Prep Hoops Next Frequently Asked Questions
A personalized email address (FirstName@PrepHoopsNext.com) is available upon request, although we ask that you commit to managing it well and staying organized with your communication. We do recommend you get business cards as well, which are also available upon request. They come in handy for when you’re brushing shoulders with people in the gym and we can print coupons on them so you can sling discounted subscriptions to the people you meet.
We also have a Prep Hoops Next store created by Eastbay. After you’re up and rolling for a few weeks, we’ll be happy to reimburse a merchandise purchase up to $75 so you can represent the brand well with Nike gear when you’re in the gym.
UNDERSTANDING EVENT COVERAGE OPPORTUNITIES WITH PREP HOOPS NEXT…
How can I be paid for coverage of non-Prep Hoops Next events? Will my expenses be paid?
Spencer is willing to assist in negotiating “event coverage contracts” for Prep Hoops Next contributors interested in watching and evaluating players in-person. The purpose of these contracts is so event operators can provide financial assistance as it relates to your travel to-and-from events as well as financial compensation as it relates to event coverage. If such a contract is negotiated, you will be required to meet certain content requirements agreed upon prior to the event. For example, that may include a minimum of three articles, the first of which must be published two days after the conclusion of the event and the last of which published no later than five days after the event.
Prep Hoops Next does not provide travel reimbursement for non-Prep Hoops Next events, that is the responsibility of the respective event operators, which is why it is critical to negotiate coverage contract(s) for such events. If you are interested in covering an event for Prep Hoops Next, please refer to the youth hoops event calendar (email Spencer for link), and notify Spencer at least two weeks prior to the event start date.
It is important to note that in this case, “event coverage” refers specifically to promotion (prior to and during the event) as well as reporting (during the event). Any written articles following the event should be viewed as additional compensation and will be paid by Prep Hoops Next in the amount stated on your contract.
Please note that promotion and coverage of non-Prep Hoops Next events via Prep Hoops Next social channels is not permitted. You are free to promote these events via your personal social channels. However, written articles/images following the event are eligible, and likely will be, posted on the Prep Hoops Next website and social channels.
Prep Hoops Next events will always take precedence over other events.
There will opportunities across the country to assist in coverage of Prep Hoops Next events. Once approved, Prep Hoops Next will provide assistance related to travel booking/expenses and/or compensation in the form of a one-time bonus payment for PHN event coverage. Once again, “event coverage” refers specifically to promotion (prior to and during the event) as well as reporting (during the event). Any written articles following the event should be viewed as additional compensation and will be paid by Prep Hoops Next in the amount stated on your contract.
Please encourage any coaches/players/teams that you have relationships with to consider participating in Prep Hoops Next events. Click here to view the 2021 Prep Hoops Next Circuit calendar!
For non-Prep Hoops Next events, we will focus on event operators that also have teams/programs. The primary reason for this strategy is that we want to cultivate not only event contract relationships, but also relationships where opportunities can be reciprocated, specifically by event operators sending their teams/programs to Prep Hoops Next events. This is more likely to happen if the event operator manages their own teams/program.
What is expected when I cover events on behalf of Prep Hoops Next?
In addition to a standard of professional conduct and appearance, if you are provided business cards or branded merchandise related to Prep Hoops Next, we ask that you make every effort to network and be seen while at events. Talk with coaches/players/parents, distribute your information (whether verbally or via business cards), and wear any Prep Hoops Next merchandise that you have purchased or have been provided.
However, the most critical focal points of event coverage are accurate player evaluations, quality images, and contact information. Click here for a quick video explaining how to take player photos during events. When putting together your player evaluation reports, each article should target on 5-7 players. The more players, the better. So, you are at an event, push yourself to try to get another batch of players (5-7 players) for another article.
It’s always helpful, going into an event, to think through the articles you want to write so that you can just plug the players in and have them neatly segmented into different groups by position, age, skill, etc. For more tips of event coverage, don’t hesitate to reach out to Spencer or Jared, or check out our event coverage guide here.
Looking for more information? The Prep Network Frequently Asked Questions page is available here.