Nominations are now closed for the Sports Parliamentarian of the Year Awards 2012. Any nominations received after 7 September 2012 will not be counted.

Who can nominate a parliamentarian for the award?

Nominations are invited from all organisations within the sport and recreation sector in the UK.

Who is eligible for the award?

All members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords are eligible to be nominated for the award – with three exceptions:

• The Minister for Sport, Hugh Robertson MP, and his opposition counterpart, Clive Efford MP, will not be included. While their contributions should of course be recognised, these awards aim to highlight efforts by others who have demonstrated a special commitment to promoting the advancement of sport in the UK.
   
• The winner of last year’s award, John Woodcock MP, will also be ineligible to ensure that a range of parliamentarians are recognised for their contribution to the sport and recreation sector.

What will the winning parliamentarian receive?

The shortlisted parliamentarians and the overall winner will be publicly recognised as having worked to promote and protect sport and recreation in 2012. The award will be presented at an event at the House of Commons in December.

How will the winner be decided?

After the closing date for nominations a panel will convene to decide the shortlist and overall winner.

The judges will use the following criteria to arrive at their verdict:

1. Commitment of time and energy. Has the nominee devoted a significant amount of their time and energy to promoting and protecting the interests of sport and recreation (or a particular sport or recreation) relative to their other commitments?

2. Effective representation. Did the nominee make a noticeable impact on behalf of sport and recreation (or a particular sport or recreation)?

a. Has the nominee used parliamentary channels effectively? For example: participation in debates, tabling questions, participation in an all-party group, effective contribution to select committee scrutiny, generating national media coverage.

And/or

b. Has the nominee been an effective champion in their constituency? For example: making representations to local government, fostering support within the community, generating local media coverage.

3. Creativity and resourcefulness. Has the nominee made an extra impact by being particularly creative or resourceful? Have they gone beyond the usual methods employed by parliamentarians?

Why should I nominate a parliamentarian?

At the Sport and Recreation Alliance we recognise that sport and recreation needs champions in Parliament.

By nominating someone who has worked to protect and promote the interests of the sector you are helping to ensure that that these hardworking parliamentarians are properly acknowledged.

It is also a reminder that grassroots sport needs supportive voices in Westminster.

There will also be an opportunity for the winner to be joined at the awards event in the House of Commons by the national governing body, club and/or individual who has nominated them.

How can I nominate?

The nomination form should be completed and returned to Simon Butler.