The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Rules Review Committee will delay implementation of what is known as the Football Glove Rule until the 2013-14 school year. The rule would require all football gloves worn in varsity games to bear the certification seal of the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). Both the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) and the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) pushed for a delay of the rule's implementation date.

The rule, which was passed by the NFHS Football Rules Committee in January 2010, would have taken effect next season (2012-13 school year). Gloves bearing that seal and gloves that meet the previous standard are materially the same – both for performance and safety properties.

The NOCSAE standard specification establishes performance requirements for the friction and adhesion properties of new football players’ gloves. The standard test method and performance specification are specifically created to limit the level of tackiness of gloves to limit the potential aid they may have in handling or catching the ball. When the rule goes into effect for the 2013 fall football season, the NOSCAE seal must be visible on the outside of the glove.

According to NSGA President & CEO Matt Carlson, “We understand this was a complex issue, and we appreciate NFHS' Rules Review Committee for looking at the big picture when deciding to delay the implementation of rule until the 2013-14 school year. By taking the interests of sporting goods retailers and team dealers into consideration in this process, the committee helped avert what was sure to become a major economic hardship for our members.”

“The delay in implementation of the rule will provide an opportunity for NSGA member retailers and team dealers to significantly reduce their inventories of these football gloves, which will also benefit the manufacturers,” said NSGA Chairman of the Board Jeff Rosenthal, President & CEO of Hibbett Sports. “It also benefits the players and their parents who purchase these gloves by eliminating any confusion as to what is and is not legal next season.”

In the appeal hearing, SGMA President Tom Cove implored the NFHS Rules Review Committee to consider the harsh economic impact the rule would inflict on high school institutions and industry suppliers.  In addition, SGMA raised concerns about potential lack of availability of new product and unrealistic enforcement burdens on officials as reasons a delay was warranted.

“We've worked for more than a year to resolve what would have been a severe economic hardship for many SGMA member companies, and we could not be happier that a fair and practical solution is the result,” said Cove.  “Glove manufacturers and their retail partners can now focus on delivering great product and service to high school teams and players without this cloud hanging over their heads.”

“We are very happy to hear this news as are other glove manufacturers, retailers, and end users,” said Jeff Beraznik, president of Cutters Gloves.  “I am glad to hear that when all the facts were considered, the right and fair decision was made.  This decision sets a precedent so that when these types of situation arise in the future, they can be jointly considered by manufacturers, retailers, and the governing bodies.”

“I personally applaud the NFHS for looking beyond the compliance/non-compliance issue and embracing the impact of its implementation into the realities of the present-day glove business,” said Dan Small, president/CEO of Saranac Glove.  “Theory and reality seldom meet in business.  Their (the NFHS’) insight of allowing the reality to taper the theory paves the way for all parties to be unified going into 2013.”
 
SGMA credited NFHS for being open to the appeal.

“The SGMA and its member companies applaud the NFHS for delaying implementation of this rule and we appreciate the opportunity to make the case to the NFHS leadership,” continued Cove.  “NFHS should be commended for recognizing the magnitude of the issue and agreeing to make a reasonable change.” 

SGMA further highlighted the role NSGA played in the process. 

“This was a great example of SGMA and NSGA working together in the industry’s best interests.  NSGA was very effective in representing retailers and team dealers, and this advocacy had much to do with the successful outcome,” Cove added.