How To Give Out Softball Awards

Aside from personal health and exercise, physical competition is probably the most alluring appeal to playing organized sports. The rush of adrenaline that erupts from pitting one's skills against another in pursuit of an ultimate prize with which only one side can walk away has been an irresistible temptation to many men and women over many generations. Even though there can only be one champion at season's end, many noteworthy contributions are made throughout the course of a season in organized sports by participants other than the champion(s), and they should likewise be recognized for those contributions.

That is why the distribution of postseason awards has become second only to the acquisition of a league championship as the most coveted event in organized sports, whether at the professional or amateur level. As such, one should not take this duty lightly or leave it to chance. Here are some guidelines for you to follow when you give out softball awards for your league:

1. Less is more- do not fall into the trap into which so many youth sports leagues have fallen by giving an award to all league members just for participation. Sports accolades should be about athletic excellence and achievement, not merely an attendance record.
2. It's all in the name- When it comes to the types of awards you give out and their names, don't get too cute. Stick with traditional awards that are self-explanatory such as Most Valuable Player (MVP), Rookie of the Year, and Most Improved Player. Giving out unique awards such as a Sportsmanship Award or Top Reserve (the Ninth or Eleventh Man Award in Softball) is acceptable, but avoid assigning lamentable honors such as "Best Left-Handed Relief Pitcher" or "Top Ninth Inning Rally." Such practices are too gimmicky and take away from the dignity and credibility of the event, transforming your awards ceremony into a spectacle.
3. Get the right man for the job- The selection of the Master of Ceremonies (MC) is quite possibly the most essential decision in pulling off an impressive awards ceremony. The MC should be a person recognizable to all league members, either a coach or the commissioner. The MC also must be quick-witted and quick-paced, so as to be able to engage the audience, award presenters, and award recipients with humor while not letting the night drag on endlessly. A competent MC will enhance the profile and prestige of your night of presentations.