Application Details & FAQs

Awards

The Jim Nantz Award winner will receive a trophy, a demo and resume portfolio package from STAA and one year in STAA’s industry-renowned Talent Search, the most valuable resource available to sportscasters in the job market.

The next five highest ranked individuals at the time of the awards presentation will be named STAA All-Americas. Each will receive three free months in the STAA Talent Search, a certificate of achievement, and the prestige and exposure that come with being recognized by STAA as one of the nation’s top young sports broadcasters.

The 2012 award will be presented June 11th at the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association’s annual awards banquet in Salisbury, NC.

Who is Eligible

Applicants must be enrolled in a two year or four year college or university, as of February 1, 2012. Sportscasters do not have to be an STAA client to be eligible. Non-STAA clients are strongly encourage to submit their work and are promised to earn equal consideration. Former Jim Nantz trophy winners are not eligible.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted via email only from March 13th thru April 16th 2012. Only one email per applicant will be accepted. Be certain to state your school and your expected date of graduation.

Submit application to AllAmerica@staatalent.com.

Limit one mp3 and/or one video per applicant. Applications are to include no more than 20 total minutes of audio and/or video. We don’t need to see everything you do, just the best you do.

Audio Submissions:

  • Must be mp3 format, no exceptions
  • Mp3 should include a single sample of at least two of the following 11 skills: football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, lacrosse or volleyball play-by-play, sports update anchoring, sports reporting, interviewing, sport talk show hosting
  • Play-by-play samples should be at least six minutes for each sport
  • Do not submit multiple play-by-play samples of the same sport
  • Do not submit dramatic late game play-by-play sequences
  • Sports talk samples should be at least six minutes and must not include more than one co-host
  • If your mp3 is too large for your email to send, we suggest using a free large file delivery service like YouSendIt.com or SendThisFile.com

Video Submissions:

  • Must be submitted via a link to a website like YouTube or a university or personal website
  • DVDs will not be accepted

The Judging

All-Americas will be chosen by the staff at STAA and a rotating panel of other industry professionals. Evaluations will be based upon a variety of fundamentals, and ultimately, entertainment value. Over the years, judges have included Tom Boman, Learfield Sports Broadcast Manager; Mark Boyle, Indiana Pacers; Wes Durham, Atlanta Falcons & Georgia Tech University; Chris Ferris, VP-Broadcast Division IMG, Paul Keels, Cincinnati Reds & Ohio State University; Bob Licht, New Orleans Hornets; and Bill Roth, Virginia Tech University. Like many rankings, the STAA Top 20 is subjective. Unlike college football or basketball rankings, we don’t have won-loss records and strength of schedule comparisons to make our evaluations any easier. Anyone who was not evaluated as favorably as they would have hoped should not be discouraged in any way. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I receive a critique of my application?
A: Critiques of submitted work are available at cost.

Q: I applied last year. Do I need to re-submit audio and/or video?
A: It would most certainly be wise to submit new material. It is logical that you are a better sports broadcaster today than last year.

Q: I am presently on the Watch List for the current year’s STAA All-America program. Do I still need to submit material?
A: It would be a good idea. Again, you should be a better sports broadcaster this year than last year. Showcase your best material for the competition.

Q: Will only candidates on the “pre-season” Watch List be considered for the Nantz Trophy and All-America consideration?
A: Not at all. We fully anticipate meeting many collegiate sportscasters for the first time who will be more than worthy for consideration for these awards.

Q: Does the audio and/or video we submit have to be from our university?
A: It does not. While the audio/video can be from broadcasts aired on your campus radio station, it can also be high school games, minor league sports, podcasts and even samples you simply record on your home computer.

Q: I am graduating in December. Am I still eligible?
A: No. Candidates must be current college students. Candidates must be enrolled in college as of February 1st of the award year.

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