How to Call In Scores

Newspapers depend upon coaches, parents and other readers to call in scores of high school games not staffed by reporters. Here’s a guide to providing information to The Times Orange County.

* Who to call: The Times Orange County Edition sports department, at (714) 966-5904 or (800) LA TIMES, ext. 65904.

* When to call: As soon as possible after the event and no later than 10:30 p.m.

* What we need: The necessary information varies with the sport. The more specifics you can offer, the more complete account of the game can appear in the paper. Have rosters for both teams with correct spelling of names. First and last names are needed for all players mentioned. Here’s some tips for specific sports:

* Football: The final score and score by quarters. Describe each scoring play, with who scored, how and the yardage. We also list individual leaders in rushing, passing, and receiving for both teams. For rushing, it’s the number of carries and total yards. For passing, it’s the number of attempts, completions, yards and interceptions. For receiving, it’s the number of catches and yards.

We also need league and overall records of each team and an estimated attendance.

* Cross-country: Scores and records of each team and top five individual finishers and their times. The site and distance of the race are also needed.

* Tennis: What each player did in the match and the overall and league records of both teams.

* Volleyball: Score of each game and records for both teams. Kill leaders for each team and players with 13 or more kills.

* Water polo: Final score, score by quarters, individual scorers, goalies and saves. Also need league and overall records for both teams.

* Important: Please be patient, particularly on Friday nights because of the high number of games involved. The earlier you can call, the quicker your information can be taken. Questions? Feel free to call early in the day.