The Game Story
The Game Story
 As a game reporter, you must keep
detailed, accurate notes of an event
that’s happening too fast for the untrained
observer to follow.
 The game reporter generally has more
comfortable surroundings—the press box
for example—than the fans.
The Game Story
 You must develop a simple, easy-to-read note
taking system
 You need a method of keeping a play by play
record
 You need a way to record statistics
 Nothing is more frustrating than searching after
the event for a missing fact that you should
have written down when it happened.
The game story
 Watch for turning points in the sports
event
 For example, the powerful serve that sets up
the winning point or the substitute relay
runner who pulls ahead to take the lead.
 As a sports reporter, you’re free to
analyze the event.
 For example, if it was a case of your school’s
offense overpowering the opponents
defense, say so. Or, if the wet field or the
wind played a part, say so.
Partisanship
 It is obvious that the writer will be busy
during the sports event.
 The writer must watch the contest, the
sidelines, the spectators, and the
officials, all the while keeping careful,
detailed notes.
Game Coverage
 Given the limited space on the sports
pages, sports editors should limit details
on game stories because these are old
news anyway.
 Brief accounts, crediting those who
scored or who played well, will suffice
most of the time.
Game Coverage
 If the school newspaper decides to run a
complete game story even though the
local newspaper may have covered it,
then a new angle must be found.
 For example, the story might combine a
pregame story on an upcoming event
with accounts of past events.
 If no new angle can be found, then the
game story should be featurized.
Game Coverage
 Don’t Forget, sports stories are due on
Friday. Must be typed, 12pt font, double
spaced.
Importance of Sports in School
 Daily Grade, DUE Friday, Jan. 20th
 Interview 5 peers asking the following
questions:
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How many students attend sporting events?
Why do some students not attend?
Are sports overemphasized?
Do sports cost too much?
Do athlete’s grade suffer because of the time
spent traveling and practicing?
 Are boys and girls sports financed equally?
 Compile all your answers into one in-depth
story. You may use the computers in the
classroom