Awards

The Rob Hancock Memorial Award

The Rob Hancock Memorial Award recognises outstanding contribution to flying disc sports. Rob Hancock Award Winners are granted Life Membership of the AFDA. Nominations are called each year (typically August) and are announced shortly after the Annual General Meeting.

View the list of previous recipients here.

Purpose of the Award

The Rob Hancock Memorial Award is AFDA’s Life Membership award. It recognises individuals who have made an outstanding, long-term contribution to flying disc sports in Australia.

The award exists to honour people whose sustained effort, leadership, and commitment have helped shape the sport and its community over time – both on and off the field.

Who Rob Hancock Was

Rob Hancock was involved in Australian flying disc sports from the early days of 1979. He played a pivotal role in the development of both the Western Australian and national bodies at a time when the sport was still establishing itself.

Rob was known for his tireless organisational work, strong leadership, and deep commitment to growing the sport for others. He also excelled as a player, achieving success at state and national levels.

Rob passed away in 1984. The Rob Hancock Memorial Award was established in 1986 to honour his life, his values, and his lasting contribution to flying disc sports in Australia.

What the Award Recognises

This award recognises lifetime contribution, not a single role or achievement.

Contributions may have been made in many ways, including:

  • Playing, coaching, or officiating
  • Volunteering, mentoring, or community building
  • Club, state, or national administration
  • Leadership, advocacy, or innovation
  • Quiet, consistent service over many years

Many recipients have contributed behind the scenes. Highly visible achievements are not required for nomination.

How the Criteria Are Used

Nominations are assessed holistically by a judging panel appointed by AFDA and approved by the Board Chair.

The criteria below are provided as guidelines, not a checklist.
Nominees are not expected to meet every criterion.

The panel considers the nominee’s overall life contribution, taking into account different pathways, roles, and contexts within the flying disc community.

If you are unsure whether someone “meets the criteria”, you are encouraged to nominate them. The judging panel exists to make that assessment.

Award Criteria (Guidelines)

The judging panel may consider evidence of contribution across one or more of the following areas.

Commitment to the Sport

A sustained interest in the growth and improvement of flying disc sports in Australia

  • Long-term involvement at club, state, or national level
  • Membership (current or past) of AFDA

Playing, Leadership, and Athletic Endeavour

  • Dedication to improving as a player
  • Leadership within teams
  • Excellence, commitment, or effort demonstrated through competition

Teaching, Coaching, and Mentoring

  • Helping new or younger players learn and develop
  • Coaching club or representative teams
  • Encouraging a love of the sport and Spirit of the Game

Administration, Service, and Governance

  • Dedication and excellence in administration or organisational roles
  • Contribution to clubs, leagues, tournaments, state associations, or AFDA
  • Reliable, sustained service that strengthened the sport’s foundations

Spirit, Integrity, and Goodwill

  • Welcoming and supporting new participants
  • Acting with integrity, respect, and fairness
  • Serving as a positive ambassador for Spirit of the Game

Initiative and Lasting Impact

  • Demonstrating initiative that led to meaningful development or growth
  • Achieving milestones that had a lasting positive impact on the sport
  • Contributing in ways that reflect the values held dear by the flying disc community

These are qualities the community aspires to, and which Rob Hancock Memorial Award recipients exemplify through long-term commitment and personal sacrifice.

Making a Nomination

Nominations are called for from the Australian flying disc community.

Nominations must be submitted in writing and include:

  • A cover letter outlining the nominee’s contributions and impact
  • A summary of their involvement in flying disc sports (up to 500 words)

Each year, any number of awards – including none – may be made, depending on the quality of nominations. The aim is to maintain the prestige and integrity of the award.