There are currently about eighty members, of whom fifty-two have been elected since the initial meeting. The central purpose of the Academy is the intellectual advancement of leisure sciences. For example, in cooperation with the Society of Park and Recreation Educators, the Academy supports an annual Future Scholars program, whereby up to six outstanding master's degree students in recreation, park, and leisure studies are invited to attend the Academy's annual meeting and the Leisure Research Symposium held at the National Recreation and Park Association's convention. Organization The Academy operates under a Constitution which provides for the election or appointment of Officers and Committees. The President, Secretary-Treasurer, Historian, and Nominations and Elections Committee are elected by the membership via mailed ballots.
Business is conducted at the annual business meeting.
In the interim between meetings, the President, in concert with other officers and committees, conducts business and acts for the Academy. Academy members pay annual dues as well as a fee to offset annual program and business meeting expenses. Membership Names of candidates for membership are placed in nomination by a formal letter from a current member. This is accompanied by a biographical summary, submitted with the ballot to all active members, which includes the nominee's professional experience, significant publications, invited presentations, professional affiliations including offices, awards and honors, and professional activities. Election requires a two-thirds majority of votes cast.