Curling Tournament Checklist

A curling tournament needs more than ice time and a list of teams. You need a workable match schedule, clear rules, confirmed referees, enough equipment and a plan for food, drinks and scoring. Start with the rink and tournament format, then open registration and assign teams once the deadline passes. In the final week, send participant details, check every stone and broom, print score sheets, chill drinks and prepare the welcome area.

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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

Set tournament date
2 people
Reserve curling rink
Draw up the match schedule
2 people
Set tournament rules
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Open the registration form
Approach sponsors
2 people
Order prizes
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Create team assignments
2 people
Confirm participants
Assign volunteers
2 people
Confirm referees
Book catering
Create a music playlist
Make badges and team cards
2 people
Print score sheets
Send participant information
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do the shopping
3 people
Check prizes and medals
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Lay out team cards
Check weather and travel updates
Open venue
2 people
Clean the reception area
3 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Build the catering buffet
3 people
Fill coolers
2 people
Set up the curling equipment
4 people
Place scoreboards
2 people
Distribute score sheets
2 people
Test sound system
2 people
Clear the safety route
2 people
Brief the referees
2 people
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

Open registration
3 people
Receive participants
3 people
Hand out team cards
2 people
Announce the opening
Explain the rules
2 people
Supervise the first round
6 people
Process scores
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Supervise the second round
6 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Clear away break tables
2 people
Support the third round
6 people
Serve the hot meal
4 people
Update match standings
2 people
Guide the final round
6 people
Check final scores
2 people
Announce the winners
2 people
Present prizes
3 people
Take group photo
2 people
See participants off
3 people

Aftercare

Pack leftover catering
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Collect waste
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Return curling equipment
4 people
Turn off the sound equipment
2 people
Clean the catering area
3 people
Check toilets
2 people
Lock up the venue
2 people
Return deposit materials
2 people
Archive invoices and receipts
Publish results
Send thank-you message

What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 80
Bar unit
Buffet tablesqty 3
Coat rackqty 2
Bollardsqty 12

Sports equipment

Curling stonesqty 32
Curling broomsqty 32
Slidersqty 40
Curling shoesqty 40
Team bibsqty 32
Marker discsqty 24
Stopwatchesqty 6
Scoreboardsqty 4
Scoreboard markersqty 12
Competition whistlesqty 6

Equipment

Sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Laptop
Printer
Mobile chargersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Hot traysqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Kitchen tongsqty 4
Kitchen towelsqty 12

Decorations

Bib numbersqty 16
Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 100
Tableclothsqty 8
Stage sign

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Reserve the curling rink before opening registration, then build the match schedule around the number of sheets and expected teams. Leave time between games for teams to clear the ice and for scores to be recorded.
Set the tournament rules before sending invitations. State the game length, scoring method, tie-break procedure and when teams must report, so referees and participants use the same instructions.
Close registration early enough to create balanced team assignments and collect dietary requirements. Confirm the final participant list and send team cards, arrival instructions and the schedule before tournament day.
Count sports equipment by sheet and player, not just by item type. Check curling stones, brooms, sliders, shoes, bibs, marker discs, stopwatches and scoreboards before the rink opens.
Prepare the off-ice area the day before where possible: set out tables, chairs, team cards and score sheets, test the microphone and speakers, and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a curling rink for a tournament?: Book the rink as soon as you have a preferred date, ideally at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. You need the confirmed ice time before fixing the match schedule or opening registration.
How many teams do I need for a curling tournament?: Choose the number of teams based on the rink’s available sheets and the time per game. For example, 8 teams in a round-robin format require more ice time than a short knockout tournament, so confirm the format before advertising places.
When should I send the curling tournament schedule to participants?: Send the final schedule and team assignments 5 to 7 days before the tournament. Include arrival time, match times, rules, parking or entry instructions, clothing guidance and any dietary arrangements.
What should I prepare the day before a curling tournament?: Print score sheets, team cards and rules, check all curling equipment, test the sound system, confirm referees and volunteers, and prepare snacks and non-perishable supplies. Chill drinks and set out buffet or registration materials several hours before doors open.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.