How to be a Sports Editor or a Sports Writer

(Editor's Note: This Hub contains a brief story and insights on how to be a sports editor or sports writer). Sports writing has its own distinct identity, very interesting and yet enjoying. It has dimensions which are totally different with the other writing genres such as editorial writing, entertainment writing, feature news writing and the likes. Editorial write-ups deals more with the opinions, viewpoints and observations of the editor with his environments, entertainment writing has a lot more to say about celebrities’ whereabouts, new movies and press releases and antics (good or bad), feature news writing tackles about various stories, discoveries, places, cultures, breakthroughs and almost every thing under the sun that are interesting and has potential to pull potential readers and finally sports writing has something to do more with expressing the actions and heroics made by various athletes all over the world, whether it is a resounding victory, a heartwarming drama or simply a showcase of sheer might or grace.

Sports writing is truly one of a kind as it offers readers exciting insights about how a game transpires and even simulates and reveals what happened throughout in a sporting event, in other words, sports writing transforms every readers into real audiences as the real atmosphere an event being covered reverberates into the veins of readers as they are feed with necessary information to ponder on. Moreover, readers will perceive what are the crucial stages where there are vital turning point that shaped the outcome of the game, which player clicked and doesn’t, how other important personalities reacted (coaches, managers, team owners and even famous celebrities present to witness how the event or a game unfurls) and how jubilant or not the fan was. Sports writing bring the action live to the readers with so much intensity and enthusiasm as readers are supplied with useful information to digest upon.

How come sport writing is considered captivating and tempting especially to the male readers?

The secret lies to the succinct and exaggerating words utilized in creating a sports article, in short these are “Jargons”, words that is commonly and exclusively used in sports writing.

Examine the word “upset,” its meaning in everyday real life would be best described by a dictionary like the Webster’s New International Dictionary Unabridged, as “Getting affected by emotional disturbances.” In sports however, it is equivalent to “winning over a favored or a stronger team.” Nonetheless, terms like Cinderella (a team or player which is virtually new and considered weak contender but out of nowhere won the championship over favored teams), darkhorse (not one of the favorites but capable of pulling an upset win over favored teams), powerhouse (usually the defending champions or a team or a player that is tipped to figure well in a tournament or even wins it all at the of the competition), pulling the rug over, pummel/pummeled, Lady Luck, caroms (rebounds), seeded players (high-ranked players), and other many many more jargons are used to the hilt in sports writing.

1. Passion for sports, if you love sports learning the ropes of sports writing will fall like house of cards, in other words, learning to become a sports writer or sports editor will be relatively easier.

2. Read, read and read sports news articles, this takes a lot of time for sure but it’s the most reliable way of improving your writing skill in sports. The more you acquire information on how an article in sports is written the better you’ll get to know how particular words and phrases are integrated in a synchronized fashion to come up with an article with finesse, pizzazz and with exemplary results. Moreover, you’ll also get to know how to describe any sporting event that took place, the crucial stages of the game, and the behavior and spirits of players, coaches, personalities, fans and the venue itself.

3. Innate sound writing skill will also play an important part though. Writing talents will surely give someone distinct advantage. If you think you are not gifted with sports writing bear in mind that almost all of the skills under the sun can be learned and acquired through intensive learning and devotion of time mastering the craft. Persevere to research well on how to improve your skills, this takes also a lot of time to do it, but inevitably your hardwork will be amply compensated in the end.

4. Practice a lot, do some articles to hone and polish your writing skill don’t worry about the outcome, for sure you will discern your level of writing and you know when to keep on improving. Keep assessing yourself and try to let others read your articles and give them the luxury to rate them, hehehe, but be sure not to be disheartened when they criticize it. Bear in mind, that it is with bad comments that gives you motivation to be very good in writing. You can also experiment on writing an article about various sports competition that took place in your community.

5. If you think you’re ripe enough and still a student try to see if Lady Luck will smile on you, by going through screening as a sportswriter in your school or as a contributor. Remember also that in every time you write articles you gained valuable experience and exposure from it. This undertaking will surely boosts your confidence and improve your experience as a writer. If you made it, cheers, if not, don’t feel sorry there is still HubPages where there are no try outs or screening and there is a wide room for improvement nyahahaha…Joining trying-outs as a sports writer will give you an idea on where you stand as a sports writer.

5. You’re experience as an athlete is a plus too as a sports editor or writer. Hehehe, a cutting edge in writing about sports, since you know by heart how competition happens, you know the essence of winning and losing, and preparations you've made no matter what the results of your participation in the past materialized. Used this experience to write with heart, for this will surely be felt by the readers. Your experience can also be a potent driving force to express yourself very well and can motivate you to write well to the best of your abilities.

6. Be resourceful, sports writing is not just a mere writing stuff, boosts the contents of your hubs, blogs or write-ups with contents extracted from a deliberate research work. Be sure to make your stuffs filled with a lot of great information to thrill and enthrall your readers with fascinating and useful facts. Library and internet can be very helpful to enhance your write-ups.

7. Self correction, once done with an article, make sure that you read it again after a day it was done and you will be surprised that you are making some additions and improvements on it. Do this for several days before publication and before you knew it you have a great article to contribute or to pass.

8. If you think you are already ready for the bigger thing, hehehe, raise your bar a notch higher, hehehe, tryout for the sports editor position who knows this can be your passport to success as a national newspaper or tabloid writer. Keep dreaming and learning for these are free and can be rewarding.

9. Once you are a sports editor already, proofreading will be your main instruments in determining what articles which needs some revisions and/or corrections. Faulty grammars and misspellings should be eradicated from each article. Read at least two times each article for any errors.

10. Walk the talk, as a sports editor you need to practice some ethics too, be sure that everybody, including you, pass their articles ahead of the time or on time. Be sure to have great ounce of patience, always discuss things in a nice manner when trouble arises. Don’t be cocky in criticizing for some errors, correct them by talking in private. Smile always and show them great personality. Motivate your writers well, give them pointers all the time and find ways to make yourself available when they need your help.

My first hub in the November HubChallenge (Third batch)….

Finally after many days of being in hiatus, I finally found my rhythm in writing…

My other thought-provoking and compelling hubs

• How to Make Your Girlfriend Love You (Even More)
  Men are prone to heartaches, and like women they cast doubts about the sincerity and love poured on them by their girlfriends. If you have a girlfriend dont be too sure that you'll keep her for good,...
• How to Pass the Civil Service Examination in the Philippines
  The Civil Service Examination that is given in the Philippines is indeed a tough nut to crack; the passing rate over the years had dipped drastically, no thanks to the high 80% mark, one should hurdle. The...
• The Conservation of the World's Rarest Bird of Prey, the Philippine Eagle
  If the American Bald Eagle is the symbol of United States' free-wheeling and vibrant democracy, the Philippines has its own emblem for her national sovereignty and freedom as well. The mighty Philippine...
• Ways to Save Mother Earth
  Our planet is indeed gasping for breath right now, our harmful pollutions is indeed choking her slowly and continues to stripped her with her ozone layer. I think it is about time to give our timely response...
• The Finest Places and Beaches in the Philippines
  The Philippines is so blessed with nature's bounty, and some of these can even be likened to paradise hidden and spread throughout her majestic archipelago. Many believed that most great places are somewhat...

• Why Some Foreigners Prefer Marrying Filipinas
  the other lass in other countries if not beyond compare. Their smile will indeed lighten up your day as if they put you in clouds with a very light feeling, dismantling your worries for a great while, could....
• The Natural Wonders, Wealth and Sceneries of Amazing Philippines
  The Philippines is certainly a dot in the world but teems with enormous and seem infinite treasures. With her majestic rolling mountains, hills and volcanoes, rainforests that is embellished with wonderful...
• The Importance of Sports in Your Kid's Life
  What is elementary life without sports? Probably boring and lifeless as it is. Sports is vital in the very young lives of your kids for it gives them a lot of things to learn about life aside from...
• The Philippine Wildlife :: Rare Animals in the Philippines
  (This is a tribute to the planet we call home since she will be celebrating her birthday in the days to come and this is actually first of two parts.) The Philippines is indeed a haven for wonderful animals...

• How to Pass the Board Licensure Examination
  (The original contents of this hub was accidentally deleted, hayz, I dont have an idea why it was deleted maybe I could be the culprit or someone deleted it when I forgot to sign out, still this is a blessing...
• Aquariums for Freshwater Fishes
  Aquarium fishes whether tropical or saltwater are indeed a nice sight to see. Exhibiting unusual behaviors, flashing different colors, coming in a wide array of different shapes and sizes aquarium fishes are...
• The Causes and Effects of Climate Change in our Planet
  Just a month ago, a powerful typhoon the worst ever perhaps in my province literally took us by the storm. Wow, the typhoon was so destructive and devastating that the tremendous damage it had made will...
• How to Make Real Friends and be a Great Friend
  An enduring friendship is truly essential to the human spirit as food and water are to our body. Whether we are rich or poor, we all need friends, our companions that will pull us through thick and thin....

• Which is Better Private School or Public School
  School is an institution where our kids well learn a lot of things that could help them become more responsible and productive citizens in our society. It is the place where education is given importance as...
• Foods that Should Not be Offered to Pets (Rabbits, Hamsters or Birds)
  I already produced a hub about foods that shouldn't be eaten by dogs, titled, The Foods Your Dogs Shall Not Eat, and this article endeavor to tackle more foods that are not good to your pets such as birds...
• 10 World's Favorite Animals
  Animals are indeed a treasure to human beings they usually give us ohs and ahs, when we see them perform awesome tricks in circus, give us thrills when we see them in zoo being fed by caretaker or simply by...
• How to Save our Planet Earth
  In 1992 World Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, getting rid of pollution was the main agenda as well as making our planet healthy amid industrial progress. However the ratification and implementation of this...

• How to Avoid Stress, Tension and Pressures
  With the recent economic turmoil, stress seems to disrupt and affect the way of life of most people. People nowadays are worried about the security of their tenure in work, health, their children's needs and...
• The Awesome Nutritional Benefits of Asparagus
  It is not just a delectable treat as asparagus proves to be one of the most nutritious vegetables one should regularly eat. It is in abundance of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are beneficial to...
• How to prevent and treat insect bites
  Kids love to play outdoors but sometimes dangers lurks, or in plain words they are not safe since they are expose to various bugs that can be harmful. Insect bites when inflicted to your kids skin...
• A List of Unusual Pets
  Most of us are seemed to be in awe with animals especially when we have some of them as our well-loved pets. Cuddly and affectionate, these wonderful creatures give us joy when we are with them and even...

• Compilation of Filipino Jokes and Funny Text Messages
  Filipinos are known for their sense of humor, an attribute that keeps them afloat and strong amid very difficult problems and tough challenges. Filipinos derives some of their strength and persistence by...
• Lucban Quezon Pahiyas Festival
  The Philippines culture and heritage is indeed rich yet very diverse, this is apparent with Pahiyas Festival, which is held in Lucban, Quezon, Philippines every 15th day of May. Tens of thousands of...
• Meet the Philippine Wildlife World Record Holders
  (Second of two parts) The diversity of the Philippines in terms of marine life and flora and fauna is truly spectacular as it is lavished with interesting features that will truly sets them apart from the...
• Compilation of Inspirational Quotations for Text Messaging
  ... Ready for Anything (a one of a kind book that contains principles that is built to enhance the productivity of individual's life and work). The book is tailored to tackle and topple the rigors of work...
• How to be an Effective and Efficient Teacher
  .... reward but for self-fulfillment and doing things that are ought to be done. Teaching is not just a profession, it should be utilized as a powerful way of touching the lives of the children, always...
• The Role of Electronic Components in Our Daily Life
  This is My 100th hub and it is a tribute to the field of endeavor that was my "Bread and Butter," for the past several years, that is Electronics. Electronics - Almost everything that surrounds us has direct...
• 60 Reasons Why You Should Love NBA
  One of the only three nations that treats basketball as a national sport and past time (the other two, the Serbia and Lithuania), the basketball-crazy Philippines was once a powerhouse in Asian basketball in...
• Most Annoying Work Habits
  My friend once quoted "We work to live not we live to work." I was wondering what he means by this, after pondering for few days I realized that, earning a living is indeed essential for the income we...
• How to Ask a Girl For a Date
  What separate a man from the boys; one of the answer perhaps would be marrying the girl of his dreams after tough grind from years or months of courtships and maintaining affectionate relationship. However to....
• Worst Floods and Typhoons in the Philippines
  An average of 20 typhoons hit the Philippines annually. Some of these typhoons ignited soil erosion and deadly raging flashfloods, which resulted to tragedies in the country that killed numerous people and...
• The Splendid Philippine Festivals
  (Author's Note: This Hub is a certified HubNugget and will focus on Pahiyas Festival of Quezon, Strawberry Festival of La Trinidad, Dagupan City's Bangus Festival, Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City, Pintados...
• Who is the Greatest Boxer of All Time Muhammad Ali or Manny Pacquiao
  Few decades ago, the planet witnessed the heroics of Muhammad Ali in the boxing ring. Alis rise to the pinnacle of the sports was mercurial and truly inspirational. He was an immovable force with...
• Caramoan, Camarines Sur, The Site of Five Survivor Editions
  What does Fiji, Thailand, Australia, Indonesia, Palau and Philippines in common these countries already played hosts to different Survivor editions (United States and or other countries). A reality TV...