Abbreviations will be used often in place of the whole word. You are not misreading things. Using the kanji to represent the whole word is quick and efficient.

There are generally 3 tournament cycles for each sport. These are generally in spring, summer, and fall/winter. The final tournament of the year is often the tournament for 1st and 2nd years only. Tournaments will often use the kanji for season in addition to the kanji of the specific season.

Sports clubs are not the only clubs with competitions. Many of your culture clubs will also have competitions though sometimes on a less frequent basis. Of note is the drama clubs compete in Kanto (Tokyo, Kanagawa, etc…) for regionals instead of Chubu/Tokai.

勝 祝負

winner

loser

congratulations

*OR*holiday

春季

夏季 冬季秋季Sprin

gSummer

Winter

Autumn