EDGE Award of Distinction - Terms of Reference

EDGE Award of Distinction Terms of Reference

Purpose of the Award

The EDGE Award of Distinction is established by the Elora Fergus Ringette Association (EFRA) to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made outstanding and lasting contributions to the Association and the sport of ringette through their involvement as a player, coach, official, volunteer, or administrator. This award honours those whose dedication, leadership, and service embody the core values of EFRA and have helped shape a positive, inclusive, and sustainable ringette community.

Award Objectives

The objectives of the EDGE Award of Distinction are to:

• Recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and service to EFRA.
• Honour long-term contributions that have positively impacted athletes, families, volunteers, and the broader ringette community.
• Preserve and celebrate the history and legacy of EFRA.
• Inspire current and future members to contribute meaningfully to the Association and the sport of ringette.

Eligibility Criteria

Nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Must have been a player, coach, official, volunteer, board member, or administrator of EFRA.
• Must have demonstrated significant, sustained, and positive contributions to EFRA.
• Contributions may include (but are not limited to):
• Athletic excellence or leadership as a player
• Coaching or officiating excellence
• Exceptional volunteer service
• Leadership in governance, administration, or program development
• Advancing inclusion, sportsmanship, and athlete development

• Posthumous nominations are permitted.

Nomination Criteria

Nominees will be evaluated based on the following considerations:

• Length of Service: Duration and consistency of involvement with EFRA.
• Impact: Demonstrated positive and lasting influence on individuals, teams, or the Association.
• Leadership & Integrity: Exemplification of EFRA values, sportsmanship, and ethical conduct.
• Legacy: Contributions that strengthened EFRA’s culture, programs, or reputation.

No single criterion outweighs another; nominees may excel in one or multiple areas.

Nomination Process

• Nominations may be submitted by anyone in the community.
• Nominations must be made using the official EDGE Award of Distinction Nomination Form.
• Nominations must be submitted by the published deadline annually.
• Incomplete nominations may not be considered.

Selection Committee

The EDGE Award of Distinction Selection Committee will be the current EFRA Board of Directors.

Board members must declare any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from discussion and voting where appropriate.

Selection Process

• The EFRA Board Secretary will administer the nomination process, including:
• Calling for nominations (email, web and social)
• Receiving and validating nominations (google form)
• Preparing nomination packages for Board review
• The EFRA Board of Directors will review all eligible nominations and assess against the published criteria.
• Selection will be made by majority vote of the Board.
• The Board reserves the right to:
• Select one (1) recipient per year
• Defer presenting the award in a given year if no nominee meets the standard of excellence

• All decisions of the Board are final.

Recognition

• The EDGE Award of Distinction will be presented annually at the EFRA End of Year Banquet.
• The recipient will receive:
• A physical award or plaque
• Formal recognition during the banquet program
• Recognition on EFRA’s website and/or communication channels

Review of Terms of Reference

These Terms of Reference will be reviewed every three (3) years by the EFRA Board to ensure continued relevance and alignment with EFRA values and objectives.