The USRowing Referee Committee annually bestows honors on individual referees to recognize outstanding service and dedication over the preceding year. This year’s awards will be presented December 4, 2009 at the USRowing annual convention in Tempe, Arizona.

All plenary and assistant referees are eligible to receive awards. Nominations are being solicited by the Referee Committee for the following honors:

Julian Wolf Award
Presented to one USRowing official with service of less than 25 years who, over the past year, stood apart from the rest in his or her contribution to rowing. The award is judged upon one, several, or all of the following:
 
• Outstanding performance at all regatta assignments at local and regional venues supporting varying levels of competition
• Dedicated to the sport in support of referee recruiting
• Contributions to referee education and training
• Heroic act(s)

Joan Zandbergen “Momma Z” Award for Sustained Superior Performance
Presented to one USRowing official who, over a period of 3-10 years, has stood apart from the rest of his or her peers. The award is based on the following:

• Sustained superior performance at all regatta referee assignments at local, regional, and/or national venues supporting all levels of competition
• Significant “pro-active” contributions in all areas of referee recruitment, training, mentoring of new candidate and assistant referees, and the execution of the Rules of Rowing
• Developing an approach to the sport of rowing with a positive perspective toward developing relationships between referees, coaches, athletes, and regatta support personnel
• Presents a positive role model and example for the sport of rowing on a local, regional, and/or national level that exemplifies the ideals of safety and fairness

Jack Franklin Award for Outstanding Lifetime Service
Presented to one USRowing official with service of more than 25 years who, over the span of decades, has stood apart from the rest of his or her peers. The award is based on the following:

• Exceptional performance at all regatta referee assignments at local, regional, and national venues supporting all levels of competition
• Lasting contributions to the sport of rowing in all areas of referee recruitment, training, and mentoring
• Leadership roles in regatta development, management support and direction, thereby cultivating the sport of rowing in an area or region
• Presents a positive role model and example for the sport of rowing on a local, regional, national and/or international level that exemplifies the ideals of safety and fairness

Official nominations may be made by any referee, regatta director, coach, or rowing club. All nominations must be received by USRowing for the Referee Committee’s consideration no later than September 1. Appointed committees will make final decisions by October 1 and winners will be notified by November 1.