2021 Harold S. Hirsch Awards
Call for Entries

2021 Harold S. Hirsch Awards
Call for Entries

The concept for the Harold S. Hirsch Awards for Excellence in Snowsports
Journalism was a direct result of the 1960 Winter Olympics and an effort to
promote professionalism in winter sports coverage.

As of 2019 Hirsch Awards have a new format! These awards have changed over the years to reflect changes in the ways our members communicate.  The streamlined format continues this year. Be sure to check out the story behind the Hirsch awards, written by Honorary Member Vicki Hoefling Andersen.

2021 Harold S. Hirsch Award Categories & Guidelines:

NASJA now has two annual award categories, ‘Words’ and ‘Images.’ The ‘Books’ award is given every third year.  Learn how the Hirsch Awards have changed here

For the first 28 years of the Hirsch Awards, which began in 1963, there was only one writing category, so with the streamlined categories we have gone back to simpler times. This year this winner of the writing category is simply the best.

Words:

Any words you write about snowsports, including words in audio form for podcasts, etc., are eligible. Work must have been published in print or online during the time period between 7/1/19 and 6/30/20. The maximum number of submissions is five.

Images:

This category encompasses various modes of visual presentation, including but not limited to photographs, video and multimedia productions, presented in print, online or exhibited. Work must have been published in print or online during the time period between 7/1/19 and 6/30/20. The maximum number of submissions is five.

Books:

Both traditional or digitally published books will be accepted.  Book must have been published in print or online during the time period between 7/1/18 and 12/1/20. Submit one entry.


Harold S. Hirsch Award Guidelines:

Judges will be evaluating all works based on their overall contribution to the field of snowsports journalism. While we recognize that it is difficult to compare columns with news and brief social media type entries, judges will be instructed to select the words that rise to the top in what we expect a diverse group of entries.

The Hirsch competition is now open to everyone, not just NASJA press members. The contest is free to enter for NASJA members. An entry fee of $35 for non NASJA members will be charged and will include one year’s membership in NASJA for those who have never been members. Former NASJA members may enter for the $35 fee, but membership will not be included in this fee. Each of this year’s award categories (Words, Images, Books) will require a minimum of three people entering in order to take place. People can enter both the Words and Images categories (and the Book category).

Along with significant prizes, Hirsch winners get their NASJA dues comped for the following season.

Winners will be announced in early 2021, and profiles of judges on our panel will also be released.

Click here to apply on-line


Harold S. Hirsch

Harold S. Hirsch

Since 1963, the Harold S. Hirsch Award  has recognized excellence involving snowsports, emphasizing journalistic creativity and editorial or artistic content. The concept for these awards came after the 1960 Winter Olympics from Harold S. Hirsch, ski clothing pioneer and founder of White Stag, to promote professionalism in winter sports coverage. Award recipients are chosen by a panel of judges with the highest credentials in the fields of journalism, writing, education, snowsports and visual media.