High
School Contest Rules
These rules apply to the 2009
High School Journalism Contest at the state level.
General
requirements for entries:
Entries must be the published work of
students enrolled in grades 9-12 during the current
contest year or during the last semester of the senior
year for students' work published in the spring. Work
eligible for the 2008 competition must have been
completed between March 1, 2008, and Feb. 28,
2009 (N.B., the state contest deadline is Feb. 19), as determined by the National Federation
of Press Women.
Submit two (2) tear
sheets (the entire page on which the article or graphic
appears) for each entry (including two (2) copies
of each of three columns in the personal column
category). Please highlight or otherwise mark each
tearsheet to indicate which article, graphic or photo is
being entered. Each entry must be accompanied by two
(2) copies of the completed entry form. When entering a
photograph that was printed as part of a series, indicate
which photo is to be considered.
Contestants are limited to three
(3) entries per category. Contestants may enter as many
categories as desired.
The postmark deadline for entries
is Feb. 17, 2009. We regret that entries
postmarked after Feb. 17 may not be judged.
Please submit all entries from your
school at the same time. Include a list of the entries,
indicating the total number of entries and the categories
in which entries are submitted. (An optional manifest
form is available from the contest
director on request.) The state fee is $3 per entry.
If possible, please submit one check from each school.
Categories
and criteria
considered by the judges:
1. Editorial -- This
entry would appear on the editorial page of the paper. It
is the voice of the paper. An editorial is not a bylined
personal column, but may be a signed on behalf of an
editorial board.
2. Opinion -- This is
the voice of the writer, not to be confused with an
editorial. It can focus on items of personal nature,
social issues, or happenings of the world. It can be
insightful and/or critical, but not libelous. Judging
will evaluate clearness of style, sound reasoning and
effort to influence reader's opinion in what the writer
believes is the right direction. An opinion article, the
voice of the individual, is always bylined.
3. News -- Shows
initiative in obtaining a story that presents new
information or a different angle on published information
or past events. Judging will be based on general
organization, writing style, readability and impact.
4. Feature -- An
in-depth topic of interest to readers. Copy will be
judged on unusual aspects of the material or the
handling, writing style and richness of detail and use of
quotes, readability and thoroughness. The material may be
a personality profile or human interest piece.
5. Sports -- Imagination
and good application of sportswriting style in advance,
follow-up, summary or feature coverage of events or
sports participants. Avoid play-by-play rehash.
6. Column -- Submit
three entries, two consecutive and any third one.
Analytical scrutiny, satire or personal comment on
general or special subject that entertains and/or
educates. May utilize in-depth knowledge, research, study
or expertise.
7. Feature Photo --
Photo must have viewer emotional response, eye-catching
subject matter and storytelling qualities. No posed
shots. Judging will be based on the photo's quality as
published. Original prints are not required. Submit two
copies of published version.
8. Sports Photo -- Photo
should be easy to "read" and cropped for
impact. It should show the peak of the action; capture an
exciting moment or a storytelling facial expression. No
posed shots. Judging is based on the quality of the photo
as published. Submit two dated copies of the published
version.
9. Cartooning -- Copy
may be generated by computer graphics or freehand and may
be a comic strip or cartoon. Judging will consider the
text or caption and the use of concept and artistic
style. The subject matter is unrestricted. For example,
any political, economic or social issue may be covered or
any human relations issue or other topic.
10. Reviews -- Entry
should be of interest to the publication's readers.
Subject may be art or dramatic event or music. Article
should include some critical analysis and show writer's
knowledge of the subject. Review should be interesting,
creatively written and rich in style.
11. Graphics -- Entry
may be created freehand or electronically. Judging will
be on creativity, uniqueness, clarity of relationship to
article or publications and entry's visual enhancement of
the subject matter. Unsigned work requires adviser's
verification.
12. Single Page Layout --
Copy may be from a desktop publishing project or from the
traditional printing production methods. (A double-truck
is not a single page.) Judges will consider any number of
graphic elements, typography, photos, illustrations and
color. Judging will be on creative and effective use of
elements in drawing reader interest and supporting
article (s) content. Unsigned work requires adviser's
verification.
13. Double-Truck Layout --
The entry is a two-page layout (centerfold) incorporating an
odd number of pictures made up as a single unit, with the
usual margin between the two facing pages eliminated.
Judging will be based on same elements as for single-page layout.
Unsigned work requires adviser's verification.
14. Environment --
Judging will be based on how the article, layout, graphic or
photograph "educates the public about environmental issues or
concerns." This award is given in conjunction with
the San Francisco Press Club Environment Award Fund.
| Contact |
Phone |
E-mail |
Kristin
Netterstrom, High School Contest
Director
121 E. Capitol Ave.
Little Rock AR 72201 |
501/378-3479
(days) |
knetterstrom@
arkansasonline.com |
|
