2025 Annual Awards

2025 Annual Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Southern Peninsula Basketball Association Annual Awards. These awards recognise and celebrate exceptional contributions and achievements across our basketball community during the nomination period July 2024 to June 2025.
Open Awards Categories
- 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
- 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 Year Open
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 type: Open
Les Thomas Club Person of the Year Open
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 type: Open
Community Club of the Year Open
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 type: Open
Young Domestic Player of the Year Open
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 type: Open
Representative Player of the Year Closed
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 type: Closed - selected by the Basketball Operations Department
Domestic Coach of the Year Open
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 type: Open
Representative Coach of the Year Closed
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 type: Closed - selected by the Basketball Operations Department
Domestic Referee of the Year Closed
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 type: Closed - selected by the Basketball Operations Department
Senior Referee of the Year Closed
Description of Award
Awarded to a senior referee contributing to officiating at advanced levels beyond domestic competition, such as VJBL, Big V, 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 type: Closed - selected by the Basketball Operations Department
Supporter of the Year Open
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 type: Open
Service Awards Open
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
- Bronze - 5 years
- Silver - 10 years
- Gold - 20 years
- Diamond - 30 years
Nomination type: Open
Nomination Information
- Period covered: July 2024 to June 2025
- Closing date: 8 October 2025
- Presentation: Awards presented following the SPBA Annual General Meeting