The award recognizes fair play, sporting behavior and adherence to the Laws of the Game, reflected by the number of yellow caution cards or red ejection cards that are shown by the referees throughout the season.

            The NSCAA issues awards to schools from all levels from across the country (NCAA Div. I, II , III and NAIA) which had no red cards and limited number of yellow cards throughout the 2009 season.

            ECU, under the direction of head coach Riley Bailey, received one of 14 bronze awards after receiving only six yellow cards and no red cards during the 2009 campaign. The bronze award was given to teams with a maximum of 10 yellow and no red cards.

            "I'm proud of them for getting that award," said Bailey. "It shows the quality of student-athlete we have on this campus."

            Gold awards (no yellow cards and red cards) were presented to nine teams and 45 teams got silver awards (maximum of five yellow and no red cards).

            The Lady Tigers also received a team academic award from the NSCAA in December.