NFHS Resources

Brooks Future Run Team Grants - Applications Due January 31st!

In 2023, the NFHS announced a partnership with Brooks Running to help promote their Future Run Team Grants program which funds underserved high school cross-country and track programs with performance running gear and financial assistance. Since the inception of our partnership, Brooks has awarded over 150 Future Run Team Grants to teams across the country, totaling an investment over $1,500,000 in gear and cash to the sport of running.

This spring, Brooks will be donating another $500,000 in gear and cash to Track and Field programs across the country. Grant recipients will receive shoes and apparel for up to 50 runners per team up to $17,000 MSRP. Each team also receives $1,000 to help with expenses, including pay-to-play fees, meet entries, transportation costs, etc.

To learn more about this program and to apply, please visit the following link: Brooks Future Run Team Grants | Run Community | Brooks Running. Applications must be entered by January 31st for the Track and Field grants. A link to the terms and conditions is here.

NFHS Winter Sports Officials Appreciation Week will occur January 12-18, 2025! 

Milford Indoor Track & Field Milford and Merrimack Valley Girls Basketball

Participation in Winter Sports Officials’ Appreciation Week can be as simple or as extravagant as your schools wants it to be. Many schools will not only get their teams involved in the fun but will ask student groups on campus to get involved. It is a great community project for school student councils, spirit groups, or other groups that serve as ambassadors to your school and community.  Here are some ideas that have worked throughout the country:

  1. Officials’ appreciation week banners and signage on the fence, wall, etc., surrounding the contest playing area.
  2. Gift cards/cookies/donuts/other items were presented to the crew by the home and visiting team.
  3. Photos of the officiating crew with both teams and coaches before the start of the game (or at the end, depending on timing).
  4. Read a PSA at the start of the game, thanking the crew for working the contest.
  5. Student escorts of the crew onto the field/court/pitch.
  6. “Thank you” cards, signed by the team and coaching staff.
  7. Special appreciation signage in the officials’ locker room.
  8. Recorded “thank you” messages from student-athletes and coaches to officials, posted on social media.

These are just some examples of what schools can do – endless possibilities! Schools, please post your initiatives on social media and tag the NFHS on the following social media platforms:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X

Feel free to email any outstanding examples to Donna Pappas at dpappas@nfhs.orgso the NFHS can maintain their library. If a school celebrates officials’ appreciation weeks at other times of the year, let NFHS know so that they can showcase it.  

Recognizing and appreciating officials may seem like a “little thing” but it goes a long way and, encourage schools to thank their officials all season long – not just during a special week.

CONTACT:
Dana Marie Pappas, CAA
dpappas@nfhs.org
Director of Officiating Services, NFHS