Sports writing is always in demand.
Right now, in cities and towns everywhere, people are reading about sports. They are checking scores. They are reviewing player selections for the coming match.
If you would like to be a sports writer there are certain to be some opportunities in your region.
Sports writing is hard work. It’s not all about rubbing shoulders with Tiger Woods (!) or your favorite sports stars although you may get to interview some of them. The reality of sports writing is that you will often be working extremely hard to meet tight deadlines. And the pay, for starting sports writers anyway, is not something to get too excited about.
Nevertheless it can be an effective way to build your resume. You may get to meet some famous stars and your friends will be envious of your seat in the press box.
The main types of sports writing are event coverage, human interest stories, interviews, and columns.
For most of these types of writing you will need to be neutral, objective and fair. However sports columnists are paid to give their opinion. Typically columnists have many years of experience and their opinion is already respected in sporting circles.
The primary markets for sports writing are newspapers. The sports pages are usually one of the most-read sections of a newspaper. There are also opportunities for sports writers to write for magazines and sporting web sites.
While newspapers and sports publications do work with freelancers, a large percentage of sports writing is produced by writers on staff. Major newspapers have their own sports section and even local papers usually have someone covering local sporting news.
If you would like a full-time sports writing job then you could start looking at newspapers and sporting magazines, but keep in mind that many leagues, sports associations, and professional teams also employ full-time writers.
Occasionally you may be asked to provide photos to accompany an article. If you are a photojournalist you will be able to combine sports photography with your writing. Otherwise you may be able to team up with a photographer. Sometimes the sports teams will supply photos that you may be allowed to use with your article.
Tips for Sports Writers
1. You must know the game.
It is essential to have a solid understanding of the rules of the sport you are covering.
2. You must be able to meet deadlines.
Deadlines are critical when you are sports writing for newspapers. Often there is very little time from the end of a match until the deadline for the next morning's newspaper.
3. You must be able to tell a story.
With event coverage you must do more than report a result. Your job is to tell the story of what happened. As someone once explained to sportswriter Larry Whiteside, "A box score can say there was a line drive, but it doesn't say that a fan touched it or that it snaked around a wall. It doesn't say what anybody said or what anybody felt."
4. Consider your angle.
Sometimes you should get out of the press box. Otherwise how will you see the game any differently to the other sports writers? Watch some games from different angles, for example with fans in the stands, or near the coaches or management.
5. You must be accurate.
Check your facts on the players and teams to ensure the statistics you use are correct. At major events you may be provided with stats sheets.
6. Check the appropriate style guide.
When writing for newspapers style guides are important. Check with your editor which style guide (e.g. APA or MLA) to use.
Sports Writing Markets
Here are a few examples of paying markets for sports writing, other than newspapers.
IMPACT MAGAZINE, CANADA
Bimonthly publication covering Calgary's sport, health, and fitness world. Publishes content provided by experts in their fields in the areas of of health, fitness and performance.
Guidelines
GOLF TIPS, USA
Magazine with in-depth golf instruction and equipment.
Guidelines
RUNNING TIMES, USA
National magazine for the experienced running participant and fan. Topics include improving performance, enhancing enjoyment, or exploring events, places, and people in the sport. Also nutrition, psychology, etc. 40% freelance.
Guidelines
SHARING THE VICTORY, USA
Published nine times a year by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Combines athletics and faith, encouraging and enabling athletes to take their faith seriously on and off the field.
Guidelines
CROSS COUNTRY SKIER, CANADA
Readers are active enthusiasts who seek information about ski trails, resorts, equipment, technique, competition and feature reports about cross country skiing.
Guidelines
BOWLS INTERNATIONAL, UK
http://www.bowlsinternational.co.uk
Provides bowlers with an ideal blend of interesting, entertaining, informative and instructional articles, supported by the latest news and views from some of the sport's biggest and influential names.
Guidelines:
There are more than 180 markets that publish sports writing in our markets database with around 50 of these available in the free version.
Sports Writing Organizations
Sports Journalism Institute
http://www.sportsjournalisminstitute.org
International Sports Press Association
http://www.aipsmedia.com
The National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association
http://nssafame.com
Books
Associated Press Sports Writing Handbook by Steve Wilstein
The Sports Writing Handbook, by Thomas Fensch
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