New USHJA / IHSA Sportsmanship Award Announced

One student athlete in each IHSA region will be selected for this award, which aims to recognize the exceptional sportsmanship exhibited throughout all levels of riding. The winner will receive a prize furnished by USHJA and inclusion in the USHJA online magazine.

"Throughout the history of IHSA," said founder and IHSA Executive Director, Bob Cacchione, "I have been impressed by the caliber of sportsmanship and teamwork exhibited by our student athletes, who strive to succeed in the arena and classroom. Our partnership with USHJA is rooted in shared values and a commitment to recognize athletic excellence, integrity and service. They are our perfect partners for this award."

"Sportsmanship is a key component in equestrian competition and must be celebrated at every level of our sport," said USHJA President Bill Moroney. "We're pleased to support IHSA's Regional Sportsmanship Award which acknowledges sportsmanship among intercollegiate competitors."

Criteria for nomination: USHJA/IHSA Sportsmanship Award nominations are open to current USHJA/IHSA Hunt Seat members in good standing, regardless of their level or participation in shows. A nominee should be a student athlete exhibiting exemplary sportsmanship: Going above and beyond to support athletes from their own team and others, consistently providing help or assistance at shows or with community service projects that is beyond average participation, and/or acting selflessly towards horse(s), rider(s), coach(es) or others in such a way that their actions reflect IHSA's highest levels of sportsmanship.

Nomination Process: Any full time student athlete, coach or college administrator in good standing may nominate a rider for the award by emailing a nomination, not to exceed 500 words, to their Regional President by March 15.

Regional Presidents will send all nominations to their RSEC (Region Standards and Ethics Committee) who will generate a list of no more than six (6) finalists by March 22. RSEC will present the finalists (no more than six) to all teams in the Region and each team (coach, or team representative) will get one vote, to be held at, or before, their Zone Finals. In the event of a tie, the Regional President will be tie-breaker (if a tied nominee is from the Regional President's school, the Zone President will break the tie).

The Region President will report the winner (along with name, mailing address, and initial 500 word nomination) to PR Committee Chair, Kelly Francfort klamont688@aol.com following Zone Finals. All winners must be reported by April 15. Regional Presidents may choose an alternate timeline as long as winners are reported by April 15.