The COY program, which is managed by the Member Enhancement Division, was started in 1988 as a way to recognize Members by selecting a couple that represents the best qualities and ideals of GWRRA and its Members. The program starts at the Chapter level with "Chapter COY," and then through a friendly "competition" process, COYs at the District, Region and National levels are selected and recognized. These COYs normally serve for one year. At the National level, the term "International COY" is used because the competition at that level includes Region COYs from both the U.S. and Canada.

There seem to be some misconceptions about the Couple of the Year program. The Couple of the Year award is primarily intended to give recognition, at the chapter level, to a particular couple, and is usually decided by a committee comprised of members from that chapter.

While the Couple of the Year award is initially awarded at the chapter level, it is possible for a Chapter COY to compete at District, Region and International levels. However, it is not mandatory. Some of the larger districts in the United States compete for a District Couple of the Year, but this is not the case for districts in Region K. For Region K, a competition for Couple of the Year is held annually at the Region K rally known as Rendezvous, which is normally held in August. Winners of the Region competition are expected to compete at the GWRRA International Rally, Wing Ding, held in early July the following year.

At the District, Regional, and International levels of competition, there are specific guidelines that Couples of the Year should follow. For additional information, please refer to the International Membership Enhancement Division website and the GWRRA Officer Guidebook.