Spell out the first reference to running events: the 100-meter dash. Extend to hundredths when possible: 17.38 seconds. Use '.0' to record a 'flat' time: 5.0 seconds, 10.2 seconds. Subsequent times require only a colon and decimal point: 3:42.8ĭo not use a colon before times given only in seconds and tenths of seconds. It was Coach Seltzer's first playoff win.įor time events, spell out 'minutes' and 'seconds' on first reference: 'She finished with a time of 3 minutes, 42.8 seconds. Play off(s) (verb) playoff (noun, adjective). MIAA is also acceptable in all references. Our conference is the MIAA, which stands for Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Northwest's intercollegiate athletics teams are part of the NCAA's Division II. The acronym is acceptable in all references and stands for Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics AssociationĪcceptable in all references to the National Collegiate Athletics Association. The conference to which all Northwest intercollegiate athletics teams belong. The tight end made an out-of-bounds catch. The tight end made the catch and ran out of bounds. out of bounds (adverb) out-of-bounds (adjective).This year's Homecoming game against the Gorillas has a 2 p.m. kick off (verb), kickoff (noun and adjective): Northwest won the toss and elected to kick off.Fullback, halfback, tailback and quarterback, but running back and nickel back.

This exception to 'Webster's New World Dictionary' is based on the practices of the sport's national and international ruling bodies. 'Coach Mel Tjeerdsma said the 2006 Bearcat football team was one of the best he ever coached.' 'Head football coach Mel Tjeerdsma said the 2006 Bearcats were one of the best teams he ever coached.'

man-to-man (said of a defense or coverage)Ĭapitalize as a title before a name unless modified.Shutout is an adjective: 'He pitched seven shutout innings.' All-America is an adjective, All-American is a noun: 'Judy Denslow is an Academic All-American by anyone's standards.' 'Ed Breneke was an All-America halfback in only his sophomore year.' These terms are always capitalized on both sides of the hyphen. Here are some vocabulary lists, general rules and guidelines adapted from the 'AP Stylebook.'Īll-America, All-American, Academic All-America(n) You'll only end up saying almost what you mean, but not quite, and confusing the reader to boot. Avoid slang, jargon and - most especially - clichés. Those of us who are not Frank DeFord can only write about sports as we would write about anything else but with special attention to the many specialized terms and expressions. Don't try to write like a sportswriter unless you are one or are legitimately trying to become one. Sports writing (always two words) is a demanding specialty that takes years of experience and practice - not to mention talent - to master.

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Do you capitalize head soccer coach