The original rules specified that the trophy would be awarded for the longest distance soaring flight from any type of launching method other than airplane tow.
The trophy would become the permanent property of any pilot who won it three times in succession.
[1] Paul Bikle was the first pilot to win the Trophy three times in succession.
In 1957 the SSA Directors, with Bikle's approval, changed the rules to allow for any type of launch method and include any flights, other than those flown at the US National Contest.
[2] Recipients of this trophy, from 1948 to present, include:[3]