The preliminary application is due by July 1, 2009. Applicants who are eligible for the award will be notified by Aug. 1 and invited to complete the comprehensive Final Round Application, which must be returned to NAYS by Sept. 1. Winners of the 2009 Excellence in Youth Sports Award will be notified by Oct. 1, 2009.

Winners receive a financial award and in-kind contributions from Excellence Award sponsors to be used for the support and enhancement of their youth sports program; a custom award to display at their facility; national, state and local recognition, including in the publications of Athletic Business and the National Alliance for Youth Sports; a complimentary registration for this year’s Youth Sports Congress, which will be held Dec. 2-5 in Orlando, Fla.; plus more.  

Up to five communities are annually recognized as Excellence Award winners. Applications that qualify for the final round of judging, but that do not win an award, receive Honorable Mention recognition.

The Excellence Award Committee, comprised of National Alliance for Youth Sports and Athletic Business staff, review applications. Applications are judged on several criteria, including what the organization does to educate their administrators, volunteer coaches, game officials and parents; as well as how well they demonstrate that they embrace a child-centered recreational sports philosophy that is aimed at providing a positive and safe experience for all youth.