Victorian Disability Sport & Recreation Awards
Nominations
We honour, celebrate and recognise outstanding people within the Victorian disability sport and recreation community.
Nomination Guide
Guidelines
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Nominations must be for achievements, initiatives, programs, activities, and developments that took place between 1st July 2022 and 30th June 2023 (excluding the Lifetime Achievement Award).
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Previous winners, finalists, and nominees are eligible to re-nominate in any category.
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Individuals, teams, or organisations have the option to nominate themselves.
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Nominations will only be accepted if all required criteria has been addressed.
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A separate online nomination form should be submitted for each nominee.
Key dates
Nominations open
Monday 31st July
Nominations close
Sunday 27th August
Judging
Late August
Finalists announced
Early September
Awards ceremony
Tuesday 3rd October
Judging Process
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All nominations will be reviewed to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria.
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If a person, team, or organisation is nominated without their knowledge, the organisers will contact them to confirm their acceptance of the nomination.
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The Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards judging panel, comprising of independent industry experts, will assess and score each shortlisted nomination based on the information provided for each criterion.
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The judging panel will decide the finalists and winners of each award category based on the nominations with the highest combined scores.
Image Requirements
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A high-resolution headshot or image of the nominee, initiative, or facility is required for each nomination. The preferred format for the image is JPG or PNG.
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After submitting your nomination, you will receive an automatic email from awards@dsr.org.au requesting the image by return email.
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By providing the image, it is assumed that you have the necessary permission to share the image with the organisers of the awards.
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The information provided as part of the nomination process will be used solely for the purpose of carrying out the awards. However, the organisers reserve the right to use the information for promotional purposes related to the awards.
Award Categories
For an accessible nomination guide document, click here.
1. Lifetime Achievement Award
This award recognises the extensive and impactful contributions an individual has made to their chosen discipline, sport, recreation, club, or association within the disability sector, considering both the duration and the wide-ranging scope of their involvement.
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Eligibility
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The individual to have made substantial and enduring contributions to the disability community, spanning a significant portion of their professional career or lifetime.
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Selection Criteria
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This award represents the highest form of recognition offered by Disability Sport and Recreation.
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The nominee must have demonstrated exceptional dedication to advocating for the rights, participation, and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in Victoria.
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The award acknowledges the remarkable and enduring contributions made by the individual throughout their career, focusing on their chosen discipline, sport, recreation, club, or association within the disability sector.
2. Coach/Fitness Leader of the Year
This award recognises a Victorian coach or fitness leader who has made a significant contribution to their club and/or association or has achieved outstanding coaching performance with athletes or teams.
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Eligibility
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Be an accredited Coach under the recognised National or State Sporting body.
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Nominations are open to both paid and unpaid coaches.
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Selection Criteria
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The nominee must have made a significant impact on their club, local community, organisation, or school through their coaching efforts.
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This award acknowledges the individual's contributions to the wider coaching community within their sport, such as sharing knowledge, mentoring other coaches, or actively participating in coaching development programs.
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The nominee should have demonstrated unwavering dedication to providing the highest standard of coaching to their team players or individuals, fostering their growth, development, and success.
3. Initiative of the Year - Sport
This award recognises an organisation, individual, or group that has established a sustainable initiative or program aimed at facilitating the participation of Victorians with disabilities in sporting activities.
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Eligibility
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The award welcomes initiatives that operate either on a regional, metropolitan Melbourne, or state-wide level.
Selection Criteria
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The award evaluates the extent to which the initiative has positively impacted the local community, benefiting Victorians with disabilities and fostering inclusivity in sports.
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The criteria considers the initiative's innovative strategies and practices that encourage and enhance the participation of individuals with disabilities in sporting activities.
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The criteria takes into account the uniqueness and originality of the initiative's approach, reflecting innovative thinking and creative solutions to promote accessible and inclusive sporting activities.
4. Initiative of the Year - Active Recreation and Leisure
The award acknowledges an organisation, individual, or group that has established a sustainable initiative or program aimed at enabling Victorians with disabilities to actively participate in recreational activities.
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Eligibility
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Initiatives must operate either on a regional, metropolitan Melbourne, or state-wide level within Victoria.
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The award is open to initiatives led by community and/or active recreation clubs/groups or individuals within Victoria, demonstrating a commitment to promoting active recreation for individuals with disabilities.
Selection Criteria
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The award considers the reach and impact of the initiative, considering its effectiveness and benefits on a regional, metropolitan Melbourne, or state-wide scale.
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The award recognises initiatives that have implemented sustainable practices, ensuring the longevity and ongoing impact of the program in facilitating the participation of individuals with disabilities in active recreational activities.
5. Inclusive Sport, Recreation or Open Space Infrastructure Award
The award acknowledges the transformative effect that modifications to shared spaces can have on an individual's ability to participate in sport and recreation activities.
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Eligibility
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The award category is open to both minor and major developments or upgrades in the field of inclusive sport, recreation, or open space infrastructure.
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The project should be within the domain of sport, recreation, or open space infrastructure, such as sports facilities, playgrounds, parks, trails, or other related areas.
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The project should have been completed or substantially progressed within a specified timeframe, as determined by the award guidelines.
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Selection Criteria
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The project demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that the sport, recreation, or open space infrastructure is accessible and accommodating for individuals with disabilities, promoting equal participation and enjoyment for all.
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The infrastructure project has had a significant positive impact on the community, contributing to increased participation and engagement in sport, recreation, or open space activities for individuals with disabilities.
6. Volunteer of the Year
The award acknowledges the remarkable contribution made by a volunteer to the disability sport and active recreation community in Victoria.
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Eligibility
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The nominee should be recognised by the club, state, or national sporting body for their volunteer contributions to the disability sport and active recreation community.
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The nominee must not receive payment for their volunteering activities. It is important to note that reimbursement of expenses related to volunteering does not constitute payment.
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Selection Criteria
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The nominee should demonstrate exceptional dedication to their specific sport or recreational activity through their volunteer efforts, showcasing a passion for the development and promotion of the activity.
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The award recognises significant contributions made by the volunteer to advance the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities within the sport and active recreation community.
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The nominee should exemplify a genuine desire to volunteer and help others, displaying a selfless commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals within the sport and active recreation community.
7. Administrator of the Year
The award acknowledges a Victorian sports administrator who has exhibited exceptional accomplishments that supports and promotes the active participation of people with disabilities in sports.
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Eligibility
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Nominees should be employed at a State Sporting Association, Regional Sports Assembly, Leisure Provider, or other community organisation involved in the sport and recreation sector.
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Nominees must hold a position in the sport and recreation sector that involves direct support and facilitation of active participation for individuals with disabilities.
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Individuals employed in the sport and recreation sector at organisations not explicitly mentioned above but who directly support people with disabilities to be active are also eligible for consideration.
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Selection Criteria
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The criteria assesses the impact of the nominee's contribution to the sport and recreation sector, considering the positive effects and outcomes resulting from their work in supporting individuals or teams with disabilities to be active.
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The award recognises exceptional achievements by the nominee in developing and delivering projects that enhance the participation and experiences of individuals with disabilities in sports, demonstrating innovative and effective approaches.
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The criteria evaluates the broader impact of the nominee's work on the community, recognising their efforts in promoting inclusivity, raising awareness, and creating positive social change through their contributions to the sport and recreation sector.
8. Masters Sportsperson of the Year
The award recognises Victorian masters athletes who have achieved exceptional and remarkable results in terms of their performances.
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Eligibility
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Nominees must have actively competed in masters level competitions within their respective sport.
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Nominees must adhere to the classification standards set by their sport's governing body for masters level competition.
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Selection Criteria
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The criteria evaluates the athlete's results and performance, considering their achievements, records, rankings, and notable accomplishments within their respective sport.
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The award takes into account the athlete's participation and recognising their ability to compete against top-level competitors in their age group and category.
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The criteria considers the athlete's sportsmanship, character, and positive attitude, recognising their ability to serve as a role model and uphold the values of fair play and integrity.
9. Junior Sportsperson of the Year
The award acknowledges Victorian junior athletes who have attained exceptional results in terms of their performance.
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Eligibility
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Nominees must be under 21 years of age as of July 31, 2023.
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Selection Criteria
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The award evaluates the athlete's results and performance, considering their achievements, records, rankings, and notable accomplishments within their respective sport.
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The award acknowledges the athlete's progress and improvement in their skills and abilities, reflecting their dedication to training and development.
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The award also considers the athlete's potential for future success, taking into account their age, talent, and commitment to their sport.
10. Team of the Year
The award recognises a Victorian team that has achieved exceptional results in terms of their performances.
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Eligibility
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The team must be officially recognised by their State Sporting Association as a state team.
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Selection Criteria
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The criteria evaluates the team's results and performance, considering their achievements, records, rankings, and notable accomplishments within their respective sport.
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The criteria assesses the team's cohesion, teamwork, and collaboration, emphasising their ability to work together effectively towards shared goals and achieve outstanding results.
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The award considers the team's sportsmanship, fair play, and adherence to the values of integrity and ethical conduct, recognising their positive representation of their sport.
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Impact and Inspiration: The criteria also evaluates the team's impact and inspiration, acknowledging their ability to inspire others through their exceptional performances and accomplishments.
11. Sportsperson of the Year - Elite
The award acknowledges a Victorian individual athlete who has achieved exceptional results in terms of their performance at a national and/or international level.
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Eligibility
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Nominees must have actively competed in a high-level competition, which can include national and/or international events.
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Selection Criteria
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The criteria evaluates the athlete's results and performance, considering their achievements, records, rankings, and notable accomplishments within their respective sport.
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The award takes into account the athlete's participation and success at the national and/or international level, recognising their ability to compete against top-level competitors in their category.
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The criteria recognises the athlete's sportsmanship, fair play, and adherence to the values of integrity and ethical conduct, reflecting their positive representation of their sport.
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The award also considers the athlete's impact and inspiration, acknowledging their ability to inspire others through their exceptional performances and accomplishments.
12. Sportsperson of the Year - Community
The Sportsperson of the Year - Community award recognises an individual that has made a substantial contribution to promoting safe, fair, and inclusive sports.
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Eligibility
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Nominees must be residents of Victoria.
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The award recognises individuals that have made a significant contribution to promoting safe, fair, and inclusive sports within their community.
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Selection Criteria
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The criteria evaluates the individual's evidence of prioritising diversity and inclusion within the sports industry. This includes demonstrating efforts through internal initiatives and/or public-facing programs and projects that promote diversity, equality, and inclusivity.
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The award recognises the individual's efforts to benefit the wider community through sport. This can include initiatives such as community engagement programs, charity work, volunteering, or projects that utilise sport as a vehicle for social impact and positive change.
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