Annual Awards Criteria

 

2025 Annual Awards

The Annual Awards for 2025 will be presented at the relevant events in January and April 2026. Player, coach and official awards will be presented at the National Squad Camp. Para awards will be presented at the Para Teams Challenge & Development Camp 1. Veteran awards will be presented at the NZ Veteran Open Championships.

2026 Annual Awards

From 2026, TTNZ will introduce a refreshed set of awards to recognise excellence and service across the sport.  The selection criteria outlined below are applied on a calendar-year basis.

These awards celebrate our players, coaches, officials and associations, highlighting the achievements and contributions that strengthen table tennis in New Zealand. The awards that will be presented from 2026 are:

  • Senior Player of the Year - Male & Female (2 awards)

  • Junior Player of the Year - Male & Female (2 awards)

  • Veteran Player of the Year - Male & Female (2 awards)

  • Para Player of the Year - Male & Female (2 awards)

  • Most Improved Para Player of the Year - Male & Female (2 awards)

  • National Coach of the Year - Male & Female (2 awards)

  • National Referee of the Year - Ideally Male & Female (2 awards)

  • National Umpire of the Year - Male & Female (2 awards)

  • The Bill Hurrey Cup – Association Team award

  • The Arthur Meachan Memorial Cup – Association Team award

  • Fair Play Award - Individual award per National Tournament

The selection criteria is listed below: 

 

Award 

Selection Criteria  

Senior Player of the Year

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eligibility: 

  1. This award is open to a player or doubles pair, playing in the Senior events.   Only results in Senior age-group events will be considered.   
  2. This award recognises a player who has demonstrated professionalism, good results and good sportsmanship throughout the calendar year. 

Criteria 

Weightage 

Details 

Results at International Tournaments 

 

45% 

The selection panel will consider performances in the following order of importance: 

  • Olympic & Commonwealth Games 
  • ITTF World Title events  
  • ITTF-Oceania events 
  • World Table Tennis (WTT) Events  
  • TTNZ endorsed international tournaments  

The selection panel will also consider factors such as victories over high-ranking opponents, notable results, and the ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches or knockout stages. 

 

Results at National Tournaments 

35% 

Noteworthy performances in key national competitions. Evaluated in the following order of importance: 

  • New Zealand Open Championships  
  • North Island/ South Island Championships (Individual & Para)  
  • Association Open  
  • Regional Qualifiers  
  • North Island/ South Island Championships (Teams) 
  • Other TTNZ Tournaments  

The selection panel will also consider factors such as victories over high-ranking opponents, notable results, and the ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches or knockout stages. 

 

Leadership, Sportsmanship and Team Contribution 

20% 

Recognises players who help, motivate, or support others, including being a good role model, sharing knowledge, creating a positive team environment, and working well with the team. 

Demonstrating good sportsmanship on and off the table through living the TTNZ values.  

Giving back to the table tennis community, to foster the growth and sustainability of the sport at both national and regional levels.  

 

TTNZ Ranking List  

 

The selection panel will consider the player’s position on the TTNZ Ranking List.  

Junior Player of the Year 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eligibility: 

  1. This award is open to a player or doubles pair, playing in the Junior events.   Only results in Junior age-group events will be considered.   
  2. This award recognises a player who has demonstrated professionalism, good results and good sportsmanship throughout the calendar year.

Criteria 

Weightage 

Details 

Results at International Tournaments 

 

45% 

The selection panel will consider performances in the following order of importance: 

  • ITTF World Title events  
  • ITTF-Oceania events 
  • WTT Events  
  • TTNZ endorsed international tournaments  

The selection panel will also consider factors such as victories over high-ranking opponents, notable results, and the ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches or knockout stages. 

 

Results at National Tournaments 

35% 

Noteworthy performances in key national competitions. Evaluated in the following order of importance: 

  • New Zealand Open Championships  
  • North Island/ South Island Championships (Individual & Para)  
  • Association Open  
  • Regional Qualifiers  
  • North Island/ South Island Championships (Teams) 
  • Other TTNZ Tournaments  

The selection panel will also consider factors such as victories over high-ranking opponents, notable results, and the ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches or knockout stages. 

 

Leadership, Sportsmanship and Team Contribution 

20% 

Recognises players who help, motivate, or support others, including being a good role model, sharing knowledge, creating a positive team environment, and working well with the team. 

Demonstrating good sportsmanship on and off the table through living the TTNZ values.  

Giving back to the table tennis community, to foster the growth and sustainability of the sport at both national and regional levels.  

 

TTNZ Ranking List  

 

The selection panel will consider the player’s position on the TTNZ Ranking List.  

Veteran Player of the Year 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Eligibility: 

  1. This award is open to a player or doubles pair, playing in the Veteran events (from the Over 30 events).   Only results in Veteran age-group events will be considered.   
  2. This award recognises a player who has demonstrated professionalism, good results and good sportsmanship throughout the calendar year. 

Criteria 

Weightage 

Details 

Results at International Tournaments 

 

45% 

The selection panel will consider performances in the following order of importance: 

  • ITTF World Masters/ Vets Championships 
  • ITTF-Oceania Veteran events (if established and held) 
  • New Zealand vs Australia Veteran Test Match 
  • TTNZ Endorsed International Tournaments  
  • Other International Veterans Tournaments 

The selection panel will also consider factors such as victories over high-ranking opponents, notable results, and the ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches or knockout stages. 

 

Results at National Tournaments 

35% 

Noteworthy performances in key national competitions. Evaluated in the following order of importance: 

  • New Zealand Open Veteran Championships 
  • North Island & South Island Championships - Vets events   
  • Regional Veterans Championships  
  • Other TTNZ Tournaments – Vets events 

The selection panel will also consider factors such as victories over high-ranking opponents, notable results, and the ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches or knockout stages. 

 

Leadership, Sportsmanship and Team Contribution 

20% 

Recognises players who help, motivate, or support others, including being a good role model, sharing knowledge, creating a positive team environment, and working well with the team. 

Demonstrating good sportsmanship on and off the table through living the TTNZ values.  

Giving back to the table tennis community, to foster the growth and sustainability of the sport at both national and regional levels.  

 

TTNZ Ranking List  

 

The selection panel will consider the player’s position on the TTNZ Ranking List.  

 

Para Player of the Year 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eligibility: 

  1. This award is open to a Para player or doubles pair, playing in the Para events.  Only results in Para events will be considered.    
  2. This award recognises a player who has demonstrated professionalism, good results and good sportsmanship throughout the calendar year. 

Criteria 

Weightage 

Details 

Results at International Tournaments 

 

45% 

The selection panel will consider performances in the following order of importance: 

  • Paralympics  
  • ITTF World Title events  
  • ITTF-Oceania events 
  • World Table Tennis (WTT) events  
  • TTNZ endorsed international tournaments  

The selection panel will also consider factors such as victories over high-ranking opponents, notable results, and the ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches or knockout stages. 

 

Results at National Tournaments 

35% 

Noteworthy performances in key national competitions. Evaluated in the following order of importance: 

  • New Zealand Para Open Championships 
  • North Island/ South Island Championships (Para events)  
  • Association Open – Para events 
  • Other TTNZ Tournaments – Para events 

The selection panel will also consider factors such as victories over high-ranking opponents, notable results, and the ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches or knockout stages. 

 

Leadership, Sportsmanship and Team Contribution 

20% 

Recognises players who help, motivate, or support others, including being a good role model, sharing knowledge, creating a positive team environment, and working well with the team. 

Demonstrating good sportsmanship on and off the table through living the TTNZ values.  

Giving back to the table tennis community, to foster the growth and sustainability of the sport at both national and regional levels.  

 

TTNZ Ranking List  

 

The selection panel will consider the player’s position on the TTNZ Ranking List.  

 

Most Improved Para Player of the Year  

 Eligibility: 

  1. The award is open to male or female Para players of any age.  Only results in Para events will be considered.    
  2. This award recognises a player who has demonstrated professionalism, good results and good sportsmanship throughout the calendar year. 

Criteria 

Weightage 

Details 

Performance Improvement 

70% 

The selection panel will evaluate the player's progress in skills and results throughout the calendar year, placing greater emphasis on achievements in international tournaments, followed by national and regional tournaments, and training camps. 

Serving the Table Tennis Community 

20% 

Recognises players who help, motivate, or support others, including being a good role model, sharing knowledge, creating a positive team environment, and working well with the team. 

Demonstrating good sportsmanship on and off the table through living the TTNZ values.  

Giving back to the table tennis community, to foster the growth and sustainability of the sport at both national and regional levels. 

Attitude & Growth 

10% 

The selection panel will also consider factors such as victories over high-ranking opponents, notable results, and the ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches or knockout stages. 

 

 

National Coach of the Year 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Eligibility: 

  1. The award is open to male or female coaches. 
  2. This award recognises a coach who has worked with athletes at national level.    
  3. This award recognises a coach who has demonstrated professionalism and leadership throughout the calendar year. 
  4. The coach must hold at least an ITTF-PTT Level 1 Coaching certificate. 

Criteria 

Weightage 

Details 

Contribution to Player Development 

 

35% 

Recognises the coach’s contribution to supporting the players’ development to achieve competitive potential over the calendar year, reflecting measurable progress towards milestones.   

Always demonstrating best practice coaching techniques.   

The coach’s commitment to providing feedback and support to the players on and off the table, which includes: 

  • Teaching athletes how to develop good habits and routines.    
  • Providing constructive feedback and support during training and competitions. 
  • Providing guidance to help the athletes’ balance their overall well-being. 
  • Holding the athletes to account in a supportive, inspiring way.  
  • Being a good role model by setting high standards and leading by example. 

Serving the New Zealand Table Tennis Community 

35% 

The coach's involvement in national and regional initiatives by leading or participating in training camps. 

Collaborating with other national, regional and development coaches. 

Proactively assist with developing and implement best practice techniques, contributing to raising the standards of coaching in table tennis across NZ. 

Coaching at TTNZ-Endorsed International Events 

15% 

Demonstrating professional conduct during coaching appointments at TTNZ-endorsed international events.  

Providing guidance and athlete management both on and off the table during international trips.  

Recognition of contribution towards athletes’ results at international events, including ITTF, WTT, or other recognised international tournaments.  

 

Professional Development  

15% 

The coach actively seeks and engages in professional development opportunities, provided by TTNZ, Sport NZ, HPSNZ, ITTF & ITTF-Oceania.  

 

 

National Referee of the Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Eligibility: 

  1. The award is open to all international, national and regional referees residing in New Zealand. 
  2. This award recognises a referee who has demonstrated good professional conduct and contribution to the NZ table tennis community throughout the calendar year. 

Criteria 

Weightage 

Details 

Commitment and Engagement at TTNZ tournaments  

35% 

The referee 's overall dedication to officiating, including their commitment to TTNZ tournaments, will be considered. The selection panel will also consider the number of international, national and regional events they have officiated at throughout the calendar year. 

 

Contribution to Officiating Pathway 

25% 

Consideration will be given to the referee’s involvement in supporting the officiating pathway, including mentoring new officials, conducting training, and promoting the growth of officials' standards. 

 

Referee’s Performance & Conduct 

25% 

The selection panel will assess the referee 's performance at various tournaments, including their consistency, accuracy, and decision-making under pressure. 

 

Professional Development  

15% 

The referee actively seeks and engages in professional development opportunities, provided by TTNZ, Sport NZ, HPSNZ, ITTF & ITTF-Oceania. 

 

National Umpire of the Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eligibility: 

  1. The award is open to all international, national and regional umpires residing in New Zealand. 
  2. This award recognises a referee who has demonstrated good professional conduct and contribution to the NZ table tennis community throughout the calendar year. 

Criteria 

Weightage 

Details 

Commitment and Engagement at TTNZ tournaments  

35% 

The umpire 's overall dedication to officiating, including their commitment to TTNZ tournaments, will be considered. The selection panel will also consider the number of international, national and regional events they have officiated at throughout the calendar year. 

 

Contribution to Officiating Pathway 

25% 

Consideration will be given to the umpire’s involvement in supporting the officiating pathway, including mentoring new officials, conducting training, and promoting the growth of officials' standards. 

 

Referee’s Performance & Conduct 

25% 

The selection panel will assess the umpire 's performance at various tournaments, including their consistency, accuracy, and decision-making under pressure. 

 

Professional Development  

15% 

The umpire actively seeks and engages in professional development opportunities, provided by TTNZ, Sport NZ, HPSNZ, ITTF & ITTF-Oceania. 

 

The Arthur Meachan Memorial Cup 

 

 

This trophy shall be presented each year to the district Association whose players have won the most titles in the New Zealand Open Championships and the senior age-category events. Points shall be awarded on the basis of four points for the Open events and two points for all other senior, veteran or graded events that are set for that year. In the case of doubles events, partners shall share the points. 

 

The Bill Hurrey Cup 

 

 

This trophy shall be presented each year to the district Association whose players have won the most titles in New Zealand Junior Open Championships. Points shall be awarded on the basis of two points for each event. In the case of doubles events, partners shall share the points. 

 Fair Play Award

 Fair Play Award 

The Fair Play Award will be presented at the following tournaments:  

  1. NZ Open Championships,  
  2. NZ Para Open Championships 
  3. NZ Veteran Open Championships,  
  4. AIMS Games, and  
  5. NZ Secondary Schools. 
  6. NZ Hopes Week and Challenge 

For tournaments 1-5, as stated above, the tournament officials will make the nominations based on the selection criteria below and share their feedback with the Competition Manager. The Competition Manager will make the final decision in consultation with the TTNZ Operations Team. 

For the tournament 6, as stated above, the coaches will make the nominations, and the final decision will be made in consultation with the TTNZ Operations Team. 

The Fair Play Award will be presented immediately after each tournament, and each recipient will be reported in the Annual Report each year. 

Fair Play Award Selection Criteria 

 

Weighting  

Details  

1. Leadership 

  

35%  

Serves as a positive example and consistently demonstrates TTNZ’s values:  
Integrity 

Do the right thing – consistently and both on and off the table 

Community 

Stronger together – demonstrates team spirit on and off the table 

Innovation 

Learn and Lead – shares learnings to help others and demonstrates good leadership, both on and off the table 

 

2. Conduct 

35%  

Conduct, attitude, and courtesy throughout the event.  
• Respect towards opponents, officials, and organisers  
• Fair play, humility, and integrity  
• Polite communication, handshakes, and grace in victory and defeat  

 

3. Professionalism 

20%  

Timeliness 
• Punctuality:  well-prepared for matches and present on time for matches 
• Demonstrates exemplary conduct on and off the court 

 

4. Presentation 

10%  

Professional appearance 

• Clean and correctly worn attire 
• Leads by positive example to look tidy and professional at all times 

 

 

 

 

Award Presentation Schedule

End of Season – National Squad Training Camp Day 1
• Senior Player of the Year – Male & Female
• Junior Player of the Year – Male & Female
• National Coach of the Year – Male & Female
• National Referee of the Year – Ideally Male & Female
• National Umpire of the Year – Male & Female

End of Veterans Tournament during Prizegiving
• Veteran Player of the Year – Male & Female

End of NZ Para Open Tournament during Prizegiving
• Para Player of the Year – Male & Female
• Most Improved Para Player of the Year – Male & Female

End of NZ Open Tournament during Prizegiving
• The Bill Hurrey Cup – Association Team Award
• The Arthur Meachan Memorial Cup – Association Team Award

End of each respective National Tournament during Prizegiving
• Fair Play Award – Individual (one per tournament)