Writing high school game stories

By Morgana Kennedy


In chapter 4 of my textbook the daunting task of keeping up with the score for high school sports is explained. A reporter covering a high school has to manually keep track of every play themselves. This can be very difficult if visibility is poor or if you are unfamiliar with all the plays of the sport.

Keeping accurate stats is important. It shows an editor that you're competent, and it is a great way to break into sports writing. It's all about the numbers. It is the only way to accurately cover a game.

But stats aren't the only thing a reporter has to keep track of during a high school game. They must be vigilant in getting a quote from the coach of the winning team or the team they're assigned to cover and quotes from players. They need to do research before the game and know who the players are and what position they play.

It's also important to ask the coach before a game which players are starting the game, and if anyone is missing from the roster. The reporter needs to keep accurate notes during the game. When they go to write the story they need to be precise on how names are spelled in the story. Readers of the piece will likely be parents, players, and coaches. It will discredit the reporter if names are misspelled.

Reporters also need to be prepared for direct feedback. These stories are often published locally, and parents may be angry if their child is not featured. Local readers are more likely to try to contact the reporter if they're unhappy with the story.

It can be a very stressful task, but the end result is rewarding. Knowing that people are reading a story you put so much work into is a great feeling.