Last Updated: June 2026
Our Mission
The Playbook is an independent digital sports publication dedicated to exploring the stories beyond the scoreline. We believe great sports journalism should do more than report results—it should provide context, challenge assumptions, celebrate achievement and encourage informed discussion.
Our coverage spans football, boxing, mixed martial arts, cricket and other major sporting events, with a focus on thoughtful analysis, long-form features, interviews, opinion and feature journalism.
Everything we publish is guided by our commitment to accuracy, independence, fairness and integrity.
Editorial Independence
Editorial independence is fundamental to The Playbook.
All editorial decisions are made independently and are never influenced by advertisers, sponsors, commercial partners, clubs, governing bodies, athletes or external organisations.
Where commercial partnerships or sponsored content exist, they will always be clearly disclosed to readers.
Editorial coverage cannot be purchased.
Editorial Process
Every article published by The Playbook follows an editorial process designed to maintain quality, consistency and accuracy.
Depending on the type of content, this process may include:
- Topic research
- Source verification
- Drafting
- Editorial review
- Fact-checking
- Proofreading
- Publication
Breaking news may require accelerated publication, but we remain committed to correcting or updating information as new verified facts become available.
Accuracy and Fact-Checking
Accuracy is central to everything we publish.
We make every reasonable effort to verify facts before publication by consulting reliable and reputable sources.
Statistics, quotations and historical information are checked wherever possible before publication.
Where information cannot be independently verified, or where a story remains speculative or developing, this will be clearly communicated to readers.
If we make a factual error, we are committed to correcting it promptly and transparently.
News, Analysis and Opinion
The Playbook publishes several different forms of journalism, including:
- News
- Match Reports
- Tactical Analysis
- Features
- Interviews
- Opinion
- Editorials
We clearly distinguish between factual reporting, analytical pieces and opinion articles.
Opinion articles reflect the views of the individual author and should not be interpreted as objective news reporting.
Sources and Attribution
We aim to attribute information wherever possible.
We prioritise:
- Official statements
- Primary sources
- Direct interviews
- Reputable news organisations
- Publicly available data
Transfer rumours, speculation and unconfirmed reports will always be identified as such and will never intentionally be presented as confirmed fact.
The Playbook respects the intellectual property of journalists, photographers, publishers and creators. All external material is used with appropriate attribution or permission where required.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence may be used to support aspects of our editorial workflow, including:
- Research assistance
- Brainstorming
- Proofreading
- Editing
- Workflow organisation
Artificial intelligence is not used as a substitute for editorial judgement, independent reporting or human oversight.
Every article published by The Playbook is reviewed, edited and approved by a human editor or author before publication.
The Playbook remains fully accountable for everything published on its platforms.
Fairness and Ethics
We believe responsible journalism should be fair, balanced and respectful.
Our editorial team aims to:
- Treat individuals fairly.
- Avoid misleading headlines.
- Present criticism where supported by evidence.
- Clearly distinguish fact from opinion.
- Avoid unnecessary sensationalism.
- Respect privacy where appropriate.
- Act with honesty and integrity.
Where allegations are reported, we aim to provide appropriate context and avoid presenting speculation as established fact.
Conflicts of Interest
Our writers and contributors are expected to avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise editorial independence.
Where a potential conflict exists, it will be disclosed where appropriate.
Editorial decisions are never influenced by gifts, financial incentives, hospitality or personal relationships.
Diversity and Inclusion
Sport belongs to everyone.
The Playbook strives to cover sport in a way that respects different communities, cultures and perspectives.
We aim to avoid discriminatory language and encourage respectful discussion while reflecting the diversity that exists throughout modern sport.
Commercial Relationships
Should The Playbook enter into sponsorships, affiliate partnerships or commercial collaborations, these relationships will never influence our editorial decisions.
Sponsored content will always be clearly labelled.
Advertising and commercial activity will remain separate from editorial content.
Readers should always be able to distinguish between journalism and advertising.
Corrections Policy
Transparency builds trust.
If a factual error is identified after publication, we will review it promptly.
Where appropriate, we may:
- Correct factual inaccuracies.
- Clarify misleading wording.
- Update developing stories.
- Publish an Editor’s Note explaining significant corrections.
Minor typographical or grammatical amendments may be made without formal notice.
Readers are encouraged to report suspected inaccuracies by contacting our editorial team.
Reader Feedback
Constructive feedback is welcomed.
We value reader comments, corrections and suggestions as part of our commitment to continual improvement.
If you believe an article contains a factual error or requires clarification, please contact us and we will investigate the matter fairly and promptly.
Article Updates
Sport moves quickly.
Articles covering developing stories may be updated as new verified information becomes available.
Routine updates, including additional context, statistics or editorial improvements, may be made without a formal correction notice.
Where substantial factual changes are made, readers will be informed appropriately.
Intellectual Property
Unless otherwise stated, all original written content published by The Playbook remains the intellectual property of The Playbook and its respective authors.
Articles may not be copied, republished or redistributed without prior written permission, except where permitted under applicable copyright legislation.
Reasonable quotations with appropriate attribution and a link to the original article are welcomed.
Our Standards
Every article published by The Playbook should seek to:
- Inform rather than sensationalise.
- Prioritise accuracy over speed.
- Add value through context, insight and original thought.
- Respect the intelligence of readers.
- Encourage informed discussion.
- Maintain the highest possible editorial standards.
These principles guide every stage of our editorial process.
Contact
Questions regarding our editorial standards, requests for corrections or concerns relating to published content can be directed to:
Editorial Team
Email: editor@theplaybook.uk
We welcome constructive feedback and remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of independent sports journalism.