Picture book. Memory book. Record book. Historical book. While we often focus on the photo and memory functions of the yearbook, it’s important to remember it is the only permanent record of the school year. It’s essential to include team photos and scores in the book.
Team photos: In the best-case scenario, the portrait photographer or a local photographer takes the team photos. Contact the photographer directly, asking for photos already taken and the dates for upcoming team shots. This will also ensure spring sports take their photos in time for the final yearbook deadline. If parents or several photographers help with team photos, make sure to contact them quickly to obtain the needed photos by the final deadline.
Names: Unless a staffer attends every team photo session, you’ll gather names after the pictures are taken. To help with name recognition, identify athletes during the season. (It’s really hard for football coaches to remember a freshman player who transferred after the third week when you ask for his name in March.) Ask for a roster at the beginning of the season to make name identification easier. Another option is to provide printouts of the photos to the coaches to ID athletes. Often, student managers assist with team photos, especially with large teams like football. Make sure to check for name changes and spelling errors.
Scores: It can be tough to track down scores if you didn’t keep up with it during the season. Or worse, the team had a rough season and the coach doesn’t want to share losing scores. To avoid this, assign a student to keep track of scores every week. Print out the schedule and add the score by the game, use the score sheet (from Balfour’s yearbook curriculum) or keep a Google doc with the scores. If your school uses maxpreps.com or a Twitter account to record scores, check it regularly to update your team’s record and scores. Another option is to have a staffer take a picture of the scorebook at the end of the season.
Feeling overwhelmed? If you’ve never included scores before, consider taking it slow. Maybe include the schedule this year, then add varsity scores the next. If space is an issue, run only the district or conference scores with the overall record. Build each year to eventually include scores for all teams.
Bonus tip: A pre-season survey can make collecting information easier. Go for the goal!