NYSAAA Awards

A member in good standing of the NYSAAA who has made an outstanding contribution to athletics over the years. This person has shown evidence of devotion and idealism to athletics through the NYSAAA and has demonstrated their influence and power in the promotion of athletics in a positive manner.

Current Year: 2026 (6/2/25 - 1/16/26, 2027 opens on 6/2/26)

Award of appreciation for 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years of service in athletic administration.

* Please note the addition of the 10 year award. (Winners must be a member of NYSAAA in good standing by February of conference year.)

Current Year: 2026 (6/2/25 - 1/16/26, 2027 opens on 6/2/26)

Award of appreciation for 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years of service in athletic administration.

* Please note the addition of the 10 year award. (Winners must be a member of NYSAAA in good standing by February of conference year.)

Current Year: 2026 (6/2/25 - 1/16/26, 2027 opens on 6/2/26)

Award of appreciation for 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years of service in athletic administration.

* Please note the addition of the 10 year award. (Winners must be a member of NYSAAA in good standing by February of conference year.)

Current Year: 2026 (6/2/25 - 1/16/26, 2027 opens on 6/2/26)

Award of appreciation for 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years of service in athletic administration.

* Please note the addition of the 10 year award. (Winners must be a member of NYSAAA in good standing by February of conference year.)

Current Year: 2026 (6/2/25 - 1/16/26, 2027 opens on 6/2/26)

Award of appreciation for 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years of service in athletic administration.

* Please note the addition of the 10 year award. (Winners must be a member of NYSAAA in good standing by February of conference year.)

Current Year: 2026 (6/2/25 - 1/16/26, 2027 opens on 6/2/26)

This award was created in the memory of Dr. John “Jack” Foley, CMAA in 2011 as a dedication to a man who was devoted to the professional development of fellow athletic administrators and coaches in New York State and nationally. Jack served on the NIAAA Publications Committee from its beginning until he passed away in 2009. He has received numerous awards over the years, including the NIAAA Award of Merit, the NYSAAA State Award of Merit, and was inducted into the NYSPHSAA Hall of Fame in 2008.

The Dr. John Foley Professional Development Award is presented to a NYSAAA member who has made significant contributions and demonstrated excellence in professional development at the local, state or national levels. The Executive Board will select a recipient from among the nominees from the eleven chapters and CHSAA. It is not necessary that this award be made annually.

Current Year: 2026 (6/2/25 - 1/16/26, 2027 opens on 6/2/26)

This award is earned by an athletic administrator who has been an active member of NYSAAA for five or fewer years. They must be employed full-time as an athletic administrator and their school must be a NYSPHSAA member school. The Individual must show contributions to community, local chapter, state, ongoing commitment to athletics, willingness to get involved, constant professional development and continuing education. as well as striving towards their CAA or CMAA.

Current Year: 2026 (6/2/25 - 1/16/26, 2027 opens on 6/2/26)

This award is earned by (1) athletic director who has demonstrated a passion to enhance positive change, has strong leadership skills, and the ability to mentor. This individual will have contributed to some or all of the following organizations throughout their career in athletics: NYSAAA, NYSPHSAA, NYSAHPERD and NIAAA. During Judith’s era and leadership she was an advocate for boys and girls athletics, however made great positive changes for female athletics. (To be given at the Roy O’Neill awards banquet at the Conference)

Current Year: 2026 (6/2/25 - 1/16/26, 2027 opens on 6/2/26)

This award is earned by an athletic director who has demonstrated a passion to enhance positive change, has strong leadership skills, and the ability to mentor. This individual will have contributed to some or all of the following organizations throughout their career in athletics: NYSAAA, NYSPHSAA, NYSAHPERD and NIAAA. During Judith’s era and leadership she was an advocate for boys and girls athletics, however made great positive changes for female athletics. (To be given to ONE recipient at the Roy O’Neill awards banquet at the Conference)

Current Year: 2026 (6/2/25 - 1/16/26, 2027 opens on 6/2/26)

Current Year: 2026 (6/2/25 - 1/16/26, 2027 opens on 6/2/26)

Current Year: 2026 (6/2/25 - 1/16/26, 2027 opens on 6/2/26)

Current Year: 2026 (6/2/25 - 1/16/26, 2027 opens on 6/2/26)

This Otis Sennett Award of Excellence was established in 2004 by the NYSAAA Executive Board and is presented annually to a recipient who best exemplifies the dedication and spirit that Otis Sennett gave to this association as one of the founding fathers, and most possesses the qualities that he demonstrated. Otis was the epitome of hard work, determination and dedication. Further he was instrumental in the formation and development of the NSYAAA and organized the first several conferences before we had an Executive Director. He has been an advisor to the Board throughout the years since.

This Award should be presented to an NYSAAA member in good standing whose loyalty to the Association and contributions to Interscholastic Athletics represents excellence in achievement and commitment to the concept of volunteerism and dedication.

NOTE: NYSAAA Past Presidents, current Board members and previous NIAAA State Award of Merit recipients are not eligible for this Award.

A pool of candidates will be maintained by the Executive Board and a recipient will be chosen by them annually.

Current Year: 2026 (6/2/25 - 1/16/26, 2027 opens on 6/2/26)