The Award FAQs

Following is a summary of the rules for the Award. Please read the Official Rules for further clarification.

What is awarded?

• The winner will receive a $10,000 academic scholarship and will be presented the High School Football Rudy Award by Rudy Ruettiger.
• The two Runners-up will each receive a $5,000 academic scholarship and Runners-up Award.
• Each of the thirty Semifinalists will receive a 'Rudy 45' football jersey.

Who is eligible?

Any high school football player that satisfies the following eligibility requirements may be nominated:

• Nominees can be any gender, age or year in High School (Freshman through Senior).
• Nominees can play on any level of a high school football team.
• Nominees must be on the football team roster at some point during the 2009 season.

Is approval from a parent or guardian required to participate?

In the event a nominee is under the age of 18 at the time of submission, a representative from Trusted Sports will contact the parent or legal guardian of the nominee to seek approval to participate. Nominees over age 18 may approve on their own.

Does the player have to be a walk-on like Rudy was?

No, any player is eligible.

Can more than 1 person be nominated from the same school?

Yes. There are no limits on the potential number of 'Rudy's' on a team.

Who may nominate a player?

Anyone may nominate a 'Rudy'.

When is the deadline to submit a nomination?

Nominations are accepted beginning September 1, 2009 and will close at 5:00pm Pacific Time on November 30, 2009.

What is the process to select a winner?

• Thirty Semifinalists will be chosen from the pool of eligible
• The Selection Committee and online Fans will vote to select the recipient of the High School Football Rudy Award and the two runners-up.
• The Winner and two Runners-up will be announced on this site on February 3, 2010

Will the public be able to vote?

Yes! The selection process also incorporates a Fan Vote which will account for one of the eight votes of the National Selection Committee in which Fans can show their support of the 30 Semifinalists. Fans are invited to vote on the Website as often as they like for their choice of the nation’s most inspirational high school football player. Online voting will take place from December 10, 2009 through January 31, 2010

How are the Nominees evaluated?

The nominees are evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Positive impact of the nominee’s inspirational story.
• Extent to which nominee has "Dreamed Big & Never Quit!"
• Positive effect on peers, school and community of the nominee
• How well the nominee exhibits the Four C’s on and off the field (i.e. Character, Courage, Contribution & Commitment).

I have a question, who do I contact?

Questions should be directed to Byron through email at byron@trustedsports.com.