Below are the descriptions for each award.
Nominations for FIAAA State Awards are done online through FinalForms beginning July 1st of each year:
FIAAA STATE AWARDS
Dr. Clarence Noe Outstanding Athletic Administrator
This award is presented to an athletic administrator recognized in the community as a leader who maintains athletics as an integral part of the total education program. He/She shall administer an exemplary athletic program making full use of school and community resources and involving as many students as possible. All members of the FIAAA are eligible for this award. There is only one nomination per district per year. If there is more than one nomination from a district, the district director will determine the nominee from that district. The Awards and Recognition Committee will narrow the number of selections to not more than three and present that slate to the Executive Board for final determination. All nominations will be kept on file for a three year period. Self nominations are not permitted.
Wayne Taylor Distinguished Service Award (formerly the FIAAA Meritorious Service Award)
This award is presented to honor any member of the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association for meritorious service to the organization or to interscholastic athletics. There are no restrictions on the number of nominations made from each district. The Awards and Recognition Committee will select the recipient(s) for the award from the list of nominees presented from the districts. Self nominations are not permitted.
Dorothy Brunson Special Service Award
This award allows the FIAAA to recognize non-FIAAA members for supportive and contributory service to the organization or to interscholastic athletics over a period of years. There are no restrictions on the number of nominations made from each district. The Awards and Recognition Committee will select the recipient(s) for the award from the list of nominees presented from the districts. The Awards and Recognition Committee will select the recipient(s) for the award from the list of nominees presented from the districts. Self nominations are not permitted.
FIAAA Sectional Athletic Administrator of the Year
This award is presented to athletic administrators with three (3) or more years’ experience as an athletic administrator and who has demonstrated involvement in their school, community and professional organizations beyond their prescribed daily duties. This award will be presented to one individual in each of the four (4) FHSAA sections. The Awards and Recognition Committee will select the recipient(s) for the award from the list of nominees presented from the districts. Self nominations are not permitted.
Chris Hixon Exemplary Sportsmanship Award
In conjunction with the goals and the mission of the NIAAA, FIAAA, FHSAA, and FACA, this award is designed to honor athletic administrators who have distinguished themselves as leaders that promote and exemplify the “Spirit of Sportsmanship”. Each Florida high school and middle/junior high school may nominate one athletic administrator. One athletic administrator will be selected from each FHSAA section. There will be a total of four (4) athletic administrators selected as Chris Hixon Exemplary Sportsmanship winners. Each winner will be presented with a commemorative plaque. The announcement of winners will take place during the Annual FIAAA State Conference. The Awards and Recognition Committee will select the recipient(s) for the award from the list of nominees presented from the districts. Self nominations are not permitted.
Excellence in Athletic Support
This award is presented to an individual who works in a school or district athletic office in a support role. Eligible roles may include, but are not limited to: Secretary, Assistant Athletic Director, Business Manager, Athletic Trainer or other non-administrative athletic office staff. Recognizes contributions that go above and beyond routine responsibilities, positively impacting athletic programs and student-athletes. There are no restrictions on the number of nominations that can be made from each district. The Awards and Recognition Committee will select the recipient from the list of nominees presented by the districts. Self nominations are not permitted.
Sectional Newcomer of the Year
This award is presented to new or first-time Athletic Directors in their first 1-3 years of service. Eligible recipients have made a positive impact on their athletic program and shown growth, improvement and/or innovation in: Program development, Student-athlete support and experience, Community engagement and Professional development. One individual will be selected from each of the four (4) FHSAA sections. Awards and Recognition Committee will choose the recipient(s) from the list of nominees submitted by the districts. Self nominations are not permitted.
FIAAA Lifetime Membership
This award is presented to FIAAA members who have made considerable contributions to this organization over a period of years. There are no restrictions on the number of nominations made from each district. The final selection(s) will be made by the FIAAA Nominating Committee. Self nominations are not permitted.
FIAAA Honorary Lifetime Membership
This award is presented to non-FIAAA members who have made considerable contributions to this organization over a period of years. There are no restrictions on the number of nominations made from each district. The final selection(s) will be made by the FIAAA Nominating Committee. Self nominations are not permitted.
NIAAA & NFHS NATIONAL AWARDS
NIAAA State Award of Merit
Each state may nominate one person, who is a member of the NIAAA, for this award. The nominee must be recognized in the community as a leader who maintains athletics as an integral part of the total educational program. He/She shall administer an exemplary athletic program making full use of school and community resources and involving as many students as possible. While involvement at the national level may be a consideration, it is not intended to be a prerequisite for selection. Nominations are made by the FIAAA Nominating Committee.
NIAAA Bruce D. Whitehead Distinguished Service Award
This award is presented to a limited number of NIAAA members each year in recognition of their length of service, special accomplishments and contributions to athletic administration at the local, state and national levels. There is only one nomination per state. Nominations are made by the FIAAA Nominating Committee.
NIAAA Frank Kovaleski Professional Development Award
This award is presented to an NIAAA member who has made significant contributions and demonstrated excellence in professional development at the local, state and national levels. There is only one nomination per state. Nominations are made by the FIAAA Nominating Committee.
National Federation of State High School Associations Citation
This award is presented to individuals associated with categories of professionals who have made significant contributions to the NFHS and/or other national organizations which have impacted high school activities. This process requires coordination with the FHSAA office in submitting a nominee. There is only one nomination per state. Nominations are made by the FIAAA Nominating Committee.
Among the factors which may be considered are:
- Individual has a long-standing and distinguished record of involvement with high school activities programs at the local and state levels.
- Individual is recognized as among the best in their profession by their colleagues.
Nominations are made by the FIAAA Nominating Committee.
