How to organise a curling tournament from start to finish

A curling tournament runs smoothly when the rink, registration and match schedule are settled before you start arranging the details. Begin by fixing the date and booking enough ice time, then build the participant list, collect dietary requirements and form balanced teams. In the final week, confirm numbers, catering, equipment and volunteers together. On the day, printed team assignments, scoreboards, stopwatches and a short rules briefing keep matches moving without constant questions.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

1
Set tournament date
2
Reserve curling rink
3
Order catering
4
Create the participant list
5
Send invitations
6
Process registrations
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Assemble teams
2 people
9
Create the match schedule
2 people
10
Prepare game rules
11
Schedule supervisors
12
Check material needs
2 people
13
Order prizes and medals
14
Send route information
15
Confirm final catering
16
Check participant counts
17
Send the volunteer briefing
18
Check the shopping list
2 people
19
Do the shopping
2 people
20
Collect prizes and medals
21
Print competition forms
22
Print team assignments
23
Making participant badges
2 people
24
Test music and microphone
2 people
25
Portion the catering
2 people
26
Load materials
3 people
27
Open venue
2 people
28
Signpost the entrance
2 people
29
Set up reception desk
2 people
30
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
31
Build the catering buffet
3 people
32
Chill drinks
2 people
33
Set out coffee and tea
2 people
34
Set out curling equipment
3 people
35
Set up score tables
2 people
36
Conduct a safety check
2 people

Event

37
Welcome team captains
2 people
38
Register participants
3 people
39
Hand out badges
2 people
40
Explain the game rules
41
Guide teams to the courts
3 people
42
Host the opening round
4 people
43
Record scores
3 people
44
Update race schedule
2 people
45
Serve snacks
3 people
46
Refill drinks
2 people
47
Refill coffee and tea
2 people
48
Guide the interim rounds
4 people
49
Announce break
50
Refill buffet
3 people
51
Guide the final round
4 people
52
Check final standings
2 people
53
Prepare awards ceremony
2 people
54
Announce the winners
55
Award medals and prizes
2 people
56
Guide participants at departure
2 people

Aftercare

57
Collect used dishes
3 people
58
Package food safely
2 people
59
Clear away materials
4 people
60
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
61
Sort and dispose of waste
3 people
62
Wash dishes
3 people
63
Clean the buffet and kitchen
3 people
64
Leave the venue clean
3 people
65
Clear away leftover groceries
2 people
66
Return materials
2 people
67
Return borrowed items
2 people
68
Send a thank-you gift to participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 50
Buffet tablesqty 3
Coat racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Curling stonesqty 32
Curling broomsqty 16
Slidersqty 40
Curling shoesqty 40
Starting blocksqty 8
Vestsqty 40
Stopwatchesqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 4
Whistlesqty 4

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Projector
Projection screen
Wireless microphone
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6

Decorations

Team flagsqty 8
Competition postersqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8
Participant badgesqty 50
Badge holdersqty 50
Medalsqty 12
Winner's cupsqty 3
Ribbonsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Hand broomsqty 3
Eye-catchersqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Lighting

Battery lampsqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Book the curling rink before sending invitations, and allow time for registration, team changes, warm-up and breaks. A tournament schedule that uses every available minute leaves no room for delays.
Close registration at least 7 days before the tournament. Use the final participant count to assemble teams, prepare badges and confirm how many meals, cups and chairs are needed.
Create the match schedule after teams are assembled, then print team assignments and competition forms. Keep one master copy on a laptop and place visible copies near the ice and registration area.
Check the rink’s equipment list at least 2 weeks in advance. Confirm the number of stones, brooms, sliders, curling shoes, vests, scoreboards, measuring tapes and stopwatches instead of assuming everything is included.
Send the volunteer briefing and route information 2 to 3 days before the event. On tournament day, test the microphone, speakers and projector before participants arrive, and portion catering before the first break.

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 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Ask how much ice time is available and reserve extra time for arrival, warm-up, breaks and the final presentation.
How many players should be on each curling tournament team?: Use the team size required by your chosen curling format, then divide the final participant list as evenly as possible. Finalise teams at least 7 days before the event so you can print assignments and complete the schedule.
When should I confirm catering for a curling tournament?: Confirm the order 5 to 7 days before the tournament, after registration has closed and dietary requirements are collected. Recheck the headcount and meal portions 1 to 2 days before the event.
What should I prepare on the day of a curling tournament?: Arrive at least 90 minutes before the first match. Use that time to check the ice and equipment, set up tables and chairs, test the microphone and projector, place team assignments, and prepare scorekeeping materials.

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.