Background

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators' (NASBLA) Paddlesports Committee developed the National Paddlesports Committee Honors in 2023 to recognize and celebrate the paddling community for their commitment to adhering to the highest standards in promoting safe paddling practices. The Paddlesports Committee acknowledges the importance of providing recognition and endorsement for companies and organizations prioritizing paddling safety through their social media, website, printed advertising and publications, videos, public events and trainings, and products.

The NPCH is not a “certification.” Rather, it is a recognition granted by the Paddlesports Committee to companies or organizations that demonstrate a commitment to promoting safe paddling practices and supporting the paddling community.

This application will be open on a rolling basis starting January 15, 2025. Companies can apply at any time throughout the year but must wait a full year before applying again for the next year’s NPCH.

Members of the Paddlesports Committee will review and judge the entries in non-competing categories. Three judges will be assigned by the Committee Chair to review each applicant. The honors recipient(s) will be posted on the NASBLA website and recipients will receive an electronic copy of the NPCH logo for their websites and social media. The NPCH will last for one year; companies who wish to continue displaying the logo will have to reapply each year. The honors will be formally presented at a boating safety or paddlesports event during the application year.

The evaluation categories the judges will be using for this honor are social media and website. However, more evaluation categories will be considered for future application cycles.

To be considered for the NPCH, at least 15% of content from the past year must be specifically about paddling activities or products in each area of review. All content going back one year from the application date will be evaluated.

The evaluation process and awarding of the NPCH are at the sole discretion of the Paddlesports Committee and the assigned judges. This program is new and evolving; please ensure you have the latest version of the criteria before applying. Additionally, if anything comes to the attention of the paddlesports committee after an application is submitted that would disqualify an applicant from formally receiving the NPCH, the committee may revoke the honors, even if the application has already been evaluated.

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