1. Adapted by Dr. Mike Downing from News Reporting and Writing, Eighth Edition

2. Be prepared Be prepared Read for background (back issues; Internet) Read for background (back issues; Internet) Talk to sources; establish a relationship Talk to sources; establish a relationship Talk to others who have covered your beat Talk to others who have covered your beat Understand your editor’s expectations Understand your editor’s expectations Learn the law as it relates to your beat (e.g. drug testing) Learn the law as it relates to your beat (e.g. drug testing) Learn about governing bodies (NFLPA, NCAA, etc.) Learn about governing bodies (NFLPA, NCAA, etc.)

3. Like a news story, a good sports story should reveal who, what, when, where, why, and how: Like a news story, a good sports story should reveal who, what, when, where, why, and how: Who won the game? Who won the game? What was the score? What was the score? When did the game occur? When did the game occur? Where did they play? Where did they play? Why did these teams meet (Conference game? Division game? Playoff game?) Why did these teams meet (Conference game? Division game? Playoff game?) How was the game won or lost? How was the game won or lost?

4. Like a good features story, a good sports story goes beyond the 5Ws and H and considers the “people” angle. Like a good features story, a good sports story goes beyond the 5Ws and H and considers the “people” angle. Coach Smith won his 100 th football game last Sunday. Coach Smith won his 100 th football game last Sunday. Pitching on only two days rest, Gabriel Rivera pitched a one-hitter yesterday. Pitching on only two days rest, Gabriel Rivera pitched a one-hitter yesterday. The East High School water polo team has made the playoffs for the first time in five years. The East High School water polo team has made the playoffs for the first time in five years. Despite losing their top scorer, Parkland won its third game in a row. Despite losing their top scorer, Parkland won its third game in a row.

5. Players Players Coaches Coaches Administrators Administrators Trainers Trainers Intelligent Fans Intelligent Fans Equipment Managers Equipment Managers Alumni Alumni Former Players Former Players

6. Maintain your distance from the people you cover. Maintain your distance from the people you cover. Keep readers in mind. Keep readers in mind. Read your email and answer questions that the readers have. Read your email and answer questions that the readers have. Keep your eyes and ears open. Keep your eyes and ears open.

7. The final score is only part of the sports story… The final score is only part of the sports story… Readers want description, so they can re-live the event (or learn about parts of the game they might have missed). Readers want description, so they can re-live the event (or learn about parts of the game they might have missed). Readers want analysis: Why did the team lose? What changes are being considered? Readers want analysis: Why did the team lose? What changes are being considered?

8. Questions? Questions?