2024-25 Creative & Digital Design Contest Information & Deadlines

CSC announces new offerings and updated rules for 2024-25 Creative & Digital Design Contest

Some of the enhancements and highlights this year include: transition of contest into new awards portal (same portal as Academic All-America), new contest for Video Portfolio of the Year, entry limits for general contests, expansion of non-gameday graphics into three categories, and continued emphasis on recognizing the best work in every division. Portfolio contest winners will be announced live on stage at #CSCUnite25.

2024-25 CSC Creative & Digital Design Contest Information

Each year, CSC recognizes outstanding work by the membership in the area of creative and digital design. Contests for 2024-25 have been revamped with new awards being offered. See below for all the details. These contests are open EXCLUSIVELY for current CSC members. Direct any questions to the contest coordinator or CSC Committee Chair Patrick Murphy (pmurphy@mines.edu) or Vice Chair Malloreigh Yingling (mvy5326@psu.edu). Additional questions can be directed to CSC staff liaison Beau White (beau@cscommunicators.com).

Click here to access the CSC awards portal to begin your submissions (CSC member log in required)

Application deadlines: “Portfolio” contests - April 7 at Midnight (ET); General contests - May 4 at Midnight (ET)
Deadlines are clearly marked and all submissions must be entered and "Submitted as Final" in the CSC Awards Portal by the correct deadline to be considered. Photographer of the Year, Designer of the Year, and Videographer of the Year are all "portfolio" contests with an application deadline of April 7. All other contests are "general" contests with a deadline of May 4.

Contest Types
Contest Entry
Contest Results
**NEW** Contest Entry Limitations
Contest Rules

This year, there are 17 categories available for CSC members to submit their work with each category split into University (NCAA Division I) and College (DII, DIII, NAIA, Two-Year Colleges, Canadian Institutions, all others) division entries for a total of 34 contests.

As the Creative & Digital Design Contest continues to evolve, and we strive to encourage participation by as many members as possible and in order to best celebrate the most outstanding submissions, this year’s contest will include new contests, see the continued evolution of existing contests and implement limits on the number of entries allowed per contest.

New to the contest this year is Video Portfolio of the Year. Short Form Videos/Reels, Video of the Year and Signing Day Package all return for a second year, while changes have been made to the Non-Game Day Graphics contest. Due to such a high participation level in this Non-Game Day Graphics contest, and in order to recognize the works of more contest participants, the following graphics contests have been created:

Individual Awards, Milestone & Record Graphics Entries to this contest will reflect awards, milestones and/or records that take place during the academic year.
Major Awards & Championship Graphics Entries to this contest will be for celebrating individual and/or team major awards and/or championships at the conference and/or national level.
Special Projects Entries to this contest will feature any content created throughout the year that doesn’t necessarily fit into any other contest categories

Several contests from the 2022-23 contest were consolidated and saw the elimination of seasonal contests in favor of one overall contest for the 2023-24 contest. Those included Game Day Graphics, Game Notes & Media Guides/Programs. These contests will remain as such, with the exception of Media Guides/Programs, which will be expanded back out to two separate contests.

Due to a sustained low rate of participation, the Online Magazine & Special Event Program contest has been discontinued.

**YOU MAY ONLY ENTER A PIECE OF CONTENT IN ONE CONTEST. DO NOT ENTER THE SAME THING IN MULTIPLE CONTESTS. THE ONLY EXCEPTIONS TO THIS ARE ENTRIES FOR GENERAL CONTESTS BEING INCLUDED IN ENTRIES FOR PORTFOLIO OR OTHER "OF THE YEAR" CONTESTS**

Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines outlined in the contest will be disqualified.

Divisions: Separate contests will be judged in all categories in two divisions — University and College. The University Division is all NCAA Division I schools. The College Division includes all NCAA Division II and Division III schools, NAIA schools, Canadian institutions, two-year colleges and high schools. Recognition will be extended to the "best of" in all levels that make up the College Division.

The 2024-25 contests will be conducted via online submission in a new awards system (same system as Academic All-America). Email submissions ARE NOT accepted. Please make sure you type the name of your school and your name EXACTLY how you want it on the certificate and ensure you have chosen the correct contest when submitting your entry. Contests are ONLY open to current 2024-25 dues-paying College Sports Communicators members. Members MAY NOT submit entries on behalf of non-CSC members. Any entries submitted to the wrong contest WILL NOT be recognized.

NEW SUBMISSION SYSTEM: Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (Website, Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content. All content creators must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.

**If you have staff members that ARE NOT members of CSC or student workers that are not CSC members, you may add them to your school’s account if you are the custodian of an All-In Membership so that they may submit their own entries under their name. Individuals. For membership questions, please contact Beau White at beau@cscommunicators.com.**

As was introduced with the 2023-24 edition of the contest, “Portfolio” contest finalists will be announced in late April/early May and invited to the 2025 CSC Unite Convention in Orlando June 8-11, 2025. Winners of those contests will be announced on stage during the Special Awards Luncheon. A full list of contest winners and top places will be announced on June 11, 2025 on the final day of convention.

In addition to recognizing the top overall places for each contest category as listed below, top finishers from each of the College Division categories will be recognized as well, based on the number of entries per level of the division (i.e., the best works from Division II, Division III, the NAIA, Canadian institutions, two-year colleges and other institutions will also be recognized even if they do not place in the overall contest results).

The spirit of the Creative and Digital Design Contest is to recognize the best works each year from across the CSC membership. New in 2024-25, ALL GENERAL CONTESTS will implement application limits on the number of submissions by an individual per contest (portfolio contests already have a limit of one submission per participant).

Implementing these limits will require members to submit only their best work and ensure that volunteer judges have adequate time to thoroughly review each entry. These limits will also allow judges to award places more deserving participants.

By asking contest participants to self-screen what content they are submitting, we are elevating the level of works submitted and enhancing the overall experience of the contest. Participants are encouraged to submit different pieces of work for consideration rather than different variations of similar designs.

Please note that contest leadership will listen to feedback from the membership and contest participants and evaluate the continued usage of this policy on an annual basis.

Places will be awarded in each contest. The breakdown is as follows:

1-3 entries one place
4-8 entries two places
9-14 entries three places
15-21 entries      four places
22-28 entries      five places
29-40 entries   eight places
41-59 entries     10 places
60-79 entries     15 places
80+ entries          20 places

Should any contest results include a tie, the tie will be recognized in the final results and the corresponding place in the results will be awarded to the number of individuals represented in the tie.

In addition to recognizing the top overall places for each contest category as listed above, top finishers from each of the College Division categories will be recognized as well, based on the number of entries per level of the division (i.e., the best works from Division II, Division III, the NAIA, Canadian institutions, two-year colleges and other institutions will also be recognized even if they do not place in the overall contest results).

An entry must be submitted according to the division in which that sport actually competes. For instance, if a school is NCAA-I in ice hockey and NCAA-II in all other sports, it must enter its ice hockey in the university division and its other publications in the college division.
Best Cover will be awarded in all publications contests such as media guides and game programs
The CSC member at the school entering an item into the contest, or the name on the certificate must be a dues-paying CSC member to win an award.
All entries produced or designed solely by advertising agencies, graphic design houses or other companies outside of the athletic department will be disqualified. The CSC member must have control over the design and content.
Any entry submitted in the wrong division or category, submitted late or formatted incorrectly WILL BE disqualified.

National Recruiting Compliance Guidelines

Those who enter the Creative and Digital Design Contest are required to understand how the publications fit within their national governing body compliance and recruiting guidelines. Each publication MUST be compliant under the rules of the governing organization of the school that is entering the contest.

2024-25 Creative & Digital Design Contest Descriptions

Portfolio Contests

Submissions for all "portfolio" contests must be received by Midnight (ET) on April 7, 2025. Finalists will be announced on in late April/early May with winners announced and recognized on-stage during the #CSCUnite25 Convention.

Submission deadline: April 7, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for Photographer of the Year.

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. In this case, up to 25 photos translates to 25,000 words. With the rise of photography in our space, this contest is designed to recognize the best behind the camera among the CSC membership. Entrants may submit no more than 25 photos from their works from the 2024-25 season.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (website, Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The photographer must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Only one entry for a photographer. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.
Submission deadline: April 7, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for Designer of the Year.

Making eye-catching graphics is something that every CSC member strives to produce day in and day out year round. This contest aims to recognize the best, brightest and most innovative graphic designers across the CSC membership. Entrants may compile and submit a portfolio of up to 25 of their best graphics from throughout the 2024-25 season.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (website, Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The designer must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Only one entry for a designer. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.
Submission deadline: April 7, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for Designer of the Year. Any design work of no more than 25 pieces from a single designer submitted as a pdf with one design on a page with descriptions. Designs from the 2023-24 academic year can be submitted. The designer must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Only one entry for a designer. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.

Two divisions (University and College) are offered for Videographer of the Year.

Of any area that has seen an emergence in popularity and importance, it is creative video. This contest aims to recognize the best video creatives among the CSC membership. Entrants may submit up to 25 pieces from the 2024-25 season for consideration as a folder.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (website, Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The videographer must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Only one entry for a videographer. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.

General Contests

Submissions for all general contests must be received by Midnight (ET) on May 4, 2025. Winners will be announced on June 11.

Submission deadline: May 4, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for the contest, with "best of" awarded for each division.

These are in-house produced videos and/or reels used to promote an athlete, program, game and/or event through social media outlets. Entries must be 90 seconds in length or less. No more than THREE (3) entries from any one individual are permitted. Entrants may earn multiple places in the final results.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (website, Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The content creator must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.
Submission deadline: May 4, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for the contest, with "best of" awarded for each division.

This contest is designed to showcase the best signing day package produced for any sport and should be submitted as a portfolio. These are in-house produced graphics (non-motion) used to promote the signing of incoming student-athletes and should be in compliance with national recruiting guidelines as mentioned above. No more than THREE (3) entries from any one individual are permitted. Entrants may earn multiple places in the final results. The use of a design service (i.e., Learfield, Box Out, Scoreshots, Gipper) is not permitted.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The content creator must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.
Submission deadline: May 4, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for Video of the Year, with "best of" awarded for each division.

Any single video piece from the 2024-25 academic year can be submitted. No more than THREE (3) entries from any one individual are permitted. Entrants may earn multiple places in the final results.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (website, Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The content creator must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.
Submission deadline: May 4, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for Photo of the Year, with "best of" awarded for each division.

Any single-game photo with cutline from the 2024-25 academic year from a sporting event can be submitted. Media day photos or photos from a studio photography session are not permitted.

No more than THREE (3) entries from any one individual are permitted. Entrants may earn multiple places in the final results.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (website, Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The photographer must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.
Submission deadline: May 4, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for game notes, with "best of" awarded for each division.

These are changing publications that are produced for each game or group of games and have a primary purpose to provide a preview of a game/match. Game notes are produced for each game throughout the season. All entries from all sports will be judged as one category. A change to the contest this year, ONE (1) version of notes will be required for submission. No longer will THREE (3) be necessary for a complete submission. No more than THREE (3) entries from any one individual are permitted. Entrants may earn multiple places in the final results.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (website, Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The content creator must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.
Submission deadline: May 4, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for this contest, with "best of" awarded for each division.

These are in-house produced graphics (non-motion) used to promote a program or game through social media outlets. Entries from the previous academic year, which could not be entered in last year’s contest, are allowed for all spring championships. No more than THREE (3) graphics can be entered PER INDIVIDUAL and each graphic should be entered as a completely separate submission. DO NOT INCLUDE MULTIPLE ENTRIES IN ONE SUBMISSION. The use of a design service (i.e., Learfield, Box Out, Scoreshots, Gipper) is not permitted. Entrants may earn multiple places in the final results.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (website, Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The content creator must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.
Submission deadline: May 4, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for this contest, with "best of" awarded for each division.

These are in-house produced graphics (non-motion) used to highlight records, milestones or other similar events through social media outlets. Entries from the previous academic year, which could not be entered in last year’s contest, are allowed for all spring championships. No more than THREE (3) graphics can be entered PER INDIVIDUAL and each graphic should be entered separately. DO NOT INCLUDE MULTIPLE ENTRIES IN ONE SUBMISSION. The use of a design service (i.e., Learfield, Box Out, Scoreshots, Gipper) is not permitted. Entrants may earn multiple places in the final results.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The content creator must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.
Submission deadline: May 4, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for this contest, with "best of" awarded for each division.

These are in-house produced graphics (non-motion) used to promote an individual or team major award or championship at the conference, regional, and national level through social media outlets. Entries from the previous academic year, which could not be entered in last year’s contest, are allowed for all spring championships. No more than THREE (3) graphics can be entered PER INDIVIDUAL and each graphic should be entered separately. DO NOT INCLUDE MULTIPLE ENTRIES IN ONE SUBMISSION. The use of a design service (i.e., Learfield, Box Out, Scoreshots, Gipper) is not permitted. Entrants may earn multiple places in the final results.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (website, Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The content creator must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.
Submission deadline: May 4, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for this contest, with "best of" awarded for each division.

Have something really cool that you made during the year you would like to submit to the contest, but you aren’t sure where to put it? This contest offers CSC members a chance to showcase their creativity through graphics and videos for any special projects they undertook for their department during the 2024-25 academic year. No more than THREE (3) ENTRIES can be entered PER INDIVIDUAL and each ENTRY should be entered separately. DO NOT INCLUDE MULTIPLE ENTRIES IN ONE SUBMISSION. Entrants may earn multiple places in the final results.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (website, Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The content creator must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.
Submission deadline: May 4, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for this video contest, with "best of" awarded for each division.

Entries are focused on a match, game or student-athlete/coach feature. All video entries must be developed in-house and not from an outside agency and cannot be longer than 5 minutes in length. If the entry is longer than 5 minutes it will be disqualified. No more than THREE (3) ENTRIES can be entered PER INDIVIDUAL and each ENTRY should be entered separately. DO NOT INCLUDE MULTIPLE ENTRIES IN ONE SUBMISSION. Entrants may earn multiple places in the final results.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (website, Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The content creator must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.
Submission deadline: May 4, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for media guides, with "best of" awarded for each division.

All entries from all sports will be judged as one category. In the 2023-24 edition of the contest, media guides were combined with game programs. Based on feedback from membership and in order to be more accommodating to those who still produce media guides and based on the popularity of this contest, this category has been reinstated as a standalone contest. These are publications that are produced by an institution or a conference to provide information to the media about an upcoming season, produced by an institution to provide information to the media about a season just past that has resulted in postseason play.

Entries from the postseason of the previous academic year, which could not be entered in last year’s contest, are allowed for all spring championships. No more than THREE (3) ENTRIES can be entered PER INDIVIDUAL and each ENTRY should be entered separately. DO NOT INCLUDE MULTIPLE ENTRIES IN ONE SUBMISSION. Entrants may earn multiple places in the final results.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (Website, Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The content creator must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.
Submission deadline: May 4, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for game day programs, with "best of" awarded for each division.

All entries from all seasons will be judged as one category. In the 2023-24 edition of the contest, game programs were combined with media guides. Based on feedback from membership and in order to be more accommodating to those who still produce game day programs, this category has been reinstated as a standalone contest. These are publications that are produced by an institution or a conference that are changing publications that are produced for each home game or group of home games and have a primary purpose of resale to the attending public.

Entries from the postseason of the previous academic year, which could not be entered in last year’s contest, are allowed for all spring championships. No more than THREE (3) ENTRIES can be entered PER INDIVIDUAL and each ENTRY should be entered separately. DO NOT INCLUDE MULTIPLE ENTRIES IN ONE SUBMISSION. Entrants may earn multiple places in the final results.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (Website, Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The content creator must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.
Submission deadline: May 4, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for posters, with "best of" awarded for each division.

These are publications that are produced to promote some aspect of the athletic program and distributed for general use by media, team members and fans or any combination of the same. No more than THREE (3) ENTRIES can be entered PER INDIVIDUAL and each ENTRY should be entered separately. DO NOT INCLUDE MULTIPLE ENTRIES IN ONE SUBMISSION. The use of a design service (i.e., Learfield, Box Out, Scoreshots, Gipper) is not permitted. Entrants may earn multiple places in the final results.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (website, Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The content creator must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.
Submission deadline: May 4, 2025
Two divisions (University and College) are offered for this video feature contest, with "best of" awarded for each division.

Entries are focused on pregame or “hype” videos. All entries from all sports will be judged as one category. Entries from the previous academic year, which could not be entered in last year’s contest, are allowed for all spring championships. These can include in-stadium/arena videos starting lineup videos. All video entries must be developed in-house and not from an outside agency. No more than THREE (3) ENTRIES can be entered PER INDIVIDUAL and each ENTRY should be entered separately. DO NOT INCLUDE MULTIPLE ENTRIES IN ONE SUBMISSION. Entrants may earn multiple places in the final results.

Entries may be uploaded (max 100MB per upload) or provided via a link (website, Dropbox, Google drive, etc). If entries are submitted via a link, we must be able to access those entries to judge them — make sure your link is open through June 30 and provide the password if necessary. If the judges cannot access your link, then your entry will be disqualified. Complete entries should include captions/descriptions for each piece of content.

The content creator must be a dues-paying member of CSC. Any entries submitted that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.