[orbitur]

(and heck sports have awards for rookies for example!)

Well, for rookies who outperform what's expected of rookies... rookies who perform at the same level as their more experienced peers.

[wayfarer2s]

Actually no, in most professional leagues the rookie of the year/season award is handed out to the best rookie whether that rookie performed below, above, or at the same level as their more experienced peers. They are graded only against other rookies.

[chralieboy]

absolutely. The rookie of the year award is still amongst professional athletes. It isn't a consolation prize.