Ready. Set. Go.
APSE’s section and writing contest for the best of 2009 is officially set with today’s announcement that the final two mandatory dates have been chosen.
Knoxville News Sentinel editor Jack McElroy did the honors with other News Sentinel employees as witness.
Dec. 20 is the new mandatory date for Sunday sections to go along with April 5 that was chosen back in June at the convention in Pittsburgh.
Oct. 1, a Thursday, completed the mandatory dates for daily sections. Feb. 24, a Tuesday, had already been picked in Pittsburgh.
All of the information for the contest, including rules, how to enter, and where to send your entries and details about the judging, will be mailed very soon. Expect to receive the APSE contest flyer during the second week of January.
But don’t wait. You have everything to start today.
Here are some important points to know about the contest:
DUES: If two separate sports sections have the same sports editor, but different content, then dues should be paid by each paper to enter this year’s contest. If the content is the same, then they should pay just once. Any other sections that share the same sports editor but put out different sections under different names (with similar, but not exact, copy) should each pay separate dues.
DEADLINE: Entries must be postmarked by midnight Tuesday, Feb. 9. That’s a week later than last year’s contest.
ONLINE MEMBERS: For the first time, online members (ESPN, Yahoo, Sporting News, Rivals) will compete in the over 250,000-circulation category for writing entries.
PRINTOUTS: We will accept printouts from newspaper Web sites instead of cutouts from newspapers; this is a change from all previous contests.
BREAKING NEWS: Breaking news can still be in the next day’s paper. But in order to certify that a newspaper had the story first, we will accept an original time-stamped copy of the web version IN ADDITION to the story that appears the next day, but not in lieu of it.
MISSION STATEMENT: If a sports editor so chooses, he or she may add a brief note on the mission of the sports section. This may help offer insight to the judges so that they may better understand the sections they are reviewing.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Phil Kaplan at 865-755-6326 or kaplanp@knoxnews.com
Judging takes place March 6-10 in Kissimmee, Fla. That’s later than usual because of the Olympics in February.
I have started the process of putting together judging teams. I’m still looking for more volunteers.
Simply send me an e-mail if you plan to be a judge or reserve your spot on APSE’s group page on Facebook.
If you have been a judge before, you know there will be a lot of work to do. Walt Disney Wide World of Sports will once again host a spring training game for APSE judges. We are scheduled for a reception on March 9 with a game to follow between the Braves and Phillies.
And I’ve set aside an hour on the second night for a session with Tim Stephens of The Orlando Sentinel to improve your skills with social media.
Here’s what you need to know about judging.
Dates: March 6-10.
Location: Radisson World Gate, Kissimmee, Fla. This is the same hotel used for judging in 2008.
Rates: $99.
Booking a room: Making the reservation at Radisson World Gate is easy. It can be done two ways:
Go to www.worldgateresort.com and use the code APSE.
Call toll free at 866-705-7676. Remember to ask for the group rate for APSE.
If you are looking to save on expenses, one way is to share a room. I’ve done it the past two years and it has worked out fine. Let me know if you need a roommate.
So, good luck in the contest. I hope I get to shake your hand in Salt Lake City on June 26 when your name is called.
The complete rules are available here.
