Player of the match

In teamsport,aplayer of the matchaward (also known asman of the matchorwoman of the match)is often given to the most outstanding player in a particular match. This can be a player from either team, although the player is generally chosen from the winning team.

Man of the match

Player of the match

Some sports have unique traditions regarding these awards, and they are especially sought in championship orall-star games.In Australia, the term "best on ground" is normally used, both for individual games and season-long awards. In some competitions, particularly in North America, the terms "most valuable player"(MVP) or" most outstanding player "are used. Inice hockeyin North America, three players of the game, called the "three stars",are recognised.

In sports where playoffs are decided by series rather than individual games, such as professional basketball and baseball, MVP awards are commonly given for the series, and in ice hockey'sNHL,for performance in the entire playoffs.

Association football

In football, the "man of the match" (MOTM) award goes typically (but not necessarily) a player on the winning side. Players who score ahat-trick,orgoalkeeperswho keep aclean sheetunder pressure often get the award. Hat-trick scorers usually receive the match ball whether or not they are officially named player of the match.

The man of the match is often chosen by a television commentator or a sponsor.However, not all competitions have an official player of the match award, so sometimes accolades are given by websites or newspapers instead. In thePremier League,for example, a player receives a small black and gold trophy for their player of the match performance.

When given informally (for example, by a columnist), the MOTM may be "awarded" sardonically, for example to therefereeif the writer believes he influenced the result due to perceived incompetence.

Australian rules football

InAustralian rules football,the player of the game is often referred to as having been the "best on ground" (or "BOG" ). Media outlets provide immediate, unofficial recognition that is largely honorary, often on a 5–4–3–2–1 or 3–2–1 voting basis.Officially, theAFLrecognises the player of the game as being the player awarded the maximum three votes by umpires in theBrownlow Medalcount at season's end. Exceptions are made during the season for certain reserved games such as theWestern Derby,The ANZAC Day clash,QClash,andShowdown,where medallions are officially rewarded in presentations following the conclusion of the match. On the day of theAFL Grand Final,a player will be awarded theNorm Smith Medalas being the best on ground voted by an independent panel ofAustralian rules footballexperts.

Cricket

Main article:Player of the Match awards (cricket)

In cricket, the man of the match award became a regular feature in Test matches in the mid-1980s.The man of the match title is usually awarded to the player whose contribution is seen as the most critical in winning the game.

In one match held on 3 April 1996, the whole team fromNew Zealandwas awarded the Men of the Match award. It was the first instance when a whole team was awarded it.In a test match played 15 through 18 January 1999 between South Africa vs West Indies, the whole South African team was awarded man of the match.

In Test matches,Jacques Kallisholds the record for the highest number of awards won, with 23 in 166 matches played.In ODIs,Sachin Tendulkarholds the record for the highest number of man of the match titles, with 62 awards in 463 matches played.Tendulkar is followed bySanath Jayasuriya,who, along withRicky Ponting,also holds the record for the most Man of the Match titles as captain.In the shortest form of the game,T20 Internationals,this record is held byVirat Kohli,who has won 15 awards in 115 matches.

Gaelic games

In the Gaelic games ofhurlingandGaelic football,the "man of the match" (Irish:Laoch na hImeartha,"hero of the game" ) is commonly awarded after important games. An unusual example was the2008 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final,where the award was given toBrian Cody,theKilkennymanager, rather than to a player.

In the women's sports ofcamogieandladies' Gaelic football,the term "player of the match" (Irish:Laoch na hImeartha,"hero of the game" ) is used instead.

Ice hockey

Main article:Three stars (ice hockey)

In North Americanice hockey,the three players who perform best in the game, often either those who accumulate the most points or outstanding goaltenders, are usually designated thethree starsof the game: the top-performing player is the "first star", and so on. This tradition originated in the 1930s as a promotion for a "Three Star" brand of gasoline.

However, in international play (and outside North America), thethree starsconcept is rarely used. Instead, other leagues may issue awards to one player who performed best in the game.

Rugby football

Both codes of rugby,rugby leagueandrugby union,commonly have man of the match or player of the match awards. In televised or sponsored matches, a commentator or sponsor often decides who gets the award, and it is presented to the winner after the match.

Examples of man of the match awards in professional men's rugby league are theClive Churchill Medalin theNational Rugby League Grand Final,theKaryn Murphy Medalin theNRL Women's Grand Final,theLance Todd Trophyin theChallenge Cupfinal and theHarry Sunderland Trophyin theSuper League Grand Final.

College basketball and college football

Incollege basketballandcollege football,the two collegiate sports with the most television coverage in the United States, a top player from each team is usually honoured as "players of the game." These athletes usually cannot collect material prizes due toNCAAregulations. Instead, television companies broadcasting the game or corporate sponsors will often make donations to the scholarship funds of each school in the names of the winning players.

In college basketball's Final Four events, aMost Outstanding Playeraward is given, for performance across both the semi-final and championship game. A Most Outstanding Player award is also given for each of the four regionals, based upon performances in the regional semifinals (Sweet Sixteen) and final (Elite Eight).

Gridiron football

TheNational Football Leaguenames an MVP for two prominent games on its schedule:

• ASuper Bowl Most Valuable Player Awardhas been awarded at eachSuper Bowl(the NFL's championship).
• ThePro Bowlhas had an MVP award throughout its existence. The current Pro Bowl MVP format selects one offensive and one defensive player. From 1956 to 1971, two MVP awards were given, one to askill positionand the other to alinemanorlinebacker.In 1972, an offensive and defensive MVP were named. From 1973 to 2012, a single Pro Bowl MVP was chosen.

Individual games typically have an informal player (or players) of the game chosen by the broadcast network covering the game; one prominent example of this phenomenon is theTurkey Leg Award, All-Iron Award and Galloping Gobblertrophies awarded for games held onThanksgiving.

TheCanadian Football Leagueawards two MVP awards for its championship game, theGrey Cup.TheGrey Cup Most Valuable Playeraward is open to all players; theDick Suderman Trophyis limited to players with Canadian citizenship or who were raised in Canada since childhood.

See also

• Best and fairest
• Most Valuable Player
• Most Outstanding Player
• Player of the year award