Student Sports Competition

Each year the Sports Division of BEA spotlights the best work of student sports journalists from across the country. Radio and television anchors, reporters and producers showcase their creativity in this highly competitive competition. Entries will be accepted from November 15 – December 15 and winners will be showcased during an awards ceremony at the BEA Convention in Las Vegas in April.

The Student Sports competition accepts entries in the following categories:

SS1- Audio Sports Story/Feature/News – This category is intended to include a broad mix of submissions. Some examples could include: Radio sports news package, sports news feature, human interest stories with a sports focus, player profiles, game stories, etc. Submissions must be audio, but could have been delivered across multiple mediums including radio, online or podcast. Entries must be limited to five minutes in length.

SS2 – Audio/Video Sports Event: Play by play talent – This category is intended to highlight the play by play talent of a student entrant. Entries can be audio only or audio with video. Entries should contain approximately 10-15 consecutive minutes UNEDITED (commercials removed) of play by play.

SS3 – Video Sports Story/Feature (short) – This category is intended to include a broad mix of submissions. Some examples could include: Television sports news package, Online sports news features, human interest stories with a sports focus, player profiles, game stories, etc. Entries in this category are limited to three minutes in length.

SS4 – Video Sports Story/Feature (long) – This category is intended to include a broad mix of submissions. Some examples could include: Television sports news package, Online sports news features, human interest stories with a sports focus, player profiles, game stories, etc. Entries in this category are more than three minutes in length.

SS5 – Video Sports Talent (Anchor/Host) – Submissions in this category should be similar to a demo reel that one might submit for a sports anchor/reporter job in the industry. Such reels typically include a montage of stand-ups, anchor reads/highlight reads, and 2-3 reporter packages. Reels will be evaluated on presentation, writing, editing, and variety/versatility.

SS6 – Video Sports Live Game Production – This category will showcase live-game sports production of games featuring student production delivered via television or online. Entries should consist of live games only. Pre- and post-game shows, highlight shows, press conferences, etc. are not eligible for this category. Non-students may contribute as on-air talent, but the main production elements (director, technical director, cameras, audio, etc.) must be students. Entries should consist of the full broadcast (no edits of content), with commercials/breaks edited out.

SS7 – Video Sports News Program – This category is intended for any sports news program delivered via television or online. This category includes full sports segments from a newscast, a stand-alone sports program, pre- and post-game shows, coach’s shows, etc. Entries should consist of the full segment/show broadcast (no edits of content), with commercials/breaks edited out.

SS8 – Promotional Video/Tease/PSA – This category includes promotional videos, teases, or public service announcements created for the purpose of marketing, branding, or sales. This can include videos promoting sports news programs, sportscasts, special sports coverage, athletic programs, specific teams (such as hype videos), individuals related to athletic programs (players, coaches, alumni, administration, special guests, etc.), event sales, facilities, benefits, or other accomplishments. These videos can be distributed via television, web, social media, video boards, and in-house production. Entries must be limited to two minutes in length.

SS9 – Esports Coverage – This category is intended for the delivery of coverage and presentation of competitive, organized video gaming to the viewer. This could include pre and post-event show coverage, highlights, and live event production, promotional/tease video, and feature (video and/or audio), etc.

Please read the Student Competition Rules to verify that your entry meets all eligibility requirements for submission.