Categories and Media Requirements

Entrants should select the category that best reflects the dominant style and intent of their column writing, rather than the publication format or word count.

Columnist of the Year – Long Form

Definition
This award recognises column writing that is primarily long-form in approach, offering depth, context and developed argument. Entries typically take a reflective or explanatory view of sport, drawing on reporting, expertise or wider context to explore themes, issues or narratives over time. This may have been published across digital, print and hybrid formats.

Columns in this category are judged on:

• depth of thought and argument
• clarity and structure
• insight, context and perspective
• quality and consistency of writing

Long-form refers to the style and intent of the writing, not a fixed word count.

Entries for both short/Longform may consist of up to five published columns and up to 500-word citation, detailing the columnist’s voice and approach, the themes or issues explored and how the work demonstrates consistency, insight and impact during the eligibility year.