Last year, Sport Illustrated reported findings from a study done by the Sport and Fitness Industry Association that amid concerns of an emphasis on sport specialization, more kids than ever in the United States are not playing sports at all. It was reported that inactivity among children approached 20 percent in 2014, continuing a six-year decline. The study cites the pressure on parents to place their kids on competitive teams, invest in expert coaching and skill development, as well as the cost required for serious programs to compete against one another, which has made youth sports a lucrative industry.

Rick McLain and Alison Umberger have been named as candidates for the Executive Committee’s sixth committee member spot by the EC Nominating Committee. They were among four candidates recently interviewed by the nominating committee.