G. Lawrence Rarick Research Award

About Dr. G. Lawrence Rarick

Dr. G. Lawrence Rarick earned his PhD from the State University of Iowa and served most of his academic career as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He was widely recognized as a leader in motor performance and the motor development of children and youth with disabilities. His scholarship included longitudinal research on children with Down syndrome and investigations into the motor characteristics of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Across more than 100 publications, Dr. Rarick significantly advanced knowledge related to motor performance and the impact of physical activity on health.

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Purpose

To recognize an individual for scholarly contribution through distinguished research in adapted physical education (APE) and/or adapted physical activity (APA).

Applicant Criteria

  • Nominees may be from disciplines outside APE and/or APA; however, their research must have made a meaningful contribution to physical education and/or physical activity for individuals with disabilities.

  • Nominees must be recognized as a research scholar in APE and/or APA for individuals with disabilities.

Evidence of Distinguished Scholarship

Nominees should demonstrate a record of scholarship as evidenced by one or more of the following:

  • A distinguished record of research systematically directed toward specific questions that advances knowledge in APE and/or APA.
  • Authorship of data-based articles published in peer-reviewed journals or monographs of national or international significance pertaining to individuals with disabilities
  • Research in APE and/or APA that has undergone peer review and meets criteria established by academia
  • Research presentations at international, national, and regional professional meetings focused on APE and/or APA
  • Direction of student research (theses and/or dissertations) addressing APE and/or APA

2025 G. Lawrence Rarick Research Award Recipient: Megan MacDonald

Previous Award Recipients (2020-)

  • Andrew Pitchford (2024)
  • Shihui Chen (2023)
  • Luis Columna (2022)
  • Ali Brian (2021)
  • Justin Haegele (2020)

Previous Award Recipients (2010-2019)

  • Samuel Hodge (2017)
  • Mike Horvat (2016)
  • Iva Obrusnikova (2015)
  • Simon Driver (2012)
  • JoonKoo Yun (2011)
  • Martin Block (2010)

Previous Award Recipients (2000-2009)

  • Ronald French (2009)
  • Jiabei Zhang (2008)
  • James Rimmer (2007)
  • Bo Fernhall (2006)
  • David Porretta (2003)
  • Francis X. Short (2000)

Previous Award Recipients (1990-1999)

  • Greg Reid (1997)
  • Terry Rizzo (1996)
  • Luke Kelly (1995)
  • Paul Surburg (1994)
  • Dale Ulrich (1993)
  • Claudine Sherrill (1992)
  • John Dattilo (1991)
  • Joseph Winnick (1990)
  • David Compton (1990)

Previous Award Recipients (1980-1989)

  • Robert Cipriano (1989)
  • Paul Jansma (1989)
  • Walter Davis (1988)
  • Michael Wade (1987)
  • Dennis Vinton (1984)
  • G. Lawrence Rarick (1983)
  • James Horgan (1982)