Award Criteria
The following guide is for Centres and State Awards Committees for preparing, selecting, and submitting nominations. There are four categories for the National Volunteer Awards. Carefully check the criteria for each award and ensure that the candidates meet the criteria before submitting the forms.
Young Volunteer of the Year Award Criteria:
RDA registered volunteers under 18 years of age at 1 January for the year of nomination.
Nominees must have between 1 to 5 years of service with RDA at a Centre and/or State level.
The young volunteer must have made an outstanding contribution to their RDA Centre. This may include regular attendance, willingness to accept different roles and responsibilities, pride in what they do and an eagerness to learn and apply their knowledge within RDA.
The young volunteer must have demonstrated an outstanding customer service. This may include their ability to relate well to riders, coaches and other volunteers.
The volunteer must be enthusiastic about RDA and spread the good word among their peers and/or members of the public.
Volunteer Encouragement Award Criteria:
RDA registered volunteers over 18 years of age at 1 January for the year of nomination.
Nominees must have between 1 to 5 years of service with RDA at a Centre level.
The volunteer must have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to their local RDA Centre. The nomination must include an outline of the nominee’s activities, ideas and/or expertise that has made a significant impact on the quality of service offered by RDA at their Centre.
Volunteer Service Excellence Award Criteria:
RDA registered volunteers over 18 years of age at 1 January for the year of nomination.
Length of distinguished service will be considered for volunteers over 5 years of service however, higher weightings will be applied by judging panels for nominees with length of service over 10 years.
The volunteer must have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to RDA which is above and beyond the expectations of normal duties. The nomination form must include an outline of the nominee’s activities, ideas and/or expertise that has made a significant impact on the quality of service offered by RDA at their Centre and/or at a State level.
Michael Field Memorial Award Criteria:
Michael Field Memorial Award The Michael Field Memorial Award is the most prestigious national volunteer award offered by RDA Australia and is in honour of Michael Field’s dedication to RDA and his vision to link Centres through coordinated State and National Associations. From 1970, Michael devoted his life to the development of RDA and his tenacity, determination, commitment and selflessness created the foundations of today’s organisation. Nominees in this category should reflect the same values and commitment towards a harmonious, collaborative organisation. Their contribution should reflect activities at all three levels of the RDA organisation – Centre, State and National levels.
RDA registered volunteers over 18 years of age at 1 January for the year of nomination.
Length of distinguished service of 10 years or more.
The volunteer must have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to RDA which is above and beyond the expectations of normal duties and includes contributions at a Centre, State and National level.
The volunteer has a demonstrated commitment to RDA as a national organisation, participating in activities, and sharing skills and expertise not only at a local level but also outside of their RDA Centre and State Association. Nationally recognised activities may include participating in delegations to national committees, boards and working parties; involvement in planning/participating in national events, workshops or competitions; training, mentoring and supporting coaches and volunteers both inside their own State and interstate; assistance with development of national policies and procedures; general support of RDA programs across Australia.