Editorial standards and corrections.
Past the Play publishes original reporting, analysis and features. Our credibility depends on showing readers where information comes from, what our evidence can establish and what it cannot.
Accuracy
Writers and editors are expected to verify factual claims before publication, represent sources fairly and distinguish reporting from analysis or opinion. We do not knowingly publish fabricated quotations, data or reporting.
Original research
Data-driven stories should explain the sample, method, important exclusions and meaningful limitations clearly enough for readers to understand how a conclusion was reached. Statistical evidence should not be described as proving more than the research design can support.
Sourcing
We prefer attributable, primary sourcing where practical. Anonymous sourcing should be used only when the information is important, the source has a legitimate reason not to be identified and the publication is in a position to assess the source's credibility.
Corrections and updates
Material factual errors should be corrected promptly and transparently. When a change meaningfully affects a published story, readers should be told what was changed. Routine copy edits that do not alter meaning do not require a correction note.
Conflicts and disclosure
Writers should disclose relationships, financial interests or other circumstances that could reasonably create a significant conflict with the subject of a story. Relevant disclosures should be made visible to readers when they materially affect how the work should be understood.
Independence
Editorial conclusions belong to Past the Play and its writers. Access to a team, athlete, organization, sponsor or other subject does not guarantee favorable coverage or editorial control.