626 Types of Awards 626.1 Acceptable Acceptable awards are characterized as follows: Only noncash items such as trophies, plaques, pins, or gift certificates may be awarded. The value of each award may vary from contest to contest or be graduated within a contest with progressive levels of competition. To ensure maximum interest, prizes should be alternated periodically, or a variety of prizes should be made available for individual selection from a catalog. Prizes offered must be appropriate for both sexes. The maximum value of a contest award cannot exceed $500. (See ELM 490 for more information on awards.) 626.2 Unacceptable Cash and cash equivalent items are not authorized as prizes.