The awards are sometimes dependent on not receiving a suspension for misconduct or breaching the rules during that season.
In the Australian Football League (AFL), the Brownlow Medal is awarded to the player who, provided he has not been suspended during the season, receives the most votes from the umpires for being the fairest and best player in games during the home-and-away season.
The votes are counted at a gala function on the Monday preceding the Grand Final.
The eligibility of suspended or reprimanded players due to minor offences to win the award has frequently been questioned.
Unlike the Brownlow, players who have served disciplinary suspensions during the season are still eligible to win this award.