The AAU along with the assistance and guidance of the Joel Ferrell family established the Joel Ferrell Memorial Award to recognize the athletic and sportsmanship of an athlete representing each official sport at the AAU Junior Olympic Games. In addition to an award presented at the Games, each recipient's name is engraved on a special plaque at the AAU National Headquarters. Joel Ferrell made numerous contributions to the AAU including serving as president from 1976-78. In December 1988, he passed away in his hometown of Tullahoma, TN.

Jump Rope coaches should nominate one athlete to be considered for this award. Coaches are required to submit a profile on each nominee to include information on community service, school service, etc. There will be appointed judges who will be assigned to watch these nominees and score them during their team competition. Each nominee will wear a colored ribbon on their shoe to denote they are selected by their coach for the Joel Ferrell Award. Individual competitors are not eligible.

General Criteria

The Joel Ferrell Award will be presented to one Outstanding US Male and/or US Female Athlete in each sport at the primary AAU Junior Olympic Games. Candidates will be selected for their performance, sportsmanship and history of contribution to AAU Jump Rope. The award may not be given to the same athlete more than once.