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2016 Participation Report

The Physical Activity Councils annual study


tracking sports, fitness, and recreation
participation in the US

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Your guide through the 2016 Participation Report

Methodology

Introduction

Overall Participation Rate in the US

6-9

Activity Level Trends

2010 2015 Participation Trends

Participation by Generation

8-9

Overall Inactivity Levels in the US

11-13

2010-2015 Inactivity Trends

11

Inactivity by Age

12

Inactivity by Income

13

Spending in Fitness

15-17

Spending Trends

15

Pay to Play

16

Purchases to Encourage Fitness

17

Aspirational Participants and PE Participation

19-21

Non-Participation Interest

19-20

The PE Pathway

21-22

Appendix

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

23

METHODOLOGY
How the 2016 report research was conducted
This Overview Report from the Physical Activity Council, (PAC), is produced by a partnership of eight of the
major trade associations in US sports, fitness, and leisure industries. Each partner produces more detailed reports
on their specific areas of interest, but this Overview Report summarizes topline data about levels of activity in
the US. The overall aim of this report is to establish levels of activity and identify key trends in sports, fitness,
and recreation participation in the US. For more detailed results, please contact the relevant partner listed below.
During the 2015 calendar year, a total of 32,658 online interviews were carried out with a nationwide sample of
individuals and households from the US Online Panel of over one million people operated by IPSOS/Synovate.
A total of 15,167 individual and 17,491 household surveys were completed. The total panel is maintained to be
representative of the US population for people ages six and older. Over sampling of ethnic groups took place to
boost responses from typically under responding groups.
The 2015 participation survey sample size of 32,658 completed interviews provides a high degree of statistical
accuracy. All surveys are subject to some level of standard error - that is, the degree to which the results might
differ from those obtained by a complete census of every person in the US. A sport with a participation rate of
five percent has a confidence interval of plus or minus 0.24 percentage points a the 95 percent confidence level.
A weighting technique was used to balance the data to reflect the total US population ages six and above. The
following variables were used: gender, age, income, household size, region, population density, and panel join
date. The total population figure used was 294,141,894 people ages six and older.
Inactivity is defined to include those participants who reported no physical activity in 2015 and an additional
18 sports/fitness activities that require minimal to no physical exertion.

Data reported for winter sports are based on seasons: 2010 year is 2009/2010 season, 2011 year is 2010/2011
season, 2012 year is 2011/2012 season, 2013 year is 2012/2013 season, 2014 year is 2013/2014 season, and
2015 year is 2014/2015 season.
If you have specific questions regarding the methodology, please contact Sports Marketing Surveys USA at
info@sportsmarketingsurveysusa.com or (561) 427-0647.
The Physical Activity Council is made up of the following industry leading organizations:
CLUB/INSTITUTIONAL FITNESS: International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA)
www.ihrsa.org P: (617) 951-0055
GOLF: National Golf Foundation (NGF) www.ngf.org P: (561) 744-6006
OUTDOOR: Outdoor Foundation (OF) www.outdoorfoundation.org P: (202) 271-3252
SNOWSPORTS: Snowsports Industries of America (SIA) www.snowsports.org P: (703) 556-9020
TEAM SPORTS/INDIVIDUAL SPORTS/GENERAL FITNESS/WATERSPORTS: Sports & Fitness
Industry Association (SFIA) www.sfia.org P: (301) 495-6321 and USA Football www.usafootball.com
P: (317) 489-4417
TENNIS: Tennis Industry Association (TIA) and United States Tennis Association (USTA)
www.tennisindustry.org P: (843) 686-3036

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

INTRODUCTION
An overview of the research and insights into the numbers
The Physical Activity Councils annual study continues to track participation in 120 sports
and fitness activities. This report gives a broad overview of the study. For more details on
specific sports, please contact the relevant PAC Partner (see Methodology).
Participation in sports seemed to be fluctuating over the last few years, with an increase in
team, winter, water, and fitness sports participation. Individual sports declined slightly in
2015 while racquet and outdoor sports remained flat. This meant there were 212.6 million
actives taking part in a wide range of sports and fitness activities in 2015, a slight increase
from 209.3 actives in 2014.
The overall levels of inactivity decreased marginally in the last 12 months from 28.3% of
Americans age six and older in 2014 to 27.7% in 2015. However, there are still 81.6 million
inactive Americans.

Inactivity decreased for most age groups, with 13 to 17 year olds having the biggest drop
(1.4%) and 35 to 44 year olds having the lowest decrease (0.2%) in 2015. While those
Americans between the ages of 45 to 54 remained flat in inactivity, there was a gradual
increase in inactivity for 55 to 64 year olds.
Gen Z, or those born in this millennium, continue to dominate team sports category. There
continues to be an increase in team sports participation from the Gen Z population, which is
due partially to the birth boom in 2007, who are now around the age of 8. The Millennials and
Gen X groups maintain the most participation in fitness sports. Boomers are more likely to
participate in fitness activity than any other category.
In terms of interest, all age groups continue to look at swimming as a means for future fitness.
Followed heavily by outdoor activities, such as camping and biking. Fitness activities are
featured high on the list for most adult age groups while team sports are more attractive to the
youths.
Those aspirational participants report that having someone to participate with or having a
friend bring them along would be a strong motivator to start a new activity. While having
more free time was mentioned to be helpful, more people felt that their current health was a
big hindrance.

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

OVERALL PARTICIPATION
RATES

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

ACTIVITY LEVEL TRENDS


A breakdown of activity levels over time
Inactive to Healthy Active Across 5 years
US Population, Ages 6+

Overall, participation in sports, fitness, and related physical activities increased slightly in
2015. Many people were active, with 56% of the population ages 6 and over participating in
at least one high caloric burning activity. Over the last few years, participation to a healthy
level in high calorie activity has been on the decline, dropping an average of 0.6%. Both
casual and active participates have increased, showing that although Americans may not be as
active as often as in the past, they continue to keep moving at some level of fitness.

100%
90%

% of Individuals Ages 6+

80%

34.5%

34.5%

32.9%

33.9%

31.5%

31.2%

Active (51~150 times) High


Calorie Activity

70%
11.8%

11.9%

8.9%

12.6%

12.8%

17.7%

15.8%

16.1%

60%

11.5%

11.3%

11.2%

11.9%

50%

8.4%

8.2%

9.3%

18.8%

18.4%

18.6%

40%

Active to a Healthy Level and


Beyond (151+ times) High Calorie
Activity

Casual (1~50 times) High Calorie


Activity

Low to Med Calorie Activites

30%

20%
10%

26.9%

27.6%

2010

2011

28.0%

27.6%

28.3%

27.6%
None (Inactive)

0%
2012

2013

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

2014

2015

2010 2015 PARTICIPATION TRENDS


A look at physical activity participation by year
Total Participation Rate by Activity Category
US Population, Ages 6+

When it comes to being active, most of the population prefers a form of fitness followed by
outdoor activities. While both winter and water sports are only participated in by less than
15% of the population, their rates have increased over the past year. Both outdoor and racquet
sports remain flat and individual sports show a decrease. This decrease has been a continuing
trend since 2012, decreasing, on average, 1% over the last 5 years.

Participation Rates: % of Individuals Ages 6+


2010

70%

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015
61.5%

60%
48.4%

50%
40%

34.8%

30%
23.1%
20%

14.2%

13.5%
7.4%

10%
0%
Individual
Sports

Racquet
Sports

Team Sports

Outdoor
Sports

Winter
Sports

Water Sports

Fitness
Sports

*Winter Sports are based on season


*See Appendix for breakdown of sports included in each category

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

PARTICIPATION BY GENERATION
A look at activity levels by generation
Participation Rates Segmented by Generations
US Population, Ages 6+
Inactive

Low/Med Calorie

Casual & Low/Med Calorie

Active & High Calorie

Gen Z (2000+)

18.2%

25.5
%

12.9%
20.5%
23.0%

In 2015, over 80% of


Gen Z were active, with
a quarter being active to
a healthy level. Gen Z
had the least percentage
of inactives.

25.8
%

15.2%
11.9%
11.2%

Gen Y/Millennials
(1980~1999)

35.3
%

23.7
%

11.6%

Almost half (49%) of all


Millennials were
involved in high calorie
burning activities.

Gen X (1965~1979)

35.8
%

Active to a Healthy Level

13.5%

15.9%

Boomers (1945~1964)
48% of Gen X
participated at least once
a week in an fitness
activity/sport.
The Boomer generation
was the least active in
2015, 34% reporting no
activity and only 37%
involved in high calorie
burning exercises.

29.1
%

7.7%
7.8%

33.8
%

21.6
%

*Times per year: Casual (1-50), Active (51-150), Active to Healthy Level (151+)

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

PARTICIPATION BY GENERATION
Types of participation by generation
Activity Category Segmented by Generations
US Population, Ages 6+

When it comes to being active, the Gen Z population prefer outdoor sports (62%) and team
sports (57%), being the highest participation rate in both categories compared to other
generations. Millennials participate in more water sports and fitness sports, while Boomers
are more likely to participate in fitness sports than any other type of activity.

80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

Individual Racquet
Sports
Sports

Team
Sports

Outdoor
Sports

Winter
Sports

Water
Sports

Fitness
Sports

Gen Z (2000+)

48.2%

18.8%

58.8%

61.8%

13.1%

17.5%

50.6%

Millennials (1980-1999)

43.6%

20.2%

31.8%

57.4%

12.2%

20.3%

66.7%

Gen X (1965-1979)

36.9%

13.4%

17.9%

51.4%

7.0%

14.8%

66.2%

Boomers (1945-1964)

24.1%

7.1%

6.4%

38.6%

2.9%

9.2%

60.0%

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

OVERALL INACTIVITY
LEVELS IN THE US

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

10

2010 2015 INACTIVITY TRENDS


Overall inactivity levels in the US
Inactivity Rate vs. Total Inactives
US Population, Ages 6+

Overall inactivity had dropped in 2015, going from 82.7 million people to 81.6 million over
the last year. While these rates seem to fluctuate over the last five years, the 2014 to 2015
decrease (0.6%) is the largest drop since 2010. This showed that 1.2 million people who were
inactive in 2014, participated in a some sort of fitness activity in 2015. Although this doesnt
make up for half of the Americans who became inactive in 2014 (2.6 million from 2013), the
1.2 million additional active people in 2015 was the most gain of active people over the last
five years.

Inactives (Millions)
100.0 M
90.0 M
80.0 M
70.0 M
60.0 M
50.0 M
40.0 M
30.0 M
20.0 M
10.0 M
0.0 M

26.8%

27.6%

28.0%

Inactivity Rate
27.6%

28.3%

27.7%

30%
25%

76.0 M

78.8 M

80.4 M

80.2 M

82.7 M

81.6 M

20%
15%
10%
5%
0%

2010

2011

2012

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

2013

2014

2015

11

2010 2015 INACTIVITY BY AGE


Overall inactivity levels in the US
Inactivity Rates Segmented by Age
US Population, Ages 6+

While the highest rates of inactivity remain among those ages 65 and over, this percentage
decreased 0.8% since 2014. Those between the ages of 6 to 12 have the lowest rates of
inactivity, also showing a decrease of 1% since 2014. While most age groups show a slight
decrease of inactivity, those ages 45 to 54 remained flat and people between the ages of 55 to
64 had a increase of 0.4%.
2010

2011

2012

6~12

2013

2014

2015

18.5%

13~17

18.6%

18~24

24.7%

25~34

Age

24.3%
35~44
24.1%
45~54

29.7%

55~64

35.1%

65+
38.6%
0%

5%

10%

15%

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

12

2010 2015 INACTIVITY BY INCOME


Overall inactivity levels in the US
Inactivity Rates Segmented by Income
US Population, Ages 6+

Inactivity rates remained higher in low income households, while the lowest rate of inactivity
are within the $75 to $99.9K income bracket. This appears to be the trend over the last five
years. People in the $25 to $49K income bracket had the largest increase of inactive, jumping
0.4% since 2014, while those making less than $25K had the largest decreases (-0.3%).

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Under $25,000
28.4%
$25,000 to
$49,999

Income

28.1%
$50,000 to
$74,999
17.3%

$75,000 to
$99,999
9.3%
$100,000+
17.0%
0%

5%

10%

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

13

SPENDING IN FITNESS

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

14

SPENDING TRENDS
Fitness and activity related spending.
Spending Over a Five Year Span
US Population, Ages 6+

Over the last three years, people are becoming more conservative with their spending. While
both show a decrease since 2013, there was well over 40% of people who purchased
sports/recreational footwear or clothing in 2015. Spending on team sports outside of school
increased 2015, while spending on team sports at school remained flat.

2013
0%

2014
10%

2015
20%

30%

40%

Sports/Recreation Footwear

44.0%

Outdoor Recreation Activities

39.5%

Sports/Recreation Equipment

34.9%

Gym Membership/Fees

29.3%

Travel To Take Part In Sports & Recreation

28.1%

Team Sports Outside School

Individual Sports Events


Lessons/Instruction/Sports Camps
Winter Sports

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

60%

45.3%

Sports/Recreation Clothing

Team Sports At School

50%

25.0%
20.2%
19.7%
19.3%
17.9%

15

PAY-TO-PLAY
Spending for youth school sports programs
Trends in Pay-to-Play School Programs
US Population, Ages 25+ with children ages 6~17

Over the last three years, pay-to-play school programs has seen decreases in sports fee
compared to the previous year. While this is a positive move for school sponsored team
sports, 43% of parents reported an increase from 2014 to 2015. Since 2013, 67% of parents,
on average, spend over $100 on their children's school sports fees.

% of Parents of Middle/High
School Sport Participants

Do you pay an extra fee for your


childs school sports?
60%

2013
49.9%

2014

Has your childs sports fee changed


this school year compared to last
school year?

2015

0%

20%

40%

60%

43.0%
Increase

40%

43.3%

Stay the same

22.6%

20%
7.1%

Decrease

0%
Yes

No

18.5%

Not sure

Not sure

15.6%

2013

2014
2015

Approximately how much do you spend for your child(ren) to play sports
at school?
0%
Less than $50

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

12.4%

$50 to $99

2014

$100 to $149
$150 to $199
$200 or more

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

2013

19.9%
25.1%

2015

14.0%
28.5%

16

PURCHASES TO ENCOURAGE FITNESS


A look at spending on ways to track fitness
Tracking Health and Fitness Progress
In 2015, did you purchase and/or use a discounted deal for
a fitness/sport activity from an online source?
Yes- purchased and used

8.3%

Yes- purchased but did not use

1.9%

Did not purchase

89.8%

Just about 10% of active


participants purchased a discounted
fitness coupon through an online
site like Groupon or Living Social.
Of these 10%, more than 80% used
the coupon in 2015.

Do you own a wearable device for fitness tracking?


Interest in wearing technology that tracks an individuals fitness has increased over the year.
While run of the mill pedometers and heart rate monitors have slightly gained usage, more people
are purchasing syncable technology. Many of the syncable technology include both a pedometer
and heart rate monitor as well as a way to track sleeping patterns and calories expended.
2014

2015

0%

Fitness tracker that syncs with


computer/tablet/smartphone
Pedometer
Heart Rate Monitor

20%

60%

80%

100%

8.4%
12.9%
10.0%
10.5%
3.5%
5.5%
78.1%
75.2%

None of these
Do you plan on purchasing a wearable
technology to track your physical activity in the
coming year?
Inactive
Active
Yes
3.0%
9.3%
2014
No
97.0%
90.7%
2015

40%

Yes

4.9%

12.5%

No

95.1%

87.5%

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

Since 2014, interest in purchasing and using


wearable technology has increased. For those
who are active, 12.5% reported wanting to
purchase a fitness tracker, up 3.2% from 9.3%
reported in 2014.

17

ASPIRATIONAL PARTICIPANTS
AND PE PARTICIPATION

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

18

NON-PARTICIPANT INTEREST
Which sports interest non-participants
Participation Interests Among Non-Participants
Aspirational Sports Participation on Non-Participants by Age

All age groups reported a high interest in swimming for fitness. For ages 6 to 54, they report
camping and bicycling in the top three, showing that more Americans are interested in getting
outside and being in natural settings. Those aspirational participants ages 6 to 12 had more
interest in team sports, while those who are older showed more interest in fitness and outdoor
activities.
Interest
Level
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Ages 6~12

Ages 13~17

Ages 18~24

Camping

Camping

Camping

Ages 25~34
Swimming For Fitness

Swimming For Fitness

Swimming For Fitness

Bicycling

Camping

Bicycling

Bicycling

Swimming For Fitness

Bicycling

Basketball

Working Out w/Machines

Hiking

Hiking

Running/Jogging
Soccer

Running/Jogging
Hiking

Backpacking
Working Out w/Weights

Running/Jogging
Canoeing

Fishing

Fishing

Running/Jogging

Backpacking

Football

Working Out w/Weights

Martial Arts

Working Out w/ Machines

Swimming on a Team

Shooting

Working Out w/Machines

Working Out w/Weights

Hiking

Martial Arts

Climbing

Kayaking

Interest
Level
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Ages 35~44

Ages 45~54

Ages 55~64

Camping

Camping

Bicycling

Birdwatch/Wildlife Viewing

Swimming For Fitness

Swimming For Fitness

Swimming For Fitness

Swimming For Fitness

Bicycling

Bicycling

Camping

Working Out w/Machines

Hiking

Hiking

Birdwatch/Wildlife Viewing

Fishing

Working Out w/Weights


Working out w/Machines

Working Out w/Machines


Fishing

Hiking
Fishing

Hiking
Bicycling

Running/Jogging

Birdwatch/Wildlife Viewing

Working Out w/Machines

Fitness Classes

Fishing

Canoeing

Working Out w/Weights

Working Out w/Weights

Canoeing

Working Out w/Weights

Canoeing

Camping

Backpacking

Backpacking

Fitness Classes

Canoeing

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

Ages 65+

19

NON-PARTICIPANT INTEREST
What would help get non-participants involved
Ways to Get a Non-participants Involved in Activities
Aspirational Sports Participation by Age

Over the last two years, the aspirational participant reports that having someone to take part
in an activity with would be the big push to get them involved. Having a friend take them
along to a fitness activity was also mentioned. These two reasons show that people not only
prefer to workout or participate in sports with friends, it is a driving force to get them out
more and experience different ways to be physically active.
2014

2015

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

32.9%
31.8%

Having a friend take me along

More vacation time


Fewer work commitments
Having an introductory lesson or outing
Fewer family commitments
Having a friend instruct me
Having a tax break on equipment, membership, fees
and insturction
Availability of better multi-use trails and sidewalks in my
neighborhood
New equipment
Having the activity sponsored by my employer

Something else

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

60%

48.1%
42.9%

Having someone to take part with

Being in better health

50%

25.1%
24.9%
19.3%
20.1%
18.8%
18.6%
18.5%
17.3%
16.3%
16.6%
14.8%
13.7%
12.6%
11.6%
12.4%
11.7%
11.8%
11.7%
7.8%
7.7%
17.1%
17.3%

20

THE PE PATHWAY
How youth are engaged in physical activities
The Effect of PE on Physical Activities During School Years
US Participants, Ages 18+ asked about PE during school years

Participation in physical exercise during school had a extreme impact on participation in


other activities. This shows that participants ages 18+ who had PE while in grade school and
high school, were two to three times more likely to also engage in team sports, outdoor
activities, cycling, or running/jogging and other activities during that same time. Almost half
said that team sports was an additional activity. While those who did not have PE, only 15%
also participated in team sports, outdoor activities, or cycling.

PE at School (all ages)


0%

10%

20%

60%

43.6%

39.8%
14.9%
31.9%

Running/Jogging

11.8%
22.6%

Swimming for Fitness

9.1%
21.2%

Water Sports

Fitness/Health Club Based Activities

50%

14.8%

Cycling

Golf

40%

15.4%

Outdoor Activities

Racquet Sports

30%

48.3%

Team Sports

Winter Sports

No PE at School

9.0%
19.5%
7.7%
12.8%
5.5%
10.3%
5.8%
10.0%
4.5%

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

21

THE PE PATHWAY
How adults who had PE are engaged in physical activities
The Effect of PE on Physical Activities During Adult Years
US Participants, Ages 18+ asked about PE during school years

When it comes to the influence of PE on sport/activity participation in adulthood, the effects


are amazing. Of adults ages 18 and over who reported having PE in school, 80% said they
were active in 2015 and 39% were active to a healthy level (151+ times a year). While those
who didnt have PE, only 61% reported activity and less than a quarter participated 151 times
or more in 2015.

No PE at School

PE at School

90%
80.3%
80%
70%
60.9%
60%
50%
40%

39.4%

39.1%

30%
20%

23.5%

19.7%

10%
0%

Inactive

2016 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNCIL REPORT

Active

Active to a healthy level

22

APPENDIX

List of sports/activities in grouped category


Fitness Activities:

Aerobics (High Impact/Intensity & Training), Dance, Step and Other


Choreographed Exercise to Music, Cardio Kickboxing, Cardio Cross Trainer, Elliptical Motion
Trainer, Row Machine, Stationary Cycling (Group, Recumbent, Upright), Stair-Climbing Machine,
Treadmill, Aquatic Exercise, Boot-Camp Style Training, Calisthenics, Cross-Training Style Workouts,
Barre, Pilates Training, Stretching, Tai Chi, Yoga, Abdominal Machine/Device, Free Weights
(Barbells, Dumbbells, Hand Weights), Kettlebells, Weight/Resistance Machines, Running/Jogging,
Swimming for Fitness, and Walking for Fitness.

Individual Sports: Triathlon (Traditional/Road, Non-Traditional/Off-Road), Adventure Racing,


Golf, Boxing (Fitness, Competition), Martial Arts, MMA (Fitness, Competition), Other Combat
Training, Bowling, Ice Skating, Roller Skating (2x2 Wheels, In-Line), Skateboarding, Archery,
Shooting (Sports Clays, Trap/Skeet), Target Shooting (Rifle, Handgun), and Trail Running.

Outdoor Sports: Adventure Racing, Backpacking Overnight (more than a mile from
home/vehicle), Bicycling (Road/Paved Surface, Mountain/Non-Paved Surface, BMX), Birdwatching
(excursion more than mile from home/vehicle), Boardsailing/Windsurfing, Camping (within mile
from home/vehicle), Camping (RV), Canoeing, Climbing (Sport/Indoor/Boulder,
Traditional/Ice/Mountaineering), Fishing (Fly, Saltwater, Freshwater/Other), Hiking (Day), Hunting
(Rifle, Shotgun, Handgun, Bow), Kayaking (White Water, Sea/Touring, Recreational), Rafting,
Running/Jogging, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Skateboarding, Skiing (Cross-Country, Alpine/Downhill,
Freestyle), Snorkeling, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Stand-Up Paddling, Surfing, Telemark
(Downhill), Trail Running, Triathlon (Traditional/Road, Non-Traditional/Off-Road),Wakeboarding,
and Wildlife Viewing (excursion more than mile from home/vehicle).

Racquet Sports: Badminton, Cardio Tennis, Pickleball, Racquetball, Squash, Tennis, and Table
Tennis.

Team Sports: Ultimate Frisbee, Gymnastics, Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Ice Hockey, Field
Hockey, Football (Flag, Tackle, Touch), Lacrosse, Paintball, Rugby, Soccer (Indoor, Outdoor),
Softball (Fast-Pitch, Slow-Pitch), Track and Field, Volleyball (Court, Grass, Sand/Beach), Wrestling,
Roller Hockey, and Swimming on a Team.

Water Sports: Boardsailing/Windsurfing, Canoeing, Kayaking (White Water, Sea/Touring,


Recreational), Jet Skiing, Rafting, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Stand-Up Paddling, Surfing,
Wakeboarding, and Water Skiing.

Winter Sports: Skiing (Cross-Country, Alpine/Downhill, Freeski/Freestyle), Sledding/Saucer


Riding/Snow Tubing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Telemark (Downhill).

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ABOUT US
Sports Marketing Surveys USA and the Physical Activity Council

Sports Marketing Surveys USA


Sports Marketing Surveys (SMS) USA is a full service marketing research company with its roots firmly
planted in sports participation, consumer quantitative and qualitative research, dealer studies, and much
more all related to sports. Since 1985, SMS has been providing, data, insight and analysis to help drive
strategic decision making.

Physical Activity Council


Each year, the Physical Activity Council (PAC) conducts the largest single-source research study of sports,
recreation and leisure activity participation in the nation. The PAC is made up of eight of the leading sports
and manufacturer associations that are dedicated to growing participation in their respective sports and
activities.
The PAC is made up of the following trade and industry associations:

International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA)

National Golf Foundation (NGF)

Outdoor Industry Association and Outdoor Foundation (OIA) and (OF)

Snowsports Industry of America (SIA)

Sport & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA)

Tennis Industry Association (TIA) and United States Tennis Association (USTA)

USA Football

These leading trade and industry organizations are dedicated to providing the most comprehensive,
accurate, and actionable database of sports participation data. The respondents come from a panel of over
one million Americans and are managed by IPSOS/Synovate. The study looks at 120 different sports and
activities in a variety of sub categories including but not limited to: team and individual sports, outdoor
sports and activities like camping, hunting, and fishing; fitness and exercise, action sports, golf, tennis, and
much more.
The data, dating back as far as as 2000, is representative of the US population ages six and older.
Universally accepted research practices are used to ensure data is obtained from traditionally under
responding segments of the population. Please contact any of the individual members of the PAC or Sports
Marketing Surveys to learn more about the study and other available data.

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Disclaimer

While proper due care and diligence has been taken in the preparation of this document, the Physical
Activity Council cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information and does not accept any liability for
any loss or damage caused as a result of using information or recommendations contained within this
document.
2016 Physical Activity Council
No part of the report may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including
photocopying, without the written permission of the Physical Activity Council, any application for
which should be addressed to the Physical Activity Council. Written permission must also be obtained

before any part of the report is stored in a retrieval system of any nature. Contact Sports Marketing
Surveys USA at (561) 427-0647 or info@sportsmarketingsurveysusa.com.

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The 2016 Participation Report is


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