American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

Sport Professional of the Year Award

The Sport Professional of the Year Award was established to honor outstanding leaders in the professional domain of Sport. A sport professional is defined, as a professional who conducts sport-related programming, or an administrator in the educational, private, or public sport-related domains of the division. The nominees should come from those working in sport related areas (athletic directors, coaches, athletic trainers, sport management professionals, etc).

1. The qualifications for a nominee are:
1. Serves as a positive role model epitomizing the values and desired outcomes of sport.
2. Demonstrates enthusiasm for the sport profession.
3. Shows interest in, and sensitivity to, the needs of students, clients, and fellow professionals.
   
4. Utilizes various methodologies and implements creative, innovative, safe, and effective sport-related courses and programs based on: a. the developmental, social, and psychological needs of participants; and b. the needs, purposes, philosophies, and resources of the sponsoring institution sport related programs.
5. Assumes responsibility for professional growth.
6. Evidences professional commitment through membership and involvement in appropriate professional organizations.
7. Must be a member of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD).
2. The nominating and selection procedures are:
1. Any sport professional who meets the criteria may be nominated by his/her state association or a professional colleague, if the award is not presented at the state level. State award recipients shall advance, provided they meet the qualifications. If a state does not present the award, an individual from that state may be nominated by a professional colleague with the state board or awards committee approval.
2. Nominations must be submitted electronically following the format of the official application form.
3. Nominations must be submitted to the Southern District Awards Coordinator by October 1 to be considered for the current year.