diff --git a/db/db.code.version.txt b/db/db.code.version.txt
index e522732c..a2720097 100644
--- a/db/db.code.version.txt
+++ b/db/db.code.version.txt
@@ -1 +1 @@
-38
+39
diff --git a/db/db.update.39.sql b/db/db.update.39.sql
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..72831cef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/db/db.update.39.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+INSERT INTO `config` ( `var` , `val` , `category` , `type` , `type_values` , `ord` , `description` , `year` ) VALUES ( 'specialawardnomination_aftersignatures', 'yes', 'Participant Registration', 'yesno', '', '1390', 'Does the signature page need to be received BEFORE students are allowed to self nominate for special awards?', '-1');
+
+UPDATE `config` SET `type_values` = 'none=None|date=By Date|registration=With Registration', `description` = 'Select when students may self nominate for special awards.<br> <ul><li><b>None</b> - Students may not self-nominate for special awards. <li><b>By Date</b> - Between specific dates, specified in the "Important Dates" section. <li><b>With Registration</b> - During the same time as registration is open. </ul> ' WHERE `var` = 'specialawardnomination'; 
diff --git a/register_participants_main.php b/register_participants_main.php
index 1d639e30..ea62b490 100644
--- a/register_participants_main.php
+++ b/register_participants_main.php
@@ -227,7 +227,14 @@ echo "<table><tr><td>";
  	echo "<table class=\"summarytable\">";
 	echo "<tr><th>".i18n("Special Award Nominations")."</th></tr>";
 
-	if(registrationFormsReceived())
+	$special_awards_open = false;
+	if($config['specialawardnomination_aftersignatures']=="no") {
+		$special_awards_open = true;
+	} else {
+		$special_awards_open = (registrationFormsReceived()) ? true : false;
+	}
+
+	if($special_awards_open == true)
 	{
 		if($config['specialawardnomination']=="date")
 		{