Award Descriptions
Meritorious Service Awards
The NSP has a system of awards designed to recognize and reward its members for outstanding service in individual events and for extended service to the association. Meritorious service awards are designed to recognize and reward patrollers who have performed individual acts of merit, lifesaving, heroism, rescue, or exceptional administrative and organizational service.
Great care is taken to consider the nominations of only those patrollers who have indicated a genuine and lasting devotion to the National Ski Patrol and who, by outstanding example, have served in leadership and educational roles. Patrollers with a National Appointment or Leadership Commendation Appointment are expected to continue to serve the NSP with exemplary service, representing themselves to the skiing public as selected goodwill ambassadors of the organization.
Great care is taken to consider the nominations of only those patrollers who have indicated a genuine and lasting devotion to the National Ski Patrol and who, by outstanding example, have served in leadership and educational roles. Patrollers with a National Appointment or Leadership Commendation Appointment are expected to continue to serve the NSP with exemplary service, representing themselves to the skiing public as selected goodwill ambassadors of the organization.
National Appointment and Leadership Commendation Appointment
Receiving a National Appointment or a Leadership Commendation Appointment is not something for which a patroller (volunteer or paid) can work or plan. A patroller does not apply for a National Appointment or Leadership Commendation Appointment or undergo a skills and knowledge evaluation. To obtain this classification, a patroller must be nominated by other patrollers who hold the same appointment for demonstrating exemplary service to the NSP.
A patroller with a National Appointment or Leadership Commendation Appointment is an individual who has demonstrated leadership, good character, diplomacy, a positive attitude, good judgment, unusual qualities of patrolling ability, a genuine desire to serve the skiing public, and extraordinary service to the National Ski Patrol.
Great care is taken to consider the nominations of only those patrollers who have met all the award criteria. An individual who receives a National Appointment or Leadership Commendation Appointment usually has served as an officer or advisor of the NSP and in the discharge of those duties has exemplified the qualities that typify the characteristics of these appointments.
The appointments should be overdue rather than premature, but tenure alone is never an adequate criterion. Patrollers with appointments are expected to continue to serve the NSP with exemplary service, representing themselves to the skiing public as selected goodwill ambassadors of the organization. A patroller with a National Appointment or Leadership Commendation Appointment may actively participate in the nomination procedure for other National and Leadership Commendation appointments.
These appointments are for life; however if a patroller with an appointment discredits the honor of the NSP, the appointment will be revoked and the individual will be asked to relinquish the award's insignia.
Qualifications that are common to both appointments include the following. Members nominated for either appointment must have
The National Appointment qualifications stipulate that the nominee must have been an active senior alpine, nordic, or snowboard patroller or certified patroller for at least one year before nomination. The Leadership Commendation Appointment qualifications specify that nominees must have completed the senior auxiliary requirements at least one year before nomination.
Presentation of either of these appointments must be made at a special occasion by the highest officer in attendance (a section chief or higher officer). The recipient of an appointment receives a certificate, card, pin, badge, and appointment acknowledgment card. Upon receiving the card, the appointee must sign it and mail it to the national office for the appointment and number to become valid. The appointment number is not transferable. The recipient also may have his or her national number engraved on the NSP name bar.
A patroller with a National Appointment or Leadership Commendation Appointment is an individual who has demonstrated leadership, good character, diplomacy, a positive attitude, good judgment, unusual qualities of patrolling ability, a genuine desire to serve the skiing public, and extraordinary service to the National Ski Patrol.
Great care is taken to consider the nominations of only those patrollers who have met all the award criteria. An individual who receives a National Appointment or Leadership Commendation Appointment usually has served as an officer or advisor of the NSP and in the discharge of those duties has exemplified the qualities that typify the characteristics of these appointments.
The appointments should be overdue rather than premature, but tenure alone is never an adequate criterion. Patrollers with appointments are expected to continue to serve the NSP with exemplary service, representing themselves to the skiing public as selected goodwill ambassadors of the organization. A patroller with a National Appointment or Leadership Commendation Appointment may actively participate in the nomination procedure for other National and Leadership Commendation appointments.
These appointments are for life; however if a patroller with an appointment discredits the honor of the NSP, the appointment will be revoked and the individual will be asked to relinquish the award's insignia.
Qualifications that are common to both appointments include the following. Members nominated for either appointment must have
- served a minimum of eight ski seasons (with a minimum of one year as a senior or senior auxiliary) as an active member of the National Ski Patrol.
- demonstrated leadership that benefits the NSP by (a) serving beyond the patrol level, or (b) serving two or more ski seasons as a certified instructor in a program that is beneficial to the NSP, or by (c) demonstrating exceptional performance as a patrol director;
- demonstrated leadership abilities in working with the skiing public as related to skier safety education; and
- never received an appointment before.
The National Appointment qualifications stipulate that the nominee must have been an active senior alpine, nordic, or snowboard patroller or certified patroller for at least one year before nomination. The Leadership Commendation Appointment qualifications specify that nominees must have completed the senior auxiliary requirements at least one year before nomination.
Presentation of either of these appointments must be made at a special occasion by the highest officer in attendance (a section chief or higher officer). The recipient of an appointment receives a certificate, card, pin, badge, and appointment acknowledgment card. Upon receiving the card, the appointee must sign it and mail it to the national office for the appointment and number to become valid. The appointment number is not transferable. The recipient also may have his or her national number engraved on the NSP name bar.
Gold Merit Star
The Gold Merit Star is awarded annually to the National Outstanding Alpine Ski Patroller, National Outstanding Nordic Ski Patroller, National Outstanding Student Ski Patroller, National Outstanding Professional Ski Patroller, National Outstanding Auxiliary Patroller, National Chairman's Outstanding Administrative Patroller, National U.S. Ski Patrol Outstanding Administrative Patroller, National Outstanding Instructor, National Outstanding Patrol Director, and the recipient of the Charles Minot "Minnie" Dole Award.
The Gold Merit Star award consists of a certificate with a gold star on parchment paper. The recipient may also have a gold star engraved on the NSP name bar.
The Gold Merit Star award consists of a certificate with a gold star on parchment paper. The recipient may also have a gold star engraved on the NSP name bar.
Silver Merit Star
The Silver Merit Star is awarded annually to the runner-up to the National Outstanding Alpine Ski Patroller, National Outstanding Nordic Ski Patroller, National Outstanding Student Ski Patroller, National Outstanding Professional Ski Patroller, National Outstanding Auxiliary Patroller, National Chairman's Outstanding Administrative Patroller, National U.S. Ski Patrol Outstanding Administrative Patroller, National Outstanding Instructor, and the National Outstanding Patrol Director.
The Silver Merit Star award consists of a certificate with a silver star on parchment paper. The recipient may also have a silver star engraved on the NSP name bar.
The Silver Merit Star award consists of a certificate with a silver star on parchment paper. The recipient may also have a silver star engraved on the NSP name bar.
Purple Merit Star
The Purple Merit Star is the highest NSP meritorious service award and is given to members who individually save or are primarily responsible, in conjunction with others, for saving a human life. This may be accomplished by rendering emergency care to someone who has been stricken by a sudden illness or accident (auto, marine, snow, or any other type of accident). The Purple Merit Star may be presented regardless of where the lifesaving act was performed, provided the emergency care was rendered under the sole direction and sole responsibility of patrollers.
The Purple Merit Star should not be awarded if the rescue was accomplished by a mixed-rescue party that was not under the direction of the ski patrol or patrollers. Patrollers who are under the direction of another group (e.g., the Civil Defense Corps or American Red Cross) do not qualify for a Purple Merit Star, nor do individuals who perform the lifesaving act in the course of their normal occupation (ambulance attendant, fireman, etc.), unless that occupation is patrolling.
Generally, only one individual is credited with saving a life, and seldom does more than one individual receive a Purple Merit Star for a single lifesaving event. However, from time to time, primary responsibility is shared by more than one person, and more than one Purple Merit Star may be awarded. These situations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The nomination must be accompanied by a signed statement from an attending physician or, in the physician's absence, any medically knowledgeable witness (preferably a paramedic or nurse) who can substantiate that the patroller 's actions primarily contributed to saving a life.
The Purple Merit Star award consists of a certificate with a purple star on parchment paper. The recipient may also have a purple star engraved on the NSP name bar.
Patrollers who had a supporting role in saving a human life may receive a Green Merit Star or Blue Merit Star if warranted.
The Purple Merit Star should not be awarded if the rescue was accomplished by a mixed-rescue party that was not under the direction of the ski patrol or patrollers. Patrollers who are under the direction of another group (e.g., the Civil Defense Corps or American Red Cross) do not qualify for a Purple Merit Star, nor do individuals who perform the lifesaving act in the course of their normal occupation (ambulance attendant, fireman, etc.), unless that occupation is patrolling.
Generally, only one individual is credited with saving a life, and seldom does more than one individual receive a Purple Merit Star for a single lifesaving event. However, from time to time, primary responsibility is shared by more than one person, and more than one Purple Merit Star may be awarded. These situations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The nomination must be accompanied by a signed statement from an attending physician or, in the physician's absence, any medically knowledgeable witness (preferably a paramedic or nurse) who can substantiate that the patroller 's actions primarily contributed to saving a life.
The Purple Merit Star award consists of a certificate with a purple star on parchment paper. The recipient may also have a purple star engraved on the NSP name bar.
Patrollers who had a supporting role in saving a human life may receive a Green Merit Star or Blue Merit Star if warranted.
Blue Merit Star
The Blue Merit Star is awarded to members for outstanding or heroic use of ski patrol skills in an attempt to save a human life but whose efforts have not met the Purple Merit Star criteria. This award also may be presented to members for outstanding service in support roles associated with the Purple Merit Star.
The same documents as those required for the Purple Merit Star and the Green Merit Star must accompany the nomination.
The Blue Merit Star award consists of a certificate with a blue star on parchment paper. The recipient may also have a blue star engraved on the NSP name bar.
The same documents as those required for the Purple Merit Star and the Green Merit Star must accompany the nomination.
The Blue Merit Star award consists of a certificate with a blue star on parchment paper. The recipient may also have a blue star engraved on the NSP name bar.
Green Merit Star
The Green Merit Star is awarded to members for an outstanding act of heroism that does not meet the lifesaving requirements of the Purple Merit Star. It is given for arduous and hazardous rescue work in which the recipient used ski patrol training, and also in air crash, avalanche, and mountain rescue situations, etc. in which the recipient used ski patrol training.
The nomination must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the patrol director or higher officer. Supporting material such as newspaper clippings and statements from government offices and from any person who can attest to the patroller's actions also should be included.
The Green Merit Star award consists of a certificate with a green star. The recipient may also have a green star engraved on the NSP name bar.
The nomination must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the patrol director or higher officer. Supporting material such as newspaper clippings and statements from government offices and from any person who can attest to the patroller's actions also should be included.
The Green Merit Star award consists of a certificate with a green star. The recipient may also have a green star engraved on the NSP name bar.
Yellow Merit Star
The Yellow Merit Star is awarded to members for any outstanding act or service to the National Ski Patrol. This award has a very broad interpretation and serves as a way of honoring deserving members for a variety of outstanding administrative accomplishments and also for outstanding service in support roles associated with the Purple, Blue, or Green Merit Star actions.
A letter of recommendation from the patrol director or higher officer and any appropriate supporting material should accompany the nomination. A member may receive more than one Yellow Merit Star, but each act or administrative duty must be unrelated to any prior receipt of the award and must have an element of national relevance. To maintain the value of the Yellow Merit Star, it should not be given too freely.
The Yellow Merit Star is awarded at the NSP Board of Directors annual meeting to the patrol director of the patrol that receives the National Outstanding Ski Patrol Award.
The Yellow Merit Star award consists of a certificate with a yellow star on parchment paper. The recipient may also have one yellow star engraved on the NSP name bar.
A letter of recommendation from the patrol director or higher officer and any appropriate supporting material should accompany the nomination. A member may receive more than one Yellow Merit Star, but each act or administrative duty must be unrelated to any prior receipt of the award and must have an element of national relevance. To maintain the value of the Yellow Merit Star, it should not be given too freely.
The Yellow Merit Star is awarded at the NSP Board of Directors annual meeting to the patrol director of the patrol that receives the National Outstanding Ski Patrol Award.
The Yellow Merit Star award consists of a certificate with a yellow star on parchment paper. The recipient may also have one yellow star engraved on the NSP name bar.
Distinguished Service Award
The NSP Distinguished Service Award (DSA) is designed to be given to members who have performed extraordinary service to the National Ski Patrol and the skiing public over a long period, distinguished by exceptional devotion to duty and outstanding performance. The DSA may be used to recognize members who have made excellent contributions to the system regardless of whether they have a National Appointment or a Leadership Commendation Appointment. Generally, a member receives this award only once.
The DSA also may be presented to individuals not affiliated with the National Ski Patrol for outstanding contributions to the organization (e.g. a ski area manager who has strongly supported the NSP for many years and has contributed significantly to the achievement of the association's goals).
Recipients of the DSA who are members of the NSP will be given a plaque and a sweater pin engraved with the DSA insignia. Recipients outside the NSP will be given a certificate and a plaque engraved with the DSA insignia.
The DSA also may be presented to individuals not affiliated with the National Ski Patrol for outstanding contributions to the organization (e.g. a ski area manager who has strongly supported the NSP for many years and has contributed significantly to the achievement of the association's goals).
Recipients of the DSA who are members of the NSP will be given a plaque and a sweater pin engraved with the DSA insignia. Recipients outside the NSP will be given a certificate and a plaque engraved with the DSA insignia.
National Outstanding Awards
National outstanding awards provide a means to recognize outstanding patrollers and ski patrols on an annual basis. Each ski season the National Ski Patrol may give outstanding awards, described in the following sections, to patrols and individual patrollers whose nominations have been submitted by a division director. A division may submit only one nomination for each award.
All national outstanding awards are referred to by their descriptive names, and only the trophy carries the name of the past national chairman. The winners and runner-ups are announced at the NSP Board of Directors annual meeting. The national plaques are kept on display at the national office and the winners also receive a trophy.
No winner of a National Outstanding Award will be eligible for an outstanding award the following season
All national outstanding awards are referred to by their descriptive names, and only the trophy carries the name of the past national chairman. The winners and runner-ups are announced at the NSP Board of Directors annual meeting. The national plaques are kept on display at the national office and the winners also receive a trophy.
No winner of a National Outstanding Award will be eligible for an outstanding award the following season
Outstanding Alpine Ski Patrol Award
This award is presented each year to the Outstanding Alpine Ski Patrol selected from among non1inations sent by division directors to the national office and approved by the awards review committee. This award honors the patrol organization developed by the National Ski Patrol founder, Minnie Dole.
The name of the outstanding alpine ski patrol is engraved on the Friends of Minnie Dole plaque, which is on display at the national office. A special Unit Citation Award certificate and a trophy duly inscribed are presented to the patrol director. The patrol director also is awarded a Yellow Merit Star certificate. Each ski patrol nominated for this award receives a Unit Citation Award as the outstanding alpine patrol in its division.
The name of the outstanding alpine ski patrol is engraved on the Friends of Minnie Dole plaque, which is on display at the national office. A special Unit Citation Award certificate and a trophy duly inscribed are presented to the patrol director. The patrol director also is awarded a Yellow Merit Star certificate. Each ski patrol nominated for this award receives a Unit Citation Award as the outstanding alpine patrol in its division.
Outstanding Nordic Ski Patrol Award
This award is presented each year to the Outstanding Nordic Ski Patrol selected from among nominations sent by division directors to the national office and approved by the awards review committee. This award honors former National Chairman Ronald Ricketts, during whose term the nordic program attained its greatest growth.
The name of the outstanding nordic patrol is engraved on the Ronald Ricketts Outstanding Nordic Ski Patrol plaque, which is on display in the national office.
A special Unit Citation Award certificate and trophy duly inscribed are presented to the patrol director. The patrol director also is awarded a Yellow Merit Star certificate. Each ski patrol nominated for this award receives a Unit Citation Award from the national office as the outstanding nordic patrol in its division.
The name of the outstanding nordic patrol is engraved on the Ronald Ricketts Outstanding Nordic Ski Patrol plaque, which is on display in the national office.
A special Unit Citation Award certificate and trophy duly inscribed are presented to the patrol director. The patrol director also is awarded a Yellow Merit Star certificate. Each ski patrol nominated for this award receives a Unit Citation Award from the national office as the outstanding nordic patrol in its division.
Outstanding Alpine Ski Patroller Award
This award is presented each year to the Outstanding Alpine Ski Patroller selected from among nominations sent by the division directors to the national office and approved by the awards review committee. The con tributions of the recipients of this award typify the excellence in general ski patrolling and ski patrol leadership and training of past National Director William R. Judd.
Any active volunteer alpine patroller is eligible, except students, candidates, auxiliaries, or those who are eligible for either of the outstanding administrative awards or the Outstanding Patrol Director Award, or those who hold offices or positions above the level of patrol director or section advisor.
The winner's name is engraved on the William R. Judd Outstanding Volunteer Alpine Ski Patroller plaque that was presented to the NSP by the Ski Patrol of Chile. The plaque is on display at the national office.
Any active volunteer alpine patroller is eligible, except students, candidates, auxiliaries, or those who are eligible for either of the outstanding administrative awards or the Outstanding Patrol Director Award, or those who hold offices or positions above the level of patrol director or section advisor.
The winner's name is engraved on the William R. Judd Outstanding Volunteer Alpine Ski Patroller plaque that was presented to the NSP by the Ski Patrol of Chile. The plaque is on display at the national office.
Outstanding Nordic Ski Patroller Award
This award is presented each year to the Outstanding Nordic Ski Patroller selected from among nominations sent by the division directors to the national office and approved by the awards review committee. The contributions of the recipients of this award typify the excellence in administration of past National Chairman Donald C. Williams. It was during Williams' term of office that the nordic program was greatly expanded.
Any active volunteer nordic patroller is eligible, except students, candidates, auxiliaries, or those who are eligible for either of the outstanding administrative awards or the Outstanding Patrol Director Award, or those who hold offices above the level of patrol director or section advisor.
The winner's name is engraved on the Donald C. Williams Outstanding Nordic Ski Patroller plaque, which is on display at the national office
Any active volunteer nordic patroller is eligible, except students, candidates, auxiliaries, or those who are eligible for either of the outstanding administrative awards or the Outstanding Patrol Director Award, or those who hold offices above the level of patrol director or section advisor.
The winner's name is engraved on the Donald C. Williams Outstanding Nordic Ski Patroller plaque, which is on display at the national office
Outstanding Student Ski Patroller Award
This award is presented each year to the Outstanding Student Ski Patroller selected from among nominations sent by the division directors to the national office and approved by the awards review committee. This award honors the late National Director Edward E Taylor, who established the junior program while he was in office.
Any NSP student patroller may be nominated for a given year through the member's senior year in high school.
The winner's name is engraved on the Edward E. Taylor Outstanding Junior Ski Patroller plaque, which is on display at the national office.
Any NSP student patroller may be nominated for a given year through the member's senior year in high school.
The winner's name is engraved on the Edward E. Taylor Outstanding Junior Ski Patroller plaque, which is on display at the national office.
Outstanding Professional Ski Patroller Award
This award is presented each year to the Outstanding Professional Ski Patroller selected from nominations sent by the division directors to the national office and approved by the awards review committee. The award honors past National Director Harry G. Pollard, during whose term several special programs for professional patrollers were developed.
Any member who is registered as paid, is a full-time employee at a ski area, and is paid to patrol is eligible for this award. Those who are eligible for either of the outstanding administrative awards or those who hold offices or positions above the level of patrol director or section advisor are not eligible for this award.
The winner's name is engraved on the Harry G. Pollard Jr. Outstanding Professional Ski Patroller plaque, which is on display at the national office.
Any member who is registered as paid, is a full-time employee at a ski area, and is paid to patrol is eligible for this award. Those who are eligible for either of the outstanding administrative awards or those who hold offices or positions above the level of patrol director or section advisor are not eligible for this award.
The winner's name is engraved on the Harry G. Pollard Jr. Outstanding Professional Ski Patroller plaque, which is on display at the national office.
U.S. Ski Patrol Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller Award
This award is presented each year to the U.S. Ski Patrol Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller who is selected from nominations of members of (or eligible to be members of) the U.S. Administrative Patrol. This award honors past National Director Charles W Schobinger, during whose term the current organizational structure of the NSP was developed. Specifically, NSP training and standards programs were established through the creation of national education program committees whose leaders are eligible to be members of the U.S. Ski Patrol (national administrative patrol).
Nominations are submitted by the division directors, national chairman, or assistant national chairmen to the national office. The winner is selected by a majority vote of the executive committee of the NSP Board of Directors. The national office prepares this ballot (or ballots, should a majority not be obtained on the first ballot) from the nominations received in accordance with the procedures and timetable set forth for all other outstanding awards.
The winner 's name is engraved on the Charles W Schobinger U.S. Ski Patrol Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller plaque, which is on display at the national office.
Nominations are submitted by the division directors, national chairman, or assistant national chairmen to the national office. The winner is selected by a majority vote of the executive committee of the NSP Board of Directors. The national office prepares this ballot (or ballots, should a majority not be obtained on the first ballot) from the nominations received in accordance with the procedures and timetable set forth for all other outstanding awards.
The winner 's name is engraved on the Charles W Schobinger U.S. Ski Patrol Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller plaque, which is on display at the national office.
National Chairman's Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller Award
This award is presented each year to a member who has made an outstanding administrative contribution to the NSP beyond the patrol level. This award also honors the national chairman in office at the time the award is presented. The award was established by the NSP Board of Directors to recognize and honor those administrative patrollers who are not eligible for the U.S. Ski Patrol Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller Award.
The winner is selected from nominations sent by the division directors to the national office and approved by the awards review committee. The nominee may be a section chief, region director, region administrator, or division supervisor. If the individual is eligible for the U.S. Ski Patrol Outstanding Administrative Award, he or she may not be considered for the National Chairman's Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller Award.
The winner's name is engraved on the National Chairman 's Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller plaque, which is on display at the national office.
The winner is selected from nominations sent by the division directors to the national office and approved by the awards review committee. The nominee may be a section chief, region director, region administrator, or division supervisor. If the individual is eligible for the U.S. Ski Patrol Outstanding Administrative Award, he or she may not be considered for the National Chairman's Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller Award.
The winner's name is engraved on the National Chairman 's Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller plaque, which is on display at the national office.
Outstanding Auxiliary Patroller Award
This award is presented each year to the Outstanding Auxiliary Patroller selected from among nominations sent by the division director to the national office and approved by the awards review committee. The award honors past National Director Charles C. Haskins, during whose term of office special programs for auxiliary patrollers were developed.
Any active auxiliary patroller is eligible for this award, except those who are eligible for either of the outstanding administrative awards or who hold a position or office above the level of patrol director or section advisor.
The winner's name is engraved on the Charles C. Haskins Outstanding Auxiliary Ski Patroller plaque, which is on display at the national office.
Any active auxiliary patroller is eligible for this award, except those who are eligible for either of the outstanding administrative awards or who hold a position or office above the level of patrol director or section advisor.
The winner's name is engraved on the Charles C. Haskins Outstanding Auxiliary Ski Patroller plaque, which is on display at the national office.
Outstanding Instructor Award
This award is presented each year to a member who has been an NSP certified instructor in one or more of the NSP educational programs. Only one award is given to cover all NSP instruction disciplines. This award honors Roger Langley, the past chairman of the National Ski Association and National Appointment #l, who encouraged Minnie Dole to establish a national organization that would, in part, develop widespread education and raise the standards and efficiency of ski patrols.
The recipient must have been a certified instructor for at least three ski seasons and actively instructed for the last two seasons. Any NSP member who is a certified instructor is eligible to receive the award.
The winner's name is engraved on the Roger Langley Outstanding Instructor plaque, which is on display at the national office.
The recipient must have been a certified instructor for at least three ski seasons and actively instructed for the last two seasons. Any NSP member who is a certified instructor is eligible to receive the award.
The winner's name is engraved on the Roger Langley Outstanding Instructor plaque, which is on display at the national office.
Outstanding Patrol Director Award
This award, approved by the NSP Board of Directors in 1996, is issued each year to the Outstanding Patrol Director selected from among those nominations sent by the division director to the national office and approved by the awards review committee. Any active patrol director is eligible for this award.
Outstanding Avalanche Award
The Montgomery M. Atwater avalanche award is given periodically when outstanding NSP members or non-members have made outstanding or continuing superlative contributions to the avalanche program.
Nominations for the award must be forwarded to the national avalanche program director, who will select a committee of three nationally respected avalanche specialists (including the avalanche program director) and at least one non-NSP member. The award recommendation goes to the NSP national chairman for approval.
A Montgomery M. Atwater plaque will be on display at the national office.
Nominations for the award must be forwarded to the national avalanche program director, who will select a committee of three nationally respected avalanche specialists (including the avalanche program director) and at least one non-NSP member. The award recommendation goes to the NSP national chairman for approval.
A Montgomery M. Atwater plaque will be on display at the national office.
Charles Minot "Minnie" Dole Award
This award recognizes those exceptional few members who, over the years, have closely exemplified the long-term dedication, devotion, and self-sacrifice of the founder of the NSP, Charles Minot "Minnie" Dole. The winner of this award must be an NSP member who has at least 25 years of active patrolling service, is registered as an active member at the time of nomination, has provided continuous leadership for more than 10 years in offices from ski patrol director through national levels, and has designed and implemented programs, projects, procedures, and equipment that have positively affected the entire National Ski Patrol.
A nomination must be made in the form of a letter that has been signed by 10 or more currently registered NSP members with National Appointments. The nomination must receive the executive committee 's unanimous approval to be awarded. This award may not be presented to the person who receives an outstanding patroller award that year.
The recipient of the Minnie Dole Award will be announced at the NSP Board of Directors annual meeting.
The recipient will receive an engraved plaque, and his or her name will be added to the Minnie Dole memorial plaque on display at the national office. The recipient also may have a Gold Merit Star engraved on the NSP name bar.
A nomination must be made in the form of a letter that has been signed by 10 or more currently registered NSP members with National Appointments. The nomination must receive the executive committee 's unanimous approval to be awarded. This award may not be presented to the person who receives an outstanding patroller award that year.
The recipient of the Minnie Dole Award will be announced at the NSP Board of Directors annual meeting.
The recipient will receive an engraved plaque, and his or her name will be added to the Minnie Dole memorial plaque on display at the national office. The recipient also may have a Gold Merit Star engraved on the NSP name bar.
National Recognition Awards
Many patrols and individuals deserve national recognition for their dedication and distinguished service to NSP programs and projects. The following methods of recognition are designed for this purpose.
Unit Citation Award
A Unit Citation Award certificate may be presented by the national chairman, upon the recommendation of a division director, to any NSP-registered ski patrol that has performed in any outstanding manner in the NSP, the ski industry, or in other areas of winter recreation or rescue, and when it is not possible to single out specific people. Nominations for Unit Citations are made in letters to the national awards advisor through appropriate local and division channels.
The Unit Citation Award certificate is given automatically to each ski patrol nominated by its division for the National Outstanding Ski Patrol Award.
The Unit Citation Award certificate is given automatically to each ski patrol nominated by its division for the National Outstanding Ski Patrol Award.
National Certificate of Appreciation
The National Certificate of Appreciation may be awarded by the national chairman, upon the recommendation of an NSP officer, to individuals or groups for service to or suppo1t of the NSP that does not fall within the scope of the other award categories. Members as well as non-NSP members or groups are eligible for this award.
Service Recognition Award
The Service Recognition Award may be used to recognize members who have served the NSP for 10 years or longer. (This award should be given when years of service add up to an increment of five years.) Patrol directors or awards advisors may order service recognition certificates from the national office. The service of elected members of the NSP Board of Directors (i.e., division directors and board representatives) is recognized in a manner similar to that currently used for staff and advisors upon leaving the positions.