2026 Annual Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Southern Peninsula Basketball Association Annual Awards. These awards recognise and celebrate exceptional contributions and achievements across our basketball community during the nominations close 5pm 8th November.

Nominate here
Submissions close8 November 2026

Award categories

Open Awards Categories

Open
  • Community Club of the Year
  • Domestic Coach of the Year
  • Young Domestic Player of the Year
  • Supporter of the Year
  • Volunteer of the Year
  • Club Person of the Year
  • Service Awards (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond)

Closed Nomination Awards Categories

Closed
  • Representative Player of the Year
  • Representative Coach of the Year
  • Domestic Referee of the Year
  • Senior Referee of the Year

Closed categories are selected by the Basketball Operations Department.

Award criteria

Volunteer of the YearOpen

Description of Award

Recognises an individual who volunteers their time and energy to basketball without pay (honoraria excepted), and whose service has made a significant impact within the SPBA community during the nomination period.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be an unpaid volunteer (excluding small honoraria)
  • Must be actively involved in a program, competition or activity under SPBA

Nominations May Consider

  • Outstanding commitment, reliability, positivity, flexibility, and initiative
  • Embodiment of SPBA values: Respect, Inclusion, Trust, Enjoyment, Excellence

Nomination typeOpen

Les Thomas Club Person of the YearOpen

Description of Award

Awarded to an individual who has made long-standing and significant contributions to SPBA, positively influencing the culture and growth of basketball on the Southern Peninsula.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Individual must have a long history of involvement and impact within SPBA

Nominations May Consider

  • Considerable and lasting impact on the basketball community
  • Contributions during and prior to the nomination period

Nomination typeOpen

Community Club of the YearOpen

Description of Award

Recognises a domestic club affiliated with SPBA that demonstrates exceptional service to its members, fosters participation, and actively engages with the community.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be an SPBA-affiliated club that meets all compliance and governance requirements

Nominations May Consider

  • Strong participation growth or retention
  • Outstanding community engagement initiatives
  • Development programs for members
  • Alignment with SPBA strategic pillars of participation and community

Nomination typeOpen

Young Domestic Player of the YearOpen

Description of Award

Presented to a young player in SPBA domestic competition who shows promise, strong character, and commitment to personal development.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Aged 21 or under
  • Must not have competed in a VJBL representative team in the past 12 months
  • Must be registered in SPBA domestic competition

Nominations May Consider

  • Dedication to skill improvement
  • Positive attitude and sportsmanship
  • Contribution to the community

Nomination typeOpen

Representative Player of the YearClosed

Description of Award

Awarded to a Southern Peninsula Sharks representative player who has shown outstanding performance and conduct in representative or higher-level basketball.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must have been a registered player with the Southern Peninsula Sharks during the award period

Nominations May Consider

  • Commitment to development
  • Selection to pathway programs such as High Performance, State Teams, National Pathways
  • Leadership and sportsmanship
  • Involvement in off-court community or club activities

Nomination typeClosed - selected by the Basketball Operations Department

Domestic Coach of the YearOpen

Description of Award

Acknowledges an SPBA domestic coach who has made a meaningful impact on player and team development throughout the season.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be affiliated with SPBA and compliant with all coaching requirements

Nominations May Consider

  • Evidence of player or team growth
  • Creation of a fun, inclusive, and safe team environment
  • Positive influence on participants

Nomination typeOpen

Representative Coach of the YearClosed

Description of Award

Recognises a representative coach who demonstrates exceptional leadership, technical ability, and dedication to player and team growth.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be Basketball Australia Coach accredited
  • Must coach within the SPBA Sharks
  • Shows commitment to ongoing coaching development

Nominations May Consider

  • Impact on player and team performance
  • Coaching leadership
  • Development of a positive team culture

Nomination typeClosed - selected by the Basketball Operations Department

Domestic Referee of the YearClosed

Description of Award

Recognises a referee within SPBA domestic referee program who shows commitment to learning, consistency, and fostering a positive game-day environment.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must have been an SPBA-affiliated referee for a minimum of 12 months

Nominations May Consider

  • Demonstrated development within the referee pathway
  • Positive attitude and contribution to referee culture
  • Role modelling to junior officials

Nomination typeClosed - selected by the Basketball Operations Department

Senior Referee of the YearClosed

Description of Award

Awarded to a senior referee contributing to officiating at advanced levels beyond domestic competition, such as VJBL, VBL, or Basketball Victoria appointments.

Eligibility Criteria

  • SPBA-affiliated for at least 12 months
  • Actively involved in external officiating or development opportunities

Nominations May Consider

  • Appointment to high-level games
  • Engagement in referee development
  • Commitment to positive referee culture

Nomination typeClosed - selected by the Basketball Operations Department

Supporter of the YearOpen

Description of Award

Recognises an individual outside of a playing or coaching role who has provided outstanding support to SPBA programs, teams, or individuals throughout the year.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Can be a current player or coach, but the merit for this award is based on support outside of these roles
  • Visible and positive presence at SPBA events or games

Nominations May Consider

  • Commitment to inclusion and accessibility
  • Demonstration of SPBA values
  • Contribution to team culture and support networks

Nomination typeOpen

Service AwardsOpen

Description of Award

Honours individuals who have demonstrated long-term commitment and service to SPBA in non-playing capacities.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Served the SPBA community in a volunteer, official, or support role for the years listed below

Nominations May Consider

  • Duration and consistency of involvement
  • Impact on the basketball community over time

Award Levels

Bronze5 years
Silver10 years
Gold20 years
Diamond30 years

Nomination typeOpen

Nomination information

  • Closing date8 November 2026
  • PresentationAwards presented following the SPBA Annual General Meeting
Nominate here

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