Editorial Guidelines

1. Mission and Editorial Vision

Sidibari is the heartbeat of Maldivian sport. We exist to tell the stories that matter — not just who won and who lost, but how and why it happened, and what it means.

We aim to:

Cover sports with depth, care, and accuracy — from island leagues to international representation.
Prioritise storytelling, not just reporting. We aim to provide boots-on-the-sports-ground journalism and bring readers closer to athletes, decisions, and moments.
Offer analysis that informs and opinion that respects the game.
Represent the full spectrum of Maldivian sports across gender, geography, and generation.

2. Style, Tone & Voice

2.1 Tone of Voice

Smart, not smug: Speak with knowledge, not superiority.
Conversational, not casual: Keep it readable but clean.
Insider-level detail: Assume readers love the sport — give them more than headlines.
Avoid clichés and exaggerations: “He gave 110%” tells us nothing. Show us what happened and how.

2.2 Language & Structure

Write in active voice unless passive is necessary for clarity.
Spell out numbers one to nine; use digits from 10 onwards.
Use precise terminology: know the difference between a round-robin and a swiss league, a winger and a wide midfielder.

3. What We Publish

a) In-Depth Features

Emotional, well-reported pieces that explore the context around a team, match, moment, or figure.
Narrative-driven, with reporting from multiple voices where applicable.
1,000–2,500 words. Deep dives up to 4,000 with approval.

b) Match Coverage (Insight Over Recap)

Go beyond the scoreline. Offer tactical breakdowns, player-focused takes, or moments that shaped the result.
We prefer “What we learned” or “Three takeaways” formats over standard recaps.
Include quotes, data, and context.

c) Interviews & Profiles

Use reporting to add layers. What’s unique about this athlete, not just what they said?
Structure interviews around themes or chapters, not just a Q&A dump.
Consider location, setting, and mood in the write-up.

d) Opinion & Columns

Must be informed, original, and rooted in analysis or reporting.
Opinion should enrich, not provoke for clicks.
If taking a stance, back it up with insight or context.

e) Analysis

Stats-supported tactical reviews, player form studies, team strategies.
Use visuals (charts, graphs, posters) where applicable.
Keep the reader ahead of the game — not just informed, but smarter.

4. Reporting and Ethics

Report, don’t assume. Every fact or claim should be verifiable.
Build trust: We want access, not scandal. Keep relationships professional.
Protect sources: Especially in sensitive reporting, follow strict confidentiality protocols.
Transparency: If you’re close to a source (coach, player, official), disclose that relationship.
Corrections Policy: Mistakes happen. Own them quickly and clearly.

5. Use of Sources

We value original reporting — speak to the people involved.
Always name sources when possible. Anonymous sourcing must be cleared with editors and used sparingly.
Avoid recycling unverified social media speculation.

6. Visual Standards

Photography: Real moments over posed shots. Action, reaction, and atmosphere are key.
Infographics/Stats: Must be accurate, cleanly presented, and clearly labelled.
Photo Consent: Especially when involving minors or public settings, ensure legal and ethical clearance.

7. Editorial Workflow

Stage	Description
Pitch	Short summary (150–200 words) with proposed format, angle, and source plan.
Submission	Draft in Word or Google Docs. Include suggested headline and standfirst.
Editing	We edit for structure, clarity, accuracy, and tone. Expect collaborative feedback.
Publication	Contributor bylines and photo credits are included. Shared across web and social channels
	.

8. Timelines & Deadlines

Features: 2–3 days prior to scheduled issue.
Match/event coverage: Previews 24–48h before; reactions within 24h.
Breaking news: Immediate communication with editor — prioritise verification.

9. Inclusivity & Representation

Cover beyond Male’: Athletes and stories from islands, atolls, and remote communities matter deeply.
Women’s sports: Not to be treated as an afterthought — treat with the same depth and rigour.
Avoid tokenism. Let representation emerge naturally through strong, respectful storytelling.

10. Our Position on Faith, Luck, & Praise in Sports

As a Maldivian publication, Sidibari firmly upholds the principles of Islam in all editorial decisions. This includes:

Divine Predetermination (Qadr):
While terms such as “luck” or “chance” may appear in reporting for narrative effect or to reflect how players speak, Sidibari holds firmly to the belief that all outcomes are by the will and decree of Allah (SWT). Luck is never presented as a force independent of divine Will.
Praise Without Idolization:
Our praise of athletes — for effort, talent, or achievement — is always grounded in human context. We do not glorify athletes in a divine or idolising manner, nor do we use language that elevates individuals beyond what is appropriate in Islamic theology. Readers and writers are encouraged to celebrate success with God-consciousness.
Respectful Language:
Avoid phrases that imply superstition, or fate outside of divine Will. When in doubt, writers should defer to the editorial team for clarity or rephrasing.

11. Contributor Guidelines

Be professional: Communicate clearly, meet deadlines, and be responsive to edits.
Collaborate: Share contacts and context when working as part of a team.
Stay curious: Read widely within sports journalism. Know what’s already been said, and aim to say something new.

12. Sidibari House Style Quick Sheet

Element	Usage
Dates	7 April 2025 (no “th”)
Time	4pm (not 4:00 PM)
Season	lowercase (e.g. spring, not Spring)
Spelling	British English
Numbers	Spell out one to nine; digits 10+
Quotes	Single (‘like this’), double inside single
Clubs	Full name first mention (e.g. Club Valencia), short thereafter
Place Names	Island, Atoll format (e.g. Eydhafushi, Baa Atoll)
Titles	Use roles (e.g. coach, captain), not honorifics