Submissions must be written in an objective manner. No modifiers such as “great,” outstanding,” “excellent.”
Innings, quarters and halves should be spelled out and not capitalized. Examples include fourth quarter, ninth inning, first half.
Avoid terms like red zone and paydirt and instead say inside the opponent’s 20-yard line or scored a touchdown.
In baseball avoid the terms three baggers and two baggers and instead say triple, double, single and home run.
Overtime should be spelled out. Do not use the abbreviation OT.
Use numbers for yardage. 10-yard gain, 5-yard gain, 1-yard gain.
Scores should be written as such: 10-1, 5-2, 25-3.
For wrestling use the word pound and not the abbreviation lbs. for weight classes.
For track and field use the numbers and spell out the distances like 100 meter dash.
Call schools by their traditional names. Weldon High School and not Weldon STEM High School. Although it is recognized by school officials, it adds nothing to a story.
Do not use nicknames for gyms such as The Hive. Simply say in a home game.
Use players first and last names on first reference and players first and last names as you introduce new players. If players have the same last name use the first and last name and not an abbreviation for the first name.
Never start stories with quotes no matter how compelling they may be.
Lowercase the word coach before a coach’s name.
In golf explain the term medalist or simply say the golfer who had the lowest score.
Try to list those who excelled in any sport. Smith had three hits, three RBIs, three stolen bases.
In basketball avoid the term trey for a three point play. Avoid the term in the paint. Terms like triple double are acceptable but always give the point totals which led to this accomplishment.
In timed events such as swimming list the times as such 1:15.05 if applicable.
In swimming lower case the name of the event — backstroke, butterfly, etc. The same applies for track and field events.
In photos always identify as follows: Front row, from left, middle row, from left, back row, from left, etc.
Don’t worry about length. Use the right amount of words it takes to tell the story — Editor.
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