While more than 50% of all Americans are considered 'frequent' sports participants, 12% are classified as 'regular' sports participants and 15% are active on a 'casual' basis. Unfortunately, 23% of all Americans are not active at all, according to the SGMA's Sports Participation in America report (2010 edition). The report covers 92 activities. 


Among the findings:



  • The three team sports which attract the largest number of female participants are basketball (5.5 million), outdoor soccer (5.1 million), and court volleyball (4.2 million).

 



  • Females represent the majority of participants in just four team sports — gymnastics, fast-pitch softball, court volleyball, and cheerleading.

 



  • The three team sports which had the highest percentage of first-time participants in 2009 were rugby (31.6%), field hockey (28.2%), and lacrosse (24.8%).

 



  • Fitness activities which have the highest percentage of participants, at age 55 and above, are walking for fitness, tai chi, and water aerobics.

 



  • The three team sports which had the highest percentage of first-time participants in 2009 were rugby (31.6%), field hockey (28.2%), and lacrosse (24.8%).

On the downside, ‘pick-up’ play in team sports continues to suffer.  In 2009, there were only five team sports where ‘casual/pick-up’ play exceeded organized/sanctioned play.  Those sports were basketball, ice hockey, field hockey, touch football, and beach volleyball.  SGMA said one of the reasons why participation in most team sports is dominated by organized/sanctioned play is because more young athletes are specializing in one sport at an earlier age.