Do you know of any team dealer, retailer, vendor or contributor to the sporting goods industry who deserves consideration for inclusion in the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Class of 2022? If so, there is still time to nominate that person  — deadline for nominations is February 19, 2021.

‍There are three categories for nominees – Manufacturer, Retailer/Team Dealer and Influencer.

Membership decisions will be made by the independent Hall of Fame Committee (Editor’s note: I am a member of the Hall of Fame Committee) based on the evaluation of documented qualifications relative to established criteria and whether or not the individual has or is making a significant lasting contribution to sports and the sporting goods industry. Fame and financial success are not criteria. Nominations for individuals outside of the United States are accepted.

Nominees should fill out the nomination form that can be found at https://www.nsga.org/hall-of-fame/ and then submit to hof@nsga.org:

• Biography of the nominee
• Three letters of support for the nomination
• Additional materials to support the nomination are also encouraged, including media articles and patent documentation, if applicable.
  

Manufacturers Criteria

Nominations may be made by anyone associated with the sporting goods industry. A nominee must be an individual — not a group or company.  

Qualifications:

• Any individual or his/her representatives who are or have been engaged for at least 20 years in the development, production or distribution of any item of equipment, apparel or footwear that is used in the pursuit of sports or fitness may be nominated.
  
• Must meet one of the following requirements:
  • Developed and successfully manufactured a product(s) which significantly improved the performance and/or enjoyment of the athlete and/or sportsperson.
  • Developed a way to significantly improve manufacturing, distribution or importing techniques of sporting goods products.
  • Introduced some significant added safety features to athletic and sporting goods.
  • Must have conducted business professionally, honestly and with integrity.

Retailer/Team Dealer Criteria

Nominations may be made by anyone associated with the sporting goods industry. A nominee must be an individual – not a group or company.  

Qualifications:

• Any individual or his/her representatives who are or have been engaged in the operation of a sporting goods business may be nominated.
  
• Must meet the following requirements:
  • Be or have been in the sporting goods business at least 20 years.
  • Have good community standing.
  • Have made a significant contribution to the industry; local, state or national.
  • Support the industry.
  • Have conducted business professionally, honestly and with integrity.
  

Industry Influencer Criteria

Nominations may be made by anyone associated with the sporting goods industry. A nominee must be an individual – not a group or company.

Qualifications:

• Any individual who is or has been engaged in the sporting goods industry for at least 20 years can be nominated.
  
• The candidate should have accomplishments such as:
  • Made a significant contribution to a program, organization or service directly impacting the sporting goods industry.
  • Promoted the public’s awareness and appreciation of the importance of sports participation.
  • Promoted the public’s awareness of the sporting goods industry as a significant and responsible member of the sporting goods community.
• The candidate must have conducted business professionally, honestly, and with integrity.
  

If you have questions on the nomination process or completion of the below form, please contact Julie Pitts, Hall of Fame Secretary, at (847) 296-NSGA (6742), ext. 1180, or email hof@nsga.org.