DEFINITION
The Bowerman is awarded each year to the top male collegiate athlete and to the top female collegiate athlete in the sport of NCAA track & field.
PERFORMANCES THAT MAY BE CONSIDERED
Athletes’ performances during the NCAA indoor track & field and outdoor track & field seasons shall be considered. An athlete need not have competed in both seasons to be eligible for the award.
Only performances from the NCAA indoor track & field and outdoor track & field seasons of the year in which the award is given are considered. For example, performances from the 2009 outdoor track & field season should not be considered for the 2010 award.
Performances that occur outside the NCAA seasons of indoor track & field and outdoor track & field should not be considered. The performance window for the purposes of The Bowerman runs from December 1 of the preceding year through the respective division’s NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the year in which the award is given (e.g. 2010).
Performances achieved while competing unattached during the indoor track & field or outdoor track & field seasons should not be considered, unless the athlete is competing on a national team at a competition that occurs during The Bowerman performance window (e.g. World Indoor Championships).
Performances achieved in cross country, or in any sport other than indoor track & field and outdoor track & field, should not be considered.
SPONSORING ORGANIZATION
The Bowerman is given by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
VOTE TABULATION
MEN
Votes received from The Bowerman Voters for male candidates shall be tabulated as follows:
- Ballots: Each male Finalist shall receive 3 points for each “first choice” vote, 2 points for each “second choice” vote, and 1 point for each “third choice” vote.
- Fan Voting: The top male vote-getter in the Fan Voting for The Bowerman shall receive 3 points. The second-highest male vote-getter shall receive 2 points, and the third highest male vote-getter shall receive 1 point.
- USTFCCCA Member Voting: The top male vote-getter in the USTFCCCA Member Voting for The Bowerman shall receive 3 points. The second-highest male vote-getter shall receive 2 points, and the third highest male vote-getter shall receive 1 point.
DETERMINATION OF THE WINNER
The male Finalist with the highest point total after the tabulation of ballots, fan voting, and USTFCCCA member voting shall be declared the men’s winner of The Bowerman.
WOMEN
Votes received from The Bowerman Voters for female candidates shall be tabulated as follows:
- Ballots: Each female Finalist shall receive 3 points for each “first choice” vote, 2 points for each “second choice” vote, and 1 point for each “third choice” vote.
- Fan Voting: The top female vote-getter in the Fan Voting for The Bowerman shall receive 3 points. The second-highest female vote-getter shall receive 2 points, and the third highest female vote-getter shall receive 1 point.
- USTFCCCA Member Voting: The top female vote-getter in the USTFCCCA Member Voting for The Bowerman shall receive 3 points. The second-highest female vote-getter shall receive 2 points, and the female third highest vote-getter shall receive 1 point.
DETERMINATION OF THE WINNER
The female Finalist with the highest point total after the tabulation of ballots, fan voting, and USTFCCCA member voting shall be declared the women’s winner of The Bowerman.
The Bowerman Voters
The Bowerman Voters consist of national and regional media personnel, track & field statisticians, NCAA collegiate administrators, past winners, and Presidents of affiliated organizations.
In addition, USTFCCCA members collectively receive one (1) vote in The Bowerman voting. Fans also collectively receive one (1) vote in The Bowerman voting.
Previous winners of the award will receive one (1) vote each in The Bowerman voting.
The independent accounting firm of Malcolm M. Dienes, L.L.C. tabulates The Bowerman ballots.