I. Program Overview

The Junior Official’s Excellence Scholarship provides financial reward to high-achieving young officials who
balance their competitive training with a commitment to officiating, rules use, and event management.
● Award Amount: Two (2) annual awards of $1,000 each one male recipient and one female recipient.
● Award Use: Financial award may be used for educational expenses (university, junior college, or trade
school)

II. Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following requirements:
● Age: 13–20 years old at the time of application.
● Membership: Must hold a current, valid AAU Membership.
● Licensing: Must hold a National, or Regional Official’s Rating (any level).
● National Experience: Must have officiated at least one (1) National event (See Appendix A) within the
current competition cycle (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026).
● Regional Experience: Must have officiated at least one (1) District or Regional events within the
current competition cycle (July 1, 2025-June. 30, 2026).

III. Application Process

The application process is strictly digital-only to ensure efficiency and fairness. A sample form and questions
are at the end.
1. Online Portal: Applicants will submit their materials via the official AAU Karate Scholarship web-form.
2. Required Documentation:
○ Verification of current AAU Rank and Official’s License.
○ Verification of official rank or hours of officiating. - Letter of recommendation form tournament
director at which they officiated at.
3. Deadline: All materials (outlined in III.2.) should be submitted by May 15, 2026 including
recommendation letter(s).

IV. Selection Committee

Applications will be reviewed by a panel consisting of: AAU National Office Staff
Note: Selection will be based on the candidate's demonstrated professionalism on the floor, and their
commitment to the AAU Karate program.

V. Appendix A: Qualifying National Events

● AAU Karate National Championships
● AAU Junior Olympic Games
● North American Open
● Combat Games