The UniSA Sport Awards are held annually to celebrate and recognise the achievements of UniSA students and community members who represent UniSA or volunteer within one of the many sport and recreation settings including clubs, representative, community and campus events throughout the year.
The twelve formal awards listed below are presented annually and provide a chance to recognise outstanding individual and team achievements within our UniSA Sport community. The following awards were introduced in 2016 – Blues, Half Blues, Club Colours and the Georgie Rowe Outstanding Achievement Award. The Wirringka Outstanding Achievement in Sport Award was introduced in 2023.
PREVIOUS AWARD WINNERS
View a list of previous UniSA Sport award winners HERE .
2024 AWARD NOMINEES, FINALISTS AND WINNERS
View the list of 2024 award nominees, finalists and winners HERE.
Club Administrator of the Year is awarded to a UniSA club administrator who displays outstanding leadership & performance in the nominated period. In order to be eligible, the administrator must:
• be on the Executive of a UniSA Sport club committee in the current year
• contributed to the club's engagement in and contribution to the UniSA community
• enhanced the off-field culture of the club
• significant improvement in the club's general performance & activities
• be involved in professional development opportunities
• complies with the affiliation requirements set out by UniSA Sport specific to their role
• contributed to the club for an extended period of time
• be on the Executive of a UniSA Sport club committee in the current year
• contributed to the club's engagement in and contribution to the UniSA community
• enhanced the off-field culture of the club
• significant improvement in the club's general performance & activities
• be involved in professional development opportunities
• complies with the affiliation requirements set out by UniSA Sport specific to their role
• contributed to the club for an extended period of time
Volunteer of the Year is awarded to a volunteer who displays outstanding contribution to UniSA Sport in the nominated period. In order to be eligible, the volunteer must:
• be involved in UniSport Nationals, a UniSA Sport club, a UniSA Sport event or UniSA Sport facilities
• a coach, manager, referee, committee member or ‘other’
• demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship on and off the field
• contributed to UniSA Sport’s engagement in and contribution to the UniSA community
• gone above and beyond their role
• motivation behind why they’re volunteering
• length and extent of commitment
• be involved in UniSport Nationals, a UniSA Sport club, a UniSA Sport event or UniSA Sport facilities
• a coach, manager, referee, committee member or ‘other’
• demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship on and off the field
• contributed to UniSA Sport’s engagement in and contribution to the UniSA community
• gone above and beyond their role
• motivation behind why they’re volunteering
• length and extent of commitment
The Female Athlete of the Year is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated an exceptionally high level of sporting achievement. In order to be eligible, a student must:
• be enrolled at UniSA at the time of their achievement
• sporting results shall only be considered if they were achieved in the past 12 months (between the start of November the previous year to end of October the current year)
• display good sportsmanship at all times whilst competing
The student must have achieved success at:
• a national or international level of competition
• selection in a national team or development squad at the highest possible level of their chosen sport
Aged-Based Criteria
• Age level ranking order – Open is superior to U/23 age bracket etc
• It is generally accepted that the older the age group the more difficult it is to gain selection
Performance-Based Criteria
(Performance-based criteria ranking order - International is superior to National etc)
• International refers to an athlete that is selected to represent Australia in individual or team competitions i.e. World Championships, Olympic Games, World Juniors, World University Games/Championships and Commonwealth Games.
• National refers to an athlete that is selected represents South Australia in Australian individual or team competitions i.e. Australian Hockey League
• The number of medals, and at what championship event, will be considered where two finalists can’t be split
• be enrolled at UniSA at the time of their achievement
• sporting results shall only be considered if they were achieved in the past 12 months (between the start of November the previous year to end of October the current year)
• display good sportsmanship at all times whilst competing
The student must have achieved success at:
• a national or international level of competition
• selection in a national team or development squad at the highest possible level of their chosen sport
Aged-Based Criteria
• Age level ranking order – Open is superior to U/23 age bracket etc
• It is generally accepted that the older the age group the more difficult it is to gain selection
Performance-Based Criteria
(Performance-based criteria ranking order - International is superior to National etc)
• International refers to an athlete that is selected to represent Australia in individual or team competitions i.e. World Championships, Olympic Games, World Juniors, World University Games/Championships and Commonwealth Games.
• National refers to an athlete that is selected represents South Australia in Australian individual or team competitions i.e. Australian Hockey League
• The number of medals, and at what championship event, will be considered where two finalists can’t be split
The Male Athlete of the Year is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated an exceptionally high level of sporting achievement. In order to be eligible, a student must:
• be enrolled at UniSA at the time of their achievement
• sporting results shall only be considered if they were achieved in the past 12 months (between the start of November the previous year to end of October the current year)
• display good sportsmanship at all times whilst competing
The student must have achieved success at:
• a national or international level of competition
• selection in a national team or development squad at the highest possible level of their chosen sport
Aged-Based Criteria
• Age level ranking order – Open is superior to U/23 age bracket etc
• It is generally accepted that the older the age group the more difficult it is to gain selection
Performance-Based Criteria
(Performance-based criteria ranking order - International is superior to National etc)
• International refers to an athlete that is selected to represent Australia in individual or team competitions i.e. World Championships, Olympic Games, World Juniors, World University Games/Championships and Commonwealth Games.
• National refers to an athlete that is selected represents South Australia in Australian individual or team competitions i.e. Australian Hockey League
• The number of medals, and at what championship event, will be considered where two finalists can’t be split
• be enrolled at UniSA at the time of their achievement
• sporting results shall only be considered if they were achieved in the past 12 months (between the start of November the previous year to end of October the current year)
• display good sportsmanship at all times whilst competing
The student must have achieved success at:
• a national or international level of competition
• selection in a national team or development squad at the highest possible level of their chosen sport
Aged-Based Criteria
• Age level ranking order – Open is superior to U/23 age bracket etc
• It is generally accepted that the older the age group the more difficult it is to gain selection
Performance-Based Criteria
(Performance-based criteria ranking order - International is superior to National etc)
• International refers to an athlete that is selected to represent Australia in individual or team competitions i.e. World Championships, Olympic Games, World Juniors, World University Games/Championships and Commonwealth Games.
• National refers to an athlete that is selected represents South Australia in Australian individual or team competitions i.e. Australian Hockey League
• The number of medals, and at what championship event, will be considered where two finalists can’t be split
This award recognises the Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability who has demonstrated an exceptionally high level of sporting achievement. In order to be eligible, a student must:
• be enrolled at UniSA at the time of their achievement
• sporting results shall only be considered if they were achieved in the past 12 months (between the start of November the previous year to end of October the current year)
• display good sportsmanship at all times whilst competing
The student must have achieved success at:
• a state, national or international level of competition
• selection in a national team or development squad at the highest possible level within their sport or disability event type
Aged-Based Criteria
• Age level ranking order – Open is superior to U/23 age bracket etc
• It is generally accepted that the older the age group the more difficult it is to gain selection
Performance-Based Criteria
(Performance-based criteria ranking order - International is superior to National etc)
• International refers to an athlete that is selected to represent Australia in individual or team competitions i.e. World Championships, Paralympic Games, World Juniors, World University Games/Championships and Commonwealth Games.
• National refers to an athlete that is selected represents South Australia in Australian individual or team competitions i.e. National Wheelchair Basketball League
• The number of medals, and at what championship event, will be considered where two finalists can’t be split
The winner of this award will not be precluded from winning any other UniSA Sport award.
• be enrolled at UniSA at the time of their achievement
• sporting results shall only be considered if they were achieved in the past 12 months (between the start of November the previous year to end of October the current year)
• display good sportsmanship at all times whilst competing
The student must have achieved success at:
• a state, national or international level of competition
• selection in a national team or development squad at the highest possible level within their sport or disability event type
Aged-Based Criteria
• Age level ranking order – Open is superior to U/23 age bracket etc
• It is generally accepted that the older the age group the more difficult it is to gain selection
Performance-Based Criteria
(Performance-based criteria ranking order - International is superior to National etc)
• International refers to an athlete that is selected to represent Australia in individual or team competitions i.e. World Championships, Paralympic Games, World Juniors, World University Games/Championships and Commonwealth Games.
• National refers to an athlete that is selected represents South Australia in Australian individual or team competitions i.e. National Wheelchair Basketball League
• The number of medals, and at what championship event, will be considered where two finalists can’t be split
The winner of this award will not be precluded from winning any other UniSA Sport award.
This award recognises an individual who demonstrates outstanding achievement either on-field or off-field. In order to be eligible, a student must:
General Selection Criteria:
• Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (via my details, UniSA enrolment);
• Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (via my details, UniSA enrolment);
• be enrolled at UniSA at the time of their achievement;
• sporting results and off-field contributions shall only be considered if they were achieved in the past 12 months (between the start of November the previous year to end of October the current year)
• sporting results and off-field contributions shall only be considered if they were achieved in the past 12 months (between the start of November the previous year to end of October the current year)
Student-Athlete Selection Criteria:
The student must have achieved success at:
• A state, national or international level of competition
• Selection in a national team or development squad at the highest possible level within their sport
The student must have achieved success at:
• A state, national or international level of competition
• Selection in a national team or development squad at the highest possible level within their sport
• Demonstrate an exceptionally high level of sporting achievement
• Display good sportsmanship at all times whilst competing
• Display good sportsmanship at all times whilst competing
Performance-Based Criteria:
(Performance-based criteria ranking order - International is superior to National etc)
• International refers to an athlete that is selected to represent Australia in individual or team competitions i.e. World Championships, Olympic Games, World Juniors, World University Games/Championships and Commonwealth Games.
• National refers to an athlete that is selected represents South Australia in Australian individual or team competitions i.e. Australian Hockey League
• The number of medals, and at what championship event, will be considered where two finalists can’t be split
(Performance-based criteria ranking order - International is superior to National etc)
• International refers to an athlete that is selected to represent Australia in individual or team competitions i.e. World Championships, Olympic Games, World Juniors, World University Games/Championships and Commonwealth Games.
• National refers to an athlete that is selected represents South Australia in Australian individual or team competitions i.e. Australian Hockey League
• The number of medals, and at what championship event, will be considered where two finalists can’t be split
Aged-Based Criteria:
• Age level ranking order – Open is superior to U/23 age bracket etc
• It is generally accepted that the older the age group the more difficult it is to gain selection
Administrator and/or Volunteer Selection Criteria:
• The student has demonstrated a significant and positive contribution to sport and/or UniSA Sport in an off-field capacity. This can include:
- Outstanding achievement at UniSport Nationals or equivalent State/National titles or a UniSA Sport club or equivalent community sporting club as a coach, manager, referee, committee member, or 'other'.
The winner of this award will not be precluded from winning any other UniSA Sport award.
The winner of this award will not be precluded from winning any other UniSA Sport award.
Team of the Year is awarded to a single sporting team that has exhibited demonstrable success at external competition and/or intervarsity events, and best represents the University in the event or competition. Award criteria includes:
• significant UniSA student membership presence
• notable success in external fixtures and/or intervarsity events
• exemplary sportsmanship on & off the field
• level of preparation, training and commitment
• significant UniSA student membership presence
• notable success in external fixtures and/or intervarsity events
• exemplary sportsmanship on & off the field
• level of preparation, training and commitment
The Club of the Year is awarded to the sporting club that best represents UniSA in all aspects of sporting life. As such, the award is given to the sporting club that has exhibited demonstrable success at external competition, membership, club governance and its presence on campus. Award criteria includes:
• significant UniSA student membership presence
• reasonable success in external fixtures and/or intervarsity events (if applicable)
• the clubs engagement in and contribution to the UniSA community
• the off-field culture of the club
• significant improvement in the club's general activities
• comply with all affiliation requirements in regards to club governance
• significant UniSA student membership presence
• reasonable success in external fixtures and/or intervarsity events (if applicable)
• the clubs engagement in and contribution to the UniSA community
• the off-field culture of the club
• significant improvement in the club's general activities
• comply with all affiliation requirements in regards to club governance
The highest sporting accolade for current students at the University of South Australia awarded to those who have achieved outstanding sporting success while enrolled at the University, typically through representing Australia at an international level while also contributing to University sport as a participant and/or volunteer.
Performance:
• Selection to represent Australia at a significant international event eg, Olympics, Paralympics, World Champs, Commonwealth Games, World University Games/Championships, World Cup or Oceania events;
• Selection to represent Australia in any junior international competition;
• Competing as an elite amateur, semi-professional or professional athlete in national competitions (AFL, Rugby Union, Netball, etc) or as a professional in international tour competitions (Cycling, Tennis, etc);
• Achieving a top three placing at other international events not specified above.
University Sport Contribution:
• An active member of a UniSA Sport affiliated or endorsed club; and/or
• Represented the university in SA Challenge or UniSport Nationals; and/or
• Contributed to sport on campus (eg coaching, team manager, volunteer etc for SA Challenge, UniSport Nationals, Social Sport, VC Cup, promotional events etc, participant in Athlete Development Program (ADP)).
Performance:
• Selection to represent Australia at a significant international event eg, Olympics, Paralympics, World Champs, Commonwealth Games, World University Games/Championships, World Cup or Oceania events;
• Selection to represent Australia in any junior international competition;
• Competing as an elite amateur, semi-professional or professional athlete in national competitions (AFL, Rugby Union, Netball, etc) or as a professional in international tour competitions (Cycling, Tennis, etc);
• Achieving a top three placing at other international events not specified above.
University Sport Contribution:
• An active member of a UniSA Sport affiliated or endorsed club; and/or
• Represented the university in SA Challenge or UniSport Nationals; and/or
• Contributed to sport on campus (eg coaching, team manager, volunteer etc for SA Challenge, UniSport Nationals, Social Sport, VC Cup, promotional events etc, participant in Athlete Development Program (ADP)).
Awarded to currently enrolled UniSA students who have achieved outstanding sporting success at a state and/or national university representative level while also contributing to University sport.
Performance:
• Achieving a top two placing at UniSport Nationals Div 2 or top three placing (medal) at UniSport Nationals Div 1 (individuals);
• Selection to represent South Australia (teams) or achieving a top three placing (medal) at National Championships (individuals)
• Competing as an elite amateur, semi-professional or professional athlete in national competitions (AFL, Rugby Union, Netball etc) or as a professional in international tour competitions (Cycling, Tennis, etc)
University Sport Contribution:
• An active member of a UniSA Sport affiliated or endorsed club; and/or
• Represented the university in SA Challenge or UniSport Nationals; and/or
• Contributed to sport on campus (eg coaching, team manager, volunteer etc for SA Challenge, UniSport Nationals, Social Sport, VC Cup, promotional events etc, participant in Athlete Development Program (ADP)).
Performance:
• Achieving a top two placing at UniSport Nationals Div 2 or top three placing (medal) at UniSport Nationals Div 1 (individuals);
• Selection to represent South Australia (teams) or achieving a top three placing (medal) at National Championships (individuals)
• Competing as an elite amateur, semi-professional or professional athlete in national competitions (AFL, Rugby Union, Netball etc) or as a professional in international tour competitions (Cycling, Tennis, etc)
University Sport Contribution:
• An active member of a UniSA Sport affiliated or endorsed club; and/or
• Represented the university in SA Challenge or UniSport Nationals; and/or
• Contributed to sport on campus (eg coaching, team manager, volunteer etc for SA Challenge, UniSport Nationals, Social Sport, VC Cup, promotional events etc, participant in Athlete Development Program (ADP)).
Awarded to current UniSA students, alumni, staff and community members who have made a significant contribution to the development of a UniSA Sport affiliated or endorsed club over an extended period of time in a volunteer capacity.
Significant Contribution:
• Must be either a committee member, coach, or team manager or have significantly contributed in another way and be able to detail that contribution.
• Students – minimum 2 years
• Alumni/staff – minimum 3 years
• Community members – minimum 4 years
Significant Contribution:
• Must be either a committee member, coach, or team manager or have significantly contributed in another way and be able to detail that contribution.
• Students – minimum 2 years
• Alumni/staff – minimum 3 years
• Community members – minimum 4 years
This award is to recognise both the achievements and attributes displayed by Georgina Rowe when representing the University of South Australia, UniSA Sport, South Australia and Australia. It will be awarded to an individual who has demonstrated a significant and positive contribution to sport and UniSA as a player, coach or volunteer. This may include:
• being a regular member/player within a UniSA Sport club
• representing the University at a UniSport Nationals Div 1 or Div 2 or Championship event
• contributing in a volunteer role whether as a coach, team manager or committee member to a club, representative team or UniSA Sport event/program
The winner of the award will not be precluded from winning any other individual UniSA Sport Award
• being a regular member/player within a UniSA Sport club
• representing the University at a UniSport Nationals Div 1 or Div 2 or Championship event
• contributing in a volunteer role whether as a coach, team manager or committee member to a club, representative team or UniSA Sport event/program
The winner of the award will not be precluded from winning any other individual UniSA Sport Award
Nomination Process
Nominations for each of the awards open in October and require the nominee to complete a nomination form via the UniSA Sport website. Each award requires a separate nomination form to be completed. An individual may make up to two nominations per award. Each nomination requires evidence and reasoning behind the nomination. The winners will be selected by a panel of judges who will select the winners based on the nomination forms received.