What does SOTY mean in SKATING

Generally, top-notch professionals in the field are recognized each year as Skater of the Year. However, amateurs and newcomers may also be eligible if they've achieved amazing feats throughout the season. To be considered for SOTY a skater must have had professional or amateur status in skateboarding for at least two years prior to being nominated.

The criteria displays a skaters accomplishments over the season; their style and influence, contest results, video parts, sponsorships they've acquired over their career and more.

Usually winners are expected to show up at one or more promotional events, appearances or media interviews in certain markets where they can talk about skateboarding culture and promote themselves, their sponsors and/or projects they have worked on recently.

Most often nominees will already be known within industry circles prior to being nominated; however, it can still come as a surprise depending on how far out of left-field their nomination was thought up. When nominations are announced by various publications or organizations a panel of judges will vet through each nominee's portfolio to decide whom should take home top honors.

The award has existed since 1995 when Transworld Magazine held its inaugural awards ceremony which saw Tom Penny emerge as the first recipient with many others following suit ever since then.