USTA MID-ATLANTIC 2017 AWARDS

This year we are bringing the FUNergy and announcing new, improved awards to recognize our fabulous individuals and organizations in the Mid-Atlantic! Read about the award categories below and click here to nominate an individual or organization making a difference in their tennis community. Nominations are due June 2.

Individual Awards

Emerging Leader: Recognizing a youth (age 18 & under) tennis player within the Mid-Atlantic community who exudes the ideals and values of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Section both on and off the court. 

Nominees should meet one or more of the following criteria:
* Participate in a USTA program (Junior Team Tennis, Tournaments, NJTL, TGA)
* Consistently exude positivity on and off the tennis court
* Consistently showcases good sportsmnship and encourages the same from others
* Be kind, supportive, inclusive and bring the FUNergy

Diversity & Inclusion Champion: Awarded to an individual that cultivates affordable, accessible programming for all within their local community.

Nominees should meet one or more of the following criteria:
* Went above and beyond to make our sport welcoming (ie: fun, flexible, priced appropriately, accessible, geared toward varying ability levels)
* Used targeted outreach to engage diverse groups of individuals, communities and people who might not have access to tennis otherwise
* Broadened reach and impact through partnerships and collaboration with other individuals and organizations

Volunteer Impact: Recognizing a volunteer within the USTA Mid-Atlantic community who gives their time and efforts to the growth of tennis within our Section.

Nominees should meet the following criteria:
* Volunteered at two or more USTA MAS events or USTA MAS volunteer opportunities

Growth of the Game Teaching Professional: Recognizing a certified teaching professional consistently creating innovative, impactful and inclusive programming within the USTA Mid-Atlantic community.

Nominees should meet one or more of the following criteria:
* Be a certified teaching pro within the Mid-Atlantic Section
* Facilitate one or more USTA programs at their facility
* Create innovative, impactful and inclusive programming 

Most Valuable Member: Recognizing an outstanding person in the USTA Mid-Atlantic community that epitomizes the values, hard work and FUNergy which USTA Mid-Atlantic strives to achieve daily. 

Nominees should meet one or more of the following criteria:
* Participate in two or more USTA programs as a player, captain or coach
* Consistently exude positivity on and off the tennis court
* Be kind, supportive, inclusive and bring the FUNergy

Organization Awards

Innovative Sport Programming Achievement: Recognizing an organization within the USTA Mid-Atlantic community that is consistently creating innovative, impactful and inclusive programming for their community and growing the game for the betterment of all.

Nominees should meet one or more of the following criteria:
* Facilitate one or more USTA programs at their facility
* Create innovative, impactful and inclusive programming

Up & Comer: Recognizing a newly launched tennis program within the Mid-Atlantic that is introducing tennis to new audiences through creative, innovative and unique methods.

Nominees should meet one or more of the following criteria:
* Program must have been launched in 2016 or 2017
* Went above and beyond to make our sport welcoming (ie: fun, flexible, priced appropriately, accessible, geared toward varying ability levels)
* Used targeted outreach to diversify and engage individuals, communities, ethnicities who might not try tennis otherwise

Outstanding Tennis Facility: Recognizing a tennis facility within the USTA Mid-Atlantic community that is consistently creating innovative, impactful and inclusive programming for their community and growing the game for the betterment of all.

Nominees should meet one or more of the following criteria:
* Facilitate two or more USTA programs
* Create innovative, impactful and inclusive programming

Diversity & Inclusion Champion: Awarded to an organization or facility that cultivates affordable, accessible programming for all within their local community.

Nominees should meet one or more of the following criteria:
* Went above and beyond to make our sport welcoming (ie: fun, flexible, priced appropriately, accessible, geared toward varying ability levels)
* Used targeted outreach to diversify and engage individuals, communities, ethnicities who might not try tennis otherwise
* Broadened reach and impact through partnerships and collaboration with other individuals and organizations

Innovative Marketing/Public Relations: Recognizing an organization within our Section that has contributed to the public's increased awareness of and/or participation in tennis through innovative marketing and/or public relations campaigns.

Nominees should meet the following criteria and provide details about the marketing/PR effort in the summary; links to digital examples of the campaign can be provided:
* Conducted a marketing and/or Public Relations campaign or effort to generate increased awareness of tennis and/or a tennis program
* Effort had clear campaign goals, objectives, tactics, strategies and target audiences; results were measured and tracked
* Campaign or effort demonstrated success against the goals and objectives and generated results (such as media hits/impressions, increased traffic, generated sales)
* Effective use of messages, originality and creativity of design and aesthetic appeal

Eligibility

 Individual nominees:

• must be a USTA member living in the Mid-Atlantic Section or working with a USTA organizational member
• may include players, coaches, teaching pros, PE teachers, volunteers, captains, coordinators, community leaders, program/facility staff

Organization nominees:

• must be a USTA organization member within the Mid-Atlantic Section
• may include CTAs, NJTLs, clubs, schools, park and rec agencies, community and service organizations, non-traditional tennis providers