How to organise a handball tournament

Start by fixing the tournament date, format and venue before opening registration. Once you know how many teams the fields can handle, set clear registration deadlines and collect dietary requirements early. Build the match schedule only after registrations close, then confirm referees, table staff and first aid cover. In the final week, send parking and participant details, print the working documents, check the equipment and prepare everything for transport to the venue.

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
Determine the tournament format
2 people
3
Invite teams
2 people
4
Open the registration form
5
Process registrations
2 people
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Draw up the match schedule
2 people
8
Book referees
9
Recruiting table staff
10
Arrange a first aid attendant
11
Reserve the venue and fields
12
Check power supply
13
Check the weather forecast
14
Send participant information
15
Send parking information
16
Print the match schedule
17
Print team assignments
18
Prepare score sheets
19
Order prizes
20
Check the shopping list
2 people
21
Do the shopping
3 people
22
Chill drinks
2 people
23
Set up non-perishable supplies
2 people
24
Assemble tournament kit
25
Bring materials to the venue
4 people
26
Inspect the site
2 people
27
Mark out fields
4 people
28
Set up handball goals
4 people
29
Check the goal nets
2 people
30
Inflate match balls
2 people
31
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
32
Build party tents
4 people
33
Set up registration desk
2 people
34
Set up judges' table
2 people
35
Set up the catering table
3 people
36
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
37
Set out snacks
3 people
38
Place waste stations
2 people
39
Set up signage
2 people
40
Set up the first aid station
2 people
41
Brief the referees
2 people
42
Brief table officials
2 people

Event

43
Register teams
3 people
44
Receive team leaders
2 people
45
Give the opening briefing
2 people
46
Supervise races
5 people
47
Record scores
2 people
48
Hand out match balls
49
Announce the schedule
50
Serve drinks
3 people
51
Refill drinks
2 people
52
Serve snacks
2 people
53
Refill coffee and tea
54
Empty trash bins
2 people
55
Check toilets
56
Check final standings
2 people
57
Lead the final
5 people
58
Present prizes
2 people
59
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

60
Clean up catering
3 people
61
Wash dishes
2 people
62
Clear up the fields
4 people
63
Collect Handball Equipment
3 people
64
Take down tents and furniture
4 people
65
Dispose of waste
2 people
66
Clean the grounds
3 people
67
Clean the restrooms
2 people
68
Return materials
3 people
69
Return borrowed items
2 people
70
Store leftover stock
2 people
71
Sort lost property
72
Publish results
73
Send thank-you message

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Jury tablesqty 2
Bar stoolsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8

Sports equipment

Handball goalsqty 2
Goal netsqty 2
Match ballsqty 12
Spare ballsqty 4
Ball pumpqty 2
Needles for ball pumpqty 10
Conesqty 30
Marker discsqty 40
Training bibsqty 24
Boundary tapeqty 2
Ground anchorsqty 12
Measuring tapesqty 2
Referee whistlesqty 6
Stopwatchesqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 2
Team uniformsqty 8
Cool Bags for Iceqty 2

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Mobile phoneqty 2
Charging cablesqty 4
Megaphone
Coolersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Soup ladlesqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Pliersqty 4
Ice packsqty 16
Insulated jugsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Light cablesqty 3

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Team flagsqty 8
Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 8

Catering

Drink dispensersqty 3
Coffee filtersqty 100
Trophiesqty 3
Medal ribbonsqty 24
Vouchersqty 100
Groceries

Safety

First aid kit
Ice packsqty 12
Safety vestsqty 8
Flashlightsqty 4

Paper goods

Score sheetsqty 80
Program leafletsqty 120
Pen setsqty 12
Clipboardsqty 6
Name stickersqty 100
A4 foldersqty 6

Tips

Set a registration closing date at least 10 to 14 days before the tournament. You need the final team count to draw up a workable match schedule rather than changing it at the last minute.
Check the venue and fields before publishing the invitation. Confirm power supply, space for jury tables, access for equipment and whether party tents are needed if the weather changes.
Book referees and recruit table staff as soon as teams start registering. For every playing area, plan coverage for scorekeeping, timekeeping and substitutions so one absent volunteer does not stop a match.
Prepare the tournament paperwork in separate bundles: the match schedule, team assignments and score sheets. Print copies before the event and keep a digital version on a charged mobile phone as backup.
Pack the tournament kit before shopping and chilling drinks. Count match balls and spare balls, test the ball pump and needles, charge the megaphone, and check extension cords, power strips and charging cables before loading the vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a handball tournament?: Set the date and reserve the venue at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Open registration early enough to close it 10 to 14 days before the tournament, leaving time for the schedule and staffing.
How do I create a handball tournament schedule?: Close registration first, then group the teams according to the chosen format and available fields. Leave at least 10 minutes between scheduled matches for substitutions, scorekeeping and delays.
How many referees and table staff do I need for a handball tournament?: Plan one referee team and one table team for each match running at the same time, plus at least two backup volunteers for the whole tournament. Confirm every person at least 7 days beforehand.
What should I check the day before a handball tournament?: Check the weather, venue access, field markings, goal nets, balls, scoreboards and first aid arrangements. Also chill drinks, charge communication equipment and place all printed schedules and team assignments together before transport.

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.