The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame was designed to pay tribute to anyone who has made a lasting contribution to the cause of sports in Virginia, the nation, and the world through outstanding achievement or service. This includes athletes, coaches, administrators, and other contributors to the game.
Induction Eligibility
Candidates for induction must have lived in Virginia for at least four years or must have achieved national or international recognition while attending a Virginia college or university, and:
- Athlete – must be retired from active play and have participated for a minimum of ten (10) years. In the case of exceptional national or international achievement, the Honors Court may waive the retirement requirement.
- Overall Contributions to the Game – non-athlete whose overall contributions to the game have extended a minimum of twenty (20) years.
- Veterans – athlete must be at least fifty-five (55) years of age, and have participated for a minimum of ten (10) years.
- Media – must have a minimum of ten (10) years of significant contribution to sports in Virginia (an exception may be requested for any individual who has achieved state or national prominence); candidates may be active or retired media members.
Nomination and Election
Members of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame are eligible to nominate individuals for induction.
What is the voting process?
As outlined in the bylaws, each September the seven-member Screening Committee identifies approximately thirty nominees to be forwarded to the Honors Court Committee, made up of 26 qualified individuals from around the state. This list is composed of both new nominations and past nominees who have not yet been inducted.
A nomination shall remain active for a period of five (5) years. In the event that such nomination has not been selected for induction, the nomination will become inactive and must be resubmitted.
A nomination may be carried over on the final ballot for no more than two (2) years, at which time he/she must be re-nominated in November, the Honors Court Committee reviews and votes on candidates from each of the above categories.
Selections are made as follows:
- Athlete – A seventy-five percent (75%) vote is required for selection. In the event this criteria is not obtained, the Honors Court will select four (4) candidates by popular vote.
- Overall Contributions to the Game – A seventy-five percent (75%) vote is required for selection. In the event this criteria is not obtained, the Honors Court will select one (1) candidate by popular vote.
- Veterans – the President will appoint a seven (7) person Veterans Committee, which will include the Chairman of the Board, President, and Vice-President. A seventy-five percent (75%) vote is required for selection. In the event this criteria is not obtained, the Veterans Committee will select one (1) candidate by popular vote.
- Media - A seventy-five percent (75%) vote is required for selection. In the event this criteria is not obtained, the Honors Court may select one (1) candidate by popular vote.
How to Nominate
In order to nominate an individual for induction you must be (1) a member of the museum or (2) a member of the board of directors of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame or a committee member or (3) an inductee.
Nominations for election into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame shall be in the hands of the President by September 1 of any year.