The NIAAA and the NFHS annually recognize some outstanding athletic administrators in the nation.

The highest award the NIAAA bestows to an individual is the Award of Merit. The NIAAA Board of Directors selects this recipient and the award is given only in those years when the board deems there is a candidate worthy of this honor.

In addition, at the recommendation of the NIAAA Past Presidents, the board annually selects one individual to receive the Thomas E. Frederick Award of Excellence.

The NIAAA Board of Directors, at the recommendation of the NIAAA Awards Committee, annually selects a number of individuals to receive the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award. Recipients of the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award are selected from persons nominated by their respective state athletic director associations. Each state may nominate one DSA candidate each year.

The NFHS Board of Directors selects eight athletic administrators (one from each of the eight sections) to receive the NFHS Citation. Recipients of the NFHS Citation are selected from persons nominated by their respective state athletic director associations.This award recognizes athletic administrators from across the nation who have excelled in the profession.

The NIAAA also provides two opportunities for states to recognize athletic administrators. The NIAAA provides 15, 20, 25 and 30 year certificates of service and a 35 years of service plaque to states for any NIAAA member who has achieved the appropriate level of service. Persons who achieve the 25 years of service level also receive a special NIAAA lapel pin. The second recognition is the NIAAA State Award of Merit. This award may be presented annually by each state to an individual who is an NIAAA member and is deemed by the state association to have performed meritorius service to the state. This recognition plaque is provided by the NIAAA.