Nothing is more important for a volunteer than recognition. It’s often their only pay. The purpose of federal honors is to reward with a national federal title the investment of a person or an associative entity. This distinction is awarded during the federation’s General Assembly. This year it will take place on March 19th at the INSEP (Paris).
The categories are distinguished between the athlete (players) and the official (scorer, referee, director, president…). For a few years now, a special honor has also been awarded. While baseball, softball for seniors and juniors are represented, it’s worth noting the continued absence of baseball5. Given the progress of this sport, it will be necessary to remedy this in 2022. Since 2017, women have also been more present, often very active in leagues, clubs, and officials, notably scoring.
The designation of these recipients is made by the Executive Committee, which elects by a show of hands the names that come up here and there throughout the season. If you’ve encountered a member of the Executive Committee during the year at a competition, they are more likely to remember you and mention you during the vote. This method of designation is still empirical. In the future, a democratic designation through surveys via digital means would surely be more equitable for certain clubs or individuals who, despite their commitment, do not cross the federal spotlight.
These honored individuals are always the originators of projects, federating enterprises, whether in sports or organization. They know how to train, help, support, achieve, give, and often do not think about receiving. These federal honors are there to bring to these altruistic volunteers the true distinction of their commitment.
Congratulations to the 2021 recipients, who each in their own way have brought their commitment, energy, and joy to the service of our sports and their development.
