NOMINATIONS
The Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame (TBSHOF) welcomes nominations for individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of soccer in the Tampa Bay region. Each year, our Nominating Committee and Selection Committee work together to highlight those whose achievements, leadership, and dedication have helped shape our community’s soccer legacy.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Nominating Committee is tasked with soliciting, collecting, and verifying all submitted nominations. After thorough review, a slate of nominees is presented to the Selection Committee. Importantly:
- All submissions are preserved for future consideration.
- The Nominating Committee anticipates meeting two to three times each year to finalize the nominee slate.
SELECTION COMMITTEE
The Selection Committee votes on candidates advanced by the Nominating Committee. The number of inductees will be determined by TBSHOF’s Executive Committee. Not every category may see an inductee each year, ensuring that only the most deserving individuals are honored.
NOMINATION FORM & ELIGIBILITY
The official TBSHOF Nomination Form outlines eligibility guidelines and criteria. All candidates must fit into one of the listed categories (Builder, Media, Player, Coach, Referee).
Not all categories will be represented in every induction class.
INDUCTION CATEGORIES
- Builder: This category includes Owners, CEOs, GMs, Administrators, Operations Managers, Directors of Coaching (DOC), and Founders.
- Media: Individuals and organizations who have influenced the sport’s growth and recognition through reporting, broadcasting, or other media endeavors.
- Player: Includes International-level players, *ENT participants, Pro athletes, Collegiate standouts, and Top Soccer players who have brought distinction to Tampa Bay.
- Coach: Coaches at various levels—International, *ENT, Pro, Amateur, College, High School, and Youth—are all considered based on their positive impact and accomplishments.
- Referee: Individuals who have officiated at International, Pro, College, High School, or Youth levels, contributing to the game’s fairness and integrity.
*ENT (Extended National Teams) acknowledges those who further the game across its many forms—on grass, court, and sand. Currently, 9 different U.S. Soccer National Teams are recognized under ENT:
- Beach Soccer (USMNT, USWNT)
- Futsal (USMNT, USWNT)
- Cerebral Palsy (USMNT, USWNT)
- Deaf (USMNT, USWNT)
- Power Soccer (Coed NT)
CRITERIA & SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Before submitting a nomination, please review these procedures thoroughly.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling, year-round basis.
- Nominations must be received by November 30th.
- The nominator is responsible for compiling and providing all necessary documentation.
- A Player nominee can be considered immediately following retirement from a sanctioned playing career.
- A Player nominee should have a minimum of six (6) years of Senior Soccer experience (Amateur, College, Professional Outdoor/Indoor).
- Coach nominees may reference National and State Championships or High School State Championships.
- Referee nominees may detail State, Regional, National, and International matches officiated.
- For individuals who have contributed as a player and then transitioned into coaching or refereeing, all their collective achievements will be considered.
- Download the Nomination Form
The deadline for accepting nominations for the TBSHOF class of 2026 is January 15, 2026. Applications will be dated upon receipt and reviewed for ballot consideration.
Your participation in nominating outstanding members of the soccer community ensures that their stories and accomplishments live on, inspiring future generations to engage with and elevate the game.
