Awards & Standards

Captain of the Year

• Recognises an outstanding Team Captain (BUCS or Non-BUCS).

• Demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout the academic year.

• Has made a significant contribution to their team.

• The Captain will have led both on and off the field.

• Nominated by Team Members

Student Coach of the Year Award

• Awarded to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to coaching, going above and beyond their expected role.

• Not intended for those who have simply performed well in their regular duties.

•  

• Open to paid or volunteer coaches.

• Peer-Nominated.

Newcomer of the Year Award

• Recognises the exceptional achievements of an individual in their first year of membership with their club

• Awarded to someone who has made an outstanding contribution through:

  • Playing performance, administrative involvement (or both).

• Highlights individuals who exceed the typical expectations of a first-year athlete.

• Peer-Nominated.

Student Volunteer of the Year Award

• Recognises a sports club committee member who has gone above and beyond in their volunteer contributions to their Essex Blades Sports Club.

• Awarded to someone who has taken the lead in organising activities and has diven the club forward. 

• Peer-Nominated. 

Exceptional Services to Sport (ESS) Award

• Recognises consistent and exceptional service to more than one sport within Essex Blades or the University

• Goes beyond what is normally expected of a club member, student, or official. 

• Self Nominations Accepted

Full Colours Award

• Must be a registered member of Essex Blades and a playing member of a sports club 1st team with no outstanding membership fees. 

• Must have regularly represented the University at the highest level (1st team only). 

• Must have performed consistently with unusual distinction. 

• Self Nominations Accepted

Tony Rich Outstanding Sporting Achievement (OSA) Award

• Demonstrates one or more instances of outstanding achievement or performance in their sport at a Regional, National, or International level.

• Must have regularly represented the University at the highest level (1st team only)

• Must have performed consistently with unusual distinction.

• Self Nominations Accepted

Club of the Year Award

The Club of the Year award aims to reward the club that has offered the best service to its members, contributed to the development and promotion of sport at Essex and that has made significant improvement on their status the preceding year.

Social Club of the Year Award

This award recognises the sports club that has made the most significant and sustained contribution to the social environment of the University of Essex. While sports clubs provide valuable opportunities for participation and competition, they also play a vital role in creating a sense of belonging, promoting inclusivity, and supporting the personal and social development of their members.

Team of the Year Award

This award recognises the team that has demonstrated exceptional performance and achievement at their level of competition. It celebrates teams that combine outstanding sporting results with dedication to training, thorough preparation for competition, effective teamwork, and exemplary sportspersonship.