Regional Sports Awards Unveil 2025 Nomination Criteria and Expanded Voting Timeline
CHICAGO, March 15, 2025 – The Regional Sports Awards Committee today released its comprehensive nomination criteria and voting timeline for the 2025 awards cycle, introducing expanded recognition categories and a streamlined digital voting process designed to increase community participation in celebrating athletic excellence across the Midwest.
The 2025 awards program will honor achievements across ten distinct categories, including Senior Athlete (Male and Female), Junior Athlete (Male and Female), Intercollegiate Athlete, Masters Award, Volunteer Administrator, Coach, Official, Team, Event of the Year, and True Sport Award. Selection criteria prioritize performance at international, national, and regional levels, with specific weighting given to athletic accomplishments, commitment to training, and adherence to True Sport Principles. According to Sports Destination Management, regional sports events generated substantial economic impact in 2024, with the NASP® Eastern National Tournament in Louisville producing $17.7 million and 20,493 room nights, underscoring the growing significance of amateur athletics in local economies.
Nominations will be accepted electronically through June 4, 2025, with the voting period extending from July 16 through August 3. Winners will be announced at a September ceremony in Chicago. The committee has implemented a two-phase judging process: an initial review by sport-specific panels followed by final selection by the Regional Sports Board of Directors. The board reserves the right to withhold awards in any category where criteria are not met, maintaining the program’s integrity and prestige.
The enhanced criteria framework emphasizes measurable impact beyond competition results. Volunteer Administrator nominees must demonstrate minimum three-year commitment to their provincial sport organization, active involvement in planning competitions or clinics, and implementation of programs fostering athlete development. Coach and Official selections evaluate impact, community engagement, sportsmanship, and mentorship contributions. The Event of the Year category specifically recognizes Atlantic, Eastern Canadian, National, or International events held within the region, evaluating economic impact, community spirit, sport development, and media exposure.
Economic data from the sports tourism sector validates the program’s expansion. The 58th AAU Junior Olympic Games in Greensboro generated 40,000 room nights, while the Top Gun Invitational in Kansas City produced $13.8 million in economic impact across the Kansas-Missouri metro area. Regional sports commissions report that events meeting award criteria average 75-90 percent out-of-town participation, with top-tier tournaments drawing competitors from 30-plus states and international delegations.
“The Regional Sports Awards serve as a critical platform for recognizing the individuals and events that transform our communities through sport,” said Jennifer Martinez, CEO of the Regional Sports Alliance. “These nominations aren’t just about athletic achievement—they’re about celebrating the volunteer administrators who build sustainable programs, the coaches who develop character alongside skill, and the events that generate millions in economic activity while inspiring the next generation. Our enhanced 2025 criteria reflect the evolving landscape of amateur athletics and the increasing professionalization of sports tourism at the regional level.”
The awards program has maintained strict eligibility standards consistent with national benchmarks. All athlete awards require amateur status during the qualifying period, with Intercollegiate Athlete nominations limited to university or college sports achievements. The Masters Award category requires participants to be age 35 or older or competing in recognized masters divisions. New for 2025, the selection committee will implement weighted scoring that allocates 40 percent to competitive results, 30 percent to community impact and leadership, 20 percent to sportsmanship and True Sport Principles, and 10 percent to coaching or mentorship contributions.
Market research indicates regional sports tourism grew 12.3 percent in 2024, with participating states reporting combined economic impact exceeding $450 million from qualifying events. The Sports Events and Tourism Association’s 2025 awards program saw submission portal traffic increase 23 percent over 2024, demonstrating heightened industry engagement. This growth trajectory supports the Regional Sports Awards’ expanded digital voting platform, which projects 50,000-plus participants in the 2025 public voting phase.
About Regional Sports Alliance
The Regional Sports Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing amateur athletics and sports tourism across the Midwest. Founded in 2018, the Alliance represents 14 state sports commissions and serves as the governing body for the Regional Sports Awards program. Its mission includes promoting True Sport Principles, supporting athlete development from grassroots through elite levels, and maximizing the economic and social benefits of sports events in participating communities.
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