Ohio region has a long history of outstanding patrollers. The nomination process is below. You are the key to nominating your outstanding peers. At the end of this page, you will find a list of award winners starting in 1968, ( Ohio Region has a long history of outstanding patrollers. Our awards list is in 3 sections and each section has multiple pages, click the bottom of each PDF to get to the next page.). Please take the time to view our glowing history of award winners. Take a look & ENJOY.
Central Division has a detailed awards page with ‘instruction sheets’ for all awards. Just find the one you are looking for and you may find some helpful tips on writing the specific award. ALL FORMS ARE NEW FOR 2018. Each award must use one of the new forms,. Some are quite different. There may be some form-specific tips on the instruction sheet for that award. The most recent CD Awards Manual is also found here. Current Awards Manual & Nomination Worksheets from CD
- Outstanding Patroller/Host Form
- Outstanding Patrol/Host Unit Form
- Patroller Cross Form
- Merit Star
- Distinguished Service Award
- Meritorious Serice
- National or LCA Appointment_Form
- Minnie Dole Award
- Patrol 50 Year Association
- Memorial Form
Central Division Awards
New to the Central Division is a division award called the Patroller Achievement Award. It is submitted in PDF form, unlike any other document. This form is writable in PDF. The CD recognizes the top 25 nominees per year. This rewards the patroller that for whatever reason does not qualify for a NA or an LCA, but does a lot for their local patrol or even the region or division.
Region Specific Awards
The following Region Awards nominations may be submitted in letter form:
The Patroller Spirit Award:
Given in honor of Chuck Huff and Dennis Maslar, the Patroller Spirit award is given to that Ohio Region patroller who most exhibits the spirit of those lost untimely deaths. It is for the unsung hero who takes on any task with a smile, often tasks no one else wants to do, but ones that need to be done; the person who has a real passion for patrolling, but whose efforts are typically not recognized; the one who is out there for all the right reasons, i.e. one who’s not out there to be seen, but to take care of others. This patroller is just out there trying to make a difference while always exhibiting the spirit of those whom we’ve lost. Established in 2012, nominations are made in letter form by an Ohio Region Patrol Representative, and need not be given every year.
Dale Mihuta Award.
Given to that Ohio Region Patroller who makes outstanding contributions to the Ohio Region Ski and Toboggan program. Established in 2009, in honor of Dale Mihuta, who consulted with division regarding the inception of the NSP-C, wrote the (first) NSP-C Ski School Manual, and was the first Ohio region ski school director/program advisor. His humble, non-threatening manner of teaching is the gold standard for which all trainers should strive. It need not be given every season.
Wally James Award
Wally James Outstanding Line Officer Award: Given to that line officer at any level who makes an outstanding contribution to the Ohio Region, given in honor of one of the outstanding Ohio Region Directors. Established in 1975, it need not be given every season. A line officer is in the direct line of authority from the top officer to the worker level. In the Region, this would be RD, ARD-line, SC, PR/PD.
Dick Schleicher Award:
Given to that administrative officer at any level who makes an outstanding contribution to the Ohio Region, given in honor of one of the founders of the Ski patrol in Ohio. Established in 1974, it need not be given every season.
Robert D. Sherry Award:
Given to the outstanding Ohio Region Nordic patroller in honor of a long time Nordic patroller and Ohio Region Officer who was a member of the 10th Mountain Division.
If you need further information on region-specific awards, contact Ohio Region Awards Advisor, Lori Ringley (ringley at fuse.net).
National Ski Patrol Awards Program
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. The national awards program may be supplemented on the division, region, section, or NSP patrol level. Many of the awards can be made at any time during the year. NSP officers are reminded that for all awards, except the national outstanding awards, a minimum of 45 days is needed to process the award. NSP’s award policy is covered in Chapter 10 of the NSP Policy and Procedures. Please contact your local area awards advisor or the Ohio Region Awards Advisor for current nomination forms for all awards and any questions regarding nomination procedures. You can also download the forms from the National website (www.nsp.org).
APPOINTMENTS:
National Appointment & Leadership Commendation Appointment:
A patroller with an 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 NSP. Receiving an appointment is not something for which a patroller—volunteer or paid—can work or plan. A patroller does not apply for an appointment. The appointment should be overdue rather than premature, but tenure alone is never an adequate criterion. To obtain this classification, a patroller must be nominated. An appointment is not intended to be a retirement award (MWM-01-09). (These awards must be sent to the Ohio Region NSP Appointments Review Board Chairman!)
SERVICE AWARDS:
Meritorious Service Award: Given to members who have performed extraordinary service to the National Ski Patrol at the region level or above. The award is intended to fit between the Yellow Merit Star and the Distinguished Service Award (DSA) in the level of importance (AM-99-14).
Distinguished Service Award: Given to members who have performed extraordinary service to the National Ski Patrol and the skiing public over a long period of time, distinguished by the exceptional devotion to duty and outstanding performance. The Distinguished Service Award may be used to recognize members who have made excellent contributions to the system regardless of whether or not they have a or a Leadership Commendation Appointment. A member is normally the recipient of this award only once. The Distinguished Service Award also may be presented to individuals not affiliated with the National Ski Patrol for outstanding contributions to the organization. An example would be to recognize a ski area manager who has strongly supported the NSP for many years and has contributed significantly to the achievement of NSP goals.
*(This award must be sent to the Ohio Region NSP Appointments Review Board Chairman! Greg Schoenman, gschoenman at hotmail.com)
MERIT STARS:
Gold Merit: Awarded annually to the National Outstanding Alpine Ski Patroller, National Outstanding Nordic Ski Patroller, National Outstanding Young 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 OEC Instructor, National Outstanding Instructor (other than OEC), National Outstanding NSP Patrol Representative, and the recipient of the Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole Award.
Silver Merit Star: 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 NSP Patrol Representative.
Purple Merit Star: Awarded 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. The Purple Merit Star may be presented regardless of where the lifesaving act was performed, provided the emergency care was accomplished under the sole direction and sole responsibility of patrollers.
Blue Merit Star: 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.
Green Merit Star: 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 at ski areas, air crashes, and mountain rescue situations, etc., (MWM-98-14) in which the recipient uses ski patrol training.
Yellow Merit Star: Awarded to members for any outstanding act or service to the National Ski Patrol. This award also may be presented to members for outstanding service in support roles associated with the Purple, Blue, or Green Merit Star
NATIONAL OUTSTANDING AWARDS
Outstanding Alpine Ski Patrol: Presented each year to the Outstanding Alpine Ski Patrol selected from among nominations sent by division directors to the national office and approved by the awards review committee.
Outstanding Nordic Ski Patrol: 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.
Outstanding Alpine Ski Patroller: A. Presented each year to the Outstanding Volunteer Alpine Patroller selected from among nominations sent by the Division Directors or designees to the national office and approved by the National Awards Coordinator. B. Any active volunteer Alpine Patroller is eligible, except Young Adult Patrollers (see 10.7.6), Patrollers, or those eligible for the Outstanding Administrative Awards or the Outstanding NSP Patrol Representative Award, or those who hold offices or positions at or above the NSP Patrol Representative level.
Outstanding Nordic Ski Patroller: A. Presented each year to the Outstanding Volunteer Nordic Ski Patroller selected from among nominations sent by the Division Directors or designees to the national office and approved by the National Awards Coordinator. B. Any active volunteer Nordic Patroller is eligible, except Young Adult Patrollers, Patrollers, or those eligible for the Outstanding Administrative Awards or the Outstanding NSP Patrol Representative Award, or those who hold offices at or above the NSP Patrol Representative level.
Outstanding Young Adult Patroller Award: A. Presented each year to the Outstanding Young Adult Volunteer Patroller selected from among nominations sent by the Division Directors or designees to the national office and approved by the National Awards Coordinator. B. Any volunteer NSP Patroller may be nominated if no greater than 20 years of age on June 1st in the year nominated.
Outstanding Paid Ski Patroller Award: A. Presented each year to the Outstanding Paid Alpine or Nordic Patroller selected from nominations sent by the Division Directors or designees to the national office and approved by the National Awards Coordinator. B. Any Alpine or Nordic patroller who is registered as a Paid Patroller is eligible for this award.
Outstanding Patroller Award: A Presented each year to the Outstanding Patroller volunteer selected from among nominations sent by the Division Directors or designees to the national office and approved by the National Awards Coordinator. B. Any active Patroller volunteer is eligible for this award, except those who are eligible for the Outstanding Administrative Awards, the Outstanding NSP Patrol Representative Award, or who hold a position or office at or above the level of NSP Patrol Representative.
Outstanding non-OEC Instructor Award: A. Presented each year to a volunteer patroller who has been an NSP instructor in any of the NSP educational programs, other than OEC. The nominations are sent by the Division Directors or designees to the national office and approved by the National Awards Coordinator. B. This award is given to cover all NSP education disciplines other than OEC.C. The recipient must have been a volunteer certified instructor in a non-OEC discipline for at least three ski seasons and actively instructed for the last two seasons. D. Any volunteer NSP patroller is eligible to receive the award.
Outstanding NSP Patrol Representative Award: Presented each year to the Outstanding NSP Patrol Representative selected from among those nominations sent by the division director to the national office and approved by the national awards review committee.
Outstanding OEC Instructor Award: A. Presented each year to a volunteer patroller who has been an NSP instructor in Outdoor Emergency Care. The nominations are sent by the Division Directors or designees to the national office and approved by the National Awards Coordinator. The Warren Bowman Outstanding OEC Instructor Award is inscribed on the trophy that is kept on display at the national office.B. The intent of this award is to cover the OEC education discipline ONLY.
- The recipient must have been a volunteer certified OEC instructor for at least three ski seasons and actively instructed for the last two seasons.
- Any volunteer NSP patroller is eligible to receive this award.
Outstanding Administrative Patroller Award: A. Presented each year to a volunteer patroller who has made an outstanding administrative contribution to the NSP beyond the patrol level. The winner is selected from nominations sent by the Division Directors or designees to the national office and approved by the National Awards Coordinator. The Outstanding Administrative Patroller Award is inscribed on the trophy that is kept on display at the national office. B. The nominee may be a Section Chief, Region Director, and Region or Division, supervisor/adviser. If the individual is eligible for the Outstanding NSP Patrol Representative Award, the person cannot be considered for this award.
U.S. Ski Patrol Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller Award: Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller selected from among nominations of members, or who are eligible to be registered (division director and above) with, the U.S. Administrative Patrol. Nominations are submitted by the division directors, national chairman, or assistant national chairmen to the national office.
National Chairman’s Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller Award: A. Presented each year to a member who has made an outstanding administrative contribution to the NSP beyond the NSP patrol level. The winner is selected from nominations sent by the division directors to the national office and approved by the awards review board.
The nominee may be a section chief, region director, and region or division supervisor/advisor. If the individual is eligible for the U.S. Ski Patrol Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller Award or Outstanding NSP Patrol Representative Award (MWM-98-14), that person can not be considered for the National Chairman’s Outstanding Administrative Ski Patroller Award
Minot “Minnie” Dole 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.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION AWARDS (Recognition awards only require a letter stating why it is felt the patroller is deserving of such award.)
Unit Citation Award: May be presented by the national chair, upon the recommendation of a division director, to any NSP patrol that has performed in any outstanding manner in the NSP, the ski industry, winter recreation, or rescue, and when it is not possible to single out specific individuals.
National Certificate of Appreciation: is for national-level service that does not meet the level of the Yellow Merit Star. Examples would be area managers/owners, retiring ski patrollers, and patrollers who deserve national recognition.
Avalanche Award: The Montgomery M. Atwater Award is given periodically to recognize NSP members or non-members who have made outstanding and continuing superlative contributions to the Avalanche Program with national impact. Examples of such contributions might fall under management, curriculum development, publication, scientific discovery, or any combination thereof. Nominations are 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 Chair.
SERVICE RECOGNITION AWARDS
Patrollers Cross Award: The Patroller’s Cross may be awarded to a member who is seriously injured in one of the following categories:
1. During scheduled on-the-hill duty and/or training.
2. While performing search and rescue activities under the direction of a recognized authority.
3. When performing avalanche control work under the direction of area management.
4. When performing lift evacuation under the direction of area management.
The definition of a serious injury is an injury requiring physician care over a long period of time, surgery, extended rehabilitation and/or lost work time. It is further described as an injury that prevented the member from returning to their normal patrolling duties for the balance of the ski season. This award is not to be given posthumously. (In the case of a fatal injury it is appropriate to award a Distinguished Service Award to the family.)
Service Recognition Award: The Service Recognition Award may be used to recognize members who have served the NSP for 5 years or longer, in 5 year increments.
HONORARY AWARDS
Honorary National Appointment: Awarded at rare intervals to individuals who have performed unusual or highly useful service of national significance to the National Ski Patrol. The recipient is not required to meet the skiing, emergency care, or other requirements of registered NSP members, nor is the recipient required or expected to perform the duties of a patroller. The recipients of this award may not wear the official NSP uniform unless they become NSP members.
Angel Pin: Awarded, upon the approval of the division director or designate, to non-members of NSP who have provided valuable contributions to the NSP.
Ohio Region has a long history of outstanding patrollers. Our awards list is in 3 sections and each section has multiple pages. Please take the time to view our glowing history of award winners.
1 OH Reg Patroller Awards 1
