There is a plaque awarded annually dedicated to Howard Wirtz for the member who best exemplifies the traditions, ethics, dedication to officiating and to the purposes of the Association's highest ideals in officiating. The Candidate qualifications require at least 15 years as a class 1 official and 10 years as a member of the OVFOA. The Board shall nominate up to a maximum of (3) qualified members to be voted on by the eligible voter. If however no qualified candidates are found or presented to the Board then the search will commence to the next fiscal year.  A member may receive the award one time only.

Howard was a Life Member of the Association, was active in its affairs for than 50 years, 15 as Interpreter, President for 3 terms, Board Member for serveral terms, until his retirement. Howard passed away in 2006 at the age of 90.

He was an active official for 35 years, 19 as a Big 10 Referee, 8 as Technical Advisor for the Mid-American Conference. Howard was the Referee for 2 Rose Bowls, 3 Alonzo Stagg Bowls, 3 Grantland Rice Bowls, 7 Blue-Gray games and Founding Inductee to the Ohio High School Football Officials Hall of Fame.

The Winners Of the Award are: