The Vern L. Norris Award is presented to an athletic official with 20 or more years of registration with the MHSAA who works at the high school level. He or she must also have been active in a local officials' association, mentored other officials, and have been involved in officials’ education. It is named for Vern L. Norris, who was executive director of the MHSAA from 1978-86.