November 15, 2000

Fox 40 extends NASO partnership

(RACINE, Wis.) — The National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) today announced that Fox 40 International has extended its sponsorship support of the association’s highest honor, the coveted Gold Whistle Award. Fox 40 also extended its sponsorship of the NASO Education Partner program through 2003.

The North American whistle manufacturer extended its involvement in supporting the Gold Whistle Award program by agreeing to provide the funds necessary to create the unique trophy (which was formally provided by another sponsor). In addition, Fox 40 partially funds the annual presentation banquet and promotional activities surrounding the award.

"We are extremely proud of what the Gold Whistle Award represents," said Fox 40 International founder and CEO Ron Foxcroft. "The award is about community service and giving of yourself to causes that further mankind."

The Gold Whistle Award was first presented in 1988 and was created by the NASO board of directors. Designed to recognize the efforts of outstanding citizens who also happen to be sports officials, the award criteria continue to emphasize a candidate’s sports career, overall integrity and service to the community.

To be eligible for consideration for the award, a candidate must:

• Have a minimum of 10 years of experience as an active official, but does not have to be currently active to receive the award. The award can be made posthumously. The committee, at its discretion, and in lieu of the above provision, can select an award winner based on the candidate’s significant contribution to the betterment of officiating.

• Exhibit a "service above self" attitude demonstrated by a record of community involvement, public service or other engagements which clearly have had a positive, motivating effect on others.

• Be regarded as a person with high integrity and ethics and possessing the qualities held in high regard by the "community" of sports officials.

• Have a consistent record of presenting officiating in a positive light to the sports world in general.

The Gold Whistle Award is among the most coveted awards in the world of sports officiating. The next honoree will receive the Gold Whistle Award at the NASO "Successful Officiating 2001" conference June 16 in Norfolk, Va.

Members of the media or association members can nominate candidates for the Gold Whistle Award. The deadline is Jan. 31, 2001. If you know of someone you think is deserving of this recognition, send a letter of nomination to: NASO Gold Whistle Award Coordinator, 2017 Lathrop Avenue, Racine, Wis. 53405. You can also e-mail your nomination letter to bstill@naso.org. The nomination letter should include the reasons you believe your nominee is qualified and must provide specific examples. You also need to include the names and phone numbers of three references. Please be as specific as you can as to why you think your nominee is the right choice.

In related news, Fox 40 agreed to terms that extend its support of the NASO Education Partner program. The NASO Education Partner program funds projects designed to improve officiating such as the national conference, educational publications and more.

"We are very grateful to Fox 40 for its commitment to sports officiating," noted NASO President Barry Mano. "No other company in this industry has stepped forward with such dedication and resolve to be an impact player. Fox 40 is indeed a leader."

Fox 40 International sold its first whistle on Nov. 5, 1977. Today its products are found in more than 140 countries worldwide.