How to organise a darts tournament

Start by fixing the tournament format, venue capacity and registration deadline before inviting players. Then build the schedule around the number of dart lanes available, not just the number of participants. Confirm dietary requirements, volunteers and prizes early, and check every board, oche mat, score pad and spare dart set before event day. A clear registration desk, printed match lists and visible track numbers keep the opening hour moving.

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
Reserve the room
2
Set tournament rules
2 people
3
Create registration form
4
Send invitations
2 people
5
Process registrations
2 people
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Confirm participants
8
Schedule volunteers
2 people
9
Order prizes
10
Check dart equipment
2 people
11
Draw up the match schedule
2 people
12
Print score sheets
13
Print participant list
14
Create signage
15
Check the shopping list
2 people
16
Do the shopping
2 people
17
Inspect dartboards
2 people
18
Checking prizes
19
Chill drinks
2 people
20
Prepare snacks
3 people
21
Open venue
2 people
22
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
23
Set up dart lanes
4 people
24
Hang dartboards
3 people
25
Lay out chess mats
2 people
26
Set up scoreboards
2 people
27
Hang up the match schedule
2 people
28
Set up registration desk
2 people
29
Set up the catering buffet
3 people
30
Test sound
2 people
31
Clear the safety route
2 people

Event

32
Register participants
3 people
33
Give the opening briefing
2 people
34
Supervise races
4 people
35
Check scores
2 people
36
Announce new rounds
37
Refill drinks
2 people
38
Refill snacks
2 people
39
Collect tableware
2 people
40
Empty trash bins
2 people
41
Announce finalists
42
Present prizes
2 people
43
See off the last visitors
2 people

Aftercare

44
Dismantle dartboards
3 people
45
Put furniture back
4 people
46
Wash dishes
3 people
47
Collect waste
3 people
48
Clean the room
4 people
49
Gather borrowed items
2 people
50
Inventory supplies
2 people
51
Return rental equipment
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 90
Competition tablesqty 8
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Dartboardsqty 8
Spare dartboard
Oche matsqty 8
Scoreboardsqty 8
Score padsqty 20
Markersqty 30
Spare dart setsqty 8
Reserve flightsqty 40
Measuring tapesqty 2

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 8
Portable speaker
Microphone

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving traysqty 8
Coolersqty 4

Decorations

Tournament bannersqty 3
Tableclothsqty 10
Direction signsqty 12
Track number cardsqty 8
Winner's cupsqty 3
Medalsqty 3

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the registration deadline at least 7 days before the tournament. Use the final participant list to create the match schedule, assign volunteers and prepare enough score sheets.
Work backwards from the first match: open the venue 2 hours beforehand, set up tables and chairs, position the registration desk, and mark each dart lane before players arrive.
Allow one dart lane for every match running at the same time, plus a spare dartboard if possible. Inspect the boards, measuring distances and oche mats before doors open rather than during a dispute.
Print the participant list, match schedule and score sheets before leaving for the venue. Keep a laptop and printer available for last-minute changes, but do not rely on printing after the tournament starts.
Prepare drinks and snacks before registration opens, including any collected dietary requirements. Chill drinks in advance and place waste bins near the seating and serving areas so volunteers are not pulled away from the lanes.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a darts tournament?: Reserve the room and set the tournament rules at least 4 weeks ahead. Open registration around 3 weeks before the event and close it 7 days before play so you have time to confirm participants and draw up the schedule.
How many dart lanes do I need for a tournament?: You need one usable lane for each match you want to run simultaneously. Check the final participant count and tournament format first; also allow setup space around every board and keep a spare dartboard available if possible.
When should I create the darts tournament match schedule?: Create the final schedule after registration closes, ideally 5 to 7 days before the tournament. Print a participant list, match schedule and score sheets, then leave room for late withdrawals without changing every lane assignment.
What should I check on the day of a darts tournament?: Open the venue about 2 hours before the first match. Check dartboards, oche mats, track numbers, scoreboards, spare dart sets, extension cords, drinks and prizes before registration begins.

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.