Important Changes and Updates on the Athlete of the Year Awards:
- The Junior Athlete of the Year Award will be open to students in Grades 8 to 10, rather than the previous range of Grades 6 to 10. The structure of Grade 6 and 7 sports is significantly different from that of Grade 8 to 10 sports, which makes comparing the two age groupings difficult and slightly unfair. For example, Grade 6 and 7 sports are based on a model whereby everyone makes the team and receives equal playing time, which is not the case in Grade 8 and above. Additionally, the time commitment required for our Grade 8 to 10 athletes is significantly higher than that of our Grade 6 and 7 students, especially when factoring in morning practices, evening games, and weekend tournaments.
- The Senior Athlete of the Year Award will remain open to Grades 11 and 12.
- The Awards are presented to student-athletes who serve as role models for others. As a prestigious award, the winners must embody the school's mission while meeting academic requirements. Character and commitment to Gryphon Athletics are carefully considered. Please note that while we appreciate external athletic involvements, the Meadowridge Athlete of the Year will be selected from our Gryphon teams.
- The new process for selecting the winners will include a scoring system based on criteria (see below) and the submission of an application by athletes. The coaches will award scores at the end of the season and will be evaluated by a selection committee, alongside the athlete’s application. Point totals for sports played are not the sole factor in determining the award winners, as consideration will also be given to how the student has ‘given back’ to Gryphon Athletics. This giving back may include, but is not limited to, officiating, coaching, serving as a minor official, and other similar activities.
Process for Determining Athlete of the Year:
STEP 1
At the completion of each athletic season, coaches will be asked to provide a score from their respective season for each athlete on the team based on the criteria (see below).
STEP 2
In April, all student-athletes who participated on a team during the current school year will have the opportunity to submit their name for consideration of this award through an application process. This application provides athletes with an opportunity to highlight the ways in which they have demonstrated the various criteria of the award.
STEP 3
-
Athletic Director
-
Associate Athletic Director
-
Deputy Head of School
-
Director of Student Life
-
High School Principal
STEP 4
The names of the proposed winners will be submitted to the Head of School for final approval.
Meadowridge Athlete of the Year Criteria
Award Description: Meadowridge Athlete of the Year awards are given to student-athletes from Grades 8 to 10 and Grades 11 to 12. Winners have participated in a minimum of two school teams during the current year, demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship in all Meadowridge athletic endeavours, exhibited commitment to their teams, contributed to the development of the Meadowridge athletic program and have achieved a high level of proficiency on their school teams.
-
Display a show of character and represent themselves, their families, their team, our school, and our community with pride and dignity at all times. They should be seen as role models to other students in the school through their demeanour and actions.
-
Maintain good academic standing and fulfill their academic commitments throughout the season.
-
Not have been on probation or suspended at any point during the school year.
In addition to the criteria outlined in the above description, each candidate will be awarded points in the following areas by coaches of their respective seasons:
Criteria & Possible Points:
Demonstrated Commitment to Meadowridge Teams
4 points
-
Demonstrated commitment to those teams by attending team meetings, practices and competition consistently throughout the season
-
Timely communication with coaches when unable to attend
Contributions to Meadowridge Teams
8 points
-
Demonstrated leadership on the team – could be official (ie. as Captain) or unofficial
-
Set an example for their peers
-
Helped to set-up/take-down equipment, often without being asked
-
Supportive and inclusive towards teammates and other participating athletes
-
Gave their best effort in all athletic events
High Level of Proficiency
8 points
-
Displayed a strong technical skill related to the sports they were involved in; these skills positively contributed to the success of the team
-
May have earned specific awards or recognition related to their sports (ie. Nominated as a Provincial All-Star or tournament MVP)
Demonstrate Outstanding Sportsmanship
8 points
-
Consistently demonstrated respect towards teammates, coaches, opponents and officials
-
Win and lose with grace
-
Engaged in respectful conversations using appropriate language
-
Demonstrated a positive attitude towards teammates, opponents, officials and the game
-
Followed rules of the game; did not try to skirt or cheat rules when it would benefit them or their team
-
Actions throughout the season were principled, caring and reflective
NOTE: Contributions to the Meadowridge Athletics program, including but not limited to coaching or supporting younger teams, minor officiating (scorekeeping, lining and/or officiating) and support for broader athletics events such as Bring the Noise games, staff-student games and other athletic spirit events, will also be evaluated via the student application form.
Sports are categorized into two types – major and minor – based on the time commitment required for practices and competitions. When evaluating candidates, consideration will be given to the sports each athlete played, regarding the commitment required, the number of competitions they participated in, and the overall demand of their chosen sports.
|
Major (w/ competition) |
Minor |
|
Soccer |
Fencing Cross Country Swimming Badminton (recreational) Track & Field Golf |