What you need for a field hockey tournament

A field hockey tournament needs more than sticks, balls and goals. You also need enough drinking water, coolers, food, shade, scoring equipment and printed information for teams and referees. Plan quantities around the number of players, teams and matches, then add spares for damaged equipment and weather changes. The checklist below covers the items to buy, bring or prepare before tournament day, including supplies that are often left until the last minute.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Changing room benchesqty 8
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Hockey sticksqty 30
Match ballsqty 24
Spare ballsqty 12
Conesqty 40
Marker discsqty 30
Training bibsqty 30
Whistlesqty 8
Scoreboardsqty 4
Game clocksqty 4
Goal netsqty 4
Goalkeeper masksqty 4
Goalkeeper glovesqty 4
Referee cardsqty 8
Captain's armbandsqty 8
Ball bagsqty 4
Water cratesqty 8
Coolersqty 4

Equipment

Megaphonesqty 2
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 4
Laptopsqty 2
Tabletsqty 2
Label printer

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 50
Water jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4
Refrigerated display casesqty 2

Decorations

Team table signsqty 12
Directional signsqty 12
Stage ribbons
Tableclothsqty 8
Trophiesqty 3
Medalsqty 60
Participant certificatesqty 60

Cleaning

Dustpan and brushqty 3
Broomqty 3
Mopqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Ice packsqty 12
Safety vestsqty 8
Flashlightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Sports drink - 60 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Cheese - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Arugula - 8 bags
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Yogurt dressing - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Salted sticks - 6 bags
- Nut mix - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Oranges - 40 pieces
- Baby carrots - 4 kilos
- Cucumber snack - 20 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 60
- Chocolate bars - 60 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Bread bags - 2 packs

Tips

Plan at least one match ball per active field, plus several spare balls in ball bags. Keep the spare balls at the control table so a lost or damaged ball does not stop play.
Provide drinking water throughout the day, not just at registration. As a starting point, allow 1.5 to 2 litres per player for a full tournament and bring coolers to keep drinks accessible.
Prepare food in portions that can be served quickly between matches. Sandwiches and snacks should cover every registered participant, with separate options for collected dietary requirements.
Pack one complete scoring and officiating set for each active field: a scoreboard, game clock, whistle and referee cards. Bring printed team lists and competition forms in a clearly labelled folder.
Take weather cover seriously: party tents, tables, waste bins, extension cords and power strips are easy to overlook when planning the sports equipment. Confirm the backup weather plan at least 24 hours before the first match.

Frequently asked questions

How many hockey balls do I need for a tournament?: Use at least one match ball per active field and keep 3 to 6 spare balls available for a typical multi-field tournament. Bring more if several matches run at once or the pitches are large.
How much water should I buy for a field hockey tournament?: Allow 1.5 to 2 litres of water or other drinks per player for a full tournament, then add about 10% extra. For 80 players, that means roughly 132 to 176 litres in total.
What food should I bring to a hockey tournament?: Prepare sandwiches and snacks for every registered player, referee and volunteer, with at least one portion per person during the event. Finalize dietary requirements no later than 2 to 3 days before shopping.
When should I prepare the tournament equipment?: Check the full shopping and equipment list at least 3 days before the tournament, and gather sports equipment, tents, tables and power supplies the day before. Chill drinks and prepare food on the morning of the event.

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.