In 1966, WCOA President, Leo Bernabi, suggested that an award be presented to those coaches or officials who were no longer active in the association but had made significant contributions to the organization that merited recognition. That new award became the Life Membership Award. The 1967 Spring banquet saw the first 3 members presented with Life Membership. In 1977 when the WCOA became the WOA the award continued to honor either a coach or official who made significant contributions.