Official Rules

1) STRIVE PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) is proud to present the Hershey's STRIVE Awards Program. These annual awards recognize coaches, administrators and volunteers, from hometown communities throughout the United States, who have demonstrated the heartfelt passion, enthusiastic commitment and humanitarian spirit that provides ongoing contributions to the superior quality of youth sports.


2) ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
National Youth Sports Administrator Of The Year National Administrators eligible for the Hershey's STRIVE Award must meet these requirements:

1. Paying tribute to those outstanding individuals who on a national level make a significant contribution to the pursuit of sports excellence, Individual involvement, value and opportunity as leaders in their organization.

2. Winners will be selected based on the passion of service, length of time dedicated to the cause, leadership value, empowerment of others, proven techniques, including planning, communication and motivational tools effecting positive changes that make a difference in achieving their organizations' bottom-line goals.

Local Youth Sports Administrator Of The Year
Local Administrators eligible for the Hershey's STRIVE Award must meet these requirements:

1. Paying tribute to those outstanding individuals who on a local level make a significant contribution to the pursuit of sports excellence, Individual involvement, value and opportunity in their community.

2. Winners will be selected based on the passion of service, length of time dedicated to the cause, leadership value, empowerment of others, proven techniques, including planning, communication and motivational tools effecting positive changes that make a difference in achieving their organizations' bottom-line goals.


Coach Of The Year
Local Coaches eligible for the Hershey's STRIVE Award must meet these requirements:

1. Intrinsic motivation "for the fun of it" is a primary reason for participating in sports. Beyond athletics, sports teaches children life skills such as responsibility, character, trustworthiness, discipline, fairness, perseverance, self-esteem, teamwork, respect for others, and citizenship.

2. Paying tribute to those outstanding individuals who teach good moral principles by serving as a positive role model to youth.

3. Winners will be selected based on the exemplary ability to build team cohesion, teach effectively, fostering a supportive climate where youngsters can develop teamwork, personal achievement, dedication, mental toughness, encouragement, discipline, good sportsmanship, foster cooperation and communication, and encourage participation by all youth in fun and healthy physical activities according to their interest and abilities.

Consideration will also be given to gaining athletes mutual respect, creating community goodwill, and making a positive impact on young people with a passion of service while keeping fun in the game.


Volunteer Of The Year
Local Volunteers eligible for the Hershey's STRIVE Award must meet these requirements:

1. Volunteerism is the American way! Today's volunteers are tomorrow's leaders! And volunteers are the mover and shakers of the community.

2. Paying tribute to those outstanding individuals who make their society a better place in which to live by giving unselfishly of their time, talent, and energy for the benefit of the youth and the betterment of their community.

3. Winners will be selected based on the exemplary ability to lead and organize others. Some of the qualities that embody this leadership are: integrity, humility, ability to think on the spot, willingness to listen and learn, willingness to grow and stretch, trust in the group process, attitude, ability to develop new people, a goal-oriented nature, a sense of humor. The Hershey's STRIVE Volunteer of the Year Award will recognize that individual who gives willingly of themselves everyday regardless of the obstacles realizing life is more valuable to volunteer precious time to somebody else because doing for others is gaining is self-growth.


3) WHO CAN NOMINATE?
Anyone - an administrator, director, coach, player, parent, or official - can nominate an Award!


4) HOW ARE NOMINATIONS SUBMITTED?
Hershey's STRIVE Award nomination forms are available at www.ncys.org or www.hersheysfundraising.com. If you do not have access to the internet you can receive a nomination form from NCYS directly by calling 772-781-1452.

Nominations must be submitted by mail. Nomination Forms will not be accepted online.

Mailing address:

Hershey's STRIVE Award
National Council of Youth Sports
7185 SE Seagate Lane
Stuart, FL 34997
Fax number: 772-781-7298


5) WHEN CAN NOMINATIONS BE SUBMITTED?
Nominations must be postmarked on or before May 26, 2006. Forms arriving after the deadline will not be processed. Illegible and/or incomplete nomination forms will not be accepted or returned. Confirmation of receipt of nomination is the responsibility of the nominator.


6) HOW WILL THE WINNERS BE SELECTED?
There will be a Hershey's STRIVE Award selection committee comprised of youth sports industry leaders to choose the winners. All finalist credentials will be verified and confirmed for authenticity. All finalists must pass the NCYS criminal background screening process.


7) WHEN WILL THE WINNERS BE NOTIFIED?
Award winners will be notified in July 2006 and announced in late August/early September 2006.


8) WHEN WILL THE WINNERS BE HONORED?
Winners for the three local awards will be honored as heroes at a special event celebration in their own hometown. The national award winner will be honored at their organization's national convention. Each winner will receive an attractive Hershey's STRIVE Award along with a check presented in their honor for $2,500 to the youth sport organization of his or her choice.


9) FOR MORE INFORMATION
For additional information, contact Sally S. Cunningham at 772-781-1452 or youthsports@ncys.org.


10) 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 HERSHEY'S employees, their immediate family members and representing agencies are not eligible to participate in the nomination or selection process. No purchase necessary to participate in nomination process. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. Substitution or transfer of finalist status is not permitted. NCYS and HERSHEY'S, and their agents, 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 Hershey's STRIVE Award. Signed nomination forms and one page testimonial must be postmarked on or before May 26, 2006. Award winners will be notified in July 2006 and announced in late August/early September 2006. Void where prohibited.