STRIVE Awards Sponsorships Available for the following categories:
  - Coach
  - Official
  - Volunteer
  - Local Administrator
  - National Administrator
  - Sports Photographer

Contact: (772) 781-1452
youthsports@ncys.org

NCYS STRIVE Award Program

NCYS and Chartis Are Proud to Present the
2012 STRIVE Award for Organization of the Year

S.T.R.I.V.E. Sports Teach Respect Initiative Values and Excellence

Overview and Criteria
Eligibility to Submit a Nomination
Instructions: How to Submit Nomination Form
Deadlines & Timetable
Official Rules and FAQs

Overview and Criteria

The National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) and Chartis are proud to present the 2012 STRIVE Award for Organization of the Year. This award recognizes organizations that embrace a "kids first" approach, evidenced by their implementation of recognized best practices and policies that protect kids and promote safety within their organization.

Criteria for selection includes demonstrating a heartfelt passion and a commitment and a contagious spirit for helping kids succeed in youth sports activities while maintaining a commitment to established safety procedures. This award praises organizations' commitment to kids' safety and health, demonstrating to young people that it is possible for Sports to Teach Respect, Initiative, Values and Excellence without compromising safety.

The STRIVE Award selection committee (NCYS judging panel) will be comprised of youth sports industry leaders who will choose the top five finalists from the submitted nominations and testimonials. All finalists must pass the NCYS criminal background screening process. All finalists' credentials will be verified and confirmed for authenticity. The top "Five for STRIVE" finalists' profiles will be placed on the STRIVE Organization of the Year webpage and promoted via social media. The general public will be able to vote for their favorite finalist via the STRIVE website beginning in the summer of 2012. All online voting will be verified and confirmed for authenticity. The organization that collects the most votes will win the award.

For consideration, the following information must be submitted:

  • Three health and safety initiatives implemented by the organization that demonstrates a "kids first" approach to health and safety
  • A testimonial explaining the impact of the safety initiatives on the organization's legacy
  • The number of lives the organization estimates it has touched throughout its history
  • The specific population(s) that has (have) benefited from the organization's services
  • Additional awards or honors received
  • References

Eligibility to Submit a Nomination

Parents, team members, board members, community leaders, administrators, directors, staff members, players, coaches, officials are all eligible to nominate an organization.

INSTRUCTIONS: How to Submit Nomination Form

Click here to open the nomination form [PDF].

1) Fill out both pages of the nomination form by typing in your data directly on the screen and completing all
    three parts of the nomination form: Questionnaire, Testimonial, and References.
2) Save a copy of the nomination form to your computer for your records.
3) Click the Submit Button. Your nomination form will automatically be attached to an email and sent to NCYS.

Nominations must be received by 12 midnight EST, May 14, 2012.
Please e-mail questions to: youthsports@ncys.org

Deadlines and Timetable

all dates are subject to change

March 1, 2012
Nominations are open.

May 14, 2012.
Nominations are closed. Nominations must be received by 12 midnight EST on May 14, 2012. Nominations received after the deadline will not be processed. Illegible and/or incomplete nomination forms will not be considered. Eligible nominations will be reviewed by the NCYS judging panel.

May 21, 2012.
Finalists are selected. The top "Five for STRIVE" finalists will be notified by the NCYS Executive Director. All finalists must pass the NCYS criminal background screening process. All finalists' credentials will be verified and confirmed for authenticity.

June 15, 2012.
Online voting is open to the public.

August 1, 2012.
Online voting is closed.

September 2012.
The award will be presented at the "SPORTS 2012-The Relationship Conference" held September 10-13, 2012 in Oklahoma City, OK. The winning organization will receive a $5,000 donation. The second and third place organizations will each receive a $1,000 donation. Travel expenses to the award ceremony will be paid for a winner and a guest.

Official Rules & Frequently Asked Questions

1) Strive Program and Objectives

The National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) and Chartis are proud to present the STRIVE Award for Organization of the Year. This award recognizes organizations that embrace a "kids first" approach, evidenced by their implementation of recognized best practices and policies that protect kids and promote safety within their organization.

Criteria for selection includes demonstrating a heartfelt passion a contagious spirit for helping kids succeed in youth sports activities while maintaining a commitment to established safety procedures. This award praises organizations' commitment to kids' safety and health, demonstrating to young people that it is possible for sports to teach Respect, Initiative, Values and Excellence without compromising safety.

2) Eligibility Requirements

Local clubs, teams, leagues, recreational centers, camps, organizations, and groups eligible for the STRIVE Award must meet these requirements:

  • Making sports and activities a positive experience. Beyond athletics, sports teach children life skills such as responsibility, character, trustworthiness, discipline, fairness, perseverance, self-esteem, teamwork, respect for others and citizenship.
  • Initiating safety programs to protect their participants and members. Safety programs can include hydration stations; brain injury and concussion education, as well as baseline testing, mandatory background checks for volunteers, contactors and employees, maintenance of proper facilities and lighting, as well as use of correct and up-to-date equipment.
  • Winners will be selected based on their exemplary ability to demonstrate a commitment to health and safety.
  • Consideration will also be given to organizations that are able to create community goodwill and make a positive impact on young people with a passion for service while keeping fun in the game.

3) Are there specific safety programs STRIVE is looking for?

No. Safety programs can include background checks, hydration protocols, concussion education, equipment checks, communication processes, etc. We bet you are working very hard to keep up with safety concerns and even safety legislation, so tell us about it!

4) Can I use Facebook, Twitter and other websites to get the word out?

Definitely! We strongly encourage you to post about the STRIVE Award for Organization of the Year. And we will be using social media to spread the word as well.

5) Will a team's winning/losing record affect their nomination?

Absolutely not. Every group has a chance to win this award. It doesn't matter if your team hasn't won a game in three weeks or if you have never lost. We see you all as champions.

6) Who Can Nominate an Organization?

Parents, team members, board members, community leaders, administrators, directors, staff members, players, coaches, officials are all eligible to nominate an organization. Organizations of any size can be nominated. They can be affiliated with a national organization or association, but we prefer the nomination come from individual locations instead of the national offices.

7) Can you submit more than one nomination?

An organization can submit only one nomination. Please notify the organization's representative before you submit a nomination form.

8) Can I nominate a recreation center (YMCA/JCC, etc.)?

Of course! Recreation centers are great for showcasing safety programs because they manage and facilitate so many activities. But remember, we would prefer local recreation centers and not national organizations to submit nominations.

9) How Are Nominations Submitted?

Submit your nomination on our website www.ncys.org/strive. Nomination forms include parts for a questionaire, testimonial and references.

10) When Can Nominations Be Submitted?

Nominations must be received by 12 midnight EST on May 14, 2012. Nominations received after the deadline will not be processed. Illegible and/or incomplete nomination forms will not be considered. Eligible nominations will be reviewed by the NCYS judging panel.

11) How Will The Winners Be Selected?

The STRIVE Award selection committee will be comprised of youth sports industry leaders who will choose the top five finalists from the submitted nominations and testimonials. All finalists must pass the NCYS criminal background screening process. All finalists' credentials will be verified and confirmed for authenticity. The top "Five for STRIVE" finalists' profiles will be placed on the STRIVE Organization of the Year webpage and promoted via social media. The general public will be able to vote for their favorite finalist thru the STRIVE website beginning in the summer of 2012. All online voting will be verified and confirmed for authenticity. The organization that collects the most votes will win the award.

12) When Will The Winners Be Notified?

The winning Organization of the Year will be notified by the National Council of Youth Sports in August.

13) When And Where Will The Winners Be Honored?

The award will be presented at the "SPORTS 2012-The Relationship Conference" held September 10-13, 2012 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The winning organization will receive a $5,000 donation. The second and third place organizations will each receive a $1,000 donation. Travel expenses to the award ceremony will be paid for the winner and a guest.

14) General Rules

Nominators and nominees do not need to be a member of the National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) to be eligible to participate in this program. NCYS and Chartis employees, their immediate family members and representing agencies are not eligible to participate in the nomination or selection process. No purchase is necessary to participate in the nomination process. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. Substitution or transfer of finalist status is not permitted. NCYS and Chartis, and their agents, brokers, officers, employees, etc., are not liable for claims and liability arising from a nominee's selection as a finalist. NCYS is not responsible for lost, late, illegible, misdirected, postage due, or damaged nomination materials. By participating, nominators and nominees agree to be bound by the official rules. Nominees and nominators must sign the nomination form stating they have read and agree to the official rules and nomination procedures. All decisions of the judges are final. By accepting the award, the individual gives their consent to use of the name, likeness, address (organization, city, state), etc. in marketing, media, and promotional materials related to the STRIVE Award. Void where prohibited.

15) For More Information

For additional information, contact Sally S. Johnson, Executive Director, National Council of Youth Sports, at 772-781-1452 or youthsports@ncys.org.