motion and that tight fit, and it’s also 30 percent lighter than traditional cut-and-sew football uniforms that have been around for decades.” Brown also believes it’s important for team dealers and retailers to understand that young players have been exposed to better technologies and performance fabrics for much longer than youth players in the past. “Under Armour took a polyester garment and re-invented the whole base layer market as we know it today,” he said. “I think kids growing up now started wearing tight apparel and compression when they were 8, 9, 10 years old. Now those are the kids that are in high school and college and they’re used to that. When I played, the norm was loose cotton t-shirt, loose jersey. Players want their uniforms to be tight, have a low-profile and they want to have great range of motion.” Brown highlighted the Adidas Techfit jersey as the hottest trend in football uniforms. Worn by Adidas NCAA powerhouses Notre Dame, Michigan, UCLA, Tennessee, Nebraska and others, the Techfit combines a streamlined fit, new fabric, reduced seams and an ultra-lightweight name and numbering system. The jersey also keeps players cool with integrated ventilation zones and moisture management fabric, while reduced seams and a high-stretch collar design increase the range of motion that athletes demand. “A lot of times as a big company, you’ll put your most innovative, best technology on your

Adidas TechFit Jersey and Pant. Photo courtesy of Adidas

marketing assets,” he said. “Sometimes and one way to help them gain notoriety is to those technologies are so expensive you can make their team stand out visibly. That’s the only afford to put them on those marketing reason we launched the Maryland football state assets. One unique thing we’ve been able to flag uniform. Half the country hated it, and half do with Techfit technology is to commercialize the country loved it. At the end of the day, the it so that, down the road, a junior high school, entire country was talking about the University high school, NCAA, or NAIA school can buy of Maryland, and that was the goal, to put this same technology and wear it on the field Maryland football back on the map. I think that’s a microcosm of what all of us as manufacturers as well. It’s been a huge success.” Football players at the recreational, middle are trying to do at these universities.” New for this year, Under Armour is outfitting school and high school levels mimic styles adopted by NFL and the NCAA players. several NCAA Division-I teams with CompFit Uniforms seen on national television on uniforms. “We believe in trying to get the uniform Saturdays and Sundays will be found on as close to the skin as possible, because the aspiring young players at local playing fields less of it an opposing player can grab, the across the country in the not-too-distant future. better you can perform,” said Clement. Within “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” the CompFit silhouette, colleges have adopted said Brown. “These Photo courtesy of Champion high school kids, they want to do nothing but look like the colleges, or the NFL. If a player from the Patriots decides he wants double muscle bands on just his left, the trend in the Boston region will be that, on Friday nights, all those kids will start wearing double arm bands on their left arm. It’s a huge influencer for us. And from our standpoint, our biggest assets are our 78 NCAA Division-I football. That’s where we are able to put our top technologies on display, and then have smaller colleges and their own unique designs. Under Armour, like every major brand outfitting professional and high schools emulate that.” Under Armour’s Clement believes uniforms collegiate teams, looks to color and design have become a highly valuable commodity for to make a statement. However for Under colleges in particular. “It’s about who can push Armour, colors take on a different meaning it further and who can design the next great- with universities. “How we use those colors is est thing,” he said. “Especially in the college important,” emphasized Clement. “We’ll never landscape, the uniform has really become a do art for art’s sake. There always has to be recruiting tool, and coaches are really looking a deeper meaning. Everything that we do is based on the school or a greater cause. It has towards that as a way to get an advantage.” “These colleges, they can’t pay players to to be bigger than our brand - it’s about these come to their schools, not like a professional schools.” Customization is also more popular and team can pick up a free agent by paying them the most money,” continued Clement. prevalent than ever before, especially in “Colleges rely on selling athletes on their football uniforms. Several leading companies coaching staff and on the education they’re have online uniform builders, including going to get, but they’re also selling them on Wilson’s Uniform Designer (uniformdesigner. their program. What’s happening now is that wilson.com/uniformdesigner/) that allows athletic suppliers are helping these colleges, the customer to pick between a Pro-Fusion 8

2012 TEAM BUSINESS DIGITAL

sublimated uniform, traditional custom uniform and decorated stock uniform options, then offering options ranging from fabric type and color, text and emblems for both the jersey and the pant. Under Armour’s Team Uniform Builder Configurator (underarmourteamuniforms. com/Configurator/) offers uniforms for five sports including football, providing 15 design options and various body styles for each option. The user then has the ability to pick and choose from a dozen or more color choices to accent several parts of the jersey before settling on custom decorating options for lettering, numbering, and logos. Alleson Athletic also has various uniform builders on its website, including a custom uniform

builder and a sublimation uniform builder (allesonsublimation.com/beta_2/bin-debug/ test_flex.html) that provide countless options for their football uniform designs; while Russell Athletic’s Uniform Builder (shop.russellathletic. com/Uniform-Builder-Team/b/3109663011) is also available for mobile devices such as iPad. Dealers and retailers can expect today’s styles and performance fabrics at the pro and college levels to filter down into the youth levels. But for 2013, manufacturers continue to focus on providing the best performing uniforms at affordable price points. Various styles from Champion, Augusta, A4, Teamwork, Game Gear and other leading brands make it clear that today’s young football players are stronger and faster than ever before, and they’re demanding the best performing and sharpest-looking uniforms. ■

1 1. Under Armour’s Northwestern University Uniform was unveiled on September 1 for the school’s first home game. The focal point of the jersey is the “Northwestern Stripe”. Unique designs are woven into the uniform through the font style and numeral design, MSRP $70 (Adult), $55 (Youth).

2. Wilson's Custom Style 39 Socal Drive Cut Jersey has a body made with diamond mesh fabric. New for 2013, the jersey features a tapered fit, contoured waistline, nylon/ spandex side inserts and ProFusion™ sublimation printing. Price includes team decoration, MSRP $75.

3. Wilson's Custom Style 17 Pant is new for 2013 with no-fly styling, ProFusion™ sublimation printing, and double insert graphics down each leg, MSRP $87.

4. Game Gear's Custom Full Length Shoulder Paneled Game Jersey has a Pro Mesh body and a dazzle yoke. The jersey is customizable, with more than a dozen color options for the body, yoke collar, sleeves, shoulder panels andshoulder overlay. Available in Adult and Youth. Custom Xpress items are shipped in 8-10 working days or less from GameGear.com, MSRP $42. 5. Teamwork’s Adult/Youth Double Coverage Jersey is new for 2013 with a Steelmesh 2 fabric body, dual ply heavyweight dazzle cloth shoulder and yoke. Available in 10 colors, MSRP $41 (Adult), $39 (Youth).

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6. Champion's Custom Adult Challenger Colorblocked Football Game Uniform combines the durable and great fitting Champion Challenger Football Jersey (style#: FT20) with the Champion Challenger Game Pants for a sharp looking. This uniform can be customized with team name, logo, players' names and numbers, in addition to a variety of colors and sizes, MSRP N/A. 7. Russell Athletic’s Adult/Youth Sublimated Game Jersey gives teams the ability to customize their uniforms. Teams can choose from six concepts and 29 patterns. The fully customizable jersey is available with skill sleeves, double ply curved yoke, and cuffs with elastic, MSRP $100 (Adult), $80 (Youth). 8. Russell Athletic's Adult/Youth Sublimated Game Pant is a customizable pant which allows teams to choose from seven patterns, MSRP $90 (Adult), $60 (Youth). 9. Alleson Athletic's Adult/Youth Elusive Cut Football Jersey is a full length jersey with straight lycra side inserts. It features include a double thickness dazzle traditional yoke with tricot mesh body and sleeves and a lycra set-in mitered v-neck and sleeve cuffs with elastic. These two-color jerseys have contrast color side inserts, MSRP $31 (Adult) , $29 (Youth).

TEAMBUSINESSDIGITAL.COM

FOOTBALL PROTECTIVE Guide

HARD-HITTING TECHNOLOGY By Fernando J. Delgado

Leading helmet manufacturers such as Riddell - the official helmet of the NFL - Schutt, Xenith, and Rawlings, among others, are constantly researching and developing their helmet designs and materials, bringing increasingly lighter and stronger helmets to the marketplace. And every season it gets harder to tell the difference between the helmets used by high school players on Friday nights and the genuine article worn by the pros on Sundays.

Photos courtesy of Riddell

Technology is at the heart of advancements in the football protective category. “In all of the protective category, whether it’s body protective or head protective, the trend is that consumers want smaller, lighter, and more flexible,” said Art Chou, senior vice president, product, at Rawlings. “They basically want more of the feeling that they don’t have the pads on. I think that’s going to continue. You cannot make protective too light now.”

2012 TEAM BUSINESS DIGITAL

Glenn Beckmann, director of marketing communications for Schutt, sees the lightweight trend dominating football protective products, especially helmets, a category the company approaches with innovation in both design and appearance. Schutt will be introducing the AiR-XP Ultra Light helmet for the 2013 season. The Ultra Light weighs 3 pounds or less, including the facemask, cushioning and the entirety of the helmet. Schutt is constantly improving its state-of-the art TPU cushioning technology, bringing the fourth iteration to the market and incorporating a redesigned TPU, called dual-compression technology TPU, into its newest Vengeance model. The Vengeance, which began shipping in July and started hitting fields for the first time during the current football season, features a design that allows for improved impact-absorption and heat management, which moves excess heat up and out of the helmet, while a new patented back-shelf design adds rigidity and strength to the back of the helmet. A unique faceguard design, made just for the Vengeance, arches up over the front of the shell above the eyebrow and offers added protection. “On impacts in that area, which is a high-impact area, the faceguard will help spread out the load of that impact along the helmet shell,” explained Beckmann. Schutt has not been able to keep up with demand and the manufacturer is catching up on orders for medium and small size helmets after meeting overwhelming orders for large and extra-large. Technological innovation is evident in other cutting edge helmets available for Fall 2013, including Riddell’s 360 helmet and Xenith’s X2 Varsity helmet. The Riddell 360 boasts a hexoganal liner system, moisture-resistant anti-microbial liner and lightweight technologies in the facemask and shell. Xenith’s X2 features Adaptive Head Protection, a system of technologies designed to address the type of hits football players receive on the field, both linear and rotational, to minimize the sudden movement of the head. “Helmet technology is advancing pretty steadily,” observed Rawlings’ Chou. “It’s very much in the spotlight from a consumer standpoint. Players, parents, coaches and equipment managers want to know the latest in what the level of protection is. As a dealer or retailer, you have to do your homework, and you have to hold equipment manufacturers’ feet to the fire and make sure we give you the right information, whether it’s through reps, through the road guys, or through our website. And you have to keep up to date. You can’t just assume what you knew five years ago is still relevant today.” Rawlings offers several top helmets for 2013 that strike a balance between protection and performance, including the NRG Quantum Plus, NRG Force, and Momentum Plus models. Athletes demand balance in comfort and protection from their shoulder pads as well. "Shoulder pads are certainly getting lighter and lowerprofile,” said Chou. “Getting the weight of the pads to the lower end of the competitive scale is a target for us, as players want pads that are less bulky but with maximum mobility.” Rawlings offers the Ignition shoulder pad, which features an ultra-lightweight design, a small profile and maximum mobility. New for 2013, the Ignition includes customized, removable clavicle pads for adjustable protection and a convenient fit. “With the O2 Maxx Flex shoulder pads, we’ve incorporated the technology from our TPU cushioning from our helmet into the shoulder pads,” offered Schutt’s Beckmann. “What that does is give us extra protection in terms of impact absorption on the shoulder pad by placing the TPU into the high-impact areas - the front of the chest and also across the shoulder pads. The O2 Maxx Flex is the lightest shoulder pad Schutt has by far.”

Mouthguards, sleeves, braces, guards, compression wear and other body pads from leading sports medicine manufacturers such as McDavid, Shock Doctor, Cramer and Mueller also utilize new and improved technologies to make the game as safe as possible. Everyone from Under Armour to G-Form to 110 percent are in on this game. When it comes to selling football protective, industry experts believe that team dealers and retailers can better connect with their customers by making sure that effective equipment sizing is the top priority, especially for helmets. “A service that dealers can provide directly to their customers is in the fitting,” said Rawlings’ Chou. “Protection starts with the right fit, both on the head and on the body. All of the equipment is designed to protect you, but only assuming you are wearing the right size and that you have the right fit. It’s much more than just a comfort issue, it really is a protection issue. The more hands-on type of service and experience on the fit is critical to maximize the protection.” “Ultimately, when a team dealer has secured the purchase for a helmet, it is imperative for that team dealer to spend time with the customer fitting the helmet,” Schutt’s Beckmann emphasized. “The fit of the helmet is not just one of the most important things about a helmet, it is the most important thing. A poorly-fitted new helmet is not going to protect the player as well as a five-year-old helmet that is fit properly.” “A dealer needs to be not only a salesman, but also an educator,” he continued. “He needs to be a solutions provider for the coach, for the athletic director or for the parents. Dealers and retailers also need to educate buyers on the bad information that’s going around the marketplace about claims being made by manufacturers about a product’s ability to reduce the risk of concussion. It is imperative that team dealers and retailers know about concussions in the sense that there is no such thing as a concussion-proof helmet. From that standpoint, a team dealer needs to add ‘educator’ to his title even more than he has in the past. He has to over-deliver on the customer experience.” ■

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1. Schutt’s Vengeance DCT Hybrid Helmet utilizes for 2013 a new comfort liner. Dual Compression TPU Cushioning and vinyl nitrile padding means the player gets the advanced technology of TPU in the front, crown and back. Also features a new shell design to increase strength and impact absorption and a twist releasesystem for quickly adding and removing the faceguard, MSRP $129. 2. Xenith’s X2™ Varsity Helmet features Xenith's Adaptive Head Protection® which is a system of technologies designed to address the type of hits football players receive on the field, both linear and rotational, to minimize the sudden movement of the head and combines the innovation of the X2 with high performance materials titanium facemask, deluxe comfort liner and die-cast metal snap buckles, MSRP $250 (X2 Varsity), $425 (X2 Varsity Elite), $150 (X2 Youth), $225 (X2 Youth Elite). 3. Riddell's Revolution Speed Helmet features an aggressive shell design, antimicrobial overliner, oversized vent holes with extreme detailing, and “no rust” stainless steel hardware, among several other technologies, MSRP $265.

6. Under Armour’s 5-Pad MPZ Stealth Impact Shirt employs lightweight padding for strategic protection. 4-way stretch fabric improves range of motion, maintains shape, and accelerates dry time, while the Signature Moisture Transport System keeps the football player cool and comfortable, MSRP $60. 7. Franklin’s Gel Mouthguard features raised dual gel posterior impact pads and a detachable and re-attachable strapping system. Contains no latex. Assorted colors in Youth/Adult sizing, MSRP $8. 8. Under Armour’s ArmourBite Mouthguard protects the athlete from dangerous hits, reduces clenching side effects by pivoting the jaw to the optimal positioning with its patented ArmourBite Power Wedges™. Made for full-contact sports, MSRP $30. 9. Under Armour’s ArmourFuse Chin Strap features a strong, durable nylon shell for maximum protection against injury. ArmourFuse® TPU overmold disperses impact while a removable, washable internal foam pad with gel insert delivers comfort and protection, MSRP $20.

4. Rawlings NRG Force Helmet is designed specifically for youth players and has a sturdy ABS shell and lightweight profile, while a dual-density cushioning system provides comfort. Heat Exchange™ ports ensure a cool head, and other features include durable surlyn facemask clips, a carbon steel wire face mask, a highimpact ABS shell, and stainless steel hardware, MSRP $100 (with mask).

10. McDavid’s Hex™ Sleeveless Shirt / 5-pad uses strategically-positioned 9mm Hex™ technology to protect critical areas. Self-armhole binding provides better fit and won't stretch out. hDc™ Moisture Management technology keeps the football player cool and dry, MSRP n/a.

5. Schutt’s O2 Maxx Flex Shoulder Pad offers reduced pad thickness and the addition of TPU over the shoulder. TPU cushioning over the shoulder enhances impact absorption, comfort, ventilation. The body cushion has O2 windows - large openings that maximize air circulation and ventilation, MSRP $245.

11. Riddell’s Custom Power CPK Shoulder Pad comes standard with the Riddell RipKord Shoulder Pad Removal system fully integrated. Models are available for Quarterbacks, Receivers, Running Backs, Defensive Backs, Linebackers, Fullbacks, and Lineman, MSRP $449.

2012 TEAM BUSINESS DIGITAL

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12. Under Armour Men's Football Forearm Pad provides lightweight and comfortable protection. The form-fitting pad also comes equipped with UA's signature HeatGear® fabric, which wicks moisture away, MSRP $22.

15. McDavid’s Rebound Compression Socks target calves and feet to provide increased blood circulation as a result of Targeted Compression™ technology. The socks increase blood flow postexertion for a faster and more complete recovery, MSRP n/a.

13. McDavid’s Knee Brace with PSII Hinges and Cross Straps helps in the prevention of and recovery from MCL and ACL injuries. Its exclusive design includes elastic crossing straps for added fit and support and bi-lateral geared polycentric hinges with hyperextension stops for support while allowing free movement of the complex knee joint, MSRP n/a.

16. Active Ankle’s Excel Ankle Brace is constructed out of 840 denier nylon and includes a figure-eight strapping system paired with a circumferential lacing system. It also features non-stretch nylon straps, MSRP $35.

14. Cramer’s GH2 Support System provides extra support to the groin, hip-flexor and hamstrings. Using a high stretch, 6" strap for hamstring and quad support and an 8' x 4" strap to provide support to the groin and hip flexors, the GH2 offers versatility in support. The anti-microbial and moisture-wicking fabric provides compression throughout the garment, MSRP $70.

17. Rawlings Ignition Shoulder Pad is designed for the elite youth player with a lightweight, low-profile design for maximum mobility with a profile-flat pad with padded epaulet, removable clavicle pads for custom protection, and TPU belts for maximum durability and performance, MSRP $90.

TEAMBUSINESSDIGITAL.COM

BASKETBALL Uniform Guide

BALLING IN STYLE By Fernando J. Delgado

s basketball players take to the hardwood for another competitive season this fall, trends in basketball uniforms continue to be shaped by a trickle-down effect starting with NBA. In surveying the offerings by leading uniform manufacturers such as Adidas, Nike, Alleson, Russell, Augusta, High Five and others available for 2013, it's clear a more streamlined style, lightweight feel, bright colors and a connection to culture are what’s important. “Everything is getting slimmer and sleeker,” observed Ryan Brown, business unit director, team sports apparel, for Adidas Group. “If you look back to the mid-1990’s when the big baggy shorts and baggy jerseys were all the rage, now there has started to be a change to where the jersey is more form-fitting. It’s a unique trend at the top, where kids are going for a more streamlined look. The shorts, to some extent, have also been brought in and cleaned up a little bit.” Brown said that Adidas is working on some interesting designs from a technology standpoint, including changing the silhouette of the tank top jersey and potential to introduce a short sleeve basketball jersey on Adidasoutfitted NBA and NCAA teams. “It’s a trend that we’re not only trying to create, but capitalize on,” said Brown. Other industry experts also noticed the gradual streamlining of jerseys on the hardwood. “In basketball specifically, there was a curious time when weight was perceived as valuable,” recalled Adam Clement, senior designer/manager at Under Armour. “The heavier the short, the more expensive you felt it was. But now, with the advent of performance fabrics, companies like Under Armour, and a much more knowledgeable consumer, we’re seeing the need for superlightweight fabrics. Now the challenge is who can get lighter and who can dry faster.”

2012 TEAM BUSINESS DIGITAL

To make basketball uniforms lighter and better performing, manufacturers are turning to technological advancements in fabrics. “Lightweight is very important,” said Adidas’ Brown. “When Adidas launched the NBA Rev 30, it was earth shattering for the NBA because we took their existing uniform that they had been wearing from us, and we made it 30 percent lighter with a revolutionary mesh material and a new embellishment system. We basically changed the game in basketball from a lightweight standpoint. We started it at the NBA and we’ve been able to trickle that down and commercialize that through our NCAA ranks all the way down into our high school ranks that our team dealers are servicing for us.” Now team dealers can take advantage of NBA designs. Whether through a classic, iconic look like that of the Boston Celtics or a more fashion-forward aggressive styling like the Atlanta Hawks, Adidas recently made NBA styles available to colleges and high schools via their team dealers. “A team can get the Lakers uniform in their school colors, with their team name on it, in the Lakers font. To be able to take those looks and apply them to our team dealer business has tripled our basketball uniform business for this year.” On a very select basis, Adidas

offers the Lakers, Hawks, and a Celtics-inspired uniform design for their NBA licensed uniform products. Young basketball players are also heavily influenced by college basketball. “The emulation factor also occurs at the college level,” stated Brown. “There was a buzz at last year’s Final Four when Louisville and Baylor came out in what we call warning color uniforms - Baylor in their electricity yellow-colored uniforms that were very bright, vibrant and different, and Louisville in the very bright infrared color. The phones rang off the hook with team dealers, high schools and colleges who were asking ‘How do I get that?’ One trend that we can never underestimate in any sport is color. How you manipulate color to make a traditional school color a little bit different.” Brown believes the trend towards brighter colors and bolder, more unique designs is getting more pronounced, and schools have clear motivations for continuing to use their uniforms to make state-

Photo courtesy of Under Armour

ments on the court. “I think it’s two things,” Brown said. “One is that anything a team can do to stand out, they want to try and do that. The other factor is that the generation of athletes between the ages of 14 and 22 that are going through the system right now are more savvy than they’ve ever been. They’re starting to connect the dots between sport and performance with style. The overall fusion between sports and culture - Jay-Z owning the Brooklyn Nets or Little Wayne being an avid baseball fan, for example - is something that can’t be ignored.” Even though bold colors and adventurous designs are becoming the norm, Ian Bremner, marketing manager for High Five Sportswear, pointed out that many schools at the high school level and below continue to stick with traditional colors. It’s up to manufacturers and team dealers to identify their end-consumer. “We’re definitely aware that color options are becoming more important, and we’ve incorporated more colors than ever before,” shared Bremner. “At the same time, we’re trying to stick to our market. We’ve gone with more college-oriented colors. We know graphite has become more popular, so we’re trying to incorporate that. We’re excited about the new colors we have, but we understand that it’s not the crazy highlighter green kind of stuff. Some of the branded companies can afford to take more risks because they have more resources. If the jersey doesn’t take off initially, they can pull it. Some schools have a lot of tradition, and they like to keep it basic, while other schools are more cutting-edge, like Oregon, Louisville, Baylor, and Maryland.” “Schools that are getting new uniforms every single year can afford to take some risks. But for the most part, schools are cutting budgets," he continued. "Most schools will be keeping their traditional colors, but updating the looks. It’s important for dealers to keep budgets in mind when working with their customers.”

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Kris Carlson, head of product development for Alleson Athletic, is at the forefront of innovative basketball uniforms. “As athletes become more specific to their sport as they grow older, they start growing up in their uniform,” said Carlson. “They’re wanting longer inseams. We’re seeing the traditional 7-inch inseam go away and we’re getting more 9-inch and 10-inch inseams for the basketball players. Making sure the fabric on the shoulders fits them right and isn’t coming over the shoulder too much so that it doesn’t restrict their movement. The light weight of the fabric is very important. “It’s definitely a reversible business, but we’re seeing a trend to single ply if we can come up with a good price,” said Carlson. “We’re not seeing the whole 3-color, 4-color, we’re seeing very classic, sharplooking lines. So we’re heading that way in our single ply business. If you can get two uniforms for the price of one, that’s also something that schools value.” “Value and cost-effectiveness are important for team dealers to consider when selling uniforms because there are so many competitors out there,” noted High Five’s Bremner, adding that team dealers must know the difference between customers, whether working with a travel team, school markets, or rec leagues. “They all demand different values depending on where they’re coming from,” he said. High Five experienced success over the past year with the Transition Jersey and the Varsity Performance II, both of which incorporate the tighter fit that more players are demanding while reflecting price point sensitivity. Sublimation in uniforms continues to become more widely used. “With our sublimation business, we have fantastic fabric coming out that’s a single ply reversible that allows for sublimation on both sides,” shared Alleson’s Carlson. “We’ll definitely see that trend grow and we’re really excited about that.” In the sublimated category, Russell Athletic will be offering the Men’s Athletic Cut Sublimated Panel Basketball Jersey, which is a fully sublimated custom game uniform that is constructed with a more tailored fit to allow for ease of movement. Alleson is offering highperforming fabrics in its 2013 uniforms. “We have two fabrics for our single ply reversible sublimation jerseys: hyper light and hyper mesh fabrics,” explained Carlson. “Colors are vibrant and don’t bleed through one side to the other, so you’re getting true color on each side with the single ply. Athletes feel double ply weighs them down. And as things get more competitive, every little thing we can do to help them, we keep that in mind.” Another essential for Alleson in its 2013 line is the 535J Men’s and Youth jersey. “We kept school budgets in mind when we

Augusta Sportswear's Triple Double Uniform. The Jersey features contrast color side inserts, double-needle hemmed armholes and bottom; the Short has a covered elastic waistband with inside drawcord, MSRP $20 (Adult/Youth Uniform).

designed this style,” said Carlson about the 535J. “This is a high school quality jersey, but you can literally get two sets for the price of what your budget allows for one set. We focus on how the team dealer can give a point of view to the end consumer, and then make sure that the team dealer keeps pricing in mind. A single-ply uniform is really lightweight and gives the athlete a good feeling about themselves as far as movement and quickness. At the same time, a school has to be able to have home and away jerseys. You can’t just have one color at the high school level.” For youth leagues, Carlson is excited about Alleson’s newly signed deal with the NBA for a youth league product. “The pricing is fantastic and it’s unlike anything you traditionally see used by the youth league teams, which usually use tricot mesh or open hole mesh products in order to stay within budget.” Carlson said Alleson will have the new Bounce basketball line out soon. “Bounce is very specific to the AAU business, and it’s exclusive by Alleson,” he said. “We call it the ballers business, where they play year round. My sons are 11 and they played 70 games last year. So the new Bounce line is geared toward the AAU business with higher end fabrics, nice waistband, and the 10-inch inseam fit that is very specific to that every-single-day player.” ■

High Five's Women's Transition Jersey made from Essortex moisture management polyester fabric and featuring contrast inset panels across the shoulder/back, self-fabric high crossover V-neck and double needle hem. Armholes adjust for women's version. Available in 16 colors, MSRP $26 (Men's/Womens), $14 (Youth).

4 2 3

1. Adidas Women's Crazy Light Basketball Uniform with Cat Dye poly-interlock front and engineered mesh back with Climacool® technology; engineered fit to match exact specs of all WNBA athletes, MSRP $45 (Blank Jersey). 2. Russell Athletic's Men's/Youth Athletic Cut Sublimated Uniform. This Dri-Power uniform is constructed with a tailored fit and available in five patterns and a variety of fabrics. Price does not include lettering, numbering or other adornment and varies dependent on customized options, MSRP n/a.

3. Alleson Athletic LA Adult Replica NBA Game Jersey and Short, MSRP n/a. 4. Boathouse Sports Women's Mystic Basketball Jersey with a racerback and contrast fabric at sides and shoulders; Women's Pro Game Day Basketball Short offers 2" elastic waistband, inside drawcord, fuller leg opening and contrast fabric side panels. Customize your colors and logos, MSRP $89 (Set); $49 (Jersey); $49 (Pant).

5. New for 2013 Game Gear's Game Change Sublimation Quake Uniform is a custom design product, MSRP $61 (Uniform); $33 (Jersey); $28 (Short). 6. Teamwork Helix Basketball Jersey and Short, MSRP n/a. 7

7. Wilson's custom style 702 Piece Basketball Uniform made from BoxGrid fabric. The Jersey features modified V-neck, hemmed armholes and bottom. The short has 4-needle elastic waist with Gripper web and Quick Cord elastic with drawstring. ProFusion sublimation printing. Price includes decoration, MSRP $120. 8. Champion Youth Basketball Uniform. V-Neck Jersey has contrast color shoulder, side stripe and tapered fit. Jocktag at lower left hem. Premium 11" Short with 4-needle Sport Comfort™ waistband and internal drawcord. Contrast side inserts with 2-needle stitched body and hem. Deep rise. Full athletic fit. Double Dry™ fabric wicks moisture away from the body, MSRP n/a.

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SoccerOne's Santa Cruz Uniform consists of the Santa Cruz Jersey and the St. Louis Short made of 100% polyester with Wickguard moisture management technology. The Jersey offers sublimated vertical stripes on front and back and the SoccerOne logo on the right chest. With its partner Protime Sports, Soccer One has developed uniform kits (jersey, short and socks) for soccer programs for as low as $14.95 including numbers and logos, MSRP $27 (3-pc Adult uniform kit), $26 (Youth uniform kit), $20 (Adult Jersey), $18 (Youth Jersey), $13 (Adult Short), $12 (Youth Short).

2012 TEAM BUSINESS DIGITAL

SOCCER UNIFORM GUIDE

LOOKING GOOD PLAYING THE BEAUTIFUL GAME By Fernando J. Delgado

Soccer uniforms for 2013 will see better performing jerseys and shorts for those playing the world’s most popular game. As players get older they demand more specialized features and lighter uniforms. SGB checked in with several vendors to see what trends are influencing their offerings and what young players will be wearing on the soccer pitch next year. Mark Neudorff, owner of SoccerOne, a soccer team dealer and distributor based near Los Angeles, CA, distinguishes soccer uniforms between two different markets: the recreational market and the competitive market. The recreational market primarily consists of young players that play for a specific length of time during the year, usually a 10 to 12 week season, before moving on to other sports or interests. “Buyers that buy uniforms for the recreational market are looking for a product that doesn’t necessarily have all the features and bells and whistles that may be available through the common brand names like Adidas, Puma, Under Armour, Nike or Joma,” explained Neudorff. The competitive market, meanwhile, has players settled on soccer as their primary sport and play year-round. “All uniforms are made of polyester,” Neudorff said. “Polyester, by its nature, has a moisture-wicking property to it, and that can be enhanced with either a spray-on treatment or a pre-treated micro-fiber in the fabric.” SoccerOne offers uniforms at a $14.95 price point that meet the needs of the recreational player and provide a number and logo that matches the trim color of the uniform. “By doing that, that $14.95 jersey has a perceived value to the mom and the dad that receive it as something that would be more akin to $25. The primary consideration for purchases in the recreational market is price.” Alleson Athletic targets youth leagues and also focuses on affordability. “We try to drive price home for our youth uniforms,” said Kris Carlson,

Augusta Verge Reversible Youth Jersey and Pant. Jersey is fully reversible, wicking knit V-neck collar, contrast color piping in armholes and side seams, raglan sleeves, MSRP $35.

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High Five’s Velocity Jersey available January 1, 2013. Made of 100% polyester with Essortex moisture management inserts and polyester/spandex pinhole mesh side panels for comfort and breathability. Available in 17 colors, MSRP $24 (Adult), $22 (Youth).

Photo courtesy of Champion

2012 TEAM BUSINESS DIGITAL

head of product development for Alleson Athletic. As players mature and decide upon soccer as their sport of choice in high school, they graduate from the recreational and youth levels to the competitive level. Their uniform needs change at that point. “The player in the competitive market plays year-round so the durability of the uniform is far more important,” said SoccerOne’s Neudorff. “The weight and comfort of the uniform take on a greater importance. If it has a lighter feel, it’s going to be more popular.” Recreational player can purchase a jersey, short, and socks together for between about $15-20 and up, while the same items will cost a competitive player between about $3580, due to additional features inherent to the fabrics. Because of the sheer number of youth players in the U.S., youth soccer uniforms are big business for manufacturers, team dealers and sporting goods retailers. “Soccer’s becoming really popular, particularly in the Northwest where we’re located,” said Ian Bremner, marketing manager for High Five Sportswear. “There’s the European leagues, MLS and national teams, so people are drawing from those leagues and pushing the boundaries of uniforms, just like with football and basketball, as far as designs and colors. Soccer’s not too far behind those two sports.” High Five takes cues from national teams and club teams playing in tournaments such as the World Cup, the UEFA Euro Cup, UEAFA Champions League and CONCACAF qualifiers in order to create its uniform designs. High Five’s uniforms for 2013 draw influences from those well-known teams to provide features such as lightweight feel, flexibility and breathability present their Velocity, Kinetic, and Inferno jerseys, which will be available for the first time on January 1. Under Armour values its relationships with collegiate and professional soccer teams, in particular the number-oneranked University of Maryland men’s soccer team and the

Tottenham Hotspurs of the English Premier League. Their dedication to meaningful designs starts with relationships, and those designs are reflected down to their uniforms for younger athletes. “We’re pushing boundaries when we work with colleges, and especially with a professional club,” said Adam Clement, senior designer/manager, on field at Under Armour. “Clubs in England are steeped in hundreds of years of tradition, so it’s so important to make sure you respect that and build around that, and you include that in your designs.” Customization is also taking off in soccer uniforms. Adidas, which already owns about 60 percent of the market in competitive team business, is now perfecting mi Team (www.miteam.adidas.com), a customized uniform builder that SoccerOne will be offering its customers for 2013. “Mi Team is a versatile program which we’re really excited about,” said SoccerOne’s Neudorff. “It will allow competitive clubs to custom design not only the player uniforms, but also coaches apparel and goalkeeper wear, and even footwear. I look at that as something that complements what a lot of these clubs want, which is their own identity and unique style.” When selling soccer uniforms, understanding the buyer and filling out orders in a timely manner is critical for team dealers. “First of all, you have to realize that you’re dealing with, in many cases, administrators and coaches who are volunteering their time,” suggested Neudorff. “You need to be able to be informative, knowledgeable, and responsive to their needs. Secondly, I don’t care what manufacturer’s brand you’re using, you need to know that availability is key. You need to be able to give them the product quickly and at a fair price.” To be prepared for last-minute orders and challenges, Neudorff shared that SoccerOne keeps additional product in its warehouse to back itself up in case a customer needs an item in a hurry and manufacturers are out of stock. “The team uniform portion of the business is very competitive price-wise, and it requires a phenomenal amount of work,” he continued. “You not only have the uniform, but you have to provide the decorating. Some dealers choose to concentrate most of their volume on replica uniforms for fans. Others choose to focus on footwear, where a lion’s share of the volume is, where the better margins are and where the sales are easier. Others, like us, offer uniforms for every market.” Several leading brands, including Puma, Joma, Russell Athletic, Augusta, A4, Champion, Boathouse, Teamwork and Game Gear, among others, will have high-quality product (see guide) for 2013. Moisturewicking and anti-microbial performance fabrics are more important than ever, while the lightweight and streamlined trend-just as with football and basketballis dominating designs for 2013. ■

1. Puma’s Esito 3 Shirt features an embroidered Puma cat on right chest, contrast inserts on the upper front, a self fabric collar, mesh side and back and a dropped back hem. Available in 6 colors, MSRP $26. 2. Game Gear's Soccer Uniform is comprised of the Short Sleeve Jersey Raglan Crew with Insert and the Men's 7" Soccer Short with Side Panel, MSRP $26 (Jersey), $23 (Short). 3. Select Sport America's Goalkeeper Jersey will be part of a new line of goalkeeper products in 2013 including gloves, jerseys, pants and shorts at very competitive pricing, MSRP $30. 4. Joma’s Pisa 12 V-neck Jersey has anatomical ventilation on the sides and the Joma logo embroidered on the right chest. Polyester / Imported. Available in more than 10 color schemes, MSRP $37. 5. Boathouse Sports Women’s Strive Jersey includes NFHS-compliant designs. With a new slimmer soccer fit and a fully sublimated design, the Strive features a shaped waist and a shorter sleeve length, along with stretch Air-Mesh 100 side panels and sleeve inserts. Pictured is the SUB 175 style, MSRP $100, Boathouse Team Price $55 (minimum order 12). 6. Boathouse Sports Women’s Triumph Short offers a slimmer fit for female players with elastic waist and Air-Mesh inserts, MSRP $76, Boathouse Team Price $42 (minimum order 12).

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For full year calendar go to sportsonesource.com/events

NOVEMBER 2012

18-20

Imprinted Sportswear Show (ISS) Long Beach, CA Outdoor Retailer All Mountain

2-4

NBS Fall Athletic Market Indianapolis, IN

7-9

TAG Fall/Winter Show N. Charleston, SC

22 Demo

12-14

A.D.A. Fall Show Las Vegas, NV

23-26 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Salt Lake City, UT

18-20

Sports Inc. Athletic Show Las Vegas, NV

23-26 PGA Merchandise Show Orlando, FL

DECEMBER 2012 3-4

Sports Inc. Footwear & Apparel St. Charles, MO

3-5

EORA Southeast Market Asheville, NC

5-7 Atlanta Fashion Shoe & Accessory Market Atlanta, GA

JANUARY 2013 5-7

ASI Orlando Orlando, FL

7-8 ATA Show (Archery Trade Association) Louisville, KY 7-10

EWSRA/SWRA Winter Sports Market Atlantic City, NJ

7-10

NEWSR Winter Sports Market Manchester, NH

10-12

Surf Expo Orlando, FL

14-15

Metropolitan New York Shoe Market Secaucus, NJ

15-18

SHOT Show Las Vegas, NV

15-16 Première Vision New York, New York 17-20 NBS Winter-Specialty Market Denver, CO 17-19

Sports Licensing & Tailgate Show Las Vegas, NV

Salt Lake City, UT

24-27 ASA-ICAST Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Exposition Schamburg, IL 29-31 WSA Show Las Vegas, NV 30 - 1 NABA Trade Show (National Archery Buyers Association) Reno, NV 31-3

SIA Snow Show Denver, CO

FEBRUARY 2013 1-5

NBS Spring Semi - Annual Market Fort Worth, TX

3-6

ISPO Munich 2013 Munich, Germany

5-7 FFANY New York, NY 6-8

ASI Dallas Dallas, TX

13-15

Magic Marketplace Las Vegas, NV

13-16

Sports Inc. Outdoor Show Phoenix, AZ

14-17

ASA-ICAST Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sport Show Oaks, PA

17-20

WDI Worldwide Spring Show Reno, NV

23-25 Atlanta Shoe Market Atlanta, GA 26-28 MRA On Snow Demo Boyne Mountain, MI

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS | BUYING GROUPS

CALENDAR

Athletic Dealers of America 1395 Highland Avenue Melbourne, FL 32935 t 321.254.0091 f 321.242.7419 athleticdealersofamerica.com National Shooting Sports Foundation Flintlock Ridge Office Center 11 Mile Hill Road Newtown, CT 06470 t 203.426.1320 f. 203.426.1087 nssf.org National Sporting Goods Association 1601 Feehanville Drive / Suite 300 Mount Prospect, IL 60056 t 847.296.6742 f 847.391.9827 nsga.org Nation’s Best Sports 4216 Hahn Blvd. Ft. Worth, TX 76117 t 817.788.0034 f 817.788.8542 nbs.com Outdoor Industry Association 4909 Pearl East Circle / Suite 300 Boulder, CO 80301 t 303.444.3353 f 303.444.3284 outdoorindustry.org SGMA 8505 Fenton Street Silver Spring, MD 20910 t 301.495.6321 f 301.495.6322 sgma.com Snow Sports Industries America 8377-B Greensboro Drive McLean, VA 22102 t 703.556.9020 f 703.821.8276 snowsports.org Sports, Inc. 333 2nd Avenue North Lewistown, MT 59457 t 406.538.3496 f 406.538.2801 sportsinc.com Sports Specialists Ltd. 590 Fishers Station Drive / Suite 110 Victor, NY 14564 t 585.742.1010 f 585.742.2645 sportsspecialistsltd.com Team Athletic Goods 629 Cepi Drive Chesterfield, MO 63005 t 636.530.3710 f 636.530.3711 tag1.com Worldwide 8211 South 194th Kent, WA 98032 t 253.872.8746 f 253.872.7603 wdi-wdi.com

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