2. Even experienced beat reporters get lost
covering games and writing about them
because it takes more than just answering the
FiveW’s.
Sports writer expected to possess certain
qualities not so common among beat
reporters.
3. Have interest in all sports event
Know the rules and regulations of the event
or game he is writing about,
Have a working knowledge of the language
and jargon of sports writing usually referred
to as sports lingo.
4. Three types of sports stories can be written.
These are the advance story, the coverage
story, and the advance coverage story.
Advance Story- dope or prognostication,
builds up enthusiasm.
Coverage Story- on the spot coverage of the
game
Advance-coverage- coming event as the first
part of the story
5. Must know sports: rules, strategy, team and
player’s record
Must attend the games or meets as a
reporter, not a cheerer
Must know coaches and players
Must observe accuracy
Must be able to take notes quickly
6. Must be fair and unbiased in reporting
Must not make comments without
supporting them with facts
Must use the specialized language
Must avoid sports slang and trite expressions
Must bear in mind that he writes for his
readers and not for himself.
7. The Lead- a sports story has a lead and a
body.The sports lead is the attention-getter.
The “FiveWs” appear in the sports lead as 1.
Who won? 2. Against whom? 3. By what
scores? 4.Where? 5.When?
The key play, Outstanding Player, Analytical
Approach
8. Personalities
play-by-play description
Statistics
quotes by players
quotes by trainers and coaches
background stuff on players
the importance or significance of the event
and the background of the game.
9. The score or outcome
The significance of the outcome
Highlights of the game
Comparison of the teams
Individual stars
WeatherConditions
Crowd and celebration
