California Interscholastic Federation Spirit of Sport Award

To recognize student-athletes who are positive role models within our schools and the community atlarge. Integrity, fairness, character and respect are inherent principles of good sportsmanship. With them, the spirit of competition thrives, fueled by honest rivalry, courteous relations and graceful acceptance of the results. This award seeks to recognize student-athletes who display good sportsmanship and school leadership, regardless of athletic ability.

CRITERIA:

Winners will be selected based on demonstrated principles of good sportsmanship, school and community service, and leadership.

AWARD PROCESS:

Each CIF member school may nominate one male senior and one female senior student-athlete during each season of sport who demonstrates exemplary sportsmanship, school/community service, and leadership. Nominations must be submitted during the season of sport for which the student-athlete competes in a CIF-approved sport. (Consult the CIF State web site at www.cifstate.org for a complete list of approved sports or to download the application). Nominations must be postmarked by the deadline date. Nominations may only be sent via USPS mail. The six State winners (2 Fall, 2 Winter, 2 Spring) will receive a CIF patch, an acrylic award, and a $1000 scholarship. Additionally, (20 Fall, 20 Winter, 20 Spring) Section Winners will receive a $500 scholarship. State Recipients only are required to attend the Federated Council dinner at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel in Burlingame, CA on Friday, April 12, 2019.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Complete applications must include the following elements. Selections are based solely on this information; therefore, you are encouraged to be as detailed as possible and use specific experiences. ALL FOUR ELEMENTS MUST BE INCLUDED FOR CONSIDERATION.

1) Application form (Principal's signature is required).

2) List of accomplishments during high school years, including non-athletic honors and awards received; extracurricular activities; leadership positions and community service activities.

3) Minimum of two letters of support citing specific examples of Pursuing Victory with Honorsm. These can include specific exemplary sportsmanship and behavior/actions on and off the playing field. Letters can be from coaches, athletic directors, principals, etc.

4) Student essay of no less than 500 words. Suggested topics for the essay include:

A) What is your definition of the term "Spirit of Sport" and how do you exemplify it in everyday life, both on and off the athletic field?

B) What does "sportsmanship" mean to you?

C) What life lessons have you learned through participation in athletics?