Overview
- Major local newsrooms published nominee lists for performances from Aug. 31–Sept. 5 and opened reader voting on Sept. 7–8.
- Nominees across football, volleyball, soccer, cross country, golf and other sports are selected using coach reports, school submissions or reporter nominations.
- Voting windows and mechanics differ by outlet, with some limiting votes per hour or device and others allowing page‑refresh voting, and many reserve the right to disqualify suspicious activity.
- Several polls offer small sponsor prizes such as T‑shirts or tote bags and say winners will be announced on the outlet’s website and social channels after polls close.
- Syndication through larger networks like Yahoo Sports and USA TODAY Network amplifies local polls but does not standardize nomination methods, voting rules or prize offerings.