[MrB]

A primary requirement for a Darwin candidate is that the candidate must be dead.

That is an unfortunate requirement, because it is not accurate.
Effectively, any dumb act that prevents a person from reproducing should qualify.

And here's another twist - even if dead, the person must have died before reproducing.

[Jemian]

Yes, that twist is correct. The award goes to someone who has died as a result of their nominating action and has done so before reproducing, thus removing their genes from the gene pool and thereby becoming extinct.

[Slings and Arrows]

http://www.darwinawards.com/rules/

So how are the Darwin Awards actually determined?

Nominees significantly improve the gene pool by eliminating themselves from the human race in an obviously stupid way. They are self-selected examples of the dangers inherent in a lack of common sense, and all human races, cultures, and socioeconomic groups are eligible to compete. Actual winners must meet the following criteria:

Reproduction
Out of the gene pool: dead or sterile.
Excellence
Astounding misapplication of judgment.
Self-Selection
Cause one’s own demise.
Maturity
Capable of sound judgment.
Veracity
The event must be true.

* Whizzing on an electric wire
* Smoking in an oxygen tent
* Being hit by a train or automobile
* Aerosol cans, etc., in the oven
* Climbing into zoo cages
* Falling off precipice while posing or pissing
* Carbon monoxide poisoning
* Most autoerotic deaths
* all too common!

Killing others: The death of innocent bystanders absolutely rules out a Darwin Award. We don’t applaud those who take others out of the gene pool, even if they share some DNA in common.

[Joe 6-pack]

The Darwin Awards site has rules that are somewhat confusing...it states

"Actual winners must meet the following criteria:", which to me implies all of the criteria. It then itemizes:

"Reproduction Out of the gene pool: dead or sterile," implying that sterility alone is a qualifier, but then later specifies:

"Self-Selection Cause one's own demise."

IMHO, it seems some clarification is needed to deconflict the implications of the above criteria. While it would seem that the letter of the rules mandates the candidate must be deceased, the spirit of the rules suggests that rendering one's self incapable of reproduction would be adequate.