STRIVE Award

STRIVE Official Rules & Frequently Asked Questions

Complete the STRIVE Award Application

 

1. STRIVE Award Program and Objectives

The National Council of Youth Sports and AIG are proud to present the STRIVE Organization of the Year Award. This award recognizes organizations that implement best practices and policies that protect youth athletes by promoting responsible health, wellness and safety within their organization.

Criteria for selection includes demonstrating a heartfelt passion and a contagious spirit for helping youth people succeed in youth sports activities while maintaining a commitment to established safety procedures. This award praises organizations’ commitment to youth athletes’ health, wellness and safety by demonstrating 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:

  • Ensures sports a positive experience. Beyond athletics, sports should teach children life skills such as responsibility, character, trustworthiness, discipline, fairness, perseverance, self-esteem, teamwork, respect for others and citizenship.
  • Winners will be selected based on their exemplary ability to initiate and demonstrate a responsible commitment to health, wellness and safety programs appropriately protecting participants and members.
  • 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 protocols STRIVE is looking for?

Health, wellness and safety protocols may include, but not be limited to, hydration and nutrition protocols, head injury and concussion education, baseline testing, mandatory quality background screening for volunteers and employees, facility and equipment maintenance, social and emotional skill development, communication processes, medical protocols, etc.

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

Definitely! We strongly encourage you to post information about the STRIVE Organization of the Year award. We will be use social media to spread the word.

5. Will a team’s winning/losing record affect their nomination? 

Absolutely not. This is not an award based on wins and losses. All youth sports participants are champions.

6. Who can nominate an organization?

Anyone may submit a nomination. Parents, team members, board members, community leaders, administrators, directors, staff members, players, coaches, officials, etc. 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 health, wellness and safety programs because they manage and facilitate so many activities.

9. When can nominations be submitted?

Nominations will begin in March. Specific dates will be forthcoming. 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 STRIVE Award Selection Committee (NCYS judging panel).

10. How will the winners be selected?

The top five finalists from the submitted nominations and testimonials will be selected. All finalists’ primary representatives must pass the NCYS criminal background screening process or be disqualified. 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. Online voting results will be combined with the judges’ scores to determine a winner.

11. When will the winners be notified?

The winning Organization of the Year will be notified by the National Council of Youth Sports as soon as a final online voting tally is complete and votes have been verified and confirmed for authenticity.

12. When and where will the winners be honored?

The STRIVE Award for Organization of the Year will be presented on a date and at a location to be determined. The winning organization will receive a $5,000 donation.

13. 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. 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 AIG, 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. including their submitted contest photos in marketing, media, and promotional materials related to the STRIVE Award. Void where prohibited.

14. For more information

For additional information, send us an email.

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