RIDDELL SPORTS INC
S-1/A, 2000-03-17
SPORTING & ATHLETIC GOODS, NEC
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<PAGE>


     As Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2000



                                                      Registration No. 333-92781
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                       ----------------------------------


                                 AMENDMENT NO. 3
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-1
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


                       ----------------------------------

                               RIDDELL SPORTS INC.
                               -------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                       ----------------------------------

        Delaware                      3949                        22-2890400
- ----------------------      ---------------------------       ------------------
(State or other juris-      primary standard industrial       (I.R.S. Employer
 diction of incorpora-      classification code number        identification
 tion or organization)                                        number)


       50 East 42nd Street, Suite 1808, New York, NY 10017 (212) 808-5400
   --------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                  of registrant's principal executive offices)
                       ----------------------------------

                                DAVID GROELINGER
                             CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                              RIDDELL SPORTS INC.,
                     50 EAST 42ND STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10017
                                 (212) 808-5400
            (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)
- ----------------------------------

                                   COPIES TO:


CLIFFORD A. BRANDEIS, ESQ.                    RUBI FINKELSTEIN, ESQ.
ZUKERMAN GORE & BRANDEIS, LLP                 ORRICK, HERRINGTON & SUTCLIFFE LLP
 900 THIRD AVENUE                             666 FIFTH AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK  10022                     NEW YORK, NY 10103
Phone: (212) 223-6700                         Phone: (212) 506-5000
Fax: (212) 223-6433                           Fax: (212) 506-5151

         Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As
soon as practicable after effective date of the registration statement.

         If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be
offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the
Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. /X/

         If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. / /

         If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule
462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities
Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration
statement for the same offering. / /

         If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule
462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities
Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration
statement for the same offering. / /

         If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434, check the following box. / /



<PAGE>



         The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date
or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration
statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this registration statement
shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission,
acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.



<PAGE>



The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Riddell
Sports may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an
offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.


                     SUBJECT TO COMPLETION MARCH 17, 2000



Preliminary Prospectus

                               Subscription Rights
                                   to Purchase

                           RIDDELL SPORTS INC. [LOGO]

                      1,000,000 Shares of Common Stock and
           Accompanying Distribution of Common Stock Purchase Warrants


         We are distributing rights to purchase shares of our common stock to
persons who owned our common stock as of the close of business on December 27,
1999, the record date. We will issue up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock in
the offering. You will have 0.10795 of a right for each share of our common
stock that you owned on the record date. We currently anticipate that each full
right will entitle you to subscribe for one share of our common stock at a
subscription price of approximately $3.00 per share. You will not have the right
to purchase any fractional shares.


         If you exercise your rights, you will also receive, for no additional
money, a non-transferable common stock purchase warrant to purchase, if
conditions are met, stock from Riddell of a new or existing subsidiary that
conducts substantially all of our Internet operations.

         If you do not properly exercise your rights before 5:00 p.m., Eastern
Standard Time, on __________ [ ], 2000, your rights will expire.


         Our shares are listed for trading on the American Stock Exchange under
the symbol "RDL." On March 15, 2000, the last reported sale price for our common
stock on the American Stock Exchange was $3.0625 per share. The rights will be
transferable, but will not be listed or quoted on a formal exchange.


         H.C. Wainwright & Co., Inc. will act as solicitation agent for us in
connection with the rights offering.


         See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 12 to read about factors you
should consider before buying shares of our common stock.


         Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the
accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.

                                                    Per Share         Total
Subscription Price.............................. $                 $
Solicitation Agent Fee.......................... $                 $
Proceeds, before expenses, to Riddell........... $                 $

                           H.C. Wainwright & Co., Inc.

                         Prospectus dated [      ], 2000



<PAGE>


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Page

<S>                                                                        <C>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY............................................................1

THE CONCURRENT OFFERING....................................................  12

RISK FACTORS...............................................................  12

TRADE NAMES AND TRADEMARKS.................................................  19

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.................................................  20

THE RIGHTS OFFERING........................................................  21

USE OF PROCEEDS............................................................  30

DILUTION ..................................................................  31

CAPITALIZATION.............................................................  32

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA....................................................  33

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
         CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS...............................  36

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY............................  46

BUSINESS ..................................................................  48

MANAGEMENT.................................................................  69

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
         MANAGEMENT .......................................................  74

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.............................  84

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION.......................................................  86

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK...............................................  87

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES.............................................  88

FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES............................................  89

LEGAL MATTERS..............................................................  92

EXPERTS  ..................................................................  92

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION........................................  92

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...............................................F-1
</TABLE>



                                        i

<PAGE>



         We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different
from that contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized
information or representations. This prospectus is not an offer to sell or a
solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any state or other
jurisdiction in which the offer or solicitation is not permitted.

          In this prospectus, "Riddell," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Riddell
Sports Inc. and our subsidiaries, unless the context specifically indicates
otherwise. .

                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY


         This summary highlights some of the information provided elsewhere in
this prospectus. The summary is not complete and may not provide all information
you should consider before deciding whether or not to exercise the rights. You
should read the entire prospectus carefully. Portions of this prospectus, such
as the Risk Factors section starting on page 12, are not summarized below.



         Riddell also encourages you to review the financial statements and
other information provided in the reports and other documents it files under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as described in the "Where You Can Find More
Information" section in this prospectus at page 92.


                               The Rights Offering

Securities offered                      Rights to purchase 1,000,000 shares of
                                        our common stock. Further, to those
                                        individuals and entities who exercise
                                        rights, we will issue warrants which,
                                        upon exercise, will represent in the
                                        aggregate, _____ (____%) percent of
                                        Riddell's ownership in an existing
                                        subsidiary or a new subsidiary that we
                                        may establish in the future to conduct
                                        substantially all of our Internet
                                        operations.

Concurrent offering                     Concurrently with the rights offering,
                                        we are offering 250,000 shares of
                                        newly-issued shares of stock.


Shares of common stock outstanding      9,317,957 outstanding on March 1, 2000.
prior to this offering



Shares of common stock outstanding      10,567,957.   Unless expressly stated
after this offering (assuming           to the contrary, the share information
completion of this rights offering      in this prospectus excludes:
in full and the sale of 250,000
shares in the concurrent offering
under a separate prospectus)



                                        o 2,496,025 shares issuable upon
                                        exercise of options granted pursuant to
                                        Riddell's 1991 Stock Option Plan and
                                        1997 Stock Option Plan as of March 1,
                                        2000.


                                        o 1,395,011 shares of common stock
                                        issuable upon conversion at $5.3763 per
                                        share (subject to certain adjustments)
                                        of Riddell's 4.1% Convertible
                                        Subordinated Note due 2004.


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<PAGE>



                                        o The shares issued upon exercise of the
                                        underwriter's over-allotment option in
                                        the concurrent offering.

Record date                             December 27, 1999

Expiration date and time                The rights expire at 5:00 p.m., New York
                                        City time, on _________ __, 2000, unless
                                        properly exercised before that time and
                                        date.

Rights                                  To each record holder of common stock on
                                        December 27,1999 Riddell is granting
                                        0.10795 of a right for each share of
                                        common stock held on such date. To
                                        exercise the right, you must deliver one
                                        full right for each share of common
                                        stock you would like to purchase.


Subscription price                      We currently anticipate that the
                                        subscription price for each full right
                                        will be approximately $3.00 per share,
                                        payable in cash. Payment by personal
                                        check must clear payment on or before
                                        the expiration date, which may require
                                        five or more business days from the date
                                        that we receive your personal check. As
                                        a result, we recommend that stockholders
                                        pay the subscription price by certified
                                        or cashier's check drawn on a U.S. bank,
                                        U.S. postal money order or wire transfer
                                        of funds.


                                        The subscription price will be approved
                                        by those members of our Board of
                                        Directors that are not members of the
                                        standby group.

Transferability of rights               The rights are transferable, but we do
                                        not anticipate that a formal market will
                                        be made in the rights or that they will
                                        be listed for trading on any exchange;
                                        although an informal market may develop.
                                        The rights are issued in the form of
                                        subscription certificates which
                                        accompany this prospectus sent to the
                                        record holders. Fractional shares We
                                        will not issue fractional shares. If
                                        your rights would allow you to purchase
                                        a fractional share, you may exercise
                                        your rights only by rounding down to and
                                        paying for the nearest whole share, or
                                        paying for any lesser number of whole
                                        shares. No revocation Once you submit
                                        the form of subscription certificate to
                                        exercise any rights, you are not allowed
                                        to revoke, or change the exercise or
                                        request a refund of monies paid.

Common Stock Purchase Warrant           If the right is exercised, the
                                        exercising holder will receive, for no
                                        additional cash, a common


                                        2

<PAGE>




                                        stock purchase warrant that will entitle
                                        the exercising holder to purchase shares
                                        in an existing subsidiary or a new
                                        subsidiary that we may establish in the
                                        future to conduct substantially all of
                                        our Internet operations. These warrants
                                        will not be exercisable until the later
                                        of (A) one year after the effective date
                                        of this rights offering, and (B) the
                                        effective date of an initial public
                                        offering of such an Internet subsidiary,
                                        which presently does not exist, and
                                        which initial public offering must occur
                                        on or before December 31, 2002. If we
                                        effect an initial public offering of our
                                        Internet subsidiary after the one year
                                        anniversary of the effective date of
                                        this rights offering, and before
                                        December 31, 2002, you will have six
                                        months after the closing of that initial
                                        public offering to exercise your common
                                        stock purchase warrant. If we effect an
                                        initial public offering of the Internet
                                        subsidiary prior to the one year
                                        anniversary of this rights offering,
                                        these warrants will not become
                                        exercisable until the one year
                                        anniversary of the effective date of
                                        this rights offering, but you will have
                                        six months commencing on the one year
                                        anniversary of this rights offering to
                                        exercise your common stock purchase
                                        warrant. If we do not establish the
                                        Internet subsidiary before December 31,
                                        2002, or establish the Internet
                                        subsidiary but do not effect an initial
                                        public offering for such subsidiary
                                        before December 31, 2002, the common
                                        stock purchase warrant will never become
                                        exercisable and will automatically
                                        expire. These warrants have an exercise
                                        price of $0.01 per share and are
                                        non-transferrable except in the event of
                                        the death of the holder.


Reasons for the rights offering         To finance our Internet business and for
                                        additional working capital.

No board or committee recommendation    Our Board of Directors will not make any
                                        recommendation to stockholders regarding
                                        the exercise of rights under this
                                        offering. Stockholders who do exercise
                                        rights risk investment loss on new money
                                        invested. We can not assure you that the
                                        subscription price will be below the
                                        market price for the common stock, or
                                        that anyone purchasing shares at the
                                        subscription price will be able to sell
                                        those shares in the future at a higher
                                        price. See "Risk Factors --Risks
                                        relating to the rights offering."

Standby purchase commitment             It is currently anticipated that a group
                                        to consist


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                                        of some of Riddell's officers and
                                        directors and certain others with whom
                                        we are currently in discussions
                                        regarding joining this group will
                                        standby and agree to exercise all of the
                                        rights granted to those members of this
                                        standby group who are officers and/or
                                        directors of the Company on the record
                                        date. In addition, this standby group
                                        will be contractually bound to purchase
                                        up to $____________ of the shares
                                        offered under the rights offering that
                                        are not purchased by stockholders who
                                        are not a part of this standby group.
                                        The rights granted to this standby group
                                        represent ____% of all of the rights
                                        being issued to stockholders.


Conditions to the rights offering       The obligations of the standby group to
                                        complete its purchase of shares under
                                        the proposed standby agreement are
                                        subject to certain conditions described
                                        under "Rights Offering -- Conditions
                                        relating to the rights offering." If the
                                        standby agreement with the standby group
                                        is not consummated in accordance with
                                        its terms for any reason, or if the
                                        other conditions are not satisfied or
                                        waived, we may terminate the rights
                                        offering and the concurrent offering in
                                        their entirety. If the rights offering
                                        is terminated, we will refund without
                                        interest to those persons who subscribed
                                        for shares in the rights offering all
                                        payments received from those
                                        subscribers.


Subscription agent                      American Stock Transfer & Trust Company

Solicitation agent                      H.C. Wainwright & Co., Inc.

Procedure for exercising rights         To exercise rights, you must complete
                                        the subscription certificate and deliver
                                        it to American Stock Transfer & Trust
                                        Company with full payment under the
                                        subscription privilege. American Stock
                                        Transfer & Trust Company must receive
                                        the proper forms and payments in good
                                        funds on or before the expiration date.

                                        You may deliver the documents and
                                        payments by mail or commercial courier.
                                        If regular mail is used for this
                                        purpose, we recommend using insured,
                                        registered mail. You may use an
                                        alternative, the "Notice of Guaranteed
                                        Delivery", if you are unable to deliver
                                        the subscription certificate before the
                                        expiration date, subject to the
                                        requirements of this procedure described
                                        under "The Rights Offering--Special
                                        procedure under "Notice of Guaranteed
                                        Delivery" form.



                                        4

<PAGE>



Payment adjustments                     If you send a payment that is
                                        insufficient to purchase the number of
                                        shares requested, or if the number of
                                        shares requested is not specified in the
                                        forms, the payment received will be
                                        applied to exercise the subscription
                                        privilege to the extent of the payment.
                                        If the payment exceeds the subscription
                                        price for the full exercise of the
                                        subscription privilege, the excess will
                                        be refunded to you as soon as it is
                                        practicable. You will not receive
                                        interest on any payments received under
                                        the rights offering.

Nominee accounts                        If you wish to purchase shares in this
                                        offering and your shares are held by a
                                        securities broker, bank, trust company
                                        or other nominee, you should promptly
                                        contact your record holder(s) and
                                        request that they exercise rights on
                                        your behalf. You may also contact the
                                        nominee and request that the nominee
                                        send a separate subscription certificate
                                        to you. If you are a record holder who
                                        wishes an institution such as a broker
                                        or bank to exercise your rights for you,
                                        you should contact that institution
                                        promptly to arrange the method of
                                        exercise. If you are a nominee who
                                        desires subscription certificates
                                        re-issued in smaller denominations, you
                                        must act promptly under special
                                        procedures described under "The Rights
                                        Offering--How to transfer rights."

                                        You are responsible for the payment of
                                        any fees that brokers or other persons
                                        holding your shares may charge.

                                        You are not responsible for any fees
                                        payable to the Subscription Agent or the
                                        solicitation agent.

Exercise by foreign and certain other   American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
stockholders                            will hold subscription certificates for
                                        stockholders having addresses outside
                                        the United States. In order to exercise
                                        rights, holders with addresses outside
                                        the United States must notify American
                                        Stock Transfer & Trust Company and
                                        timely follow other procedures on or
                                        before the expiration date of the
                                        rights.

U.S. income tax consequences            For United States federal income tax
                                        purposes, we believe that a stockholder
                                        will not recognize taxable income as a
                                        result of the distribution of the
                                        rights. Upon exercise of the rights, we
                                        believe that receipt of the common stock
                                        purchase warrants will be treated as a
                                        distribution of property and taxable as
                                        a dividend to the stockholders to the
                                        extent the fair


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                                        value of the common stock purchase
                                        warrant on the date of receipt exceeds
                                        the subscription price allocated to the
                                        warrants. See "The Rights Offering -
                                        Federal Income Tax Consequences" and
                                        "Certain Federal Income Tax
                                        Consequences". Each stockholder should,
                                        and is urged to, consult their own tax
                                        adviser concerning the tax consequences
                                        of this offering under the holder's own
                                        tax situation. This prospectus does not
                                        summarize tax consequences arising under
                                        state tax laws, non-U.S. tax laws, or
                                        any tax laws relating to special tax
                                        circumstances or particular types of
                                        taxpayers.

Stock                                   certificates We will deliver stock
                                        certificates representing common stock
                                        purchased by the exercise of rights as
                                        soon as practicable after the expiration
                                        date of the rights.

Warrant                                 certificates We will deliver warrant
                                        certificates representing the common
                                        stock purchase warrants granted to you
                                        upon the exercise of your rights as soon
                                        as practicable after the expiration date
                                        of the rights.

Amendment, extension and termination    We may amend or extend the rights
                                        offering. We reserve the right to
                                        withdraw the rights offering at any time
                                        prior to the expiration date for any
                                        reason, in which event all funds
                                        received in the rights offering will be
                                        returned without interest to those
                                        persons who subscribed for shares in the
                                        rights offering.


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<PAGE>



                                     Riddell

Our Business

         Riddell is a leading marketer and manufacturer of branded products and
services to the extracurricular activities portion of the educational market. We
believe that the extracurricular activities market encompasses approximately 30
million young men and women in the United States who participate in team sports
and other organized activities outside the classroom. We estimate that this
market generates approximately $5 billion in sales annually, including
approximately $2 billion in athletic equipment and uniforms for team sports and
various products and services for cheerleaders and dancers.

         Under our many brands, the best known of which are Riddell(R) and
Varsity Spirit(R), which we own, and Umbro(R), which we license, we are:


         o        a leading provider of equipment and clothing for team sports;



         o        the only national reconditioner of football protective and
                  other athletic equipment;



         o        the largest designer, marketer and supplier of innovative
                  cheerleader and dance team uniforms and accessories;



         o        the biggest operator of cheerleading and dance team training
                  camps and clinics;



         o        a leading organizer of special events for extracurricular
                  activities;



         o        a nationwide provider of soccer apparel, equipment and
                  footwear for team play; and



         o        a supplier of sports collectible products sold through
                  retailers in the U.S. and internationally.


         We believe that more than 50% of all high school and collegiate
football players either wear our football helmets or use other branded football
equipment made by us. We also have a longstanding agreement with the NFL for the
promotion of our Riddell brand. Over 80% of the NFL players choose to wear our
helmets. We believe that our Varsity Spirit brand cheerleading uniforms are worn
by approximately 40% of all high school and 75% of all collegiate cheerleaders.
In 1999, our cheerleading camps were attended by more than 215,000 students,
and, in 1999, more than 25,000 people traveled to the Walt Disney Resort in
Orlando, Florida to participate in and view our various cheerleading and dance
competitions.

         In the fourth quarter of 1998, we became the exclusive U.S. licensee
for Umbro branded soccer apparel, footwear and equipment for the team channel of
distribution. Umbro is one of the leading soccer brands worldwide.

Our strategy

         Our strategy is to increase our current market share and broaden the
recognition of our brands in the extracurricular market. We intend to implement
this strategy by:


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         o        continuing to focus on opportunities to add new products
                  within the array of products and services offered through our
                  traditional team sports and school spirit business;

         o        develop special events, competitions and championships to
                  create new relationships with participants in extracurricular
                  activities that we are currently not serving effectively, such
                  as youth baseball;

         o        expand the size of our sales force; and

         o        implement our Internet operations.

Our opportunities for growth

         Over the past few years we have positioned ourselves for growth in four
areas:

         o        Football, baseball and softball game uniforms to high school
                  and collegiate teams

         o        Football, baseball and softball game uniforms and equipment to
                  recreational youth leagues

         o        Apparel, equipment and footwear to the team soccer market

         o        New Internet operations

Our advantages

         We believe that we have three principal advantages that will support
our growth opportunities:

         o        Our direct, proprietary sales force has approximately 320
                  people who are responsible for developing and maintaining
                  relationships among 40,000 junior and senior high schools,
                  colleges and numerous recreational organizations throughout
                  the United States. Our sales force will be particularly
                  important in connection with sales of athletic clothing and
                  equipment to high schools, colleges and recreational youth
                  leagues. We believe that we have the only national sales force
                  in the U.S. serving the extracurricular market.

         o        Our efficient manufacturing and sourcing capabilities support
                  our direct sales effort and enable us to produce and deliver
                  competitively priced, high quality customized products faster
                  than our competitors.

         o        Our relationship marketing, which we began 25 years ago, is a
                  year-round, integrated marketing approach that creates a
                  strong bond between us and our customers. In the case of
                  cheerleading it includes conducting training camps, clinics
                  and conventions, producing various nationally-televised and
                  regional championships and performance events and selling
                  cheerleading uniforms and accessories. Our relationship
                  marketing is designed so that each of our products and
                  services reinforce one another, as well as strengthen overall
                  brand awareness. We believe that our new Internet operations
                  are a logical extension of, and will effectively reinforce,
                  our relationship marketing strategy.

Our Internet operations


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         Our Internet business, which will be funded, in part, by the proceeds
of this offering, has a community and a commerce orientation. We started our
Internet operations in the fourth quarter of 1999 with our first two web sites:
a community web site with e-commerce elements for cheerleaders, www.varsity.com,
and an e-commerce web site for sports collectibles, www.riddell.com. To date, we
have received approximately $100,000 in revenues from our Internet business.


         o        Community: We will be developing web sites for identifiable,
                  highly-focused communities in the extracurricular activities
                  market. We believe that the community members in this market,
                  such as cheerleaders, football players and other participants
                  in extracurricular activities, often define their lives
                  through their participation in these activities. As a result,
                  we believe that these community members will become frequent
                  visitors to our web sites. Our community web sites will
                  provide these users with meaningful, timely, activity-specific
                  content.

         o        Commerce: On our community sites, we anticipate that users
                  will be able to purchase our products and purchase the
                  products of other marketers who will want to sell to our
                  community members. We will offer products that will appeal to
                  the members of our focused community sites as well as products
                  that will appeal to members of different communities. We
                  believe as we create web sites for these discrete,
                  highly-focused communities, that our combined group of users
                  will represent a large, sought after audience for third-party
                  advertisers and marketers. We believe that many of these
                  community members, such as cheerleaders and others, are often
                  the leaders and trend setters in their communities. We also
                  believe that our web site for sports collectibles will be
                  attractive to a broad range of sports fans.

         We believe that the Internet will help us expand our traditional
business, increase our brand recognition and give rise to new revenue streams.

         o        Direct link to our customers: We believe that the content and
                  community-building aspects of each community web site will
                  enhance our existing relationships and help us build new
                  relationships with coaches and participants in various
                  extracurricular activities. The Internet will also provide us
                  with another way to rapidly disseminate new product
                  information and promote our camps, clinics, competitions and
                  performance events.

         o        Market penetration: We believe that the Internet will be
                  particularly effective with respect to the sale of game
                  uniforms and equipment to recreational youth leagues, a large
                  and highly-fragmented market.

         o        Expand into new businesses: In addition to new revenue streams
                  from alliances with other companies and the sale of
                  advertising, we believe that the Internet will ultimately
                  provide us with a cost-effective vehicle to begin marketing
                  beyond our traditional extracurricular groups, such as
                  cheerleaders and team sports, to non-athletic extracurricular
                  activities, such as musical organizations, drama clubs and
                  dance studios.

         o        Broaden distribution of sports collectibles: We believe that
                  the web site dedicated to our retail products will overcome
                  the geographical constraints and inventory limitations of
                  retail stores, which preclude our ability to offer
                  collectibles of every team in every city. The Internet will
                  also enable us to offer customized products that cannot
                  readily be sold through traditional commercial channels.


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<PAGE>



         We are a Delaware corporation with our principal offices located at 50
East 42nd Street, Suite 1808, New York, NY 10017. Our phone number is (212)
808-5400. Our current web sites are www.varsity.com and www.riddell.com. The
information contained on our web sites is not intended to be a part of this
prospectus.


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                             Summary Financial Data

         The selected financial information set forth below is derived from the
more detailed financial data and related notes thereto included elsewhere in
this prospectus. This information shall be read in conjunction with such
financial data.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           (In thousands, except
                                                             per share amounts)
                                               -----------------------------------------------
                                                          Year Ended December 31,
                                               -----------------------------------------------
                                                   1999            1998            1997
                                                   ----            ----            ----
<S>                                             <C>              <C>             <C>
Statements of Operations Data:

Net revenues                                     $208,597        $186,600        $138,273

Gross profit                                       84,835          73,059          57,598

Interest expense                                   15,379          14,656          11,879

Net (loss)                                           (599)         (7,139)           (559)

Net (loss) per share, basic and diluted             (0.06)          (0.78)          (0.07)


                                                               December 31,
                                                               ------------
                                                   1999            1998            1997
                                                   ----            ----            ----

Balance Sheet Data:

Working capital                                   $49,908         $37,963         $37,599

Total assets                                      194,336         186,211         181,761

Long-term debt, less current portion              136,097         126,900         122,500

Stockholders' equity                               24,865          25,451          32,125
</TABLE>



                                       11
<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Year Ended December 31,
                                               -----------------------------------------------
                                                   1999            1998            1997
                                                   ----            ----            ----

<S>                                             <C>              <C>             <C>
Statements of Cash Flows Data:

Cash flows from operating activities (1)          ($6,655)           $682          $4,361

Cash flows from investing activities (1)           (3,228)         (4,479)        (93,225)

Cash flows from financing activities (1)            8,644           4,538          89,518

Other Data (unaudited):

   EBITDA (2)                                     $21,519         $13,230         $15,330
</TABLE>



1)       For more detail regarding our cash flow from these activities see the
         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows on page F- 6.


2)       EBITDA is the sum of our earnings or loss before extraordinary items
         (and the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles (as
         applicable)), interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization
         expense. EBITDA is a widely accepted financial indicator of a company's
         ability to service indebtedness. However, EBITDA should not be
         considered as an alternative to income from operations or to cash flows
         from operating activities (as determined in accordance with generally
         accepted accounting principles) and should not be construed as an
         indication of a our operating performance or as a measure of our
         liquidity. The measure of EBITDA presented above may not be comparable
         to similarly titled measures reported by other companies because EBITDA
         is not a standardized measure of profitability or cash flow aa defined
         by generally accepted accounting principals.


                                       12

<PAGE>


                             THE CONCURRENT OFFERING

Shares offered by Riddell               250,000 shares of common stock

Shares to be outstanding after          10,513,957
the offering (and assuming the
sale of 1,000,000 shares of
our common stock pursuant to
the rights offering under a
separate prospectus)

Use of proceeds                         To finance our Internet business and for
                                        additional working capital

American Stock Exchange symbol          "RDL"

                                  RISK FACTORS

         You should carefully consider the risks described below and the other
information in this prospectus before deciding to purchase our shares. Many
factors, including the risks described below and other risks that we have not
recognized, could cause our operating results to be different from our
expectations and plans.

         This risk factor section is divided into three sections. The first
section relates to the general business risks associated with Riddell. The
second section relates solely to the risks associated with this offering. The
third section relates to the risks specifically associated with the our Internet
business.

General business risks


         Our significant corporate indebtedness could affect our financial
health. We have significant corporate indebtedness. In June of 1997, we borrowed
$115 million to acquire the Varsity Spirit Corporation and refinance some of our
then outstanding indebtedness. We also have a $48 million revolving credit
facility that we use for working capital purposes, primarily to finance
inventory and receivables, and a $7.5 million convertible note. As of December
31, 1999, we had $115 million outstanding in respect of the senior notes, $13.6
million outstanding in respect of our revolving credit facility, and $7.5
million outstanding in respect of the convertible note. This adds up to
approximately $136 million in total outstanding indebtedness as of December 31,
1999.


         Some of the risks associated with our corporate indebtedness include:

         o        As the amount of money we have borrowed is large relative to
                  our size, our ability to raise additional capital, if needed,
                  in the future, may be limited.

         o        A significant portion of our cash flow is needed to pay
                  interest and principal on our debt when due. Also, as our
                  revolving credit line has a variable rate of interest, an
                  increase in interest rates could be harmful to us.

         o        We are more vulnerable to economic downturns and more limited
                  in our ability to withstand competitive pressures,
                  particularly from those competitors that have not borrowed as
                  much money as we have.

         o        Our ability to pay principal and interest when it becomes due
                  or to refinance our debt depends on our future operating
                  performance and cash flows, which are subject to


                                       13

<PAGE>



                  factors beyond our control, such as prevailing economic
                  conditions, prevailing interest rate levels and financial,
                  competitive, business and other factors.

         o        If we do not have enough cash flow to make principal and
                  interest payments on our debt obligations when they come due,
                  we may not be able to raise cash to meet our payment
                  obligations because of the restrictive agreements in our debt
                  obligations.

         o        If we default on a credit obligation in one or more of these
                  facilities, and this default is not cured or waived, this
                  default could result in other debt obligations automatically
                  becoming due under what are commonly referred to as
                  cross-default provisions.


         Restrictive covenants in our financing agreements limit our discretion
on various business matters. Our financing agreements contain financial and
operating covenants that encumber our assets and restrict our ability to use our
discretion on various business matters, including our ability to:


         o        borrow additional money;

         o        pay dividends and make specified other payments;

         o        loan money to our subsidiaries or other parties;

         o        make investments, loans and guaranties; and

         o        sell our assets.


         We depend on third-party manufacturers and suppliers for most of our
products but do not have any long-term agreements with them. We depend on
foreign and domestic third-parties to manufacture most of our products. We also
purchase raw materials used in our protective products from third-party
suppliers. We do not have any formal, written long-term agreements with any of
these manufacturers or suppliers. As a consequence, all of them have the ability
to cease doing business with us for any reason. If this were to occur among a
number of manufacturers and suppliers at one time it could harm us. Our foreign
and domestic third-party manufacturers produce most of our athletic equipment,
practicewear, uniforms, cheerleading accessories and collectible products. We
also compete with other companies for third-party production capacity. Our
arrangements with our non-U.S. suppliers are subject to the risks generally
associated with doing business abroad, such as:



         o        changes in import duties;



         o        tariffs;



         o        foreign governmental regulations;



         o        political unrest;



         o        foreign currency fluctuations;



         o        disruptions or delays in shipments;



         o        weather and time risks associated with transoceanic shipping;
                  and



         o        additional U.S. quotas, duties, taxes or other restrictions
                  that could be imposed on importation of products in the
                  future.



                                       14

<PAGE>



          We are subject to product liability and personal injury claims because
of the nature of our products. Given the nature of the products we manufacture,
recondition and sell, particularly our line of football helmets, we have in the
past, and will likely continue in the future, to be subject to product liability
and personal injury claims. Principally these claims have related to head and
neck injuries suffered during the course of a football game. We may also be
subject to personal injury claims arising from our cheerleader and dance team
camps and activities. Due to the uncertainty of litigation, we cannot assure you
that the ultimate cost of these claims will fall within the established reserves
on our financial statements, or that we will have adequate insurance coverage to
cover these claims in the future. Also, our product liability insurance coverage
expires in 2005 and we cannot assure you that, subsequent to 2005, our insurer
will remain viable and that future rate increases will not make such insurance
uneconomical. We cannot assure you that one or more meritorious claims against
us for product liability, serious personal, bodily injury will not have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of
operations.



         Future sales of our common stock could adversely affect our stock price
and our ability to raise funds in the stock offering. An aggregate of 4,434,119
shares of our common stock are "restricted securities" as that term is defined
by Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, and may be sold only in compliance
with Rule 144 of the Securities Act. Ordinarily, under Rule 144, a person who is
an affiliate (as that term is defined in Rule 144) of ours and has beneficially
owned restricted securities for a period of one year may, every three months,
sell in brokerage transactions an amount that does not exceed the greater of (1)
one percent of the outstanding class of such securities, or (2) the average
weekly trading volume in such securities on all national exchanges and/or
reported through the automated quotation system of a registered securities
association during the four weeks prior to the filing of a notice of sale by a
securities holder. A person who is not an affiliate of ours


                                       15

<PAGE>



who beneficially owns restricted securities is also subject to the foregoing
volume limitations but may, after the expiration of two years, sell unlimited
amounts of such securities under certain circumstances. Possible or actual sales
of our outstanding common stock by our stockholders under Rule 144 could have a
depressive effect on the price of the our common stock. There are currently
4,380,119 shares of our common stock eligible for sale pursuant to Rule 144, 97%
of which are owned by our officers and directors. The market price of our common
stock could drop due to sales of a large number of shares of our common stock or
the perception that these sales might occur. These factors could also make it
more difficult to raise funds through future offerings of common stock or other
equity.

         Directors and officers control over 50% of Riddell; their interests may
be different and conflict with yours. After the rights offering, over 51% of our
outstanding shares of common stock could be owned by our officers and directors
if all of them exercise all of their rights. Management may also increase their
ownership interest in Riddell by virtue of their participation in the standby
group. See "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management". As
a result, certain officers and directors will own a sufficient number of shares
of the outstanding voting stock of Riddell to elect the directors of Riddell,
approve corporate actions and transactions on behalf of Riddell, and otherwise
control the business and operations of the Riddell. The interest of management
could conflict with yours.

         Historically, our cheerleading and dance team activities have only been
subject to relatively minor regulation, and any increase in regulation,
self-regulatory or otherwise, could harm our business. At present, no national
governing body regulates cheerleading and dance team activities at the
collegiate level. Voluntary guidelines relating to safety and sportsmanship have
been issued by the NCAA and some of the athletic conferences. To date, however,
cheerleading and dance teams generally are free from rules and restrictions
similar to those imposed on other competitive athletics at the college level.
However, if rules limiting off-season training are applied to cheerleading
and/or dance teams (similar to rules imposed by the NCAA on sports), it is
likely that we would be unable to offer a significant number of our camps either
because participants would be prohibited from participating during the summer or
because suitable sites would not be available. Although we are not aware of any
school officially adopting these activities as a competitive sport, recognition
of cheerleading and/or dance teams as "sports" would increase the possibility
that these activities may become regulated. If cheerleaders were restricted from
training during the off-season, such regulations would likely have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

         At the high school level, some state athletic associations have
classified cheerleading as a sport and have in some cases imposed certain
restrictions on off-season practices and out-of-state travel to competitions.
However, in all cases to date, we have been able to work with these state
athletic associations to designate acceptable times for the cheerleaders within
these states to attend camps. We have agreements with several state associations
to assist with sponsoring and execution of official competitions with these
states. To date, state regulations have not had a material effect on our ability
to conduct normal business activities within those states.


         Our success depends on our key personnel who have recently revitalized
Riddell. Our current executive officers and other key employees have been
primarily responsible for returning Riddell to profitability. In 1999 we were
profitable before taxes for the first time since 1996. Consequently, the loss of
services of one or more of these individuals could have a material adverse
effect on our financial condition.


         A material decline in revenues from the MacGregor trademark could hurt
our business. If there were a material decline in the revenues from the
MacGregor trademark, then the carrying amount of the MacGregor trademark rights
could be deemed to have been impaired. A write-down


                                       16

<PAGE>



for such impairment could have a material adverse effect on our financial
position and results of operations.

         Our information systems may be subject to potential year 2000 problems.
While we have yet to experience year 2000 problems we cannot be sure at this
time whether any year 2000 problems will surface and interfere with our business
over the coming months. We believe we have completed the process of assessing
which of our information systems may be subject to year 2000 problems and have
taken corrective actions to minimize the potential impact of year 2000 problems.
However, it is too soon to determine whether all of our corrective actions have
been sufficient to protect us from all potential year 2000 problems. It is also
too soon to determine whether we no longer face potential year 2000 issues with
third parties such as our customers, suppliers and manufacturers. If year 2000
problems impact our business, our operating results and financial condition
could be materially harmed.

Risks relating to the rights offering

         We cannot assure you that the subscription price set by the rights
offering will be below the trading price for our stock, or that the trading
price for our stock will not decline during or after the rights offering.

         You will experience dilution in your ownership of Riddell. In the event
that the rights offering is completed and you do not exercise all of the rights
that have been issued to you in the rights offering, your percentage ownership
of Riddell will decline because those who do exercise rights will receive
additional shares of common stock of Riddell. Further, even if the rights
offering is not completed, or it is completed and you do exercise all of your
rights, if we complete the concurrent offering in which we are selling
additional shares of our common stock to the general public, your percentage
ownership in Riddell will decline.

         Your potential interest in an Internet subsidiary is subject to future
dilution. If you exercise your rights you will receive common stock purchase
warrants which, upon exercise, will represent your pro rata portion of _______%
of our ownership of an existing subsidiary or a new subsidiary that we may
establish to conduct substantially all of our Internet operations. If we form an
Internet subsidiary and prior to a public offering of the Internet subsidiary,
we issue shares of common stock or other securities issuable or convertible into
shares of common stock of the subsidiary to third parties to raise capital, or
issue warrants or options to employees, consultants or directors of the Internet
subsidiary, your pro rata interest of the Internet subsidiary will be diluted.
Therefore, any interest that you may have in our Internet subsidiary by virtue
of your common stock purchase warrants may be substantially diluted.

         We cannot assure you that your common stock purchase warrants will be
of any value. In the event that we do not, in the future, conduct substantially
all of our Internet operations through an existing or newly-formed subsidiary
and effect an initial public offering of that subsidiary by December 31, 2002,
your warrants will expire and will be of no value. Even if we do establish such
a subsidiary and effect an initial public offering by December 31, 2002, there
can be no assurance that your warrants will have any value, or that the shares
underlying the warrants issuable to you upon your exercise of the warrants will
have any value. Even if we do establish an Internet subsidiary and take it
public by December 31, 2002 we cannot assure you that our Internet subsidiary
will be successful.

         None of management's key executives or other personnel have, until
recently, been engaged in the business of electronic commerce. In order to
successfully establish and operate an electronic commerce, or Internet related
business, we have to attract and retain a number of individuals who are capable
of effectively helping to formulate the Internet business plan and thereafter
establish, maintain and expand the Internet operations. There is heavy
competition for


                                       17

<PAGE>



these individuals, and there can be no assurances that we will be able to
attract and retain qualified individuals.


         Because the targeted communities for many of our web sites are young
adults for whom there are many communication and entertainment alternatives in
today's marketplace, we cannot be sure that we will be able to keep the content
on our web sites sufficiently current to attract sufficient numbers of customers
or advertisers. Our future success on the Internet will depend upon our ability
to attract users to our web sites. We cannot assure you that we will be able to
anticipate, develop, monitor and successfully respond to rapidly changing
consumer tastes and preferences to continually attract large numbers of users to
our web sites. We cannot assure you that we will be attractive to a sufficient
number of users or advertisers to generate significant revenues. If we are
unable to develop and keep current Internet content that allows us to attract,
retain and expand a loyal user base, our operating results and financial
condition could be materially adversely affected.


         Our success depends on the continued growth of online commerce. Use of
the Internet by consumers is in its early stages and, as a result, the degree of
acceptance of the Internet as a medium for commerce is uncertain. If online
commerce does not continue to grow or grows more slowly than expected, our
Internet business will be materially harmed. A number of factors could slow the
growth of online commerce, including the following:

         o        the network infrastructure required to support a substantially
                  larger volume of transactions may not be developed;

         o        government regulation may increase;

         o        telecommunications capacity problems may result in slower
                  response times; and

         o        consumers may have concerns about the security and privacy of
                  online commerce transactions.



         If we fail to keep pace with rapid technological changes on the
Internet, it could materially harm our ability to attract and retain customers.
Internet technology, commercial applications and online uses are all rapidly
evolving. If we do not successfully respond to rapid changes involving the
Internet, our Internet business will be materially harmed. In this regard, we
must continue to develop, enhance and improve the responsiveness and features of
our web sites and develop new features to meet customer needs. We also must
respond to technological advances and emerging industry standards and practices
on a cost-effective and timely basis.

         We are subject to government regulation and legal liabilities that may
be costly and may interfere with our ability to conduct business on the
Internet. Laws and regulations directly applicable to online commerce or
Internet communications are becoming more prevalent. The most recent session of
the United States Congress resulted in Internet laws regarding children's
privacy, copyrights and taxation. Such legislation could hamper the growth in
use of the Internet generally and


                                       18

<PAGE>



decrease the acceptance of the Internet as a communications, commercial and
advertising medium. Although our transmissions originate in New York, the
governments of other states or foreign countries might attempt to regulate our
transmissions or levy sales or other taxes relating to our activities. The
European Union recently enacted its own privacy regulations that may result in
limits on the collection and use of certain user information. The laws governing
the Internet, however, remain largely unsettled, even in areas where there has
been some legislative action. It may take years to determine whether and how
existing laws such as those governing intellectual property, privacy, libel and
taxation apply to the Internet and Internet advertising. In addition, the growth
and development of the market for Internet commerce may prompt calls for more
stringent consumer protection laws, both in the United States and abroad, that
may impose additional burdens on companies conducting business over the
Internet. Furthermore, the Federal Trade Commission has recently investigated
the disclosure of personal identifying information obtained from individuals by
Internet companies. In the event the Federal Trade Commission or other
governmental authorities adopt or modify laws or regulations relating to the
Internet, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be
adversely affected.


         We may be subject to privacy regulations that could limit the
effectiveness of our Internet sales and marketing efforts. Web sites typically
place certain "cookies" on a user's hard drive without the user's knowledge or
express consent. Our web sites and other web sites use cookies for a variety of
reasons, including for the collection of data derived from the user's Internet
activity. Most currently available web browsers allow users to remove cookies at
any time or to prevent cookies from being stored on their hard drive. In
addition, some commentators, privacy advocates and governmental bodies have
suggested limiting or eliminating the use of cookies. Any reduction or
limitation in the use of cookies could limit the effectiveness of our sales and
marketing efforts. In addition, the European Union recently adopted a directive
addressing data privacy that may limit the collection and use of certain
information regarding Internet users. This directive may limit our ability to
target advertising or collect and use information in certain European countries.


         In 1998, the U.S. Congress enacted the Children's Online Privacy
Protection Act of 1998. The principal provisions of the law are to become
effective on April 21, 2000. Among other things, subject to certain limited
exceptions, this act:

         o        makes it unlawful for an operator of a web site or online
                  service directed to children under age 13, and for any
                  operator that has actual knowledge that it is collecting
                  personal information from such a child, to collect personal
                  information from the child without having obtained verifiable
                  parental consent; and

         o        prohibits conditioning the participation of a child under age
                  13 in a game, the offering of a prize, or another activity on
                  the child disclosing more personal information than is
                  reasonably necessary to participate in such activity.

         The Federal Trade Commission has not yet promulgated regulations
interpreting this act. We depend upon collecting personal information from our
customers. We believe that the promulgation of regulations under this act will
make it more difficult for us to collect personal information from certain users
of a community web site.


         General security concerns could affect our Internet business because
our community sites are targeted primarily for young adults who are often
unsuspecting, and therefore particularly vulnerable to unscrupulous individuals.
The need to securely transmit confidential information, such as user identities
and addresses, credit card and other personal information, over the Internet has
been a significant barrier to e-commerce and communications over the Internet.
There is a particular sensitivity where non-adults are involved because of the
potential vulnerability of these individuals. Any compromise of security could
deter the young men and women who comprise many of our targeted communities from
using the Internet or from using it to transmit confidential



                                       19

<PAGE>



information. Furthermore, decreased traffic and e-commerce sales as a result of
general security concerns could cause advertisers to reduce their amount of
online spending. Such security concerns could reduce our market for e-commerce
and indirectly influence our ability to sell online advertising. We may also
incur significant costs to protect Riddell against the threat of problems caused
by such security breaches. Further, if third parties were to misappropriate our
users' personal information or credit card information, users could possibly
bring claims against us.


                                       20

<PAGE>



                           TRADE NAMES AND TRADEMARKS

         This prospectus also includes trade names and trademarks of other
companies. Our use or display of other parties' trade names, trademarks or
products is not intended to and does not imply a relationship with, or
endorsement or sponsorship of Riddell by, the trade name or trademark owners.


                                       21

<PAGE>



                           FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

         This prospectus contains certain forward-looking statements, which, we
believe, are within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our statements of plans,
intentions, objectives and future economic or operating performance contained in
this prospectus are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
include but are not limited to statements containing terms such as "believes,"
"does not believe," "no reason to believe," "expects," "plans," "intends,"
"estimates," "will," "would," "anticipated" or "anticipates."


         Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and
uncertainties which may cause our actual results in future periods to differ
materially from results anticipated in the forward-looking statements. We make
cautionary statements in certain sections of this prospectus, including in the
Risk Factors beginning on page 12. You should read these cautionary statements
as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever they
appear in this prospectus, the materials referred to in this prospectus. No
forward-looking statement is a guarantee or promise of future performance. We
undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for
any reason, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in
the future.




                                       22

<PAGE>



                               THE RIGHTS OFFERING

Basic subscription right


         As soon as practicable after the date of this prospectus, Riddell is
distributing, at no charge, to holders of our common stock on the record date,
December 27, 1999 rights to purchase additional shares of its common stock. We
are distributing 0.10795 of a right for each share of common stock held on the
record date. We currently anticipate that each full right will be exercisable
for one share of common stock at a subscription price of approximately $3.00 per
share. We have reserved a total of 1,000,000 shares of common stock for the
exercise of the rights. Further, if you exercise your rights, you will also
receive, for no additional money, a non-transferable common stock purchase
warrant that may entitle you to purchase stock in an existing subsidiary or a
new subsidiary of ours that may be created sometime in the future to conduct
substantially all of our Internet operations. All of the warrants that are
issued to those individuals and entities who exercise rights will, in the
aggregate, be exercisable for _______% of our ownership interest in such
subsidiary at the time the warrants first become exercisable. See "Common stock
purchase warrants" in this section below and "Description of Securities --
Warrants", for a more detailed description of these warrants.


         We are sending a subscription certificate and related instructions to
each record holder along with this prospectus to evidence the rights. In order
to exercise rights, you must fill out and sign the appropriate subscription
certificate and timely deliver it with full payment for the shares to be
purchased.

         A depository bank, trust company or securities broker or dealer which
is a record holder for more than one beneficial owner of shares may divide or
consolidate subscription certificates to represent shares held on the record
date by their beneficial owners, upon proper showing to American Stock Transfer
& Trust Company.

Fractional shares

         We will not issue any fractional shares. If your rights would allow you
to purchase a fractional share, you may exercise your rights only by rounding
down to and paying for the nearest whole share, or paying for any lesser number
of whole shares. We will accept any inadvertent subscription indicating a
purchase of fractional shares by rounding downward to the nearest number of
whole shares and refunding without interest any payment received for a
fractional share as soon as practicable.

Expiration time and date

         The subscription privilege expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
_____________ __, 2000. After the expiration date, rights will no longer be
exercisable by anyone.

         In order to exercise rights in a timely manner, you must assure that
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company actually receives, prior to expiration
of the rights, the properly executed and completed subscription certificate, or
form of "Notice of Guaranteed Delivery", together with full payment in good
funds for all shares you wish to purchase.


                                       23

<PAGE>



Reasons for the rights offering

         We are offering the rights to finance our Internet business and for
additional working capital.

No Board investment recommendation to stockholders

          Our Board of Directors does not make any recommendation to you about
whether you should exercise any rights. If you do not exercise all of your
rights, you will own a smaller percentage of the total outstanding common stock
after completion of the rights offering. If you exercise rights, you risk
investment loss on new money invested. We can not assure you that the
subscription price will be below the market price for the common stock during
the rights offering, or that anyone purchasing shares will be able to sell those
shares in the future at a higher price.

Common stock purchase warrants


         Holders who exercise their rights shall receive, for no additional
consideration, common stock purchase warrants that are exercisable for a portion
of Riddell's ownership interest in a future subsidiary (either presently
existing or newly formed) whose principal business is Riddell's Internet
operations. All of the warrants issued, in the aggregate, will represent the
right to purchase _______ percent of Riddell's ownership interest in this
Internet subsidiary at the time the warrants first become exercisable. These
warrants will only become exercisable if (1) we use a presently existing
subsidiary to conduct substantially all of our Internet operations, and (2) we
effect an initial public offering for this subsidiary on or before December 31,
2002. If we effect an initial public offering of our Internet subsidiary by
December 31, 2002, and after the one (1) year anniversary date of the effective
date of this rights offering, the warrants will be exercisable for six (6)
months after the closing of the initial public offering, after which time they
will expire. If we effect an initial public offering of the Internet subsidiary
prior to the one (1) year anniversary of this rights offering, these warrants
will not become exercisable until the one (1) year anniversary of the effective
date of this rights offering. However, in this case, you will have six months
after the one (1) year anniversary of this rights offering to exercise your
common stock purchase warrant. If we do not establish an Internet subsidiary by
December 31, 2002, or establish such a subsidiary but do not effect an initial
public offering for our Internet subsidiary on or before December 31, 2002,
these common stock purchase warrants shall never be exercisable and will expire
on December 31, 2002. If we do effect an initial public offering of our Internet
subsidiary on or before December 31, 2002 we will also register at that time the
shares of common stock issuable to you upon your exercise of the common stock
purchase warrants. The common stock purchase warrants will have an exercise
price of $.01 per share, are not transferable, except in the event of the death
of the holder, in which event they are transferable to the estate of the holder,
the common stock warrants are subject to dilution, and will only be issued to
those individuals or entities who exercise rights.


General terms and assumptions

         Only holders of record of common stock at the close of business on the
record date, December 27, 1999, or those to whom rights have been validly
transferred, may exercise rights. You are a record holder for this purpose only
if your name is registered as a stockholder with our transfer agent, American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as of the record date.

         o        The text below generally assumes that you are a record holder
                  of shares, unless otherwise noted.

         o        If you own shares held in a brokerage, bank or other custodial
                  or nominee account, you should promptly send the proper
                  instruction form to your broker or other person holding your
                  shares, in order to exercise rights. Your broker or other
                  person holding your shares is the record holder and will have
                  to act in order for you to exercise rights.


                                       24

<PAGE>



                  We have asked the securities brokers and other nominee holders
                  of our stock to contact you to obtain your instructions
                  concerning rights you are entitled to exercise.

         o        No interest will be paid on your funds delivered to exercise
                  rights, regardless of whether the funds are applied to the
                  purchase of shares or returned for any reason.

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company

         American Stock Transfer & Trust Company is acting as the subscription
agent for the rights offering under an agreement with Riddell.

         All subscription certificates, payments of the subscription price,
nominee holder certifications and notices of guaranteed delivery, to the extent
applicable to your exercise of rights, must be delivered to:

                  American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
                  40 Wall Street, 46th floor
                  New York, NY 10005

         We will pay the fees and expenses of American Stock Transfer & Trust
Company, except applicable brokerage commissions, taxes and other expenses
relating to the sale of rights for your account by American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company. Riddell has also agreed to indemnify American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company against certain liabilities in connection with the rights
offering.

Solicitation agent

         We have engaged the services of H.C. Wainwright & Co., Inc. to act as
solicitation agent in the rights offering.  See "Plan of Distribution."

Standby purchase

         It is currently anticipated that, pursuant to a standby purchase
agreement, a group of our directors and executive officers and certain others
will agree to standby and exercise all of the group's rights granted to them by
this prospectus, which is ____% of all rights being offered to stockholders. In
addition, this group will also stand by to purchase up to $___________ worth of
the shares that are offered by this prospectus that are not purchased by the
other stockholders who have failed to exercise their rights.

Conditions relating to the rights offering

         If the proposed standby purchase agreement is not consummated in
accordance with its terms for any reason, including the failure to satisfy
applicable conditions specified in the agreement, we may terminate the rights
offering in its entirety. If the rights offering is terminated for this or any
other reason, we will instruct American Stock Transfer & Trust Company to refund
without interest to those persons who subscribed for shares in the rights
offering all payments received by American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

         The material conditions to the standby purchase agreement will likely
include the following, which must be satisfied or waived as of the date and time
the rights expire:

         o        we must not have experienced any material adverse change
                  affecting our business, prospects, financial position,
                  stockholders' equity or results of operations;


                                       25

<PAGE>



         o        the Securities and Exchange Commission must not have issued a
                  stop order relating to the registration statement filed with
                  the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to this
                  prospectus;

         o        representations made by the parties in the agreement must be
                  true and correct; and

         o        the rights offering must have been completed in the manner
                  described in this prospectus.

Method of exercise of rights

         Please do not send subscription certificates or related forms to
Riddell. Please send the properly completed and executed form of subscription
certificates with full payment to American Stock Transfer & Trust Company at:

                  American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
                  40 Wall Street, 46th floor
                  New York, NY 10005

         You should read carefully the subscription certificates and related
instructions and forms which accompany this prospectus. You should call American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company or the solicitation agent promptly with any
questions you may have.

          You may exercise your rights by delivering to American Stock Transfer
& Trust Company, at the address specified in the instructions accompanying this
prospectus, at or prior to expiration of the rights:

         o        the properly completed and executed subscription
                  certificate(s) which evidence the rights that you wish to
                  exercise, and

         o        payment in full in good funds of the subscription price for
                  each share you wish to purchase under the subscription
                  privilege.

         If you are not a broker, bank or other eligible institution, you must
obtain a signature guarantee on the subscription certificates from a broker,
bank or other institution eligible to guarantee signatures in order to transfer
the subscription certificates in whole or to transfer a portion of your rights.

Required forms of payment for exercise

         If you exercise any rights, you must deliver full payment in the form
of:

         o        a check or bank draft drawn upon a U.S. bank, or U.S. postal
                  money order, payable to American Stock Transfer & Trust
                  Company Subscription Agent, or by wire transfer of funds to
                  the account maintained by the American Stock Transfer & Trust
                  Company for this rights offering at 40 Wall Street, 46th
                  floor, New York, NY 10005, Attention: Mr. Carlos Pinto.

         In order for you to timely exercise your rights, American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company must actually receive the subscription price before
expiration of the rights in the form of:

         o        a personal check which must have timely cleared payment, or


                                       26

<PAGE>



         o        a certified or cashier's check or bank draft drawn upon a U.S.
                  bank or a U.S. postal money order, or collected funds in
                  American Stock Transfer & Trust Company's account designated
                  above.

         Funds paid by uncertified personal check may take at least five
business days to clear. Accordingly, if you pay the subscription price by means
of uncertified personal check, you should make payment sufficiently in advance
of the expiration time to ensure that your check actually clears and the payment
is received before that time. We are not responsible for any delay in payment by
you and suggest that you consider payment by means of certified or cashier's
check, money order or wire transfer of funds.

Special procedure under "Notice of Guaranteed Delivery" form

         If you wish to exercise rights but cannot ensure that American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company will actually receive the executed subscription
certificate before the expiration of the rights, you may alternatively exercise
rights by causing all of the following to occur within the time prescribed:

         o        American Stock Transfer & Trust Company must receive full
                  payment prior to the expiration time for all shares you desire
                  to purchase under the subscription privilege.

         o        American Stock Transfer & Trust Company must receive a
                  properly executed "Notice of Guaranteed Delivery"
                  substantially in the form distributed by us with your
                  subscription certificate at or prior to the expiration time.

         o        The "Notice of Guaranteed Delivery" must be executed by both
                  you and one of the following: a member firm of a registered
                  national securities exchange, an NASD member, a commercial
                  bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the
                  United States, or other eligible guarantor institution
                  qualified under a guarantee program acceptable to American
                  Stock Transfer & Trust Company. The cosigning institution must
                  guarantee in the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery that the
                  subscription certificate will be delivered to American Stock
                  Transfer & Trust Company within three AMEX trading days after
                  the date of the form. You must also provide in that form other
                  relevant details concerning the intended exercise of rights.

         o        American Stock Transfer & Trust Company must receive the
                  properly completed subscription certificate(s) with any
                  required signature guarantee within three AMEX trading days
                  following the date of the related Notice of Guaranteed
                  Delivery.

         o        If you are a nominee holder of rights, the "Nominee Holder
                  Certification" must also accompany the Notice of Guaranteed
                  Delivery.

         A Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered to American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company in the same manner as subscription certificates at the
address set forth above under "The Rights Offering--American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company," or may be delivered by telegram or facsimile transmission
(telecopier no. (718) 234-5001).

         Additional copies of the form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery are
available upon request from American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

Incomplete forms; insufficient or excess payment

         If you do not indicate the number of rights being exercised, or do not
forward sufficient payment for the number of rights that you indicate are being
exercised, then we are entitled to accept


                                       27

<PAGE>



the subscription forms and payment for the maximum number of rights that may be
exercised based on the actual payment delivered.

         If your payment exceeds the amount required to pay for the shares you
indicate in your subscription certificate, then we will return any payment not
applied to the purchase of shares under the rights offering procedures without
interest to those who made these payments as soon as practicable by mail.

Exercise of less than all rights

         If you subscribe for fewer than all of the shares represented by your
subscription certificate, you may (1) attempt to sell your remaining rights, or
(2) receive from American Stock Transfer & Trust Company a new subscription
certificate representing the unused rights. See "The Rights Offering-how to
transfer rights" below if you do not wish to exercise any or all of your rights,
but instead, want to find out about how you may be able to sell them.

Instructions to nominee holders

         If you are a broker, trustee or depository for securities or other
nominee holder of common stock for beneficial owners of our stock, we are
requesting that you contact the beneficial owners as soon as possible to obtain
instructions and related certifications concerning their rights. Our request to
you is further explained in the suggested form of letter of instructions from
nominee holders to beneficial owners accompanying this prospectus.

         To the extent so instructed, nominee holders should complete
appropriate subscription certificates on behalf of beneficial owners and submit
them on a timely basis to American Stock Transfer & Trust Company with the
proper payment.

Risk of loss on delivery of subscription certificate forms and payments

         Each holder of rights bears all risk of the method of delivery to
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company of subscription certificates and
payments of the subscription price.

         If subscription certificates and payments are sent by mail, you are
urged to send these by registered mail, properly insured, with return receipt
requested, and to allow a sufficient number of days to ensure delivery to
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company and clearance of payment prior to the
expiration time.

         Because uncertified personal checks may take at least five business
days to clear, you are strongly urged to pay, or arrange for payment, by means
of certified or cashier's check, money order or wire transfer of funds.

How procedural and other questions are resolved

         Riddell is entitled to decide all questions concerning the timeliness,
validity, form and eligibility of any exercise of rights. Any such determination
will be final and binding. Riddell, in our sole discretion, may waive any defect
or irregularity, or permit a defect or irregularity to be corrected within such
time as it may determine, or reject the purported exercise or any right because
of any defect or irregularity.

         Subscription certificates will not be considered received or accepted
until all irregularities have been waived or cured within such time as Riddell
determines, in our sole discretion. Neither Riddell nor American Stock Transfer
& Trust Company have any duty to give notification of any


                                       28

<PAGE>



defect or irregularity in connection with the submission of subscription
certificates or any other required document. They will not incur any liability
for failure to give such notification.

         Riddell reserves the right to reject any exercise of rights if the
exercise does not comply with the terms of the rights offering or is not in
proper form or if the exercise of rights would be unlawful or materially
burdensome. See "The Rights Offering-right to block exercise due to regulatory
issues" below.

Questions and assistance concerning the rights

         You should direct any questions or requests for assistance concerning
the method of exercising rights or requests for additional copies of this
prospectus, forms of instructions or the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery to
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, at 40 Wall Street, 46th floor, New
York, NY 10005, (800) 937-5449, (212) 936-5100 or (718) 921-8200.

No revocation

         Once you have exercised the subscription privilege, you may not revoke
or change your exercise.

How to transfer rights

         It is not anticipated that a formal market will be made in the rights
or that they will be traded on any exchange. Although an informal market may
develop, there is no assurance that any market will develop for the rights.

         You may transfer all of the rights evidenced by a single subscription
certificate by signing the subscription certificate for transfer in accordance
with the appropriate form printed on the subscription certificate.

         You may transfer a portion of the rights evidenced by a single
subscription certificate by delivering to American Stock Transfer & Trust
Company the subscription certificate properly signed for transfer, with separate
written instructions to register a portion of the rights in the name of your
transferee and to issue a new subscription certificate to the transferee
covering the transferred rights. In that event and by appropriate written
instructions, you may elect to receive a new subscription certificate covering
the rights you did not transfer, or may request that American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company sell your retained rights in the manner described below.

         If you wish to transfer all or a portion of your rights, you should
allow a sufficient amount of time prior to the expiration time for:

         o        the transfer instructions to be received and processed by
                  American Stock Transfer & Trust Company;

         o        new subscription certificates to be issued and transmitted;
                  and

         o        the rights evidenced by the new subscription certificates to
                  be exercised or sold by the intended recipients.

         It may require from two to ten business days, or more, to complete
transfers of rights, depending upon how you deliver the subscription certificate
and payment and the number of transactions you request. Neither Riddell nor
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company will be liable to you or any transferee
of rights if subscription certificates or any other required documents are not
received in time for exercise or sale prior to the expiration time.


                                       29

<PAGE>



         If you exercise or sell rights in part, a new subscription certificate
for the remaining rights will be issued to you only if American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company receives a properly endorsed subscription certificate from you no
later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the fifth business day prior to the
expiration date. It will not issue new subscription certificates for partially
exercised or sold warrants submitted after that time and date. If you do submit
a partial exercise or sale after that time and date, you will not be able to
exercise the unexercised or unsold rights.

         Unless you make other arrangements with American Stock Transfer & Trust
Company, a new subscription certificate issued after 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on the fifth business day before the expiration date will be held for
pick-up by you at American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

         If you request a reissuance of a subscription certificate, the delivery
of that document will be at your risk.

         You, and not Riddell or American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, will
be responsible for paying any commissions, fees and other expenses, including
brokerage commissions and transfer taxes, that you may incur in the purchase,
sale or exercise of rights.

         If you do not exercise your rights prior to the expiration time, those
rights will expire and will no longer be exercisable by you.

Foreign and unknown addresses

         Riddell is not mailing subscription certificates to stockholders whose
addresses are outside the United States or who have an APO or FPO address. In
those cases, the subscription certificates will be held by American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company for those stockholders. To exercise their rights, these
stockholders must notify American Stock Transfer & Trust Company prior to 11:00
a.m., New York City time, on _____________, 2000. At that time, if a foreign
holder has not given any other instructions, these rights will be sold, subject
to availability of buyers. If the rights can be sold, a check for the proceeds
from the sale of these rights, less a pro rata portion of any applicable
brokerage commissions, taxes and other expenses, will be sent by mail to the
foreign holders. These sales for foreign holders will be aggregated so that each
foreign holder will receive a weighted average price for the sales, if any.

         If you have sold rights through American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
but it does not know your address or cannot otherwise make delivery of sale
proceeds to you, your sale proceeds will be held in a special account. These
proceeds will be delivered to Riddell if you do not claim them within two years
after the expiration date of the rights offering.

Right to block exercise due to regulatory issues

         We reserve the right to refuse the exercise of rights by any holder of
rights who would, in our opinion, be required to obtain prior clearance or
approval from any state, federal or foreign regulatory authorities for the
exercise of rights or ownership of additional shares if, at the expiration date,
this clearance or approval has not been obtained. We are not undertaking to pay
for any expenses incurred in seeking that clearance or approval.

         We are not offering or selling, or soliciting any purchase of, rights
or underlying shares in any state or other jurisdiction in which this is not
permitted. We reserve the right to delay the commencement of the rights offering
in certain states or other jurisdictions if necessary to comply with local laws.
However, we may elect not to offer rights to residents of any state or other
jurisdiction whose law would require a change in the rights offering in order to
carry out the rights offering in that state or jurisdiction.


                                       30

<PAGE>



No adjustment to outstanding stock options or other stock awards

         Riddell will not, solely as a result of the rights offering, adjust the
number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our stock award
plans for employees and other eligible participants, the number of shares
subject to outstanding awards of stock options or awards of restricted stock.
Riddell may, as a result of the rights offering, be required to adjust the
number of shares of common stock reserved in the event of the conversion of the
outstanding Convertible Note into shares of common stock.

Amendment, extension and withdrawal


         If the standby agreement with the standby group is not consummated, we
may terminate the rights offering in its entirety and, if we do, we will refund
all funds received for the exercise of rights, as described under "The Rights
Offering - Conditions relating to the rights offering."


         Subject to the foregoing, Riddell reserves the right to withdraw the
rights offering at any time prior to the expiration date for any reason, in
which event all funds received in the rights offering will be returned to those
persons who subscribed for shares in the rights offering.

Issuance of stock certificates

         Stock certificates for shares purchased in the rights offering will be
issued to you as soon as practicable after the expiration date. American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company will deliver subscription payments to Riddell only
after consummation of the rights offering and the issuance of stock certificates
to those exercising rights.

         If you exercise rights, you will have no rights as a stockholder until
certificates representing shares you purchased are issued. Unless otherwise
instructed in your subscription certificate form, shares purchased by the
exercise of rights will be registered in the name of the person exercising the
rights.

Issuance of warrant certificates

         Warrant certificates representing the common stock purchase warrants
granted to you upon the exercise of your rights will be issued to you as soon as
practicable after the expiration date.


                                       31

<PAGE>



                                 USE OF PROCEEDS


         Assuming that the only proceeds Riddell receives from the exercise of
rights in this rights offering is from rights exercised by the standby group,
the aggregate net proceeds to Riddell (A) from this offering, and (B) the sale
of common stock in the concurrent offering will be approximately $3,045,000 (or
$3,146,250 if the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full),
after deducting fees and estimated expenses. We currently anticipate that over
the next twelve months we will use approximately $2,500,000 of the net cash
proceeds from the rights offering and the concurrent offering to finance our
Internet business and we will use the balance of the net cash proceeds, or
approximately $545,000 (or $646,250 if the underwriter's over-allotment option
is exercised in full) for additional working capital purposes. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -
Results of Operations - Year ended December 31, 1999 compared to the year ended
December 31, 1998 - Overview, and - Liquidity and capital resources" regarding
our uncertainty as to the ultimate cost of our Internet operations.



                                       32

<PAGE>



                                    DILUTION


         Our net tangible book value, as of December 31, 1999, was $(81,087,000)
or $(8.75) per share of common stock. Net tangible book value per share
represents the amount of total tangible assets less total liabilities divided by
the number of shares of common stock outstanding at December 31, 1999.



         After giving effect to our sale of the 1,250,000 shares of common stock
in this rights offering and the concurrent offering, at an assumed offering
price of $3.00  per share, and after deducting estimated expenses related to
this rights offering and the concurrent offering, our pro forma net tangible
book value as of December 31, 1999, would have been $78,042,000 or $7.42 per
share. This represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book
value of $1.33 per share to existing shares, and an immediate dilution of $10.42
per share to new shares.


                  The following table illustrates this per share dilution:


                  Assumed offering price per share $                $     3.00



                  Net tangible book value per share at
                  December 31, 1999                         $(8.75)



                  Increase per share attributable to new
                  shares                                      1.33
                                                         ---------



                  Pro forma net tangible book value
                  per share after the offering                           (7.42)
                                                                     ---------



                  Dilution per share to new shares                  $    10.42
                                                                    ==========



         Assuming the exercise in full of the underwriter's over-allotment
option, the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value of Riddell at December
31, 1999 would have been approximately $7.39 per share, representing an
immediate increase in net tangible book value of $1.36  per share to Riddell's
existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of
$10.39 per share to new investors.



         The foregoing discussion and tables assume no exercise of any
outstanding stock options. As of March 1, 2000 there were outstanding options to
purchase 2,496,025 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price
of $4.28 per share. The discussion and table also assumes no conversion of the
Convertible Subordinated Note. Riddell's 4.1% Convertible



                                       33

<PAGE>



Subordinated Note is convertible into 1,395,011 shares of common stock at a
conversion rate of $5.3763 per share, subject to certain adjustments.

                                 CAPITALIZATION


         The following table shows, in the column labeled "Actual", our
capitalization as of December 31, 1999. The table also shows, in the column
labeled "As Adjusted", our capitalization as adjusted for the completion of the
rights offering at an assumed subscription price of $3.00  per share and the
concurrent offering at an assumed offering price of $3.00 per share and includes
the application of the net cash proceeds from the offering based on such
assumptions.

         You should read this table in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and the notes to those statements which are included
elsewhere in this prospectus.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              December 31, 1999

                                                                         Actual             As Adjusted
                                                                                (In thousands)

<S>                                                                     <C>                   <C>
Long-term debt
                                                                        $136,097              $136,097

Stockholders' equity:
      Preferred stock, $0.01 par; authorized 5,000,000 shares;                 -                    -
      none issued

      Common stock, $0.01 par; authorized 40,000,000 shares;                  93                   105
      issued and outstanding 9,263,957 and
      10,513,957 shares, respectively

Capital in excess of par                                                  36,862                39,895

Accumulated deficit                                                      (12,090)              (12,090)
                                                                        ---------             ---------

      Total Stockholders' equity                                          24,865                27,910
                                                                        ---------             ---------

      Total capitalization                                              $160,962              $164,007
                                                                        =========             =========
</TABLE>


                                       34

<PAGE>



                             SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


         Our selected consolidated financial information presented below as of
and for the years ended, December 31, 1995, 1996, 1997 , 1998 and 1999 has been
derived from our consolidated financial statements. Our historical results are
not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial position.
You should read this information together with the other information contained
under the captions "Capitalization," "Management's Discussion and the Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and with our consolidated
financial statements and related notes to those financial statements included
elsewhere in this prospectus.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            (In thousands, except per share amounts)
                                -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of                                                         Year Ended December 31,
Operations Data (1)
                                -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       1999             1998 (2)              1997               1996             1995
                                       ----             --------              ----               ----             ----

<S>                                  <C>                <C>                 <C>                <C>               <C>
Net revenues                         $208,597           $186,600            $138,273           $72,382           $67,043

Cost of revenues                      123,762            113,541              80,675            38,813            35,794
                                      -------            -------              ------            ------            ------

Gross profit                           84,835             73,059              57,598            33,569            31,249

Selling, general and
administrative
expenses (3)                           69,210             64,617              46,278            27,853            25,983

Other charges
(credits) (4)                             (60)               925                  --                --                --

Income from
operations                             15,685              7,517              11,320             5,716             5,266

Interest expense                       15,379             14,656              11,879             2,763             2,795

Income (loss) before
taxes and extraordinary item              306             (7,139)               (559)            2,953             2,471

Income taxes                              905                 --                  --               110               100

Income (loss) before
extraordinary item (5)                  $(599)           $(7,139)              $(559)           $2,843            $2,371

Earnings (loss) per share before
extraordinary item:

      Basic                            $(0.06)            $(0.78)             $(0.07)            $0.35             $0.29

      Diluted                           (0.06)            $(0.78)             $(0.07)            $0.33             $0.29
</TABLE>

                                       35

<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance Sheet                                                            December 31,
Data (1)(6)                                                             (in thousands)
                                -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       1999             1998                1997               1996             1995
                                       ----             ----                ----               ----             ----

<S>                                  <C>                <C>                 <C>                <C>               <C>
Working capital                       $49,908            $37,963             $37,599            $25,957           $19,286

Total assets                          194,336            186,211             181,761             76,361            74,125

Long-term debt,
less current
portion                               136,097            126,900             122,500             29,984            23,600

Stockholders'
equity                                 24,865             25,451              32,125             27,745            24,902
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Year Ended December 31,
                                                                      (In thousands)
                                -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       1999             1998             1997             1996             1995
                                       ----             ----             ----             ----             ----

<S>                                  <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Statements of
Cash Flows Data:

Cash flows from
operating
activities (7)                       ($6,655)            $682            $4,361         ($4,584)         ($2,203)

Cash flows from
investing activities (7)             ($3,228)          (4,479)          (93,225)         (1,313)          (1,392)

Cash flows from
financing
activities (7)                         8,644            4,538            89,518           5,639           (4,020)

Other Data
(unaudited):

   EBITDA (8)                        $21,519          $13,230           $15,330          $7,909           $7,433
</TABLE>



                                       36

<PAGE>



- -----------------------

1)       In June 1997 Riddell acquired Varsity Spirit Corporation.

2)       Operations for 1998 were impacted by $1.5 million of losses relating to
         new product initiatives and $3.1 million of costs (including the
         restructuring plan costs referred to in note 4 below) relating to
         certain strategic changes which were undertaken to improve future
         profitability, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
         Condition and Results of Operations, " for greater detail regarding our
         restructuring.

3)       In 1994 selling, general and administrative expenses included an
         adjustment to record a $4.6 million charge for a product liability
         litigation loss.

4)       Other charges of $1,188,000 in 1994 consisted of certain costs relating
         to a change in Riddell's method of distributing team sports products.
         Other charges of $925,000 in 1998 consisted of lease termination and
         employee severance costs related to a restructuring plan adopted in
         1998, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
         and Results of Operations," for greater detail regarding our
         restructuring.

5)       An extraordinary item in 1995 consisted of a $1,900,000 ($0.23 per
         share) provision for costs relating to fraudulent transfer litigation.


6)       See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements relating to
         contingent liabilities.



7)       For more detail regarding cash flow from these activities see the
         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow on page F- 6.



8)       EBITDA is the sum of our earnings or loss before extraordinary items
         (and the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles (as
         applicable)), interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization
         expense. EBITDA is a widely accepted financial indicator of a company's
         ability to service indebtedness. However, EBITDA should not be
         considered as an alternative to income from operations or to cash flows
         from operating activities (as determined in accordance with generally
         accepted accounting principles) and should not be construed as an
         indication of our operating performance or as a measure of our
         liquidity. The measure of EBITDA presented above may not be comparable
         to similarly titled measures reported by other companies because EBITDA
         is not a standardized measure of profitability or cash flow as defined
         by generally accepted accounting principals.



                                       37

<PAGE>



                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                  FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


General

         We acquired Varsity Spirit Corporation on June 19, 1997. The Varsity
acquisition significantly increased the size of our business and significantly
changed our financial structure. Varsity's operations include the design and
marketing of cheerleader and dance team uniforms and the operation of
cheerleader and dance team camps, clinics and special events. These operations
are a part of our extracurricular segment



         On a pro forma basis, 1997 revenue for Riddell combined with Varsity
was $174.1 million, more than double our 1996 historical stand alone revenues in
the year before the acquisition. Revenues have since grown to $186.6 million in
1998 and $208.6 million in 1999.



         Our historical operating results in 1997 do not include Varsity's
operations for the portion of the period before the Varsity acquisition. This
makes comparisons of operating results for that period less meaningful. In order
to overcome this limitation, part of the discussion and analysis that follow is
based on comparisons to operating results in 1997 adjusted on a pro forma basis
to include Varsity's results for the period before the acquisition and other
matters related to the acquisition as if the acquisition had taken place on
January 1, 1997. The pro forma adjustments are described in Note 2 of the
Consolidated Financial Statements .



         The net purchase price for Varsity Spirit Corporation was $91.2
million, including costs of the acquisition and was paid in cash. In
transactions directly related to the acquisition, Riddell issued $115 million of
10.5% senior notes, sold approximately $4.4 million of Riddell common stock to
four key managers of Varsity and entered into a new working capital credit
facility, which was subsequently revised in April 1999. The net proceeds from
these transactions were used to finance the acquisition, to refinance Riddell's
former credit agreement, to pay fees and expenses of the acquisition and to
repay $5.6 million of long term debt.




         Set forth below is the percentage of our revenues generated by each of
our three business segments in the years ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999.
Information for the year ended December 31, 1997 is pro forma, giving effect to
our acquisition of Varsity in June, 1997.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Year ended December 31,

                                               1997         1998         1999
                                             --------     --------     ------

         Extracurricular Segment:
<S>                                                      <C>      <C>     <C>
              Spirit and dance products and services     58.2%    60.1%   57.7%

              Team sports products and services          30.0%    29.3%   33.1%

              Total extracurricular segment              88.2%    89.4%   90.8%



         Retail Segment                                  10.4%     9.7%    8.7%

         Licensing Segment                                1.4%     0.9%    0.5%
</TABLE>






                                       38

<PAGE>



Results of operations


Year ended December 31, 1999 compared to the year ended December 31, 1998

         Overview

         In 1999, we achieved significant improvement in the profitability of
our business. Income before taxes increased $7.4 million, from a $7.1 million
loss in 1998 to a profit before taxes of $0.3 million in 1999.



         Revenues increased both from initial sales of new product lines as well
as increased volume from our traditional lines of products and services. We also
began to see benefits from actions taken late in 1998 to reduce costs and
improve profitability. Some of these actions resulted in charges that totaled
$3.1 million, which contributed to our loss in 1998. These charges included
$925,000 classified as a restructuring charge and are discussed in more detail
below in the overview of 1998 operations and the discussion of the restructuring
plan.



         Most of our operating improvement occurred in our extracurricular
segment where operating income increased $7.1 million from $11.4 million in 1998
to $18.5 million in 1999. We also achieved significant improvement in our retail
segment which generated operating income of $1.2 million in 1999, up from
operating income of under $0.1 million in 1998.



         Our pre-tax profit in 1999 was achieved notwithstanding expenses and
losses of approximately $1.8 million relating primarily to two new initiatives,
our strategy for the Internet and our entry into the U.S. team-soccer market
through our license from Umbro, both of which provide us with significant growth
potential. The $1.8 million includes approximately $0.5 million of expenses
incurred as we began to develop our internet operations and $1.3 million of
losses relating to the start-up of our line of Umbro branded team soccer
products which began at the end of 1998. Spending on our Internet operations is
likely to continue in 2000 at an increased rate, as we continue to invest in our
Internet strategy. Our Internet operations are still being developed and we do
not yet know the ultimate size and scope of these operations. Consequently, at
the present time we cannot ascertain the ultimate costs for our internet
operations over future periods.



         Revenues



         Revenues in 1999 increased $22.0 million, or 12%, to $208.6 million in
comparison to revenues of $186.6 million in 1998.



                                       39

<PAGE>




All of the revenue gain came from our extracurricular segment where revenues
increased 14% or $22.6 million, from $166.8 million in 1998 to $189.4 million in
1999. The extracurricular segment includes team sports and school spirit lines
of products and services.



         Sales of team sports products and services grew by 27% or $14.5
million, from $54.6 million in 1998 to $69.1 million in 1999. Sales of our new
line of Umbro-branded team soccer products and our new line of athletic game
uniforms generated $9 million of the increase. We also benefitted from increased
focus on sales to youth leagues as well as increased volume and generally higher
selling prices on our traditional team sports products.



         Revenues from school spirit lines products and services grew by 7% or
$8.1 million, from $112.2 million in 1998 to $120.3 million in 1999. More than
half of the revenue growth came from increased volume of uniforms and
accessories. Camp and event revenues increased as well with the number of camp
participants growing by 8,000 to 215,000 in 1999 after being relatively flat
between 1997 and 1998.



         Revenues from the retail segment were $18.1 million in both 1998 and
1999. Sales of sports collectible products increased while there was an
offsetting decease in the volume of youth football equipment sold to retailers ,
as we shifted our youth emphasis to direct sales within our extracurricular
segment.



         Royalty income from trademark licensing decreased by $0.6 million to
just over $1.0 million in 1999 in comparison to trademark licensing royalties of
$1.6 million in 1998. The decline was anticipated due to the expiration of
certain licenses in 1998.


         Gross profit


         Gross profit in 1999 increased to $84.8 million from $73.1 million in
1998. Gross margins increased as a percentage of revenues to 40.7% in 1999 from
39.2% in 1998. Gross margins in 1998 had been negatively impacted by $1.7
million of charges relating to product line changes and other strategic
decisions which affected the realizable value of inventories. Gross margins in
1998 were 40.1% if adjusted to eliminate the impact of these charges.



         The gross margin rate for the extracurricular segment increased to
40.8% in 1999 from 39.5% in 1998. Gross margins in 1998 were 40.2% if adjusted
to eliminate the impact of the portion of the 1998 charges discussed above which
related to the extracurricular segment. Margin rates improved in 1999 as a
result of modest increases in selling prices, favorable negotiations with
vendors and contractors,



                                       40

<PAGE>




improved leverage due to higher absorption of the fixed portion of operating
costs against higher revenue and certain other actions taken at the end of 1998
which reduced costs in 1999.



         Gross margins for the retail segment increased to 35.7% of revenues in
1999 from 31.0% of revenues in 1998. Gross margins in 1998 were 33.7% if
adjusted to eliminate the impact of the portion of the 1998 charges discussed
above which related to the retail segment. The increase in margins in 1999 was
principally due to a shift in product mix as the decline in retail segment
sales, as discussed above, occurred in product lines that carry below average
margins in the segment. Many of the factors contributing to the margin
improvement in the extracurricular segment also contributed to the margin
improvement in the retail segment.


         While trademark licensing does have some costs including selling,
general and administrative expenses, there are no costs that are deducted in
arriving at gross profit. Accordingly, any increase or decrease in royalty
income results in a corresponding increase or decrease in gross profit for the
licensing segment.

         Selling, general and administrative expenses


         Selling, general and administrative expenses in 1999 increased by $4.6
million from $64.6 million in 1998 to $69.2 million in 1999. This increase
included $1.5 million of commissions relating to higher sales and $3.4 million
of expense increases relating to our new line of Umbro- branded team soccer
products leaving a net overall decrease of $0.3 million in all other selling,
general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative
expenses decreased as a percentage of sales to 33.2% in 1999 from 34.6% in 1998.
Selling, general and administrative expenses in 1998 were impacted by $0.4
million of charges relating to strategic changes, as discussed above, and would
have been 34.4% of revenues before consideration of this charge. The improvement
in the expense percentage in 1999 is principally due to the cost saving
initiatives implemented at the end of 1998 and improved absorption of the
relatively fixed portions of selling, general and administrative expenses
resulting from the increase in revenues. Expenses in 1999 were negatively
impacted by approximately $0.5 million of expenses incurred in initial
development costs relating to our Internet operations.



         Extracurricular segment selling, general and administrative expenses
decreased as a percentage of revenues to 31.1% of revenues in 1999 from 32.5% in
1998. The improvement in the expense ratio was due to the reasons discussed in
the preceding paragraph. Expenses in 1998 included $0.3 million of the charges
relating to strategic changes, as discussed above.



         Retail segment selling, general and administrative expenses decreased
as a percentage of revenues to 29.2% of revenues in 1999 from 30.7% in 1998. The
improvement in the expense ratio was due to the cost saving initiatives
implemented at the end of 1998, as well as planned reductions in product
development costs.



         Licensing segment selling, general and administrative expenses



                                       41

<PAGE>




were stable in comparison to the prior year, at approximately $0.8 million in
both 1999 and 1998.


         Interest expense


         Interest expense in 1999 increased 5%, or $0.7 million over 1998 levels
due to an increase in average indebtedness . Debt levels were higher in 1999 due
to higher indebtedness at the beginning of 1999 than at the beginning of 1998
and increased working capital demands related to our new line of Umbro-branded
team soccer products and volume growth in other product lines.


         Income taxes


         Income tax expense in 1999 reflects an adjustment relating to the
valuation of deferred taxes and not a cash payment of taxes. No tax expense,
other than this adjustment, was recorded in 1999 , as we have net operating loss
carryforwards which offset any such taxes.



         In 1998 we did not recognize income tax benefits arising from the
year's net loss. The unrecognized tax benefits, after any amount offset against
1999 taxable income and together with unrecognized tax benefits arising from net
operating losses in earlier years, would be utilized with the generation of
approximately $5.0 million in future pre-tax income and adjustments.



         We have certain nondeductible annual expenses which are added as
adjustments to pretax income to calculate taxes. These expenses include
nondeductible amortization of approximately $2.1 million, much of which arises
from goodwill associated with the Varsity acquisition. The effect of these
adjustments, as well as other items effecting our tax rates, are shown in the
reconciliation of our tax provision to taxes based on statutory rates shown in
Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.





Year ended December 31, 1998 compared to pro forma year ended December 31, 1997


         Overview

         Operations for 1998 resulted in a net loss of $7.1 million. While we
achieved satisfactory performance in our core extracurricular business, we
incurred a loss of $1.5 million relating to several new product initiatives and
suffered from weak performance in our retail and licensing segments. We also
incurred costs of $3.1 million relating to certain strategic changes being
undertaken to improve future profitability. These factors are discussed in
greater detail in the following paragraphs and comparisons.


         The loss of $1.5 million from new initiatives within our
extracurricular segment included start up costs for a new line of team soccer
apparel, equipment and footwear to be marketed under the newly acquired license
to use the Umbro trademark in the United States; entry into new areas of the
school and private dance studio dance market including the Company Dance
program; and



                                       42

<PAGE>



the introduction of athletic game uniforms. These activities were unprofitable
during 1998 due to start up costs and because some activities were started too
late in the year to generate enough revenues to offset the costs. We believe
that the losses incurred for these activities are valuable investments in the
future and view these areas as important to our future growth potential.




         Operations for 1998 were also impacted by lower profits from the
trademark licensing and retail product segments. Licensing declined as our
license to Kmart for MacGregor branded apparel and bags was not renewed when it
expired in June 1998, although the license was renewed for other products.
Profitability of the retail segment decreased due to a decline in sales of
sports collectible products.



         We also initiated a series of strategic actions in late 1998 which we
believe will assist in facilitating future profitability. These actions included
the implementation of a restructuring plan which led to a $925,000 charge in
1998. See "Restructuring plan" below for a description of the plan.


         Other strategic actions generated additional charges of $2.1 million in
1998. The charges included costs related to product line changes, and were
comprised of $0.1 million for further minimum royalties on products
discontinued, $1.7 million of inventory valuation matters, and $0.3 million for
changes in marketing materials. The impact of these changes is discussed further
in the comparisons of gross margins and selling, general and administrative
expenses, below.



         Revenues


         Revenues in 1998 increased $12.5 million, or 7%, to $186.6 million in
comparison to pro forma revenues of $174.1 million in 1997.


         All of our revenue gains came from the extracurricular segment where
revenues increased 9% or $13.2 million, from $153.6 million on a pro forma basis
in 1997 to $166.8 million in 1998. Increased volume in cheerleading and dance
uniform and accessory products accounted for the largest part of this revenue
increase, registering a sales increase of $7.1 million, with most of the gain
occurring in the line's core products. In addition, camp and event revenue
increased $3.7 million primarily due to a strong increase in special event
attendance. Athletic product volume increased $2.4 million due largely to
expanded offerings of athletic practice wear and a new emphasis on the youth
football market where sales had been declining in recent years.


         Revenues from the retail segment were relatively stable with 1998
revenues of $18.1 million compared to 1997 revenues of $18 million. Sales of
athletic products to recreational team dealers and distributors increased,
offsetting declines in the sales of sports collectible products. Sales of sports
collectible products decreased due to lower demand for certain products
introduced in recent years such as miniature hockey and baseball helmets.

         Royalty income from trademark licensing decreased by $0.8 million to
$1.6 million in 1998 in comparison to trademark licensing royalties of $2.4
million in 1997. This decrease is attributable to the expiration in June 1998 of
a license for MacGregor branded apparel and bags with Kmart.


                                       43

<PAGE>



         Gross profit


         Gross profit in 1998 increased to $73.1 million from $71.0 million on a
pro forma basis in 1997. Gross margins decreased as a percentage of revenues to
39.2% in 1998 from 40.8% on a pro forma basis in 1997. Gross profits were
impacted by a 1998 charge to reflect product line changes and other strategic
decisions which affected the realizable value of inventories. This charge
impacted margins for both the extracurricular segment and the retail segment
and, along with the decrease in royalty income discussed above, accounted for
most of the decline in margins. Margins were also impacted by a shift in the mix
of products sold by both the extracurricular and retail segments as most of the
year's revenue gains occurred in product lines that carry lower margins than the
average of our other products.


         Gross margins for the extracurricular segment decreased to 39.5% of
revenues in 1998 from 40.2% of revenues on a pro forma basis in 1997. The
decrease was due to the factors described in the preceding paragraph. Charges
arising from product line changes and other strategic decisions which impacted
margins for the extracurricular segment in 1998 amounted to $1.2 million.

         Gross margins for the retail segment decreased to 31.0% of revenues in
1998 from 37.8% of revenues in 1997. The retail segment's margin decrease was
also due to the factors described above. Charges arising from product line
changes and other strategic decisions which impacted margins for the retail
segment in 1998 amounted to $0.5 million.

         Selling, general and administrative expenses


         Selling, general and administrative expenses in 1998 increased by $1.6
million to $64.6 million from $63.0 million on a pro forma basis in 1997.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales
to 34.6% in 1998 from 36.2% on a pro forma basis in 1997. The comparison to 1997
is affected by $2.8 million of expenses in 1997 relating to the settlement of
certain non-product liability litigation and by the segment related factors
discussed below.



         Extracurricular segment selling, general and administrative expenses
decreased as a percentage of revenues to 32.5% of revenues in 1998 from 33.2% on
a pro forma basis in 1997. The total of these expenses increased $3.2 million
over pro forma 1997 levels. In addition to a normal level of growth related
expenses, the 1998 expenses included approximately $0.3 million of expenses
relating to strategic changes and over $2.0 million of expenses related to new
initiatives, both of which are discussed in the overview above. The 1997
expenses included unusual expenses from the Varsity acquisition including a
charge of $0.6 million for in-the-money Riddell stock options contractually
granted to certain employees who were previously employed by Varsity and a
charge of $0.4 million stemming from a revaluation of receivable reserves in
June 1997 that was included in Varsity's preacquisition results.



         Retail segment selling, general and administrative expenses increased
as a percentage of revenues to 30.7% of revenues in 1998 from 28.2% in 1997. The
total of these expenses increased $0.5 million over 1997 levels. The expenses
increased due to an increase in marketing and product development costs and also
included expenses relating to the strategic changes discussed above.



         Selling, general and administrative expenses relating to trademark
licensing decreased approximately 15% to $0.8 million in 1998.



                                       44

<PAGE>



         Interest expense


         Interest expense in 1998 increased 3%, or $0.4 million over 1997
interest computed on a pro forma basis. The increase is due to a higher level of
working capital indebtedness during the year.




                                       45

<PAGE>




Umbro license

         In 1998, we entered into a license agreement with Umbro International,
Inc. which entitles us to market and manufacture Umbro brand soccer team
apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories on an exclusive basis to the team
channel of distribution throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S.
Virgin Islands. The term of the license is five years with an option to renew
for an additional five-year period if we achieve certain performance levels. The
license is royalty-free in 1999. We are required to begin paying royalties in
the year 2000, at which time we are also required to meet annual minimum sales
figures. If we fail to meet required minimum sales levels subsequent to 1999 for
two consecutive annual periods, Umbro has the right to terminate the license.

MacGregor trademark


         We acquired certain rights to the MacGregor trademark as part of an
acquisition in 1988 at an allocated cost of approximately $18.0 million. We are
amortizing the trademark over a period of forty years. The unamortized cost of
this asset included in intangible assets at December 31, 1999 was approximately
$12.8 million (See Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements). If there
were a material decline in the revenues from the MacGregor trademark, then the
carrying amount of the MacGregor trademark rights could be deemed to have been
impaired. A write-down for such impairment could have a material adverse effect
on our financial position and results of operations.


Restructuring plan


         As discussed in the results of operations section above, in the fourth
quarter of 1998 we formulated and initiated a restructuring plan involving the
consolidation of several of our reconditioning facilities and the elimination of
approximately 40 jobs including two senior positions. Together these actions led
to a $925,000 restructuring charge in 1998. The charge includes a provision of
$800,000, included in accrued liabilities at December 31, 1998, for certain
lease termination and employee severance costs, most of which were expected to
be expended during 1999. The restructuring actions are expected to yield annual
savings of over $1.0 million once facility closures are completed and new
centralized operations are fully implemented. The restructuring actions resulted
in cost savings of approximately $400,000 in 1999, net of non-recurring current
year expenses of $160,000 for restructuring related costs such as moving
expenses.


         The initial restructuring plan called for essentially all of our
restructuring activities to have been completed by the end of 1999. We completed
and commenced operations of a new, larger reconditioning facility in 1999.
However, the consolidation of reconditioning facilities originally scheduled for
the fall of 1999 has been delayed until late in the first quarter or early in
the second quarter of 2000. The cessation of reconditioning operations at
certain other facilities has been


                                       46

<PAGE>



delayed to allow additional time for the new reconditioning facility to reach
full capacity. As a result, while the anticipated senior positions were
eliminated, none of the employee severance costs related to the elimination of
jobs at reconditioning facilities was expended in 1999. We are also now planning
to use one of the leased reconditioning facilities originally slated for closure
for the alternative purpose of warehousing finished goods. Accordingly, in the
fourth quarter of 1999 accrued restructuring costs were reduced by the $60,000
of accrued lease termination expenses which will not be incurred.


        Of the $800,000 of restructuring costs included in accrued liabilities
at December 31, 1998, approximately $480,000 was paid in 1999 and, as discussed
above, $60,000 of lease termination costs were reversed to income. The remaining
$260,000 is included in accrued liabilities at December 31, 1999 and is
anticipated to be disbursed in 2000.


Liquidity and capital resources

         The seasonality of our working capital needs is primarily impacted by
three factors. First, a significant portion of the products we sell into the
extracurricular segment are sold throughout the year on dated-payment terms,
with the related receivables becoming due when the school year begins during the
following July to October period. Second, we incur costs relating to our summer
camp business from the fourth quarter and into the second quarter as we prepare
for the upcoming camp season, while camp revenues are mostly collected in the
June to August period. Lastly, our debt structure impacts our working capital
requirements as the semi-annual interest payments on our $115 million, 10.5%
Senior Notes come due each January and July.

         To finance these seasonal working capital demands, we maintain a credit
facility in the form of a revolving line of credit. The outstanding balance on
the credit facility follows the seasonal cycles described above, increasing
during the early part of the operating cycle in the first and second quarters of
each year and then decreasing from the third quarter and into the fourth quarter
as collections are used to reduce the outstanding balance.


         At December 31, 1999 the outstanding balance under the credit facility
was $13.6 million. This compares with outstanding balances of $4.4 million at
December 31, 1998. The increase in outstanding borrowings between December 31,
1998 and December 31, 1999 reflects the factors discussed above in the paragraph
on interest expense in the comparison of results of operations between these
periods.



         In April 1999, we entered into a revised credit facility with Bank of
America National Trust and Savings Association. The revised credit facility
replaced our $35 million credit facility with NationsBank (now named Bank of
America) and NBD Bank which subsequently became a participant in the revised
facility. The revised credit facility consists of a line of credit in a
principal amount not to exceed $48 million, expiring at the end of December
2003. Draws under the line of credit are limited to a percentage of some of our
receivables and inventory. The outstanding balance of the line accrues interest
at a rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% on draws so designated by us, payable
at the end of the applicable interest period, but not less frequently than
quarterly, and on other draws at the higher of the bank's prime rate plus a
margin of 0.75% or the Federal Funds rate plus 1.25%, payable monthly. The
credit facility also calls for an unused line fee equal to an annual rate of
0.375% applied to the amount by which the lesser of $40 million and the then
maximum revolving amount exceeds the average daily balance of outstanding
borrowings under the line. Starting April 29, 2000, the margin of the interest
rate over the related rates is subject to quarterly adjustment dependent on
certain financial ratios. The interest rate margin can vary between



                                       47
<PAGE>




1.75% and 2.75% over LIBOR, 0.25% to 1.25% over the prime rate and 0.75% and
1.75% over the Federal Funds rate. The initial adjustment on April 29, 2000,
will increase the margin to its maximum level. The credit facility agreement
contains covenants which, among other things, require us to meet certain
financial ratio and net worth tests, restrict the level of additional
indebtedness we may incur, limit payments of dividends, restrict the sale of
assets and limit investments we may make. The credit facility also requires
repayment of the principal amount upon the occurrence of a change in the
control, as defined, of Riddell. We have pledged essentially all of our tangible
assets as collateral for the credit facility. We sought the increased size of
the credit facility to provide working capital for new initiatives, especially
our new line of Umbro-branded team soccer products.


         Our current debt service obligations are significant and, accordingly,
our ability to meet our debt service and other obligations will depend on our
future performance and is subject to financial, economic and other factors, some
of which are beyond our control. Furthermore, due to the seasonality of working
capital demands described above, year-over-year growth in our business and
working capital could lead to higher debt levels in future periods. We believe
that operating cash flow together with funds available from our credit facility
will be sufficient to fund our current debt service, seasonal and other current
working capital requirements.


         We are conducting the rights offering and concurrent offering to
finance our Internet business and for additional working capital. We believe we
could finance our Internet business at some level from our existing capital
resources described above. However, the resources provided by the offering will
provide us with greater flexibility in developing our Internet business and not
require that we divert capital that we would otherwise use for our base
business. It is likely that our Internet business will not be profitable and
could generate losses which could exceed the proceeds from the rights offering
and the concurrent offering. Since our Internet operations are still being
developed we do not yet know the ultimate size and scope of these operations.
Consequently, future development of Internet operations could possibly require
additional capital.


Year 2000 issues

         Riddell, like virtually all companies and organizations, was faced with
addressing the Year 2000 issue which relates to the possibility that computer
systems and computer chips embedded in equipment may not be able to properly
process data after December 31, 1999.

         While we have yet to experience year 2000 problems, we cannot be sure
at this time whether any year 2000 problems will surface and interfere with our
business over the coming months. We believe that we completed the process of
assessing which of our information systems were subject to year 2000 problems
and have taken corrective actions to minimize the potential impact of year 2000
problems. However, the issues involved remain full of complexities and
uncertainties, so there can be no assurance that our corrective actions have
been sufficient to protect us from year 2000 problems. We also may still face
potential year 2000 issues with third parties such as our customers and our
suppliers. If year 2000 problems impact our business, our operating results and
financial condition could be materially harmed.

         The most significant Year 2000 issues Riddell faced were associated
with the computer information systems used to plan, operate and track our
business. The following is a summary of the actions which were taken for each of
our four major computer information systems:

         Helmet manufacturing and retail operations: Year 2000 issues were
addressed by replacing hardware and software with new systems certified as Year
2000 compliant by the vendor. The system replacement is part of a modernization
effort that was initiated in early 1997 and was completed in November 1999.


                                       48

<PAGE>



         Extracurricular athletic product distribution and reconditioning
operations: Existing system software was upgraded and modified to address Year
2000 issues. The process was completed in the fourth quarter of 1998, and the
system was tested and certified by our vendor as Year 2000 compliant.

         Spirit products: Year 2000 issues were satisfied through corrective
modifications of existing software. The process, including system testing, was
completed early in October 1999. We are also still in the process of replacing
the existing software with a new system, that is certified as Year 2000
compliant by the vendor, as part of an overall upgrade of system capabilities,
but we made the Year 2000 corrections to the existing software as the new system
could not be fully implemented before the end of 1999.

         Camps and events: Year 2000 issues were satisfied through corrective
modifications of existing software. The process was completed, including system
testing, early in the second quarter of 1999.

         We also faced potential Year 2000 problems relating to embedded
computer chips which control equipment used in our business, such as telephone
equipment and a limited amount of machinery. We repaired or replaced equipment
found to have Year 2000 problems.

         We also may still face potential Year 2000 issues with third parties.
These third parties include customers who purchase our extracurricular and
retail products and suppliers of raw materials and finished goods, among others.
Because our extracurricular products and services are sold to a large number of
schools and other customers, it has been impractical to poll them all in order
to determine their Year 2000 readiness. However, because this customer base is
large, the potential of a negative impact on us may be lowered as none of these
customers individually account for a material portion of our revenues.


         Expense for Year 2000 remedial programs in the years ended December 31,
1997 , 1998 and 1999 was approximately $200,000 , $250,000 and $150,000,
respectively. We have also incurred capital expenditures for computer hardware
and software related to the system replacements described above, of
approximately $150,000, $800,000 and $800,000 in the years ended December 31,
1997 , 1998 and 1999, respectively. These capital expenditures include all of
the system upgrade and modernization aspects of the replacement programs
discussed above.


         Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements contained in the
Year 2000 disclosure should be read in conjunction with our Special Cautionary
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements located at the beginning of this
prospectus.


                                       49

<PAGE>



                 PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY

         Our common stock was quoted on The Nasdaq National Stock Market System
under the symbol RIDL in 1998 and 1999. Commencing November 23, 1998 our common
stock was listed on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol RDL. As of
December 31, 1999 there were approximately 730 holders of record of our common
stock. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for the
common stock as reported by the NASDAQ-NMS through November 23, 1998, and as
reported by the American Stock Exchange for the rest of 1998 and for 1999:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   High              Low

<S>                                                <C>               <C>
Year Ended December 31, 1998:

First Quarter                                      5 5/8             4

Second Quarter                                     6 3/8             4 7/8

Third Quarter                                      5                 3 3/4

Fourth Quarter                                     6 5/8             2 5/8



Year Ended December 31, 1999:

First Quarter                                      7 7/8             3 5/8

Second Quarter                                     4 3/16            3

Third Quarter                                      4                 2 7/8

Fourth Quarter                                     3 1/2             2 13/16



Year Ended December 31, 2000:

First Quarter  through March 14, 2000              3 5/8             2 15/16
</TABLE>



         The last sale price of the common stock on March 15, 2000 was $3 1/16.




Dividend policy

         Since our inception, we have not declared or paid, and do not currently
intend to declare or pay, any dividends on shares of our common stock, and
intend to retain future earnings for reinvestment in our business. Any future
determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of
Directors and will be dependent upon our results of operations, financial
condition,


                                       50

<PAGE>



contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of
Directors. Our revolving credit facility prohibits us from paying any cash
dividends until such time as it has been repaid in full. In addition, the terms
of our senior notes include restrictions which require us to meet certain
financial ratios before cash dividends could be paid and which limit the payment
of cash dividends to 50% of cumulative net income earned while the senior notes
are outstanding.


                                       51

<PAGE>



                                    BUSINESS

General

         Riddell is a leading marketer and manufacturer of branded products and
services to the extracurricular activities portion of the educational market. We
believe that the extracurricular activities market encompasses approximately 30
million young men and women in the United States who participate in team sports
and other organized activities outside the classroom. We estimate that this
market generates approximately $5 billion in sales annually, including
approximately $2 billion of sales in athletic equipment and uniforms for team
sports and various products and services for cheerleaders and dancers.

         Under our many brands, the best known of which are Riddell and Varsity
Spirit, which we own, and Umbro, which we license, we are:

         o        a leading provider of athletic equipment and clothing for team
                  sports;

         o        the only national reconditioner of football protective and
                  other athletic equipment;

         o        the largest designer, marketer and supplier of innovative
                  cheerleader and dance team uniforms and accessories;

         o        the biggest operator of cheerleading and dance team training
                  camps and clinics;

         o        a leading organizer of special events for extracurricular
                  activities;

         o        a major provider of soccer apparel, equipment and footwear for
                  team play; and

         o        a supplier of sports collectible products through retailers in
                  the United States and internationally.

         Our success in building our various brands and lines of business is
due, in large part, to our long-standing marketing strategy through which our
direct, proprietary sales force establishes and builds relationships with the
participants, coaches and instructors among the 40,000 junior and senior high
schools, colleges and various youth organizations throughout the United States.
We believe that our sales force is unique within the extracurricular activities
market and provides us with a significant competitive advantage.

         Our relationship marketing strategy is a year-round, integrated
approach, which includes conducting training camps, clinics and conventions and
producing various nationally-televised and regional championships in the U.S.
and performance events in the U.S. and Europe. These activities, which are in
themselves profitable, reinforce each other and the sale of our products, while
they enhance participation in the extracurricular market and build loyalty to
our brands.

         We believe that more than 50% of all high school and collegiate
football players either wear our football helmets or use other branded football
equipment made by us. We also have a longstanding agreement with the NFL for the
promotion of our Riddell brand. Over 80% of the NFL players choose to wear our
helmets. We also use the Riddell brand to sell sports collectible products
through retailers in the U.S. and internationally. We believe that our Varsity
Spirit brand cheerleading uniforms are worn by approximately 40% of all high
school and 75% of all collegiate cheerleaders. Our cheerleading camps were
attended by more than 200,000 students in 1999, more than 25,000


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people traveled to the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Florida to participate in
and view our various cheerleading and dance competitions.

         In the fourth quarter of 1998, we became the exclusive U.S. licensee
for Umbro branded soccer apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories for team
channel distribution. Umbro is one of the leading soccer brands worldwide.

         Over the last few years, we have expanded the array of products and
services for the extracurricular activities market that can be readily sold
using our comprehensive marketing strategy. We have added:

         o        baseballs and baseball equipment in 1996

         o        practice wear (silk-screened t-shirts, shorts and sweat pants
                  and shirts) in 1997

         o        instructional conventions and competitions for young
                  participants from private dance studios in late 1997

         o        game uniforms for football and baseball in late 1998

         o        team soccer apparel, equipment and footwear in 1999

         Game clothing represents the largest category of sporting goods in the
extracurricular activities market. Based on the results in our first full year
of selling football uniforms, which exceeded our expectations, we believe that
the game uniform market has significant growth potential for us because we
presently have such a small share of this large market. As a result, we plan on
increasing our athletic game uniform production capabilities and expanding our
product offerings to other men's and women's sports, such as basketball and
softball.

         We also plan to build upon our presence in dance by applying the same
comprehensive marketing approach to private dance studios that we use in
connection with our other branded products and services.

Our strategy

         Our strategy is to increase our current market share and broaden the
recognition of our brands in the extracurricular market. We intend to implement
this strategy by:

         o        continuing to focus on opportunities to add new products
                  within the array of products and services offered through our
                  traditional team sports and school spirit business;

         o        develop special events, competitions and championships to
                  create new relationships with participants in extracurricular
                  activities that we are currently not serving effectively, such
                  as youth baseball;

         o        expand the size of our sales force; and

         o        implement our Internet operations.


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Opportunities for growth

         We believe that we are poised to experience significant growth in three
product categories over the next twelve months:

         Game uniforms to high schools

         According to the National Federation of High Schools, there are 6.5
million high school athletes who play team sports in the United States. We
believe that the market for game uniforms and practice wear (t-shirts, sweat
shirts, shorts, etc.) exceeds $500 million in the U.S., and that we can capture
an increasing share of this market over each of the next few years. This market
is a natural extension of our core business because:

         o        the decision-makers for the purchase of these products are
                  often the same person that our sales force already calls upon
                  to sell football equipment and reconditioning services

         o        we have in-house expertise in the manufacturing of
                  cheerleading uniforms which is readily transferable to game
                  uniforms


         Game uniforms and equipment for recreational youth leagues

         We estimate that the market for game uniforms and equipment for
recreational youth leagues is a $750 million market in the U.S. and that it
consists of approximately 15 million participants in organized youth leagues,
such as Little League, Pop Warner and parks and recreational leagues for
football, baseball, softball and basketball. This market is currently serviced
by a highly fragmented range of suppliers. To address this market, we are using
our in-house sales force and have recently established a dedicated sales force
to service this market in major metropolitan areas. We also plan to continue to
add sales people for this market.

         Apparel, equipment and footwear to the team soccer market

         Soccer has recently been the fastest growing sport in the U.S. among
boys and girls. We believe that there are over 4 million participants from high
school teams and youth leagues nationwide who spend $750 million annually for
apparel, equipment and footwear.

         o        the Umbro brand, which we license, is one of the leading
                  soccer brands worldwide

         o        our expertise in manufacturing uniforms for cheerleaders,
                  coupled with our ability to out-service our competitors gives
                  us a competitive advantage

Our advantages

         We believe that we have four advantages that will support our growth.

         Direct, proprietary sales force

         Our direct, proprietary sales force is comprised of approximately 320
people who are responsible for developing and maintaining relationships among
the 40,000 junior and senior high schools, colleges and numerous recreational
youth organizations throughout the United States. As the


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only national, factory-direct marketer of athletic products and services in the
extracurricular activities market, we are able to bypass the middlemen and
independent dealer networks used by our competitors. As a result, we can provide
competitive pricing and enhanced services to our customers.

         Efficient manufacturing and outsourcing capabilities

         Our efficient manufacturing and outsourcing capabilities support our
direct sales force and enable us to produce and deliver competitively priced,
high quality customized products generally faster than our competitors. We
accomplish our efficiencies by manufacturing only those low labor- intensive
items and components that are difficult for outsourcing partners to make,
thereby allowing us to avoid bottlenecks in the production process. By
outsourcing the manufacturing of most of the items that we sell, we are able to
focus on design, marketing, sales and new product development. The result is
that we are able to minimize our capital commitments, operate more efficiently
and be better positioned to respond to changing market conditions.

         Relationship marketing

         Our relationship marketing, which we began 25 years ago, is a
year-round, integrated marketing approach. We enjoy longstanding relationships
with the participants, coaches and instructors of various team sports, school
spirit programs and other extracurricular activities in youth leagues and
organizations. Our sales force develops relationships with coaches and athletic
directors throughout the U.S. by providing value-added services that enhance the
coach's ability to efficiently manage his or her team. Examples of this include
fitting of football helmets and other equipment, quick repair service, and the
design and fitting of custom-uniforms for participants in cheerleading and team
sports. In the case of cheerleading, it also includes conducting training camps,
clinics and conventions, and producing various nationally-televised and regional
championships in the U.S. and performance events in the U.S. and Europe. Our
relationship marketing is designed so that each of our products and services
reinforce one another, as well as strengthen our overall brand awareness. We
believe that our new Internet operations are a logical extension of, and will
effectively reinforce, this marketing strategy.

         Internet operations

         Our Internet operations began in the fourth quarter of 1999. We believe
it is a logical extension and application of our sales and marketing strategy.
We believe that our Internet operations, which have a community and a commerce
orientation, will provide us with another direct link to our customers, enhance
our existing relationships with the participants and coaches in various
extracurricular activities and expand our business beyond our historical
football and cheerleading product and service offerings, all in a cost-efficient
manner.

         History

         We are a Delaware corporation that was formed in 1988 to acquire the
Riddell brand football protective equipment business. In 1991, we effected an
initial public offering of our common stock. Since 1995, we have been
distributing our products to the extracurricular market directly, rather than
going through dealers. In 1997, we acquired Varsity Spirit Corporation, a leader
in the spirit industry, because we believed that there was a natural synergy
between the companies. Since the acquisition, we have successfully integrated
the operations of Riddell and Varsity. At the end of 1998, we became the
exclusive U.S. licensee for Umbro branded soccer team apparel, footwear,
equipment and accessories for the team channel of distribution. Umbro is one of
the leading soccer brands worldwide. We believe that the Umbro license
complements our existing product lines.


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Our business segments

         We presently employ our sales and marketing strategy and operate our
business through various wholly-owned subsidiaries in three business segments:

         Extracurricular


         Our extracurricular segment, which we have historically referred to as
our institutional segment, markets, manufactures and distributes products and
services primarily through our 320 person direct sales force to customers such
as schools, recreational groups and other organizations. It is our largest
segment, and was responsible for over 90% of our revenues in 1999. Over 6.5
million boys and girls participate in team sports in high schools within the
U.S. We estimate that there are an additional 15 million team sports
participants in organized youth leagues and an additional 10 million
participants in school-sponsored cheerleading, bands and choirs and youngsters
who take dance lessons at private studios.


         Retail

         Our retail segment markets products through retailers in the U.S. and
internationally. Most of the products sold by this segment are sports
collectible products, such as authentic and replica football helmets which bear
licensed NFL and collegiate team logos. This segment's operations also include
sales of a limited amount of recreational football, baseball and other athletic
products sold internationally and in the U.S. through consumer product retailers
and distributors.

         Licensing

         Our licensing segment consists of the licensing of our Riddell and
MacGregor trademark rights to other entities for use in marketing products such
as athletic footwear and equipment.


         Financial information for each of our three business segments is
presented in Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements.


         Extracurricular segment

         We believe that we are a leading marketer and manufacturer of branded
products and services to the extracurricular portion of the U.S. educational
market. Today, our extracurricular products and services segment includes our
team sports and school spirit business units.

         The extracurricular activities market includes most of the organized
activities for children that take place outside of classrooms in the United
States. It includes team sports, school spirit activities, private dance groups,
bands, orchestras, choirs and a wide variety of other school- sponsored clubs,
such as drama, debate and chess.

         These activities take place in approximately 40,000 junior and senior
high schools and in colleges, as well as in youth leagues and organizations like
Little League, Pop Warner and parks and recreation leagues. In addition to the
6.5 million participants in high school team sports in the U.S., we estimate
that there are an additional 15 million participants in team sports at junior
high schools and youth leagues. We also estimate that there are an additional 10
million participants in other extracurricular activities. We estimate that
spending by these various participants on the extracurricular activities that we
are already targeting exceeds $2 billion a year and that the extracurricular
industry is highly-fragmented and represents aggregate spending of $5 billion
annually.


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         Relationship marketing

         Our marketing model is based upon our longstanding relationships with
three distinct but equally important groups. First, our direct sales
organization, through personalized service, creates an important connection to
the participants, coaches and instructors of various team sports, school spirit
activities and other extracurricular activities in schools, youth leagues and
organizations and colleges.

Second, instructors and staff at our camps, clinics and performance tours and
events motivate participants to get more instruction and become better
competitors. Third, we increase our brand awareness and enhance our
relationships with our customers through our affiliations with strategic
partners such as the Walt Disney Company, ESPN and other media and marketing
entities. These strategic relationships and the televised shows that we produce
reinforce the importance of our events and competitions.

         Our cheerleading operations serve as the template for our
relationship-based marketing strategy. We intend to develop similar events,
conventions and competitions for other extracurricular activities, with soccer
and dance the most likely near-term extensions of our integrated marketing
approach. The marketing of our various activities is designed to provide logical
extensions to basic participation and to encourage participants as they improve
to increasingly utilize more of our products and services.

         Our extracurricular segment is supported and based upon our sales and
marketing strategy, which we believe provides us with a competitive advantage,
and features the following key components.

         o        Our proprietary, direct sales force

         o        Cross marketing of products and promotional activities

         o         Camps and Clinics

         o        Special events, conventions and competitions

                  -        Uniforms and accessories

         o         Key marketing alliances

         Proprietary, direct sales force

         Our comprehensive relationship marketing and sales strategy is made
possible by our 320 person direct sales force who are responsible for developing
and maintaining relationships among the

40,000 junior and senior high schools, and colleges in the United States,
visiting between 10,000 and 15,000 schools every five weeks during the sales
season. We believe that there is no other nationwide direct sales force focusing
on the product lines that we sell to the extracurricular branch of the
educational market and that this gives us a significant competitive advantage.
Our sales force develops relationships with coaches and athletic directors
throughout the U.S. by providing value- added services that enhance the coach's
management of his team. Examples of this include: providing clinics, fitting
football helmets and equipment, and quickly servicing, designing and fitting
custom-uniforms for participants in cheerleading and team sports.

         Over the last several years, we have been increasing the size of our
sales force, and intend to continue to do so over the next few years. Increasing
the size of the sales force goes hand-in-hand with expanding the array of
products and services marketed by the sales force. In this way, we can shrink
the size of sales territories, while sales people become more efficient and
increase their incomes. As a result, we are seeking to make it easier for each
salesperson to better concentrate on and become more


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intimate with a smaller sales territory, while at the same time having more
products and services to offer to the customers in that territory. The desired
effect is to enable each salesperson to generate increased sales by spending
less time traveling and more time with customers selling a greater array of
products and services. Increased sales enables the sales force to increase their
incomes, because their compensation is commission-based and smaller territories
can also increase their incomes because our salespeople pay for all of their
travel and other related expenses.

         Promotional activities

         Since 1974, we have conducted, and we continue to refine, profit
generating activities, which are an integral part of our promotional efforts.
Our sales and marketing strategy, as we have developed it for the school spirit
industry, is illustrated in the diagram below. We create relationships through
our camps and events and believe that these relationships naturally translate to
a sales opportunity for our cheerleading uniforms or dance costumes when the
campers return to school. When the sales force interacts with cheerleaders or
dance team participants and their coaches during the design and fitting of
custom uniforms, they also have the opportunity to reinforce participation in
our camps and special events. We intend to extend this strategy to other
extracurricular activities. The marketing of our various activities is designed
to provide logical extensions to basic participation and to encourage
participants, as they improve, to increasingly utilize more of our products and
services. All of our marketing activities are designed so that each of our
various products and services reinforce one another, as well as strengthen
overall brand awareness and loyalty.

         How we cross-market is evident from our marketing of special events and
competitions for cheerleaders. For example, in order to participate in the
various special events that we offer, such as the nationally-televised Macy's
Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City, a cheerleader must attend and excel at
one of our camps. Our camps are the only place that a cheerleader can get an
invitation to appear in one of our special events. Similarly, we hold local
cheerleading competitions that progress to various regional levels during the
course of the fall, which are the only way for a team to qualify for our
championships which are held at the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Florida and
nationally-televised on ESPN.

         Camps

         Our approach to relationship building has inter-related parts. In the
case of cheerleading it is our camps which, more than anything else, build brand
loyalty.

         Special events, conventions and competitions enhance relationship
marketing

         Just as our camps build loyalty to us in cheerleading, special events,
conventions and competitions for other extracurricular activities can build new
allegiances from participants in a wide variety of other extracurricular
activities. We run regional and national cheerleading and dance team
competitions, organize a national dance competition for young individuals and
sponsor youth soccer tournaments. The national competitions and finals for these
activities are typically held at The Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Florida and
televised on ESPN and/or ESPN2. Participants in the school spirit activities
that we target are also given the opportunity to take part in various
performance events in the U.S. and Europe. These events include parades, such as
the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City and year-end parades
in London and Paris. We also arrange half-time shows for college football bowl
games. We intend to extend our promotional activities to a greater number of
extracurricular activities with soccer and dance the most likely next additions.

         Uniforms and accessories

         In addition, the cheerleaders who participant in our special events,
such as parades, often come from a variety of schools, they need a uniform for
the special event so they portray a unified


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appearance. We design and sell such uniforms and also sell a travel package,
including hotel arrangements, to the participants in our special events.

         At the same time, because participation in our various promotional
activities enhances our bond with cheerleaders, we believe that their team is
more likely to buy our uniforms and accessories.

         Key marketing alliances

         We have a promotional rights agreement with the NFL's licensing
division which requires that our Riddell brand name appear on the front or back
of all of our helmets used in NFL play. Our agreement with the NFL requires all
teams in the NFL to cover any indicia of brand identification of any other
manufacturers that might otherwise appear on helmets, face masks or chin straps
not manufactured by us, but used during league play. In return, we agree to
supply specified quantities of Riddell helmets, shoulder pads and related
equipment, either at no cost or at reduced cost to each NFL team which has a
requisite percentage of its roster using the Riddell helmet. Presently, over 80%
of NFL players choose to wear our Riddell brand football helmets. The NFL
agreement, which dates back to 1989, has a term expiring in April 2004, but is
automatically extended for successive five- year periods provided that the
quality of Riddell's helmets remain comparable to the best available technology
as reasonably determined by the NFL.

         We also have longstanding marketing alliances with other strategic
partners such as the Walt Disney Company, ESPN and other media and marketing
entities. We are currently in our 17th year of broadcasting championship events
on ESPN and ESPN2, and our current agreement with ESPN extends through the year
2001. We have been holding championship events at the Walt Disney World in
Orlando Florida since 1995, and our current agreement with the Walt Disney
Company extends through the year 2004. All of these alliances serve to further
emphasize the prominence and importance of the activity and the participant. All
of these marketing relationships also enhance one another and serve to reinforce
and cross-market our products and services.

         We believe that our new Internet operations, which are described
further below, are a logical extension and application of this approach and are
designed to enhance our contact with customers and build brand loyalty.

         Team sports

         We are the world's leading manufacturer of football helmets, which we
sell under our Riddell brand. Our Riddell brand football helmets are worn by
football players throughout the world, including players on all NFL teams,
certain other professional leagues and on most teams in the NCAA. High school
teams, however, have historically been the largest market for our football
helmets. We offer several types of varsity and youth helmets which are different
in their configurations, padding and other features. Our helmets are known for
their quality and performance and meet the industry standards set by the
National Operational Committee for Safety in Athletic Equipment. This Committee,
which is an independent entity, is organized by various participants from the
sporting goods industry. It establishes industry-wide standards for protective
athletic equipment.

         We also sell a professional and collegiate line of shoulder pads under
the Power(R) name and several other lines of shoulder pads under the Riddell
name. The shoulder pads are used by NFL, college, high school and youth players.

         We have been steadily widening the categories of athletic products we
sell to the extracurricular market. In 1998, we introduced a line of custom team
uniforms for high school and youth participants. In 1996, we introduced a line
of baseball and softball products designed for high school and college players
and expanded this line to the youth market in 1998.


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         Game uniforms

         We are seeking to capitalize on the same expertise and efficiency, and
apply the same design and manufacturing techniques that we have employed in
producing custom-made cheerleading and dance apparel in connection with
producing game uniforms for various team sports. We believe that the game
uniform market for team sports is a larger market than our other team sports
products and services lines of business. We believe that by using the suppliers
of our Varsity cheerleader uniforms we will be able to produce and deliver
competitively priced, high quality game uniforms faster than our competitors.

         At the end of 1998, we began offering our Umbro team soccer uniforms,
along with a line of equipment and apparel, through a network of independent
sales representatives. These independent sales representatives market and sell
Umbro team soccer apparel, footwear and equipment to the team channel of
distribution in the United States.

         In 1998, we also began manufacturing athletic team uniforms for team
sports. We believe that the manufacturing capabilities of our cheerleader
uniform operations, coupled with the breadth and depth of our direct sales
organization to schools and youth organizations across the country, provide us
with an opportunity to successfully expand our historical line of athletic
equipment into game uniforms.

         Reconditioning

         We are the leading national reconditioner of football helmets, shoulder
pads and related equipment with what we believe to be an over 50% share of the
reconditioning market. Reconditioning typically involves the cleaning,
sanitizing, buffing or painting, and recertifying of helmets as conforming to
the standards set by the National Operational Committee for Safety in Athletic
Equipment. Reconditioning may also include replacing face guards, interior pads
and chin straps. We also recondition shoulder pads, as well as equipment for
other sports, including baseball and lacrosse helmets, catchers' masks and
baseball gloves. Our reconditioning services are sold by our sales force to the
same athletic coaches responsible for equipment purchases. Our reconditioning
customers are primarily high schools, colleges and youth recreational groups.

         School spirit

         Cheerleader dance team and game uniforms and accessories

         We design, market and manufacture cheerleader and dance team uniforms
and accessories, including sweaters, sweatshirts, jumpers, vests, skirts,
warm-up suits, t-shirts, shorts, pompons, socks, jackets, pins and gloves. We
market all of our cheerleading uniforms and accessories under the Varsity Spirit
trademark. Over 100,000 catalogs are mailed annually to schools and school
spirit advisors and coaches containing color photographs and descriptions of our
Varsity Spirit line of uniforms and accessories. We supplement our direct sales
force and catalog sales efforts with a telemarketing sales force of 13 full and
part-time employees.

         Cheerleader and dance team camps

         We operate cheerleader and dance team camps in the United States. Camp
enrollment has increased every year since the camp division commenced operation
in 1975 with 20 cheerleading camps and 4,000 participants. During the 1999 camp
season, approximately 215,000 participants, consisting of students and their
coaches, attended Varsity's Universal Cheerleader Association and United Spirit
Association camps, including over 8,000 participants representing colleges and
junior colleges. During 1999, cheerleading and/or dance team squads from
approximately 75% of the


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universities comprising the Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big Ten, Big Twelve,
Pacific 10 and Southeastern collegiate athletic conferences attended our camps.

         Camp sessions for high school and junior high school students are held
primarily in June, July and August while camp sessions for college cheerleaders
and dance team participants are held primarily in August. We also offer mascot
training clinics at certain cheerleader and dance team camps.

         A significant majority of our cheerleader and dance team camps are
conducted on college or junior college campuses. We contract with the colleges
and universities for the provision of housing, food and conference facilities.
The camps generally are conducted over a four-day period and are

attended by resident and commuting students. We generally market the camp,
establish and collect participation fees, register students, provide instruction
and perform all related administrative services.

         Our instructors are mostly college cheerleaders who may have previously
attended our camp, and we believe that our training of many of the top college
cheerleading squads augments our recruiting of high school and junior high
school camp participants. Prior to the commencement of our camps, instructors
participate in an intensive six-day training session where they are taught new
cheerleading and dance material. We also place a high degree of emphasis on
teaching our instructors the most up-to-date teaching, training and safety
techniques.

         We were a founding member of and remain an active participant in the
American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors, an industry trade
group whose mission is to improve the quality of cheerleading and to maintain
established safety standards. In 1990, this industry trade group published
comprehensive certification and safety guidelines for cheerleading coaches. We
follow the safety guidelines established by the Association of Cheerleading
Coaches and Advisors in the training of our instructional staff and in the
conduct of our cheerleader and dance team camps and competitions.

         Special events

         We promote our Varsity Spirit brand products and services, as well as
the school spirit industry, through active and visible association with the
following annual championships and television specials:

         o        National High School Cheerleading Championship(R)

         o        National Dance Team Championship(R)

         o        College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship(R)

         o        National All Star Cheerleading Championship(R)

         o        Company Dance Championship(R)

         These championships and special events have been regularly televised on
the ESPN television network and have been sponsored by various companies and
products, including Nike, Unilever, Sprint, The Walt Disney World Resort,
Johnson & Johnson and Claire's Accessories.

         In addition to promoting cheerleading and dance team activities, these
championships, television specials and events are a source of revenues for us.
In 1999, over 25,000 persons, including cheerleaders and their families,
attended our special events.


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         Other extracurricular operations


         We are seeking to expand our uniform design, manufacturing and special
event expertise from cheerleading into the private dance studio market through
our venture called Company Dance. Company Dance operates weekend dance
conventions in fifteen U.S. cities and an annual championship from the Walt
Disney Resort in Orlando that is televised on ESPN. We also design, manufacture
and market costumes for dance recitals.


         We also operate a tour company, which does business as Intropa,
specializing in organizing trips for cheerleaders, bands, choirs and orchestras,
dance and theater groups and other school affiliated or performing groups, which
tour in the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Europe and Israel.

         Production

         Team sports products

         We design, manufacture and package all of our full sized football and
baseball batting helmets at our plant in Chicago, Illinois. Our Elk Grove,
Illinois warehouse facility has a screen printing operation which can customize
practicewear and uniforms with almost any logo, team name or other design or
numbering that a customer requests.


         Power shoulder pads are manufactured for us by a single source in
Canada, Vortex Sales and Marketing, Inc., and we have a facility in Pennsylvania
that can customize these shoulder pads. As is the case with all of our material
suppliers, however, we do not have a long term agreement with Vortex for our
shoulder pads. All of our other shoulder pads are imported as finished products
from sources in the Far East.



         We purchase our baseball products, other than baseball batting helmets,
from suppliers in the Far East and source our practicewear from domestic
suppliers. Athletic uniforms are purchased on a made-to-order basis from
domestic suppliers.


         All of our manufactured protective products are subjected to at least
four separate quality control procedures. Quality control inspections for
helmets are conducted when the product is molded, when liners are inserted, when
face guards are attached and when the product is finished, and samples of all
models produced are tested in accordance with National Operational Committee for
Safety in Athletic Equipment standards. We continually monitor our products for
quality.

         All adult competitive protective football helmet shells are covered by
a five-year warranty and youth football helmet shells are covered by a
three-year warranty. Helmet liners, protective padding and shoulder pads are
covered by a one-year warranty.


         Principal raw materials purchased by us for use in our protective
products include various custom and standard grades of resins, plastic and foam
as well as metal fasteners, paints and cardboard. Similar materials are used in
most purchased components and finished products along with steel wire used in
purchased face guard components and textile products used in purchased
practicewear and athletic uniforms. We purchase resin, which is an integral
component in the manufacture of helmets, for our competitive helmets from a
single supplier, a division of the General Electric Company, although we do not
have a long term agreement with General Electric. We believe, however, that
alternative sources of supply could be arranged without any material harm to our
business.


         We employ an engineering staff principally with respect to the design,
development and improvement of our helmets and shoulder pads and to the testing
of raw materials which are used in our products or


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in the development of new products. We have eight employees devoted principally
to design, development and quality and have several patents and patents pending
that are applicable to our protective products.

         Reconditioning

         Our reconditioning services include the sanitizing, buffing or
painting, replacing certain parts and recertifying of athletic equipment as
conforming to National Operational Committee for Safety in Athletic Equipment
standards. These services are performed at our reconditioning facilities which
are located throughout the United States.

         Cheerleading and dance team uniforms and accessories

         Cheerleading and dance team uniforms designed, manufactured and
marketed by us are made to order. During 1999, we contracted for our production
requirements with nine independent garment manufacturers. The manufacturers
provide knitting, cutting, sewing, finishing and shipping for all orders, and we
provide the patterns, fabrics, yarn and manufacturing specifications and quality
control supervision. We also provide some cutting, knitting and lettering at two
specialized production facilities. The use of independent manufacturing
facilities to fulfill our production needs affords us with the flexibility to
adjust our production output to meet our highly seasonal selling cycle. The use
of independent manufacturers also reduces our fixed costs, which we believe is
beneficial in a highly seasonal business.

         Cheerleading accessories such as shoes, pompons and campwear are
purchased from various suppliers including Nike(R), Capezio(R) and Converse(R),
among others. We have expanded the variety and number of accessories we market,
which has contributed to the increase in our merchandise sales revenue in recent
years.

         Retail segment


         Our retail segment markets our Riddell branded products through
retailers and distributors in the United States, and to a lesser extent
internationally. Although we sell some recreational football and baseball
equipment, most of the products sold by our retail segment are sports
collectibles. In the fourth quarter of 1999, we launched our web sites for
collectibles, www.riddell.com.


         Our sports collectibles are sold under licenses from NFL Properties,
which has granted us a license to use the names, symbols, emblems, designs and
colors of the member clubs of the NFL and the "League Marks" (such as "National
Football League, " "NFL", "AFC", "Super Bowl," "Pro Bowl," the "NFL Shield"
design and other insignia adopted by the NFL) on authentic and replica football
helmets sold for display purposes to fans and collectors. We also have licenses
from most major colleges, Major League Baseball and NASCAR.

         We sell football helmets in various miniature and full-sized models. We
also sell lamps and desk organizers bearing the colors and logos of NFL and
college football teams. We sell miniature baseball batter's helmets and lamps
under licenses from Major League Baseball and a desk organizer bearing logos and
designs licensed from NASCAR and various professional drivers.

         Marketing sales and promotion


         Our retail segment products are sold primarily to retail and specialty
sporting goods stores and distributors through independent commissioned sales
representatives. We strategically target different channels of trade based on
the type and price of each retail product.



                                       63

<PAGE>



         In support of our sports collectible products, we have initiated
various advertising and public relations efforts. Advertisements are placed in
publications targeted toward the sports collectible industry as well as other
licensed products retailers. We also provide incentives to retail outlets to
advertise and display Riddell products during promotional periods and
participate in a major national sporting goods show where we promote our
products.

         The retail segment also benefits from the promotional exposure of the
NFL Agreement described above under the extracurricular segment.

         Production

         We engineer, manufacture and package our full size collectible helmets
at our plant in Chicago, Illinois in a process similar to that used for our
competitive helmets. We purchase our miniature helmets and other collectible
products principally from two sources in China.

         We have retained a design company to assist us in developing new retail
collectible products on terms that we believe are customary in the industry and
from time to time we work with other design companies.

         Athletic products sold as part of the retail segment are manufactured
or purchased, together with similar products sold through our extracurricular
segment.

         Licensing segment

         We license our Riddell and MacGregor trademarks to third parties for
use on various products, including athletic clothing and footwear.

         We are continually exploring additional opportunities for licensing the
MacGregor and Riddell trademarks and retain the services of an independent
licensing agent to assist our efforts in this regard worldwide.

         The licensing segment also benefits from the promotional exposure of
our agreement with the NFL because it gives our brand national television
exposure on a weekly basis during the football season.

         Riddell licensing

         We license the Riddell trademark to third parties for certain types of
athletic clothing, socks and athletic footwear.

         We license the "Riddell" name to an affiliate of Enterprise Rent-a-Car.
This license relates to the use of the Riddell brand on footwear. Under the
terms of a settlement agreement reached in 1997 with the bankruptcy trustee for
MacGregor Sporting Goods, Inc., we will not receive any royalties from this
license until the earlier of the second half of 2007 or such time as the license
produces $3.0 million (plus interest) of royalties.

         MacGregor licensing

         We have granted Kmart Corporation a non-exclusive license to use the
MacGregor trademark on athletic socks until June 30, 2001. We have also granted
Footstar, Inc. an exclusive license to use the MacGregor trademark on athletic
footwear sold at Kmart stores under a license with an initial term expiring on
June 30, 2001. The license granted to Footstar is renewable at Footstar's option
for an additional two-year period if certain conditions are satisfied.

Our Internet business


                                       64

<PAGE>




         Our Internet strategy is to build community sites and complementary
commerce sites targeted at the extracurricular activities market. We believe our
Internet sites will extend our relationship sales and marketing strategy and
thereby help us expand our core business. We also believe our Internet sites
will allow us to develop new lines of business targeted at this market.



         We believe that we have the largest nationwide proprietary sales force
servicing the extracurricular activities market. Our sales force currently
develops and maintains relationships at junior and senior high schools and
numerous recreational organizations within this market. As a result of the reach
of our sales force, we believe that we can cost-effectively promote electronic
community-building and commerce targeted at the extracurricular activities
market.


         We plan to devote a substantial portion of our initial efforts towards
developing community sites. We launched our Internet business in the fourth
quarter of 1999 with our first two web sites: a community web site with
e-commerce elements for cheerleaders, www.varsity.com, and our e-commerce web
site for our sports collectibles, www.riddell.com.


         We intend to continuously develop over the next two to three years
additional community- based web sites expanding from cheerleading to other
extracurricular activities such as football, soccer and various youth team
sports in which there are 20 million participants; and then perhaps further
expand into other extracurricular activities, such as dance, band, etc. in which
there are an additional 10 million participants.

         Unlike the Internet operations of other companies, which are looking
for a portion of a large, often ill-defined market, such as teenage girls, our
approach to the Internet is to focus on well-defined distinct special interest
groups such as participants in team sports, including football, soccer, baseball
and softball, and cheerleading and dance teams. We also plan to develop sites
for communities that participate in other extracurricular activities. The age
group of our target market includes the demographic sector commonly called
Generation Y, the 56 million boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 24.

         Our Internet advantages

         Strong community identification

         We believe that our target customers are so dedicated to the
extracurricular activities in which they participate that the activity often
becomes a defining aspect of their lives. For example, cheerleaders, football
players and other high school and youth athletes are typically very enthusiastic
about these activities. As a result of the enthusiasm typically displayed by
these individuals, we believe that we can aggregate a large audience through our
Internet operations by gradually adding additional web sites for distinct
groups.

         Our community sites will feature original, frequently-updated,
highly-relevant content that speaks directly to each targeted group's need for
information which helps individuals improve the quality of their participation
and increase their enjoyment of their activity. Through their involvement with
our Internet sites, community members will not only be able to get information,
but will also have the opportunity to be interactively involved to benefit
themselves and their teams. They will be encouraged to submit articles and
pictures, ask questions of the experts, make postings on various message boards,
enter contests, play games, etc.


                                       65

<PAGE>



         For example, for cheerleaders, there would be information on new
routines, safety tips, upcoming competitions, etc., as well as discussions of
other logical outside interests of cheerleaders, such as beauty, fashion, style,
etc. The site will also serve as a secure Intranet among the cheerleading squad
itself, allowing the squad, as a supplement or alternative to traditional
methods of communication, to post the schedule of games and practices, letting
the coach communicate with the cheerleading squad, and permit squad members to
exchange ideas, schedule practice times, and otherwise chat or communicate. We
believe that a secure Internet site for a cheerleading squad is, in many
instances, a more efficient way for the members of the squad to communicate than
traditional means, such as by telephone or by meeting in person.

          Cost-effective web site promotion

         We will use our direct sales force to promote our web sites. When the
sales force is calling on coaches and squads to sell our traditional products,
they will be educating them about the benefits of our web sites. In addition the
sales force will be able to help them to get their own squad pages up on our
site at no cost to the team, group or school.

         We believe that we have a marketing advantage as compared to other
Internet companies in promoting our web sites, because we already have our own
320 salespeople calling on 10,000 to 15,000 high schools every four or five
weeks during our sales season.

         In addition, we also run cheerleading camps for over 200,000
cheerleaders in the summer, recondition approximately 600,000 helmets, and sell
approximately 200,000 new football helmets and approximately 2,200,000 million
pieces of cheerleading and team sport clothing, equipment and accessories each
year. In connection with all of these activities, we plan to gather e-mail
addresses, distribute fliers at schools and cheerleading camps and attach hang
tags on all of our uniforms, equipment and accessories, promoting the
appropriate community web site. We believe these efforts will increase the
awareness of our brands and web sites.

         We believe that the coaches and instructors who have come to rely on us
for various goods and services will find that their jobs can be made easier by
our Internet offerings and therefore are likely to become even more supportive
of us and our products.

         Internet benefits

         New revenue streams

         We believe that the Internet will give rise to new streams of revenue
and help us expand and enhance the relationships in our traditional business.

         Direct link to our customers

         The content and community-building aspects of our web sites will
enhance existing relationships with coaches and participants in extracurricular
activities.

         Market penetration

         We believe that the Internet will be particularly effective in selling
uniforms and equipment to the recreational youth leagues, a large market that is
not a part of an organized public or private school system. This is a highly
fragmented market which we believe includes approximately 20 million boys and
girls between the ages of 5-18 who participate in a variety of sports and
purchase in excess of $1 billion of athletic equipment and clothing for use in
these activities each year. The coaches and parents who typically organize and
are in charge of these various recreational youth leagues are typically pressed
for time. The ability of these individuals to readily access, order and


                                       66

<PAGE>



purchase uniforms, equipment and accessories easily over the Internet in a
single transaction will be highly attractive to these individuals. As a
consequence, we believe that electronic commerce can rapidly increase the our
sales to this market.

         Broaden distribution of sports collectibles and customized products

         We believe that our web site dedicated to our retail products will
overcome the geographical limitation of stores, which preclude our ability to
offer collectibles of every team in every city. Over the Internet, our extensive
line of NFL, MLB and collegiate full and miniature size helmets and other
collectibles such as our lamps and desk organizers will be far more readily
available to consumers.

For instance, on the Internet, even a Cincinnati Bengals fan living in Phoenix,
Arizona can readily obtain any of the Cincinnati Bengals collectible items, many
if not all of which are not likely to be carried in the local Phoenix stores.
The Internet will also enable us to offer customized products (i.e., your high
school team's helmet for Father's Day with a memento printed on the helmet) that
cannot readily be sold through traditional commercial channels. Further, orders
for customized versions of our full size and miniature, authentic and replica
collectibles can easily be ordered and delivered through our Internet site.

         We currently operate our electronic commerce business through several
of our existing subsidiaries, although we may at some future date establish a
separate subsidiary to run our Internet business.

Seasonality and backlog

         Our operations are highly seasonal. In recent years operations have
been most profitable in the second and third quarters, with the third quarter
typically the strongest and losses have been incurred in the first and fourth
quarters.


         The following table sets forth selected unaudited operating results of
Riddell for each of the four quarters in 1999, 1998 and 1997 . The results
presented for the first and second quarter of 1997 have been adjusted on a pro
forma basis to include the results of Varsity Sprit Corporation for the period
before its acquisition and other matters related to the Varsity acquisition. The
pro forma adjustments are described in Note 2 of the consolidated financial
statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. You should read this
information together with the consolidated financial statements, the notes
related to those financial statements and the other financial data included
elsewhere in this prospectus.



                                       67

<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     First           Second            Third           Fourth
                                                                    Quarter          Quarter          Quarter          Quarter
                                                                    -------          -------          -------          -------
                                                                                          (In thousands)
<S>                                                                  <C>             <C>              <C>               <C>
Year ended December 31, 1999:

   Revenues                                                          $34,259         $65,526          $79,965           $28,847
       Percent of total annual revenues                                   16%             32%              38%              14%
   Operating income (loss)                                           $(2,709)         $9,464          $14,002          $(5,072)
   Net income (loss)                                                  (6,367)          5,367            9,174           (8,783)

Year ended December 31, 1998:

 Revenues                                                            $30,979         $59,008          $69,339          $27,274
       Percent of total annual revenues                                   17%             32%              37%              14%
  Operating income (loss)                                            $(3,749)         $7,965          $10,702          $(7,401)
  Net income (loss)                                                   (3,409)          2,164            5,049          (10,943)

Year ended December 31, 1997 (first and second quarter pro forma):

 Revenues                                                            $26,916         $56,146          $62,974          $28,049
       Percent of total annual revenues                                  16%             32%              36%              16%
  Operating income (loss)                                            $(2,571)         $2,004           $9,645          $(1,118)
  Net income (loss)                                                   (6,002)         (1,821)           6,014           (4,461)
</TABLE>



         The loss for the fourth quarter of 1998 included a $3.1 million charge
relating to strategic actions taken in at the end of 1998 as further discussed
in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations". Net income for the third quarter of 1999 included income tax
expense of $905,000 relating to the valuation of deferred taxes.


         This seasonal pattern is influenced by the following factors:

         o        Orders for the extracurricular segment's athletic products and
                  reconditioning services are solicited over a sales cycle that
                  begins in the fall of each year and continues until just
                  before the start of a new school year at the end of the
                  following summer. Delivery of products and performance of
                  reconditioning services reach a low point in the fall of each
                  year after school begins and during the football playing
                  season. These activities contribute most to profitability in
                  the first through third quarters of each calendar year.

         o        Cheerleading and dance uniforms and accessories are typically
                  ordered and shipped between late March, when new cheerleaders
                  are selected for the coming school year, and August, just
                  before the new school year begins.

         o        Most of the extracurricular segment's camp revenues relate to
                  our cheerleading camps. We incur costs relating to our camp
                  business from the fourth quarter through the second quarter as
                  we prepares for the upcoming camp season, while most revenue
                  relating to camps is earned during the June to August period.

         o        Our retail segment's sports collectible products are sold to
                  retailers throughout the


                                       68

<PAGE>



                  year. However, sales are usually at their highest during the
                  third and fourth quarters as retailers build inventory in
                  anticipation of both the football and the holiday shopping
                  seasons.

         We believe that the sale of Umbro branded items will also be seasonal,
substantially following the pattern of our existing extracurricular athletic
products as soccer, like football, is primarily a fall sport. Soccer, however
experiences a spring season as well, which may somewhat temper the seasonality
of the sale of Umbro branded products.


         Our sales order backlog was $20.6 million at February 29, 2000 an 8%
increase over February 28, 1999 backlog of $19.0 million. Backlog increased in
all of our business units. We expect substantially all of the backlog to be
filled within the 2000 calendar year.


Competition

         Athletic products

         Our principal competitor in the football helmet market is Schutt,
manufacturer of the AIR helmet. We compete principally with Bike Athletic Co.,
Inc., Douglas, Inc., Gear 2000, Inc. and Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc.
in the football shoulder pad business. We compete principally with Diamond
Sports Co., Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., Wilson Sporting Goods Company
and other companies in baseball and softball products. We also compete with
Champion Products, Inc., Russell Athletic, Inc., and other companies for
practicewear and athletic game uniforms. We principally compete with Adidas,
Nike, and other companies for soccer team apparel, footwear and equipment. We
also compete with numerous independent dealers throughout the United States who
market our competitors' products. Some of our competitors are substantially
larger and have greater resources than us.

         We believe that we compete in the football market on the basis of
quality, price, reliability, service, comfort and ease of maintenance. With
respect to football and other athletic products, our believe that our direct
sales force provides us with a competitive advantage in terms of our ability to
provide superior customer service and a significant price advantage due to the
elimination of independent dealers which are used by our competitors.

         Reconditioning

         Reconditioners compete on the basis of quality, price, reputation,
convenience and customer loyalty. We believe that we are the largest nationwide
participant among the approximately 30 competitors in the highly fragmented
athletic reconditioning industry.

         Spirit products and services

         We are one of two major companies that design and market cheerleader,
dance team and booster club uniforms and accessories on a national basis.
Besides us and our major national competitor, National Spirit Group, there are
many other smaller regional competitors serving the uniform and accessories
market in the United States. We believe that the principal factors governing the
selection of cheerleader and dance team uniforms and accessories are the
quality, variety, design, delivery, service and, to a lesser extent, price.

         We are also one of two companies that annually operate a significant
number of cheerleader and dance team camps in the United States, the other being
National Spirit Group. There are also many other smaller companies and schools
that operate camps and clinics on a regional basis. We believe


                                       69

<PAGE>



that the principal factors governing the selection of a cheerleader or dance
team camp or clinic are the reputation of the camp operator for providing
quality instruction and supervision, location, schedule and the tuition charged
for camp participation.

         Retail collectible products

         Our collectible products compete with a large number and wide array of
manufacturers and sellers of sports and other collectible and memorabilia
products, some of which have greater resources than us. Among our competitors in
this large marketplace are sellers of products such as autographed photographs
and uniforms and other memorabilia and manufacturers of clothing, such as caps
and jackets.

         Licensing

         Competition in the licensing of sports equipment, apparel and footwear
is substantial, and the Riddell and MacGregor brands compete with numerous
companies also having significant brand recognition, many of which have greater
financial, distribution, marketing and other resources. Brand recognition and
reputation for quality are important competitive factors in the licensing of
sports apparel and footwear. Competing brands include Adidas(R), Champion(R),
Converse(R), Nike(R), Rawlings(R), Reebok(R), Russell(R) and Wilson(R).

Patents and trade secrets

         Some of our football helmet liner systems and other items are protected
by patents and trade secrets, including a patent on our inflatable liner
expiring in 2010. Other patents on the liners will expire in 2008. We also have
patents expiring in 2006, 2007 and 2008 on various components of our shoulder
pads which improve absorption of shock.

Trademarks and service marks

         We own various common law and registered trademarks in the U.S. and
various foreign countries including the following: Riddell, MacGregor, ProEdge,
Power, Air Pac, Warrior, Biolite, Maxpro, Universal Cheerleaders Association,
Varsity Spirit, United Spirit Association, National High School Cheerleading
Championship, the Universal Dance Association, Universal Dance Camps, Varsity
Spirit Fashions and The National Dance Team Championship, among others.

         Our use of the MacGregor trademark is limited by an agreement with
Global Licensing Corporation, which owns the similar trademark McGregor. Under
this agreement, the parties have agreed on certain restrictions in the use of
their respective trademarks. We have licensed the MacGregor trademark in
connection with certain team sports items sold to extracurricular customers. We
do not have the MacGregor trademark rights to golf products.

Governmental regulation

         Our products and accessories are subject to the Federal Consumer
Product Safety Act, which empowers the Consumer Product Safety Commission to
protect consumers from hazardous sporting goods and other articles. The Consumer
Product Safety Commission has the authority to exclude from the market certain
articles which are found to be hazardous and can require a manufacturer to
repurchase such goods. Similar local laws exist in some states and cities in the
United States, Canada and Europe. We maintain a quality control program for our
protective equipment operations and other products that is designed to comply
with applicable laws. To date, none of our products have been deemed to be
hazardous by any governmental agency.


                                       70

<PAGE>



         There is no national governing body regulating cheerleading and dance
team activities at the collegiate level. Although voluntary guidelines relating
to safety and sportsmanship have been issued by the NCAA and some of the
athletic conferences, to date cheerleading and dance teams are generally free
from rules and restrictions similar to those imposed on other competitive
athletics at the college level. However, if rules limiting off-season training
are applied to cheerleading and/or dance teams similar to rules imposed by the
NCAA on some inter-collegiate sports, it is likely that we would be unable to
offer a significant number of our camps either because participants would be
prohibited from participating during the summer or because enough suitable sites
would not be available. Although we are not aware of any school officially
adopting these activities as a competitive sport, recognition of cheerleading
and/or dance teams as "sports" would increase the possibility that cheerleader
or dance activities may become regulated. We currently do not believe that any
regulation of collegiate cheerleading or dance teams as a "sport" is forthcoming
in the foreseeable future, and in the event any rules are proposed to be adopted
by athletic associations, we expect to participate in the formulation of such
rules to the extent permissible.

         At the high school level, some state athletic associations have
classified cheerleading as a sport and in some cases have imposed certain
restrictions on off-season practices and out-of-state travel to competitions.
However, in all cases to date, we have been able to work with these state
athletic associations to designate acceptable times for the cheerleaders within
these states to attend camps. We have also signed agreements with several state
associations to assist with sponsoring and executing official competitions
within these states. To date, state regulations have not had a material effect
on our ability to conduct our normal business activities.

         Operations at all of our facilities are subject to regulation by the
Occupational Safety and Health Agency and various other regulatory agencies.

         Our operations are also subject to environmental regulations and
controls. While some of the raw materials used by us may be potentially
hazardous, it has not received any material environmental citations or
violations and has not been required to spend significant amounts to comply with
applicable law.

Employees


         At December 31, 1999, we had approximately 1,254 employees.
Approximately 1,118 of these employees were employed on a full time basis and
approximately 136 were part time or temporary employees. Approximately 30
employees employed in manufacturing at the Chicago factory are represented by
the Chicago and Central States Joint Board, Amalgamated Clothing and Textile
Workers Union, under a collective bargaining agreement which expires in March
2002. Approximately 26 of our employees working in reconditioning at our New
York facility are represented by the Local #500A United Food and Commercial
Workers Union (AFL-CIO) under a collective bargaining agreement which expired in
January 2000. We have been discussing a renewal of this agreement with the
union.



         During the summer of 1999, we employed approximately 2,000 summer camp
instructors, trainers and administrators on a seasonal basis.


         We believe that our relations with our employees are satisfactory.



                                       71

<PAGE>


Insurance and product liability proceedings

         Insurance


         We carry general liability insurance with coverage limits which we
believe is adequate for our business.

         We also maintain product liability insurance. The policy is an
occurrence-based policy providing coverage against claims currently pending
against us and future claims relating to injuries occurring between December
1994 and January 2005 even if such claims are filed after the end of the policy
period. The insurance program provides certain basic and excess coverages with
combined aggregate coverage of over $40,000,000 subject to the limitations
described below.

         The first level of insurance coverage under the policy provides
coverage of up to $2,250,000 per claim of basic coverage (with an annual limit
of $4,500,000) in excess of an uninsured retention (deductible) of $750,000 per
occurrence. This basic coverage has an aggregate limit which is currently
$4,900,000, but the policy requires us to increase this maximum limit to
$7,700,000 by paying a fixed annual payment or by prepaying the required premium
at any time, which counts at 120% of the amount paid toward the limit.

         The insurance program also provides for additional coverage, which may
be subject to certain state statutes limiting the applicability of such coverage
in certain instances, of up to $20,000,000 per occurrence, in excess of the
first $3,000,000 of each claim which is covered by the uninsured retention and
basic coverage, to the extent available. Claims covered by this excess coverage
are subject to one of two separate $20,000,000 aggregate policy limits,
depending on the date of the related injury. The first $20,000,000 aggregate
limit applies to claims for injuries occurring prior to January 31, 1998 while
claims occurring after January 1998, are covered under the second separate
$20,000,000 aggregate limit.


          ** 2 In March 1999, a jury rendered a verdict against us in a Texas
product liability lawsuit for an accident that occurred prior to January 31,
1998 for approximately $11.4 million plus interest from February 1996. We have
filed an appeal of the verdict. If the verdict was paid in full it would be
covered by the insurance described above, except for an amount equal to the
$750,000 uninsured retention. This amount, however, is already included in our
balance sheet reserves. Any such payment by the insurance company would reduce
the aggregate limits of insurance coverage available for other claims, as
discussed above.


         There is no certainty that coverage will remain available to us after
January 2005 or that the insured amounts will be sufficient to cover all
existing or future claims. Our product liability insurance carrier is a division
of American International Group, Inc.

         Product liability proceedings


         We have historically been a defendant in product liability personal
injury suits allegedly related to the use of football helmets manufactured or
reconditioned by us. As of March 1, 2000, five product liability cases were
pending against us.



         We have established reserves for pending product liability claims and
determine our reserves based on the level of insurance that is available and
estimates of losses and defense and settlement costs which we anticipate would
result from such claims based on information available at the time the financial
statements are issued. Due to the uncertainty involved with estimates, actual
results have at times varied substantially from earlier estimates and could do
so in the future. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the ultimate costs
of these claims or potential future claims will fall within the established
reserves. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


* 2 moved from here; text not shown


                                       72

<PAGE>



Properties

         We own our principal football helmet manufacturing facility located in
Chicago, Illinois and we lease various facilities throughout the U.S.

         We believe our properties, machinery and equipment are adequate for our
current requirements.

         Set forth below is information regarding our principal properties:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Square
Location                                   Principal Use                  Footage              Lease Expiration Date
- --------                                   -------------                  -------              ---------------------
<S>                              <C>                                     <C>                      <C>
New York, New York               Corporate headquarters                      650                  September 2000

Chicago, Illinois                Headquarters of Riddell,                 95,000                  Owned
                                 Inc. and helmet
                                 manufacturing

Elk Grove Village,               Warehouse and                           105,000                  March 2005
Illinois                         distribution center

Elyria, Ohio                     Headquarters for All                     72,000                  September 2014
                                 American Sports
                                 Corporation
                                 reconditioning operations
                                 and customer service

Stroudsburg,                     Reconditioning and                       44,000                  October 2001
Pennsylvania                     shoulder pad customizing

Memphis, Tennessee               Headquarters for Varsity's               64,000                  November 2000
                                 Operations  and
                                 Manufacturing

Olive Branch,                    Warehouse                                80,000                  October 2000
Mississippi
</TABLE>



         We also lease several smaller facilities throughout the country. With
respect to those facilities whose leases expire later this year, we either have
made or intend to make arrangements to either extend these leases or for
alternate facilities. We do not believe that we will be harmed by any of these
lease expirations.


                                       73

<PAGE>



                                   MANAGEMENT


         Our directors and executive officers are set forth below as of March 1,
2000.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Positions
Name                                  Age                              with Riddell
- ----                                  ---                              ------------

<S>                                   <C>                              <C>
Robert E. Nederlander (1)             66                               Chairman of the Board

David M. Mauer (1)                    51                               Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

Jeffrey G. Webb (1) (2)               49                               Chief Operating Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board

David Groelinger                      49                               Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Leonard Toboroff (1)                  67                               Director and Vice President


Don R. Kornstein                      48                               Director



John McConnaughy, Jr. (1)             70                               Director

Glenn E. "Bo" Schembechler            70                               Director

Arthur N. Seessel, III (2)            61                               Director

W. Kline Boyd                         46                               Senior Vice President and General Manager of Riddell's
                                                                       Varsity Spirit Fashions Unit
</TABLE>



- --------------------
(1)      Messrs. Nederlander, Mauer, Webb, Toboroff and McConnaughy and certain
         entities controlled by them, are parties to a shareholders' agreement
         that requires the parties thereto to vote the shares of Riddell's
         common stock owned by them directly and beneficially in the same manner
         as does Mr. Nederlander and for the election of Mr. Webb and his
         designee as members of our Board of Directors during the term of Mr.
         Webb's employment agreement. See "Employment Agreements and Change of
         Control Arrangements." In addition, the shareholders' agreement
         generally provides that the voting restrictions are terminated when a
         party transfers his shares. The Shareholders' Agreement expires on the
         earlier of May 28, 2001 or upon Mr. Nederlander's death.

(2)      In accordance with the agreements entered into in connection with
         Riddell's acquisition of Varsity in 1997, our Board of Directors
         increased the number of its members from seven to eight and agreed to
         nominate Mr. Webb and his designee to become members of the Board for
         the three-year period commencing at June 1997 and terminating on the
         third anniversary of such date or upon earlier termination of Mr.
         Webb's employment. Mr. Webb, who was elected a member of our Board at
         our 1998 annual meeting of stockholders and is our Vice Chairman, has
         named Arthur N. Seessel, III to serve on our Board as his designee.

         Set forth below is biographical information regarding each director and
executive officer of Riddell based on information supplied by them.


                                       74

<PAGE>



         Robert E. Nederlander. Mr. Nederlander has been Chairman of the Board
of Riddell since April 1988 and was Riddell's Chief Executive Officer from April
1988 through April 1, 1993. Mr. Nederlander has been President and/or a Director
since November 1981 of the Nederlander Organization, Inc., owner and operator of
one of the world's largest chains of live theaters. Since December 1998 Mr.
Nederlander has been a co-managing member of the Nederlander Company LLC, an
operator of live theaters outside of New York City. He served as the Managing
General Partner of the New York Yankees from August 1990 until December 1991,
and has been a limited partner since 1973. Mr. Nederlander has been President
since October 1985 of the Nederlander Television and Film Productions, Inc. and
Chairman of the Board since January 1988 of Mego Financial Corporation. Mr.
Nederlander was a director of Mego Mortgage Corporation from December 1996 until
June 1998. Mr. Nederlander became Chairman of the Board of Allis-Chalmers Corp.
in May 1989; from 1993 through October 1996 he was Vice Chairman, and thereafter
he remained solely a director. In 1995, Mr. Nederlander became a director of HFS
Incorporated, which recently merged into Cendant Corporation. In October 1996
Mr. Nederlander became a director of News Communications, Inc., a publisher of
community-oriented free circulation newspapers.

         David M. Mauer. Mr. Mauer became Riddell's Chief Executive Officer on
April 1, 1993, succeeding Mr. Nederlander. Mr. Mauer was President of Mattel
U.S.A. from late 1990 through the beginning of 1993 and was President of Tonka
U.S.A. Toy Group from 1988 until 1990. In 1995, Mr. Mauer was elected a member
of the Board of Directors of The Topps Company, Inc. Mr. Mauer is also a
director of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

         Jeffrey G. Webb. Mr. Webb has been the Vice Chairman of the Board since
Varsity was acquired by Riddell in June 1997. Mr. Webb became the Chief
Operating Officer in October, 1999. Prior to the Varsity acquisition, Mr. Webb
was Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Varsity
Spirit Corporation since our formation in 1974.

         David Groelinger. In March of 1996, Mr. David Groelinger was appointed
Riddell's Chief Financial Officer, and in June 1996 our Executive Vice
President. From 1994 to 1995 he was a member of the Board of Directors,
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Regency Holdings
(Cayman) Inc., which owned and operated a major international cruise line. Prior
to 1994 Mr. Groelinger served in various senior financial capacities during his
twelve years at Chiquita Brands International, Inc. In 1990, he was promoted to
Vice President reporting to the Chiquita's President and Chief Operating
Officer. Regency Holdings (Cayman) Inc. filed a petition to reorganize under
Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in November 1995.

         Leonard Toboroff. Mr. Toboroff has been Vice President of Riddell since
April 1988. Since May 1989, Mr. Toboroff has been a Vice President and Vice
Chairman of the Board of Allis-Chalmers Corp. Mr. Toboroff has been a practicing
attorney since 1961 and from January 1, 1988 to December 31, 1990, was counsel
to Summit Solomon & Feldesman in New York City, which was counsel to Riddell
from April 1988 through February 1993. He has been a Director since August 1987
and was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from December 1987 to May 1988 of
Ameriscribe Corp. Mr. Toboroff was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from May
through July 1982, and then was Vice Chairman from July 1982 through September
1988 of American Bakeries Company. Mr. Toboroff has been a director of Banner
Aerospace, Inc., a supplier of aircraft parts, since September 1992. He has been
a director of Engex, Inc. and director of Saratoga Springs Beverage Co. since
1993, and a director of Hi Rise Recycling since March 1999.


         Don R. Kornstein. Mr. Kornstein was a member of the Board of Directors,
Chief Executive Officer and President of Jackpot Enterprises, Inc. from
September 1994 through February, 2000. Prior to this Mr. Kornstein was a Senior
Managing Director at Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. for 17 years through September
1994. Mr. Kornstein has been a director of Riddell since April 1995.



                                       75

<PAGE>




         John McConnaughy, Jr. Mr. McConnaughy has been Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of JEMC Corp. since 1988. Mr. McConnaughy is the Chairman of
the Board of the Excellence Group, LLC, which filed a petition for bankruptcy
under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on January 13, 1999. The Excellence
Group's subsidiaries produced labels for a variety of customers. From 1969 to
1986, Mr. McConnaughy served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Peabody
International Corp. ("Peabody"). From 1981 to 1992, he served as Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of GEO International Corp. when it was spun off from
Peabody in 1981. Mr. McConnaughy is a Director of DeVlieg Bullard Inc., Mego
Financial Corporation, Levcor International, Inc. and Wave Systems, Inc. He has
been a director of Riddell since September 1989.


         Glenn E. "Bo" Schembechler. Mr. Schembechler was President of the
Detroit Tigers from January 1990 through August 1992 and a member of the Tigers
Board of Directors from 1989 through 1990. He is also a Director of Midland
Company. From 1968 through 1989, Mr. Schembechler was head football coach of the
University of Michigan and served as its Athletic Director in 1988 and 1989. He
has been a director of Riddell since September 1991.

         Arthur N. Seessel, III. Mr. Seessel was the Chief Executive Officer of
Seessel Holdings Inc., a supermarket chain located in Memphis, Tennessee, until
the company was sold in 1996. Mr. Seessel currently serves as a consultant to
Albertson's Inc. and is a member of the Board of Directors of Red River
Bankshares and Auto Radio Inc. He has been a director of Riddell since February
1999.


         W. Kline Boyd. Mr. Boyd has been Senior Vice President and General
Manager - Varsity Spirit Fashions since March 1989, a date which precedes the
June 1997 acquisition of Varsity. Mr. Boyd has been a Vice President and
director of Boyd & McWilliams Energy Group, Inc. since 1978 and has been a Vice
President and a director of Smith Oil Company, Inc. since 1988.



                                       76

<PAGE>





Structure and compensation of board of directors

         Directors' fees and board meeting attendance

         Directors who are not officers of Riddell received a fee in 1999 of
$20,000 per annum. In 1999, directors who were members of the Audit and
Compensation Committees of the Board (Messrs. McConnaughy, Kornstein,
Schembechler and Seessel) were also each paid an aggregate additional amount of
$5,000 per annum for their Committee memberships.

         During 1999, Messrs. Nederlander, Toboroff, McConnaughy, Kornstein and
Schembechler were each granted an option to purchase up to 7,500 shares of
Riddell's common stock at an exercise price of $3.125 per share and Mr. Seessel
was granted an option to purchase up to 15,000 shares of Riddell's common stock
at an exercise price of $6.50 per share. These grants were pursuant to
provisions of the 1991 and 1997 Stock Option Plans which provide for fixed
automatic grants of options to eligible directors as described below under
"General Description of 1997 Stock Option Plan." In 1999, Messrs. Nederlander,
McConnaughy, Toboroff and Schembechler each received a payment of $16,875 in
exchange for the surrender of stock options granted to them in 1994 for 15,000
shares each, at an exercise price of $2.625. The payment was computed based on
the "in the money" value of the options at the time of the payments.

         See "Summary Compensation Table" and "Options Granted in 1999" for a
discussion of compensation paid to Mr. Mauer, a director and Riddell's Chief
Executive Officer and Mr. Webb, Riddell's Vice Chairman and the President and
Chief Operating Officer of our Varsity Group Division.

         Riddell has agreed to indemnify each director and officer against
certain claims and expenses for which the director might be held liable in
connection with service on the Board. In addition, Riddell maintains an
insurance policy insuring our directors and officers against such liabilities.

         During calendar year ended December 31, 1999, there were four meetings
of the Board of Directors. One meeting was attended by all of the members of the
Board of Directors, one meeting was attended by all of the members other than
Mr. Schembechler, one meeting was attended by all of the members other than Mr.
Webb and one meeting was attended by all of the members other than Mr.
McConnaughy.

         Committee structure and meetings

         The Board of Directors maintains an Executive Committee consisting of
Mr. Nederlander, the Committee's Chairman, Mr. Mauer, Mr. Toboroff and Mr. Webb.
Under Riddell's bylaws the Executive Committee has the power of the full Board.
The Executive Committee did not hold any meetings in 1999.

         The Board of Directors also maintains a Compensation Committee
comprised in 1999 of Messrs. McConnaughy, Schembechler, Seessel and Kornstein.
Mr. Kornstein was Chairman of the Committee in 1999. None of these individuals
has ever been an officer of Riddell. The Compensation Committee reviews and
establishes the cash and non cash compensation of key employees and recommends
grants of options under Riddell's 1991 Stock Option Plan and 1997 Stock Option
Plan. It considers recommendations of management and, when it deems appropriate,
the advice of outside experts in connection with these determinations. The
Compensation Committee had one meeting, which was attended by all of the members
of the Compensation Committee.


                                       77

<PAGE>



         The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee which in 1999
consisted of Messrs. McConnaughy, Schembechler, Seessel and Kornstein. Mr.
Kornstein was Chairman of the Committee in 1999. No member of the Audit
Committee has ever been an officer of Riddell. The Audit Committee reviews
Riddell's internal controls and the objectivity of our financial reporting and
the scope and results of the auditing engagement. It meets with appropriate
Riddell financial personnel and independent public accountants in connection
with these reviews. The auditors have access to such Committee at any time. The
Audit Committee had one meeting in 1999 which was attended by all of the members
of the Audit Committee.

         The members of each committee are appointed by the Board of Directors
for a term beginning after the first regular meeting of the Board following the
Annual Meeting and until their respective successors are elected and qualified.
Each committee elects its own Chairman.


                                       78

<PAGE>



         SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT


         The following table sets forth certain information as of March 1, 2000
pertaining to ownership of the Riddell's common stock by persons known to
Riddell to own 5% or more of Riddell's common stock and common stock owned
beneficially by each director and named executive officer of Riddell and by
directors and named executive officers of Riddell as a group.


         The information contained herein has been obtained from Riddell's
records, or from information furnished directly by the individual or entity to
Riddell made by such persons with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   As Adjusted (Assuming Completion of Rights
                                             Percent   Offering and Concurrent Offering)
                                                            of               Minimum (1)                  Maximum (2)
                                        Shares Owned        Common           -----------                  -----------
                                        Beneficially        Stock       Shares        Percentage     Shares      Percentage
                                        ------------        -------     ------        ----------     ------      ----------

<S>                                     <C>                 <C>      <C>              <C>           <C>         <C>
Robert E. Nederlander                   5,331,347(3)          52%    5,804,251        50.5%
810 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019

David M. Mauer                           480,645(4)           4.9%     486,885         4.4%
c/o Riddell Sports Inc
50 East 42nd Street, Suite 1808
New York, NY 10017

Jeffrey G. Webb                        1,225,970(5)          12.9%   1,348,922        12.3%
c/o Varsity Spirit
Corporation
2525 Horizon Lake Drive
Memphis, TN 38133

David Groelinger                           87,250(6)           *        88,162           *
c/o Riddell Sports Inc.
50 East 42nd Street, Suite 1808
New York, NY 10017

Leonard Toboroff                        1,303,585(7)         13.9%   11,439,461       13.6%
c/o Riddell Sports Inc.
50 East 42nd Street, Suite 1808
New York, NY 10017

Don R. Kornstein                           50,000(8)           *         50,000          *
c/o Riddell Sports Inc.
50 East 42nd Street, Suite 1808
New York, NY 10017

John McConnaughy, Jr.                   1,038,937(9)         11.1%    1,146,411       10.8%
c/o JEMC Corp.
1011 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT  06905
</TABLE>



                                       79

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>      <C>            <C>
Glenn E. "Bo"                              37,500(8)           *         37,500       *
Schembechler
c/o Riddell Sports Inc.
50 East 42nd Street, Suite 1808
New York, NY 10017

Arthur N. Seessel, II                      15,000(8)           *         15,000       *
c/o Seessel's
Supermarkets
1745 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104

W. Kline Boyd                              94,985(10)         1.0%       98,526       *
c/o Varsity Spirit
Corporation
2525 Horizon Lake Drive
Memphis, TN 38133

All officers and directors              5,616,082            53.6%    6,093,439     51.2%
as a group (10 individuals)

Angelo, Gordon & Co.,                   1,395,000(11)        13.0%      395,000     11.7%
L.P.
245 Park Avenue,
26th Fl.
New York, NY 10167

Dimensional Fund                          490,308(12)         5.3%      542,928      5.1%
Advisors Inc.
1299 Ocean Ave., 11th fl.
Santa Monica, CA
90401
</TABLE>


- --------------------

 *       Less than 1%

(1)      Adjusted to reflect the assumed exercise of each individual's pro rata
         rights granted pursuant to the rights offering and assuming no shares
         of common stock are purchased by the standby group pursuant to rights
         issued to other stockholders.

(2)      Adjusted to reflect the assumed exercise of each individual's pro rata
         rights granted pursuant to the rights offering and assuming the standby
         group purchases all of the shares of common stock pursuant to the
         standby purchase commitment.


(3)      Of the 5,331,347 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Nederlander: (A)
         1,252,210 shares are owned by Mr. Nederlander directly or through
         entities controlled by him having dispositive power over these shares
         37,500 of these 1,252,210 shares underlie options granted under
         Riddell's 1991 Stock Option Plan that are exercisable currently or
         within 60 days of March 1, 2000; 646,037 of such 1,252,210 shares are
         subject to a voting trust expiring May 29, 2001 pursuant to which
         Robert Nederlander is voting trustee and has sole voting power (except
         to the limited extent described in Note 6 below) and (B) an additional
         4,079,137 shares are beneficially owned by Mr. Nederlander as voting
         trustee under the voting trust and pursuant to a shareholders'
         agreement to which Mr. Nederlander and some of the other officers and
         directors of Riddell and their affiliates are parties. Under Rule 13-d
         of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Mr. Nederlander is deemed to
         beneficially own the shares of stock subject to the voting trust and
         the stockholders' agreement. The stockholders' agreement terminates
         upon the earliest of May 28, 2001, or the death of Mr. Nederlander, or
         the date of the transfer of shares subject to the stockholders'
         agreement (other than to certain parties) as to the shares transferred.



                                       80
<PAGE>


(4)      The shares of common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Mauer are subject
         to the stockholders' agreement and 422,500 of these shares are issuable
         in connection with options granted under Riddell's 1991 Stock Option
         Plan and the warrant that are exercisable currently or within 60 days
         of March 1, 2000.



(5)      The shares of common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Webb are subject
         to the stockholders' agreement and 389,843 of these shares underlie
         options granted under Riddell's 1997 Stock Option Plan that are
         exercisable currently or within 60 days of March 1, 2000.



(6)      Includes 78,750 shares underlying that portion of an option granted
         under Riddell's 1991 Stock Option Plan that is exercisable within 60
         days of March 1, 2000.



(7)      The shares of common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Toboroff are
         subject to the stockholders' agreement and 37,500 shares underlie
         options granted under Riddell's 1991 Stock Option Plan that are
         exercisable currently or within 60 days of March 1, 2000.



(8)      Represents shares underlying options granted under Riddell's 1991 Stock
         Option Plan that are exercisable currently or within 60 days of March
         1, 2000.



(9)      Of the shares of common stock beneficially owned by Mr. McConnaughy:
         (A) 484,530 are subject to the voting trust; (B) 554,407 are subject to
         the stockholders' agreement and (C) 37,500 shares underlie options
         granted under Riddell's 1991 Stock Option Plan that are exercisable
         currently or within 60 days of March 1, 2000. Mr. McConnaughy has
         pledged his interest in 989,155 shares of Riddell's common stock to
         financial institutions to secure loans. The voting trust provides that
         if Mr. McConnaughy defaults on the loan pursuant to which the pledge
         was made, the voting restrictions are removed from the pledged shares.



(10)     Includes 61, 990 shares underlying that portion of an option granted
         under Riddell's 1997 Stock Option Plan that is exercisable within 60
         days of March 1, 2000.



(11)     Based on a Schedule 13G filed February 13, 1997, Angelo, Gordon & Co.,
         L.P. may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 1,395,000 shares as a
         result of voting and dispositive powers it holds with respect to
         $1,000,000 principal amount of Riddell's 4.10% Convertible Subordinated
         Note due November 1, 2004 (the "Notes") convertible at $5.3763 per
         share into 186,000 shares of Riddell's common stock held for its own
         account and $6,500,000 principal amount of Notes convertible into
         1,209,000 shares of common stock which it holds for the account of
         private investment funds for which it acts a general partner and/or
         investment advisor or investment manager.



(12)     Based on a Schedule 13G filed February 4, 2000, Dimensional Fund
         Advisors Inc. may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 490,308
         shares.


Section 16(a) disclosure

         Riddell believes, based solely on our review of the copies of the Forms
3, 4 and 5 required to be filed with Riddell pursuant to Section 16(a) of the
Exchange Act by our officers, directors and beneficial owners of more than 10%
of Riddell's common stock, that during the twelve (12) month period ended
December 31, 1999, all filing requirements applicable to such persons were
complied with.



                                       81
<PAGE>


Executive compensation summary compensation table


         The table below sets forth the cash compensation paid to or accrued for
Riddell's Chief Executive Officer and our five other most highly paid executive
officers in 1999 for services rendered in all capacities to Riddell and our
subsidiaries during the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 .



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Long Term
                                                  Annual Compensation                     Compensation Awards
                                        -------------------------------------        ---------------------------
                                                                    Other
Name and                                                            Annual           Securities        All Other
Principal                                                           Compen-          Underlying        Compen-
Position                 Year           Salary       Bonus(1)       sation(2)        Options(3)        sation(4)
- --------                 ----           ------       --------       ---------        -----------       ---------
<S>                      <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>                 <C>            <C>
Robert E.                1999          $215,871            -              -             7,500               -
Nederlander              1998           196,160            -              -             7,500               -
Chairman of              1997           189,511      $50,000              -             7,500               -
the Board

David M.                 1999          $579,792            -              -            40,000          $  960
Mauer                    1998           575,000            -              -            40,000           1,000
Chief                    1997           550,000      $60,000              -            50,000           4,750
Executive
Officer

Jeffrey G. Webb          1999          $378,125     $175,500(6)           -            35,000               -
 Chief                   1998           375,000      207,090(6)           -            35,000               -
Operating                1997           200,914(5)   133,380(6)           -           397,760(5)            -
Officer

David                    1999           221,692            _              -            15,000               -
Groelinger               1998           220,385            -              -            15,000          $1,000
Chief Financial          1997           195,977      $50,000              -            20,000           4,302
Officer and
Executive
Vice
President
since March
7, 1996

W. Kline Boyd            1999          $195,000      $18,773(6)           -            20,000               -
Senior Vice              1998           152,500       22,153(6)           -            20,000            $252
President,               1997            67,708       14,268(6)           -            66,990             244
Varsity
Spirit
Fashions
division
</TABLE>



                                       82

<PAGE>



- ---------------------------


(1)      The compensation committee has indicated an intent to award bonuses for
         1999 but has not determined the amount of individual bonuses.
         Accordingly, bonus information for 1999 only includes bonuses related
         to the stock grants discussed in note 6 below. Riddell anticipates that
         there will be cash bonuses awarded to some or all of the named
         executives relating to 1999.



(2)      Other perquisites and other personal benefits paid for the named
         executive officers are omitted from the table as permitted by the rules
         of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission because they aggregated
         less than the lesser of $50,000 and 10% of the total annual salary and
         bonus set forth in the columns entitled, "Salary" and "Bonus" for each
         named executive officer.



(3)      These options were issued under Riddell's 1991 Stock Option Plan or
         1997 Stock Option Plan.



(4)      Represents Riddell's contribution to a 401(k) plan on behalf of the
         employee.



(5)      Pursuant to an employment agreement between Riddell and Mr. Webb
         effective in June 1997 which provides for an annual base salary of
         $375,000 and certain stock options to be granted in 1997. See
         "Employment Agreements and Change of Control Arrangements."



(6)      Includes unrestricted stock awards of Riddell's common stock . The
         stock awards to Mr. Webb for 1999, 1998 and 1997 were for 41,600, and
         20,800 shares valued at $130,000, $153,400 and $98,000, respectively.
         The stock awards to Mr. Boyd for 1999, 1998 and 1997 were for 4,450,
         4,450 and 2,225 shares valued at $13,906, $16,409 and $10,569,
         respectively. The value of the awards is based on the quoted market
         prices on the day the awards were granted



                                       83
<PAGE>


         which were $3.13, $3.69 and $4.75 per share for the 1999, 1998 and 1997
         awards, respectively.



                                       84
<PAGE>


Stock options granted in  1999



         The following table sets forth information concerning individual grants
of stock options made during 1999 to each executive officer listed below
pursuant to Riddell's 1991 and 1997 Stock Option Plans.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    % of Total
                                      Options                                   Potential Realizable
                      Number of       Granted                                     Value at Assumed
                     Securities          to                                        Annual Rates of
                     Underlying      Employees     Exercise                          Stock Price
                       Options       In Fiscal     Price Per    Expiration        Appreciation for
Name                   Granted          Year         Share         Date           Option Term (1)
- ----                   -------          ----         -----         ----         --------------------
                                                                                  5%              10%
                                                                                 ----            ----
<S>                  <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>             <C>
Robert                   7,500           2%          $3.13       5/20/2009     $14,740         $37,353
Nederlander
(2)

David M.                40,000          11%          $3.13       5/20/2009      78,612         199,218
Mauer (3)

Jeffrey                 35,000          10%          $3.13       5/20/2009      68,785         174,316
Webb (3)

David                   15,000           4%          $3.13       5/20/2009      29,479          74,707
Groelinger
(3)

W. Kline                20,000           6%          $3.13       5/20/2009      39,306          99,609
Boyd (4)
</TABLE>



                                       85
<PAGE>

- -----------------------

(1)      Based upon the per share market price on the date of grant and an
         annual appreciation of such market price at the rate stated in the
         table through the expiration date of such options. Gains, if any, are
         dependent upon the actual performance of the common stock, as well as
         the continued employment of the executive officers through the vesting
         period. The potential realizable values indicated have not taken into
         account amounts required to be paid as income tax under the Internal
         Revenue Code and any applicable state laws.


(2)      This option was granted pursuant to provisions of the 1991 Stock
         Options Plan which provides for annual fixed automatic grants of
         options to certain eligible directors. The option is fully exercisable
         commencing May 20, 2001 through May 20, 2009. In the event Mr.
         Nederlander's Board membership terminates, generally, other than for
         cause, the option becomes fully exercisable for 90 days. The option
         terminates if Mr. Nederlander's Board membership terminates for cause.


(3)      This option vests as to 25% of the underlying shares on each of the
         first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant. The
         option is canceled upon a termination of employment for cause. In the
         event the employee's employment is terminated by Riddell, generally,
         other than for cause, this stock option becomes fully exercisable for
         one year. The option fully vests immediately upon a change in control.

(4)       This option vests as to 25% of the underlying shares on each of the
          first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant.
          The option is canceled upon a termination of employment for cause. In
          the event the employee's employment is terminated by Riddell,
          generally, other than for cause, the stock option remains exercisable
          for 90 days to the extent of any underlying shares which were vested
          on the termination date.


                                       86
<PAGE>


Stock options held at end of 1999



         The following table indicates the total number of exercisable and
unexercisable stock options held by each executive officer listed below on
December 31, 1998. No options to purchase Riddell's common stock were exercised
by any of these individuals during 1999. On December 31, 1999, the last sale
price of the common stock on the American Stock Exchange was $3.438 per share.



                    Number of Securities Underlying     Value of Unexercised
                        Unexercised Options at         in-the-Money Options at
                           December 31, 1999              December 31, 1999
                           -----------------              -----------------

Name                  Exercisable   Unexercisable    Exercisable   Unexercisable
- ----                  -----------   -------------    -----------   -------------

Robert Nederlander        $37,500          $7,500        $21,563          $2,344

David M. Mauer            497,500         122,500        117,250          17,188

Jeffrey G. Webb           389,843          77,917            ---          10,938

David Groelinger           62,500          52,500            ---           4,688

W. Kine Boyd               61,990          45,000            ---           6,250


Employment agreements and change of control arrangements

         In June 1992, Riddell entered into an employment agreement with each of
Messrs. Nederlander and Toboroff. Each agreement continues until terminated by
Riddell, with termination effective three years after Riddell delivers notice of
termination or, if earlier, until the death or disability of the employee. The
agreements are immediately terminable by Riddell for cause (as defined therein).
Bonuses are at the discretion of the board. Each agreement provides a base
salary of $162,500 which may be increased in the discretion of the board,
provided that in any event each year the salaries are increased at least by the
percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. Each agreement provides that in
the event Riddell terminates the employee's employment, generally, other than
for cause, the employee will receive his full salary through the end of the term
of his agreement and annual bonuses for the remainder of the term equal to the
average of the annual bonuses awarded to the employee prior to termination. Each
agreement acknowledges that the employee will devote time and provide services
to entities other than Riddell.


                                       87
<PAGE>

         In April 1993, Riddell entered into an employment agreement with Mr.
Mauer. The agreement, as amended in 1994, provides an annual base salary in such
amount in excess of $400,000 as the Board of Directors may determine from time
to time. The agreement provides for the years subsequent to 1993, that the Board
of Directors and Mr. Mauer establish target bonuses based upon measures to be
agreed upon before the beginning of each calendar year, and that Mr. Mauer's
bonus will be a percentage, not to exceed 100%, of his base salary based upon
the percent of the targets achieved. The agreement continues until terminated by
Riddell, with termination effective three years after Riddell delivers notice of
termination or, if earlier, until Mr. Mauer's death or disability. The agreement
is immediately terminable for cause, as defined in Mauer's agreement. Mr. Mauer
was granted an option for ten years to acquire 300,000 shares of Riddell's
common stock pursuant to the Agreement at an average price of $3.63 per share.
In the event Mr. Mauer's employment is terminated, generally, other than for
cause, Mr. Mauer will receive his salary for a period of three years plus a pro
rata portion of the bonus earned through the date of termination, and his
options become fully exercisable for one year.

         In addition, in connection with the acquisition of Varsity Spirit
Corporation, Riddell entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Webb
effective June 1997. Under the provisions of such agreement Mr. Webb serves as
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors as well as Chief Operating Officer of
Riddell. Mr. Webb is entitled to a base salary of no less than $375,000 per year
and is eligible to participate in those bonus arrangements which are made
available to other senior officers of Riddell at a target level of 40% of his
base salary. Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Webb received options to
purchase 50,000 shares of common stock of Riddell with a per share exercise
price of $5.44 and "special options" to purchase an additional 347,760 shares at
a per share exercise price of $3.80. Upon termination of Mr. Webb's employment
(1) by Riddell without cause, as defined in Webb's agreement, (2) by Mr. Webb
with good reason, as defined in Webb's agreement, or (3) as a result of a change
in control, as defined in Webb's agreement, Mr. Webb will receive continued
payments of base salary for the longer of the remainder of the term of the
agreement and one year, or two years if as a result of a change of control, as
well as other benefits. Mr. Webb is subject to a non-competition covenant
generally for a period of two years following the termination of his employment
for any reason. Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Webb agreed to become
a party to the Shareholders' Agreement to which Messrs. Mauer, Nederlander,
Toboroff and McConnaughy are parties.

         Riddell entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Groelinger
effective March 1996 in connection with his joining Riddell as Chief Financial
Officer. The agreement provides for an annual base salary of $180,000 and a
guaranteed minimum bonus for 1996 of $25,000. Thereafter, bonuses will be a
percentage of his salary, with a target of 40%. Pursuant to the Agreement, Mr.
Groelinger was granted a ten-year option to purchase 65,000 shares of Riddell's
common stock at an exercise price of $4.63 per share. The agreement is
immediately terminable for cause, as defined in Mr. Groelinger's agreement,
presently expires, unless renewed, in March 2001. The agreement provides,
generally, that if Mr. Groelinger's employment is terminated other than for
cause he will be paid no less than one year's salary, or two years' salary in
the event termination arises in connection with a change of control, as defined
in Mr. Groelinger's agreement, plus a pro rata portion of his bonus through the
date of termination. In addition, his stock options become immediately
exercisable for one year to the extent then vested.

         The stock options granted to Messrs. Mauer, Webb and Groelinger in
connection with their employment become immediately exercisable in the event a
change of control of Riddell occurs.


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<PAGE>

Compensation committee interlocks and insider participation


         Mr. McConnaughy is a member of Riddell's Board of Directors and our
Compensation and Audit Committees and a member of a group of stockholders who
may be deemed to beneficially own and exercise control over approximately 52% of
Riddell's outstanding common stock as of March 1, 2000. See "Security Ownership
of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management."


Our 1991 Stock Option Plan and 1997 Stock Option Plan

         Introduction


         Riddell maintains two stock option plans: the 1991 Riddell Sports Inc.
Stock Option Plan and the 1997 Riddell Sports Inc. Stock Option Plan pursuant to
which there are 195,650 shares of common stock available for grant of options as
of March 1, 2000. Riddell has granted an aggregate of 2,719,850 shares of our
common stock under options and stock grants made in accordance with the 1991
Plan and 1997 Plan as of March 1, 2000, net of past grants canceled or expired.


         1991 Stock Option Plan

         Riddell's Board of Directors adopted the 1991 Stock Option Plan, which
was approved by Riddell's stockholders, to attract and retain qualified
management. Options to acquire an aggregate of 1,415,500 shares of common stock
were originally reserved for issuance under the 1991 Plan

         Under the 1991 Plan, options may be granted from time to time to key
employees, including officers, directors, advisors and independent consultants
to Riddell or to any of our subsidiaries. The board is generally empowered to
interpret the 1991 Plan, to determine the terms of the option agreements, to
determine the employees to whom options are to be granted, and to determine the
number of shares subject to each option and the exercise price thereof. Upon
exercise of an option, the optionee may pay the purchase price with previously
acquired securities of Riddell, or at the discretion of the Board, Riddell may
loan some or all of the purchase price to the optionee.

         Each Riddell director other than any director who is also a Chief
Executive Officer, President, Executive Vice President or Senior Vice President
of Riddell or any of our subsidiaries will receive an option to acquire 7,500
shares of common stock each year. In addition, each such individual, other than
current directors, will receive an option to acquire 15,000 shares of common
stock upon becoming a member of the board and, after the first anniversary of
his joining the board, the annual grant of an option to acquire 7,500 shares
concurrently with the grants to the other directors. All such directors' options
will become exercisable in full on the first anniversary of the date of grant
will have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock
on the date of grant, which will be the closing price of the common stock on the
date of each annual meeting of stockholders. For tax reasons, the 1991 Plan
limits the number of shares of common stock with respect to which options may be
granted to any individual in any year to no more than 150,000.

         The board may modify, suspend or terminate the 1991 Plan, provided
however, that certain material modifications affecting the 1991 Plan must be
approved by the stockholders, and any change in the 1991 Plan that may adversely
affect an optionee's rights under an option previously granted under the 1991
Plan requires the consent of the optionee.



                                       89
<PAGE>



         1997 Stock Option Plan

         Under the 1997 Plan a maximum of 1,500,000 shares of common stock has
been reserved for issuance, subject to equitable adjustment upon the occurrence
of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, combination or exchange of
shares.

         Unless otherwise determined by the board, the 1997 Plan shall be
administered by a committee appointed by the board, which shall consist of two
or more members of the board who are "outside directors" within the meaning of
section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The full board shall also have the
authority, in its discretion, to grant stock options or other stock-based awards
under the 1997 Plan and to administer the 1997 Plan. For all purposes under the
1997 Plan, any entity which performs the duties described, shall be referred to
as the "Committee." The Committee shall have full authority, subject to the
provisions of the 1997 Plan, among other things, to determine the persons to
whom options or other stock-based awards will be granted, to determine the
exercise price of the stock options and to prescribe, amend and rescind rules
and regulations relating to the 1997 Plan. Grants of stock options or other
stock-based awards may be made under the 1997 Plan to selected employees,
directors, including directors who are not employees, and consultants of Riddell
and our present or future affiliates, in the discretion of the Committee.

         The 1997 Plan also provides for automatic grants of stock options (with
an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock on
the date of grant) to each member of the board who is not a Chief Executive
Officer, President, Senior Vice President or Executive Vice President of Riddell
or our subsidiaries ("Eligible Directors"). Except as otherwise determined by
the Committee, options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock will be
automatically granted to Eligible Directors upon commencement of their service
on the board, except with respect to Eligible Directors serving on the date of
the 1997 annual stockholders meeting. Thereafter, Eligible Directors are granted
an option to purchase 7,500 shares of common stock on the date of each
subsequent annual meeting of stockholders, unless such Eligible Director has
received an initial option grant less than one year prior to the date of such
meeting. Options automatically granted to Eligible Directors become exercisable
as to all shares on the first anniversary of the date of grant or on the
retirement of the Eligible Director from the Board, whichever is first. Options
automatically granted to Eligible Directors expire on the earliest of:

        o     the tenth anniversary of the date of grant;

        o     the second anniversary of the termination of the Eligible
              Directors' service on the Board for reasons other than cause; or

        o     thirty days after the termination of the Eligible Directors'
              service on the Board of Directors for cause, as defined in the
              1997 Plan.

         Except to the extent the committee provides otherwise, stock options
granted under the 1997 Plan shall not be transferable otherwise than by will or
by the laws of descent and distribution. The 1997 Plan may, at any time and from
time to time, be altered, amended, suspended, or terminated by the board, in
whole or in part; provided that, unless otherwise determined by the board, an
amendment that requires stockholder approval in order for the 1997 Plan to
continue to comply with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code or any other
law, regulation or stock exchange requirement shall not be effective unless
approved by the requisite vote of stockholders. In addition, no amendment may be
made which adversely affects any of the rights of a optionee under any award
theretofore granted, without such grantee's written consent.

                 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

         In 1994 Riddell granted a common stock purchase warrant to a limited
partnership owned in part by Messrs. Nederlander, Toboroff and McConnaughy to
purchase 150,000 shares of our


                                       90
<PAGE>

common stock in consideration for the extension of a note in the amount of
$2,000,000 issued by the partnership in favor of Riddell. In August 1995 certain
of the original partners withdrew from the partnership, and Messrs. Cougill,
Mauer, McConnaughy, Nederlander and Toboroff or entities controlled by them
acquired their interests in the warrant.

         In 1998, based on a resolution of the Compensation Committee with Mr.
McConnaughy abstaining, Riddell allowed the holders of the warrant to effect a
cashless exercise of the warrant, in effect accepting shares issuable upon
exercise as payment for the exercise based on per share value one-eighth of a
point higher than the quoted market value. As a result, 42,362 shares of common
stock were issued in exchange for the 150,000 share warrant based on an exercise
price of $2.96 per share and an exchange price of $4.125 per share. The exchange
price of $4.125 per share was set on a date when the quoted market price of a
share of common stock was $4.00.


         On February 25, 2000, we entered into a nine (9) year sublease with a
company owned and controlled by our chairman, Mr. Robert Nederlander. Pursuant
to the sublease we will pay a base rent of approximately $117,000 per annum
which will rise to approximately $138,000 per annum during the term of the
sublease. We will also pay our pro rata share (approximately 34%) of operating
expenses during the term of the sublease. We paid $175,000 upon the execution of
the sublease, which represents our pro rata share of the build out expenses
relative to the sublease. We believe that the terms of the sublease are at least
equivalent to what we could reasonably expect to receive from an unrelated third
party.



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<PAGE>

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

         We are offering the shares of common stock in the rights offering
directly to holders of our common stock.

         As soon as practicable after the date of this prospectus, we will
distribute the rights and copies of this prospectus to individuals who owned
shares of common stock on December 27, 1999.

         We currently anticipate that a group of our officers, directors and
some other individuals will agree to exercise all of the rights granted to those
members of the standby group who are stockholders as of the record date, and, in
addition, will also agree to purchase up to $__________ worth of the shares
offered under the rights offering that are not purchased by the other
stockholders.

         We will pay the fees and expenses of American Stock Transfer & Trust
Company, as subscription agent in the rights offering. We have also have agreed
to indemnify the subscription agent from any liability which it may incur in
connection with the rights offering, including liabilities under the Securities
Act of 1933.

         We will pay H.C. Wainwright & Co., Inc., as solicitation agent, an
agency fee equal to 3% of the gross proceeds received upon the exercise of
rights in the rights offering.


         In addition to the rights offering, we are also conducting an
underwritten offering on a firm commitment basis of 250,000 shares of our common
stock, the concurrent offering. H.C. Wainwright & Co. shall act as underwriter
in the concurrent offering. In its capacity as underwriter, H.C. Wainwright &
Co., Inc. shall receive a 7% discount on all shares underwritten in the
concurrent offering. We have also granted the underwriter an option, exercisable
during the 45-day period commencing on the date of this prospectus, to purchase
at the public offering price per share, less the underwriting discount, up to an
aggregate of 37,500 shares of common stock.


         We have also agreed to reimburse H.C. Wainwright & Co. for its actual
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the rights offering and the
concurrent offering, including the fees and expenses of its counsel.


         We will also pay to H.C. Wainwright & Co. a non-accountable expense
allowance equal to 3% of the gross proceeds received by us in the rights
offering and the concurrent offering.


         In addition, we have agreed to indemnify H.C. Wainwright & Co. against
some liabilities, including civil liabilities under the Securities Act, or to
contribute to payments H.C. Wainwright & Co. may be required to make in this
respect.


                                       92
<PAGE>

                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

General

         We are authorized to issue 40,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par
value, and 5,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, $0.01 par value.

Common stock

         As of December 31, 1999 there were 9,263,957 shares of common stock
outstanding which were held of record by approximately 730 stockholders.

         The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all
matters to be voted upon by the stockholders. All matters subject to stockholder
approval require the approval of a simple majority of the issued and outstanding
shares of common stock. There is no cumulative voting with respect to the
Company's common stock. The holders of common stock are entitled to receive
ratably dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the Board of
Directors out of funds legally available for such purpose. In the event of a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Riddell, the holders of common stock
are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of
liabilities subject to prior distribution rights of preferred stock, if any,
then outstanding. The common stock has no preemptive or conversion rights or
other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions
applicable to the common stock.

Preferred stock

         As the proper language was inadvertently omitted from our certificate
of incorporation in connection with a previous amendment, we are currently
amending our certificate of incorporation to provide the Board of Directors with
the authority, without action by the stockholders, to designate and issue
preferred stock in one or more series and to designate the rights, preferences
and privileges of each series, any or all of which may be greater than the
rights of the common stock. We cannot state the actual effect of the issuance of
any shares of preferred stock upon the rights of holders of common stock until
the Board determines the specific rights of the holders of such preferred stock.
However, effects on the holders of common stock might include, among other
things, restricting dividends on a common stock, deleting the voting power of
the common stock if a class or series of the preferred stock were given super
voting rights, and paring the liquidation rights of the common stock and
delaying or preventing a change of control of Riddell without further action by
the stockholders. As of December 31, 1999, there are 5,000,000 shares of
preferred stock authorized, although none were issued and outstanding. We have
no present plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.


                                       93
<PAGE>

Common stock purchase warrants


         Holders who exercise their rights shall receive, for no additional
consideration, common stock purchase warrants that are exercisable for a portion
of Riddell's ownership interest in a future subsidiary, either newly formed or
presently existing, whose principal business is Riddell's Internet operations.
All of the warrants issued, in the aggregate, will represent the right to
purchase ______ percent of Riddell's ownership interest in this Internet
subsidiary at the time the warrants first become exercisable. These warrants
will only become exercisable if (1) we form or use a presently existing
subsidiary to conduct substantially all of our Internet operations, and (2) we
effect an initial public offering for this subsidiary on or before December 31,
2002. If we close on an initial public offering of our Internet subsidiary by
December 31, 2002, the warrants will be exercisable for six (6) months after the
closing of the initial public offering, after which time they will expire. If we
do not form an Internet subsidiary by December 31, 2002, or form such a
subsidiary but do not effect an initial public offering for our Internet
subsidiary on or before December 31, 2002, these common stock purchase warrants
shall expire on December 31, 2002 and shall no longer be exercisable. If we do
effect an initial public offering of our Internet subsidiary on or before
December 31, 2002 we will also register at that time the shares of common stock
issuable to you upon your exercise of the common stock purchase warrants. The
common stock purchase warrants will have an exercise price of $.01 per share,
are not transferable, except in the event of the death of the holder, in which
event they are transferable to the estate of the holder, are subject to
dilution, and will only be issued to those individuals or entities who exercise
rights.


Delaware anti-takeover law and certain charter and bylaw provisions

         Some provisions of Delaware law and our certificate of incorporation
and by-laws could make it more difficult to acquire us by means of a tender
offer, a proxy contest or otherwise and the removal of incumbent officers and
directors. These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage
certain types of coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to
encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with us.
We believe that the benefits of increased protection of our potential ability to
negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire
or restructure us outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging takeover or
acquisition proposals because, among other things, negotiation of these
proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

         We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law,
an anti-takeover law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware
corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested
stockholder" for a period of three years following the date the person became an
interested stockholder, unless, with certain exceptions, the "business
combination" or the transaction in which the person became an interested
stockholder is approved in a prescribed manner. Generally, a "business
combination" includes a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction
resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Generally, an
"interested stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and
associates, owns, or within three years prior to the determination of interested
stockholder status, did own, 15% or more of a corporation's voting stock. The
existence of this provision would be expected to have an anti-takeover effect
with respect to transactions not approved in advance by the Board of Directors,
including discouraging attempts that might result in a premium over the market
price for the shares of common stock held by stockholders.

         Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws require that special
meetings of our stockholders may be called only by the Board of Directors or
certain of our officers.

                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES


                                       94
<PAGE>

         The 10.5% senior notes due 2007 contain covenants that, among other
things, restrict the level of other indebtedness we may incur, the amounts of
investments we may make in other businesses, the sale of assets and use of
proceeds therefrom, and the payment of dividends. The senior notes also restrict
payment of junior indebtedness prior to the maturity of the junior indebtedness.
The interest on the senior notes is payable semiannually on January 15 and July
15. The holders of the senior notes have the right to require the senior notes
to be redeemed at 101% of the principal amount in the event of a change of
control (as defined in the senior notes). The senior notes contain prepayment
restrictions and have no mandatory redemption provisions. The senior notes are
guaranteed by all of our subsidiaries. Each of these subsidiaries are
wholly-owned subsidiaries of Riddell and have fully and unconditionally
guaranteed the senior notes on a joint and several basis. Riddell itself is a
holding company with no assets or operations other than those relating to our
investments in our subsidiaries. There is currently $115 million of senior notes
outstanding.

         The 4.1% convertible subordinated note is subordinated in right to
prior payment in full of senior indebtedness, which is generally defined in the
governing agreements to include debt under the senior notes and revolving line
of credit described above and any refinancing, renewal or replacement thereof as
well as certain other debt. Repayments of 25% and 33 1/3% of the then
outstanding principal balance is due on November 1, 2002 and 2003, respectively,
with the remaining balance due November 1, 2004. Interest is payable
semiannually each May 1 and November 1. The note limits our ability to grant
stock options and requires repayment of 101% of the principal amount in the
event of a change in control (as defined). In connection with obtaining consents
needed for various aspects of the Varsity acquisition, we amended the note to
provide for a reduction from $6.00 to $5.3763 per share in the conversion price.
The convertible debt outstanding is currently $7.5 million.

         Riddell also has outstanding indebtedness under a revolving credit
facility as discussed in the liquidity and capital resources section of
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."

                         FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

General

         This section discusses the material federal income tax consequences of
the rights offering to (1) beneficial owners of our common stock upon
distribution of the rights, (2) holders of rights upon the exercise and
disposition of the rights, and (3) holders of common stock purchase warrants.
The discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Treasury
regulations thereunder, judicial authority, and current administrative rulings
and practice, all of which are subject to change prospectively or retroactively.
The discussion is limited to U.S. taxpayers who hold our common stock, and will
hold the rights and common stock purchase warrants and any shares acquired upon
the exercise of such rights or warrants, as capital assets (generally, property
held for investment). This discussion deals only with stockholders who receive
the rights in the initial offering and does not include any tax consequences
under state, local and foreign law. Financial institutions, broker-dealers,
nominee holders of our common stock or rights or common stock purchase warrants,
life insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations and possibly other types of
taxpayers may be subject to special provisions of the tax law or subject to
other tax considerations not discussed below.


         Holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning their own



                                       95
<PAGE>


respective tax situations or special tax considerations that may apply to them,
including without limitation foreign, state and local laws that may apply.


Tax consequences of rights

         Distribution of rights

         Owners of our common stock will not recognize taxable income as a
result of the distribution of the rights.

         Basis and holding period of the rights

         The tax basis of the rights received by an owner of our common stock
will be zero, unless the stockholder elects to allocate a portion of the tax
basis of the common stock to the rights received in proportion to their
respective fair market values. The election to allocate a portion of
the tax basis to the rights must be made on the holders federal income tax
return for the taxable year in which the rights are received.

         The holding period of a stockholder with respect to the rights received
as a distribution on such stockholders common stock will include the
stockholders holding period for the common stock with respect to which the
rights were distributed.

         Transfer of the rights

         A holder of rights who sells the rights prior to exercise will
recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the sale proceeds
and the tax basis (if any) in the rights sold.

         Lapse of the rights

         If rights expire prior to their sale or other disposition, the holders
of those rights will not recognize any gain or loss, assuming the holder did not
elect to allocate tax basis to the rights upon the initial distribution;
therefore no adjustment will be made to the tax basis of our common stock, if
any, owned by such holders.

         Exercise of the rights and basis and holding period of the common stock


         Holders of rights will not recognize any gain or loss upon the exercise
of rights except as discussed below with respect to the common stock purchase
warrants. The tax basis of our common stock acquired through exercise of the
rights will be equal to the sum of the subscription price allocated to our
common stock received upon exercise and the holders tax basis (if any) in the
rights. We believe that a holder should first allocate a portion of the
subscription price to the common stock purchase warrants received based upon the
proportion of the fair market value of such warrants on the date of receipt to
the sum of the fair market value of the common stock purchase warrants and the
common stock. A holder should allocate the remainder of the subscription price
to our common stock acquired through exercise of the rights. An independent
appraiser retained by us has determined the fair market value of the common
stock purchase warrants to be $____ per warrant as of ____________ (assuming
that all 1,000,000 shares offered are subscribed for). Holders of rights should
consult with their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of exercising
the rights and the tax basis of our common stock received upon exercise.


         The holding period for our common stock acquired through exercise of
the rights will begin on the date the rights are exercised.


                                       96
<PAGE>

         Sale of common stock

         A stockholder will recognize gain or loss upon the sale of our common
stock acquired by exercise of rights in an amount equal to the difference
between the amount realized and the stockholders tax basis in the shares. The
gain or loss so recognized will be long-term or short-term capital gain or loss,
depending on whether the shares have been held for more than one year.

Tax consequences of common stock purchase warrants

         Distribution of common stock purchase warrants


         Upon exercise of the rights, we believe that receipt of the common
stock purchase warrants will be treated as a distribution of property and
taxable as a dividend to the stockholders upon receipt to the extent the fair
market value of the common stock purchase warrants on the date of receipt
exceeds the subscription price allocated to said warrants. An independent
appraiser retained by us has determined the fair market value of the common
stock purchase warrant to be $____ per warrant as of ____________ (assuming that
all 1,000,000 shares offered are subscribed for).


The tax basis of the common stock purchase warrants will be equal to the
allocated portion of the subscription price plus the amount of dividend
resulting thereon; accordingly, Riddell believes that the total tax basis of the
common stock purchase warrants will be equal to the fair market value of the
common stock purchase warrants as of the date of receipt.

         We believe that the proper measurement date to value the common stock
purchase warrant is the date the warrant is issued (i.e., the date the rights
are exercised). However, the Internal Revenue Service may assert that the proper
date of measurement occurs on the date of exercise of the common stock purchase
warrant, in which case the exercise of the common stock purchase warrants would
be treated as a distribution of property and taxable as a dividend to the
stockholders to the extent that the fair market value of the shares received
upon exercise of the warrants exceeds the amount paid for such shares, subject
to the current and accumulated earnings and profits of Riddell. We will
aggressively contest any such assertion by the Internal Revenue Service. Holders
of common stock purchase warrants should consult with their own tax advisors
regarding the tax consequences of exercising the warrants.

         Holding period of common stock purchase warrants

         The holding period of the common stock purchase warrants will begin on
the date following the day of distribution.

         Lapse of common stock purchase warrants

         In the event the common stock purchase warrants expire, the holder will
recognize a loss to the extent of the tax basis allocated to the common stock
purchase warrant. Such a loss would be a capital loss.

         Exercise of the common stock purchase warrant

         To the extent the common stock purchase warrant is exercised, there
should not be a taxable event. The tax basis in the shares received would be the
basis of the warrant and the exercise price paid for the shares of stock.



                                       97
<PAGE>

                                  LEGAL MATTERS

         The validity of the common stock, the rights and warrants in this
offering will be passed upon for Riddell by Zukerman Gore & Brandeis, LLP, New
York, New York. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP will pass upon various legal
matters for the underwriter.

                                     EXPERTS


         The consolidated financial statements and schedules as of December 31,
1999 and 1998 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1999 included in this prospectus and elsewhere in this registration statement
have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public
accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are
included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing. Valuemetrics, Inc. will pass on certain matters with
respect to the warrants in this offering.


                       WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

         We file annual, quarterly and special reports and other information
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy any document
we file at the SEC's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New
York and Chicago, Illinois. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further
information on the public reference rooms. Our recent SEC filings also are
available to you at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov.

         This prospectus, which constitutes a part of a registration statement
on Form S-1 filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Act of 1933, omits certain of the information set forth in the
registration statement. Accordingly, for further information, you should refer
to the registration statement and its exhibits on file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Furthermore, statements contained in this prospectus
concerning any document filed as an exhibit are not necessarily complete and, in
each instance, we refer you to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to
the registration statement.


                                       98

<PAGE>


                          INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


                                                                           Page
                                                                           ----
         Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants................ F-2

         Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1999 and 1998 ........ F-3

         Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
             December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 ............................. F-4

         Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years
             ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 ....................... F-5

         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
             December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 ............................. F-6

         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........................ F-7


                                       F1

<PAGE>






               REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



Board of Directors
Riddell Sports Inc.


         We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Riddell
Sports Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999
and 1998, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders'
equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1999. These financial statements are the responsibility of the management of
Riddell Sports Inc. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.

         We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

         In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Riddell
Sports Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999 in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.




                                         GRANT THORNTON LLP


Chicago, Illinois
February 21, 2000


                                       F2

<PAGE>



                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (In thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                           December 31,
                                                                                      1999              1998
                                                                                  -----------      ---------
<S>                                                                               <C>              <C>
                                     ASSETS
Current assets:
   Cash    .......................................................................       $513           $1,752
   Accounts receivable, trade, less allowance for doubtful
     accounts ($1,863 and $1,302 respectively) (Note 4)...........................     32,524           28,016
   Inventories (Note 5)...........................................................     33,388           28,763
   Prepaid expenses...............................................................      7,578            6,493
   Other receivables..............................................................      2,020            1,644
   Deferred taxes (Note 12 )......................................................      2,076            1,253
                                                                                  -----------      -----------
           Total current assets                                                        78,099           67,921
Property and equipment, less accumulated depreciation (Note 6)....................      7,771            7,871
Intangible assets and deferred charges, less accumulated
   amortization (Note 7) .........................................................    105,952          108,735
Other assets......................................................................      2,514            1,684
                                                                                  -----------      -----------
            Total assets                                                             $194,336         $186,211
                                                                                  ===========      ===========

                      LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
   Accounts payable...............................................................    $10,318          $12,744
   Accrued liabilities (Note 11)..................................................     11,783           11,253
   Customer deposits..............................................................      6,090            5,961
                                                                                  -----------      -----------
           Total current liabilities                                                   28,191           29,958
Long-term debt, less current portion (Note 8).....................................    136,097          126,900
Deferred taxes (Note 12)..........................................................      2,076              348
Other liabilities (Note 11).......................................................      3,107            3,554
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Notes 10 and 11)..........................         -                -

Shareholders' equity (Note 9):
   Preferred stock, $.01 par; authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued............         -                -
   Common stock, $.01 par; authorized 40,000,000 shares; issued
     and outstanding 9,263,957 and 9,258,957 shares, respectively.................         93               93
   Capital in excess of par.......................................................     36,862           36,849
   Accumulated deficit............................................................    (12,090)         (11,491)
                                                                                  -----------      -----------
            Total shareholders' equity                                                 24,865           25,451
                                                                                  -----------      -----------
               Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                            $194,336         $186,211
                                                                                  ===========      ===========

</TABLE>


                 See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                       F3

<PAGE>



                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                    (In thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                 Years ended December 31,
                                                                          ------------------------------------
                                                                            1999          1998          1997
                                                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
<S>                                                                       <C>          <C>           <C>

Net revenues:
   Net sales, products and reconditioning............................      $156,411      $136,283     $103,583
   Camps and events..................................................        51,130        48,704       32,302
   Royalty income....................................................         1,056         1,613        2,388
                                                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
                                                                            208,597       186,600      138,273
                                                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
Costs of revenues:
   Products and reconditioning.......................................        89,166        79,611       58,718
   Camps and events..................................................        34,596        33,930       21,957
                                                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
                                                                            123,762       113,541       80,675
                                                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
Gross profit.........................................................        84,835        73,059       57,598
Selling, general and administrative expenses.........................        69,210        64,617       46,278
Other charges (credits)..............................................           (60)         925            -
                                                                          ---------    ----------    --------
Income from operations...............................................        15,685         7,517       11,320
Interest expense (Note 8)............................................        15,379        14,656       11,879
                                                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
Income (loss) before taxes...........................................           306        (7,139)        (559)
Income taxes.........................................................           905            -             -
                                                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
Net (loss)...........................................................         ($599)      ($7,139)       ($559)
                                                                          =========    ==========    =========

Net (loss) per share, basic and diluted..............................        ($0.06)       ($0.78)      ($0.07)


Weighted average number of common and common
   equivalent shares outstanding, basic and diluted..................         9,260         9,134        8,585

</TABLE>

                 See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                       F4

<PAGE>



                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 (In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>




                                                                                      Retained
                                            Common Stock               Additional     earnings            Total
                                      -----------------------            paid in    (Accumulated      Shareholders'
                                        Shares        Amount             capital       deficit)           equity
                                      ----------    ---------          ----------   ------------      --------------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>                <C>          <C>               <C>

Balance, January 1, 1997..............     8,068         $81            $31,457         ($3,793)           $27,745
   Compensation in connection
     with option grants...............         -          -                 559              -                 559
   Issuance of common stock upon
     exercise of stock options........         25         -                  60              -                  60
   Sale of common stock,
     net of costs                             986         10              4,310              -               4,320
   Net (loss) for the year............         -          -                  -             (559)              (559)
                                      -----------  ---------    ---------------   -------------   ----------------
Balance, December 31, 1997............      9,079         91             36,386          (4,352)            32,125
   Issuance of common stock
     upon exercise of stock
     options and warrants ............         99          1                136              -                 137
   Stock issued to employees..........         81          1                327                                328
   Net (loss) for the year............         -          -                  -           (7,139)            (7,139)
                                      -----------  ---------    ---------------   -------------   ----------------
Balance, December 31, 1998............      9,259         93             36,849         (11,491)            25,451
   Issuance of common stock
     upon exercise of stock options             4         -                  13              -                  13
   Net (loss) for the year............         -         -                   -             (599)              (599)
                                      -----------  ---------    ---------------   -------------   ----------------
Balance, December 31, 1999............      9,263        $93            $36,862        ($12,090)           $24,865
                                      ===========  =========    ===============   =============   ================


</TABLE>

                 See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                       F5

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                 Years ended December 31,
                                                                          ------------------------------------
                                                                            1999          1998          1997
                                                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
<S>                                                                       <C>          <C>           <C>

Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net (loss)     ...................................................         ($599)      ($7,139)       ($559)
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
    cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization:
       Amortization of debt issue costs..............................           843           803          502
       Other depreciation and amortization...........................         5,834         5,713        4,010
     Stock options issued............................................             -             -          559
     Compensation expense for stock issued to employees..............             -           199            -
     Provision for losses on accounts receivable.....................         1,196           929          365
     Deferred taxes..................................................           905             -            -
     Change in assets and liabilities (net
      of effects from acquisitions):
       (Increase) decrease in:
         Accounts receivable, trade..................................        (5,704)       (2,520)       6,426
         Inventories.................................................        (4,625)       (4,697)       1,400
         Prepaid expenses............................................        (1,085)          307        2,304
         Other receivables...........................................          (376)          (82)         975
         Other assets................................................          (830)          212           45
       Increase (decrease) in:
         Accounts payable............................................        (2,426)        4,367       (4,010)
         Accrued liabilities.........................................           530           664         (502)
         Customer deposits...........................................           129         1,432       (6,167)
         Other liabilities...........................................          (447)          494         (987)
                                                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
           Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities.......        (6,655)          682        4,361
                                                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
Cash flows from investment activities:
   Capital expenditures..............................................        (2,542)       (2,494)      (1,814)
   Acquisitions   ...................................................             -             -      (91,245)
   Umbro license acquisition fee.....................................             -          (500)           -
   Other investments.................................................          (686)       (1,485)        (166)
                                                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
           Net cash used in investing activities.....................        (3,228)       (4,479)     (93,225)
                                                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
   Net borrowings under line-of-credit agreement.....................         9,197         4,400      (17,890)
   Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt..........................             -             -      115,000
   Debt issue costs..................................................          (566)            -       (6,220)
   Principal payments on long-term debt:
     Shareholders....................................................             -             -         (439)
     Banks and other.................................................             -             -       (5,313)
   Proceeds from issuance of common stock............................            13           138        4,380
                                                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
         Net cash provided by financing activities...................         8,644         4,538       89,518
                                                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash......................................        (1,239)          741          654
Cash, beginning......................................................         1,752         1,011          357
                                                                          ---------    ----------    ---------
Cash, ending      ...................................................          $513         $1752       $1,011
                                                                          =========    ==========    =========

</TABLE>


                 See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                       F6

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1.       Summary of significant accounting policies:

         Principles of  consolidation:  The consolidated  financial  statements
include the accounts of Riddell Sports Inc. and its  wholly-owned  subsidiaries.
All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

         Business: Riddell markets and manufactures products and services for
the extracurricular portion of the educational market. The Company owns or
licenses leading brands, such as Riddell(R), Varsity Spirit(R), Umbro(R) and
MacGregor(R) for products and services for team sports and school spirit
activities. Riddell markets its products and services to schools and
recreational organizations and the coaches and participants in the
extracurricular market through its own nationwide sales force, a web site
targeted to specific activities and a year-round marketing cycle of special
events, competitions and instruction.

         Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined on
a first-in,  first-out basis) or market and include material,  labor and factory
overhead.

         Property and equipment: Property and equipment are stated at cost.
Depreciation is being computed using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives (principally 30 years for buildings and improvements, except for
leasehold improvements depreciated over the lessor of the lease term or their
useful life, and 3 to 7 years for machinery and equipment) of the related
assets.

         Intangible assets and deferred charges: Debt issue costs are amortized
to interest expense over the term of the related debt. Other intangibles and
deferred charges are being amortized by the straight- line method over their
respective estimated lives.

         Long-lived assets including goodwill and other intangible assets are
reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For purposes of
evaluating the recoverability of long-lived assets, the related assets' carrying
value is compared to the undiscounted estimated future cash flows from the
related operations.

         Income taxes: Deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognized for
the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the
financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are
determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases
of assets and liabilities (excluding non-deductible goodwill) using enacted tax
rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to become
recoverable or payable.

         Revenues: Sales of products and reconditioning are generally recorded
upon shipment to customers. Camp and event revenues are recognized over the term
of the respective activity. Royalty income is generally recorded by Riddell when
earned based upon contracts with licensees. These contracts provide for
royalties based upon the licensee's sales or purchases of covered products,
subject to periodic minimum amounts of royalties.

         Estimates: In preparing financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles, management is required to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
for the periods reported. Actual results

                                       F7

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


could differ from those estimates.  Estimates relating to contingent liabilities
are further discussed in Note 11.

         Concentration of credit risk: The majority of Riddell's receivables
arise from sales to schools and other institutions. Riddell maintains reserves
for potential losses on receivables from these institutions, as well as
receivables from other customers, and such losses have generally not exceeded
management's expectations.

         Earnings (loss) per share: Net loss per share amounts have been
computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of outstanding
common shares. Diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997 is equal to basic earnings per share as all of these periods had a
net loss. Potentially dilutive securities, which include convertible debt,
Common Stock options and warrants, were not dilutive due to the net losses
incurred.

         Capitalized software costs: Effective January 1, 1999, Riddell adopted
Statement of Position (SOP) 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use". SOP 98-1 provides guidance on
accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal
use.


2.       Acquisition

         On June 19, 1997 Riddell acquired Varsity Spirit Corporation. Varsity
is a leading supplier of cheerleader and dance team uniforms and accessories to
the youth, junior high, high school and college markets. Varsity is also a
leading operator of cheerleader and dance team camps, clinics and special
events. The net purchase price of approximately $91.2 million, including costs
of the acquisition, was paid in cash, and the acquisition has been accounted for
under the purchase method. The purchase price was allocated based on estimated
fair values at the date of acquisition. This resulted in an excess of the
purchase price over the net assets acquired of $74.8 million, which has been
recorded as goodwill and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 40
years. A summary of the allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired
based on their estimated fair values follows:

                                                                  (In thousands)
         Purchase price including costs and
           liabilities paid at closing                                  $95,548
         Less, cash acquired                                             (4,303)
                                                                       --------
         Net cash cost                                                   91,245
         Current liabilities assumed                                     23,068
         Less, acquired assets:
             Current assets, excluding cash                             (35,055)
             Property and Equipment                                      (3,926)
             Other assets                                                  (577)
                                                                       --------
         Excess cost over net
           assets acquired (goodwill)                                  $ 74,755
                                                                       ========


                                       F8

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


         The operating results of Varsity have been included in the consolidated
statements of operations from the date of acquisition. The following pro forma
information presents the combined operations of Riddell and Varsity as if the
acquisition, and relating financing transactions discussed in Note 8, had
occurred at the beginning of 1997:

Year Ended December 31, 1997 (In thousands, except per share amounts):
         Net revenues                                  $174,084
         Cost of revenues                               103,076
                                                       --------
         Gross profit                                    71,008
         Selling, general and administrative expenses    63,048
                                                       --------
         Income from operations                           7,960
         Interest expense                                14,230
                                                       --------
         Income (loss) before taxes                      (6,270)
         Income taxes                                        --
                                                       --------
         Net income (loss)                              ($6,270)
                                                       ========

         Net loss per share, basic and diluted           ($0.69)

         Depreciation and amortization                   $5,588

         These pro forma results have been presented for comparative purposes
only and include the following pro forma adjustments (amounts shown in thousands
and relate to the years ended December 31, 1997): (1) additional amortization
expense as a result of goodwill arising from the acquisition ($789); (2) salary
increases relating to contracts entered into in conjunction with the
transactions ($75); (3) elimination of costs incurred by Varsity in maintaining
its status as a separate public corporation ($165); (4) adjustments of certain
expenses incurred by Riddell or Varsity based on programs existing within the
other company ($38); (5) elimination of one time charges arising from the
transaction for redeeming Varsity stock options ($4,783), a change in control
payment ($250) and bridge loan commitment fees ($3,000); (6) additional interest
on acquisition debt and related debt changes ($5,401); and (7) the tax effect of
the above ($1,728 credit elimination). The pro forma results are not necessarily
indicative of results that would have occurred had the combination been effected
at the dates indicated nor of future operating results of the combined
operations.

3.        UMBRO license

         In November 1998, Riddell entered into an license agreement with Umbro
International, Inc. pursuant to which Riddell acquired the right to manufacture,
market and sell Umbro brand soccer apparel, footwear, equipment, and accessories
on an exclusive basis to the team channel of distribution throughout the United
States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for five years. The Umbro
License is royalty-free for 1999. Riddell is required to begin paying royalties
in the year 2000, at which time it is also required to meet annual minimum sales
figures. In the event that Riddell fails to meet required minimum sales levels
subsequent to 1999 for two consecutive annual periods, Umbro International, Inc.
has the right to terminate the Umbro License. The Umbro License, which expires
in November of 2003, may be extended for an additional five years at Riddell's
option on or before August 15, 2003, provided that Riddell achieves certain
performance levels. Simultaneously with the signing of the license, Riddell
acquired certain inventory, promotional material and a 15% interest in U.S.L.,
Inc., an organization that promotes

                                       F9

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


soccer in the United States. Riddell incurred costs and expenses in connection
with entering into the license agreement in 1998, approximating $3.4 million,
which were allocated as follows:
                                                                (In thousands)
         Investment in U.S.L.,  Inc.                                     $300
         License Rights                                                   500
         Inventories                                                    2,500
         Other                                                            100
                                                                -------------
                                                                       $3,400
                                                                =============

4.       Receivables

         Accounts receivable include unbilled shipments of approximately $1,315
and $1,678 at December 31, 1999 and 1998. It is Riddell's policy to record
revenues when the related goods have been shipped. Unbilled shipments represent
receivables for shipments that have not yet been invoiced. These amounts relate
principally to partial shipments to customers who are not invoiced until their
order is shipped in its entirety or customers with orders containing other terms
that require a deferral in the issuance of an invoice. Management believes that
substantially all of these unbilled receivables will be invoiced within the
current sales season.


5.       Inventories:

         Inventories consist of the following:
                                                           December 31,
                                                   1999                 1998
                                                ------------         ---------
                                                           (In thousands)
                  Finished goods                     $20,459           $16,584
                  Work-in-process                      3,088             2,769
                  Raw materials                        9,841             9,410
                                                ------------     -------------
                                                     $33,388           $28,763
                                                ============     =============

6.       Property and equipment:

         Property and equipment consist of the following:
                                                           December 31,
                                                   1999                 1998
                                                -------------        ---------
                                                            (In thousands)
         Land                                         $  207             $ 207
         Building and improvements                     1,527             1,527
         Machinery and equipment                      15,760            13,350
                                                -------------    -------------
                                                      17,494            15,084
         Less accumulated depreciation                 9,723             7,213
                                                -------------    -------------
                                                      $7,771            $7,871
                                                =============    =============

         Depreciation expense relating to all property and equipment amounted to
$2,642,000, $2,446,000 and $1,423,000 for the years ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997, respectively.

                                       F10

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)




7.       Intangible assets and deferred charges:

         Intangible assets and deferred charges consist of the following:

                                              Estimated
                                                 Lives        December 31,
                                               in years     1999        1998
                                               --------    ------    ---------
                                                             (In thousands)
         MacGregor trademark rights               40       $18,040     $18,040
         Trademarks                               40         3,250       3,250
         Goodwill                                 40        92,110      91,479
         Debt issue costs                          8         7,547       6,981
         Other                                  7 to 10      2,898       2,843
                                                          --------     --------
                                                           123,845     122,593
         Less accumulated amortization                      17,893      13,858
                                                          --------     --------
                                                          $105,952    $108,735
                                                          ========    =========

         Amortization expense relating to all intangible assets and deferred
charges amounted to $4,035,000, $4,070,000 and $3,089,000 for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.


8.       Long-Term Debt:

Long-term debt consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        December 31,
                                                                                    1999              1998
                                                                                -------------   ----------
                                                                                        (In thousands)

<S>                                                                             <C>             <C>

Outstanding balance under a credit facility expiring in 2003, the                $ 13,597        $  4,400
   facility was revised in 1999, terms further described below

Senior notes, 10.5%, due 2007, terms further described below                      115,000         115,000

Convertible subordinated note payable, interest at 4.1%, due
   2002 through 2004, terms further described below                                 7,500           7,500
                                                                                 --------        --------
                                                                                  136,097         126,900
Less current portion                                                                    -               -
                                                                                 --------        --------
                                                                                 $136,097        $126,900
                                                                                 ========        ========

</TABLE>

                                       F11

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


The aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows:

                      Years ending December 31,                   (In thousands)
                             2002                                     $  1,875
                             2003                                       15,472
                             2004                                        3,750
                             2007                                      115,000
                                                                      --------
                                                                      $136.097

         In April 1999, Riddell entered into a revised credit facility with Bank
of America National Trust and Savings Association. The revised credit facility
replaced Riddell's $35 million credit facility with NationsBank (now named Bank
of America ) and NBD Bank which subsequently became a participant in the revised
facility. The revised credit facility consists of a line of credit in a
principal amount not to exceed $48 million, expiring at the end of December
2003. Draws under the line of credit are limited to a percentage of some of
Riddell's receivables and inventory. The outstanding balance of the line accrues
interest at a rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% on draws so designated by
Riddell, payable at the end of the applicable interest period, but not less
frequently than quarterly, and on other draws at the higher of the bank's prime
rate plus a margin of 0.75% or the Federal Funds rate plus 1.25%, payable
monthly. The credit facility also calls for an unused line fee equal to an
annual rate of 0.375% applied to the amount by which the lesser of $40 million
and the then maximum revolving amount exceeds the average daily balance of
outstanding borrowings under the line. Starting April 29, 2000, the margin of
the interest rate over the related rates is subject to quarterly adjustment
dependent on certain financial ratios. The interest rate margin can vary between
1.75% and 2.75% over LIBOR, 0.25% to 1.25% over the prime rate and 0.75% and
1.75% over the Federal Funds rate. The initial adjustment on April 29, 2000,
will increase the margin to its maximum level. The credit facility agreement
contains covenants which, among other things, require Riddell to meet certain
financial ratio and net worth tests, restrict the level of additional
indebtedness Riddell may incur, limit payments of dividends, restrict the sale
of assets and limit investments Riddell may make. The credit facility also
requires repayment of the principal amount upon the occurrence of a change in
the control, as defined, of Riddell. Riddell has pledged essentially all of its
tangible assets as collateral for the credit facility.


         The 10.5% senior notes contain covenants that, among other things,
restrict the level of other indebtedness Riddell may incur, the amounts of
investments it may make in other businesses, the sale of assets and use of
proceeds therefrom, and the payment of dividends. The senior notes also restrict
payment of junior indebtedness prior to the maturity of the junior indebtedness.
The full face value of the senior notes are due on July 15, 2007. The interest
on the senior notes is payable semiannually on January 15 and July 15. The
holders of the senior notes have the right to require the senior notes to be
redeemed at 101% of the principal amount in the event of a change of control (as
defined in the senior notes). The senior notes contain prepayment restrictions
and have no mandatory redemption provisions. The senior notes are guaranteed by
all of Riddell's subsidiaries. Each of these subsidiaries are wholly-owned
subsidiaries of Riddell and have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the senior
notes on a joint and several basis. Riddell itself is a holding company with no
assets or operations other than those relating to its investments in its
subsidiaries. The separate financial statements of the guaranteeing subsidiaries
are not presented in this report because, considering the facts stated above,
the separate financial statements and other disclosures concerning the
guaranteeing subsidiaries are not deemed material to investors by management.


                                       F12
<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


         The 4.1% convertible subordinated note is subordinated in right to
prior payment in full of senior indebtedness, which is generally defined in the
governing agreements to include debt under the senior notes and revolving line
of credit described above and any refinancing, renewal or replacement thereof as
well as certain other debt. Repayments of 25% and 33 1/3% of the then
outstanding principal balance is due on November 1, 2002 and 2003, respectively,
with the remaining balance due November 1, 2004. Interest is payable
semiannually each May 1 and November 1. The note limits Riddell's ability to
grant stock options and requires repayment of 101% of the principal amount in
the event of a change in control (as defined). In connection with obtaining
consents needed for various aspects of the Varsity acquisition, Riddell amended
the note to provide for a reduction from $6.00 to $5.3763 per share in the
conversion price.

         The senior notes were issued and a revolving credit facility (which was
revised in April 1999) was entered into in connection with the 1997 acquisition
of Varsity Spirit Corporation (see Note 2). In connection with these financing
transactions, all other long-term debt of Riddell, except the convertible notes,
was repaid. Riddell incurred debt issue costs of approximately $5.4 million in
connection with the senior notes and approximately $1.4 million of costs in
connection with the credit facility and its 1999 revision. These costs are
included with intangibles and deferred charges (see Note 7) and are being
amortized to interest expense over the life of the related debt. Riddell also
incurred costs of $3.0 million in connection with a bridge loan commitment
needed to support the acquisition. The bridge loan was not drawn-down and the
commitment fee was charged to interest expense in June 1997.

9.       Shareholders' equity and stock option plans:

         In conjunction with the Varsity Acquisition in June 1997, Riddell sold
986,169 shares of its Common Stock to certain key employees of Varsity at $4.50
per share for an aggregate, net of related costs, of approximately $4.3 million
pursuant to Stock Purchase Agreements, dated May 15, 1997.

         Stock option plans: The 1991 Stock Option Plan, as amended, and the
1997 Stock Option Plan provide for the granting of options to key employees,
directors, advisors and independent consultants to Riddell for the purchase of
up to an aggregate of 2,915,500 shares of Riddell's common stock. Under the 1991
Stock Option Plan, options for an aggregate of 1,415,500 shares may be granted
at an option price of no less than 85% of the market price of Riddell's common
stock on the date of grant and may be exercisable between one and ten years from
the date of grant. Under the 1997 Stock Option Plan, options or other
stock-based awards may be granted for an aggregate of 1,500,000 shares. The 1997
Stock Option Plan generally does not restrict the exercise price or terms of
grants.

         During 1998, Riddell issued 81,000 shares of its Common Stock to
certain employees for incentive compensation as a stock award under the terms of
the 1997 Stock Option Plan. These shares were recorded at a value of $328,000
based on quoted market values at the date of grant. The grants include 27,000
shares, valued at $128,000, granted in satisfaction of an accrual for
compensation included in accrued liabilities at December 31, 1997.

         During 1997, in connection with the terms of certain agreements entered
into in connection with the Varsity acquisition, Riddell issued options for the
purchase of approximately 950,000 shares of its Common Stock to Varsity
employees. Included in this amount are 450,000 options to certain key employees
of Varsity which vested immediately with an option price of $3.80. A charge of
approximately $559,000 was recorded in June, 1997, and credited to additional
paid in capital to reflect the intrinsic value of these options based on


                                       F-13

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


their in-the-money position on the measurement date for this grant. The
remaining 500,000 options were issued to a broad group of Varsity employees with
exercise prices at market. Both of these sets of option grants are included in
the information summarized below.

         Options granted through December 31, 1999 generally have been
designated as non-qualified stock options and, except as described above, have
had option prices equal to market values on the date of grant, have had terms of
five or ten years, and have had vesting periods of one or four years.
Information relating to stock option transactions over the past three years is
summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                        Options Outstanding           Options Exercisable
                                                   --------------------------        ---------------------
                                                                     Weighted                        Weighted
                                                                      Average                         Average
                                                     Number          Price Per      Number           Price per
                                                   Outstanding         Share      Exercisable          Share
                                                   -----------      ----------    -----------        ---------
<S>                                               <C>                 <C>             <C>            <C>
       Balance, December 31, 1996                     1,186,050         $3.87           712,913        $3.79
         Granted                                      1,085,925         $4.75
         Exercised                                      (25,000)        $2.39
         Forfeited                                       (7,000)        $4.46
         Expired                                        (82,000)       $10.75
                                                  -------------
       Balance, December 31, 1997                     2,157,975         $4.05         1,284,425        $3.37
         Granted                                        461,600         $5.08
         Exercised                                      (58,825)        $2.48
         Forfeited                                     (291,925)        $3.59
         Expired                                        (16,300)        $4.05
                                                  -------------
       Balance, December 31, 1998                     2,252,525         $4.36         1,362,106        $3.81
         Granted                                        364,000         $3.27
         Exercised                                       (5,000)        $2.44
         Forfeited                                      (64,000)        $2.80
         Expired                                       (101,500)        $2.87
                                                 --------------
       Balance, December 31, 1999                     2,446,025         $4.30         1,519,513        $4.22
                                                 ==============
</TABLE>

     Options forfeited in 1999 include options for 60,000 shares surrendered by
four members of the board of directors in exchange for a cash payment. Each of
the four directors received a payment of $16,875 in exchange for the surrender
of stock options granted to them in 1994 for 15,000 shares each, at an exercise
price of $2.625. The payment was computed based on the "in the money" value of
the options at the time of the payments.

     Options granted in 1998 include grants for 56,600 shares, granted in
November 1998, to certain employees (none of which were directors of Riddell) in
exchange for cancellation of options for 69,850 shares which had previously been
granted to these employees. The canceled options, which are included in the
forfeited category above, would have expired in December 1998 and had a weighted
average option price of $2.44 per share. The new grants had a term of ten years
and a weighted average option price of $3.76 per share.


                                       F-14

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


Further information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 1999 is
summarized as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 Options Outstanding                    Options Exercisable
                                --------------------------------------------         --------------------------
                                                Weighted          Weighted                         Weighted
                                                 Average           Average                          Average
            Range of              Number        Remaining        Price Per        Number          Price Per
         Exercise Prices       Outstanding    Contractual Life      Share         Exercisable        Share
       -----------------       -----------   ------------------- ----------      --------------------------
          <S>                    <C>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>
          $1.80 - $2.99            130,000      2.4  years          $1.99           125,000           $1.97
          $3.00 - $4.49          1,206,100      8.9  years          $3.64           810,550           $3.83
          $4.50 - $6.50          1,109,925      9.6  years          $5.29           583,963           $5.23
</TABLE>


         At December 31, 1998 there were 299,650 shares available for future
option grants.

         In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS 123), Riddell
has elected to continue to account for stock- based compensation under the
intrinsic value based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB 25). Under
APB 25, generally, no cost is recorded for stock options issued to employees
unless the option price is below market at the time options are granted. The
following pro forma net income and earnings per share are presented for
informational purposes and have been computed using the fair value method of
accounting for stock-based compensation as set forth in SFAS 123:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 Years ended December 31,
                                                                            1999          1998          1997
                                                                          ---------    ----------    -------
                                                                                     (In thousands)
         <S>                                                              <C>           <C>          <C>
         Pro forma net (loss)                                             ($1,725)      ($7,953)     ($1,973)
         Pro forma (loss) per share, basic and diluted                     ($0.19)       ($0.87)      ($0.23)
</TABLE>



        These pro forma amounts may not be representative of future disclosures
because they do not take into effect pro forma compensation expense related to
grants made before 1995. The pro forma results include expense related to the
fair value of stock options estimated at the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted average
assumptions for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively:
risk-free interest rates of 5.7%, 5.3% and 6.4%; expected volatility of 50%, 56%
and 50%; expected option life of 7 years and no dividend payments. The weighted
average estimated fair value of options granted during 1999, 1998 and 1997 was
$1.92, $3.16 and $3.28 per share, respectively.

        Warrants: During 1999 warrants held by one of Riddell's bankers expired.
The warrant was for 172,152 shares of Riddell's common stock at $3.72 per share.

        During 1998 certain officers and directors of Riddell exercised
outstanding warrants for shares of Riddell's Common Stock which would have
expired in January 1999. Riddell agreed to a cashless exercise of the warrants,
in effect accepting shares issuable upon exercise as payment for the exercise.
As a result, 42,362 shares of Common Stock were issued in exchange for warrants
for 150,000 shares based on an exercise price of $2.96 per share and an exchange
price of $4.125 per share. The exchange price of $4.125 per share was set on a
date when the quoted market price of a share of Common Stock was $4.00.


                                       F-15

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


10.      Commitments:

         Leases: Riddell leases various facilities and equipment under operating
leases. Rent expense amounted to approximately $3,105,000, $2,792,000 and
$1,958,000 for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

         Future minimum rental payments for all non-cancelable lease agreements
for periods after December 31, 1999 are as follows:

           Years ending December 31,                             (In thousands)
                        2000                                           $ 2,937
                        2001                                             1,537
                        2002                                             1,207
                        2003                                             1,002
                        2004                                               577
                        Later years                                      4,326
                                                                     ---------
           Total minimum payments required                            $ 11,586
                                                                     =========


         Employee benefits: Riddell has three noncontributory defined benefit
pension plans that cover, or have covered, certain employee groups. These plans
consist of two plans covering certain unionized employees and a plan that
covered non-union employees of one subsidiary. The non-union plan was amended in
1994 to provide that no benefits would accrue under the plan on or after
December 31, 1994. Expense for these plans was approximately $60,000, $200,000
and $50,000 for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997. Expenses for
1998 included a provision for costs relating to an anticipated termination of
the non-union plan.

         Riddell maintains defined contribution (401-k) plans covering
substantially all of its employees, other than those covered by the union plans.
Company contributions to these plans are based on a percentage of employee
contributions and are funded and charged to expense as incurred. Expenses
related to the plans amounted to $122,000, $95,000 and $342,000 for the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.


                                       F-16

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


11.      Accrued liabilities and contingencies:

         Recorded liabilities: In regards to the product liability contingencies
discussed below, Riddell has recorded certain liabilities. While these amounts
are discussed in the remaining sections of this note, a summary of these amounts
together with other items comprising the balance sheet line items "accrued
liabilities" and "other liabilities" follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                Accrued
                                                              liabilities     Other liabilities
                                                               (Current)        (Non-Current)
                                                               ---------        -------------
                                                                        (In thousands)
<S>                                                         <C>               <C>
    December 31, 1999:
      Product liability matters, reserves for
        pending and other contingencies                            $   700            $ 3,000
      Accrued interest                                               5,648                 -
      Other accrued liabilities                                      5,435                107
                                                            --------------    ---------------
             Total of balance sheet category                       $ 11,783           $ 3,107
                                                            ===============   ===============

    December 31, 1998:
      Product liability matters, reserves for
        pending and other contingencies                            $   700            $ 3,300
      Accrued interest                                               5,690                 -
      Other accrued liabilities                                      4,863                254
                                                            --------------    ---------------
             Total of balance sheet category                       $ 11,253           $ 3,554
                                                            ===============   ===============
</TABLE>


         Product liability litigation matters and contingencies:

         At December 31, 1999, Riddell was a defendant in 4 product liability
suits relating to personal injuries allegedly related to the use of helmets
manufactured or reconditioned by subsidiaries of Riddell. The ultimate outcome
of these claims, or potential future claims, cannot presently be determined.
Riddell estimates that the uninsured portion of future costs and expenses
related to these claims, and incurred but not reported claims, will amount to at
least $3,700,000 and, accordingly, a reserve in this amount is included in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1999 as part of accrued liabilities
and other liabilities. These reserves are based on estimates of losses and
defense costs anticipated to result from such claims, from within a range of
potential outcomes, based on available information, including an analysis of
historical data such as the rate of occurrence and the settlement amounts of
past cases. However, due to the uncertainty involved with estimates actual
results have at times varied substantially from earlier estimates and could do
so in the future. Accordingly there can be no assurance that the ultimate costs
of such claims will fall within the established reserves.

         Riddell maintains product liability insurance under a policy expiring
in January 2005. The policy is an occurrence-based policy providing coverage
against claims currently pending against Riddell and future claims relating to
all injuries occurring prior to January 2005 even if such claims are filed after
the end of the policy period. The insurance program provides certain basic and
excess coverage on product liability claims with a combined aggregate coverage
of over $40,000,000 subject to the limitations described below.


                                       F-17

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


         The first level of insurance coverage under the policy ("Basic
Coverage") provides coverage of up to $2,250,000 per claim in excess of an
uninsured retention (deductible) of $750,000 per occurrence. The Basic Coverage
is subject to an aggregate program limit and certain annual aggregate sub
limits. The Basic Coverage, which does not affect the availability of the excess
coverage described below, has an aggregate limit which is currently $5.6
million, but the policy allows Riddell to increase this maximum limit to $7.7
million at any time by prepaying the required premium, which counts at 120% of
the amount paid toward the limit. The Basic Coverage, to the extent available,
covers the insured portion of the first $3,000,000 of a claim. The insurance
program also provides for additional coverage ("Excess Coverage") of up to
$20,000,000 per occurrence, in excess of the first $3,000,000 of each claim.
Claims covered by the Excess Coverage are subject to one of two separate
$20,000,000 aggregate policy limits, depending on the date of the related
injury. The first $20,000,000 aggregate limit applies to claims for injuries
occurring prior to January 31, 1998, and claims occurring after January 1998 are
covered by the second separate $20,000,000 aggregate limit.

         In March 1999, a jury rendered a verdict against Riddell in a Texas
product liability lawsuit for approximately $11.4 million plus interest from
February 1996. Riddell has filed an appeal of the verdict. If the verdict was
paid in full it would be covered by the insurance described above. Any such
payment by the insurance company would reduce the amount of the aggregate limits
of Riddell's product liability insurance coverage described above.


         Other contingencies and litigation matters:

         In addition to the matters discussed in the preceding paragraphs,
Riddell has certain other claims or potential claims against it that may arise
in the normal course of business, including without limitation, claims relating
to personal injury as well as employment related matters. Management believes
that the probable resolution of such matters will not materially affect the
financial position or results of operations of Riddell.



                                       F-18

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)



12.      Income taxes:

         Income tax expense for 1999 was $905,000 which reflects an adjustment
relating to the valuation of deferred taxes. There was no current income tax
expense for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 due to net
operating losses generated, or carried forward to, these periods. There was no
other deferred tax expense during the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997 since there was generally a full valuation allowance applied to net
deferred tax assets. Changes in the valuation allowance were a decrease of
$354,000 (net of the increase of $905,000 relating to the adjustment described
above) for 1999, an increase of $2,184,000 for 1998 and a decrease of $355,000
for 1997.

         Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the
differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and
liabilities. The significant components of deferred income tax assets and
liabilities at December 31, 1999 and 1998 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   December 31,
                                                                            ---------------------------
                                                                                1999            1998
                                                                            -----------     -----------
                                                                                  (In thousands)
<S>                                                                         <C>             <C>
         Deferred income tax assets:
              Accrued expenses and reserves                                      $3,190         $ 2,843
              Inventory                                                             983             711
              Net operating loss, and credit, carryforwards                       4,812           6,551
              Other                                                                 379             308
                                                                            -----------     -----------
                                                                                  9,364          10,413
              Valuation allowances                                               (2,861)         (3,215)
                                                                            -----------     -----------
              Total deferred income tax assets                                    6,503           7,198
                                                                            -----------     -----------
         Deferred income tax liabilities:
              Intangible assets and deductible goodwill                           5,900           5,648
              Property and equipment                                                380             442
              Prepaid expenses                                                      223             203
                                                                            -----------     -----------
              Total deferred income tax liabilities                               6,503           6,293
                                                                            -----------     -----------
         Total net deferred income tax asset                                $     - 0 -       $     905
                                                                            ============    ===========


         The net current and non-current components of the deferred income taxes
were recognized in the balance sheet at December 31, 1999 and 1998 as follows:


                                                                                   December 31,
                                                                            ---------------------------
                                                                                1999            1998
                                                                            -----------     -----------
                                                                                  (In thousands)

         Net current deferred tax assets                                         $2,076         $ 1,253
         Net non-current deferred tax liabilities                                 2,076             348
                                                                            -----------     -----------
                                                                              $   - 0 -        $    905
                                                                            ===========     ===========
</TABLE>



                                       F-19

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


         Reconciliations between the actual provision for income taxes and that
computed by applying the U.S. statutory rate to income (loss) before taxes are
as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                       Years ended December 31,
                                                                 1999            1998           1997
                                                              -----------    -----------     -------
                                                                            (In thousands)
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>             <C>
         Tax expense (benefit) at U.S. statutory rate             $  104        ($2,427)      ($ 190)
         Differences resulting from:
              Amortization not deductible
                for tax purposes                                     721            727          487
              Travel & entertainment expenses
                not deductible for tax purposes                      269            276          189
              Increase in deferred tax valuation
                allowance from non-recognition of net
                operating loss tax benefit                            -           1,447           -
              Benefit of prior periods net operating
                losses not previously recognized resulting
                in decrease in valuation allowance                (1,095)            -          (483)
              Valuation allowance adjustment                         905
              Other differences                                        1            (23)          (3)
                                                             -----------    -----------     -----------
         Income tax expense                                      $   905      $   - 0 -       $  - 0 -
                                                             ===========    ===========     ===========
</TABLE>


         At December 31, 1999 Riddell had estimated net operating loss
carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $13,000,000
expiring between 2008 to 2014. While this loss carryforward is available to
reduce the payment of taxes that might otherwise be payable in future years, the
benefit of most of the net operating losses have been recognized in the
computation of income tax expense reflected in Riddell's consolidated financial
statements in prior years. Benefits relating to approximately $5.0 million of
net operating loss carryforwards have not yet been recognized in the computation
of income tax expense for financial reporting purposes and have been reserved
for as part of the deferred income tax asset valuation allowance. These
unrecognized carryforwards would be recognized through a reduction of income tax
expense in future periods upon the generation of an offsetting amount of taxable
earnings.


13.      Related party transactions:

         In 1997, in connection with certain financing transactions occurring in
connection with the Varsity acquisition, notes payable to shareholders of
$439,000 plus accrued interest were repaid in advance of maturity. Interest of
$17,000 on the note was included in interest expense for the year ended December
31, 1997.

         Subsequent to December 31, 1999, Riddell entered into a sublease for
office space from an entity controlled by a shareholder who is the Chairman of
Riddell's Board of Directors, on substantially the same terms as the over lease.
The term of the sublease commences on the later of the date the sublease is
consented to by the sub-lessor's landlord or the date certain improvements are
completed and expires in September 2009. The sublease provides for fixed rent
which begins at an annualized rate of $116,970 and increase to an annualized
rate of $137,826 at the end of the lease term and additional rent based on a

                                       F-20

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


percentage of tax and operating expense escalation payments made by the
sub-lessor to its landlord. The sublease also provides for a one time payment of
$175,000 for improvements being constructed for Riddell.


14.      Supplemental cash flow information:

         Cash payments for interest were $14,600,000, $14,700,000 and
$5,260,000for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Interest payments for 1997 included $3,000,000 relating to bridge financing
commitment fees as discussed in Note 8 above. Income tax payments, or refunds,
were not significant for 1999, 1998 or 1997.

         In 1998, Riddell issued shares of its common stock, valued at $128,000
based on quoted market values at the time of grant, to certain employees in
satisfaction of an accrual for compensation included in accrued liabilities at
December 31, 1997.

         In June 1997, in connection with the Varsity acquisition, Riddell
assumed liabilities of $23,068,000.


15.      Fair values of financial instruments:

         Riddell's financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable,
accounts payable and long-term debt. The carrying values of cash, accounts
receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values. Riddell's
long-term debt include the senior notes which at December 31, 1999 had a
carrying value of $115,000,000 and a fair value, based on quoted market values,
of $98,037,500. Riddell's remaining long-term debt is not traded and has no
quoted market value, however management believes any difference between its
carrying value and fair value would not be material in relation to these
Consolidated Financial Statements.


16.      Segment and product line information:

         Riddell has three reportable segments: extracurricular products and
services, retail products and trademark licensing:

         Extracurricular products and services: This segment markets products
and services primarily through Riddell's direct sales force for extracurricular
customers such as schools, leagues, recreational groups and other organizations
for competitive and recreational sport and school spirit activities. Operations
include the manufacture and sale of team sports products (including football
protective products and team uniforms), school spirit products (including
cheerleading and dance uniforms and accessories), and athletic equipment
reconditioning. The segment also operates cheerleader and dance team camps,
clinics and special events. The extracurricular segment includes Riddell's line
of Umbro branded soccer uniforms, footwear and equipment sold to soccer
specialty stores.

         Retail products: This segment markets products through retailers. Most
of the products sold by this segment are sports collectible products, such as
authentic and replica football helmets, which bear licensed

                                       F-21

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


sports team logos. The segment's operations also include sales of certain
recreational football and other athletic products sold through consumer product
retailers and distributors.

         Trademark licensing: This segment consists of the licensing of the
Riddell and MacGregor trademark rights to other entities for use in marketing
products such as athletic footwear and apparel.

         Riddell's reportable segments are strategic business units that differ
and are managed separately because of the nature of their markets and channels
of distribution. Riddell has determined these reportable segments in accordance
with the management approach specified in Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 131, "Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and
Related Information." The management approach designates the internal
organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and
assessing performance as the basis for determination of the Company's reportable
segments.

         The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described
in the summary of significant accounting policies except for the inclusion of
operating results for Varsity Spirit Corporation, and related pro forma
adjustments, for the period prior to its acquisition in June 1997 (see Note 2).
Riddell evaluates performance of the extracurricular products and services
segment based on these pro forma results. Total assets are as reported and do
not include pro forma amounts or adjustments.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                     (In thousands)
                                                                 Years ended December 31,
                                                    ------------------------------------------------
                                                        1999                1998              1997
                                                        ----                ----              ----
<S>                                                 <C>                <C>                <C>
Net revenues:
     Extracurricular products and services             $189,430          $166,845           $153,641
     Retail products                                     18,111            18,142             18,055
     Trademark licensing                                  1,056             1,613              2,388
                                                    -----------        ----------         ----------
                                                        208,597           186,600            174,084
     Less,  preacquisition results of Varsity
       Spirit Corporation included above                     -                -               35,811
                                                    -----------        ----------         ----------
     Consolidated total                                $208,597          $186,600           $138,273
                                                    ===========        ==========         ==========

Income from Operations:
     Extracurricular products and services              $18,487           $11,416            $10,841
     Retail products                                      1,176                56              1,742
     Trademark licensing                                    282               841              1,476
     Corporate and unallocated expenses                  (4,260)           (4,796)            (6,099)
                                                    -----------        ----------         ----------
                                                         15,685             7,517              7,960
     Less,  preacquisition results of Varsity
       Spirit Corporation included above                     -                -               (3,360)
                                                    -----------        ----------         ----------
     Consolidated total                                 $15,685            $7,517            $11,320
                                                    ===========        ==========         ==========
</TABLE>


                                       F-22

<PAGE>


                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)


16.      Segment and product line information (continued):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                      (In thousands)
                                                                 Years ended December 31,
                                                    ------------------------------------------------
                                                        1999              1998               1997
                                                        ----              ----               ----
<S>                                                 <C>                <C>                <C>
Depreciation and amortization, exclusive of debt
issue costs:
     Extracurricular products and services               $4,678            $4,497             $4,253
     Retail products                                        582               557                595
     Trademark licensing                                    531               614                696
     Corporate and unallocated                               43                45                 44
                                                    -----------        ----------         ----------
                                                          5,834             5,713              5,588
     Less,  preacquisition results of Varsity
       Spirit Corporation included above                     -                -                1,578
                                                    -----------        ----------         ----------
     Consolidated total                                  $5,834            $5,713             $4,010
                                                    ===========        ==========         ==========

Capital expenditures:
     Extracurricular products and services               $2,079            $2,265             $2,562
     Retail products                                        463               229                139
                                                    -----------        ----------         ----------
                                                          2,542             2,494              2,701
     Less,  preacquisition results of Varsity
       Spirit Corporation included above                     -                -                  887
                                                    -----------        ----------         ----------
     Consolidated total                                  $2,542            $2,494             $1,814
                                                    ===========        ==========         ==========

Total assets:
     Extracurricular products and services             $155,202          $150,163           $143,414
     Retail products                                     14,285            10,253             11,497
     Trademark licensing                                 15,880            16,898             17,835
     Corporate and unallocated                            8,969             8,897              9,015
                                                    -----------        ----------         ----------
     Consolidated total                                $194,336          $186,211           $181,761
                                                    ===========        ==========         ==========

Revenues by product line for all reportable
segments in the aggregate were as follows:

     Cheerleader and dance products                     $69,155           $63,491            $56,453
     Camps and events                                    51,130            48,704             44,966
     Team sports products                                46,733            34,276             30,177
     Athletic product reconditioning                     24,564            23,415             22,892
     Sports collectibles                                 15,959            15,101             17,208
     Trademark licensing                                  1,056             1,613              2,388
                                                    -----------        ----------         ----------
                                                        208,597           186,600            174,084
     Less,  preacquisition results of Varsity
       Spirit Corporation included above                     -                -               35,811
                                                    -----------        ----------         ----------
     Consolidated revenues                             $208,597          $186,600           $138,273
                                                    ===========        ==========         ==========
</TABLE>


                                       F-23

<PAGE>






               REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                                   ON SCHEDULE






Board of Directors
Riddell Sports Inc.


         In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements
of Riddell Sports Inc. and Subsidiaries referred to in our report dated February
21, 2000, which is included in the prospectus constituting Part I of this
Registration Statement, we have also audited Schedule II for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1999. In our opinion, this schedule
presents fairly, in all material respects, the information required to be set
forth therein.




                                                              GRANT THORNTON LLP


Chicago, Illinois
February 21, 2000



                                       S-1

<PAGE>



SCHEDULE II

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                       RIDDELL SPORTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                        VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

              Col.  A                  Col.  B                  Col.  C              Col.  D          Col.  E
- ---------------------------------   -------------  -----------------------------  -------------    -----------
                                                                Additions
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                         (1)            (2)
                                                     Charged to   Charged to
                                     Balance at         Costs          Other                         Balance at
                                      Beginning          and         Accounts-                        End of
            Description               of Period       Expenses       Describe       Deductions         Period
- ---------------------------------   -------------  -------------  --------------   -----------        --------
                                                                                       (a)
<S>                                   <C>             <C>             <C>               <C>            <C>
Year ended December 31, 1997
   Allowance for doubtful accounts      $513            $365           $325                $379           $824
                                                                         (c)
   Accrued product liability
   reserves (b)
     Current portion                    $453            $865           $500              $1,153           $665
     Long-term portion                 3,500                           (500)                             3,000


Year ended December 31, 1998
   Allowance for doubtful accounts      $824            $929            -                  $451         $1,302

   Accrued product liability
   reserves (b)
     Current portion                    $665          $1,178          ($300)               $834           $709
     Long-term portion                 3,300                            300                              3,300


Year ended December 31, 1999
   Allowance for doubtful accounts    $1,302          $1,196           -                   $635         $1,863

   Accrued product liability
   reserves (b)
     Current portion                    $709            $853           $300              $1,162           $700
     Long-term portion                 3,300                           (300)                             3,000
</TABLE>

- -----------
   Notes:     (a) Deductions for the allowance for doubtful accounts consist of
                  accounts written off net of recoveries; deductions for accrued
                  product liability reserves consist of payments of claims and
                  related expenses.

              (b) The current portion of accrued product liability reserves is
                  included within the line item accrued liabilities in the
                  consolidated balance sheet. The long-term portion of accrued
                  product liability reserves is included within the line item
                  other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

              (c) Addition charged to other accounts for 1997 is the initial
                  balance from the Varsity acquisition.

                                       S-2

<PAGE>





================================================================================














                           Riddell Sports Inc. [Logo]








                           H.C. Wainwright & Co., Inc.







===============================================================================




<PAGE>


The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Riddell
Sports may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an
offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.


SUBJECT TO COMPLETION                       March 17, 2000



Preliminary Prospectus

                         250,000 Shares of Common Stock

                           RIDDELL SPORTS INC. [LOGO]

         We are a leading marketer and distributor of branded products and
services to the extracurricular portion of the educational market. We are
selling 250,000 shares of our common stock.

         Our shares are listed for trading on the American Stock Exchange under
the symbol "RDL." On March 15, 2000, the last reported sale price for our common
stock on the American Stock Exchange was $3.0625 per share.

         Simultaneously with this underwritten offering, we are conducting a
rights offering to our stockholders to sell an additional 1,000,000 shares of
our common stock under a separate prospectus.

         See "Risk Factors" beginning on page [ ] to read about factors you
should consider before buying shares of our common stock.

         Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the
accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.

                                                          Per Share    Total
          Public offering price........................... $
          Underwriting discounts and commissions.......... $
          Proceeds, before expenses, to Riddell........... $


     Delivery and payment for the shares will be on [           ], 2000.

     The underwriter may, under some circumstances, for 45 days after the date
of this prospectus, purchase up to an additional 37,500 shares of our common
stock from us at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and
commissions.

                           H.C. Wainwright & Co., Inc.




                       Prospectus dated [          ], 2000





                                      A-1
<PAGE>





                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                          Page

NO BOARD RECOMMENDATION.....................................................

THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE RIGHTS OFFERING.........................

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY..........................................................

RISK FACTORS................................................................

TRADE NAMES AND TRADEMARKS..................................................

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS..................................................

THE CONCURRENT OFFERING.....................................................

THE RIGHTS OFFERING.........................................................

USE OF PROCEEDS.............................................................

DILUTION....................................................................

CAPITALIZATION..............................................................

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.....................................................

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.......................................................

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY.............................

BUSINESS ...................................................................

MANAGEMENT..................................................................

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 ............................................................................

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS..............................

UNDERWRITING................................................................

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK................................................

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES..............................................

LEGAL MATTERS...............................................................

EXPERTS.....................................................................


                                      A-2
<PAGE>

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION.........................................

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS................................................F-1





                                      A-3
<PAGE>


         We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different
from that contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized
information or representations. This prospectus is not an offer to sell or a
solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any state or other
jurisdiction in which the offer or solicitation is not permitted.

          In this prospectus, "Riddell," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Riddell
Sports Inc. and our subsidiaries, unless the context specifically indicates
otherwise.



                                      A-4
<PAGE>





                                  UNDERWRITING

         Subject to the terms and conditions contained in the underwriting
agreement, we have agreed to sell to H.C. Wainwright & Co., Inc. and H.C.
Wainwright & Co., Inc. has agreed to purchase on a firm commitment basis 250,000
shares of our common stock offered in this offering.

         A copy of the underwriting agreement has been filed as an exhibit to
this registration statement.

         The underwriter has advised us that it proposes to offer the shares to
the public at the initial public offering price on the cover page of this
prospectus and that it may allow some dealers who are members of the NASD,
concessions not in excess of $ per share and the dealers who receive concessions
may reallow a sum not in excess of $ per share to other dealers who are members
of the NASD and to some foreign dealers. Upon completion of this offering, the
offering price, the concession to selected dealers, and the reallowance to other
dealers may be changed by the underwriter. The underwriter has informed us that
it does not expect discretionary sales by the underwriter to exceed five percent
of the shares offered by this prospectus.

         The underwriter shall also receive a discount of 7% per share for all
shares underwritten in this offering. We have also granted the underwriter an
option, exercisable during the 45-day period commencing an the date of this
prospectus, to purchase at the public offering price per share, less the
underwriting discount, up to an aggregate of 37,500 shares of common stock. The
underwriter may exercise this right of purchase only for the purpose of covering
over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the sale of shares.


         We will also pay to H.C. Wainwright & Co. a non-accountable expense
allowance equal to 3% of the gross proceeds received by us in the rights
offering and the concurrent offering.




                                      A-5
<PAGE>

         In connection with this underwritten offering, we are also conducting a
rights offering in which we are offering right evidenced by subscription
certificates to purchase shares of our common stock to our existing
shareholders. H.C. Wainwright & Co. is also acting as solicitation agent in the
rights offering and shall receive an agency fee equal to 3% of the gross
proceeds we receive upon the exercise of certain rights in that offering.

         We have also agreed to reimburse H.C. Wainwright & Co. for its actual
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the rights offering and the
concurrent offering, including the fees and expenses of its counsel.

         Rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission may limit the ability
of the underwriter to bid for or purchase shares before the distribution of the
shares is completed. However, the underwriter may engage in the following
activities in accordance with the rules:

         Stabilizing transactions. The underwriter may make bids or purchases
for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the shares, so
long as stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.

         Over-allotments and coverage transactions. The underwriter may create a
short position in the shares by selling more shares than are set forth on the
cover page of this prospectus. If a short position is created in connection with
the offering, the underwriter may engage in covering transactions by purchasing
shares in the open market. The underwriter may also elect to reduce any short
position by exercising all or part of the over-allotment option.

         Stabilization and covering transactions may cause the price of the
shares to be higher than it would be in the absence of such transactions.

         Neither we nor the underwriter makes any representation or prediction
as to the effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of
the shares. These transactions may occur on the American Stock Exchange, in the
over-the-counter market or on any trading market. If such transactions are
commenced, they may be discontinued without notice at any time.

         We have agreed to indemnify H.C. Wainwright & Co. against some
liabilities, including civil liabilities under the Securities Act, or to
contribute to payments H.C. Wainwright & Co. may be required to make in this
respect.



                                      A-6
<PAGE>


                                     PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table sets forth expenses in connection with the issuance and
distribution of the securities being registered. All amounts shown are
estimated, except the SEC registration fee.

SEC registration fee..................................................$1064.89

NASD filing fee...........................................................$903

Subscription Agent fees and expenses...................................$35,000

Information Agent fees and expenses.........................................NA

Registration Agent fees and expenses........................................NA


Legal fees and expenses (including blue sky fees and expenses)......  $205,000


Accounting fees.....................................................   $40,000

Printing and mailing expenses.........................................$100,000

Miscellaneous.......................................................$68,032.11


Total.................................................................$450,000

Item 15.   Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

         Pursuant to Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law
(the "DGCL"), the Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant contains
provisions which eliminate the personal liability of our directors for monetary
damages resulting from breaches of their fiduciary duty other than liability for
breaches of the duty of loyalty, acts or omissions not in good faith or which
involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, violations under
Section 174 of the DGCL or any transaction from which the director derived an
improper personal benefit.

         Section 145 of the DGCL permits, and under certain circumstances
requires, the Registrant to indemnify our directors, officers, employees, and
agents subject to certain conditions and limitations. The Registrant's Bylaws
contain provisions to indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent
permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL, including circumstances in which
indemnification is otherwise discretionary. In addition, the Registrant
maintains officers' and directors' liability insurance which insures against
liabilities that our officers and directors may incur in such capacities.

Item 16. Exhibits and financial statement schedules.


                                      II-1
<PAGE>

         A list of the exhibits included as part of this Registration Statement
is set forth in the Exhibit Index that immediately precedes such exhibits and is
incorporated herein by this reference.

(a) EXHIBIT

NUMBER       DESCRIPTION

1.1          Form of Underwriting Agreement, by and between Riddell and H.C.
             Wainwright & Co., Inc. (1)

2.1          Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 11, 1988, among
             Riddellink Holding Corporation, EN&T Associates, Inc., Netlink
             Inc., Riddell, Inc. (predecessor corporation), Equilink Licensing
             Corp., and MacGregor Sporting Goods, Inc., as amended on April 18,
             1988 (the formal trademark assignments and license agreements
             implementing this agreement are omitted) (2) and Amendment thereto,
             dated March 1992. (3)

2.2          Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 5, 1997, by and among
             Riddell Sports Inc., Cheer Acquisition Corp. and Varsity Spirit
             Corporation. (31)

2.3          Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of December 1, 1994 by and
             between Intropa International U.S.A., Inc., Elisabeth Polsterer and
             Varsity/Tours, Inc. (27)

2.4          Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of May 15, 1996 by and between
             United Special Events, Inc., Michael Olmstead and Varsity USA, Inc.
             (26)

3.1          Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Riddell Sports
             Inc. (20)

3.2          First Amended and Restated Bylaws of Riddell Sports Inc. (18)

3.3          Certificate of Incorporation of All American Sports Corporation
             (formerly known as Ameracq Corp). (33)

3.4          Bylaws of All American Sports Corporation (formerly known as
             Ameracq Corp). (33)

3.5          Certificate of Incorporation of Cheer Acquisition Corp. (33)

3.6          Bylaws of Cheer Acquisition Corp. (33)

3.7          Certificate of Incorporation of Equilink Licensing Corporation.
             (33)

3.8          Bylaws of Equilink Licensing Corporation. (33)

3.9          Certificate of Incorporation of Proacq Corp. (33)

3.10         Bylaws of Proacq Corp. (33)

3.11         Certificate of Incorporation of RHC Licensing Corporation. (33)

3.12         Bylaws of RHC Licensing Corporation. (33)

3.13         Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Riddell, Inc.
             (formerly known as EN&T Associates Inc.). (33)

                                      II-2
<PAGE>


3.14         Bylaws of Riddell, Inc. (formerly known as EN&T Associates Inc.).
             (33)

3.15         Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Ridmark
             Corporation. (33)

3.16         Bylaws of Ridmark Corporation. (33)

3.17         Charter of International Logos, Inc. (33)

3.18         Bylaws of International Logos, Inc. (33)

3.19         Charter of Varsity/Intropa Tours, Inc. (33)

3.20         Bylaws of Varsity/Intropa Tours, Inc. (33)

3.21         Amended and Restated Charter of Varsity Spirit Fashions & Supplies,
             Inc. (33)

3.22         Bylaws of Varsity Spirit Fashions & Supplies, Inc. (33)

3.23         Amended and Restated Charter of Varsity USA, Inc. (33)

3.24         Bylaws of Varsity USA, Inc. (33)

4.1          Indenture, dated as of June 19, 1997, between Riddell, certain
             subsidiaries of Riddell Sports Inc., as guarantors, and Marine
             Midland Bank, as Trustee. (23)

4.2          Form of Underwriter's Warrant Agreement by and between Riddell and
             H.C. Wainwright & Co., Inc. (1-A)

4.3          Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant. (1-A)

4.4          Form of Warrant Agreement between Riddell and American Stock
             Transfer
             & Trust Company. (1-A)

5.1          Opinion of Zukerman Gore & Brandeis, LLP (1-A)

9.1          Voting Trust Agreement dated May 1991. (2)

10.1         Settlement Agreement, dated April 9, 1981, among McGregor-Doniger
             Inc., Brunswick Corporation and The Equilink Corporation. (2)

10.2         1997 Stock Option Plan (22)

10.3         Agreement, made January 23, 1989, between Equilink Licensing Corp.
             and Kmart Corporation, with supplemental agreements dated November
             16, 1989, August 30, 1990 (2), June 30, 1994 (12) and June 30,
             1998. (1-B)

10.4         Lease, dated November 12, 1993, between the International
             Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trade Union and Industry Pension
             Fund and Riddell, Inc., (16); and amendment dated March 20, 1995
             (16); and Amendment dated September 19, 1996. (21)

10.5         Lease Agreement, dated November 2, 1984 by and between ADI Real
             Estate Joint Venture No. 2 (predecessor to The School Employees
             Retirement Board of Ohio) and Alamo Athletics Inc. (predecessor to
             All American Sports Corporation), and Amendments thereto, dated
             January 30, 1990. (3)

10.6         Lease Agreement, dated as of September 1, 1988 by and between
             Exeter Management Corporation and ll American. (3)


                                      II-3
<PAGE>

10.7         Lease Agreement, dated April 1991, by and between Stroudsburg Park
             Associates and All American Corp. (3); as amended March 31, 1995.
             (18)

10.8         Lease, dated as of September 1, 1968, by and between Munro M. Grant
             and the All American Company and Extension and Amendment of Lease,
             dated July 11, 1989. (3)

10.9         Lease dated December 12, 1991, between O'Shanter Resources Inc. and
             All American Sports, Inc. (3)

10.10        Lease, dated May 5, 1986, by and between Paul Goldstein, Nathan
             Hoffenberg, All American and Medalist Industries, (3); amendment
             dated January 30, 1997. (21)

10.11        Lease, dated October 28, 1987, as amended and extended by letter
             dated October 31, 1991, by and between GABT Developments Ltd. and
             Marcan Ltd. (a division of All American ), (3); amendment dated
             February 6, 1997. (21)




10.12        1991 Stock Option Plan (2) as amended by amendments described in
             Riddell Sports Inc.'s proxy materials for its annual stockholders
             meetings held on August 20, 1992, September 30, 1993, June 27, 1996
             and June 24, 1997.


10.13        Perpetual License and Trademark Maintenance Agreements among
             MacMark Corporation, Equilink Licensing Corporation and BSN Corp.
             each dated February 19, 1992 (3) and amendment dated November 1,
             1992 (7).


10.14        Master Agreement by and among MacGregor Sports Products, Inc., BSN
             Corp. and MacMark Corporation dated February 19, 1992 (3);
             amendment No. 1 dated November 1, 1992. (16)


10.15        Employment Agreement, dated June 22, 1992, between Riddell Sports
             Inc. and Robert Nederlander (5); amended July 27, 1994. (12)


10.16        Employment Agreement, dated June 22, 1992, between Riddell Sports
             Inc. and Leonard Toboroff (5); amended July 27, 1994. (12)


10.17        Lease, dated September 10, 1992, and Amendment, dated October 1,
             1992, and Amendment, dated October 22, 1992, between All American
             Sports Corporation and Ronald K. Howell d/b/a Lakewood Land and
             Cattle Company. (6)


10.18        Lease Addendum letter, dated February 13, 1992, between All
             American Sports Corporation and Paul Goldstein and Nathan
             Hoffenberg. (6)


10.19        License Agreement, dated October 1, 1992, between All American
             Sports Corporation and National Operational Committee for Safety in
             Athletic Equipment. (7)


10.20        Employment Agreement, dated March 19, 1993, commencing March 25,
             1993 between David Mauer and Riddell Sports Inc. (7), as amended
             January 17, 1994; November 1, 1994 (14); November 28, 1994 (16)




                                      II-4
<PAGE>


10.21        Settlement agreement, dated February 15, 1994, among Riddell, Inc.,
             Riddell Sports Inc., RHC Licensing Corporation, Ridmark
             Corporation, Pursuit Athletic Footwear, Inc., Riddell Athletic
             Footwear, Inc., Ernie Wood, Harry Wood, Silver Eagle Holdings,
             Ltd., Save Power, Limited, Extravest Holdings Limited, Frederic
             Brooks, Donald Engel, Alan Tessler, Alan Hirschfield, Jeffrey
             Steiner, Robert Nederlander, Leonard Toboroff, Jeffrey Epstein,
             John McConnaughy, Connecticut Economics Corporation, Stephen
             Tannen, Woodco Sports, Inc., Arthur Tse, Silver Top Limited,
             Billion Nominees, Limited, Weston Holdings Limited. (9)


10.22        Employment Agreement, dated as of February 1, 1994, between Riddell
             Inc. and Dan Cougill (11), as amended February 1, 1995 (17).


10.23        Employment Agreement, dated as of March 7, 1996, between Riddell
             Sports Inc. and David Groelinger (19), as amended March 7, 1998
             (34).


10.24        Note Purchase Agreement, dated October 30, 1996, between Riddell
             Sports Inc. and Silver Oak Capital, L.L.C., as amended by letter
             agreement dated May 2, 1997. (20)


10.25        Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 8, 1996, between
             Riddell Sports Inc. and Silver Oak Capital L.L.C. (20)


10.26        Shareholders Agreement, dated as of May 5, 1997, between Riddell
             Sports Inc., Cheer Acquisition Corp. and certain shareholders of
             Varsity Spirit Corporation. (32)


10.27        Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 5, 1997, between Riddell
             Sports Inc., Cheer Acquisition Corp. and Jeffrey G. Webb (32)


10.28        Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 5, 1997, between Riddell
             Sports Inc. and Gregory C. Webb (32)


10.29        Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 5, 1997, between Riddell
             Sports Inc. and W. Kline Boyd (32)


10.30        Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 5, 1997, between Riddell
             Sports Inc. and J. Kristyn Shepherd (32)


10.31        Employment Agreement, dated as of May 5, 1997, between Riddell
             Sports Inc. and Jeffrey G. Webb (32)


10.32        Employment Agreement, dated as of May 5, 1997, between Riddell
             Sports Inc. and Gregory C. Webb (32)


10.33        Employment Agreement, dated as of May 5, 1997, between Riddell
             Sports Inc. and W. Kline Boyd (32)


10.34        Employment Agreement, dated as of May 5, 1997, between Riddell
             Sports Inc. and J. Kristyn Shepherd (32)


10.35        Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 19, 1997, between
             Riddell Sports Inc., and NationsBanc Capital Markets, Inc. and
             First Chicago Capital Markets, Inc., as Purchasers. (23)



                                      II-5
<PAGE>



10.36        Sales Representative Agreement between Varsity Spirit Fashions &
             Supplies, Inc. and Stuart Educational Products, Inc., along with
             Security Agreement between Varsity Spirit Fashions & Supplies, Inc.
             and Gary Stuart and Patti Stuart, both individually and
             collectively doing business as Stuart Educational Products. (24)


10.37        Programming Agreement between Universal Cheerleaders Association
             and ESPN, Inc. (24).


10.38        Employment Agreement, dated December 1, 1994, between Varsity
             Spirit Corporation and Deana Roberts. (27)


10.39        Settlement Agreement, dated June 20, 1997, by and among Riddell
             Sports Inc., RHC Licensing Corporation, Riddell, Inc., Equilink
             Licensing Corporation, Ridmark Corporation, MacMark Corporation,
             NBD Bank, f/k/a NBD Bank, N.A., MLC Partners Limited Partnership,
             Robert E. Nederlander, Leonard Toboroff, John McConnaughy, Jr.,
             Lisa J. Marroni, Frederic H. Brooks, Connecticut Economics
             Corporation, Robert Weisman, Bruce H. Levitt, as Bankruptcy Trustee
             of M. Holdings Corporation, Paul Swanson, as Bankruptcy Trustee of
             MGS Acquisition, Inc. and MacGregor Sports, Inc., Official
             Unsecured Creditors' Committee of MacGregor Sporting Goods, Inc.,
             M. Holdings Corporation, f/k/a MacGregor Sporting Goods Inc.,
             Innovative Promotions, Inc., Ernest Wood, Jr., Harry Wood, Pursuit
             Athletic Footwear, Inc., and Riddell Athletic Footwear, Inc. (33)


10.40        License Agreement dated March 4, 1998 between Footstar Corp. and
             Equilink Licensing Corporation (34)


10.41        Umbro License Agreement, dated as of November 23, 1998, between
             Umbro International, Inc. and Varsity Spirit Fashions & Supplies,
             Inc. (1-B)


10.42        Asset and USISL Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of November
             1998, between Umbro International, Inc. and Varsity Spirit Fashions
             & Supplies, Inc. (1-B)


10.43        Signal/Riddell Expense Sharing Arrangement dated November 23, 1998,
             between Signal Apparel Company, Inc. and Riddell Sports Inc. (1-B)


10.44        Industrial Lease and Agreement dated October 1, 1998, between
             Laphiew Gin Company and Varsity Spirit Corporation. (1-B)


10.45        Amended and Restated Loan, Guaranty And Security Agreement dated as
             of April 20, 1999 among the financial institutions named therein,
             as the Lenders, Bank of America National Trust and Savings
             Association, as the Agent, Riddell Sports Inc., as the Parent
             Guarantor, Riddell, Inc., All American Sports Corporation, Varsity
             Spirit Corporation, and Varsity Spirit Fashions & Supplies, Inc.
             collectively, as the Borrower and all other subsidiaries of the
             Parent Guarantor, collectively, as the Subsidiary Guarantors. (36)


10.46        Form of Subscription Agent Agreement, by and between Riddell and
             American Stock Transfer & Trust Company. (1-A)


10.47        Form of Solicitation Agent's Agreement by and between Riddell and
             H.C. Wainwright & Co., Inc. (1)


10.48        Sublease between Nederlander Television and Film Production, Inc.
             and Riddell Sports Inc. (1-A)



                                      II-6
<PAGE>

21           List of subsidiaries. (33)

23           Consent of Grant Thornton LLP regarding Riddell Sports Inc.*

23.1         Consent of Zukerman Gore & Brandeis, LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)

23.2         Consent of Valuemetrics*

24.          Power of Attorney (previously filed as part of signature page)

27.          Financial Data Schedules as of December 31, 1999 and the Year then
             ended.*

99.1         Form of Instructions for Use of Riddell Rights Certificates. (1-A)

99.2         Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery for Subscription Rights.
             (1-A)

99.3         Form of Letter to Stockholders Who Are Record Holders. (1-A)

99.4         Form of Letter to Stockholders Who Are Beneficial Holders. (1-A)

99.5         Form of Letter to Clients of Stockholders Who Are Beneficial
             Holders. (1-A)

99.6         Form of Nominee Holder Certification Form. (1-A)

99.7         Substitute Form W-9 for Use with the Rights Offering. (1-A)

99.8         Form of Beneficial Owner Election Form. (1-A)

- ------------------------



     *       Filed herewith.

     (1)     Filed pursuant to Riddell Sports Inc.'s registration on Form S-1
             dated December 15, 1999 (Commission File No. 333-92781)

     (1-A)   To be filed by amendment.

     (1-B)   Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 10K report
             (Commission File No. 001-14629) for the year ended December 31,
             1998.

     (2)     Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Registration
             Statement on Form S-1 (Commission File No. 33-40488) effective June
             27, 1991 (including all pre- effective amendments to the
             Registration Statement).

     (3)     Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 10-K report
             (Commission File No. 0-19298) for the year ended December 31, 1991.

     (4)     Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Registration
             Statement on Form S-1 (Commission File No. 33-40488) effective June
             17, 1992 (including all pre- effective amendments to the
             Registration Statement).

     (5)     Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 10-Q report
             (Commission File No. 0-19298) for the quarter ended June 30, 1992.

     (6)     Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 10-Q report
             (Commission File No. 0-19298) for the quarter ended September 30,
             1992.

     (7)     Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sorts Inc.'s Form 10-K report
             (Commission File No. 0-19298) filed on March 30, 1993.




                                      II-7
<PAGE>



     (8)     Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Post Effective
             Amendment No. 2 to Form S-1 Registration Statement (Commission File
             No. 33-47884) filed on January 28, 1994.

     (9)     Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 10-K for
             the year ended December 31, 1993.

     (10)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 10-K/A
             constituting Amendment No. 1 to Form 10-K for the year ended
             December 31, 1993, filed June 21, 1994.

     (11)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 10-Q for
             the quarter ended March 31, 1994.

     (12)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 10-Q for
             the quarter ended June 30, 1994.

     (13)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 8-K filed
             July 3, 1994.

     (14)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 10-Q for
             the quarter ended September 30, 1994.

     (15)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 8-K filed
             January 11, 1994.

     (16)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 10-K for
             the year ended December 31, 1994.

     (17)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 8-K dated
             June 23, 1995.

     (18)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 10-K for
             the year ended December 31, 1995, dated November 11, 1996.

     (19)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 10-Q dated
             May 14, 1996.

     (20)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 10-Q dated
             November 11, 1996.

     (21)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 10-K for
             the year ended December 31, 1996.

     (22)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Proxy Statement
             filed June 6, 1997.

     (23)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc..'s Form 8-K dated
             June 19, 1997.

     (24)    Incorporated by reference to the Varsity Spirit Corporation's
             Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration Statement No.
             33-44431) filed on December 10, 1991.

     (25)    Incorporated by reference to the Varsity Spirit Corporation's
             Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration
             Statement No. 33-44431) filed on January 21, 1992.

     (26)    Incorporated by reference to the Varsity Spirit Corporation's
             Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1993 (File
             No. 0-19790).


                                      II-8
<PAGE>


     (27)    Incorporated by reference to the Varsity Spirit Corporation's
             Transition Report on Form 10-K for the transition period April 1,
             1994 to December 31, 1994 (File No. 0-19790)

     (28)    Incorporated by reference to the Varsity Spirit Corporation's
             Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996
             (File No. 0-19790).

     (29)    Incorporated by reference to the Varsity Spirit Corporation's
             Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
             1996 (File No. 0-19790).

     (30)    Incorporated by reference to the Varsity Spirit Corporation's
             annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996
             (File No. 0-19790).

     (31)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Report on Form
             8-K filed May 8, 1996.

     (32)    Incorporated by reference to Varsity Spirit Corporation Schedule
             13D filed June 25, 1997.

     (33)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Registration
             Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-31525) filed July 18,
             1997.

     (34)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 10-K Report
             for the year ended 1997 (file No. 0-19298).

     (35)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc.'s Form 10-Q dated
             May 15, 1998.

     (36)    Incorporated by reference to Riddell Sports Inc's Form 10-Q dated
             March 31, 1999.

     (b)     Financial Statement Schedules

               Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants on Schedules

               Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

             All other financial statement schedules are omitted as the required
            information is presented in the financial statements or the notes
            thereto or is not necessary.


    Item 17. Undertakings.

     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

     (1)    To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
            a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

      (i)   To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
            Securities Act of 1933.

      (ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
            effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
            post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
            aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set
            forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
            any increase or


                                      II-9
<PAGE>

            decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value
            of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered)
            and any deviation from the low or high and of the estimated maximum
            offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with
            the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
            changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent
            change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the
            "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective
            registration statement.

      (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
            distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement
            or any material change to such information in the registration
            statement;

       (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form
     of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating
     to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at
     that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

       (3) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
     1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of
     this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
     form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
     (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
     registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

       (4) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
     any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
     termination of the offering.

       (5) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to
     section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is
     incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to
     be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
     and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
     initial bona fide offering thereof.

       (6) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supplement the
     prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth
     the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the standby
     group during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities
     to be purchased by the standby group, and the terms of any subsequent
     reoffering thereof. If any public offering by the standby group is to be
     made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the
     prospectus, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms
     of such offering.

      Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
   Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
   Registrant pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 above, or
   otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
   Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
   policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
   In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other
   than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a
   director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful
   defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director,
   officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
   registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of our counsel the
   matter has been settled by controlling precedent,


                                     II-10
<PAGE>

   submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
   indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
   Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

                                   SIGNATURES


       Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
     Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it
     meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-1 and has duly caused
     this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
     thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York, on
     March 16, 2000.


       Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
     Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
     capacities and on the dates indicated.

                                                      RIDDELL SPORTS INC.
                                                      By: /s/   David Mauer
                                                      ----------------------
                                                      David Mauer
                                                      Chief Executive Officer


            KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
     appears below constitutes and appoints DAVID M. MAUER and DAVID
     GROELINGER and each of them, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
     agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him and in
     his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all
     amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration
     Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other
     documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
     Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and
     authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or
     necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully as to all intents
     and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
     confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or any of them, or his
     substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

            Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
     Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
     capacities and on the dates indicated.



/s/ David M. Mauer             Chief Executive Officer          March 16, 2000
- ------------------             and Director
David M. Mauer                 (Principal Executive Officer)


/s/ Robert Nederlander*        Chairman of the Board            March 16, 2000
- ----------------------------
Robert Nederlander



                                    II-11
<PAGE>


/s/ Jeffrey G. Webb*           Vice Chairman of the Board       March 16, 2000
- ----------------------------
Jeffrey G. Webb


/s/ Leonard Toboroff*          Vice President and Director      March 16, 2000
- ----------------------------
Leonard Toboroff


/s/ David Groelinger*          Executive Vice President and     March 16, 2000
- ----------------------------   Chief Financial Officer
David Groelinger               (Principal Financial Officer)


/s/ Lawrence Simon*            Senior Vice President            March 16, 2000
- ----------------------------   (Principal Accounting Officer)
Lawrence Simon


/s/ Don Kornstein*             Director                         March 16, 2000
- ----------------------------
Don Kornstein


/s/ John McConnaughy, Jr.*     Director                         March 16, 2000
- --------------------------
John McConnaughy, Jr.


/s/ Glenn E. Schembechler *    Director                         March 16, 2000
- ---------------------------
Glenn E. Schembechler



/s/ Arthur N. Seessel, III*    Director                         March 16, 2000
- ----------------------------
Arthur N. Seessel, III


* By: /s/ David Mauer
      ----------------------
        David Mauer
        Attorney-in-Fact


                                     II-12



<PAGE>


              CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

         We have issued our reports dated February 21, 2000 accompanying the
financial statements and schedules of Riddell Sports Inc. contained in Amendment
No. 3 to the Registration Statement and Prospectus. We consent to the use of the
aforementioned reports in Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement and
Prospectus, and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption
"Experts".

                                             /s/ Grant Thornton, LLP
                                             GRANT THORNTON, LLP

Chicago, Illinois March 16, 2000



<PAGE>


[Letterhead of Valuemetrics, Inc.]


March 16, 2000


Board of Directors
Riddell Sports, Inc.


Gentlemen:

         The undersigned hereby consents to the inclusion of its name under the
heading "Experts" in the Company's Amendment No. 3 to its Registration Statement
on Form S-1, registration no. 333-92781.


Very truly yours,

VALUEMETRICS, INC.



By:  /s/ John L. Miscione
    ---------------------------------------
      John L. Miscione, Managing Director




<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FILED AS PART OF RIDDELL'S REGISTRATION
STATEMENT ON FORM S-1 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1999
<CASH>                                             513
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   34,387
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,863
<INVENTORY>                                     33,388
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                78,099
<PP&E>                                          17,494
<DEPRECIATION>                                   9,723
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 194,336
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           28,191
<BONDS>                                        136,097
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                            93
<OTHER-SE>                                      24,772
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   194,336
<SALES>                                        156,411
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               208,597
<CGS>                                           89,166
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  123,762
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,196
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              15,379
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    306
<INCOME-TAX>                                       905
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                               (599)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                      (599)
<EPS-BASIC>                                      (0.06)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (0.06)


</TABLE>


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