SMJHL Deep Dive Guidelines
What is a Deep Dive?
Deep Dives are an opportunity for SMJHL rookies only to explore any aspect of a player, players, team culture, league culture, vibes or a team/teams in depth.
It’s a structured media opportunity that rewards well-researched, thoughtful analysis with 5 TPE per submission.

Submission Rules & Requirements:

1. Word Count & Quality Standards:
Articles must be at least 500 words to be eligible for 5 TPE.
Low-effort content (fluff, filler, vague opinions) will be denied or returned for revision.


2. Submission Limits:
Two (2) articles per season per rookie.
The second article must cover a different topic than the first.


3. Topic Scope & Creativity:
You can analyze any SMJHL or SHL team, a team's culture, team vibes, player vibes, team performance a specific player, or league trends, etc
Unique topics are encouraged. If a topic has been covered before, your article must provide new insight.
Copying another Deep Dive’s ideas without adding anything original may result in denial. If you have any questions or need topic advice please do not hesitate to reach out to @Ara, @chetib, @Beavie, or @noxu


4. Posting Process & Formatting:
Create a new thread in the Deep Dive section. Title format must include whether it is your first or second submission.
Example: "Deep Dive #1 - Breaking Down the Maine Timber’s Defense"
The Deep Dives Team will review all submissions and either approve, deny, or request revisions.


5. Submission Window:
Deep Dives may be submitted from the first game of the SMJHL regular season until the end of the SMJHL playoffs.


6. No Cross-Posting:
Deep Dive submissions cannot be posted in the SHL Media section.
If posted in both sections, only the first submission will be graded.



AI & Plagiarism Policy (Non-Negotiable Rules)
7. No AI-Generated Content
Fully AI-generated articles are strictly prohibited.
If an article is flagged for AI use, it may be denied outright.
If a submission is suspected of AI generation, the user may be asked to provide a draft or rewrite the article.


8. AI-Assisted Translation Policy
If English is not your first language, translation tools (DeepL, Google Translate, etc.) may be used—but only for assistance.
Articles must be written by the user first, then translated.
If using translation assistance, note it in your post (Example: "This article was originally written in [language] and translated manually.")
If flagged as AI-translated with minimal human effort, you may be asked to provide proof of the original draft in your native language.


9. Plagiarism = Automatic Denial
Copying content from other users, AI tools, or external sources is strictly prohibited.
If discussing another Deep Dive, you must link to the original article and provide unique analysis.
Users caught plagiarizing multiple times may face further disciplinary action.

Effort & Review Policy:
10. Effort Standards & Review Process:
Low-effort, rushed, or repetitive articles will be denied or sent back for revision.
The Deep Dives Team reserves the right to deny any post that does not meet quality, originality, or effort standards.


Examples of Approved Topics:
Team Comparisons: How does one team stack up against the league?
Game/Season Analysis: Breaking down a team’s performance over a stretch of games or the entire season.
Player Profiles: Deep dives into rookies, veterans, goalies, or a player’s stat evolution.
Draft & Trade Analysis: Predicting team draft needs, trade impacts, or evaluating past picks.
Tactical & Strategy Breakdowns: Examining team strengths, weaknesses, and system efficiencies.
Historical Reviews: Franchise history, name changes, championship runs, and key moments.
Response Pieces: Analyzing or debating a previous Deep Dive article from another user.
Ranking Players on Locker room vibe
etc