The Athletics Award recognizes an individual or team placing first in a national event or competition or first, second or third in an international event or competition.

• Nominees must have:
  
  • placed first in a national event or competition; or
  • placed first, second or third in an international event or competition where the event has been sanctioned by the respective national or international governing body of the particular sport; or
  • placed first at the highest possible level that can be achieved in their sport.
• Nominees in the individual category must attain a higher standing in an event or competition in a given sport to be eligible for subsequent awards.
• Nominations will be considered only on the basis of standing in an event or competition, as opposed to achievements or service to the sport.
• Nominees will be considered for an award only in the year immediately following the year in which the achievement occurred.
• For Individuals:
  • “Event” means a single activity or contest (e.g. a 50m free style swim); and/or
  • “Competition” means a multiple activity contest made up of more than one event (e.g. a swim meet)
• For Teams:
  • “Event” means single activity contest with two or more participants (e.g. a 200m free style relay swim); and/or
  • “Competition” means a multiple activity contest with two or more participants made up of more than one event (e.g. a hockey tournament)
• Nominees may have competed at an amateur or professional level.

The Fine and Performing Arts award recognizes an individual or group who has gained national or international acceptance or recognition of outstanding achievement in one or more of the arts. Recognition may be for a specific achievement or a series of accomplishments over time.

• Nominees must have gained national or international acceptance or recognition of outstanding specific achievement and/or a series of accomplishments over time in one or more of the arts.
• Nominees may hold amateur or professional status.
• Nominees may be considered for an award in the year immediately following the year in which the specific achievement occurred or in recognition of a series of accomplishments over time.
• Nominees are only eligible to receive a Mayor’s Recognition Award in this category once for the same fine or performing art.
• "Arts", for the purpose of this award, includes literary, visual, performing, film, video and architectural arts.

The Distinguished Voluntary Service award recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact and enhanced the quality of life and/or implemented a significant positive change in Red Deer.

• Nominees must have made a significant impact and enhanced the quality of life and/or implemented a significant positive change in Red Deer.
• Nominees will be individuals.
• Volunteer work shall be beyond the normal scope of their professional duties.

The Mayor’s Special Award is the highest possible recognition from The City of Red Deer.

Nominees will be individuals, groups or teams who have demonstrated any of the following:

• Humanitarianism; and/or
• Exceptional achievement; and/or
• An act of heroism or bravery. Posthumous nominations are allowed in this category only.

Volunteer work shall be beyond the normal scope of their professional duties.

The Mayor's Special Award may not necessarily be presented each year. Where special circumstances warrant, more than one award may be presented in a given year.

The Mayor makes the selection of the Mayor’s Special Award recipient(s) from the nominations received.

The Community Builder award recognizes outstanding individuals or groups who have had a strong impact on our community.

Nominees must demonstrate:

• Special or unique qualities that highlight how the person/group has made a difference in the community; and
• Leadership, dedication, innovation and creativity; and
• Long term benefits or impact to the community.