How We Help
The National Sporting Goods Association advocates on behalf of retailers and team dealers on issues affecting small businesses and the sporting goods industry.
The National Sporting Goods Association advocates on behalf of retailers and team dealers on issues affecting small businesses and the sporting goods industry.
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas has invalidated the entirety of Department of Labor’s overtime final rule. The federal minimum salary threshold is once again set to $35,568, however, employers must comply with state exemption laws which may be materially higher than the minimum salary under federal law. If an employer is considering rolling back changes that were already made or announced, it may be beneficial to consult with legal counsel to confirm changes are compliant and how best to communicate forward plans with employees. Read More
The International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) reached a tentative deal on wage increases on Thursday, October 3 to suspend a three-day strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. Both sides said they will extend their master contract through January 15, 2025 and resume negotations on all other issues. Read more and check back for updates.
Read more about the strike beginning October 1.
NSGA was among the signatories of letters to President Biden pushing for a resolution to contract negotiations between the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). Their contract expired September 30.
September 17, 2024 – View Port Labor Letter to President Biden.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved a rule to ban “non-compete agreements” or agreements commonly signed by workers not to join employers’ rivals or launch competing businesses. A Texas judge on August 20 ruled against the FTC’s nationwide ban of non-compete agreements. Read more for the latest updates and an overview of the issue.
PFAS (known as forever chemicals) are a group of synthetic chemicals used to provide stain resistance and water repellency, among other things, to extend the life of a product. Due to their lingering presence in the environment and potential health risks, many states have begun taking action to prohibit the use and/or sale of apparel that contains PFAS, including winter sports gear. Beginning January 1, 2025, it will be illegal to sell or offer for sale any new, not previously used apparel containing PFAS in New York and California.
Retailers must educate themselves on state PFAS regulations and respond accordingly.
NSGA wants to remind you to make sure your website complies with American Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. There has been an increase in web accessibility lawsuits targeted at small businesses, according to The Wall Street Journal. Read More
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a final rule that will combat fake reviews and testimonials by prohibiting their sale or purchase. It will allow the FTC to seek civil penalties against knowing violators. Read More.
NSGA tracks a wide variety of issues impacting small business owners in the sporting goods industry. This list will be updated as new issues arise.