The need for separate rules for elite and recreational players isn’t a new debate among the golf hierarchy. By one sport insider’s account, discussions, at some points heated, have been ongoing for nearly 30 years with game purists most often triumphing over ‘outside the box’ advocates.

As snow starts to fall across the U.S., the winter sports market is prepared to see a 10-15% drop in orders for next season, but so far it has been remarkably restrained as far as discounting its equipment product is concerned and there is a sense that much of the product will move at or near regular price over the next six weeks.

The company’s new brand identity embraces its regional heritage, “Genuine Spirit of the Pacific Northwest.”

The new standard is being developed by the ASTM Sports Equipment Committee in an issue that should make the sport safer.

The NOCSAE board voted last week to delay a proposed standard that placed a mass restriction of 1,300 grams on the youth helmet with facemask and accessories attached, stating that there is no science available to support the weight restriction as a potential benefit.