Snowboarders now have a new way to click with their ski friends.The typical riders hassle of bending down -- or sitting down in the snow -- to buckle boots into the bindings while skiers in their group wait could be a thing of the past.A new technology that enables the boot to snap onto the board similar to a ski binding has the potential to inject fresh life into a sport that has been dealing with slowing growth for the last decade or so.After more than four years of research and more than a decade of trying to find the answer to a question that has long perplexed snowboarders and manufacturers alike, Burton Snowboards is releasing its new Step-On binding -- touting it as a time-saver that wont negatively impact performance. The binding goes on sale next fall and will run between $250 and $400.We asked the question, `What if? said Chris Cunningham, Burtons vice president of product. What if I could save 30 seconds per run?Multiplied by the 10 to 15 runs an average rider logs on any given day, a 30-second difference could mean an extra trip down the mountain per day. Over years, that number could add up into the hundreds. Meanwhile, the binding means less delay, less getting hands wet while fiddling with straps and buckles, less time the skiers in the group have to wait around for their snowboard buddies to prepare their equipment after they get off the lift.Every time my dad goes to strap in at the top of the mountain, he lets out a huge `Aaarrrrrrrgghhh, when hes got to bend over to strap in, said Danny Davis, the two-time Winter X Games champion who rides on a Burton board. Making snowboarding something thats easier to get into, thats a good thing.An improvement in ski technology, combined with unpredictable weather, the Great Recession and increased pricing for lift tickets, helped play into flat numbers for snowboarding over the past decade-plus. SnowSports Industries America reports microscopic growth (from 7.57 million to 7.602 million) in the number of snowboard participants between 2011-12 and last winter.Among Burtons attempts to bring more people to the sport was the invention of the Riglet -- a reel-like device that makes it easier for parents to tow young kids around on the snowboard.The industry has been experimenting with step-in bindings for more than a decade, but the first mass attempt to bring them to market petered out because the performance of the boots was considered subpar.In this latest attempt, 3D printing technology made it possible for developers at Burton to crank out and refine hundreds of prototypes in a very short time. The project began in a secret, walled-off room on the Burton campus where people walked by and said, `Whats up with that wall? Cunningham said.Within months, they were testing prototypes. In four years, they came up with something thats ready for the market.Kimmy Fasani, a professional rider for Burton, said the boot and binding gave her the same level of confidence she had with her old set-up.I think sitting down (to get into the bindings) has always been kind of a nuisance for snowboarders, Fasani said. Theres an efficiency there. Now, if you have friends who are skiers, youre not going to be the guy whos slowing the crowd down.Klay Thompson Warriors Jersey .B. - Sebastien Auger made 44 saves as the Saint John Sea Dogs edged the visiting Acadie-Bathurst Titan 2-1 on Saturday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. Nick Young Jersey . But the quarterback hopes to stay involved in football after officially calling it quits Tuesday. "Id love to look at those opportunities as they arise," Pierce said in an interview from his Winnipeg eatery. https://www.warriorsrookiesshop.com/Alec-Burks-City-Edition-Jersey/ .4 million title. 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The Clippers were angry about blowing a big lead; the Kings didnt like being in that kind of hole and nearly digging themselves out only to lose.The FA is considering bringing an end to nights out during international breaks following the controversy surrounding Wayne Rooneys celebrations after Fridays win over Scotland.English footballs governing body has announced it will undertake a review of its policy around free time after captain Rooney was pictured at a fellow guests wedding at the England team hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning.Rooney, 31, apologised unreservedly for what he called inappropriate images, taken 24 hours after Englands 3-0 win over Scotland at Wembley, but FA chief executive Martin Glenn admitted he was concerned by reports that members of Englands backroom staff were with Rooney on Saturday night. Glenn told Sky Sports News HQ: Were getting a proper investigation of what actually went on. Were there other FA staff involved? Obviously its disappointing, I think its appropriate that he apologised because it doesnt set a great tone for the England captain, but that said I dont want to to over-dramatise it either. West Brom midfielder Darren Fletcher has sympathy for his former team-mate Rooney after images of him socialising on the weekend were released Were talking to people who were there on Saturday to find out if anyone from the backroom staff were involved and then we will take a view. Why on earth would you be doing that given there is an understanding, a team agreement around alcohol consumption during camp? There will be questions asked for sure.ddddddddddddAsked if the FA will discuss the issue with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, who was reportedly furious that England backroom staff were with Rooney, Glenn replied: No. Well establish the facts ourselves, its our camp. The FA will not consult with Jose Mourinho over the incident There were also reports that 10 players left the base to attend a night out in central London on Saturday evening, but Sky sources have told us nobody has broken any rules and nobody will be formally disciplined after events over the weekend.Instead, FA technical director Dan Ashworth will have sensible conversations with the individuals involved with the aim of reviewing how downtime is structured at future international get-togethers.The matter is also expected to be raised next week at a full debrief meeting at St Georges Park, which normally happens after an international break.Previously, players had been told that if training finishes at midday, they could take the rest of the day off and report to training at 11am the next day, although training times vary according to schedule. Six months half price Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch Man Utd v Arsenal on Saturday and get the first six months half price Players were not required to report back to the hotel that night, which allowed them to spend time with their families or have a night out.Now they are expected to be told that at the end of training that they can have an evening off - but not a night out away from the camp.Also See:Mourinho fumes at FAKlopp: I feel for RooneyRooney says sorryRooney misses Spain draw ' ' '