End of Season Awards

MERIT AWARDS

Merit Awards are presented to Littles and Junior A athletes based on their participation and performance at the weekly club competitions.

Merit Awards are calculated using a point‑score system, with athletes aiming to achieve 500, 1000 or 1500 points. At Presentation Day, athletes receive a Merit Award corresponding to the points band they have reached. Athletes who do not reach the minimum 500‑point band will receive a Participation Merit Award.

Athletes must be present at the end of season awards to receive their merit award.

Points are accumulated throughout the season as follows:

Please note, the points accrued may not span the entire season. This decision is at the discretion of the MWA Committee and may depend on several factors, including the number of washout weeks.

AGE GROUP AWARDS

Age Group Awards are presented to Littles and Junior A athletes based on their participation and performance at the weekly club competitions.

Age Group Placings

Medals will be awarded to athletes in age groups for achieving 1st, 2nd or 3rd place within their age group. Where athletes are tied, the number of Personal Bests (PBs) achieved during the season may be used to determine placings.

Eligibility Criteria
•    The athlete must have competed in an event 50% or more of the times it was offered.

Points System
•    Points are allocated to the top 6 performers in each event based on their placing.
•    For littles athletes, only their 10 best events count toward their total.
•    For junior athletes, only their 8 best events count.
•    The top 6 performers are determined using the average of each athlete’s best places of the year.

Example:
If a junior event has been offered 9 times, the athlete’s best 5 places will be averaged. If an athlete has competed 4 times or fewer, they are not eligible to be included in the top 6 performers for that event.

Note: If an age group has only a small number of athletes or insufficient recorded results, medals may not be awarded

Rookie Award

Medals will be presented to athletes selected for this award. One boy and one girl will be chosen from each age group in the 8s–12s. These athletes will be the next placed athletes in the Points Calculation who are new to Little Athletics.

Rookie Awards are not presented in the 7s age group, as all athletes in this group are considered Rookies.

Note: If an age group has only a small number of athletes or insufficient recorded results, Rookie Awards may not be presented.

Improvers Award

Medals will be presented to athletes receiving this award. The award is determined by the number of Personal Bests (PBs) an athlete has achieved during the season. Awards are allocated as follows:
•    Three athletes from each age group 7s–12s
•    One athlete from each age group 13s–U20s

Where there is a tie, an additional medal may be awarded at the discretion of the Selection Committee.

Athletes receiving an Improver Award cannot also receive any of the awards listed above. Improvers will be the next placed athletes on the PB list who have not received a 1st, 2nd or 3rd placing in their age group, and who have not received a Rookie Award.

Note: If an age group has only a small number of athletes or insufficient recorded results, these medals may not be awarded.

Age Manager Award

The Age Manager Award may be presented at the discretion of the Age Manager to recognise an athlete who may not have received one of the major awards above but has demonstrated qualities worthy of acknowledgement.

This award is intended to recognise athletes who have shown one or more of the following throughout the season:
•    Consistent effort and commitment at training and competition
•    Positive attitude, sportsmanship and support for teammates
•    Noticeable improvement or perseverance, even if not reflected in points or PB tallies
•    Reliability, teamwork and respectful behaviour within the age group
•    Overcoming challenges or showing resilience during the season

Age Managers may nominate one athlete per age group for this award. Nominations should be based on the Age Manager’s direct observations and knowledge of the athlete’s contribution and conduct throughout the season.

Note: If an age group has only a small number of athletes or insufficient participation, this award may not be presented.

CLUB AWARDS

Club Awards are presented to Littles, Junior A & B, Opens and Masters athletes based on their performance across the season.

Athletes must be in at least their second year of competition at MWA. As a result, no nominations are required from the 7s, as all athletes in this age group are considered first year participants.

One boy and one girl from the Littles (8s–12s) and Juniors (13s–U20) age groups, along with one athlete from the Opens/Masters category and one multiclass athlete, will be selected by the Selection Committee to receive the club awards listed above. 

Age Managers may nominate an athlete for consideration; however, the Selection Committee is responsible for reviewing athlete performances and maintaining familiarity with results, with particular emphasis on Region, State, National and International achievements.

Special consideration may be given in cases where an athlete has experienced injury during the season.

The Littles, Juniors and Opens Athlete of the Year will be selected from the club award recipients. 

As participation grows in the Opens, Masters and Multiclass categories, additional awards may be introduced. This may include, but is not limited to, separating Opens and Masters or splitting awards by gender. Any such changes will be at the discretion of the Selection Committee.

PERPETUAL AWARDS

Encouragement Award

All nominees and recipients of the Manly Spirit Award throughout the season will be considered for the Encouragement Award. To be eligible, an athlete must be in at least their second year of competition at MWA; therefore, Under 7s will not be considered.

One boy and one girl from the Littles (8s–12s) and Juniors (13s–U20) age groups, as well as one athlete from the Opens/Masters category, will be selected by the Selection Committee to receive the Encouragement Awards. This award is presented as a perpetual trophy.

Athlete of the Year

All nominees and recipients of the Club Awards will be considered for the Athlete of the Year. To be eligible, an athlete must be in at least their second year of competition at MWA; therefore, Under 7s will not be considered.

One boy and one girl from the Littles (8s–12s) and Juniors (13s–U20) age groups, as well as one athlete from the Opens/Masters category, will be selected by the Selection Committee to receive the Athlete of the Year Awards. The Multiclass Athlete of the Year will be considered alongside the other recipients within their respective age group.

This award is presented as a perpetual trophy.

Alan Mountfield/Jack Hodge Trophy

These awards originated from Seaforth and are presented to the boy and girl who achieve the highest Merit Award point score at the weekly competition across the Littles and Junior A age groups.

If the point score is tied, the number of Personal Bests (PBs) achieved will be used to determine the winner. If the tie remains, the total number of events the athletes have competed in across the season will be used to split the result.

This award is presented as a perpetual trophy.

President’s Award - Be YOUR Best

This award originated from Wakehurst and is presented to the boy and girl who achieve the most Personal Bests (PBs) at the weekly competition across the Littles and Junior A age groups.

If the number of PBs is tied, the total number of events the athletes have competed in across the season will be used to determine the winner.

This award is presented as a perpetual trophy.

Terry Arnold Award

This award was introduced in the 2000–2001 season and may be presented to an athlete from any age group. It is awarded on merit and does not need to be presented every year. 

The award recognises an athlete who consistently demonstrates genuine sportsmanship in the following ways:
•    An athlete who does not quibble over lane draws or heats
•    An athlete who genuinely supports or encourages competitors
•    An athlete who congratulates others, particularly when another athlete performs better
•    An athlete who does not complain about perceived advantages or disadvantages
•    An athlete who is willing to “make up the numbers” even when personal success is unlikely
•    An athlete who does not “take sides”
•    An athlete who accepts success with humility and disappointment with dignity
•    An athlete who accepts judges’ decisions with grace, even when they may appear unfair
•    An athlete who can turn the other cheek in the face of unsportsmanlike conduct from others

This award is presented irrespective of athletic ability.

All nominees and recipients of the Manly Spirit Award throughout the season will be considered for the Terry Arnold Award. To be eligible, an athlete must be in at least their second year of competition at MWA; therefore, Under 7s will not be considered.

The Selection Committee will review all nominees and recipients of the Manly Spirit Award and reserves the right to present the Terry Arnold Award to an athlete it considers deserving, even if that athlete has not been formally nominated.

James Tilley Award

This award originated from Wakehurst and is presented to the Volunteer of the Year. 

The Volunteer of the Year Award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the club throughout the season. This award celebrates the people who give their time, energy and care to ensure our athletes have a positive, safe and enjoyable experience.

The award may be presented to any volunteer, including Age Managers, committee members, coaches, officials, or general helpers. It is awarded on merit and does not need to be presented every year.

The Selection Committee will consider volunteers who demonstrate the following:
•    Consistent commitment to supporting athletes and families throughout the season
•    A positive and encouraging approach that reflects the values of the club
•    Reliability and willingness to assist, often going above and beyond their allocated role
•    Contribution to creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all athletes
•    Demonstrated teamwork and cooperation with other volunteers, coaches and committee members
•    Initiative in helping solve problems, improving processes or supporting club operations
•    A spirit of generosity, patience and sportsmanship that sets a strong example for athletes

The Selection Committee may also consider the impact of the volunteer’s contribution on the overall functioning of the club, the experience of the athletes, and the support provided to other volunteers.

Nominations will be sought from Manly Warringah Athletics Members for consideration by the Selection Committee. 

This award is presented as a perpetual trophy.

Coach of the Year

The Coach of the Year Award recognises a coach who has made an exceptional contribution to the development, wellbeing and enjoyment of athletes throughout the season. This award celebrates coaches who create a positive, safe and supportive environment for athletes while demonstrating strong leadership, technical knowledge and genuine care for their athletes.

The award may be presented to any coach involved with the club, including volunteer coaches, specialist coaches, and event specific coaches. It is awarded on merit and does not need to be presented every year.

The Selection Committee will consider coaches who demonstrate the following:
•    Consistent commitment to training sessions and competitions, with reliable attendance and preparation
•    An athelete centred coaching approach that prioritises safety, enjoyment and confidence building
•    Positive communication with athletes and families, fostering trust and a welcoming environment
•    Demonstrated improvement in athletes’ skills, confidence or performance across the season
•    Encouragement of fair play, sportsmanship and respectful behaviour
•    Ability to adapt coaching methods to suit different ages, abilities and learning styles
•    Support for athletes during challenges, setbacks or injuries
•    Collaboration with Age Managers, officials and other volunteers to support smooth club operations
•    A willingness to go above and beyond their formal role to benefit the athletes and the club

The Selection Committee may also consider the overall impact of the coach’s contribution on athlete development, club culture and the experience of families.

Nominations will be sought from Manly Warringah Athletics Members for consideration by the Selection Committee. 

This award is presented as a perpetual trophy.