distinguished research award

The purpose of the Distinguished Research Award is to recognize a scholar’s extraordinary scientific contributions to the field of sport management. The award is given in acknowledgment of an individual’s (a) distinguished record of intellectual contributions (e.g., publications, presentations); (b) advancement of conceptual, empirical, and/or theoretical knowledge to the literature and practice; (c) authorship of ideas that are original, important, and validate the distinctiveness of sport management as an academic discipline; and (d) mentorship and support of other scholars. Further information about the Distinguished Research Award is provided in the Operating Code for NASSM Awards.

Qualifications for the Distinguished Research Award can be found in the Operating Code for NASSM Awards.

• All submissions must abide by all qualifications and procedures as outlined in the Operating Code for NASSM Awards.

• All submissions must be sent via ExOrdo. You can create your account and submit award materials on ExOrdo (click here to visit ExOrdo).

Procedures for Nominations

1. Any NASSM member may nominate another NASSM member for consideration by submitting an e-mail to director@nassm.org.

2. If the nominee accepts the nomination, the nominator will submit a letter, not to exceed two (2) pages, to the nominee themselves to include with their award materials.

3. Nominations should be sent directly to the Academic Chair by e-mail by July 15.

4. Award committees may also nominate NASSM members via e-mail to the Academic Chair by July 15. Self-nominations are accepted.

5. Nominees may be of any faculty rank. There is no limit to the number of times a member may be nominated. Nominees may not be individuals presently serving on the NASSM Governing Board.

6. Nominations stand for only one year. If the nominee is not selected in that cycle, they must be renominated the following year.

Procedures for the Award Committee Chairperson

1. The Chairperson will set meetings, decision due dates, and ensure committee members have access to Ex Ordo materials by September 15.

2. The Chairperson shall oversee the selection of no more than three (3) nominees by the three voting members of the Award Nominating Committee.

3. The Chairperson shall submit a list of at least two (2) but no more than three (3) nominees to the Academic Chair for consideration by the Governing Board by November 1.

Procedures for the Nominee 

1. Nominees should register for and use Ex Ordo to submit the selection criteria materials by 11:59 p.m. (PST) on September 1.

2. Confirm your NASSM membership is current and in good standing (Note: You must have a current membership to submit materials).

3. Nominees should also confirm that they have not previously received the award and are eligible to be awarded (see Procedures for Nominations).

Submission Process

1. Credentials should be submitted electronically via ExOrdo as one PDF document. 

2. Document name should be formatted as Surname_Award Name_year.pdf. Example: XXXX_RESEARCH_2026.pdf

3. Credentials must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. (PST) on September 1.

Key Award Dates:

• By June 21 – Call for nominations sent by Marketing & Communications Committee by request of the Academic Chair.

• July 15 – Award Committee confirmed by the Academic Chair and President .

• July 15 - Nominations due via email to the Academic Chair.

• July 20 – Academic Chair notifies nominees when materials are due to upload to Ex Ordo.

• September 1 – Credentials uploaded to Ex Ordo by nominees.

• September 7 – Academic Chair assigns documents to the committees. Chairperson confirms the committee has materials and assigns a working timeline.

• By November 1 - Chairperson sends recommendations to Academic Chair.

• By November 15 – Governing Board votes on award recipient .

• By December 1 – Chairperson notifies awardees of outcome, alerts committee of results, copies the Academic Chair and President. 

• By December 15 – Academic Chair notifies Marketing & Communications Committee