Man of the match
From Free net encyclopedia
In sport, a man of the match or player of the game award is given to the outstanding player in a particular match. Such awards are often organised by the television broadcaster. In professional sport the award itself may involve cash, a trophy, or a celebratory magnum of champagne, but in amateur sports, especially collegiate sports in the United States, such material prizes are often forbidden and the award is purely honorary.
The award is given to the player who makes the most impact in a match. This can be a player from either team, usually the winning team. Some sports have unique traditions regarding these sorts of awards. These awards are especially sought after in championship or all-star matches, for instance, the National Football League's Super Bowl MVP award or the Australian Football League's Norm Smith Medal, awarded for the best player on the ground in an AFL Grand Final.
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Cricket
In cricket, the Man of the Match award may be given to the highest scoring batsman, leading wicket taker or best overall performance. The award typically--though not universally--goes to a player on the winning team.
Football (soccer)
In football, the award typically goes to a player on the winning side. Players who score a brace or a hattrick, or goalkeepers who keep a clean sheet under resounding pressure often get the award, which is usually represented as the match ball.
Rugby
In both codes of rugby, the player who wins the award is usually the person who has performed consistently well throughout the game, and may or may not be the top point scorer. In televised or sponsored matches, the commentator or company sponsoring the event usually decided who gets the award, and it is presented to the winner after the match. Man of the Match is a bigger reward in rugby than most other sports, because forwards and full backs can often win it, despite them hardly ever scoring the points.
United States college basketball and football
In college basketball and college football, the two collegiate sports with the most television coverage in the United States, a top player from each team is usually honored as "players of the game." These athletes usually cannot collect material prizes due to NCAA regulations. Instead, broadcasters will often make donations to the scholarship funds of each school in the names of the winning players.
Hockey
In ice hockey, three stars are usually given to the three players who perform best in the game, often top goalscorers. The top performing player is awarded the "first star" and so on.
A famous exception occurred on March 23, 1944, when Maurice Richard was named all three stars for scoring all five goals for the Montreal Canadiens in a 5-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Wayne Gretsky was given all 3 stars in his last few games of his career.
External link
- The origin of the three stars in hockey