Ax-Throwing Tournament Checklist

An ax-throwing tournament needs more than booked lanes and a guest list. You need a clear match schedule, safe throwing lines, checked targets, printed rules and scorecards ready before the first round. Food, dietary details and transport information also need deadlines, especially when several teams arrive at once. Use this checklist to work through reservations, registration, equipment, catering and the final venue setup in the right order.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Reserve venue
Reserve axe throwing lanes
Draft invitation
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Share transport and route
Create final guest list
Create teams and the match schedule
2 people
Confirm the catering menu
2 people
Confirm reservations
Check the axes and targets
2 people
Print the competition rules
Prepare scorecards
Prepare name badges
Do the shopping
2 people
Collect materials
2 people
Wash fruits and vegetables
2 people
Prepare sandwiches and salads
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Pick up the venue key
Build axe throwing lanes
4 people
Install safety nets
3 people
Mark throwing lines
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
Set up the buffet and drinks table
3 people
Set up rules and scoreboards
2 people
Test music and lighting
2 people
Conduct a safety check
2 people

Event

Welcome guests
3 people
Register attendance
2 people
Give safety instructions
2 people
Assign teams
2 people
Lead practice rounds
4 people
Guide competition rounds
6 people
Keep track of scores
2 people
Serve snacks and food
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Collect waste
Lead the final
3 people
Announce the winner
Serve cake and the last round of drinks
2 people

Aftercare

Store axes safely
2 people
Dismantle competition materials
4 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Take waste to the bins
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Pay the final invoice
Send thank-you message

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Sports equipment

Axesqty 12
Wooden goalsqty 6
Goal standsqty 6
Safety netsqty 2
Throw line markingqty 2
Scoreboardsqty 6
Whiteboard markersqty 12
Conesqty 12
Instruction boardsqty 6

Furniture

Buffet tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Coat rack

Tableware

Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Drinking glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Coolersqty 3

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Portable speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Name badgesqty 30

Safety

First aid kit
Safety gogglesqty 12
Work glovesqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Dish brushesqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Reserve the venue and throwing lanes before sending invitations. Confirm how many lanes are available, how long each match can run and when you can access the space for setup.
Close registrations early enough to create balanced teams and a workable match schedule. Send the final guest list, route information and transport details before event day rather than relying on last-minute messages.
Check every axe, target, goal stand and safety net before guests arrive. Mark the throwing lines clearly, install the nets securely and keep the competition rules visible at the lanes.
Prepare scorecards, scoreboards, name badges and markers in one labelled kit. Print spare scorecards and rules so a lost sheet or late participant does not interrupt the tournament.
Finish catering preparation around the venue schedule: confirm dietary requirements, chill drinks and prepare food before setup gets busy. Pick up the key first, then build the lanes and arrange tables, chairs and serving equipment around the safe throwing area.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book an ax-throwing tournament?: Book the venue and throwing lanes at least 4–6 weeks ahead, especially if you need several lanes at the same time. Confirm the reservation again during the final week.
How many axes and lanes do I need for a tournament?: Plan for one usable axe per active throwing position, plus at least 1–2 spare axes if the venue allows it. The number of lanes depends on your match schedule, but confirm lane capacity before registrations open.
When should I finalise teams and the match schedule?: Create the teams and schedule as soon as registrations close, ideally 5–7 days before the tournament. This leaves time to print scorecards, prepare name badges and tell participants when to arrive.
What safety equipment is needed for an ax-throwing tournament?: Each throwing area needs a clearly marked throw line, secure targets or wooden goals, goal stands and safety nets. Check all equipment before guests arrive and keep the rules visible throughout the event.

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