The club has a number of awards that are presented each year at the AGM. Descriptions of each award and the selection criteria are presented below:
Encouragement Award
Purpose:
The Encouragement Award recognises young athletes in age groups 6 to 12 who demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship, kindness, and effort throughout the season. This award aims to encourage continued participation in athletics by celebrating those who consistently try their best, support their peers, and contribute positively to their age group. This award is not about winning—it’s about heart, attitude, and effort. It celebrates the everyday heroes of the club who make athletics a better experience for everyone.
Eligibility:
- Athletes must be registered in age groups 6 to 12.
- Up to three (3) recipients may be selected each season however up to six (6) athletes may be nominated (in order of receiving) to replace any athlete who may be no longer eligible for this award (those who receive a major award)
- Athletes who have received a major award this season are not eligible for this award (this is to be determined by committee)
- In the event the athlete is selected to receive a major award within the same season the committee will move to the next nominated athletes. If there are no other nominated athletes, the committee will return to the age controller for further nominations.
Nomination Process:
- Age Group Managers, with the help of coordinators if required, are responsible for submitting nominations.
- Nominations are to be submitted to the committee or designated awards coordinator by time discussed.
Selection Criteria:
- Up to three (3) nominees will be awarded pending they meet the eligibility criteria, no other selection criteria required.
President’s Award
Purpose:
The President’s Award is a special recognition presented to a committee member whose exceptional commitment, hard work, and behind-the-scenes support have played a vital role in the club’s success. This individual consistently goes above and beyond to support the club and its members and is intended for someone whose ongoing efforts have had a significant positive impact on the club’s operations, culture, and achievements.
Eligibility:
- Nominees must be current season committee members.
- The nominee must not have already received a prestigious club award in the current year.
Nomination Process:
- Each committee member may submit one nomination.
- Nominations to include a brief explanation outlining how the nominee meets the purpose criteria.
- Nominations are to be submitted confidentially to the Club President.
Selection Process:
- The Club President will review all nominations and, using their discretion, select the recipient based on the strength of the nomination and alignment with the award’s purpose.
Selection Considerations:
- Outstanding dedication: Consistently going the extra mile to ensure the club’s success.
- Leadership and initiative: Stepping up to solve problems, drive improvement, or support others.
- Supportive presence: Someone other committee members and club members rely on.
- Positive influence: Uplifting the team and contributing to a strong, cohesive committee.
Club Person of the Year
Purpose:
This award recognises an outstanding athlete who consistently embodies the spirit and values of our club. It honours someone who makes a meaningful impact through dedication, sportsmanship, and kindness.
Eligibility:
- Open to age group 13 plus, athlete can be of any gendered and can be multiclass or able bodied but must have minimum 50% attendance at weekly club carnivals.
- Must not be receiving a prestigious club award in the current year.
Nomination Process:
- Each committee member may submit one nomination with a brief reasoning behind the nomination to support the voting process.
Selection Criteria:
- Good sportsmanship: Respects others, shows kindness.
- Consistent effort: Gives their best, regardless of role or outcome.
- Dedication: Regularly attends, supports, and contributes to the club.
- Positive attitude: Brings energy and encouragement to others.
- Kindness and support: Shows genuine care and compassion for fellow club members.
- Team spirit: Helps build a strong, welcoming, and inclusive club environment.
Voting Process:
The committee will review all nominations and vote to select the recipient based on how well the nominee meets the above criteria
The Norm Johnson Award
Purpose:
The Norm Johnson Award is the most prestigious honour presented by our Athletics Club. This award celebrates an athlete who best exemplifies excellence in athletics, sportsmanship, dedication to the club, and personal integrity — values championed by the late Norm Johnson.
Eligibility:
Open to junior, teenage, senior and Multiclass athletes inclusive of both male and female athletes. Recognising achievements across track, field, and overall performance.
Nomination and Selection Process:
Step 1: Compilation of Achievements
The committee (better yet the Championships Officer/s) will review and compile athlete data and performance across all age groups and categories. This will reflect our winners for ‘best performed’ perpetual awards and these will be our first recommended nominees. The committee (better yet the Championships Officer/s) can also produce athlete data and performance for 1-2 further athletes per category (next best process).
Step 2: Shortlisting by Panel
Panel composition: 2–4 committee members, ideally including a Championship Officer and minimum 2 Life Members, preferably those who knew Norm Johnson personally.
The committee will submit compiled athlete profiles to the panel. The Panel will review athlete profiles and select approximately six (6) finalists.
Criteria to be considered include:
– Athletic performance and results (club, regional, state or national level)
– Attendance and participation at club events
– Contribution to the club culture and values (e.g. sportsmanship, teamwork)
– Demonstrated personal improvement and commitment
Step 3: Finalist Interview
Finalists will be invited to a 10–15-minute informal conversation with available Life Members. Parents/guardians are welcome to accompany the athlete.
Discussion topics may include:
– Athletic goals and highlights
– Club involvement and attitude
– Broader interests (school, other sports or community involvement)
Athletes who decline or fail to attend either in person or via phone without reasonable or exceptional cause will be deemed ineligible for the award.
Step 4: Final Decision
After interviews, the Life Members who participated will consult and determine the award recipient. In exceptional cases, two athletes may be awarded as joint winners.
Award Presentation
Attendance by the winner is mandatory unless prevented by unavoidable or exceptional circumstances.
The Johnson Family will be invited to present the award. If unavailable, the honour will pass to Life Members who knew Norm personally.
Important Notes
This process is intended to uphold the legacy of Norm Johnson by focusing on qualities he embodied: passion, perseverance, sportsmanship, and a deep commitment to club spirit.
Any updates to this process must be reviewed and approved by the committee and Life Members.
Best Performance Awards
There is an award for the best performing athletes based on a sliding points scale at championships. The matrix for point allocation is being updated for this season and will be published soon.
| Best Track Performance | Best Field Performance | Best Overall Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Girl Athlete Junior Boy Athlete | Junior Girl Athlete Junior Boy Athlete | Junior Girl Athlete Junior Boy Athlete |
| Teen Girl Athlete Teen Boy Athlete | Teen Girl Athlete Teen Boy Athlete | Teen Girl Athlete Teen Boy Athlete |
| Senior Female Athlete Senior Male Athlete | Senior Female Athlete Senior Male Athlete | Senior Female Athlete Senior Male Athlete |
| Multiclass Athlete | Multiclass Athlete | Multiclass Athlete |
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