Important guidelines for reference letters:

When submitting reference letters as part of an award nomination, please adhere to the following guidelines to ensure the best possible evaluation by our judges:

1. Unique references: Each reference letter should be unique and directly relevant to the nominee's achievements as they relate to the specific award. Duplicate letters will not be accepted.
   
   
2. Length: Reference letters must be a minimum of 250 words. This allows our judges to gain a thorough understanding of the nominee's qualifications and contributions.
   
   
3. Relevance and quality: We encourage references to focus on specific accomplishments, skills, and attributes that directly support the criteria of the award. Avoid general or vague statements that do not provide substantial evidence of the nominee’s merit.
   
   
4. Evaluation considerations: Letters that are detailed, specific, and well-structured significantly enhance the evaluation process. Conversely, poorly written, vague or irrelevant references can impact a nominee's chances of receiving an award.

By following these guidelines, you help ensure that your reference letter effectively supports the nominee and allows our judges to perform their evaluations to the best of their ability.