Everyone loves the rush of the big game. It’s an electric atmosphere, with the players and coaches taking the field as the cheer squad, pep band, student section and PA announcer bring the crowd to a frenzy.
But there’s another group working behind the scenes to make sure fans and players alike remain engaged, informed and entertained: those operating the scoreboards, shooting in-game video and promoting the team and school through social media. And if your multimedia/hype team isn’t student-led or at least student “involved,” you’re missing a huge creative and educational opportunity.
Kids Know Kids
When it comes to hype for the big game, who better to drive the bus than students? After all, they fly the school colors and have the same pride as the athletes, band and cheer squad.
Getting students with diverse “off-the-field” skills and talents involved benefits your program and the school in a number of ways:
- Increases student involvement
- Generates school pride
- Provides valuable “volunteer” assistance for in-game operations
- Offers “real-world” experience to students looking to pursue event/video/audio careers
Develop a curriculum that allows students to:
- Create and deliver content that will appear on scoreboards during games
- Develop messaging shown on in-school video monitors throughout the day
- Shoot hype videos and interviews with players and coaches to be distributed through in-school channels and on social media
- Work with local sponsors to develop messaging for their on-site signage or electronic billboards throughout your community
When kids are allowed and encouraged to get involved, your school’s multimedia classes will explode with students who want real-world experience that allows them to show their talents in front of an audience, just like the players, cheerleaders and band.
“All the kids have different talents. And some kids want to create videos for the sporting events. They might not be the best athletes, but they still want to be involved in athletics, and this is one way we can showcase their skills at these events.”
Clint Graham, Athletic Director, Hannibal (MO) High School
And selected colleges and universities are starting to offer scholarships for students pursuing event management, sports broadcasting and in-game production.
Upping Your Game
Of course, if you want to create a legitimate curriculum that allows students to get a true feel for sports production, you need to invest in things like updated screens and scoreboards, sound systems, in-school production facilities and upgraded equipment (cameras and support, audio gear, etc.).
But you don’t have to go all-out all at once. Start by creating the buzz. Work with your multimedia instructors to develop a class or curriculum that involves and excites students. Then, give them the tools–and the freedom, with proper oversight–to run wild with their creativity and enthusiasm to make your athletic events something other teams and communities will talk about.
Win or lose, regardless of the sport, you want to create something special for your students, from the athletes to the cheer squad, band and fans. By committing to teaching and training your multimedia students to take the reins on game promotion and in-game operations, you can close the circle on providing something meaningful and fun for everyone.
Allow Digital Scoreboards to be your partner in fostering this kind of atmosphere – one that extends far beyond just your athletic department.
Want more content like this?
Read Classroom Integration, and find out how we’re helping schools involve more students with the help of our unique, cutting-edge digital displays.