Institution. The United States Soaring Hall of Fame, created in 1954, recognizes individuals who have made the highest achievements in, or contributions to, the sport of soaring in the United States of America. The National Soaring Museum (NSM) is responsible for maintaining records of Hall of Fame members, and recognizing them appropriately in the Museum.
Number. Up to two candidates may be elected each year.
Nomination of Candidates. Any Soaring Society of America (SSA) member may submit an individual’s name to the NSM for consideration by the Hall of Fame Vetting Board as a Hall of Fame candidate.
Vetting Board. The Vetting Board shall consist of nine SSA members chosen for their interest in and knowledge of American soaring, past and present: three each chosen and appointed by the SSA Board of Directors and the NSM Board of Trustees and the remaining three consisting of members of the Hall of Fame selected by the Vetting Board members chosen and appointed by the SSA Board of Directors and the NSM Board of Trustees. In addition, the NSM Director will serve as a non-voting ex officio member of the Vetting Board. The nine voting members will serve for overlapping three-year terms. The SSA Board of Directors and the NSM Board of Trustees will initially appoint one three-year member, one two-year member and one one-year member. When the first Hall of Fame members are selected by the Vetting Board, the Vetting Board will specify which will be the three-year, two-year and one-year members.
Required Documentation. Every nomination must be accompanied by a detailed statement setting out the achievements or contributions of the nominee justifying consideration for election to the Hall of Fame. NSM staff will review nominations and provide additional information to the Vetting Board, if appropriate.
Screening/Final List. All nominations will be screened by the Vetting Board. The Vetting Board will reduce the list of candidates in respect of any year to not more than two.
Voting. The Vetting Board's list shall be submitted to the SSA Board of Directors for approval by 75% majority. Approved candidate’s names will then be submitted for final approval to SSA Life Members and SSA members with 15 or more consecutive years of SSA membership. Final approval is defined as a “yes” vote by at least 75% of the ballots cast. Induction. The names of the inductees shall be announced and brief citations read at the main banquet of the SSA annual convention. The inductee(s), if present, will be recognized. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony (including the arrangements and publicity) shall be the responsibility of the NSM.
Unsuccessful Candidates. The Vetting Board, at its discretion, may reconsider unsuccessful candidates in following years.
Amendment. The rules relating to election to the Hall of Fame may be amended at any time by majority vote of the SSA Board of Directors.
Feb. 2008
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