Handball tournament checklist

Use this handball tournament checklist to organise the competition in the right order, from confirming the venue and format to printing match forms and preparing the hall. It covers the details that are easy to miss, such as spare balls, ball needles, batteries, changing-room furniture and first-aid cover. Build the schedule only after registrations and team contacts are confirmed. In the final week, check the playing surface, signage, equipment and refreshments rather than relying on a last-minute inspection.

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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

Confirm tournament date and location
2 people
Determine the tournament format and teams
2 people
Draw up the match schedule
2 people
Book referees
2 people
Arrange first aid coverage
2 people
Set tournament rules
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm team contacts
Update participant list
2 people
Finalize the competition schedule
2 people
Confirm reservations
Order prizes and medals
Check the shopping list
2 people
Print team assignments
Print match forms
Prepare signage
2 people
Collect prizes and medals
Do the shopping
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Gather tournament materials
2 people
Check the venue
2 people
Check field floor
2 people
Check goals
2 people
Set up tables
4 people
Set up chairs
4 people
Set up competition table
2 people
Set up scoreboards
2 people
Mark field lines and zones
3 people
Prepare sports equipment
2 people
Set up the reception desk
2 people
Set up the catering buffet
3 people
Set up first aid table
2 people
Hang up signage
2 people
Test audio and microphone
2 people
Brief volunteers
3 people
Hold referee briefing
4 people

Event

Welcome the teams
4 people
Register attendance
2 people
Inform team captains
2 people
Opening and introduction
2 people
Supervise races
6 people
Record race results
2 people
Keep scoreboards updated
2 people
Monitor the time between matches
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Check changing rooms
2 people
Record injuries
2 people
Supervise the final match
6 people
Check the final standings
2 people
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
Say goodbye and provide information
2 people

Aftercare

Gather sports equipment
3 people
Archive scoreboards and forms
2 people
Clean up catering
3 people
Dismantle furniture
4 people
Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean changing rooms
2 people
Check and clean the restrooms
2 people
Leave venue clean
4 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Publish results
Thank participants
2 people
Process expenses and receipts

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 80
Beer tablesqty 4
Changing room benchesqty 8
Clothes racksqty 4
Party tentsqty 2

Sports equipment

Handballsqty 12
Spare handballsqty 4
Handball goalsqty 2
Goal netsqty 2
Conesqty 30
Marker conesqty 40
Training bibsqty 40
Team wristbandsqty 12
Athletic tapeqty 10
Pumpsqty 2
Ball needlesqty 10
Whistlesqty 8
Referee cardsqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 2
Game clocksqty 2
Spare batteriesqty 16
First aid kitsqty 2
Ice packsqty 12
Medalsqty 60
Cupsqty 4
Prize board

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Portable speakersqty 2
Wireless microphone
Megaphone
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 4
Thermos bottlesqty 4

Decorations

Team table labelsqty 12
Bannersqty 6
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 10
Directional arrowsqty 12
Chalkboardsqty 4

Cleaning

Broomqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mop setsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Waste binsqty 8
Waste binsqty 4
Laundry basketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the format and match schedule only after registrations close and team contacts are confirmed. Allow time between matches for warm-ups, substitutions and any delay caused by an earlier game.
Check the court and goals at least one week before the tournament. Test the goal nets, game clocks and scoreboards, and pack spare handballs, pumps, ball needles and batteries.
Book referees and first-aid cover before sending final team information. Keep first-aid kits and ice packs courtside, and make the rules available to every team contact.
Print team assignments, match forms, signage and the final schedule two or three days before the event. Bring a laptop and printer only as backup; do not depend on venue equipment.
Plan refreshments using the confirmed team list and dietary requirements. Chill drinks and prepare snacks on the day before, then keep medals, cups and the prize board together for the presentation.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a handball tournament?: Confirm the date, venue and tournament format at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Book referees, first-aid cover and key equipment before opening registrations.
When should I publish the handball tournament schedule?: Create a provisional schedule when registrations close, then publish the final version 3 to 5 days before the tournament. Print team assignments and match forms at the same time.
How many spare handballs do I need for a tournament?: Prepare at least 2 spare handballs in addition to the balls used for matches. Also bring 2 pumps and several ball needles so a deflated ball does not stop play.
What should I check at the venue before a handball tournament?: Inspect the court floor, goals, nets, changing rooms, seating and signage at least 7 days before the event. Recheck the equipment, clocks and scoreboards on the day before setup.

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.